The Taming

Quite Cruel

Dorena withered in her seat at his rough tone.

Bast felt a pang of remorse for his stern tone, unconsciously looking for Elengard's ever-present disapproving gaze.

In truth, he did like Dorena. He appreciated what she was doing, straying from Radix. He had respect for what she accomplished. She had great potential for being a true friend.

Unfortunately, she was reluctant to accept those terms.

Which is what's making her a nuisance more than a pleasing presence. As she had been, initially.

Rhyers shrugged as he took his first bite, having seen Bast's reaction coming a mile away.

She is sweet. Bast knew. But he'd no tolerance for women using him to make others jealous or staking some claim on him. Claim they don't have.

His teeth gritted slightly. But it did occur to him that he'd never mind Elsabet hanging on him, in such a way. Damn anyone that was jealous of her, then!

When he looked back at Elsabet, she blinked wide eyes at his uncharacteristic outburst. Clueless as to the weird slant of his thoughts.

"What?" He asked her.

"I've never heard you snap at anyone like that."

You've never been in a position too.

By now Rhyers engaged Dorena in conversation to assuage her wounded pride. Complimenting her on her beauty. And the fitted gown.

"How'd you think I'd react?"

"Not like that." Her brow furrowed slightly. As she gave him an assessing study.

"I've told you." He lifted the wood fork to his lips. "I can be quite cruel."

***

The meal had passed quicker than Sebastian would've liked.

He'd every intention of chasing Elsabet up to her chamber and doing filthy passionate things to every part of her.

He was sure it was written all over his face. Which was likely why Rhyers swept in to interfere.

Yet again.

They had finished their meal and concluded it by having a nightcap near the raging fire.

Elsabet had already begun casting longing looks at the doorway, intent on a quick getaway.

Sebastian was equally intent on following her step.

But Rhyers abruptly stood up, excusing himself as he kissed Dorena's cheek. Making her blush flatteringly.

"My Lady," He walked to Elsabet. "Since I escorted you down tonight, might I guide you back up for your rest?"

Her brows lifted and she took him up on the offer, gratefully.

Clearly aware of what I was plotting.

Bast launched to his feet. "I'd be happy to escort her."

She looked at Rhyers and refused to glance up. "I would appreciate that."

Bast was growling in his throat as Rhyers walked her back upstairs. Sebastian watched them go. His face tight and hands working in fists.

He felt Dorena put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Which made him launch to his feet to evade snapping at her again. He went to stand next to the fire. Leaning on the mantle as he tried to cool his ardor and calm the furious monsters raging under his skin.

Rhyers appeared back in the doorway. Exchanging a quick look with him before hesitantly approaching. "I walked her up because-"

"I'm no fool. I know damn well why you did it."

Sebastian was swishing his sherry in the glass in his hand, so furiously Rhyers worried it was going to slosh into the fire.

"Do you, in truth?"

"If I run her down now, she won't come down again for a long while. She thought you were saving her, but you were saving me." Sebastian levelled a pained look at his brethren.

Rhyers drew a deep breath. Dipping his head in a nod before indicating he planned on retiring. Giving Dorena a final wish goodnight he returned upstairs.

"I'm afraid I'm not good company tonight." Bast announced to Dorena. "I'm going to excuse myself for some much needed rest."

Dorena nodded in understanding.

Sebastian made it to the door before she spoke again in her sweet, soft voice.

"She'll come around. No one could resist you long, Sebastian."

"I hope so."

***

To his surprise, Sebastian had slept last night. The long slumber of the Forever Knights. Not waking the following morning until nearly noon. Revived beyond what he was able to recall in a long while.

He was a bit more peaceful today, then he'd anticipated.

The reason was clear. Just seeing her calmed me.

Despite all his frustration at not getting to touch her. Just getting to feel her presence had been a balm to his senses.

And Rhyers was right to grant her reprieve. Sebastian was more intelligent than most gave him credit for. And he understood both his own character and that of Elsabet's quite well.

He knew that Rhyers did as well, and all his actions the night before had come from kindness.

Towards us both.

Still, Sebastian vowed that at the first opportunity to interfere in Rhyers' romantic life, he'd be neck deep.

His attention was broken from the histories of lords in the area he read. Hoping he might find something missing in the current bloodlines of today.

In the hope of still tracking down Raese.

If he happens to still be alive.

Dorena appeared. Hesitating in the doorway of the Parlor before rushing forward quickly and pulling up 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."