Chapter 22

After a whole day of the torturous practice, I dragged myself back to the chamber. My shoulders ached so much, I felt as if I'd been carrying one of the temple stones with me.

My feet shuffled along the corridor until I reached my resting place. Leaning my body against the door, I pounded it weakly. The sound of footsteps rushed from the inside. Kesar's face lit up as she opened the door, but I fell right into her arms. She caught my sluggish form in surprise.

"My lady! Are you feeling ill?" Kesar asked, trying to hold me.

"Oh Kesar, please help me!" I whined. "I don't want to do this anymore!"

She held me by the waist and wrapped one of my arms over her shoulders then walked me inside.

"You need to rest," Kesar said. "I shall inform the maids to prepare the bath for you."

She helped me lay down on the bed. My legs felt like they had turned to wood, and my neck might break if I turned too quickly.

Kesar removed my boots, lifting my feet onto her lap to massage them.