Page 15 of Her Ivory Flame

“I’m sure.” His words were dull like she expected and he looked away from her quickly.

She looked to Silas who just shrugged before following Kaden out the door.

Standing still for a long moment, she tilted her head towards the ceiling as she closed her eyes. This was not what she had planned for her life post-war, but here she was in the same castle getting ready to do the exact same objective. Try to survive a war, only this time she had to find herself and her power before the battle, or death would surely win this time.

- - - - - - - -

She lowered herself into the steaming hot bath, the castle producing more additives for the water than she could ever imagine. Vanilla scented soap was on a shelf next to it, the exact smell Silas adorned when she inhaled his scent.

There was a mint bubble bath liquid she had never seen before, probably something created since she was away for so long. She had put a large amount in the tub while it filled, bubbles nearly overflowing the edge covering the surface of the water.

She now sat submerged beneath the white suds, her hair in a messy bun with her head resting backwards on the edge of the marble basin. The Fae light was illuminating over her and she noticed the upgrades since her last visit.

Walls had been decorated with new colored curtains framing the large window, the teal and gold colors matching the rug and towels. Gold colored accents bordered the mirror and shelving next to the sink.

She took in a deep breath to try and let go of the stress from today. At least the anticipation of meeting with the king was gone and felt like a huge weight off her shoulders. Unfortunately a whole new weight now rested in its place, and it was not going to be one so easily unloaded.

The bubbles covered her fully, the suds curling around her neck on top of the water and she took a deep breath to ease the anxiety in her chest. She had never been one to use fancy essentials, but she would indulge herself after today.

A long amount of time passed before a light knock sounded on the door. She opened her eyes, the bubbles still resting on the surface.

“Yeah?” she questioned.

“Can I come in?” Silas’s voice carried through the door.

“Yes.” She answered, a smile forming on her face.

He entered, his attire changed from his royal uniform to a loose black shirt and pants. His eyes gazed over her as the bubbles still hid her naked body. He looked at her with an inquisitive look.

“It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before.” she taunted.

“True.” He shrugged, closing the door and padded across the room, sitting next to her with his back against the tub. “I still respect you enough not to take advantage of you.” he teased back.

“And that’s why you are one of the best males I know,” she whispered to him, her body moving in the water so her head was closer to his. “So, what's the plan?”

He leaned his head against the rim of the tub turning to face her, his eyes showing his exhaustion. “I will stay here in the evening and Kaden will switch out in the morning for training while I go to work.”

“I was hoping for that,” she exhaled and gently ran her wet fingers through his hair. His eyes closed, a soft grunt in approval sounding from him.

“How are you doing?” he asked quietly.

“Better than expected I guess,” she whispered and kept her fingers gliding through his red silk hair. “I'm a little nervous for tomorrow.”

“I don’t know Kaden all that well, but I do know he will teach you better than anyone else here.”

She let out a breath, her head resting on the edge of the tub next to his and watched his face go from relaxed to tense.

“I hate to ruin the mood,” he muttered, “but I did interrupt your bath for a reason other than enjoying your company.” His eyes opened and she knew his news was going to wreck her relaxation. “Declan is waiting in the other room.”

She let out a large sigh and retracted her hand from his hair. Shifting in the water again, she returned to resting the back of her head along the rim. Silas moved to lean his side along the tub, his eyes staring at her.

“I’m guessing he refused to wait for an explanation?” she mumbled.

“I tried to convince him to give you the night, but he pulled rank and won't leave till he speaks with you.”

“I figured as much.” Her eyes looked to the ceiling and then back to his. “I didn’t bring any clothes in here, I wasn't expecting company.”

“Let me help you out of the tub and you can have my shirt, it will be better than nothing.” He stood and grabbed a towel off the shelf nearby. “I promise I won’t look.” his cocky grin looking down at her. She just rolled her eyes and started to lift herself from the tub.