Tabula Rasa (Unlike Loki: Book Two)

Chapter 16

(Anna)

I didn't sleep at all.

And he wouldn't let me out of his grasp.

I had to get out of here. I had to get away from him.

I searched for Heimdall in my head, calling out to him. After a few moments I felt him. Tell By to knock on Torren's door.

I didn't elaborate any further and I felt Heimdall sound frustrated, probably thinking I was overusing my power.

After what felt like an eternity, there was a knock on the door. I breathed a sigh of relief.

The knock came again, louder this time. I slightly shook not-Torren to wake him up. He opened his eyes slowly, hugging me closer. "Someone's at the door." I whispered, trying to sound sweet and hoping I succeeded.

By continued to knock, making not-Torren groan and through the covers off, walking naked to the door. I slowly sat up, my whole body in pain, slowly healing itself.

Not-Torren threw open the door, not caring that he was unclothed. By stood there, unphased. "What?" not-Torren growled.

By's eyes flickered over to me. I was shaking, and I was close to breaking down. I put my hand over my mouth and shut my eyes, trying to keep my fear contained inside as I rocked slightly back and forth.

By looked back to not-Torren. "You're needed immediately at the training fields." He said flatly.

"For what?" not-Torren said angrily.

"I was not delivered that information. Only that you are needed." It wasn't a complete lie, it had been Torren's job to run the training of the troops.

Had been.

Not-Torren huffed, leaving the door open, and quickly turned to find some clothes. I tried to act natural, watching him closely. Eventually, he was dressed and to my dismay, began walking towards me. I tried to smile up at him. He bent down, planting his mouth on mine, his tongue harshly moving around the inside of my mouth.

He pulled away and turned to leave, leaving By standing in the doorway. He watched until not-Torren was far out of sight. Then he rushed towards me.

I broke down. Crying and shaking. "It's him." I whispered between sobs.

By stroked my hair, trying to sooth me. "Come, we must get you out of here." I moved my legs and stopped screaming out in pain.

"I can't."

"Here." By threw the covers off and scooped his arms under my legs and behind my back. "Hold on, alright?" I slowly put my arm around his neck, preparing myself.

He picked me up as gently as he could, and I grunted in pain, but held on. He held me with no trouble, and began walking towards the door. He looked out in the hall to make sure it was vacant and then rushed me towards his own chambers.

**********

By had cleaned me up, setting me in the bath and gently washing me. He'd seen me naked plenty of times, so it didn't bother me. The hot water helped my body heal faster. But it was such a different pain than what my body was used to feeling.

He helped me get dressed and held me by the waist as I slowly walked, and he set me down in a soft, plush chair.

"How'd you find out?" he asked quietly.

"Besides the animal sex? He thought he was King and that I was soon to rise to the throne beside him." I was furious.

"You know what has to happen now, don't you?"

I nodded my head. "He's powerful, By. What if it's not as simple as stabbing him? shouldn't we figure out what we are dealing with first?"

"So he can continue to abuse you? Have his way with you? Treat you like a slave?" I hung my head at his words.

"Why do you care so much?" I asked quietly.

"I'm not secretly in love with you, if that's what you're asking."

I shot my head up, shocked. "No. I just-"

"Nevermind." He said curtly, standing up. "Stay here." He turned and left, leaving me in the dark room.

********

A few hours later, a ventured out into the castle. I walked slowly, still in a little pain, but it was bearable.