Page 54 of A Baron of Bonds
A smile crept over my lips as I realized that it was Figuerah who likely had taught me the solution. “Compaynen,” I whispered, the green essence of myself slinking up to my eyes, and swirling into my mouth. I swallowed it, my stomach settling immediately as my head of ocean waves calmed.
The spell sounded so much like “companion” meaning to settle and be contented. Figuerah had explained that she used it often to calm wild beasts or comfort mares and ewes on the verge of giving birth.
I stretched, feeling more like myself, but still aching in places lower than my stomach.
I followed Rev into the washing room. A circular window was cut into the back wall and looked out to the tops of golden shingles that blazed in the afternoon sun. A basin and silver mirror were against another wall and a long tub, big enough for two, filled the middle of the tiled-floored room.
Rev was already in it, his arms on the side, his head back and eyes closed.
I couldn’t believe I was bound to this man, this powerful Baron who loved me so fiercely, regardless of everything we had been through.
“May I join you?” I asked, seductively pulling one of the thin straps of my nightgown down my shoulder.
He didn’t even open his eyes to watch as he muttered, “Yes.”
I bit my lower lip, confirming once again that, no, this was not going to end the way I desperately wanted it to.
I moved to the basin and splashed my face with water. Then, I swirled minty paste in my mouth, spitting it out into the bowl, which, to my surprise, held a drain. Hyrithia was known for its advancements, but I did not expect an inn to have one.
“I really need to pee,” I stated, turning back to face the tub.
“Then pee,” he directed, and I stepped over to the latrine, oddly embarrassed at once again doing something so private in his presence.
This man had licked every inch of my body, and I still reddened at the thought of relieving myself in front of him.
When I was finished, water washed it all away—more evidence of Hyrithia’s advancements since I had been gone from the city. I padded back to the basin to wash my hands with the small bar of soap left there.
“Better?” He grinned, his eyes still closed leaning back in the tub.
“Yes.” I dried my hands and turned around to face him. “Are you sure you’re alright with me getting in?”
“Yes.”
I rolled my eyes and huffed. Apparently, he wasn’t done giving me only a few words at a time.
I slipped out of my gown, hanging it on a hook by the door, and stepped into the water. The steam rose to greet me, too hot, but I wouldn’t complain.
In our rooms in Felgren, we had often warred at the temperature of the bath we’d share. He always wanted it scalding—I, more subtle warmth.
For once, I appreciated the heat as I sat, slipping my legs over his on the opposite side. The scent of eucalyptus oil swept through the air as I mirrored him, laying my head back against one end of the tub. I pulled my long length of hair over my shoulders, knowing it needed a soak as well.
Closing my eyes, I did my best to enjoy the warmth. I should have known it was a futile attempt, however, as I quickly peeked at him through one eye, trying to predict what was next for us.
He hadn’t moved, hadn’t even touched me as I settled my body in front of his. I closed my eye again and swallowed. I was ready to be done with this. I wanted him to speak to me again and forgive me.
“I’m sorry, Rev,” I confessed. “I’m sorry I left. I’m sorry I was gone for so long.” I shook my head, remembering the utter torment I felt tumbling out of that portal in a foreign land, feeling ashamed and foolish for ever entering it.
“If I could go back to that day, I would not have followed. I would have run to you for help. We would have figured out what to do about the lumens. We would have figured it all out together.” I reached out my hand to place over his on the side of the tub. He didn’t even open his eyes to acknowledge what I said, and I gulped at the lump in my throat.
He didn’t know that it was torture for me, too. He didn’t know of the terror and anguish I had felt while trapped in the Blightress’s lands. He didn’t know because I hadn’t told him.
“It was awful,” my voice trembled. “I didn’t—I didn’t know where I was or what to do. I haven’t even told you half of what I saw there and she—” I bit my lower lip, muffling a cry of sobs, my eyes squeezed shut in remembrance of how much I hated her. “She told me so many things I had not even asked. By the time Isat to listen to her, I no longer cared. I only wanted to return to you. I only wanted to go home, Rev. And—and I understand that I was so foolish to ever leave.”
He sat up quickly, the water sloshing over the sides of the tub as he pulled me to meet him in the middle, squeezing my hand in his. His grasp was tight and my eyes flashed open to see his eyes so beautiful and blue, the edges black as night.
“No, you do not understand. Youstilldo not understand. Where you go, you do not go alone.” He shook his head in disbelief. “A Chain? Leash? Karus, there’s a fuckinglifelinethat connects us, and the decisions you make will affect me.Thatis why I am angry. That is why I will do what is necessary for you to understand that your survival is mine. Your well-being is mine. Your life in danger, your heart broken—all mine to share.”
He grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me closer while my lips trembled, and tears streamed down my cheeks.
