Page 57 of Faerie Hunted

“I really don’t need help bathing.”

“Dorian insists. He doesn’t allow anyone to say no to him.”

The woman stepped back and held the flap open to make room for two more fae to enter the tent. Unease suddenly crawled along my spine and I forced it aside to watch them. They were here to help, I told myself.

I clamped my lips tightly together as the three women brought in a small basin. One of them dragged over a table while the third set up a short stool with towels and a change of clothes. I definitely wouldn't mind the new clothes. Mine were covered in filth, sweat, and blood. They were practically cement at this point and crusty enough to crack.

Once they were finished, the two left and the first woman straightened. “Come.” She wiggled her fingers. “We must start the day.”

I shook my head. “This really isn’t necessary.” Suddenly Noren jerked fully awake, causing me to jolt with surprise.

“Please.” She sounded desperate. “Dorian doesn't like to be kept waiting and he especially hates wasting precious daylight hours.”

One of the two women returned carrying two urns of steaming water. Outside, I’d gotten a glimpse of a dark sky paling with the deep pinks of dawn.

“There is no need to fear us. We’re only here to help you, Miss.” She spoke in a soft voice designed to put me at ease.

“Thanks.” I awkwardly stood in front of them and let the blanket drop. I’d slept in my bra and underwear last night. My clothing should really be burned. “What’s your name?”

She ducked her head and her wealth of hair hid her expression. “My name isn’t important.”

“I’ll need to call you something.”

She hesitated a moment before saying shyly, “Elaen, then. Please call me Elaen.”

“Then thank you for helping me, Elaen.” I stood for a moment longer before I forced my arms to relax to my sides. “How are we doing this?”

“Step into the basin and we’ll take care of the rest. Please, there’s no reason for you to be embarrassed. We have complete privacy here.”

With no other choice and the waiting servant still holding the two steaming urns, I peeled off my bra and undies and stepped over the lip of the bowl, absolutely naked. Noren turned his back to allow us a small bit of privacy but I wouldn’t dream of letting him leave me alone.

Feeling awkward, I attempted small talk as a distraction. “How long have you been living at camp, Elaen?”

Elaen started, and when she reached down for a sponge, her fingers trembled. She drew it across the skin of my arm. “I’m a recent addition. I was brought here six months ago.”

“Do you like it so far?” I asked.

Elaen didn’t answer. She only poured more water over my skin and alternated between that and the sponge.

The night’s chill hadn’t reached the inside of the tent yet and it was easier to relax under the heat of the water. The whole bath thing, though…that was new.

“A few people last night wanted to get me and my friend to stay,” I told her.

Elaen swallowed. I watched her throat bob.” Yes, they would.”

The sense of unease grew, knotting inside of me. “Dorian spoke of an alliance between us,” I continued. That seemed the best way to put it. “He certainly has big dreams for the future.”

“Miss.” Elaen stopped and gripped my hand so forcefully my eyes widened under a flash of pain. At once, my arm began to throb. “You have to run.”

I went cold all over.

She shook her head and the spell broke as she continued to scrub me down.

“There are others like me,” Elaen added, “who have been brought to camp. They’ve been in service much longer.”

“It’s the second time you’ve said it that way. Brought here. You didn’t come on your own? Looking for a better future?” I asked, grasping at straws trying to find an answer to why I felt so uneasy.

“You mustn’t ask such questions.” Now her voice shook too.

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