Blaidd

Blaidd left his chambers in frustration. He feared Vivian recalling the gruesome details of how he exacted justice on her mate. She didn’t need those memories, after what she’d been through. But he never expected her to be upset that the male got what he deserved. The male’s execution for his crimes seemed a forgone conclusion.

How can she feel anything for a male like that? Blaidd just couldn’t understand it, after what he witnessed.

He listened outside his door, at the mournful sounds Vivian made. Her devastation seared him like a hot brand with every choked sob. Blaidd snarled, frustrated with himself and the unbidden emotions that ensnared him. He hated that Vivian was saddened by the bastard’s demise. He also couldn’t believe Vivian insisted on going home, even though her authorities were now hunting her.

I refuse to let her walk back into danger, because I did what needed to be done, Blaidd scowled.

Blaidd’s utor pinged. He glanced at the communicator strapped to his forearm to see his Chief Beta hailing him.

“Primitus, I heard rumors you were back. Welcome home,” Indago greeted him. “I need to speak to you when moment you are free.”

“Where are you?” Blaidd asked, also needing to speak to his cousin.

“In the receiving room.”

“I’ll be there.” Blaidd ended the transmission.

He stared at his chamber door. Vivian had calmed, but Blaidd could still hear her ragged breathing on the other side, making it difficult to walk away. With her here, Blaidd wasn’t eager to return to Earth so soon, but as he said, he had no doubt the others would hunt him down. Blaidd hadn’t planned on bringing Vivian to Torvus, or leaving her alone in his tower. He hadn’t planned any of this. But as frustrated as he was with the situation, it was best if he took a step back, before he did something foolish. He already frightened Vivian, which was unforgiveable.

When Blaidd arrived in the large open room, he found Indago handling the daily business.

“Primitus,” the other betas greeted him.

Blaidd nodded to the leaders of the various Lupercalia clans. Indago stepped away from the group.

“I’m going to have to head back to Earth, and wanted to fill you in before I left. But first, what news do you have for me?” Blaidd asked.

“Primitus, the exquiro has reported back, after questioning Radma,” Indago began.

“You have my full attention.”

Radma had betrayed his own people. The traitorous beta was the reason Blaidd, Nameless, Harper, and several of the pack were attacked on their way to the capital city. It left a bad taste it Blaidd’s mouth, since the incident was so reminiscent of the day he was thrown into the Hold. Blaidd scowled as he looked at the faint scar on Indago’s shoulder. His cousin was luckier than many, but he almost died that day on the tarmac.

“The questioned Radma on all the matters we discussed. Unfortunately, the results aren’t as conclusive as we’d like,” Indago growled. “This was apparently the first time Radma worked with the Imperials.”

“Are you telling me he knows nothing about the ambush five seasons ago?” Blaidd snarled.

Torvus’ best exquiro had been employed to question Radma. This was not the news he expected.

“Radma knows something. He’s just not the one who arranged the ambush that sent you away.”

“So, there’s another traitor in our midst,” Blaidd hissed, as he looked past Indago at the gathered betas.

It was hard to fathom. The Lupercalia were a loyal breed. These were the machination of Torvus and other such loosely knit species, not the Lupercalia. Betraying the pack was tantamount to severing one’s own tail.

“There is more,” Indago growled. “While Radma was wheedling to save his own tail, he hinted that your sire’s death didn’t happen as we all believe.”

Blaidd’s eyes swung from the betas on the other side of the room, back to Indago.

“Assassination?” He rumbled.

Indago nodded grimly.

“Do you believe this? You don’t think Radma was just buying time, do you?” Blaidd asked.

“I wouldn’t put it past Radma to come up with such a cowardly diversion. However, the exquiro questioned him further, and though Radma refused to give up more without a deal, there is apparently merit to his claim. And you and I both know your sire was in his prime when he died. We don’t get illnesses like the Torvus.”

Indago was right. The Lupercalia are a hearty breed. It’s rare for them to become ill, much less contract something that kills them so suddenly. Blaidd recalled how his sire fell sick shortly after attending a meeting in the Imperial City. It was a traumatic beginning to a very difficult chapter in his life. Blaidd had quickly found himself taking on his father’s duties. And just as he felt he was getting the hang of it, he was locked in the bowels of the mountain prison.

