FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian…Rhyers’ voice rose as a whisper in Sebastian’s mind. Reading in his library, Bast stiffened. His head popping up to stare at the wall as the book fell from his fingertips to thud to the table in a puff of dust.

Behind him the ladder stopped scraping across the floor.

Elsabet.

The crusted look he’d been getting since he entered the room and stole her chair to read, was now replaced with a questioning one.

He glanced over his shoulder to meet it. Gripping red trimmed gold armrests as he rose. “I have to go.”

He needs me.

“You heard one of them, didn’t you?” Her tone was as acidic as her expression.

“Rhyers.”

“What does he want?”

“I won’t know until I talk to him. But he’s…Afraid.”

“How do you know?” She climbed down the ladder to approach him. Interested.

“It was in his voice. I can…sense the feeling.”

“You don’t have to go.”

“Because you were enjoying my company so?” He lifted a gold brow as he rounded the chairback to see her.

She ran her tongue over her teeth and clicked it in her cheek.

“Perhaps a goodbye kiss?”

“Perhaps you’re felled by poisoned wine this time.” She turned. Filmy lace gown flowing as she moved. The wrap dangling over her shoulders and arms, concealed none of her slim curves from his evaluation. Shining turquoise jewels decorated her neck and wrists. Drawing his eye.

“Is that what you hope? Or are you asking me to be careful?” He asked softly.

“Just go if you must.” She tossed a disregarding hand over her shoulder as she aimed back for the ladder. “Always the Great Protector.” It was a term she’d begun using of late. Generally, in mocking. Often in frustration.

But today I thought I heard a tinge of admiration.

Likely my imagination. He barely heard her voice as he was leaving the library.

“Be careful, Bast.” When he looked back, she was on the ladder replacing a book. As though she’d said nothing.

“A goodbye kiss would likely offer me greater luck.”

When she acted as though she hadn’t heard him.

He walked out, watching the floor. Just leave her. One step at a time.