Take her with you

Clutching your hands into a fist, you mutter "I think taking her to Itheria to be punished would be appropriate. The girl tried to kill me and obviously I don't take kindly to it."

Claudius ponders your decision for a moment, "Very well, Bryce. I'll have her taken to the dungeons to await your trip home. Until then, I'll have a servant draw a bath for you and get ready for tonight."

He pats your shoulder one last time before leaving to deliver your orders. A few of the guards at the scene accompany you and while your mind wanders. Your feet take you on a roundabout path back to the guest room. **** tonight would have spelled disaster for Itheria and your people. Without an heir, or even a wife, the lords and ladies of the realm would have torn apart everything your family had worked for over the years. The people would have suffered and many would have died. All because a pretty face got the better of you. It is a sobering thought. Finally, you arrive at the guest room. The guards stand post outside the door and you head in. In the center of your room is a long metal tub full of hot water. It would seem as if your little walk allowed the servants to prepare it before you arrived.

With little thought, you peel your clothes off and slip into the bath. It's not quite the hot springs from home, but after what just happened; It feels pretty damn good. You didn't realize exactly how rattled the attempt on your life made you until the warmth of the water seeps into your muscles and your body slowly begins to relax. Definitely from now on, you're going to have to take measures to protect yourself. You can't just rely on Akina. She can't be with you always...Although if at any point she should be with you, it's now. You have gone all day and not seen her.

As if on queue, your door suddenly bursts open and Akina bolts into the room. She's wearing her traditional leather armor and her expression is one of such concern that she doesn't even notice that you're taking a bath. "Your Majesty! Bryce...I just heard what happened. I am so sorry! I should have been there...Had I not been drinking last night, then I would have been with you and none of this would have happened! This is all my fault."

Her eyes tear up a bit from berating herself. She's right, had she been there it would have been highly unlikely that Lady Sera would have gotten so close to you. Even if she had, surely Akina would have beaten her in a duel. You easily managed to apprehend the assassin after all. Perhaps Akina has become a bit too complacent with her duties. A punishment may be in order...Of course, it also appears that she's punishing herself already. The scare alone may have been enough to put her on a more attentive track.