CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
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Warm steam rises from the stone bathing pool carved deep into the chamber floor. Leera sinks deeper into the heated water, her long hair floating around her like silk.
Three dragon servants tend to her, scrubbing her skin with oils that smell of mountain flowers and dragon's breath herbs.
Their movements are careful and respectful. They know better than to anger their master's favourite.
"More heat," Leera commands, her voice is soft but possesses a sharp edge. "The water grows cold."
"Yes, mistress," one servant bows, adding more heated stones to the pool.
Only Daela stands apart from the others, clutching a towel in her trembling hands. Her dark hair falls across her face like a curtain to hide the fresh bruises on her cheek.
The other servants' eyes slide past her like she doesn't exist and when they do look at her, their faces are twisted with disgust.
