163 FORTY FOUR: The Emperor’s Bath Time pt 2

"Pwuah!"

Kel released a contented breath as she emerged from the water.

The river's water was cold from snow runoff but clean and refreshing.

Bending down again, she dipped her head in the water, using her fingers to dislodge as much dirt from her scalp as she could. For a moment, she wondered if she should just untie her hair and wash all of it.

"The maids in Mevani would scold me if they could see me now," she giggled to herself. "Bathing with my hair tied up and my undergarments still on."

When Taegus first suggested the idea of sneaking off to take a bath, she rejected it immediately. How could she possibly slip away in the middle of a patrol and expect nobody to notice?

Taegus assured her he was prepared, however. He'd even produced a pair of fresh undergarments that had been hidden under his tunic.

"Eh? W-what.. Where?" Kel questioned awkwardly as the boy extended the underwear toward her.