Having reached a decision, I unclasped my cloak. It fell to the mossy floor in a pile, my dress and petticoats following quickly behind.
Soon, I was standing in nothing but my shift. I could feel the weight of Xander’s gaze on me as I stood at the edge of the water, staring straight ahead.
This was it. I had to get in. I didn’t want to lose.
But it was more than that.
Iwantedto get in the water. I had lived most of my life surrounded by fear. Fear of what the king might do if he tired of me; fear of pushing the king too far. I had been controlled by a fear of the unknown.
And now, I was free. I wouldnotallow a fear of water to control me.
“Turn around, Xander,” I ordered, my voice firm. I was grateful my tone didn’t betray the nervous butterflies flitting about in my stomach.
“I live to serve, my lady.” His voice was deep and raspy as small splashes told me he had complied with my wishes.
I waited until his back was turned before I reached down and grabbed the hem of my shift. Without giving myself time to think, I yanked the rough material over my head.
Instantly, goosebumps erupted all over my breasts and stomach as I bared myself to the world. The only thing remaining on my body was the necklace from Nonna. It was thin, the chain light as it bumped between my breasts.
Other than that, I was as bare as the day I was born.
Lifting a toe, I held it over the water for a moment before hesitantly lowering it, inch by inch.
You can do this.
A Truce and a Tale
The water was warm.
Not just warm, but hot. It was pleasant as it lapped against my skin. A soft moan slipped out of me as I lowered myself into the pond’s welcoming embrace. As promised, the water didn’t reach higher than my waist.
Within mere moments, the heat permeated my body. I knelt on the sandy bottom, exhaling as the water lapped at my bare shoulders. Tension I hadn’t known existed left my body, and for a moment, I forgot that there was a very naked, very large male standing on the other side of the pond.
Basking in the quiet peacefulness of the night, I blew out a long breath. A small smile crept on my face as I ran my hand through the warm water.
“I told you it was safe.”
Xander’s voice broke through my meditative state.
I jumped to my feet, wrapping my arms around my chest as I tried to contain my bare breasts. It was a futile effort, so instead, I lowered myself into the water once more before turning to glare at the male. I could just barely make out the form of his body a few feet away from me, the water lapping around his waist, but I was fairly certain he could see in the dark.
“You shouldn’t sneak up on people,” I hissed, rubbing a wet hand down my face. Blood rushed to my cheeks once more, and I shuffled backward, studiously averting my eyes. “It’s rude.”
“I called your name three times, asking if you were okay,” he replied. I could hear the question in his voice.
“Oh.” I hadn’t heard him. My voice softened as I said, “I’m sorry.”
He coughed. “Kydona have mercy upon me. Aileana just apologized for something. The world must be coming to an end.”
I laughed at the tone of his voice, splashing him as I backed up. “Don’t be so ridiculous, Xander. It’s not like I’ve never uttered an apology.”
“You’ve never apologized to me,” he pointed out.
“That’s true,” I conceded. “You’re right. I will endeavor to apologize to you more frequently in the future.”
“I’m not going to lie to you, Sunshine. Ireallyenjoy hearing you tell me I’m right.” His voice was gruff, husky even.
I sucked in a breath as his words settled within me. My insides coiled tightly and a small splash came from his direction.