Edith.
Hurrying toward the window, I pulled it open. The stone outer wall was so thick that I couldn’t see anything on the ground. I closed my eyes until I felt the crisp wind caress my face. A few snowflakes whirled into the room. I visualized Edith’s beloved face and the direction I’d traveled to come to this castle.
“I am safe. I love you,” I sang softly out to her. I held the last pure note before I let it die away.
I’d never tried this over such a great distance before, but hoped Edith would hear my message, that at the very least she would feel I had survived.
Beyond my bed a doorway led to a bathroom with a colossal bathtub perched on clawed metal feet. A fireplace, taller than I was, was set into the wall on my right, with a collection of embroidered armchairs in front of it arranged around a low tea table. A fire had already been laid out, ready to be lit.
It was a beautiful, elegant place, filled with luxury and yet comfortable and warm. I realized my mouth was hanging open and closed it.
I almost moaned when I approached the spread of food. Edith and I hadn’t eaten a full meal in days, and I’d never had one like this. I walked around the table, cataloging its contents as I feasted my eyes. A porcelain bowl filled with silken carrot-and-gingerbroth, delicately seasoned with scallion oil. Lotus-leaf rolls stuffed with sticky rice and minced duck. Red-braised pork belly glazed to a glossy sheen, served in crispy taro nests. A platter of jade green bok choy drizzled with sesame sauce. Small mouthwatering golden egg custard tarts shaped like flowers. Delicate milk buns served with sweet red bean paste and lychee jam. A steaming pot of golden chrysanthemum tea in a carved jade teapot.
I didn’t bother making a plate, eating straight from the platters. I devoured the spread. I had never tasted anything so scrumptious. I savored bites of tender pork belly and dipped bits of the soft bread in the lychee jam. It was difficult to slow myself so I wouldn’t get sick.
After my stomach was overfull, I stripped off my worn and bloodied dress, preparing to bathe. I walked over and placed the warmth glyph on the bedside table. Blake had predicted I’d survive to return it to him. I didn’t know what to make of that, but he definitely wasn’t getting it back.
I sank into the steaming water with a sigh, determined to banish thoughts of the Ambush Master. We didn’t have the luxury of hot water in the winter. I usually just managed to take the chill off a basin of water with a small amount of boiled water, and then I quickly scrubbed myself with a cloth before I froze.
Now I was enveloped in warmth. The soap smelled of lavender and roses. I scoured my arms and legs, then my body and feet.
Flame?I tried, reaching out lightly with the Bond.
I am here, my chosen.
There was another type of warmth then, inside my chest.
Are you well?she asked, her voice almost a purr.
Yes. You’ve healed me.My hand rose to touch along the faint scar over my chest. She hadn’t just healed me. She’d saved my life. Tears welled in my eyes.Thank you.
Rest now, for you must be strong.
I ducked under the surface of the water, shaking my head to make sure my long hair was thoroughly wetted. Then I briskly rubbed in more soap, scrubbing and rinsing until the bathwater turned a muddy gray. I noticed there were two lines of symbols engraved into the side of the tub. More glyphs. One to keep the water at the right temperature and the other to empty the tub? I shook my head at this luxury. I tried one, and sure enough, the tub began to drain. I refilled it and rinsed myself again, marveling. I finally felt clean. It was heavenly.
Thick towels and a warm robe had been left on a chest. I wrapped my hair in a towel and dried myself, then pulled on the robe. It was as soft as a cloud.
My old clothing had been utterly destroyed by the events in the coliseum.
There was a knock at the door. That must be the Nelly who Blake had mentioned.
I braced myself, then called, “You may enter.”
I heard the door unlatch—they’d barred me in. I was a prisoner still, just with a much nicer cell. An armed guard opened the door and let someone in.
12
“Edith,” I gasped.
My eyes welled as I rushed toward her. I locked my arms around her, burying my face in her neck and inhaling her familiar scent of incense and warm tea, comforting and grounding.
“I was so worried,” I breathed, pulling back to hold her by the shoulders. She was wan and pale. I examined every inch of her frame. “Are you hurt anywhere? The tygress hit you hard.”
I am sorry, Rubi.Flame’s mental voice sounded crestfallen.I reacted to the pain. I would never injure one you love.
You still sheathed your claws or else she’d be dead.
“I am fine,” Edith said, her voice filled with remorse, but her mouth moved into a smile. “Barely a scratch. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you. Gods, Rubi, I’ve been so afraid for you.”
