FOREVER KNIGHTS: #3 Forsaking the Vanquished

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian absentmindedly wandered in the door of WaterRose. Feeling a quiet contentment at the success of his mission.

Finding the Fallen for the Captain. And guiding him to her.

Watching their joy in that moment of subconscious recognition. Their passion blazed across time. A yearning for each other that crossed any distance. Even without them knowing.

What would that be like? He shook his head bemusedly at the thought.

Where is she anyway? He thought about looking for her but decided a moment to relax and savor his accomplishment was warranted.

He aimed for his library. And some fine quality sherry. Closing the door behind him to keep from disturbing the rest of the castle.

He was just pouring the drink when he heard a slight knock and straightened in his seat. Lowering his glass of sherry, intrigued.

Knocking? Only her.

They’d just barge in to join me.

“My Lord Bodane.”

“Yes, Elsabet?” He answered with equal respect as she entered the room. He lowered his head in greeting.

“I wish to speak to you.”

“You do?” His voice involuntarily rose in interest. “What could you possibly wish to speak to me about?”

“The bunny.” Her voice quivered slightly.

Ah. That. His excitement stemmed.

“No need.” He waved dismissively.

She spun as though she’d leave immediately. And he realized how difficult this conversation was for her. How much courage it’d taken her to come in here and show me deference.

“I’d take your company for a drink in way of an apology?” He suggested.

She stopped, back stiffening. After a moment she turned and stiltedly walked to the other chair he gestured to.

He handed her a bit of drink. She took a sip and her nose wrinkled and throat arched.

“You’ve not drank before?” He leaned from his chair to twist and look at her.

“Only wine.”

“Then I shall get you wine when next I leave.” He sat back.

“No.” She said quickly. “I rather like how it warms my throat. It-It’s…A…Sensation…”

“It is that.” He laughed. Swirling the liquid in the glass. “It’s sherry.”

“You were excited to see someone today?” She blurted.

“No. I was excited to take the Captain to someone.”

“Who?”

“His mate.”

“A woman he may lie with?”

“No.” He gave her an appalled look. “No, Elsabet.” He softened. Knowing she couldn’t possibly understand.

“A woman we lie with is just a woman. But the woman who we are forever linked to, will forever love, is our forever mate. Mate. One of the fiercest consequences of our condition is we only fall in love, true love, once. And we’re forever tied to that woman.” He swirled the drink thoughtfully and took another heavy swig.

“Hmm.” She murmured as she took another sip as well.

“What are you thinking?” His eyes skid sideways to assess her.

“You’re not reading my mind?” She shifted in the chair.

“I wouldn’t at all if you’d speak it instead.”

After a pensive study, she gave a grudging nod. “I was thinking it must be interesting to watch one of your kind dropping to his knees before a mere woman.”

“It’s not a pretty sight.” He grunted laughingly. “But it’s necessary.”

“Why’s that?” She took another sip and shuddered at the heat of it. A hiccup suddenly erupted and she gasped and covered her mouth. Giving him a wide-eyed look.

He laughed at her. “You’re still human, Elsabet. A burp makes you no less a lady.”

She gave him a quizzical look, and in that moment, he sorely wished he’d probed her mind.

“What?”

“That’s not what I was told previously.”

“By whom?” He could tell by her prolonged silence and the intent look she gave the drink in her hand, that she wouldn’t answer. “A woman is no different than a man in her bodily needs.”

She gave him a quick look.

“No.” He laughed behind his glass. “I’m not speaking of those needs.”

“Again?”

“Again.” He acknowledged. “However, I’d love to discuss such things with you, if you so desired?”

“I do not.”

“Are you certain?”

“You’re incorrigible.”

He grunted in response. “The things I’d teach you, if you’d but allow.” He purred. “Finer things then sherry, I assure you.”

She gave him a long look. Curiosity marking her face.

Curiosity? He returned the long study with an impassive look. A good start.

“Look at me all you need, My Dear.” He lifted his glass to his lips.

It was a few hours later after the sherry took her in its grip, she rose and decided to walk it off. Putting a hand to the back of the chair to steady herself.

He put his over it with a worried look. “Are you okay?”

I didn’t intend to get you intoxicated. He felt a pang of remorse. She’d had two glasses already and had told him she’d not had anything heavier than wine previously. I should’ve paid a bit more attention.

She slid her hand out from under his. Dodging his study. She moved to wander the aisles of the library under his watchful eye. Swaying slightly, she stumbled now and again.

Making him jerk in his chair. “Can I help you?”

“No.” She responded. But it lacked her usual venom.

He drew a steadying breath and let her move about. His concern mounting. She stopped and began looking through the pages of a book.

“Will you give me a hint about the book I search for?”

“One about me.”