The Taming

What Really Upsets You

Sebastian's low whistle summoned Mandrake. He materialized near the stable door. His black hair streaming in the afternoon breeze. Exposing his long pointy ears. He wore brown clothes today, of uncommonly rough cloth. Which crossed his torso then slung around slim hips. Looking much like Dread Country leaves stitched together.

Probably is. Bast grunted.

The elven breed didn't like the cloths that constricted humankind. They preferred the natural covers the forests offered.

Or nothing.

Elengard was about the only exception to the rule that Sebastian knew of. She preferred her prim and proper clothing. Though still wearing similar materials as them, her clothes offered far more cover.

Timus emerged next. Similar in coloring, he strode to the drawbridge quarters and caused the massive construction to lift. Water poured from the underside, in torrents of frothing foam. Closing with an ominous thunk.

Timus was charged with ensuring the gate was open for any knight too weak to will it so. And to ensure it was always closed if no one was entering. Like all things Timus did, he handled this duty meticulously.

I was barely across it. Bast's lips twitched. He was damn grateful to have made it here, tonight.

It was a long evening. Trying to lure demon beasts from the treasure hadn't gone as smoothly as I might've hoped.

Actually, it hadn't at all.

To say that he hadn't won, would've been a gross understatement.

Bast neared the entrance where he knew Elsabet was lurking. She peered through that crack until he was so close that the facial hair darkening his square jaw became visible amidst the scratches and cuts.

She was wondering if the neglect of his appearance was due to long evenings of wine and women.

Wine perhaps. He grunted. Perhaps I shouldabstain for a bit.

Mayhap it wasn't necessary for him to always try his exported goods...

Elsabet's jealousy was a heavy thing. Sharp toothed and angry, it dangled in the air like a weight on a string.

Bast grunted in shock at a profound realization. When did I become important enough to warrant her jealousy?

His chest swelled a bit at that knowledge. A comforting thought at the end of such a dreadful day.

She turned from the door, muttering. "Visiting a friend, indeed."

His sharp ears caught her bitter words. Then the creak of the stairs as she headed up. Still muttering to herself. The swish of her skirts muffled the words.

Good day to you too, my sweet.

Sitting in her chamber only enhanced her frustration.

Feeling her ire coursing through the castle and making the water walls vibrate, he entered the familiar comfort of his library. Relaxing to hone in on her thoughts he offered her calming energy.

She was angry because she believed he'd asked for her hand only to spend the night in the arms of other women.

Ridiculous! He clutched the armrests. Sorely tempted to set her straight.

But the crash of a decanter against a wall, warned him now wasn't an opportune time. Breaking something lovely did not assuage her malcontent.

The walls of magic seaming the stronghold rippled at the decanter's impact.

She growled, the sound pulsating through floors. Her head tossed back, and she loosened a shriek that sent WaterRose's outer parapets trembling.

She intended to confront him. Thought to call him on his lies and prove she was no man's fool.

Please do. His eyes narrowed. Inviting the confrontation.

I like confrontation. Especially with her. His hands loosened on the armrests and began massaging them thoughtfully.

He headed upstairs to his chamber down the hall from hers. To give her more ready access to him.

She's crazed to think that's what I'm doing. It was an easier thought then the truth.

She still doesn't trust me. He stood before the window, attempting to change from his dirtied shirt to wait for her, when she tossed open his door.

Faster than I expected. He winced inwardly. But outwardly he was unflinching as the door banged against the wall.

Reaching gingerly to peel the sleeve of his shirt from one shoulder. He drew a quick breath through his teeth against the pain. Glancing over his shoulder as he did.

Elsabet stood in his doorway. The walls around her vibrating with her malice.

She doesn't even bother to ask why I didn't lock it.

Probably because I rarely ever close it. It was obvious he'd grown accustomed to residing alone over the centuries.

Her words cut across the room. "You lie to me! You don't go to see your Brothers." She sneered the word.

"You know that I do." He sighed. Shoulders tight.

"What's wrong with you?" She snapped. "You've never shown pain before."

Not even the day he'd startled her, and she'd shredded his belly.

"It's a long story." He sighed. Not turning to face her. Knowing his chest was in worse shape than his back.

"What's that!" She cried.

When the shirt slipped from his shoulders she saw immediately.

His back was shredded and the black markings across his flesh seemed to seep. Fresh injuries.

Her brows snapped together.

Thinking it looks like claw marks crisscrossing my back. He turned and faced her wearily.

"What's amiss, woman?" He asked softly.

"I should've known that was the manner of woman you prefer! It's readily apparent why you keep me about, now." Her words were scathing.

He followed her eyes down his torn abdomen and to the open wounds on his biceps. His shoulders lowered, and he sighed.

"It's not what you think." He stated. "I was attacked by Targue, Cimmerii animals, while leaving the lair of one of my brethren.

"Truly?" Her lips twisted in response. "Which one would this be?"

"Acharius Sevence."

She scoffed. "And where did this attack occur?"

"The meadow beyond the woods he inhabits. I led them across it and to the river, as far from him as I could take them, before they caught up to me."

"Oh, I'm certain you led someone as far as they'd let you." She moved to stalk from the room, but his soft words halted her.

"Come back in here Elsabet. Let's talk about what's really upsetting you."