Beta Osman escorted them into the forest and stopped in front of a cave. “This is it,” he said. “Your handmaiden and I will keep watch from here. Please proceed inside. Just walk straight and you’ll see the hot spring.”

“I should go with my lady,” Melva said, taking a step forward.

But Osman blocked her with an arm and said firmly, “No. You stay here and make sure no one else goes inside.”

“But you’re already here. You can-”

“It’s alright, Melva,” Althea ...