Sin: Path of Poison

Chapter 20 Part 1

The robes stuck to me, clinging cold and wet. I actually did want to get them off, it wasn't like I enjoyed bathing in someone else's blood. Still acting scared and frantic, I continued running to the bath house. Seeing the state I was in, the other servants made a quick retreat, getting as far from me as possible. With a now empty bath house, I peeled the saturated robes and shoes off my body and placed them all inside an empty bucket to dispose of later.

I couldn't help but smile as I climbed into an already drawn warm bath. Only after submerging myself under the water and methodically scrubbing did the blood release me. As the water turned pink then dark red, I drained the tub. The next tub was still filled with clean water, so I quickly jumped into it. I sat back and relaxed, wondering if General Bai stayed with Ryce or went back to check on Lei. Lei should be waking by the end of the night.

Just as I was wondering if I should channel some energy to listen in on them, the door opened. Nomi came to check on me. I changed my position from leisurely enjoying a bath to frantically scrubbing at my skin where the blood had already long ago been cleaned.

"Ryn?" She asked not far behind me. I jumped, appearing startled. Eyes widened, I turned to her.

"I'm almost done..." I trailed off, still scrubbing at the same spot. "The robes... " I looked towards the bucket full of bloody cloth.

"I'll take care of it, let me get you something clean." She replied. Carefully grabbing the sides of the bucket, she walked out silently.

Taking the opportunity to get out and cover myself, I drained the water and cleaned both tubs with the nearby brush. Using a bucket of water from one of the clean tubs, I rinsed out the drainage hole until clean water flowed through. I wrapped myself up in a towel and stood above the tub with the brush in my hand, waiting for Nomi to return. Competent at her duties, she returned with clean clothing and shoes.

"Let me help you." She offered, stepping closer.

"No, it's okay.. I .. I just need a moment to myself. I'll be out soon." I looked sincere as I gently bit my lip as if thinking about something.

Taking a few moments to myself, I got dressed. Nomi brought a brush, hair clasp, and hair pin. Within moments I was dressed again in the Crown Princes' personal maid robes. I prepared myself for whatever was going to happen next. Actually I wished I could just go to bed. It had been nice having most of the day to myself.

"Come, follow me. I'll explain on the way." Nomi gently held out her hand to hold mine and pulled me along. "The Emperor has summoned you. As a token of appreciation he is gathering everyone that survived, to share what they witnessed. The scribes will write the incident down in the book of heroic services to the royal family. Lily's story will be written as well, her sacrifice was a noble one." Nomi explained.

"Who's Lily?" I asked, not able to place the name to anyone I knew.

"The Elderly Midwife's guard, you should have seen them inside the Empress's room? The person that used the whip chain to down a number of the assassins." She stated.

"Oh, yeah, I didn't know the name." I nodded as if in awe.

We finally arrived at the area where the banquet had been held. Nomi stopped at the door as we waited to be summoned in. I could hear General Bai and the Empress both trying to convince the Emperor that I would be too scared to speak tonight. Noticing our appearance, one of the servants announced us to those within. Shortly after, another servant called us to enter.

Nomi walked me up the center of the room, I kept my eyes down cast, I looked timid and weary. The Crown Prince and Blake were on the side watching. We stopped and bowed low, remaining in this position until the Emperor told us to rise. Even after rising, we kept our bodies lowered, not fully upright.