The Taming

Rushing Back

Even better than that magical night had been, was how lovely the morning proved to be.

Elsabet had crept out just before dawn and he'd assumed she'd left to ready for her day as she generally did in the morning.

Though not this early.

But to his sheer astonishment, she'd returned after a time with a bit of toast and some eggs along with a warm cup of tea.

"Did you make it?" He sat up to give her a curious look.

"Did you think I couldn't cook toast and an egg?" She lifted a brow.

I suppose I hadn't imagined you over a stove.

"I was a regular woman once." She reminded with a chiding look. Handing him the platter.

He took the platter and blinked up at her.

"What?" She eyed him askance.

"Are you intending to slaughter me?"

"With a cup of tea?" She said innocently. Pressing it toward him.

"Is it poisoned?" He playfully eyed it.

"Why would I waste my time with that, when I know firsthand that you're too stubborn to be taken down by it?"

"Oh, your words cut me like daggers, Els!" He cried. Gripping his chest as if he were in pain.

"If that were the case, you'd be naught but tattered clothing."

He grudgingly nodded. "Fair point."

It was the most pleasant morning Bast could recall.

No one has ever done such a thing for me. He could truly rest when she was near, feeling a deep sense of relief that she was there.

She, that tried to gut me on more than one occasion? Yes. He admitted. Smiling faintly at his own idiocy.

Despite that memory, he felt safer with her next to him. Someone watching over me for once.

***

Sebastian laid down for his Knight's Sleep. Always a little nervous about becoming nearly immobile in his slumber.

Thus, when he was jolted awake by the movement of his large bed, he tensed. Unconsciously grabbing the shadow on the bed and rolling it beneath him as he readied to attack. Gold eyes glowing viciously and black markings along his shoulders and chest preparing to unleash.

He found himself staring into Elsabet's dark blue eyes. Filling with unshed tears.

She lay still beneath him, face in shocked fear.

"Elsabet?" He relaxed, leaning back on an elbow, to give her space. "What's wrong? Why have you come to me?"

Without a word, she rolled to her side to curl against his chest. Slipping a hand over his side and around his bare back to cling to him.

"Elsabet?" He said softly. Hands hovering as he debated how to touch her without scaring her way. Seeing her need, he relaxed to his side and slipped an arm under her before dropping to his back and scooping her closer. Embracing her. Cradling the back of her head and tucking her face more firmly into his shoulder. "You're shivering."

She sniffled hard and he felt the damp flow against his skin.

"Your crying? A nightmare?" He sighed. Feeling her nod against him. "You're safe. You're here with me. I swear by all that's holy, I'll never let something happen to you."