Page 11 of Vows of Sacrifice

“But, Massim . . .”she tried in panic.

“Massim went to get me something to eat. And after all, you’re my wife, aren’t you? Helping each other isn’t a one-way street in a marriage, it seems to me.”

The look she gave me left no doubt as to what she thought of my ruse. Smiling, I handed her a piece of cloth.

“Rub gently. I’m sensitive.”

Her dark gaze widened my smile. When I felt the water-soaked cloth, I closed my eyes. Ashana was being delicate and meticulous. For my part, I wanted to laugh.

“Thank you, that’s very nice,” I provoked her in a tone that was meant to be innocent. “Can you do the front as well? My arms are tired.”

I heard her choke on her indignation behind my back. When she stood in front of me and began to clean my chest, all desire to smile at the situation instantly disappeared. Her face was far too close to my skin, so much so that I could feel her breath. Her breathing had become rapid. When our eyes met, I noticed the darker colour of her irises. The atmosphere between us changed in an instant, becoming more tense.

“Here you are, my lord!” interjected Massim.

I didn’t take my eyes off Ashana.

“Boy, didn’t anyone ever teach you to knock before entering a room where your masters are?”

Even my voice was deeper, as if weighed down by desire. Massim coughed.

“I have, my lord. Many times.”

Ah. Damn it. I straightened up and Ashana turned away, clearly embarrassed.

“My lady?” I challenged her gruffly, uncomfortably. “You can share my meal if you wish. It’s not good to undertake a long journey on an empty stomach.”

“Thank you, but I’m not very hungry. Besides, this office brings back too many memories. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go prepare my things.”

With that, she disappeared in the blink of an eye. As I was still looking toward the open door, Massim felt it necessary to add: “It was Lady Ashana who helped our late king with the administration of the country. Everyone knew it, even though we pretended not to because she’s a woman.”

“I don’t see what’s wrong with that.”

Massim gave me a funny look, but didn’t comment. I finished my bath before sitting down to eat my meal of dried meat, cheese, and bread. Just then, Paivrin arrived.

“Where have you been?” I asked.

“I was taking care of that poor woman.”

“Which one?”

He glared at me with his extraordinarily pale, almost translucent eyes.

“The one attacked by your men.”

I wiped the corner of my mouth with a rough-textured napkin.

“They’re not my men, they’re Elendur’s. There’s a difference.”

“Why do you let him use you like this?”

“He has my stone,” I said in a voice devoid of emotion.

Paivrin struck the ground with his staff to show me his anger.

“Yes! Because you gave it to him! Why? Because of that woman! That witch! You complain about being cursed a hundred times over, but in this case, you had it coming.”

“Nadrisse is not a witch. She’s just selfish.”

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