Page 50 of Frost Bound

Dahlia blanched and tried to cover it up when Flyka frowned. “So soon?” she rasped, her throat aching.

“Yes, but first we’re going to bathe.”

Her stomach bottomed out. “Excuse me?” Surely, they wouldn’t force her.

Flyka rubbed her nose. “I can no longer stand your scent.” Lia opened her mouth to argue when the giantess held her gray hand up. “I knowsaloesare touchy about nudity, but it is not so in my kingdom. You’re now of Loriia. Our customs are yours. But…” She pushed up to her feet and stepped to the door. “I know that thevallosmake you uncomfortable, so it will just be usvallesbathing today.”

Flyka yanked open the door, letting in frigid air that caused another bout of goosebumps to lift on her arms.

“Stay out if you know what is good for you,” Flyka yelled into the barn. “We’re bathing, and you don’t want a dagger to the throat.” The giantess slammed the door closed and offered the tiniest closed lipped smile.

That struck Dahlia in the chest. Flyka had noticed her discomfort with her fangs. That made her feel all of two feet high.

“I don’t think thevalloswill be bothering us,” the giantess added.

“Vallos?” Lia questioned, the word rolling off her tongue.

“Males,” Flyka answered, moving back to the washing basin and dipping her pointer finger into it. She grimaced and yanked her hand back. “Vallosfor males,vallesfor females. And you can go first, princess.”

“You’re the one who sustained an injury.”

The giantess lifted a brow. “It’s too hot for me. I like my baths a little cooler.” She held her hand out to Lia. “Come on, then.”

Dahlia stared at Flyka’s wicked claws, but slowly took her hand. The Haunt hadn’t been anything but cordial since they left Astera. The giantess pulled her to her feet, and she bit her cheek to keep from groaning.

“You sure they won’t come in?”

“Not on their life,” Flyka replied.

Lia pulled off her thick socks, and then started on the ties of her skirt, letting it drop to the ground, leaving her in her leggings and a long-sleeved bodice. She grunted and pulled it over her head, only for her hair to get caught. Heat suffused her back and Lia froze as Flyka stepped close and untangled the strands.

Breathe. She’s not going to hurt you.

The giantess hissed out a breath when she got the top bodice and undershirt free, and a heavy silence settled between them. Lia peered over her shoulder and flinched at the rage on Flyka’s face. “W-what is it?” she managed.

“You’ve been traveling and sleeping in that torture device all this time?” The giantess began plucking at the strings of Dahlia’s filthy corset. “It’s barbaric. I can see where the bone has dug into your skin and made you bleed. What sort of garment is this? I should cut the ribbons and destroy it.”

“Please don’t. I need some sort of undergarment.” Lia held the corset to her ample chest as it loosened, a sigh leaving her immediately. It was pure relief. “It’s the undergarments of allvallesin Astera,” she said, trying out the word. “It helps corral our breasts and shape our figures.”

Flyka snorted. “What nonsense. Your figure should not be shaped or changed. Each person should be as they are.”

“A sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.” The corset finally loosened, and she held it closed and moved to the edge of the basin. “But my breasts tend to get in the way if they’re not confined in some way.”

“They are large. They would be a hinderance in battle.”

Lia chuckled at the blunt statement. “I imagine they would. Not that I’ve ever seen battle.”

Lia set the corset on the floor, making sure her back was to the door. She released the belt that held her sling and dagger,dropping them to the floor, then removing her ring and shoving it into the pocket of her skirt. Her nipples tightened in the cold air, and she wrapped her arm across them as she swung a leg over the edge and into the hot water.

Her toes burned and cramped, but it was manageable.

“What are you doing?” Flyka growled. “You need to remove your hose.”

With a will of iron, Lia lifted her other leg into the basin and dropped into the water. She hissed out the agony that burned through her limbs. Stars dotted her vision, but she didn’t pass out. The water reached the bottom of her chin, and her hair floated around her in the soapy water. One tear seeped out of her left eye, and she quickly dashed it away, before looking up at the giantess.

“I am not comfortable bearing myself to the world with strangers.” She didn’t let her gaze waver as she stared down Flyka. “Thank you for arranging a more private bath though,” she added softly. “I’ve been cold for days.”

The giantess shook her head. “Iknow. Your flat teeth chatter at night. It got so bad last night that Arun gave you his blankets to stop the racket.”

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