Valor nodded to Seche. “Release him.” He rose from his chair. “Tend to your partner.”
Valor left.
Seche nodded to Ios, who eagerly approached Kit, his tail hooking. “It is good to see you,” he said to Kit, a fond note in his voice. “We have been trying to steal you away for months now, but –”
“Ios,” Seche warned.
Ios threw Seche an annoyed look over his shoulder. “For reasons I am not allowed to tell you, we could not.” He unlocked Kit’s chains with deft clicks. “But you are with us now, and –”
“Ios.”
“—and for reasons Iamallowed to tell you, that makes me very happy!” Ios determinedly talked over Seche.
Chapter Nineteen
Ios guided them from the room, all warmth and tail touches, though he never strayed anywhere beyond Kit’s tail, and the reaction of passing kits to his presence—recognition and hooked tails on sight, delighted expressions when Kit happened to glance at them—spoke of fond familiarity. Their looks were akin to star-struck admiration. And this in response to a man who had burned down a shipment of food?
Despite the way he’d been brought here, it was clear Kit’s presence was wanted. And Nick thought, with sharp relief, his previous crimes were understood to have been coerced by Desre and forgiven.
What Nick didn’t quite know was his own standing. Was he free? Could he simply leave? His back wasn’t in great condition for travelling, but if needed, he’d grit his teeth and make do.
They went to a room one storey up, where warm dark wood replaced cold flagstone. A gleaming bronze bath was the main event of the room, trays of lotions and soaps set up around it alongside a partition holding a robe and two cream towels. The openness of the room left Nick feeling disconcerted. He was used to the ship. Cramped quarters, low ceilings.
Steam rose from the tub; the water was crystal clear, an irresistible temptation that made Nick aware of the grime stuckto him. How long had it been since he’d washed himself with more than a basin and cloths?
“Shall I assist you?” Ios asked.
Kit’s tail whipped out; Ios leapt away, dodging in time to avoid the smack.
“I was just offering.” Ios settled on the opposite side of the bath, a shield.
“Your room is connected through there.” Ios indicated a door beyond the tub. “I’ll prepare salves and fresh clothes. Everyone is eager to see you again…and the Lua is to be poured tonight. The children would be delighted if you were there to taste the fruits of their labour.”
Kit nodded. “I will attend.”
Ios left. Nick ventured forward but veered away from the bathtub, grabbing a washcloth and basin from the supply shelf. He moved stiffly as he stripped himself down and began wiping away the grime from his body.
“Do you want to go first?” Nick asked. Naked, he kept his back to Kit. His face heated, though he reminded himself that Kit had already seen him mostly naked. Had asked, horrified, about his piercings. Kit didn’t answer. Nick looked over his shoulder, catching Kit as his eyes snapped away from his buttocks. Nick kept his grin to himself, though a hint of amusement crept into his voice. “You can go first.”
“It is for you. They will bring fresh water for me after.” Kit found the wall on his right very fascinating.
Nick stepped carefully into the tub. “And do they boil bathtubs of fresh water for everyone they kidnap?” It was gloriously hot. He sighed with quiet delight as he sank into it.
“No.” Kit hesitated, considering how to answer.
“But they do for the general’s nephew?” Nick guessed. Kit had said his parents were dead, but there was a clear familial relation. And clear special treatment.
“Yes.”
“And their prisoners.”
Kit’s tail lashed. He lost interest in the wall, eyes sliding to Nick.
“You were Desre’s prisoner,” Kit denied in a soft voice.
“And now?”
Kit didn’t answer immediately. He looked towards the door at his back, the other leading to the bedroom. “May I assist you?” he asked.
