Notchimine nearly strutted out of the library to the courtyard where the dracanae were eating. He smiled and took the stairs down before stepping out on his well cared-for grounds. Xacspheles would return to his cell, Rhama would get ready for her appearance tonight in Cerrenon.
He grinned and stepped out onto the flagstones, clapping his hands together, just once.
Minoke flinched, then stood erect. The dracanae stood up slower, more leisurely. Notchimine wasn’t sure if he liked that, before the arrival of Rhama, the Ripper had been far more obedient, nearly as good as Minoke. It was clear that the presence of his once-mate soothed and emboldened him.
While she was away he’d make sure to put Xacspheles back into his place.
"Afternoon," He greeted them, Minoke didn't meet his eyes, and the dracanae looked down their flat, sloped noses at him. Hiding the small irritation that rose up, he grinned widely. "I'm moving up the date of the Death Games to the day after tomorrow, simply because your opponents' master just can't wait to see what happens." Notchimine kept his smile, but was somewhat disturbed by their lack of reaction.
Then Rhama spoke. "Whether we fight tomorrow, the day after or the month after is of no consequence. We will kill those who oppose us, there are no exceptions."
"I'm sure you will, Rhama." Notchimine purposefully made his tone condescending, hoping to injure her pride. "Speaking of you, there's a party tonight in Cerrenon, I'd like you to attend as my representative."
Rhama nodded slowly. "Then you would like me to prepare myself for a witch party?"
Notchimine grinned. "No, Rhama, you will prepare as you would for a dracanae festival, I promise I have anything you would require."
The nearly imperceptible changes on her face gave him some satisfaction. The way her powerful jaw flexed and her long, slit nostrils flared.
"As you wish." The assassin answered, her split tail lashed, almost hitting Minoke's legs. "Where would I find these supplies?"
Notchimine smiled, then waved a hand. "Minoke knows where I keep those kinds of things. He will show you."
"Sir-"
"Do not question me, kitsune." He narrowed his eyes at Minoke, glowering. "I can handle a dracanae."
Minoke opened his mouth as if to reply, then closed it, a wise choice. The kitsune swished his fluffy white tails, then beckoned to Rhama, leading the formidable dracanae away and leaving Notchimine alone with Xacspheles.
"Kneel." He commanded.
Slowly, as if he was doing it of his own choice, the Ripper knelt.
"When I order you to kneel, dracanae, you will kneel like you're obeying me." Notchimine growled, glowering at the kneeling creature, then turned to walk away.
"That I cannot do."
Notchimine stopped, then slowly turned around. "Oh? And why is that?"
Xacspheles smiled, showing his fearsome teeth. "To obey you, to act as if you command my body, would be a lie and a dishonor to my blood. Though I thank you for capturing Rhama, as much as it pains me to see her imprisoned with me, I am glad she reminded me of the meaning of being dracanae."
Notchimine growled, then took out the tiny, red, stone-like organ he'd extracted from Xacspheles. When the dracanae showed no fear, Notchimine took out his knife, then gently scratched the surface with the tip of the blade.
The dracanae fell onto all fours, tail lashing and fins unsheathed from his back, heavy scales rattling. Notchimine could see his pain in the way his veins stood out against his scales, and the trembling spasms of his muscles, never the less, the dracanae for once, never made a sound. The last time Notchimine had punished him, the dracanae had screamed with pain. Now, only his breathing was heavy and labored.
Notchimine took the knife from the surface and put the draconce back in his pocket. “You will return to your cell.”
Xacspheles panted a little, then slowly, gingerly stood. Notchimine could see the dracanae still trembling, and barely managed to contain his anger as the creature somehow managed to limp away with a certain dignity.
The full affect of the injury would hit the Ripper later in the day, but he'd be fully recovered by the day after tomorrow. Notchimine growled under his breath, then marched off back to his study. His previously lighter mood, was gone thanks to the impertinent dracanae.
The loogaroo lord shook his head, then reached over and touched his heart, a gesture he'd picked up from Holly, and it calmed him. He smiled, thinking of his beloved, sweet Holly.
He wished he hadn't had to leave her so quickly after their lovemaking, and he hoped fervently that she didn't mind his recently busy schedule.
If you could count the last three years as recent. Notchimine shook his head, then pushed open the doors to his study. She understood, it was all for her.
Notchimine's winning smile replaced his thoughtful frown as he powered up the mirrors. One thing that was wonderful about hosting the Death Games was the profit involved. The host enjoyed half of the profits made on the tickets and lost gambles. As he began explaining the abrupt jump of the date, Holly and the dracanae waned in his thoughts. He smiled wider, more truly.
His life was good.
