“First, I will show you to your bathing room and you can relax for a little bit while your gowns are being prepared.” Lady Dorwenna pushed a door open, and the scent of flowers poured out. “Would you like assistance or do you prefer to bathe alone?”

“I will bathe myself if that is acceptable.” Ardala looked through the door at the sunken tub in the floor. It was the size of a small pond and was already full and steaming gently into the air. “I am not accustomed to ...