FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

Dorena pulled a chair near the window in the parlor. One hand fiddling with the curtain as her eyes roved a book. She stole glances at Sebastian across the room. Where he sat on the settee, feet propped on the low table, book in his lap.

“Dorena.” He sighed from across the parlor unable to take it any longer. Gold hair draped his shoulders, hanging free today.

He assessed the book in his hands. Still not seeing any of the words.

His blue tunic felt itchy and uncomfortable where it rested over the waist of black breeches. Everything feels scratchy.

Because I don’t want to have this conversation. He was aware.

“Hmm?” She beamed.

“You said you’ve been well a while now.”

Her smile faded.

She knows what I’m going to say.

“You’re no longer fighting the dark magic. No longer Cimmerii. You’re free.”

“Thanks to you.” Setting the book in the windowsill, she drug her eyes from him to stare at its cover.

Avoiding looking at me. Which is fine. It’s easier that way.

“You’re welcome.”

“You want me to go?” Her voice was forlorn.

Yes.

“I think it time. You shouldn’t be trapped here.”

“You’d let me leave, if I wished.”

Yes, I would.

“That’s true. But you’re ready to be back out in Ardae. You’re strong.”

“You’ve taught me strength. I’ve never known anyone as strong and kind as you.” She said.

“I taught you nothing.” He shook his head. “Just reminded you what was already in you.” His tone was as sad as he felt.

I’ve been dreading this.

She’s a sweet woman. And this is going to hurt her.

“My presence is interfering with your woman.”

With the romance I hunger to have with Elsabet, yes.

“Will I ever be able to come back?” Her voice broke.

“I can’t let you know where this castle is.”

It’d endanger them all.

And Radix nearly possessed you before…

“I understand.” Her shoulders slumped.

I knew you would.

“But if you cross paths with any of the knights I’d love you to ask them bring you to visit. I’ll tell them they can, if you’re blindfolded.”

She smiled at him. Blue eyes welling with tears.

“Don’t cry.” He stood. Opening his arms for her to turn into them.

She tucked her face into his shirt. Sniffling like a child.

“All those evenings in pain, you sat here with me.” She nodded to the chairs. “Talking all night to keep me from thinking about the yearning, the need, the suffering. No one else would’ve ever done such a thing for me.”

“Well,” He held her in a paternal embrace. “Now you know the men that come here. Any of them would do it for you now.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

“They will?”

He nodded. “We Forever Knights, and those dear to us, are family. And this,” He gestured around. “Is home. You’ll be welcomed back.” He smiled sadly. “But you can’t stay.”

She nodded against his tunic. “Thank you.” She sobbed loudly. “For everything!”

I’m sorry. He thought. Feeling bad she was so desolate.

“I must ask you for something though.”

“Anything!” She peered up at him.

“You must keep us and this place secret. There are others, not just Radix that’d harm us and all we care for.”

He immediately thought of Elsabet upstairs. Doing whatever she does in her chamber for hours at a time.

“I will.” She nodded seriously. “I understand how important it is. And we’re family.”

“Yes.”

She nestled her face in his tunic to glean one more moment in his warm hug.

Bast caught a soft hiss and his head whipped to the parlor doorway. He grimaced at the sight of Elsabet frozen there. Head tilted to the side as her blue eyes studied him in a feral way.

She wants to cut my throat. His arms dropped from around Dorena and he stepped back.

“Don’t!” He put up a staying hand. “Elsabet…”

She rounded and vanished across the foyer. Gown fluttering behind her.

Bast was on her heels. Catching her at the bottom of the stairs.

She gripped the bannister and moved to swing herself around, but he swept an arm round her waist and kept moving past the stairs, dragging her with him.

He pushed her against the wall and caged her with his arms. “Don’t.” He warned. Eyes flashing gold in the shadows.

Dorena emerged from the parlor. A hand over her mouth at the sudden burst of movement. She stared at them in shock.

“Don’t what?” Elsabet asked scathingly.

“It wasn’t what it appeared!” Dorena cried. “He-I…Not at all! He’s never-”

“Dorena.” He snapped. “Go back in.”

Dorena obediently returned to the Parlor.

Elsabet’s blue eyes flashed on him. “Is it nice to have a woman at your bidding that obeys your commands?”

“Yes, it rather is.” He admitted. “But she’s not you. If you obeyed my commands, I’d have had you flat on your back a sennight ago.”

She gasped. “You crude, insufferable cad!” She sputtered in her fury.

“Yes, yes.” He rolled his head. “Get mad at me. You always are.” He tossed a hand before slapping it back against the wall. “But here’s a secret for you.” He dipped to be nose-to-nose with her. “I like it.”

“What?” She reared back so hard she hit her head on the wooden wall. “Ouch!” She muttered.

I like your rage.

His gold eyes zeroed in on her. “I like your passion. I love your fury. Your life. Your every movement, the sound of your voice, the way you cry my name when-”