“Perhaps Kral Nox was to blame for Vanum’s death,” Blaidd suggested. That was just the kind of thing the tyrant would do.

“And perhaps that is the detail Radma is hiding.” Indago nodded. “We will continue his questioning.”

So Radma bought himself more time after all.

“I need to talk to you about another matter,” Blaidd changed the subject, since they could fume about Radma’s betrayal for jora with no real results, and he needed to get back to Earth.

“I assume this is about the exotic female you returned with. Is she the one?” Indago wore an irreverent grin, his ears twitching in amusement.

Blaidd wanted to groan. He had a feeling he was going to be asked that question a lot.

“It’s a long story, but considering her reaction to me, I doubt it. Anyway, Vivian can’t go back to Earth right now, her authorities are after her. So, I’m giving her the run of my chambers. Humans are frightened by foreign species, and she’s a bit skittish. My mother will check on her, but I wanted you to know.”

“She’s afraid us, but you have Zora checking on her?”

“Yes,” Blaidd laughed at his cousin’s incredulous smirk. “A female seemed the least threatening.”

“What about Limber? She’s the definition of non-threatening, and she’s friends with Harper,” Indago suggested.

Blaidd nearly rolled his eyes, like Harper often did. Blaidd wished his cousin would just grow a tail and claim the little Lupercalia female. But no, Indago didn’t want Coal to accuse him of pouncing on his daughter the moment she reached the age of consent. It was all a pretense, since the Chief Beta went around warning off any male who noticed Limber.

“I realize my mother’s not ideal, but I doubt I can bar her from my quarters. Let’s just see how Vivian adjusts. I’ll return as soon as I can.”

“Good. I don’t like you being out of communication range on a xenophobic planet like that.”

Blaidd clapped Indago on the back, appreciating the male’s concern. They were like brothers, nearly inseparable from birth. The seasons Blaidd spent in the Hold had been hard on them both.

Blaidd headed toward the limen portal, and found Lyr at his post. Blaidd grimaced, regretting the feral way he behaved earlier.

“I apologize, my friend. The female was tortured by her mate,” Blaidd explained.

“No need to apologize, Primitus. Her screams, and the smell of blood and terror were -.” Lyr shook his head, rather than finish. “Is she going to be fine?”

“Yes. Galen was able to heal her arm. Thank you for hailing him. She is frightened being on Torvus, but she is in danger on her home-world. I wish I wasn’t leaving her here in that state, but I need to return. Set the course for Earth.”

“Yes, Primitus.” Lyr nodded.

Blaidd smiled at the male he considered a friend, as Lyr entered the coordinates. Lyr had been loyal while they were together in the Hold. Blaidd was happy to have the male serving at his side again. He’d worried about the people he was forced to leave behind, when he escaped the underground prison.

The first thing Nameless, Serus and Blaidd had done, after taking charge of the Empire, was clear out the dilapidated prison. Everyone’s sentence was reviewed. They weren’t surprised to discover the number of inmates there on trumped up charges. Even many of the inmates who deserved to serve time should’ve been freed long ago.

Blaidd was mid thought when he shifted. He heard voices in the cookery, and found everyone seated at the dining table.

Harper’s pet jumped up from the corner, yipped, then fled the room. Blaidd was glad the cowardly beast had been found. Harper would never let him live it down if the tiny trouble maker remained lost. Blaidd couldn’t be too annoyed by the beastie’s reaction, since Milo led him to Vivian.

Nameless and Serus weren’t surprised to see Blaidd, but Cheryl, Gerald, and Harper were startled when Blaidd walked in. He kept forgetting how dull human senses were.

I’ll have to remember that, so I don’t accidentally sneak up on Vivian, and frighten the life out of her.

“Where’s Vivian?” Harper exclaimed when she saw him.

Blaidd could tell by everyone’s concerned expressions, they all were wondering the same thing. He expected as much. Cheryl appeared more disconcerted than the rest, as she stared at him. The hood on his tunic was down, so Blaidd lifted it to cover his ears, hoping that eased her; then he realized he forgot to put on the constricting pants that concealed his tail.

