Page 82 of Foundling

After setting Slinky down to explore, he managed to strip in one great toss of clothing and stepped into the bath. Another moan filled the room alongside the steam as he sank down into the tub, his wings hanging out the back. His head came to rest on the lip, and a look of utter bliss overcame his face.

Leita found the rose oil Carenza often put in her baths and poured a generous amount into the simmering water. Before she could turn away, Attalus caught her hand in his, his flesh nearly scalding.

“Join me, agae,” he crooned.

“This temperature’s only suitable for lobsters. And dragons.” The fragrant steam was enticing, but she didn’t fancy boiling alive.

“Hmm, then I’ll let you know when it’s cooled off a little.”

Leita smiled to herself as she set about unpacking. Their blankets and clothing went into a basket that she left outside the door, as well as a note saying she’d returned and would need breakfast for two in the morning.

Attalus continued to soak as Leita found things to do, but eventually, she was tempted back to him. The water was still too hot for her, so she found a wide-toothed comb to brush out his long glossy hair.

She hadn’t brushed someone else’s hair—other than Thalia’s mane—in so long. It was a meditative, pleasant task, and Leita enjoyed watching the teeth rake through his hair. She administered cream and oil for softness, massaging his scalp.

“If you spoil me so soon, I’ll get used to this,” Attalus sighed.

That wasn’t…so bad. Leita savored the sweet scents and rich textures, the simple domesticity of this, of caring for her azai, filling her with a soft, terrifying feeling. This wasn’t just the first night of Attalus in Fallorian, this was their first night. Something about bringing him here, having him in her space, gave their mate bond a finality, an officialness even the pact hadn’t.

As Leita combed and caressed, those worries that followed her found their way into the chamber. They wormed through her heart, dulling her joy in simply being with Attalus. The worries told her to hang on tight, to clutch him to her, for she didn’t know how long this would last. They whispered to keep him safe, keep him hidden. She could guard him here, in this room, for the rest of their lives.

Looking down upon his head, proud and regal with his double sets of horns, his brow smooth with relaxation, Leita realized what it was she considered.

Her instinct was to protect him at all costs. If locking him away was what it took to never lose him, so be it.

While Leita might’ve thought she possessed a stronger sense of right and wrong, when it came to Attalus, her morals were secondary at best.

She might’ve also been forgiven, even vindicated in doing so. Fae valued azai above all else.

But in that new, soft, vulnerable place growing inside her, she hesitated. She didn’t want to be his jailer nor his master. She wanted Attalus, his smiles and his joy, his teasing and yes, even his flirting. She wanted his sadness and his rages, too. But would she truly have all of him if she barred the doors and padded his existence?

Likely not.

“Leita…?”

The sound of her name made her realize she’d been holding his head, unmoving, for a little too long. Head balanced on the rim of the tub, Attalus peered up at her, his smile upside down.

“I think the water’s cool enough for you. Let me comb your hair.”

Leita swayed forward. Oh, she wanted that. Wanted that comfort. But first…

She bent to kiss his surprised mouth.

Thalia had been right, all those weeks ago. Leita had to choose to be happy, and it was a choice to be made over and over, again and again, throughout their days together.

For that, though, Leita would have to make an even harder choice—she would have to trust him.

“Promise me?” she murmured against his lips. “Promise you’ll never lie to me again?”

“Lie to you?” he echoed.

“The venom.”

Stepping around the tub, she knelt at its side, needing to see him when he answered.

Leaning his elbow on the lip, Attalus rested the side of his head against his fist. He gave her a sheepish look when he said, “I didn’t want to worry you, doe, that’s all. I didn’t realize it would come back with a vengeance.”

Leita nodded, accepting that. But still, “It could’ve killed you.”