Tamlin: After the War

Chapter 2

Tamlin launched out of the chair once more, his right arm gripping both of her arms against her body and his left claw threatening at her neck, "What are you doing here?"

His deep voice rumbled through her, "Please," she whimpered, "Please, don't hurt me."

Tamlin released a low growl as he felt the fear inside her, "What are you doing here?" he asked again.

"I don't know, the door was open, that wolf was chasing me and I was inside your house before I could decide what to do next."

Aside from her already escalated heart rate, Tamlin could sense that she was not lying. Slowly, he retracted his claws and backed away, "You're a far way away from home."

"That's not my home, it never was," she exhaled, stirring the meat. The smell of the cooked meat made Tamlin salivate. It had been months since he had a proper meal. "Please don't send me back, please don't tell him that I am here. I ran away after the war, while the borders were open, while everyone was still distracted. I have been on the run ever since."

Tamlin noticed her clothes were filthy, her face was gaunt, not for fear, but for a lack of eating, a lack of sleeping. He settled back into the chair, "Why did you run away? I hear the Night Court is not as bad as I once thought it was."

"Perhaps," she said, plating the hot meat and setting it down in front of him, "But the Court of Nightmares doesn't get the same treatment the rest of the court gets, least of all Velaris."

Tamlin resisted the urge to eat as a million questions flooded his brain at once.

"Eat, while it's still hot." she said firmly and Tamlin found himself picking up a piece of meat and throwing it into his mouth.

The tender meat melted in his mouth and before he could swallow, his mouth demanded more. He grabbed a few more pieces and shoved them into his mouth. The corner of the female fae's mouth turned upward into the slightest smile before she quickly turned around and fried the rest of the meat.

She filled his plate once more and he kept eating, he had barely taken a break to breathe. Perhaps rabbit meat wasn't that bad after all. She plated the last of the meat and offered it to him. Her thin arms reminding him of his manners.

He cleared his throat, swallowing the last of the garlic and peppery taste that lingered in his mouth, "You," he gestured to the chair on the other side of the table, the chair shifted outwards. She sat down quickly and he pushed the plate towards her, "Eat."

She protested but Tamlin heard her stomach growl in response. Her cheeks reddened. He pushed the plate towards her once more.

"Thank you, Lord Tamlin."

"You need a kingdom to be a Lord and my kingdom barely exists, please, call me Tamlin," he said, leaning back into the chair, resisting the urge to rub his belly, "What should I call you?"

"Kaira." She mumbled in between chewing. She ate quickly as if the food may escape.

Tamlin stared at her, watching her every move. He watched her jaw as she chewed, her throat as she swallowed. He watched her small fingers pick up each piece of meat. But mostly, he watched her eyes, trying to make sense of why she was here and whether he had it in him to send her back out there, with no weapons.

Her eyes stayed focused on the food and when she reached the last piece, he waited for her to look up at him. She licked her lips slowly, savouring the flavoured grease and looked up at him.

Her eyes were wide, waiting for him to say something. He knew he couldn't send her out there. Alone. There were monsters in the woods that had on occasion, nearly killed him. Plus, as a female, she had the added threat of fae males. "Stay the night. There's plenty of room. Finding a bed that isn't covered in dust and rubble might be a challenge."

"Thank you." was all she said before standing up quickly and washing the dishes.

Tamlin sat for a while longer, watching her move around the kitchen, the fullness in his stomach making his body heavy.

Suddenly, he awoke as a splash of cold liquid splattered across his face. He growled loudly and watched the female fae retreat against the kitchen wall, an empty jug in her hand.

"You were having a nightmare."

"That's none of your business." Tamlin growled again, wiping his sleeve across his face. He stood up, aware of how he hovered above her and how her heart rate increased.

She looked around quickly, "You were wrecking the kitchen, I was afraid you might bring the whole house down."

Tamlin looked around and noticed the shattered plates and mugs. Pots and pants were lying across the floor and the cupboard doors that had remained fixed to the cupboards were now blown off their hinges.

His nightmares have become increasingly worse and so have the physical effects. Gone were the days where he would wake up and vomit out every bad thought and feeling. The vomit had been replaced with uncontrollable power shredding everything around him and he had no idea how to stop it.

"I won't do it again." She said quickly, the jug shaking in her hand.

Tamlin loosed a breath and said quietly, "It's okay, just glad one of the pots didn't hit you in the head."

"I am very fast," She said confidently, "Although that cake dish came really close."

A smile crept onto Tamlin's face, an unfamiliar feeling. He nodded politely, turned around and went to his bedroom.