Selene took a step forward, then realized Mildred wasn’t moving. She looked back. Mildred stood by the door, a curious expression on her face. “This is the first time I’ve had a consort stay at my inn,” she said with a little bit of awe. “Or the grand lord.”

“I’m not Lord Damien’s consort,” Selene said, slightly horrified. Consorts were spouses from lesser houses, whereas she was an equal to Damien. “I’m Lady Selene of Ravenwood.”

Or was she? If she was disowned, who did that make her?

“Oh!” Mildred’s eyes went so wide Selene could see the whites around the edges. “I had no idea. . . .”

“It was a surprise to all of us.” She clamped her lips shut. That was more than she had wanted to share.

“I see.” Mildred’s mischievous look came back. “I wish I had more to offer, like scented water. Nothing like lavender for a new couple.” Mildred clapped her hands. “Well then. Best to use the water while it’s still hot. And let me know if you need anythi—”

“Yes,” Selene blurted out. “I do need something.”

“Yes?”

“Is there a chance you might have a change of clothes? I’ve been traveling in these garments for days. . . .” Her voice trailed off as she looked down at her black clothing. Not the typical kind of clothes a lady would wear.

She looked up and caught Mildred eyeing her. “You’re a bit taller than I am, but I might have something.”

“You do?” Selene sighed gratefully. She had never washed clothing before and wasn’t quite sure how. With all the servants at Rook Castle, she’d never had to think about it before. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. It’s not every day I have the grand lord himself and his wife staying in my inn.” She gleefully rubbed her hands together. “What a story this’ll make. Now I’ll leave you to bathe.” Mildred turned and left, leaving Selene alone in the room, with only the candles for light and a tub waiting for her.

After checking that the latch was secure, Selene stripped off her soiled clothes and dumped them near the door, then stepped into the round wooden tub—barely bigger than a rain barrel—careful not to dislodge the wooden plank that lay across one end and held the beige bar of soap.

The moment she sank down, a long sigh escaped her lips. She didn’t have much time, not if the men downstairs had to share the water, but she couldn’t help taking a moment to savor the water before dunking her head and grabbing the soap.

The soap had very little smell, but it did wash away the grime and dirt from her travels. Selene washed her hair twice, then let it hang over the edge of the tub. Then she leaned over to one side and placed her arms across the edge. Just one more minute, then she would get out.

She laid her head across her arms and closed her eyes. She yawned and before she knew it, she slipped into the darkness.