Quiet grunts and moans let her know that her fingers were doing their job admirably. He put up no protest against the expert massage he was receiving. He'd certainly never accepted one before, though he knew the lords and nobles often did. He had thought of them as indecent and decadent, something he was above. But now, as this woman worked his tired muscles, he could certainly see the appeal. At least in this place, he could allow himself this one pleasure.<br/><br/>He closed his eyes at her question. It seemed that he could speak openly here..hadn't she said this place was for him, a reward for Thomas personally? And her name was Eden..that sounded like a perfect name for someone who had brought him to this paradise, who made him feel so comfortable. He tried hard to ignore the stimulation of her breath against his ear, and the delightful shiver that it caused to race up his spine.<br/><br/>"I feel like I'm failing to save the Republic from itself," he said quietly, words spoken quietly as he continued to enjoy the sensations of her massage. "I've taken an oath to preserve the realm at any cost, any sacrifice. But I'm beginning to worry it won't be enough anymore."<br/><br/>He swallowed hard, feeling those unmistakable nipples grazing over his bare back, again trying hard to ignore them. But it wasn't easy.