I no longer held myself accountable for deriving even a modicum of pleasure from my current circumstance. The nap had been a balm, a respite that I relished. The embrace of Rascal, waking her with the tenderness of a kiss upon her head, had been a source of quiet contentment. I found satisfaction in the act of cleansing the body I temporarily inhabited, meticulously scrubbing every part I could reach, the rest attended to by Rascal’s gentle hands.

  Together, Rascal and I exchanged playful banter on our return to the chambers, clad in robes that still carried the warmth of the bath. She assisted me in dressing, and I did not bother to examine myself in the mirror—not because of any imagined objection from Princess, but simply because Rascal had already offered her aid. I observed the intricacies of both her attire and my own, vowing to tend to such details henceforth. The simplicity of the task seemed trivial now that I had willfully observed.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  In the dining hall, I heaped my plate with generous servings of whatever tantalized my senses, filling my goblet with wine. Yet, as I gazed into the reflection of my left eye in the crimson liquid, Princess’s voice returned, albeit softened.

  “Dubart, can you hear me now? Dubart! You win! Let’s talk, please!” The tone of her entreaty had lost its edge, giving way to something more yielding.

  “After supper,” I replied, taking a sip. The taste was unexpected, sharp and sour, like vinegar. How could anyone take pleasure in such bitterness? Perhaps it was an acquired taste, but for now, I would content myself with something sweeter—perhaps juice.

  “Did you say anything?” Rascal, sitting beside me, questioned.

  “I said ‘after supper,” I prepared to rephrase. “Once we have eaten, we shall finish your painting. However, I must insist you wear the same dress as last evening.”

  “Oh, right. I forgot!”

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