FIFTEEN
Ava was led to a sumptuous apartment that would have satisfied the Queen – much too grand for her, Ava wanted to say, but perhaps this kingdom was richer than her father's. This might be an ordinary chamber in an emperor's palace. Lagle was surely just as well accommodated. If not, Ava would soon hear of it, the moment Lagle awoke. For she would wake. She must.
"Do you wish to wash, mistress?" a female voice asked.
Ava whirled, to find a half dozen maids bowing low, each bearing a bundle of fabric. They bowed again in unison.
"Ah...yes," Ava said, looking for a jug and a bowl.
"Follow me to the bath house, mistress," the same voice said, and one of the maids turned and led the way out of the chamber.
When Ava entered the bath house, she wished she hadn't. The ornate bath
