FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

“Isn’t he? He doesn’t stop his TreeCutters for just anyone.”

“He found it interesting a TreeCutter could argue the simple logic of politics.”

“He knows you’re more.” She ran a look over his clothes as she wiped her hands clean of blood. “And there’s no ‘simple’ with you atall.”

“It seems everyone sees through my guise.” He grumbled.

“Perhaps you should’ve sought a better disguise.”

“Like the monster I was hunting?”

“What disguise does she wear?” She asked slyly.

“A beautiful, tender hearted woman.”

She reared back. Eyes flitting from under lowered lashes. “Perhaps it’s no guise.”

I’m hoping its not.

“Perhaps.” He agreed. “But who’d know?”

“The man that befriends her…The one that earns her trust.”

Wouldn’t he be lucky.

“Her lover?” He asked hopefully.

“I think your animal is tended enough.” She gave him her back.

Too soon.

“That’s a no, then.” He sighed remorsefully.

“Don’t feign your disappointment.”

I’m not feigning anything! He instantly recalled the man at the Ball accusing her of being a harlot. Grimacing at his mistake as he realized he’d slighted her.

She’s no harlot.

“It was a wistful slip of the tongue. Not meant as insult.” He apologized. Lifting his hands from Snowman to reach for her.

Snowman slid off the table, clinging to the edge with clawed paws and letting himself lower to above the floor before dropping. Slinking to rest on the fur near the fire. Purring contentedly.

She faced him, sidestepping his supplicating hands. She tossed the rag at him.

He caught it against his chest. “I yearn to be your lover because you’re beautiful, witty and alluring. Not because I see you as less than a Lady.”

I’ve nothing but respect for you!

“I didn’t hear you offering marriage proposals.” She dunked another rag in a bucket of well water to scrub a bowl.

He walked up behind her, nearly breathing on the back of her neck. “And if a man were to propose, would you accept?”

She froze.

Utterly immobilized by the question.

“Your Snowman is tended. It’s high time you go.” She turned, urging him to leave.

He gave her a haughty half smile. “The sound of a woman’s terrified cries.” He put a hand to his heart and leaned forward as though wounded by her words.

Her brow furrowed.

“We shall go if that’s what you wish. But I fear it’s another way you chase off those around you in an effort to keep yourself safe.” He pointed to her chest, over her heart.

She scowled. But before she could say another word, he’d swept up Snowman and aimed for the door. “Raese?”

“Yes.” He paused at the door handle as he waited for her to speak.

“You’re right. You terrify me.”

Good.

“Would you ever give me a chance to prove you can trust me?”

“How?”

She’s intrigued by the prospect anyway.

“Let me escort you to the next Ball? Protect you from any animosity.” He offered.

He felt her eyeing his back warily. Heard her sigh.

“And if you don’t have fun then we’ll go walking, or to find and destroy those traps…”

“Now you speak of a good time.” A smile entered her voice and he found a returning one teasing his lips as his eyes fell to Snowman’s wide blue gaze as he sat placidly in Raese’s arms staring up at him. Well done, Friend.

“When shall we go to this ball?”

It was all he had not to turn around at the sound of her voice. But he sensed he only got this much acquiesce because she didn’t have to face him.

“I know not when another may be. But I shall wait for nothing else…” He murmured thoughtfully.

“And how will I know?”

“I’ll come to advise you, if you don’t consider it an imposition?”

Say, yes. He willed. Forcing himself still.

“Fine. I shall have a gown ready if you’ll be willing to wait for me to prepare after you come.”

“As long as it takes…” He petted Snowman lovingly.

“Goodbye Raese.”

“Farewell, My Queen.” He disappeared out the door.

Not goodbye. Only the beginning.