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"It is the Anticipation," First says as if that explains everything. Her hands glide over my buttocks. "I do not know about any other Aspects, though. As I said, we do not leave the Citadel. We remain here to focus our lives in prayer. Our needs are supplemented by caravans of tithes from Aventine."
Didn’t Aron say that Aventine was getting ready to go to war with the Citadel? Maybe I misheard.
Overall, being one of Tadekha’s servants sounds way better than being Aron’s anchor. You get angel wings, beautiful gowns, perfumed baths, and get to live here. Meanwhile, I'd been dragged through the gutters of Aventine, almost beheaded and nearly had to whore myself. I have to wonder though…have others been pulled into this world like I have? Or am I the only one out of place?
I decide not to ask. I suspect it’s information I need to keep to myself.
She dips the cloth in the scented water again and then begins to wash my breasts in teasing, delicate strokes. I gasp, shocked at the intrusive touch—and how my body responds to it. I should not be turned on. I barely even like this woman. I snatch the cloth from her hands. “I got it, thanks.”
First gives me a questioning look, then sits back on her knees and watches me bathe.
I scrub my skin, hard. Time to get this bath over with quickly. "So…do you know Aron?"
"I have only been privileged to meet my Lady."
I snort. "Oh, meeting Aron isn't a privilege. It's more like a test of your patience."
First gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.
Ah, crap. I've offended her again. I just shake my head and continue scrubbing. I'm giving up on being polite and unobtrusive. "Trust me, when you meet him, you'll see exactly what I mean."