Page 35 of Chosen
“My wardrobe?” I’m so confused because I have no idea what’s happening.
Not that I wished to see either of them, but still had to know. “What happened to Rhia and Sahra?”
Willa’s lips twist with clear annoyance. I don’t know if it’s because my question has irritated her or if she didn’t get along with those two. Either could be true but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the latter because those two were horrible bitches.
“They’re no longer at the fortress.”
“What does that mean?
“They’ve been reassigned. I’m not at liberty to say more. I see that you’ve been enjoying the tub, so I brought you a basket of bath accessories, some salts and fragrances. I also have a cream that I thought you might like. For your back. If I may, I can apply it for you.”
What did The Sector Leader tell her about my back. Did he say my scars were unsightly and unappealing? But then I remembered how tenderly he’d touched and kissed them. Was he just being considerate?
“What did he say about my back?” I asked warily.
“He just said that you had an injury and this cream would help you. At the risk of stepping out line, before I became the Sector Leader’s maid, I used to work in the kitchen. I got a very severe burn that caused nerve damage. Surgery helped the nerve damage but the cream helped with the burn scars.” She pulled up her sleeve to and revealed a scar on her arm.
A companion named Channa was set on fire at my last assignment after she had displeased the Master’s wife. The burn scars had been so severe one side of her face looked skeletal, and she had unfortunately lost an eye.
The burn marks on Willa’s arms didn’t seem as severe as she’d described.
“It doesn’t look so bad.”
“Trust me, when it happened, a big chunk of my skin had melted off. This cream was made by some of the top scientists in Sector 8. They gifted several jars of it to the Sector Leader.” Hearing this about my Sector Leader takes me by surprise. Who is he really? Is he the harsh beast who kills without impunity or is he a leader who garners respect from his subordinates.
“And he shared it with you?”
“Well, he gave it to the staff physicians to stock in the infirmary. He’s strict but fair and takes care of the staff. Should I rub the cream in your back?”
I take a step backward. “My back…I don’t think…” I don’t want to see the pity in her eyes when she sees my scars.”
“I understand Miss. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of. How about we try it out and if it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll stop.”
She seemed sincere and this was the first non-hostile conversation I’ve had with another homo sapien since arriving here. I slowly nod. “Okay.”
“Please have a seat.”
I sit on the lounge chair and lower my towel.
To her credit Willa neither gasps in horror or even makes the slightest sounds of surprise when she steps behind me. With gentle fingers she slathers the cream on my scars and massages them into my injured flesh. As the cream glides against my skin, it makes my flesh tingle.
Willa applied it in a way that didn’t make me feel embarrassed. Where the heck was the woman the past week.
“It feels like something is going on,” I whisper in awe.
“Apparently it’s infused with something called nanites that help buries itself in the skin and repairs it. Your back will probably never be as smooth as it once was but it will repair some of the damage. There, all done.”
“Thank you, Willa. You’re the first person to be kind to me since I’ve come to the fortress.” I didn’t dare mention what happened between me and the Sector Leader because I refused to see what happened between us as a kindness. He was simply trying to impregnant me and I was just fulfilling my duty.
“It was my pleasure to serve you. I’ve laid some clothing out for, you. These should last until the tailor comes to take your measurements so you can get into some proper clothing.”
I’m touched by her kindness. “Thanks again. Uh, you mentioned that you’d be my maid temporarily?”
“Yes, until the Lord Draken selects someone on a more permanent basis. You’ll have two maids.”
I shouldn’t care but my curiosity is piqued. “Are you the Sector Leader’s only maid?”
“No, he has another one, her name is Anora. You may see her when I’m unavailable.