At least I’m wearing pants. Although the way Harper’s mother gawked, you’d think he pulled out his staff and waved it at her.

It was frustrating how isolated the humans were. But there was no way he was going to make the female get used to him any faster, so Blaidd moved on.

“Galen treated Vivian’s arm. She is afraid, but will be fine,” Blaidd replied to Harper.

“She’s afraid because you whisked her away to Torvus,” Harper said in exasperation.

“And that’s where she will stay. Vivian said the authorities will blame her for her mate’s death, and lock her up.”

“Then maybe it’s for the best she’s not here,” Nameless spoke, putting a soothing arm around Harper. “I’m glad Galen treated her arm. I hate to think how long it would’ve been before she got help here.”

“That’s true,” Harper relented. “And she wouldn’t have been healed nearly as fast here.”

Blaidd’s eyes widened, wondering what sort of barbaric medical treatment Vivian would’ve been subjected to on Earth. Hopefully it was better than the crude measures Galen was forced to practice in the Hold.

“It’s good you left with her when you did. We spent half the evening talking with a human guard,” Serus added.

“That was quite an experience,” Harper’s father huffed. “I had a hard-enough time explaining to the cops why my missing daughter and her friends were in the bedroom, when I already said Cheryl and I were alone. God only knows how we would’ve explained you and Vivian.”

Blaidd appreciated they understood, and weren’t condemning him for what he’d done. He felt bad for the trauma he inflicted by taking Vivian off-world, but clearly it was for the best.

“Apparently Nameless and I are from a place called Ukraine. We met Harper when she got lost hiking,” Serus relayed.

“Is that so.” Blaidd shook his head at the farce they invented.

All this because humans are frightened of other species.

“I’m relieved you got Vivian help, but she must be positively frantic,” Cheryl said with a motherly frown.

“Galen gave her something for her pain. She is resting,” Blaidd fibbed.

He refused to tell them, Vivian foolishly demanded to return to Earth, even though she was in danger. She was frightened and recovering. She couldn’t possibly be thinking straight.

“Maybe I should go back, to be with her,” Harper suggested.

“I am not letting you out of my sight,” Nameless rumbled as he pulled Harper close.

Blaidd didn’t blame Nameless. Harper had been stolen from him twice already. And until they found Nox, neither Nameless or Serus would leave Earth. That was one reason Blaidd was on this mission. He would travel back and forth for supplies and to relay messages.

“I agree with Nameless. You just got home,” Cheryl insisted.

“Okay, okay, guys,” Harper relented.

“Plus, I have a feeling Detective Roberts is going to come up with a reason to return to ask us more questions. Although I don’t think she’ll be wanting to talk to you, baby girl.” Gerald glanced pointedly at Serus.

“The female did say she’d be at Vivian’s house, if we remembered anything today,” Serus commented to Harper’s father with a sideways grin.

“You suddenly remember something you need to tell the female guard?” Nameless teased his brother with a chuckle.

“I was debating turning Blaidd over to the little guard,” Serus countered.

Blaidd smiled. Apparently, a human had caught Serus’ eye.

“We are not going to that house. That’s just inviting trouble,” Harper insisted with a roll of her eyes.

“He was teasing,” Nameless ruffled Harper’s hair.

“No, I wasn’t.” Serus cast Blaidd an uncharacteristic ornery smile, making Blaidd snort.

Blaidd never had a conflict with Serus, like he did with Nameless. The clean slate and their common goal, made it easier to forge a friendship. At first Serus had been just as grim as his twin. But as time passed the twins weren’t nearly so insufferable.

“After the night we had, we’re eating breakfast rather late. Sit down and join us,” Cheryl offered, while getting up to fetch Blaidd a plate.

Blaidd was glad the news about Vivian made Cheryl more congenial toward him.

“Thank you.” Blaidd took a seat in the flimsy stick chair, slightly surprised that it actually held him.

“Not a problem.”

When Harper’s mother nodded, Blaidd noticed she was wearing an ear cuffs, and Gerald had one too. He should’ve realized before, since they’d been participating in the conversation. But it was such a common thing among the species he was familiar with, he’d overlooked it till now.

