Taio took the goblet back then gestured to the large pails of water beside the tub.“I will fill the bath.”
“I can do it.”I stood up, stifling a groan at the way my stiff, aching muscles protested.I took my pack and hobbled to the pails, which were full and still steaming.I’d have clean water for the bath—if I could fill the tub.Even when I was at my best, lifting a full pail of water took effort.I was no weakling by any means, but tonight I was simply too tired and too weak to manage a straight lift and dump.But if I balanced the pail against the side of the tub, I could tip the water into the basin.The maneuver would be awkward, and I would rather Taio didn’t watch me struggle.“Could you give me some privacy?”I asked, my tone harsher than I’d intended.
He shrugged and turned his back.
“I mean, would you leave me alone to bathe?”
“And when I return, you will be gone,” he said, turning back to face me.He had an apple in his hand, and I realized there must be a tray of food on the writing desk.
“I just want to wash,” I said.“I have no plans to escape.”
“I stay,” he said, giving me his back again.
Arguing was pointless.The man was as stubborn as my patrol leader Morll.I’d wasted enough time arguing with Morll to know when it was futile.This was one of those times.I sighed, gave Taio’s back one more look, then took up the first pail.I needed both hands to heft it from the floor, and then I wedged my leg against it and the tub to distribute the weight.Slowly, I dragged the pail up.A little further to the lip then I could tilt the pail and spill the water into the tub.Suddenly, the pail lifted from my hands and the water sluiced into the tub.“Hey!I almost had it.”
Taio glowered at me.“Move aside.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“I don’t want to give it.”He lifted the next pail and poured the water then did the same with the last two.“Take off your clothes and get inside.You need to eat and sleep, or I will have to carry you tomorrow.”
“You willnotcarry me,” I said.
“Then do as I say.Or do I need to undress you too?”
My mouth went dry at the thought, but I pushed my lust aside and glared at him.“Try it and see what happens.”
He rolled his eyes.“You try my patience with this foolishness.”He turned back to the desk, deliberately pulled the chair out, and sat with his back to the tub.I heard the crunch as he bit into the apple again.As quickly as I could with my sore muscles, I shed the white clothing I’d worn for the Claiming Rite.Normally, I was not overly modest as it was usually not practical.But I was deathly afraid he would turn around and see me unclothed.I hurried into the tub and unintentionally sat down hard.I let out a moan as my bruised bottom smacked the base of the tub.
Taio stood but did not turn to face me.“What is the matter?”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”I reached for the soap and applied it to the soft cloth hanging over the edge of the tub.The soap had a nice floral scent.I didn’t know much about flowers, other than which I could eat and which I could not.Villagers too old to go on patrol any longer tended gardens and made soaps and other items for use in Highcastle.I’d always hoped to live long enough to learn how to make sweet-smelling soap.Now I’d be lucky to ever see Highcastle again.
“Are you almost finished?”Taio barked.I jumped slightly.I’d almost forgotten he was here.I glanced at him and saw he sat stiff and straight, his hands gripped on the arms of the chair.
“I just need to wash my hair,” I said.I wished I could linger in the bath, but the medicinal potion was beginning to take effect.I was growing increasingly drowsy.Fortunately, I was also feeling less pain.I loosened my hair and dunked my head under the water then lathered the soap in my hands and worked it through my hair.Taio had left one pail a quarter full of water, and I would use that to rinse my hair and body.I slowly climbed to my feet and tried not to groan as I reached for the pail.
Taio rose suddenly, and I glanced at him.He still had his back to me, but it practically vibrated with tension.He must really hate having to be this close to me.“Do you need help?”he barked.
“No, I have it.”I finally got hold of the pail’s handle.I bent and poured most of the water over my hair.A wave of dizziness hit me, but I closed my eyes until it passed.Then I stood and dumped the rest of the clean water over my body.Still light-headed, I reached for the large towel and wrapped it around myself before carefully climbing out of the tub.I moved toward the heat of the hearth and tried to dry my body quickly so I could dress.Once I’d managed that—no small feat with the way my muscles protested—I glanced back at Taio again.He was seated again, his hands holding his head, elbows resting on the desk.
“You can turn around now,” I said, using the towel to dry my hair.But instead of turning to look at me, he rose and stalked across the room.He threw open the door to the balcony and stepped out into the cold night, closing the door again.Clearly, he couldn’t wait to get away from me.I stared after him then realized I could see myself in the reflection of the windows.The glass was thick and uneven, but I could make out my form well enough.Had he...?
No.He couldn’t stand to be in the same room with me.He was clearly disgusted by me.I felt like a fool for ever finding him handsome and desirable.He obviously didn’t feel the same.
The others returned when my hair was reasonably dry.They gave me nods as they entered.Taio returned from outside, looking cold and windswept, and examined the food they’d packed.I wanted to see the food as well.It was important to know what our rations were, but Finnrey could tell me in the morning.She knew what we’d need and how much, even though it was difficult to gauge how long we’d be traveling.If I were Finnrey, I’d have planned for a sennight to reach the border and a sennight for the return.
Of course, I wouldn’t be returning.
“Mara, come to bed,” Taio said.I started.Those were not words I’d expected from him.I hated the way my cheeks flooded with heat.I glanced at him, trying to gauge his intentions.Omira smirked and said something, which made the others laugh.Taio merely scowled.“You need sleep before tomorrow,” he said, not looking at his companions.I was half-asleep already, but I did not want to share a bed with someone who hated me.I tried to remind myself I hated him too, but I was so tired.
“I can—” But when I glanced at the couch, Omira was already settling on it.Yung pushed the chairs aside and plopped down on the rug.Kintle turned down the lamps and then pressed his back against the door, clearly on watch.Taio crossed to the bed and stood on the other side.With few other options, I dropped the damp towel I’d used on my hair and took my pack to the bed.On the opposite side, Taio pointed to my pillow.“Lie down and sleep,” he said.
“If you give me one more order, Taio of the First House of Zulen,” I murmured too low for the others to hear, “I will smother you with that pillow.”
