9.

As Ivy just laid down there the tension in her muscles began to melt away, and she closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh. For a few minutes, she simply lay there, letting the warm water wash over her. But as she opened her eyes and looked around the bathroom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity.

What else was there in this palace? What other secrets and wonders lay hidden within its walls? Ivy knew that she had to find out. The cool cream soothed her skin, and Ivy let her eyes close as the maid softly hummed a tune while she worked.

For a while, Ivy simply let herself relax, feeling the warm water and the comforting presence of the maid wash over her. But as the minutes ticked by, her mind began to wander back to the problem she had been struggling with earlier.

The sense of defeat she had felt earlier began to creep back in, and Ivy felt a wave of frustration wash over her. She leaned her head back against the tub, feeling a lump form in her throat.

The maid pause