She woke just after dawn; the first thing she saw was a stone ceiling. She sat up and was surprisingly not in any pain, her head didn't even hurt. She lifted the sheet and saw her smooth stomach marked by a scar, she pressed on it lightly and it felt as if she'd had it her whole life. She sighed with relief. Wren was sprawled on the foot of the bed as if he belonged there. She smiled at him, her loyal companion. The bed was a large four post style with a canopy; there were sheer white curtains all around her. She pulled one back and peered out at the room. There were large tapestries on the walls, beautiful mutely colored rugs on the floor, and comfortable chairs in front of a roaring fireplace.
"Morning" a deep voice addressed her.
She gasped and pulled the sheet around her almost naked body but one leg hung out of the side. She saw Prince Rayn in a chair by the fire. He looked like he had slept there all night, served him right for being such an ass, she thought.
"Where are my clothes?" she asked.
"I sent them to be cleaned." he stood and strode towards her purposefully.
She looked up at him as he stood next to the bed. She felt nervous; he'd been so callous to her the last few days. He stood there quietly and she pulled the sheet around her torso even tighter, wrapping it around her back as if it were a robe.
"I'll send for some proper clothing for you. You can't wear your traveling clothes to see the King." He was serious.
"I'm sorry." She blurted out.
"For what exactly?" he looked at her curiously as he spoke.
"For never thanking you for saving my life, I really do appreciate it." Her voice was earnest.
"I know." He responded tenderly.
"Um, did you..." She pointed at herself and he smiled.
"No, that was the healer. I only removed your boots." His smile grew and she noticed for the first time his face actually lighten. He looked even more attractive than usual. "You know, in Oneandra a woman isn't judged by her virtue." He stroked his hand up her bare leg and his smile became a little sinister.
Just when she thought he was becoming nicer he pulled a stunt like that. She smacked his hand away; he feigned pain and smiled at her, "Easy little warrior."
She sighed, damn him. Why was he so playful now?
"I would like to bathe before I see the King." she changed the subject and he walked to the door, disengaging her.
"I highly suggest you do." He said, before he opened the door.
An attendant appeared, dressed in a simple shift and carrying a pile of clothes. Rayn gestured to the young woman and looked at Leni, "She will help you get ready."
And just like that he was gone. Leni greeted the petite brown haired girl, her name was Mary, and asked where the bath was. Mary drew the warm water for her and told her she would lay out a dress on the bed. Leni thanked her and Mary disappeared out the door after assuring her that she would be back to help her dress herself. She rolled her eyes after the door closed, she'd been dressing herself all her life, it wasn't about to change now.
Leni sank into the warm stone bath and sighed. It was the largest and nicest bath she remembered ever seeing. The stone pit was sunk into the floor and had three steps at one end, there was a ledge halfway down that encircled the entire pit for sitting and bathing. As she soaked she realized it was the first time in a week she had been completely alone. It felt liberating. She washed slowly, savoring the warm water. She fretted over Lukas, and cried when she realized she may never see him again. She quietly prayed to the gods for a merciful decision from the King. She combed her wet hair and was stepping out of the bath when the door opened again.
She expected it to be Mary so she draped the fancy black dressing robe that had been left for her around her shoulders but didn't close it over her body.
It was Rayn, and she cursed and turned away as she pulled the robe around her and tied it tightly, "Don't you knock?"
When she turned around she noticed how different he looked, how princely he really was. He was clean shaven, revealing that strong square jaw she liked so much on him. He wore clean clothes and shiny black boots. Wren was at his feet, wiggling his nub of a tail and thrilled to see him. She secretly hated that her dog seemed to adore Rayn even though she didn't always like him.
"I am here to escort you to the throne room." He raised his dark eyebrows at her.
"Well I am not ready yet." She bowed her head low and looked for the slippers Mary left for her.
"That's fine, but the King will be expecting you to curtsey" he was in a good mood seeing her like this, but her head snapped back up and she glared at him.
Mary rushed into the room with a breakfast tray and sat it on the table by the fire.
"I'll wait." Rayn assured Leni and then he took a seat by the fire.
Mary brought her dress and underclothes into the bath and she dressed in there. Gods that man was exasperating! She didn't know why Mary insisted on so many layers under her dress but she didn't argue. The thing was too low cut for her taste but she knew she didn't have any other options. The fabric was deep navy with silver trim and it hugged her tall frame nicely. She tried not to dwell on how beautiful it was; she wanted to get this whole day over with. She lied to Rayn and told him she wasn't hungry but the look on his face told her that he didn't believe her. She sighed, ate a few bites and said she was done. She gave the meat to Wren and he gobbled it down eagerly.
Seeing her cleaned up in a dress made a big impression on Rayn. He had steeled his nerves for today but when he saw her for the first time in the navy dress he almost let his emotions get the best of him. She was absolutely stunning; she really did look like a Princess. After it dried her hair was shining, her skin looked soft, and the dress showed off her elegant figure perfectly. He offered her his arm and she took it without complaint. She was ready to see what fate had in store for her.
