Page 116 of Burn Her They Said
“She continues to have some sort of reaction, and I want to determine if it may be one of the ingredients causing it.”
Drusilla scoffs. “I think we all know what this ‘reaction’ is.”
“I have yet to identify anything like her signature scent, and I am interested in learning which botanical essence it is derived from,” he explains, plausibly enough.
“Hmm,” Drusilla drones, lathering a washcloth. “I can’t say I’ve ever smelled it in any other soaps or lotions I’ve come into contact with, though I am sure you could send a missive to inquire.”
I narrow my eyes on Drusilla, who seems genuine in making this suggestion, and far more helpful than I’ve observed in her.
“They have arrived,” Malin says.
I startle once the doors burst open, despite the warning.
“You spoiled little thing.” His Majesty’s deep voice echoes off the stone walls in the vast chamber as he strides in with his Guards behind him.
“Your Majesty, might the Imperial Grand Witch be granted some privacy during her bath?” Varic asks, stepping before him.
“Nonsense,” the Emperor scoffs, gesturing for Varic to move out of his way.
“It’s just that since your tub is sunken, there is more of a chance of?—”
“One of them catching sight of her flesh?” His Majesty jests. “I understand your concern, and perhaps you think the same about yourself and the rest of her Guards?”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. I understand our purpose is protecting her, even while bathing. However, we respect her by keeping our eyes averted.” Varic glares at Ivo, who knowingly grins back at him.
“Her sense of modesty is the least of my concerns,” Emperor Aldritch intones, stepping around Varic who pivots to walk ahead of him, again.
Each of my Guards moves to stand before His Majesty’s while an amber wave of protection sluices through the water and adheres to my skin—and I swallow against the constriction as Varic uses his magic to show me he sees my discomfort, he’s here, and he will do everything he can to help me feel safer.
Regardless of the warmth from his shield, I cannot help but shudder as the Emperor drops to his knees and I grimace when he rakes his fingers through the opaque water between my knees.
“Think of how many witches would beg to be spoiled the way I spoil you.” He laughs.
“The number is immeasurable, Your Majesty,” I purr, turning my stomach.
“Too true, my little witch,” he says with a tap on the tip of my nose, leaving a drop to roll down my lips where it spreads across the seam as he takes hold of my chin and demands I look up at him.
“You owe me an apology.”
“My apologies for failing to show my gratitude, Your Majesty.” I swallow against the scented water I inadvertently allowed in, attempting to withhold the gagging sensation building behind my jawline.
He huffs out a breath as a chill rolls up my arm when Drusilla reaches down to grasp my wrist to scrub at Varic’s force-shield covering my skin. The Emperor’s eyes appear to darken as he watches with more intent than I’m used to him having when it comes to me physically.
This shift in him feels dangerous, with a new fear clawing at my insides, far worse than any of the times he’s wrapped his magic around my neck and choked me half to death.
“You don’t know what you’ve done, do you? Want to play a game? I do like games,” he drawls.
“May I know the rules?” I ask, with no choice but to obey him.
“I will remind you of times you wronged me while you guess what you did to still owe me an apology.”
I nod, and study him closely, as he should be too drunk to ensnare me in such a delicately laid trap.
Drusilla scrubs at my back, so I cradle my knees against my chest to better conceal my breasts.
“Havenfield,” Emperor Aldritch says in a neutral tone.
My attendant’s cool hands still as she sits back on her heels.
