*Merida*
Blake offers to have a servant prepare a bath for me. Feeling sweaty and sticky, I appreciate the opportunity to wash the salt from my skin and slip on a clean nightdress.
Between my bedchamber and the next is a changing room. It is there that the copper tub is filled with warm water. I am grateful to remove the clinging cloth from my body and sink down into the comforting scented bath. I expect the servant to stay with me, but instead she leaves. I welcome the solitude. I lean my head back, partially lowering my eyelids, and watch the candle flames chasing the shadows around the room.
I know the nightmares hover nearby like thieves, keeping watch, waiting for the right moment to strike. I have gotten into the habit of sleeping in short bursts several moments here, a few more the
