Dance of Ciprahn

Chapter Thirteen: Cass

We are silent on the limousine ride. T is sitting next to me and we are surrounded by these Mystery Men. I am shaking so bad my teeth chatter. T looks at me with a worried expression on his face — he seems more concerned for my well-being than for his own. Oh my precious prince! Yeah good job. You just stood there like a lump on a log while they took him down. What were all those years of Muay Thai and Krav Maga for? Useless! You caused this! I lower my head forlorn. T reaches out and takes my hand giving it a squeeze.

 I look at his face and he gives me a comforting smile. "It's going to be okay," he whispers. We eventually stop and they lead us out to a private jet. I think about making a run for it with T but I don't want him to get hurt. Well, as long as we're together it can't be that bad right? Where are Jo and Gloria I wonder? Inside the jet get things were a little more relaxed. The Mystery Men gave us a little more breathing room and let us sit together near the luxury end. T didn't seem too unsettled and pours himself some champagne. It looks like maybe these men weren't out to hurt us per se. "I think I know who these men belong to," said T. I look at him waiting for him to elaborate but he only furrows his brow. "I am sorry for getting you mixed up in this." He looks at me with a pained look in his eyes. "No, no it's fine! It's not your fault!" I take his hand in mine without thinking. Realizing what I did I quickly let go. T pays no mind. 

Suddenly T gets up and sits next to me with a strange look on his face. He looks at me, pauses, then says "Whatever happens I will keep you safe." He places a light hand on my forearm. I nod at him appreciatively. I've used up all my words. I hit my social energy max a while ago and now I'm just exhausted. I'm not even as afraid anymore. I just want a nap. I smile. For some reason that's funny to me. I look out the window and see only ocean. We are definitely going overseas to another country. They took our phones otherwise I would have tried to secretly call for help. Where the hell are we going? While I was pondering this T speaks. "I forgot to ask if you are seeing anybody?" I look at him puzzled at first, surprised at the bluntness and how the question came out of nowhere. "What?" "Are you seeing anybody romantically?

 Do you have a boyfriend? Or.." he glances at my ring finger "...or husband?" Me? A husband? Geez I wish. I shake my head. "I see." He looks at empty space deep in thought. "I think you would be safest if we pretend you are my girlfriend, or better yet my fiancé." I look over at him in shock. I am elated but I wish it were for realsies. Before I have a chance to revel in my private ecstasy he continues. "If it is who I think it is that has taken us... it would be best that we do this. If she thinks that we are together and in love she might begrudgingly leave you unharmed." "She?" T is silent for a moment collecting his thoughts. "While not official, she has always presumed that we would one day marry and has taken upon herself the title of my fiancé apparent. The Duchess of Axleui Province... Talitha of Tabin." 

Just hearing her title scares me. She sounds like a hardcore woman. Oh my God this crap is so crazy I think I'm going to freak out! As if sensing my alarm T offers out an arm saying "Aw, hey it's going to be okay." I accept his arm and place my head on his chest again and he puts his arms around me to comfort me. I saw one of the Mystery Men smirk. I feel like I was going to have an epic meltdown but in the Prince's arms I feel safe and worry-free. The sky could be falling down all around me but wrapped up in his arms and him saying it was going to be okay — I could think of nothing better. A sleepy little smile appears on my mouth and I start to doze off exhausted by the night's events. There is nowhere else in all the world I would want to be than here cuddled up in T's caring embrace...