FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

She slumped into the chair next to her bed. Chamber door rattling as the handle turned. When the door creaked open and Quandary entered, she was unsurprised. The sleek panther often willed doors open in this strange castle. He padded in on silent paws. A single hop had him landing on the bed. He moved in several tight circles before settling next to her and resting his head on the edge of her lap. Blinking up at her with warm yellow eyes.

He wanted to know what was wrong with her.

“Don’t look at me like that! It’s that man, Quandary! He’s insufferable! He’s asked me to wed him less than a sennight past, yet spends all night out and thinks me silly enough to be blind. I know where he goes. I know what he’s off doing. I know what those scratches on his back are.” Her voice escalated.

No, you don’t! The panther jumped from the bed, landing smoothly on the fur before the fire. Sensing her change in mood, its fur moved. Firelight shining off the ebony coat. It snorted in agitation, but she was busy in her tirade.

Quandary paced the rug, continually jerking his head to look at her. Gold eyes attentive on her. Dancing shadows on the walls reflected there. As she observed it, the panther blinked slowly.

“He sees me as nothing, Quandary. Thinks me a fool.” She finished, deflated.

She slipped from the bed back to her feet. Taking a step before freezing as she encountered her reflection blinking from a looking glass. She sucked in a breath.

It’s been a long time since she’s faced her own image. He suspected.

She was admitting to herself she hadn’t faced her own image since that fateful day long, long ago.

What day was this? Bast was intrigued.

“It’s amazing how much one day can change someone.” She sighed. Staring at the ceiling. She recognized it as the pivotal point in making her who she was.

She’s learned to fear herself.

She turned to Quandary. Eyes burning with emotion.

“I’ve paced this chamber at least a hundred times.” She pointed. “That looking glass was never there afore.” She glanced at it. “Why did he put it here? Something more to entertain himself, at my expense?”

No. To teach you…

Staring in the mirror she was stunned.

No. You’re not the same.

Her cheeks held high pronounced cheekbones. Pale white hair shined in a shimmering silver cloak pouring over her shoulders to swish around her hips. Soft blue eyes hardened to glinting blue. Like lightening crossed them.

For the first time, Bast was sure, Elsabet had been young and very naïve once. Heart filled with hope and a lifetime of love to offer.

She’d learned mankind is indeed unkind and cruelty not uncommon. His chest grew tight in fear of what she recollected now. Will it pain her? He dreaded seeing her suffering. But I’m already along for the ride.

Thinking of it now made her so angry the desire to shatter the mirror was nearly overwhelming. Her eyes flashed red and she gave it her back. Barely resisting the urge.

Turning back, she found Quandary on the bed.

She returned there with him. Letting his face drop to her knee as she stroked his neck. Feeling the soft twitch of his fur. She knelt on her bed. Arms tightly wrapping the huge feline and hugging it close. Burying her face in the thick black neck until the smooth coat was ruffled from her tears.

Elsabet, the wicked little valkyrie fell asleep thus. Cheeks swollen from heart-wrenching pain. Loneliness creeping in with a new sense of abandonment.

This is my fault. Bast recognized. She’s hurt because of me.

I did nothing wrong. The little voice defended.

She woke briefly when the bed moved. Cracking her eyes and catching Quandary slipping from the edge of the bed to stride around the foot. From there he paced near the fire before rounding the bed.

When the beast stuck his warm muzzle into the thick mane of her hair to nuzzle the back of her neck, she felt her body tense as she feared her trusted pet would clamp powerful jaws on the most vulnerable part of her body…her throat.

Of course not, Little Bird.

To her relief, he didn’t. Instead he padded from the chamber while she fell back asleep. Pondering the strange action.

I just needed your scent. But I can’t stay like this. I have to rest. I’m so tired…