“He wasn’t hard on the eyes.”
I sighed, and Edith knelt before me, working at my boots’ laces. Radaan nobility insisted on heeled sandals that lifted them inches from the ground, as though height alone could command authority. King Kallias wore practical flat heeled boots like mine, which made me wonder—if Tallon ditched those ridiculous shoes, would I stand taller than him?
If I had a say, I’d do away with those heels. And the absurd puffed sleeves.
“I’ve heard all the maids swooning over him,” Scythe piped in, pouring steaming water into the bath.
Radaan might lack dragons, but their hot-water pipes were a gift I could grow to appreciate.
I laughed, feeling a bite of chill brush my toes as Edith tugged off my second boot. “Two days, and you’ve already infiltrated the servant’s ranks?”
The stockings followed, freeing my feet at last. I wiggled my toes and relished the freedom but also mourned it—knowing I would have to rise to disrobe.
“Oh, the things I know!” Scythe cackled, and I chuckled in response as Edith rolled her eyes. She rose, offering her hand. I groaned, letting her pull me to my aching feet and finish unlacing my dress.
“You’d be surprised what you can learn when you trade dragon secrets.”
“You don’t know the secrets of dragons.” I retorted as the fabric pooled along the floorboards. I kicked it aside and tugged at the waistband of my skin-tight breeches.
“But I’m the handmaiden to the Dragon’s Heart!” Scythe’s voice was muffled as I wiggled free from my trousers, hurrying toward the bathing room.
“So you’re tradingmysecrets!”
Scythe straightened, flipping her long brown braid over her shoulder. “As if you have any.”
“Your murder will be my first!” I grinned as I headed for the steaming tub.
“Ladies!”
We spun to face Edith as she heaved a tired sigh, her gaze sharp and tired. She’d been awake before me and wouldn’t rest until later—unless I dismissed her. I cocked an eyebrow in challenge.
“Before you send me off, let me plait your hair,” she muttered.
I twisted, giving Scythe a sly wink, and she giggled, then busied herself pouring lavender oil and mint leaves into my bath. We’d talk after the old maid retired.
I stepped in with a moan of relief. The heat sank deep into each muscle—hotter than anything Draconia’s waters offered. With my head rested against the tub’s lip, I submerged my body, warmth enveloping me.
Edith handed Scythe my robe, then got to work weaving my hair.
“I’ll be looking forward to a late morning,” I breathed, eyes drifting shut. Would it be wrong of me to sleep here rather than my bed?
“Will the prince be fetching you?” Scythe asked, pulling my foot from the water, massaging oils into my tender heel.
“He better,” I groaned, savoring the pressure. “He abandoned me on the floor tonight.”
“No!”
“Twice.”
She slapped an oiled hand over her chest, eyes wide in disbelief. Her gasp held all the horror I once felt. By now, it long since melted into irritation and annoyance.
“I had to dance with King Kallias.”
“On the night of your betrothal?!”
A sharp tug on my hair indicated Edith was done with my complaints. Scythe would spread the news among the servants, but they already knew. The nobles who witnessed the ordeal, however, would be the real problem.
“See to her feet! If she has blisters, I’ll hold you responsible!” Edith’s reprimand was sharp, unforgiving.
