light brown. I stroked the soap down my scalp, trying to wash the strands from the roots to the ends.
Once I was done, I dropped the soap out of the side of the barrel, covered my mouth and nose, and dunked my whole head underwater, scratching furiously at my scalp until I was sure I’d done my best to get clean. I popped up out of the top of the barrel with a loud gasp and slicked my hair back over my shoulders.
My teeth were chattering as I began finger combing the tangles from my hair. I was so focused on my business that I didn’t even notice when the door to the bathing chamber opened once more. I dunked a second time, and when I reemerged, a new—and unfortunately familiar—voice stood out among the rest.
Tyr. I looked down. Of course, he would come when I was most vulnerable. Naked and cold.
"You can wait outside,” he said as I scrambled to think of a way to get out and get dressed without being seen. It was impossible with how small and barren this room actually was. Me and the three guards were far too many people inside of it as it was.
"Sir, we're supposed to keep the prisoner under guard at all times," the head guard replied.
"You think I can't handle a small Fae woman who doesn't even have any power to speak of?" Tyr demanded.
"Of course not, sir."
There was a moment of silence where I prayed to the Gods that the guards wouldn’t leave, but then, “We’ll be right outside, sir.” I could have cried or thrown something at the head of the guard who’d answered. Number three. The dickbag.
“Of course,” Tyr replied lightly.
I peeked over my shoulder and watched as he stepped aside and the guards moved into a single file line as they exited the room. The door closed behind them and I jumped when the sound of a key in the lock turned, leaving me alone. With a fucking monster.
Tyr pivoted and met my gaze. A smile came to his face. “I wanted to come and make sure you weren't planning any last minute escape attempts,” he said as he rounded the barrel, moving steadily closer and closer as his footsteps echoed up the walls. I sank deep into the water and crossed my arms over my chest even as I glared at him. “Your execution is currently set for tomorrow morning, just as the sun rises over the mountains. It’s quite kind of His Majesty, don’t you think?” he asked. “You’ll be able to feel the sun on your face one last time before you die.”
"How would I even begin to escape?” I asked. “I'm just one person. And as you so kindly said yourself, I'm not even powerful." His eyes dipped down to where my arms crossed over my front and I wanted to let go for just a moment—not caring if I flashed him everything—if only I could hit him. Give him a nice, clean throat punch right to his stupid neck. You know, now that I was close to him—he wasn’t nearly as handsome as Orion. His neck was too long. His face too angular. His eyes too evil.
Slowly, as if he relished in making me feel uncomfortable, his eyes traveled up from my naked chest to my neck to my face. His smile was smug. “I also came because I heard you’ve been telling stories, Cressida.” He tsked at me. “Naughty. Naughty. Telling all of those fine guards out there that I’m a disgusting Fae.”
“How can you say that?” I demanded. “You are. I told them the truth. You don’t truly believe that Fae are disgusting—you’re just using them. The truth is that you’re a monster and when I get out of here, I’m going to make sure everyone knows it.”
He shrugged. "Silly girl. The truth is whatever I say it is," he replied. He stepped right in front of my barrel and leaned close. “And darling…” Tyr bent closer until I could see the darkness in his eyes, the way his pupils had all but swallowed the color of his irises, “the only way you’re getting out of here is when you’re being led to your death. That, I can assure you, is a kinder fate than any I would’ve given you. You should be grateful, really. I don’t hate you—I just find you a nuisance. You’re in my way. Nothing more. If I truly despised you, little Changeling, you