Chapter Three: A Little Luxury

I cracked my eyes open, the darkness of the room still present due to the closed curtains. I stretched my arms, fingertips brushing along the sheets beneath me as I did. By Nicneven, I needed that rest. A vampiress could only go so long without sleep. Though the smell of stagnant blood, earth and gore reached my senses. I peered down at my rather crusty and pungent clothes. Shit. In my eagerness to get into bed, I'd forgotten to change. Well, there was no way I could see Rhuesia looking like this. I'd rather go through the turning again than imagine what she'd say if I went before her as I was. A bath it would have to be, not like I'd been privy to one of those in a while either, unless you counted the river.

   Releasing my grip on the comfortable bed bar, I floated back around to a standing position, leaping off the bed and yawning my way into the bath chamber. At least I'd removed my socks and boots last night, they were probably smelling a bit fresh themselves. Luckily they were in the corner of the room, as far away from me as possible. The massive porcelain tub that sat in the middle of the bath chamber was a luxury, one that I'd grown accustomed to over the centuries. The Circe Coven, for all its attempt at propriety and wealth would never be able to afford something like this. It was definitely a lot more comfortable than sitting in a wooden basin that looked as though it had been cobbled together from various large wine barrels. It seemed someone had anticipated my need to bathe, the tub was already filled with hot steaming water. No doubt Malakay had sent servants to both mine and Lixiss's rooms.

   Well I couldn't complain. The less time I had to prepare the tub and more time to enjoy it was all the better for me. I curled my fingers around the neck of a thin bottle, filled with a concoction of purple liquid of my own design. Uncorking the top, the smell of lavender immediately drifted out. Lavender was known to be soothing, relaxing and Nicneven knew I would need both before facing Rhuesia. I poured the potion into the water, twisting my hands and tore words of the arcane from my throat. The water swirled until a nice layer of invitingly airy bubbles coated the top. Perfect. Just the way I liked it.

    Peeling the musty fabric from my skin and stripping myself of any other adornments, I clambered into the tub, groaning in pleasure as the warmth spread over my flesh and the bubbles washed over me. I'd always loved having a long soak in the bath. With the opportunity becoming fewer and far between lately, I wasn't going to waste this chance. Though I'd have to find time to brew more bath potions, the lavender bottle was the last of my previous stock. The Circe Coven may not have had a tub like this, but at the very least the water had been warm.

    As I played with the bubbles, my mind wandered to what awaited me. Rhuesia wouldn't summon me without good reason, but as for what that was, I knew not. As Lixiss had pointed out, we'd been nowhere near the castle for weeks. It was also unusual for her to request an audience so soon after our return. What could she possibly want? If it was another assignment, I was going to take a bite out of her, Clan Leader or not. We’d just got back for Nicneven's sake! Didn't we deserve at least more than one night to recuperate. My eyebrows drew together and a sigh passed my lips. Even if me and Lixiss weren't happy about it (and by the gods I already knew Lixiss wouldn't be ecstatic about leaving again on an assignment now), we wouldn't have much of a choice. The Clan Leader's word was almost absolute. Almost.

   Heart plummeting at the thought of heading out on the road again, I sank even deeper beneath the bubbles, letting them obscure me completely from view. There was no other reason she could want to see me. That had to be it. If my fate was already sealed, I just hoped it was something interesting and not say, checking out a herd of cattle that had wandered into the wood. On the other hand, at least that would be quick.

   Sighing again, I picked up the soap and began lathering it over my skin. The lavender of my concoction may have already started to mask my smell, but there was nothing like being actually clean. Something Jameson needed to be reminded of. After scrubbing the soap all over, including vigorously over a stubborn patch of dirt around my ankle, I dived back beneath the water again, letting it gently remove the soap from my body. Now for the final part of my routine.

  I emerged from the water again, long red hair falling in fiery trails down my chest and rippling across the surface. Hair was a vampiress's pride and joy and I was sure to give mine the attention it needed when I had the chance. The bath potions may all be out but hair potions? Those I made by the dozen. I grabbed a different pink coloured bottle with a swirl in its neck, uncorking it like I had with the lavender liquid. I poured it generously onto my hair, making sure to rub it deep into my locks, right down to the scalp. Oh yes. I could already feel the smell of earth and dirt finally coming out.

  Just as I was about to wash the mixture out, a knock at the door interrupted my enjoyment. "I'm in the bath!" I called out, agitated.

"Yes, I imagine you'd need one after lying on filth for three weeks." The bored, blunt tone of Yira sounded from the other side of my chamber door.

"What can I do for you Yira? And can it wait ten minutes?" I said at an exasperated normal volume, knowing she'd be able to hear despite the distance.

"Rhuesia sent me to tell you she'll be waiting in the observatory. Maybe ten minutes will be enough time." I didn't need to see Yira to know a smug smirk was fashioned on her lips.

"Well, message received. I'll be there shortly." I answered, trying to regain my dignity. Stupid stuck up Yira and her need to be better than everyone all the time.

"Good. And for Camazotz's sake, try and look presentable.”She sneered before the clack of her shoes echoed down the corridor. I always wondered how she could wear such uncomfortable shoes when our feet were practically made for sturdy comfortable boots. No matter. I had an audience to attend and apparently, there was no time to waste.

  Could I not just enjoy one thing before the day was ruined?