Chapter 37
Hours later she awoke alone. Her mouth was as dry as if she had spent that time wandering in the desert. She smelled of sour sweat. Astolpho’s pillow and blanket felt damp beneath her. Maybe she really was ill, she thought.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and tested her balance before rising. She smoothed her tunic, ran a hand over her hair. She needed to bathe. She needed to get out of her clothes.
She met Rayda in the corridor. The girl’s distress at Bradamante’s appearance only confirmed how unsteady Bradamante felt.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Manat sent me to look for you. Where were you?”
“I don’t ... I need to swim in the inner pool. Is anyone in the hot room?”
“Usually not, this time of day.” Rayda chewed her bottom lip and surveyed Bradaman
