Chapter 6 Page 14 - The Royal Scrubbing Mati and two lamias chapter 77 by The Reaper

The idea of a feast was tempting, but as Aurelia shifted, she realized that the lingering sweetness of yesterday's indulgence had left a tacky, syrupy residue on her scales and a heavy, humid warmth within her sanctuary. She looked down at the curve of her belly, knowing that Mati had been enveloped in that thick, golden heat for hours. He was her treasure, but he was also a human who required a level of hygiene that her internal environment couldn't provide. With a playful glint in her blue eyes, Aurelia decided that before the next meal, the King deserved a royal cleansing.

"I have a better idea," Aurelia purred, the vibration sending a gentle ripple through Mati's surroundings. "Our King has been very brave in his cozy room, but I think he's starting to smell like a mango tart. He needs a proper scrubbing!" She began to glide toward the large, custom-built bathing area of their home, her massive coils undulating with a graceful power. The movement created a rhythmic, swaying motion for Mati, like being rocked in a velvet cradle, as he was carried toward the promise of cool water and fresh air.

Emilia and Emily followed in a colorful procession, their excitement mounting. Emily practically bounced on her blue tail, her pink hair swaying. "A bath! A bath!" she cheered, already imagining the bubbles. "Can we use the strawberry soap, Mommy? The one that makes giant clouds of foam? Daddy will look like a little marshmallow in a bubble mountain!" She reached out to pat the side of Aurelia's belly, her touch light and eager, signaling to Mati that the transition from the dark sanctuary to the bright world was about to begin.

Emilia guided them with a serene smile, her red coils framing the scene. She had already prepared the oversized basin, filling it with warm water infused with aromatic oils that smelled of sandalwood and citrus. She watched as Aurelia carefully positioned herself by the edge of the tub, the lamia's expression one of maternal tenderness. "The sanctuary has served its purpose for the night," Emilia murmured, her voice a soothing melody. "Now, it is time to bring our husband and father back into the light, refreshed and renewed."

With a slow, deliberate contraction of her muscles, Aurelia began the process of returning Mati to the world. She didn't simply let him out; she pampered him, using her internal strength to gently nudge him toward the exit, ensuring he felt supported and cherished every second of the way. As the first glimpse of bright morning light broke through the darkness of her belly, Mati felt the cool air hit his skin, contrasting sharply with the oppressive heat he had known. He emerged into the waiting arms of his family, blinking up at the three loving lamias who were ready to lavish him with a luxurious, aromatic bath.