Page 62 of The Divine Lies We Weave

The Viperess’s only response was a long, arduous hiss.

Leela bit the inside of her cheek. If the Viperess would curse Flames and generations to churn their emotions and form monsters, what else could she do?

Do you not find it puzzling?

What is there to puzzle about now? There isn’t anything that can be done about it, and you still want your revenge on him, right?

Of course I do.

Then shut up and leave me the fuck alone for more than five minutes.

The Viperess hissed again but obeyed.

“Didn’t expect to see this first thing in the morning.”

Leela jerked around, splashing water over the edge and splattering Iravan’s cane. A smirk twisted his lips.

Leela hugged the corner and crouched so only her head was visible—at least she hoped.

“I didn’t realize anyone was awake,” she said, heat rising over her cheeks.

Iravan chuckled. “Oh, doesn’t bother me. It isn’t like I haven’t seen it all before.”

Her cheeks burned. “That was when we were young.”

“Please rephrase that because it makes me seem suspicious,” Iravan said. “I’ll leave you, I just didn’t want to awkwardly walk away, and you suddenly hear my cane or the door and think it was someone else.”

“And who else would I think it was?”

“Rajesh, perhaps?”

She kept her face guarded behind an indifferent look. “No. Because I have other things to do, and I’m sure he does as well.”

“That he does.” Iravan winked. “I’ll see you at breakfast then?”

Leela nodded.

Iravan’s chuckle echoed out the door.

Ugh. She’d have to get used to seeing old faces again.

Leela quickly finished washing her hair and got out. She dried herself and got dressed in the red blouse with golden embroidery around the arm. She hitched her pants up as far as it could go, trying to hide the little stomach pudge she had. Living in the palace meant she was well fed, but it didn’t mean she was as toned as she’d like to be, and her hormones didn’t allow her body to forget.

While twirling damp pieces of her hair, she left the bathing chambers.

Not even a step out of the room, she froze as her gaze connected with Rajesh’s from across the courtyard.

She soaked him in like he did her. This morning, he wore a silky black shirt and loose pants with a wrap in the middle. His curls sat in tufts, and the edges of his hairline were shaven into a gradient finish. A light stubble rode his jaw, highlighting the jut of his chin.

Her mouth dried.

Last night’s conversation rose. Not that she’d forgotten it or would be likely to forget it anytime soon.

Over him, I assume?

Shut up.

She cleared her throat. “Morning.”