Page 5 of Enchanter of Dragons
Surely, Fersen had heard wrong. “How will the comb dry my hair?”
“Because it is enchanted to do so. Just brush like normal, and it will take care of the rest. It will also untangle any knots without pain.”
Fersen really hoped that was true because his matted hair would be a nightmare to detangle otherwise. “Wow, I knew dragon shifters were powerful magic users, but that’s incredible.” It gave Fersen ideas he wanted to try once he was in the privacy of his own home.
Rather than being cocky about it, Jaega merely tilted his head in acknowledgment. “If you need anything, I will be on the other side of the tent. Take all the time you need.”
“Thank you.” Left alone, Fersen finally shrugged off the coat, placing it on the sink. He gratefully got into the steaming bath. A sigh of relief escaped him as he settled in, sinking deep into the comforts of the tub. It was the best kind of heaven after being denied a bath for so long. He closed his eyes and savored the divine moment. Fersen knew he should hurry, but he didn’t have the heart to do it when it felt so amazing to have access to heated water. It was a luxury he didn’t even have at his own home.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but he eventually reached up to grab the washcloth. There was a small table next to the bath that had soap, shampoo, and conditioner. He used the soap and took his time washing off. Every swipe of the washcloth made Fersen feel more like himself as the grime of neglect came off him. It left him smelling woodsy and clean, which was a welcome change from the awful scents that normally clung to him because of the deposed King Decius.
Once he finished, he used the shampoo next. He couldn’t hold in his moan of pleasure as he worked the suds into his hair, scratching at his scalp. It smelled like a fresh rain in the forest, which made Fersen homesick. He could hardly believe that he would be back in Morven in a few days’ time.
Fersen took his time washing his hair, luxuriating in the water that never cooled off, no matter how long he was in the tub. He wondered if Jaega could teach him the secret of how to accomplish that. Fersen only had cold water in his home since he lived deep in the forest, far away from the people and towns that had heated water access.
“Permission to enter?” Grisden asked, startling Fersen. “I have clothes and boots for you to change into after you finish.”
“You can come in. Thank you for finding that for me.”
Grisden bowed to Fersen as he entered. “It was my pleasure. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. As you are Prince Jaega’s honored guest, I am at your full command.”
“Thank you, but you both have already done so much for me. Asking for anything more would be selfish.”
Grisden left with another formal bow.
When Fersen finished rinsing his hair, he mourned his bath time was over. He had already lingered long enough, and the food would arrive soon. The last thing he wanted to do was make Jaega wait on him to eat, so he got out of the tub with a sad sigh.
The towel was the single softest thing Fersen had ever used on his body before. He wrapped it around him and snuggled against it, enjoying the fluffy comforts. It was a sharp reminder of how different royalty lived compared to his meager means and threadbare towels at home. Rather than feeling sad about it, he savored the moment.
Unfortunately, Fersen wasn’t sure if he was supposed to drain the tub or not. He hated having to ask, but he didn’t see any way around it. “Should I let the water out?” Fersen asked loud enough to be heard by Jaega.
“There is no need,” Grisden said, making Fersen jump at his sudden appearance. He walked over to the tub and waved his hand over it. The dirt that had washed off Fersen in the bath drew together into a small ball in the palm of Grisden’s hand. “As I am an earth dragon shifter, I can command it to leave the water.” He tossed the ball of dirt into a nearby trash can.
Fersen marveled at his abilities. “That’s incredible.”
“Is there anything else I can assist with?”
“No, but thank you.”
Grisden took his leave once more. Fersen hesitated a moment before he went over to the sink and picked up the black comb in the shape of a dragon. It was a beautiful work of art that Fersen almost felt bad about using. But true to Jaega’s word, the dragon comb glided through Fersen’s hair without catching on a single knot or mat. He marveled at how it dried his hair with only a few passes through his silver-white hair. It was impressive enough to make him wish he could take it with him when he left. But Fersen couldn’t bear asking for anything more than had already been generously given to him.
To his surprise, the clothes and boots Grisden provided fit perfectly. He wasn’t sure how the servant had assessed his size so accurately, but his attention to detail was impressive. Fersen felt more like himself with clothes on, especially since the breeches and white shirt were close to what he normally wore. He had never had the money to be someone who preferred fancy clothes. The black boots were plain but surprisingly comfortable.
Fersen took a deep breath before he returned to the other side of the tent. Jaega was reading in front of the fire. He looked up with a smile when Fersen entered. It made butterflies flutter in Fersen’s stomach.
“Did you enjoy your bath?” Jaega asked as he set his book aside to give Fersen his full attention.
“I did, thank you.” Fersen hoped the flush in his cheek was written off as being a side effect of the hot water. “I appreciate you letting me get clean.”
“Of course.” Jaega gestured for Fersen to join him by the fire.
Fersen self-consciously ran his fingers through his long hair. “That comb is amazing. I can’t believe it really detangles and dries your hair so easily.”
“It makes having long hair a less arduous task,” Jaega said with a chuckle. “You may take it with you if you wish.”
Fersen shook his head. “I couldn’t possibly. You’ve already done more than enough for me.”
“It is no problem to have them enchant another comb once I return to the castle. I would be glad to know it had a good home.”
