Fugitive of Death

20

 The camp was eerily quiet. With the exception of two dozen guard soldiers and the commanding officers, it was empty. The next batch of cadets would arrive by the end of the week. And as Xander waited for his father's response, I took full advantage of the freedoms I was granted.

The bathhouse had never been more welcoming. All the hot water and body oils with no one to share them with. And no one to kill me as I let my guard down. I sat there until my fingers wrinkled and the heat made my head light.

Under the steaming water, I observed my body up close, marveling at the modifications I hadn't noticed during the chaos of the last two days. My limbs were as toned as they were before thanks to the weeks of exercise and training I had put in. But the bones underneath no longer appeared as if they might snap in half like dry twigs. In fact, all of me looked sturdier. Even my breasts looked fuller.

That part had me most excited.

I had never felt pretty, or feminine. It wasn't like I had people basking in my beauty back in Ashanna. And my father had never even entertained the idea of suitors. That was to be dealt with after I took office, a carefully crafted marriage that would unite political adversaries and create another shapable heir. Now though...

Well, the possibilities felt a little more expansive.

"Death," I said aloud, my voice echoing off the marble walls, "thank you."

How grateful I am that you rediscovered your manners, He said matter-of-factly. I told you my work was impressive. Did you doubt me?

I smiled slightly. Never.

I stood up and retrieved my clothes, no longer opting for a defensive vest every morning. Someone had left behind a loose-fitting halter top and in their absence, I saw fit to make it my own. I assumed it would help me blend in better when I was finally out of this miserable camp. Once dressed, I wrung out my hair and exited the bathhouse—

Where Xander was waiting for me.

"I thought you drowned," he said as if I'd been wasting his time.

"And you didn't come in and check?" I asked, then immediately realized how much I did not want him to find my naked dead body.

He shrugged. "I'm sure someone would have found you eventually."

I gave him a forced smile. "How considerate. Why are you here?"

He held up a piece of parchment that had once been tightly rolled. It was now unraveled with the royal blue seal broken open. My stomach dropped.

"The King replied?"

"He has," Xander said in a tone I couldn't quite place. "Pack your bags. Or bag in your case. We ride for Megareus when you're ready."

"And if I'm never ready?"

"Then I tie you into a saddle and take you regardless."

He was insufferable.

"You're coming with us?" I asked.

"It would certainly look bad if I wasn't there to present my father with the greatest gift Lysidora has received in centuries." He paused as if realizing how that could be misinterpreted. "A Divine, that is. So yes, I will ensure you make it to Megareus in one piece."

"And leave the camp without command?"

A muscle in his jaw twitched and I wondered if leaving this camp was a blessing or a curse for the second-born prince. "I intend to promote a replacement before I go." He turned on his heel and started trekking back toward the center of camp.