Page 44 of Song of the Dawn
Taking his hands out of his pockets, he straightened. “Yes, a bit of superstition, but they add some landscaping to the scenery. I thought they’d be best left where they are.”
“Superstition?” Another old tale. “Of what?”
Ezra’s fingers trailed down my arm. Taking my hand in his, he pressed it to his lips. “They are old wards to protect against evil spirts and unwanted intruders.”
My mind went to the wild creatures he’d carved out of wood and the shadow I’d seen in the cellar, but he drew me into his arms so quickly I didn’t have long to dwell on them. Instead, I leaned into his embrace, feeling secure, happy, wanted.
“What do you think of water?” he asked, releasing me to shut the door.
I shivered as I walked inside, even though I’d mentally prepared myself for stepping into his workshop again. Although the statues stood frozen, they seemed real and lifelike, waiting for a soul to give them life. They were disturbing, regardless I’d promised myself to come to terms with it. Facing Ezra, I answered his question with one of my own. “Of water? What kind of question is that?”
He chuckled. “Do you like water?”
“Yes…” I drew out my answer, confused, as he led me up the stairs.
“Good. I have a surprise for you.”
More surprises? “It involves water, doesn’t it?”
“Correct, but you will not entice me to say more,” he teased.
I raised my eyebrows as we continued past the second landing. “What is behind these doors?”
“Storage, odds and ends.” He shrugged. “But I think you’ll like this.” We stopped on the third floor, in front of a simple door. “Close your eyes.”
I studied the mischievous expression on his face as he let go of my hand. Obediently, I closed my eyes.
The door swung open with a slight wind, and soft fragrances came to my senses.
Water, citrus, and wax.
“Open,” he breathed in my ear.
Blinking, I stared at a pool of water. Gray stones surrounded the bath, which sat on the floor, with steam rising from its surface. A series of broad steps led down into it, like an invitation, welcoming me to the depths. It wasn’t large, just enough for three or four people to sit in comfortably, but around the edges, candles burned and vines trailed up the wall to the ceiling. Towels and robes hung off hooks in the wall, and there were a few low-lying seats. A tray perched by the water’s edge, carrying a collection of fruits, cheeses, and wine from the vineyard.
“What is this place?” I whispered, enchanted.
Ezra pulled me further into the chamber, where the stones were slick with water. Standing behind me, he wrapped his arms around my waist and held me there, his breath tickling my neck. “This used to be an old bathhouse where those who lived in the tower came to rest and relax when they were off duty. I imagine they had feasts here and many long nights full of food, drink, and merriment. I’ve never had much use for it. It’s lonely here, just myself and my thoughts. Although, it is a good place to sit and think. The water is always warm, a phenomenon I cannot explain. It relaxes my muscles after a long, tense day.”
I wondered what long, tense days Ezra had as owner of the inn, but among his share of work, managing the books, and taking time to fish and carve and pick fruit, he was quite busy.
“Now that you’ve seen it, what do you think?”
“There were steam houses in Solynn. The lords enjoyed them, and while some claimed they discussed politics, from the guests that were invited, it was clear something else was going on.”
Ezra’s voice vibrated against my skin. “Something else like what?”
Squirming out of his arms, I reached for the clasp of my dress, loosening the ties and buttons that clinched it around my body. Smirking at him, I backed away. “It would be easier to show you.”
After yesterday, I was past the point of shyness with him. I wanted him to see me unclothed, unbound, to look upon my bare body and desire me as much as I desired him. Shimmering out of my dress and small clothes, I folded them on a nearby bench. Keeping my back to him, I enjoyed the slow hiss that left his lips as I walked down the steps, into the water.
It was warm, almost hot against my skin, but it felt good. The waters weren’t still; instead, they moved, foaming and creating bubbles like fingers to massage my skin. A seat ran alongside the wall, and I perched on it, my feet floating up. I giggled at the weightlessness I felt and faced Ezra.
He hadn’t been idle and was already waist-deep in the water, floating toward me.
“This is amazing,” I told him as he sat across from me, a satisfied smile on his face. “It’s inappropriate for a woman to spend too much time in the water. At least, in the city.”
Ezra frowned in confusion. “How is water inappropriate?”