“I’ve been thinking. Now that I’m officially back, I should contact my old partner, Andre. He might be able to help us track down Nox. And though I don’t know Detective Roberts, I do have a few contacts on the force,” Harper said, as she popped a delicious smelling strip of fried fat in her mouth.

Blaidd salivated when Cheryl set a plate in front of him, going for the crispy treat first. It was positively glorious. He nearly moaned out loud in appreciation. This was the first thing he found on the primitive planet to earn his praise.

That’s not quite true. His mind drifted back to Vivian.

“That way you can also keep an ear out for what’s going on with Vivian’s case,” Gerald agreed.

Blaidd forgot Harper was a tracker of criminals on her home-world. It seemed an implausible occupation, given how small human females were. But it took intelligence, not muscle, to locate one’s prey. Considering how skilled Harper was with an ordnance, she probably didn’t do too bad at the apprehending either.

“We’ll put a list together of things we need, but I think a signal tracker would be a good idea. If Nox uses his utor to contact Agrippa anywhere on this planet, we should be able to find him,” Nameless suggested.

“Good idea. I’ll hunt one down and bring it back,” Blaidd replied between mouthfuls.

He listened as they discussed ways to solve Vivian’s problem, and find Nox. His thoughts kept drifting to the female in his home, wondering what he could do to relieve her fear of being on Torvus.

 

Vivian

Vivian finally regained her composure, as she hugged her knees to her chest in the middle of the giant bed.

“He left,” she mumbled in utter disbelief.

Her fear and despair had abated, but was quickly being replaced by anger. Vivian crawled off the bed, ignoring the tray of food, and stomped straight toward the door. The giant doors refused to open when she pushed and pulled on the gold ring handles.

“How dare you kidnap me. I want to go home,” she hollered while pounding on the door. “Open, son of a mother fucking bitch, cock sucker.” Vivian stomped her feet as she cussed at the doors, while tugging harder on the handle.

She slid to the tile floor with a frustrated sob. The damn doors were so huge they reached up to the ceiling. They probably weren’t even locked. They were just too freaking big for her to budge. Then again, Blaidd adamantly insisted she stay on Torvus, so he probably locked her in.

“I’m on another planet,” Vivian cried as she shook her head.

Vivian couldn’t wrap her head around the turn her life had taken. She felt like she was caught up in some crazy fairy tale.

“Even this room is unbelievable,” she commented, as she glanced around her oversized prison.

The walls of the immense bedroom were faced with this crazy stone that was a dozen shades of green. Vivian reached out to a nearby column, and ran her fingers over a fossil of some ancient alien creature. There was a section of wall with another much larger creature embedded in it. The thing looked like a full-grown dinosaur.

A single giant bed occupied the center of the ridiculously large room. Off to one side was a seating area, with two long cushions and a dozen pillows, flanking a low table. Large swaths of brocade fabric cascaded from the ceiling, acting like a visual partition for the lounge. Vivian wandered over and ran her hand across the knit fabric. The coffee table was well crafted with hundreds of inlaid wood shapes. An unusual ovoid ceramic sculpture sat in the center.

There was an open door on the other side of the room that drew her attention. Vivian walked into the adjacent room and realized it was a closet. The pants Blaidd had been wearing when they met, were tossed across the bench in the center. They were smeared with blood, lots of blood. Vivian wondered how much of it was Steve’s, before she could repress the disturbing thought. Her hand flew to her mouth to stifle a gag.

Vivian frantically looked for another way out. She sprinted through the closet into a room that gleamed from ceiling to floor. The bathroom was the size of a small house, with a pool that would make the Olympic swim team envious. There was so much white marble and gilding, it was nearly blinding.

Vivian ignored all of it, searching for a toilet, before she puked on the fancy floor. She found a small basin off to the side, bent, and wretched into it. She gagged and coughed. Her stomach was empty, making the dry heaves worse. Vivian stood up with a groan, and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Well, I supposed I’ll need to call someone to come clean the footbath,” a female voice stated indignantly.

Vivian tamped down a scream, as she spun to find a gray werewolf standing a few feet behind her. Vivian looked in horror from the furry woman to the glorified sink she just sullied.

