Page 41 of Hell Bound

“We’re here to—” Hana started.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it, it’s tubby time. Come on, then, let’s get this shit over with.”

Dammit. I felt like a total bitch when Hana’s face fell at my disgruntled tone, but when Tavila looked affronted, I couldn’t very well take it back.

In truth, I was glad they were here. Well, Hana, at least. I was shaky from blood loss and the adrenaline crash, and there was a very real chance I would have fallen asleep in the tub. I could endure the annoyance of being bathed if it meant I’d be finished and in bed even sooner.

Without waiting, I headed for the bathroom, turning on the tub and sighing when I dipped my hand in the heated water. I had so many questions about how things like plumbing and power worked in this place, but I couldn’t dwell on them.

My poor human brain could only take so much.

“No Essence of Ash?” I asked Hana when she didn’t whip out the good stuff.

“I’m sorry, my Queen, it’s not safe to use when you have open wounds.” She glanced down at the bloody marks on the floor from my foot.

I thought about promising to keep my foot elevated, but it wasn’t worth the argument. Hopefully the hot water would do the trick on its own.

I was just lowering my aching body into the water when the other door opened. Dropping like a stone, I was completely hidden by the sloshing water by the time one of Asmodeus’s guard stormed in.

“How dare you! This is the queen’s private bathing chamber—”

“Asmodeus has demanded your presence immediately,” he told a very irate Hana.

“What for? I’m tending to the queen, surely it can wait.”

“I don’t know, he only said you were to be brought to him at once.”

“Hana,” I called when she looked ready to argue some more. I’d felt the bite of Asmodeus’s rage. I wouldn’t let her experience the same if it could be prevented. “It’s fine. See what the bastard wants, then you can come back.”

Her eyes darted to Tavila, then back to me.

Are you sure you want me to leave you alone with her?

I gave her a quick nod and a smile I could almost pretend was real.

No, I absolutely didnotwant to be left with the bitch, but that wasn’t as important as Hana not being punished.

“I’ll return as soon as the king dismisses me. Tavila, Sveva, if you finish before I return, help the queen to bed, ensure the fire is banked, then immediately return to your quarters.”

She hurried out, followed by the guard who’d been eyeing Sveva’s ass with great interest as she washed my throbbing feet.

When the door shut again, I found Tavila glaring at me.

“Ugh, just finish. I don’t want you here any more than you want to be here. Hell, you can go if you want, I can wash my own ass.”

“And risk the king’s wrath for not completing my duties? I’m not that stupid,Lilith.”

Sveva dropped my foot with a gasp.

I simply lifted a brow.

Ah, so she’s feeling froggy. Maybe she’ll take a leap.

“Well then how about you go ahead and say whatever it is that’s on your mind? I’m tired of the passive-aggressive bullshit.”

“You may be a different incarnation, but you haven’t changed at all. You’re still the same self-important princess you’ve been since we were children. Always thinking you’re better—”

“Where? How? In whatpossibleway have I acted like I’m better than anyone?” I sat straight up, spilling the water everywhere and exposing my breasts as they rose out of the water.

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