Beta Osman escorted them into the forest and stopped in front of a cave. “This is it,” he said. “Your handmaiden and I will keep watch from here. Please proceed inside. Just walk straight and you’ll see the hot spring.”
“I should go with my lady,” Melva said, taking a step forward.
But Osman blocked her with an arm and said firmly, “No. You stay here and make sure no one else goes inside.”
“But you’re already here. You can-”
“It’s alright, Melva,” Althea interrupted with a gentle smile. She reached out and took the towel and change of clothes from her handmaiden. “I can manage.”
With that, she walked ahead on her own.
The cave was dark at first, but as she ventured deeper, warm light glowed from ahead. Her eyes lit up the moment the hot spring came into view. The water was crystal cl
