FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

He’d gain knowledge by peering into Radix’s mind, then use what he gleaned there to foil Radix’s plans. Interfering in whatever ways he could. It was only possible when he was tortured or on the rare occasion Radix permitted him the Knight Sleep.

Making his way through the garden and to the edge of a balcony he leapt atop the railing and perched atop it. Surefooted he balanced in a crouch. Gripping the white marble beneath him as he assessed his surroundings with the careful eye of a predator. Spotting the curtained border, he stepped smoothly inside the ballroom. There he spotted the newest object of Radix’s fascination.

Radix’s anticipation for acquiring her was nearly tangible.

She is as beautiful as Essius had said. Looking ethereal in her perfection.

What is she?

The sight of her immediately assuaged his pain, his agony, and the sense of defeat coursing through him. It all fell away. She generated a calm aura as she glided over the ballroom nodding regally and smiling softly as she greeted those she knew.

Eyes were drawn to her. Men and women alike couldn’t help watching her graceful movements.

Like a swan on water. Wings would suit her.

So, this…is Radix’s current quarry. Chavias thought.

Late into the night he watched her depart to her chamber from exhaustion. Sitting leisurely inbetween her shutters. Legs propped along it. One foot aligning with the opposite wall his back rested on. One knee was drawn up and his elbow rested it on. Dark cloak hanging on both sides of the window.

Invisible to anyone not a Forever Knight. He knew. Unworried about being seen. He watched her tidying her chamber as she readied for bed. Mesmerized.

When Essius and Libby described to Radix what she was capable of, Chavias overheard. Recognizing those abilities.

Could you be that same girl I saw all those years ago? One of the girls I stole from Radix and Udora Novavax?

He whispered. “Was it you?”

She froze in the middle of her chamber, squinting in the candlelight. Jumping when Thadeus, his crow, flew in her open window. Landing on her dressing table and hopping along the surface. Cawing raucously.

Subtle, friend.

She looked at it in confusion.

Chavias caressed her arm and she spun quickly. “Whose there?” Her voice tinkled like crystal clinking together.

He sighed. Catching a delightful whiff of wild honey as she moved. He took it in like a starved man. The smell of a well-tended woman. He growled and stepped closer. She must’ve felt his breath along her neck. Going rigid as she spun again. Trying to face him.

HHe saw not fear on her face, but anger.

They were nearly nose-to-nose.

But she can’t see me. He was a wraith in the room. No more than wind to stir her clothes.

Her blue eyes narrowed in question and she clutched her skirt in a white-knuckled fist. Head twirling to try and catch sight of him.

She’s enraged. His gaze flicked over her as he began to stroll around for a better look. She’s gorgeous.

But that face…Incomparable. Nearly too pale it was dominated by huge sky-blue eyes. Trimmed in thick black lashes. Outlined by arching dark brows.

Yes, those are the blue eyes from years ago. He thought. You are the same girl that sent clouds to block the moon.

Her nose was as long and slim as every other part of her. And small mouth impossibly heavy with the fullness of her lips.

Lush ones. Capable of enticing a man with a whisper.

The filmy powder blue nightdress left little to the imagination. Breathing heavily made her breasts lift. His eyes drifted to the hollow between. The perfection there had him groaning inwardly. Her silhouette was framed by shining white hair floating in gentle waves to her waist. So thick it lapped her shoulders and swung down her back. Begging to have a fist rolled in it, pulling her head back. Exposing the smooth line of her throat and the delicate bones of her collar. Watching as she swallowed nervously, he knew he was close enough to kiss that inviting white skin. And in this form, she could do nothing to stop me.