The distance from the bed to the tub was long—quite long in his prince-sized chamber—but it was crossed before he could even feel the air resistance. At that speed, a painful impact would've been expected, yet the landing was soft as a drop of water joining a stream.
He might have been grateful, but his mind was screaming, steam, steam—hot, hot, hot!
He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the pain to sharpen. Instead, like a hot plate meeting ice, the pain lessened the moment his skin met the steaming water.
He opened his eyes slowly and confirmed he really was in the tub—and the pain was fading fast. He turned to the only person who should have answers, because who tosses their precious beloved son into danger like that except he knew what was going on? Besides, Ajab didn't remember telling him his legs were on fire. Or wait...did his father not know and just throw him in thinking he was joking?
