However, even if her position of power had been passed to her husband, that didn't change a thing; her man would always be her man, regardless of the level of power he attained. In fact, it felt even more satisfying to have him like this.
…....
"Again!"
Orion watched as the two healers combined the power of their gemstones, bathing Saria in an even more intense light than before. The brilliance was blinding, and he had to shield his eyes with his arms.
Finally, after they both gave up, realizing there was nothing more they could do at the moment, Orion was about to suggest that they rest and wait for the two women to return before attempting their next plan. However, seeing that both healers were on the verge of collapse, he rushed forward, catching the woman just before her body tilted to the ground.
Holding her firmly with his arms around her waist, Orion couldn't help but feel the unfamiliar woman's panties brushing against his arm. Her sizeable bubble ass pressed firmly against his tulga, and he couldn't deny the sensation of her panties against his flaccid penis, especially as he watched the other man collapse to the ground.
While he could have rushed to help the fallen man, he couldn't be in two places at once, so he chose to support the woman in his arms.
He could feel her tired, ragged breaths against his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. She managed to utter a thankful, "Hahh... haaa... Thank you."
Shaking his head with a gentle smile, Orion replied, "Don't worry about it. After all, you were helping us before this happened."
Nodding wearily, she slowly lifted her body away from the young man, regaining some of her strength, and finding her footing. Turning to face him, she heaved a deep sigh after glancing at Saria and realizing their efforts had been in ineffective.
"What's your name?" she asked, realizing she hadn't asked before. However, she couldn't help but feel her panties wedging uncomfortably into her buttocks once more. Deliberately, as she had done several times already, she reached behind her and adjusted them.
Observing her actions closely this time, Orion saw an opportunity to learn more about the Prismerion culture. He replied, "My name is Orion."
"My name is Valeria, Elder Healer Valeria to be exact," Valeria responded as she examined Orion from head to toe. His well-defined, toned muscles hinted at a life accustomed to rigorous physical labour. It was clear that the young man came from a place where such labour was the norm.
"Hey, I'm still down here, you know," Thoren's voice grumbled, encouraging Valeria to hurry to his side and help him up. "What took you so long?"
Thoren grunted as he regained his feet, casting a brief glance at Orion. He then turned his attention to Saria and sighed, "Forget it, there's nothing more we can do."
Thoren continued, "The only thing left is to wait for Madam Seraphina and Mrs Marisela to return with a response to the boy's request." He exhaled heavily before focusing on Orion, "I'm Thoren, one of the Prismerian Healer Council members," he added, introducing himself after realizing that he and Valeira had begun introductions before he was interrupted.
Then he turned around and strolled to a chair on the opposite side of the room. He settled into it, reaching for a glass filled with water from a collection laid out on the table. He drained it in a single, thirsty gulp. "As for me, I'll be here waiting for them to arrive in case you want to try again," he announced.
Leaning backwards on the transparent crystal chair, he rested his head over the edge, closing his eyes in a comfortable recline.
Observing his relaxed posture, Valeria shook her head and shifted to sit on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumped in defeat. However, Orion, noticing their downcast expressions, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Who would have thought that their inability to heal Saria would weigh so heavily on them? Regardless, until he found a way back home to his family, Orion figured he might as well seize the opportunity in front of him and learn more about the Prismerian people by forming friendships.
He settled comfortably near Valeria, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, recognising that his actions could either lead to trouble or forge a relationship with someone from a completely different race.
With gentle intent, he extended his right hand, aiming to console Valeria's thigh with a soft touch, and he spoke reassuringly, "You all did your best, so there's no reason for you to feel so defeated." He used the most comforting tone he could muster. If this kingdom had the same level of openness regarding intimacy as his village, then he was ready to find out about it himself.
Observing that Valeria hadn't amputated his arms or slapped him for placing his palms on her thighs and rubbing them, Orion felt as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He let out an internal sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Valeria couldn't help but smile at the young man's kind gesture and reassuring words.
She had never expected him to be so bold, causing her to raise an intrigued brow. Regardless, intrigued by his boldness, she decided to playfully tease him a bit to gauge his reactions.
After all, it wasn't every day she had the chance to talk, let alone tease, a young man from an entirely different race.
Nonetheless, just in case he blushed fiercely or reacted by pulling his hand back in surprise, it would give her something interesting to talk about with her friends - how she had managed to make the young man act shyly around her.
Grinning at that naughty thought, she subtly clamped her thighs together, teasingly trapping his fingers between them.
Orion, however, internally raised his eyebrows at this unexpected turn of events. He observed Valeria, who appeared to be looking the other way and sighing in exhaustion.
Although he hadn't anticipated such an immediate reaction from her and wasn't entirely sure what she was thinking, he decided to remain silent and avoid commenting on their current situation, just as she had.
