The next day.
As I said yesterday, I would come earlier to wake her up. And now I am doing just that.
Before the male servant arrives with hot water for my bath, I am already sitting on the bed. He looks at me with widened eyes, clearly surprised to find me awake.
Seeing the bucket in his hands, I take it from him and carry it into the bathroom. I turn the handle and step inside, pouring the water into the wooden tub. The water rises slowly, its surface trembling before settling into stillness.
I step back out and hand the empty bucket to him. His expression stiffens for a moment before he bows and excuses himself. I return the bow, and he leaves.
After watching the door close, I head back to the bathroom. Warm air lingers inside. Steam drifts upward, brushing against the ceiling. The water, once scalding, begins to settle into a steady warmth.
