Chapter 43

It had been many days without a word from the princess. I decided to stop hoping. Kesar filled the wooden bathtub with fragrant warm water. Petals of red roses and white jasmine floated over the rippling surface.

Since I had let no other handmaidens bathe me, Kesar was the only one who was there to assist me.

She was now crouching behind my back and gently scrubbing my shoulders with a soaked cloth.

I closed my eyes, concentrating on the circular motions of Kesar's hand on my skin. She did not say a word as she worked.

Then Kesar came around the tub and lifted my right arm from the water. I opened my eyes again and watched her brush the cloth ever so gently as if she was trying not to disturb my mind. My body was already flushed from the warmth of the bath.