Page 147 of Burn Her They Said
Satisfaction overtakes Drusilla’s expression, and my pulse pounds as she can’t be up to anything positive.
“There,” Varic says, unfastening the last button before stalking over to retrieve the towel from Drusilla.
I kick off my boots, and my Guards move closer, turning away to survey the area.
I drape my clothes over a nearby rock and cover my front as best I can while wincing from the pain of pebbles digging into the soles of my feet. The rounded rocks shift beneath my weight, and I slide over algae the farther I step into the river.
Drusilla tosses her boxy dress to the shore, leaving her black slip, which she hikes up to avoid getting it wet as she instructs me to crouch before her.
“Someone is approaching from the other side of the river,” Malin says.
“From which direction?” Varic’s voice is all authority, and he casts his shield over Drusilla and me, leaving the rest of them vulnerable.
Malin points where he senses another being traveling in this direction from the other side of the river. Varic nods and turns to catch Fray’s attention.
“Fly,” Varic commands, and Fray takes off across the water to land on the opposite shore.
“Whoa!” a sorcerer’s voice shouts in surprise, and I sink down until water laps my collarbones.
“Turn back now, or I will make you!” Varic shouts, storming forward until his boots splash along the edge of the water.
Fray gesticulates to the sorcerer wearing a straw hat, a white shirt, and brown trousers, appearing to be a mere sheep herder since dozens of the fluffy white bleating things surround him.
“Sorry. Didn’t know anyone would be bathing,” the sorcerer yells. “I’ll come back later.”
He turns away with Fray’s assistance, then waves to Fray, who waits for him to walk farther away before flying back to our side of the shore.
Varic steps back from the water, and I stare at the ripples his boots created while Drusilla finishes rinsing my hair with a cup she brought. She pats my shoulder to order me to stand, and the amber shield expands to contain Varic as we exit the water.
He greets me by extending the towel while averting his gaze. I press up against the dense threads until he gingerly folds the towel around my body. His hands are careful as he avoids brushing my skin with our present audience.
Drusilla busies herself with the toiletries, feigning disinterest in my naked form standing before the sorcerer she has reported for showing affection toward me.
“More are approaching on the path. I suspect it is the Emperor and his Guards,” Malin says.
Varic moves faster than expected, pleating a fold in the towel so it stays up on its own.
“Ah, my little witch,” Emperor Aldritch calls out.
Varic and I move apart, and I swallow a groan as debris stabs underfoot.
“Come,” His Majesty commands.
“Your Majesty.” Varic respectfully bows. “We will escort Imperial Grand Witch Tasch behind the tree cover, where Imperial Attendant Drusilla may dress her. Then we will bring her wherever you require.”
The Emperor sneers as he closes the distance to nearly come chest to chest with Varic. “I give the orders, or else you will watch her suffer the consequence of your insolence.”
Bright yellow lightning bursts fill Varic’s palms, so I pull on my magic and send both of their bodies threads of calm and complacency.
The Emperor falls back with his Guards as he whispers commands I am unable to discern. Mille, his healer, stalks away as the Emperor claps.
“You may dress, my little witch. Then you will come with me while your Guards bathe.”
Ice fills my veins despite Varic’s staring when the Emperor and his Guards turn away.
“Come,” Drusilla says, turning toward another narrow path in the forest.
Varic trails closely behind us, while Cirrin, Malin, Fray, and Lars spread out once we enter the small clearing.
