I walked into the bathroom, stripping off the heavy silk robe and stepping into the steaming spray of the shower. I scrubbed my skin until it was red, trying to wash away the scent of him, the feel of him, the shame of wanting him.
I dressed in what the maids had laid out: a dress of pale sage linen with delicate lace embroidery along the hem. It was simple, elegant, and screamed old money. I added a pair of suede pumps and tied my hair back with a satin ribbon.
Before leaving, I took something of great importance. My survival depended on it.
When I stepped out, Rosemary was already there.
She looked like a doll in her pink gingham cotton dress, but her eyes were wide with worry. "Waverly! Oh, thank the Goddess you're okay. Kaeren told me... well, he didn't tell me much, but he said you needed a break."
"I'm fine, Rose. Just a little overwhelmed." I said, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
