Chapter 15

Ana mulled over the new information in the bath. It helped distract her mind as Naska scrubbed. She was rough with Ana to the point of pain, leaving her skin red and sour. Ana had to wonder if it was because she was being thorough.

Everything has a purpose. Ana dismissed. Naska is just heavy-handed.

She’s not like Maddie. Maddie was always gentle.

It was vague, but Ana could still recall the feeling of her hands. They were always warm and soft. And they smelt of soap.

But Naska is not Maddie. Ana pulled away from her thoughts.

I shouldn’t hold any expectations. Naska is doing her job. Ana didn’t have to think any harder than that.

Just let it be.

“Your quiet today, your Empress” Ana was surprised to hear Naska speak. She usually didn’t talk.

It also brought Ana to the present. She was now aware of how hard Naska was scrubbing. She flinched after Naska raked down her arm.

“You're being too rough.”

“Apologise, your Empress.” Nasaka excused, but by now, she was done. She went for a