An excerpt from Cassandra's Challenge


Shutting off the water he reaches for the towels, handing her one she starts to dry her hair.  William in the meantime takes it upon himself to dry her body, starting with her shoulders working his way down.  When her breathing begins to change William looks up at her a gleam in his eye.

"William…” Is all she can manage placing a balancing hand on his shoulder.  As he continues down her leg she feels his muscles tense under her hand.

“Cassandra? What’s this?” His tone is rigid.

“What?” Concerned at his tone she looks down to where he is drying her right leg. “Oh that’s just my birthmark.” She says unconcerned.  Still holding her leg he looks up at her. 

“You’re what?”

“Birthmark.” When he doesn’t reply she tries to explain further. “It was there when I was born.”

“I know what a birthmark is Cassandra!” William rising testily, she’s somewhat taken aback by his sudden change of mood. Taking the towel from his hands she wraps it around her body, suddenly feeling the need to cover herself.

“I don’t understand why you’re so upset about it.”

“Why haven’t I seen it before now!”  He demands turning to get his own towel.

“I don’t know!” His attitude is starting to irritate her it’s just a mark for God’s sake. “Maybe you haven’t looked?” Turning she leaves the bathroom, William follows close behind.

“Why didn’t you tell me!”

“Why would I? Did you tell me about yours?” She picks up the trail of clothes she’d left on her way to the shower.

“Mine?” William’s frowns puzzled.

“The one on your right forearm, that looks like an arrow.”  William looks at his right arm, at the imperial mark he’s always carried.

“I’ve never hidden mine.” He shoots back.

“Neither have I! It’s hardly my fault you’ve never bothered to look!”  Cassandra has had enough she’ll be damned if she is going to have an argument in only a towel.  Dropping it she pulls on her shirt.

“It’s important Cassandra.” Going to his closet William pulls on a pair of pants. “When did you first discover the birthmark?”  By this time Cassandra has her pants on and is working on her socks. 

“There is no ‘when did you first discover the birthmark’ William.” She retorts giving him an exasperating look.  “I was “born” with it. All Qwes woman are born with it.  It’s just a fact of life!”  With her boots on she stands.