Something warm landed between Annelise’s breasts and awakened her with a jolt. A small, smooth shape splashed into the bath, rolled over her belly, and was lost in the depths of the tub.
The lord of the palace had arrived!
Annelise sat up abruptly then realized her host would see her nude. Her hands flew to cover her breasts as she eased down in the bath water again and surveyed the chamber.
The room was deserted, though the candles had burned much lower since she had stepped into the inviting bath. It was too dark outside to see the fountain in the courtyard, but she could hear the water flowing.
She was still alone.
How could that be? Annelise felt around the bottom of the tub for whatever had awakened her. Her fingers closed on a hard, round item and she pulled it to the surface.
