The Empire of Reimia (3)

After spending the evening with Imeer, Parphinora returned to her room. She felt as if she wasn't walking, but rather floating through the corridors – she felt so light. When she finally entered and closed the door behind her, she didn't even have the strength to reach the bed – she immediately slid to the floor, leaning her back against the door.
She kissed a boy! She, Parphinora von Flexia, a descendant of a noble family, engaged in such an intimate act! And the most surprising thing was that, at the moment it was happening, it didn't bother her at all. She only felt pleasure. Well, and a little disgust – Imeer didn't know how to kiss, and the kisses were very slobbery – the girl smiled weakly at her thoughts – she would have to try to learn how to do it differently somehow. But that wasn't the main thing. The main thing was – who was she after this? Parphinora was sure that she would only have her first kiss with her future husband, not before the engagement. And, of course, her husband should be from the same noble family as she was. And what does she know about Imeer's family name? Nothing, except that he is clearly not an aristocrat. And what should she do now? Maybe she has turned into a "bad" woman, embarked on a slippery path of moral decay and decline? Maybe Imeer also considers her such a woman? No wonder he almost forced himself on her, not asking for consent or permission. But he said he loves her... Of course, he could be lying – the girl shook her head at this thought – no, Imeer couldn't lie to her. In fact, he probably couldn't lie to anyone at all. So, he really loves her. And his kisses are a sign of his love, not a perception of Parphinora as an accessible girl – she felt relief and joy, realizing that a man truly loves her – such a kind, such an open, such a beautiful man – a little, femininely beautiful, but it was pleasant to look at him. Parphinora felt as if her soul was soaring somewhere high, high above. With effort, she forced herself to return to earth.
And what then? Where will this lead her? What if he starts to get too familiar, allow himself liberties? What future awaits her with him? How will she introduce him, a commoner, to her parents? And what if they don't give their consent to the marriage? Suddenly, as if from nowhere, another thought burst into her mind – but their children will be very beautiful... – Parphinora immediately blushed – and what is she even thinking about? She touched her cheek to the scarf that was still on her. It seemed to her that she could feel a faint scent of Imeer coming from it. So pleasant, so intoxicating...
Again, her thoughts went in the wrong direction. She needs to think about the future, not the present. She shouldn't think about Imeer, about his smile, about his eyes...
Enough! Parphinora began to frantically scan the room, thinking about what she could focus her attention on in order to stop thinking about her beloved. Suddenly, she looked at her hands, in which she was still holding the package with the Empress's gift. She had completely forgotten about it, carrying it in her hands mechanically. Without much interest, just hoping to distract her thoughts, she unwrapped the package.