“Your leaving with Hinyte caught me by surprise,” Counselor Dyre said as we entered my chambers.
Fatigue slowed my steps and my thoughts, and my cheeks ached from forced smiles. “He offered a walk in the garden. I needed some fresh air.”
Anderz came to a stop near the table, gripping the back of a chair. “Be cautious with him, Princess.”
“And to think he warned me about you,” I replied just as a knock echoed at the door.
“Oh?” He arched his brow, then called out, “Enter.”
A team of servants bustled in, carrying a tub for me to wash up after the night’s festivities.
“He said you were cunning.”
“High praise from him, I must say.” Anderz studied the maids as they worked, a slight frown drawing his features. “He’s not bound by nobility, only coin. A true entrepreneur at heart. A potential ally if our interests align, but he’ll switch allegiances if another party offers more.”
At least with a merchant, there was no need to decipher hidden agendas or sift through half-truths. They followed the money, nothing more.
“I will leave you to retire. Tomorrow, the high court will request your presence. I shall see you then.”
“Anderz?”
He stopped at the threshold, his face a perfect image of patience. “Yes, Princess?”
“Why are you helping me?”
He studied me with a gentle smile and clasped hands, then dipped his chin. “There are some who have faith in the gods, and there are some who have faithin certain people and their resilience. I’m a man of faith, Princess.” He nodded, then took his leave.
Faith in me, or the gods?
I sighed, then turned to Sainte. “That was terrible.”
“His answer?”
“The whole night!”
“I agree.”
He pulled up a chair as the maids filled the tub with buckets of steaming water. They filed in and out, seemingly unaware of our presence, yet attentive in case we needed anything. I held deep admiration for the castle staff. They were some of the most observant people I’d ever known.
A maid stepped forward as the others departed. They learned by now that I preferred solitude during my baths, although Gilead’s soothing oils would have been a welcome addition after tonight’s events.
“May I assist you in removing your gown, Your Highness?” she asked, head dipped with respect.
“No.” Sainte gave her a flat stare.
“Oh, uh… yes, milord.” She lowered into a quick curtsy, then scurried out the door.
Before I could question his swift dismissal of her, he stood up, his muscles flexing as he stretched with a soft groan. His leather armor creaked as he unclasped and removed each piece, placing them on the table. He focused on the belt that secured his daggers, fingers working to unfasten the clasp.
“Like what you see?”
My heart raced, and I jolted like a startled rabbit, meeting his amused gaze with wide eyes.
Yes. Yes, I did like what I saw.
I pushed to my feet, tugging at the back of my collar to find the seamstress’s thread. My fingers fumbled until Sainte batted them away. His warm touch grazed the sensitive flesh at the nape of my neck, sending a delightful, dangerous shiver down my spine.
With a deft tug, he loosened the dress, and a rush of cool air caressed my skin as the seam relaxed. Heat flushed my cheeks, and I faced the hearth to hide my embarrassment. His touch lingered, fingertips tracing a path down my shoulders before he withdrew.
