Page 112 of Lady for Embers

“How?”

“That is... a long discussion, Scarlett,” he said, releasing her arm. “Go rest. There will be time for all the answers in the days to come.”

She didn’t argue. She was exhausted and that little bit of news was just another thing she needed time to think over, another puzzle piece to try to ?t into place.

Cethin led them all up the stairs where Razik was waiting and then they were escorted down the hallway to the left. It easily had at least ten doors on either side of the hall. The various members of their company peeled off as rooms were opened, and when they reached the end of the hallway, double doors stood thrown open.

“One of the guest master suites,” Razik said as Scarlett and Sorin followed them into the space. “Not as grand as the suite that was prepared for you in the castle, but the best we could do on short notice.”

“We do not need anything grand,” Scarlett said. “Just a soft bed and a bathtub.”

“You are in luck,” Cethin said with a grin. “This suite contains both.”

“If you need anything before lunch tomorrow, just ask ­Magdalena,” Razik said from the doorway, arms folded across his broad chest. He looked over his shoulder at the two doors on the left and right. Cassius had taken one of those rooms. Cyrus had taken the other.

“Someone will be here to escort you to the castle for lunch,” Cethin said. “Do you need anything else before we go?”

Scarlett glanced at Sorin, who took the lead and said, “No. Thank you again for the last minute accommodations.”

“They were not exactly last minute. We have been expecting you, but I understand the sentiments,” Cethin answered. He turned to Razik. “Need to do anything before we go?”

Razik shook his head and in the next blink, they had both disappeared, Traveling from the room.

Sorin moved to shut the doors to the suite, and Scarlett let loose a long breath, ?nally feeling like she could breathe normally. She took in the space, a sitting room of some type. The grey marble ?oors were covered with ornate black and white rugs, soft and plush beneath her stockinged feet. There was a small dinette set off to the left, and to the right were two forest green sofas and some chairs. Blankets and pillows were tastefully arranged. There was a small step up that led through another door that she could only assume was the bedchamber.

She made her way through to the bedroom, noting the large canopied bed and double doors that led out to a balcony, before moving through another doorway to the bathing room. The large claw-foot tub before her drew a moan from her lips that could only be described as sexual.

A dark chuckle came from behind her. “Here I thought only I could get you to make such sounds, Princess.”

She was already reaching for the knobs to begin ?lling the large tub. “Looks like you have competition,” she replied, grateful that Avonleya had the amenity of indoor plumbing. Sorin huffed another laugh as she peeled off the heavy tunic, pants quickly following.

“There were tea and small sandwiches just delivered,” Sorinsaid, eyes skimming over her bare ?esh as she continued to undress unceremoniously.

“After I bathe,” she answered, waving him off.

“Bath over food. I never thought I would see the day.”

She sent him a dry look before lifting a leg over the side of the tub, another groan coming from her throat when she lowered into the steaming water. Without another word, she slipped beneath the surface.

When she came back up, Sorin was shirtless, slipping off his pants. He motioned for her to scoot forward, making his way to the tub, and she arched a brow.

“This tub is big enough for two, Love,” he said as she scooted forward, making space for him behind her. “You have at least had the luxury of a makeshift bathtub these last few weeks.”

“That was tainted by Mikale,” she said with a small pout. “You cannot really call that a luxury.”

“Fair point.”

She slid back, her back melding with his chest, and a moment later he was dragging a cloth over her shoulder, down her chest. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes and gliding her ?ngers through the hot water. Sorin said nothing, gently washing her while she gathered her thoughts.

“I have a brother.”

“It would appear that way,” he con?rmed. “You believe him?”

“Do you?”

She mulled that over, letting it settle in her soul. “I do. When he explained this Mark... It made sense.” She had lifted her arm, running a ?nger along the Melding Mark. Sorin brushed her hair forward over her shoulder, running the cloth down her back. “But Sorin, his gifts... The way he described how he can draw from others... ”

“It sounded like Alaric’s gifts. I know. I heard,” he said.

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