Alex entered the baths, and the steam from the water curled around his skin and clothes. He let out a sigh of relief—it was exactly what he needed. He tilted his head back and glanced at William.

"Don't tell me you're embarrassed."

The mage didn't reply and came closer. His face was bright red, and his long black hair clung to his cheeks and shoulders like strands of seaweed. He looked like a water spirit that had just emerged from the ocean depths.

Alex placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, it's just a bath! Don't make that face—you look like a man on his way to the gallows."

William pulled away. "Why wouldn't you let me leave?"

"You've been riding all day, and this water's a real tonic for your muscles. Trust me, your back will thank you later."

"I don't like undressing in front of strangers."

Alex scratched the back of his neck. "Right, sorry. Just so you know, even if I do like men, I'm not a creep."

William shot him a glare. "I never thought you were."

"Your Highness!"

Alex turned around.

A young man with short brown hair had just stepped out from a servants' passage and was walking toward him with a cheerful smile. He wore a light robe that concealed nothing—neither the graceful lines of his body nor his nudity—and his eyes were beautifully painted.

A prostitute.

So that was the Castellan's surprise? What did he think he was, someone who spent all his free time in brothels?

William's annoyed expression turned into cold fury. He shot Alex a sharp look, but the prince only shrugged.

"I didn't know, believe me."

The young man had stopped at a polite distance, watching them uncertainly. "The Lord Castellan didn't tell me there'd be… uh…" He looked at the mage, who stiffened.

Alex flashed his best smile. "It's a pleasant surprise, I assure you, but we won't be needing your services. And certainly not the mage."

"You can just watch, if that's what you prefer."

"No need, we're tired."

The prostitute took a step closer and gave him a pleading look. "May I at least help you undress?"

It was an act—he only wanted to soften him—but Alex gave in anyway, even knowing that. He simply couldn't resist a man looking at him with puppy eyes.

"Alright, but just the undressing."

William turned toward the entrance. "Enjoy yourself, Your Highness."

Alex caught him by the wrist before he could disappear behind the door. "Wait a second!"

"Let me go."

"No. You're staying—that's an order."

"Absolutely not! I don't want to watch you… amuse yourself."

"What do you take me for? I'm not going to do anything. You have my word."

William pressed his lips together and stared at him for several long seconds. "If you start doing inappropriate... things, I swear I'll turn you into a toad."

Alex smirked. "Then you'll have to kiss me to turn me back into a prince."

"Don't count on it. As far as I'm concerned, you can stay a toad for the rest of your life."

After finishing undressing, Alex slid into the tub and sat on its bottom. The warm water enveloped his muscles and melted away all the tension of the day.

"By the spirits, I've missed these baths!"

He glanced at the prostitute, who was carefully folding his clothes. He had kept his word and only undressed him, but his presence made Alex uneasy. Could the nobles really think he was a lazy, perverted prince?

His eyes shifted to William, submerged up to his nose, his ears red. Alex barely suppressed a smile; he looked sulky.

"Is it warm enough?"

"Too warm for my taste, but I can endure it."

The mage's gaze flicked toward the prostitute, as if he considered him some kind of dangerous creature. Alex looked at the young man, who had just sat down on a bench, then back at William.

"Don't worry, he won't eat you."

"I don't like him. I'd rather he left."

"I could tell him to leave, but that would be rude to Lynden."

"That's ridiculous."

"I don't make the rules. Anyway, if you want, you could always get a massage."

William stiffened and made a displeased sound. "Don't joke. I don't want anyone touching me."

"A massage would do me good, though."

Alex leaned back against the edge of the tub and raised a hand. The young man sprang to his feet and approached with a radiant smile. He bowed deeply, hands joined, forehead brushing the marble floor, damp from the steam.

"Your Highness. Ask whatever you wish, I am your humble servant."

"My shoulders are sore. I need a massage."

"As you desire."

The prostitute retrieved an inlaid wooden box and sat behind him. A strong scent of violet and jasmine filled his senses and eased his nerves. 

Alex closed his eyes. By the spirits, he really needed that!

"What's your name?"

"Reyne, Your Highness. My stage name is Golden Lily."

Alex had never heard of him, but he usually frequented the same brothel back in the capital. Well, it didn't matter; he just wanted a massage.

"Do your best, but nothing inappropriate."