In this scene, King Orix accompanies Raik. Covered in dust and grime, she needs a bath.
Hiding the effect of his touch
In what had once been my own room, Orix stripped off my torn doublet and shirt. When he saw the multitude of bruises, he bit into his lower lip. He brushed his fingertips across blue marks on my left shoulder and arm.
I turned away to hide the effect his touch had on me. "War is hell."
I kicked off my boots and dropped my pants before stepping into the copper tub. The steaming water rose around me as I slid down and let it cover my head. I sat up and scrubbed my face, then splashed water through my short hair.
Black and tight with curls, it was nothing like my sovereign's wheat colored mane. His fell around his face and onto his shoulders in a splendor of barbaric waves. He might have been an animal, some beast half-tamed, still unruly. His shirt lay open at the throat, with unnumbered ropes of gold gleaming against the curly blond hair of his chest. It was a king's way, wearing gold and jewels in wartime. It might prove to be all a man had if... I shook my head to clear it. This was not the way to think.
He stooped beside the tub and trailed his fingers through the water. "What's wrong?"
I forced a smile. "Tired." I picked up the soap, reached for the back brush, and punished my skin with its scratchy bristles while he talked.
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Wonderful! What is not said is more important than what is.
Thank you, Lisabet. Actions speak louder than words.
Great excerpt, Kayelle. :)
Thank you so much!
I just love this story, Kayelle. Makes me want to smile, as it’s one of my all-time favorites. :)
Barb, this coming from my editor, is a real treat. Thank you!