Chapter 18

Thea curled up on the soft fur blankets, her skin dewy with sweat from the warmth of the water she had just left behind. Iva sat by her side, a brush in hand. “You should let me smooth your hair. It will relax you.”

The queen glanced over at her, exhaustion hooding her eyes. “I don’t think that will work.”

“Why not? It worked before.”

“Yes, but before was not now. Now I have much greater things to worry about.”

Iva huffed. “Will you at least let me try?”

Thea fought to hide her smile but was unsuccessful. “Very well, then.” She sat up.

“Close your eyes,” Iva said softly, and ran her fingers through Thea’s hair, massaging her head gently. Though she had protested, the queen quickly relaxed.

“You should have become a priestess of goddess of love,” Thea mumbled. “Imagine all the men that would request to see you simply for your massages.”

Iva guffawed. “Gods, woman. You know me better than that. Besides, the goddess has done me no favors.”