Page 51 of The King's Sword
“You’re infuriating sometimes,” he said, shaking his head. “Come on, I’ll show you to a guest room.” He resumed walking.
Chuckling, she caught up to him, bumping her shoulder against his. She was just about to ask him to give her a tour of the palace later when they rounded the corner and Evander bumped his shoulder against hers just as her foot caught on something. She was right at the edge of the walkway and lost her balance.
It felt like slow motion as she stumbled, about to fall into the water, when Evander caught her around the waist, pulling her back up. They stood toe-to-toe, her breath heaving as she stared into his wide green eyes.
ChapterEight
“I’m sorry,” Evander whispered. “I didn’t mean to knock you into the water.” His grip on her stayed strong and firm.
“My foot got caught. Between that and the shoulder bump…” She blinked, her breathing coming out harder as she stood there with Evander’s arm still wrapped around her, her torso pressed against his.
He cleared his throat and removed his arm. “Sorry.” He took a step back.
“You already said that.” She suddenly felt awkward and didn’t know what to do with her hands.
Evander rubbed the back of his neck. “Um…this way.” He resumed walking, not bothering to see if she followed.
Taking a deep breath, Sabine headed after him, wondering why she felt so inept and off kilter simply by touching the man. Over the years, she’d flirted plenty and never had her body react this way before.
Evander led her down another walkway and to a building on the right. She didn’t know why they referred to this compound as a palace when it consisted of dozens of individual buildings connected by bridges and walkways all situated over a lake.
He opened the door and motioned for her to enter first. She stepped into a small, square room bathed in natural light from several windows. Off to the left was an opening in the floor revealing the water below. She peered at it and saw several fish swimming.
“This way.” Evander headed to the hallway at the back of the room. He led her past several doors, finally stopping at the last one on the right. “This will be your room while you remain here with us.” He opened the door but didn’t step inside. “I am not permitted to enter.”
She nodded, moving around him and into the room. The first thing she noticed was the stark contrast to Lynk. Since the Lynk palace had been built atop a mountain, her room was at the edge of a cliff and her balcony stuck out over the side. While the views were breathtaking, she’d always been nervous being so high up.
Here, the room wasn’t even built on land but rather over water. A large bed was on the floor as seemed to be the Avoni custom. Behind the bed, on the wooden wall, were archways with colored glass in them. To the left, the same shaped arches but with clear glass, displaying a view of the lake outside. Several potted plants softened the room. A small fireplace was situated across from the bed. To the right, she found a dressing closet and a small bathing room with a low wooden tub.
“A servant will be along shortly with some clothing for you to wear,” Evander said. “She will also assist with anything you may need.”
“Thank you.” The large bed welcomed her, and the thought of being able to get a good night’s sleep without worrying about being attacked or accidentally cuddling with someone sounded divine. However, first she needed to be introduced to the king and queen of Avoni.
“I am going to inform my parents of your arrival and let them know you’ll be staying here with us. Assuming everyone is amiable, we’ll dine together this evening. That is if I’m still alive.” The right corner of his lips rose in a wry smile. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.” He closed the door and left.
Sabine put her bag down and removed her cape. She went over to the windows, gazing outside at the lake.
A soft knock sounded on the door. Sabine called out for the person to enter.
A middle-aged woman came in wearing red pants and a matching long-sleeved tunic. “My name is Naya,” she said. “I am here to help with anything you may need.” She set the armful of clothing she carried on the bed.
Sabine thanked her for her kindness. She eyed the clothing, curious as to what had been brought. So far, she’d only seen Avoni people wear long sleeves and pants, usually dark colors, and nothing at all what she would consider beautiful or exciting.
“Shall I draw a bath?” Naya asked.
“That would be wonderful.”
Naya went into the bathing room and pressed a lever. Water cascaded out from a spout and into the tub. She knelt and lit a fire beneath it. “That’ll take a bit to fill and warm. Would you like for me to start a fire in the hearth in your room?”
“Please.”
Once the fire got going, Naya went over to the door. “This string here is attached to a bell. If you need anything, pull the string and someone will immediately attend to you.”
“Thank you.”
Naya left so Sabine could bathe and dress in private.
After peeling off her dirty clothes, she climbed into the tub, trying not to moan from the glorious heat. Leaning back, she soaked in the water until she became sleepy. Sitting up, she grabbed the soap, washing her skin and hair. She rinsed, then got out and dried off.
