Chapter 44 Hate To See Her Hurt

• Katarina
• The scent of herbs and warm water in the air hits my nostrils as I approach Katarina’s room. I pause at the doorway, my hand on the frame, watching them silently. Roselyn stands by the tub, her hands gentle as she helps Katarina out of her dress. The fabric falls easily to the floor, revealing the bruises scattered across her skin. Katarina’s only wearing her underwear, so the marks are exposed. My brows furrow in displeasure. I hate that she’s hurt. The marks are still fresh, some darker than others, evidence of the fight that took place earlier. She’s in pain, but she doesn’t say a word. She’s just quiet, not her usual self. She only gets this way when she’s both mad and terrified of me. I’m usually the reason for her tamed demeanor. It doesn’t last long though before she’s back to her defiant self.
• “This will make you feel better, Katty,” I hear Roselyn say in a low voice, urging her to step into the tub. Katarina obeys, her movement is slow and careful. She lowers herself into the water, still wearing her underwear, and I see her wince as the warmth touches her skin. Roselyn begins dabbing water on her, gently, like she’s afraid to hurt her more.