Her heart ached with the knowledge that his injuries were a result of her actions, and the simple request he had made seemed so small in comparison.

She knew how much he detested feeling unclean, and the thought of him being unable to bathe only added to his discomfort.

With a newfound tenderness in her heart, Ariana surrendered to Theodore's request. Nodding, she promised, “Okay. I will fetch you warm water to soothe and cleanse your body."

Theodore's gaze lingered on Ariana's back, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

As she prepared a basin of hot water and a fluffy towel, Ariana was faced with a new challenge.