The hot water was sprinkled with rose petals and chamomile flowers and floating with bubbles. A maid servant washed her hair and massaged her neck. The muscles were as tight as steel rods. Cookie personally delivered a ewer of fresh milk to soften and whiten the queen’s complexion. Queen Ashana waved away her maid servants so she could speak to Cookie alone. ‘Albert is back. He says the children have returned from the north,’ whispered Cookie. ‘They have the prince safely with them.’ ‘Thank the blessed Moon Goddess,’ whispered Queen Ashana, clutching the side of the bath with soapy fingers. ‘Courage, your highness,’ Cookie whispered. ‘Albert is gathering the rebels to the city.’ ‘Are you sure?’ whispered Queen Ashana urgently. ‘Are you sure my children are safe?’ ‘Albert says they are close by, your highness,’ Cookie assured her, before hurrying back to the kitchens to finalise the wedding feast. Queen Ashana sank her head deep under the water, her eyes closed.
