Beatrice have a surprise

For several minutes, the two of you remain joined, enjoying the lingering waves of your mutual release. Eventually, you pull away and sit up, leaning against the wooden headboard. Beatrice shifts beside you, wrapping a silk sheet around her middle, though she makes no effort to cover her breasts. She looks toward the shadows near the corner of the room, past the heavy wardrobe. "You can come out now, Johanna," Beatrice says, her voice remarkably calm for a woman who has just been thoroughly fucked.

From the deep shadows near the washstand, a figure steps forward into the firelight. You do not reach for your sword, but your muscles tighten instinctively. The woman is in her early thirties, dressed in the severe, high-collared gown of a head servant. Her dark hair is pulled back into a flawless, tight bun, and her expression is completely stoic.

"This is Johanna, my head of maid," Beatrice introduces her, leaning her head against your shoulder. "You do not need to worry, Prince. She is entirely loyal to me, and she has been keeping watch at the door to ensure no other servants wander into this wing."

You look the woman up and down. Despite her plain servant's attire, she carries herself with a rigid, unmistakable grace. Her posture is immaculate, her chin held high. "She does not look like a typical servant," you note.

"She isn't," Beatrice explains, a small, conspiratorial smile playing on her lips. "Johanna is of good pedigree and noble lineage. Her family fell into poverty after the winter wars, and my house took her in and she followed me when I married. She is as well-born as any lady at court, but without the dowry to secure a match."

Johanna remains standing at the foot of the bed, her hands clasped in front of her waist. Her eyes are fixed on the floorboards, her face completely unreadable, though you notice a slight pulse beating in the side of her neck.

Beatrice reaches out and touches your arm, her eyes shining with a new, darker spark of mischief. "My husband wants an heir of royal blood, Prince. But as we know, nature can be cruel and fickle. A single womb might fail, or the child might not survive the cradle. Johanna has agreed to help us secure the family's future. I am telling you to have fun with my maid. Just in case we need another chance for an heir."