Free The Destroyer Book 4 by Michael-Scott Earle

you gave your father. They should be able to retrieve more of your clothes and personal possessions. It is amazing you survived that attack. Did you really kill twelve Ubarwa warriors?”
    “Fourteen.” I finished taking off my clothes and got into the bath. The water felt fantastic and I reached for the scented oils.
    “Amazing. Legends speak of Singleborn power, but I never thought I would meet one. Were you afraid?”
    “No. I’ve killed plenty of Elvens and far too many humans and horses to count.” One of the oils smelled of lavender and another of pine needles. I poured a small amount of each into the tub and watched them swirl around in the hot water. They were powerful and the bath immediately began to smell soothing.
    “Your fierce reputation has evoked some fear in the tribe. Of course, we are thankful that you are here with us safely.” She bowed with a slight smile.
    “I would hope so.” I turned my attention back to the woman. “What is your name?”
    “Relyara, Mistress. Thank you for asking.” She bowed again.
    “Are you fucking my father?”
    “What? No! Of course not.” She looked shocked that I asked the question, but I smelled her fear. It was unclear if the scent came because she feared I would not believe her lie or because she feared I would not believe the truth. I would need a few days to accustom myself to her scent and its normal variations before I could decide. The strong aroma of the bath oil was further confusing my conclusions.
    “The Ubarwa knew I was coming. They knew the route and how many guards I had. You wouldn’t know anything about that would you, Relyara?” I found a small brick of creamy soap and washed the tender parts of my feet.
    “I am sorry, Mistress. I am just a servant in your father’s house. You need not question my loyalty to your family. And in any case, I am not privy to such information to begin with. It is unfortunate that you were attacked, but I am happy that you are alive now.” The scent of fear was still there, mixed slightly with the peppery hot scent of anger and indignation. The words sounded rehearsed, but that could have been my own paranoia. If Relyara was fucking my father, then she would have reason to want me dead. My father had many offspring, but I was his eldest and the Singleborn. I had rights to his land and title. Relyara would be wise to fear for her place, or any children she might conceive with him.
    “A servant as capable as yourself must have an ear for gossip. No matter, though. When I determine who betrayed my father I will rip their body apart with my fingernails. Anything you could do to expedite the discovery of this traitor would earn my gratitude and appreciation.” I smiled warmly at her. Her scent filled the bathroom with bitterness and she met my eyes boldly.
    “I will do my best to serve you in all aspects, Mistress.”
    “I will continue my bath alone. Please prepare my dress and return when it is time for dinner."
    “Yes, Mistress.”
    She fled to the other room and I heard the sound of doors being opened and the gentle swish of silk garments being moved. I suspected it was one of my father’s elders who had betrayed my travel information to the Ubarwa, but it would be useful for Relyara to fear and respect me, I could earn true loyalty in time. I heard her leave the room and I sighed in relief and leaned back into the water.
    If there was anything I loved as much as riding horses, it was taking hot baths.
    A pounding on the door reverberated in my ears and rippled the water of my bath. I had fallen asleep. The water was still hot, so I could not have been unconscious for long.
    My door opened and I heard footsteps make their way toward the bathroom. The scent of the oils prevented me from identifying who entered the room with certainty, though the rhythm and weight of the footsteps made me guess it was my father.
    “I’m in here!” I yelled. He came in, glowering down at me.
    “You should be dressed by