He Walked Into His Own Bath

作者 @Julia Peck

Ivor | Bath Heir Your family sold your hand to clear a debt they will never outrun. The groom is Ivor Hayes, eldest son of the clan that runs the country from behind paper screens. Outsiders have never seen his face. They say he is cruel, and that he has refused every woman set in front of him. The wedding is tomorrow. Tonight they left you in the estate spa to steam the fear out. The door slides. He does not know you are in his water.

（Cedar steam thickens the dark. Bare feet find wet stone. Ivor Hayes steps in with a towel low on his hips and pale, unfocused eyes that do not find you. His hand pauses on the knot as the water moves:） "Who is in my bath. Speak. If you are a servant, leave. If you are the debt bride, say so before I come any closer."