Page 16 of Hell Bound

It was the third woman who really caught my attention. Sleek blonde hair was tossed over her shoulder, revealing that her dress had no sleeves.

The only thing marring the smooth skin was a two-inch scar just below her collarbone.

Her eyes were frigid shards of pale blue glass, and her head was tilted just so, allowing her to look down her perfect nose at me.

I hated her immediately.

I’d never been one to judge another woman based on her looks, but there was something about this one that screamedenemy.

“What the hell?” I turned to Hana, trying to keep my temper under control for her sake. “What’s with the extra people?”

“They’re your handmaids, my Queen. They’re here to assist you as well.”

“Why do I need them if I have you? It doesn’t take four people to help me wash my ass.” Or any additional people, to be honest, but Hana was a non-negotiable presence.

“I’m your Queen’s Lady, and it is my role to attend to your personal needs and care. The handmaids are here to prepare your attire, assist with your dressing if needed, and fetch anything you require.”

I didn’t ask if that included a weapon. I could tell from Blondie’s scowl that it would be a hard no.

What I really wanted to know was why she was giving me such a dirty look. Did she not want the job? Because I was more than happy to relieve her of her position.

“Fine. You can stay and help in here, they can go do whatever they need to in the bedroom. I’d prefer not to have an audience while I bathe.”

The three of them ducked out quickly, but Blondie shot me one last dark glare before disappearing through the door.

“What was her problem?” Hana knew immediately who I was referring to, and her grin was a little evil.

“Tavila was the first succubus to be promised to Asmodeus. When you were offered to create an alliance between the Ardent and Infernal Courts, her father rebelled. He was killed and Tavila was forced to serve you.”

Okay, to be honest, I’d hate me, too.

“The last time you saw her, you pulled the knife she was hiding from her garter and stabbed it through her chest.”

“I did what?” I was aghast that not only did Hana think I was capable of something so brutal, but that she seemed pleased by it.

“Oh, don’t worry, she had it coming. She intended to use the blade on you that night, but you caught on to her plan.”

Note to self, keep an eye on Tavila.

At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter that they were all insane to think I was some long lost queen of Hell.

Whatdidmatter was thattheybelieved it. Which meant that Tavila would likely be awaiting her next opportunity to drive a dagger through my heart.

“Back when we were—” Hana cut herself off again, but this time, there was a panic I hadn’t seen before.

“When we were what?”

She shook her head and lifted shaking hands to finish removing my dress. My discomfort at being naked in front of someone I didn’t know was overshadowed by my curiosity.

What had she been about to reveal? And how could I get her to tell me despite whatever reprisal she feared from Asmodeus?

I was naked except for a necklace and my ring. I allowed her to remove the first, but when she reached for my ring, I snatched my hand back.

“Not this one. I never take this off.” It was the one possession I truly valued, and I wouldn’t risk it being lost or stolen.Ever.

Hana simply nodded and held my hand as I stepped into the bath. In spite of everything, the bath felt luxurious. The glowing swirls had given me pause, but if Hana wasn’t stopping me, I had to assume they were safe.

When I sat down, they’d begun to twine over and around my body, creating trails of warmth that exceeded the temperature of the water. Everywhere they touched, tension melted away.

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