Page 37 of A Rose Among Snakes

“I’m coming in!”

The door handle jiggled and then footsteps padded across the carpet. The door to the bathing room was cracked, and thankfully, not wide open.

“Kezara! Mihrra!”

My jaw dropped, but I knew I had to answer him.

“I’m in the bath.” My voice was small and squeaky.

“Is Kezara with you?” His footsteps came closer to the door and my heartbeat quickened.He cannot be serious,I thought, hugging my knees to my chest as I sank down so my eyes barely peeked above the rim.

“No.”

He was standing right outside the door now. “Where is she?”

I huffed in exasperation. “She’s… out. She’s exploring the castle.”

“Understood.” His tone was clipped as if the full scope of his intrusion was dawning on him.

“Did you need something?” I asked, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.

“No, nothing in particular.” He paused. “I only wanted to make sure neither of you needed anything before I turned in for the night.”

“We’re fine, thank you.”

“Very well. Goodnight then.” He didn’t move. “Ummm… do you want this door closed?”

I cringed.“No, you can leave it. Goodnight.”

His footsteps retreated, and the bedroom door clicked shut.

I sighed loudly and sank back into the tub.

I slowly bathed myself, luxuriating in my free time before drying off and getting dressed. I set my hair up in pin curls; my stick-straight, honey strands needing more assistance than Kezara’s natural curls. I wrapped myself in a silk dressing robe and sat by the fire waiting for Kezara to return. I found a book and began reading it, but within minutes my eyes grew heavy. Laying my head on a pillow, I curled up and let myself drift to sleep.

Soon after, the bedroom door slammed shut as Kezara marched in. It was difficult prying my eyes open, but by the way she was stomping around, I knew she was not happy. I sat up and found her pacing back and forth.

My voice rough with sleep, I asked, “How did it go?”

Kezara wheeled around to me. “The gall of that man. He does not have any solutions. None.”

“What happened?” I scooted over, patting the cushion next to me on the sofa. Kezara dropped onto the sofa, crossing her arms and glaring at the fire in front of us.

“Hissolutionis to continue sneaking around as we are,” Kezara seethed. “Even after he is married.”

“What, as in a kept woman?”

“YES!” She shouted as she jumped back to her feet, resuming her pacing. Knowing this conversation was going to take a while, I decided to use our time wisely. I stood up and steered Kezara by her shoulders toward the vanity in the bathing room. The sun had set, so I worked by candlelight to tame her hair.

“So, you don’t want to be akept woman,” I prompted as she took a seat in front of me. I had to admit I was quite relieved to hear her objection to the idea.

“No! I want to be a princess.”

Trying not to laugh, I bobbed my head, encouraging her to continue.

“He said he tried talking to his father and telling him he loves me, notwhatever-her-name-isfrom Etheniar, but the king wouldn’t hear of it. Apparently, he said, ‘Royalty does not marry for love, they marry for political gain.’ Can you believe that?” Her shoulders were heaving with her rapid breathing.

“What did you say to Leoran?” I asked as I worked on coiling her perfect curls and pinning them to her head.

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