“I’m sorry,” Vivian stammered as she backed up, bumping into the footbath.

“Pah.” The she-wolf waved it off. “I have clothes for you, but perhaps you want to bathe first.”

Vivian noticed herself in a nearby mirror. She was still wearing her bloody clothes, but it looked like someone had attempted to clean her face and arms. She turned over her hands, glad they weren’t splattered with blood, like her t-shirt. She quickly looked away, before she got sick again.

“Yes, my son made a poor attempt to wash you up. He’s not practiced at that sort of thing. You still look dreadful. He’s always been far better at getting dirty than getting clean,” the she-wolf chuckled.

Vivian stared at the gray werewolf who was apparently Blaidd’s mother, unsure of what to say. It was still shocking to see these hairy people. The woman’s small blue top and billowy pants exposed more skin than Vivian had seen on Blaidd. The she-wolf had fine silky fur covering her entire body, except her palms. It was longer on her head, arms, and legs, like it was on humans. But unlike most human women, the she-wolf had a bit of scruff on her chin. Vivian was glad she wasn’t one of these people. She got frantic anytime she found a wayward hair on her chin. It didn’t look so bad on Blaidd, but on the woman, it was another story.

“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Vivian asked when she realized Blaidd’s mother had been talking.

“I said, my name is Zora,” the woman huffed, as she came uncomfortably close.

“Sorry. I’m Vivian.” Vivian backed away from the unusual woman, uncomfortable and unsure of her intent.

“Yes, I know. I understand you are shocked coming to Torvus. I’ve been told Earth is rather isolated.” Zora continued to crowd her.

That’s an understatement. It wasn’t just appearances that would take some getting used to, but cultural differences. Does this woman have any concept of personal space?

Before Vivian could object, Zora herded her down the steps of the massive bath, while still completely clothed.

“You will feel much better once you wash the blood of that vile male off you. It positively reeks.”

Vivian looked in horror at the blood swirling off her clothes into the water, and repressed another gag. Suddenly she didn’t care Zora was present, as she tugged off her shirt and jeans, to get away from it.

“It must be a relief to be rid of that bastard,” Zora added.

“Actually, it’s not,” Vivian snapped. “I’ve had more than enough violence. I don’t understand why your son had to murder Steve. Blaidd’s built like a tank, he could’ve just knocked Steve out.”

“Your mate didn’t rough you up, he busted your face, and broke your arm. Yet you think the Primitus was just supposed to give him a knock on the muzzle. Blaidd delivered justice, as is his right. And your mate got what he deserved. You should be grateful the Primitus acted on your behalf, since obviously you are too weak to free yourself from your mate’s clutches. You are better for it,” Zora said with an autocratic wave.

I’m not weak. Vivian was instantly livid. She beat herself up enough on a regular basis, she didn’t need someone else piling onto her misery.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. My husband was a police officer. There is nowhere I could go that he wouldn’t have found me. He kept me away from anyone who could help. I was hiding money to get far away, but he watched every damn cent,” Vivian yelled.

Vivian’s mouth snapped shut when she realized she’d just been screaming at the daunting she-wolf. And as she was quickly learning, Blaidd and Zora weren’t just any aliens, they were some sort of werewolf royalty. It would be supremely unwise to anger them, when she was at their mercy.

Zora’s eyes narrowed on her, but Vivian refused to glance away. She held her breath, wondering how foolish losing her temper was going to prove. Zora shrewdly considered her, then barked out a laugh.

“So, you do have a bit of fire,” Zora chuckled. Her broad grin showed off her fangs. “Now, doesn’t it feel better to let it out?”

Vivian sighed, relieved Zora wasn’t angered by her outburst.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do now. With Blaidd bringing me here, the police will think I killed Steve and fled. They’re his friends, they’ll side with him,” Vivian explained.

“So, you will stay on Torvus.” Zora was so matter-of-fact, as if taking refuge on another planet was nothing.

Why is that their immediate solution?

“I can’t. This isn’t my home. I already miss my family and everything I’m used to.”

“I understand,” Zora replied thoughtfully, as she sat by the pool. The she-wolf was silent for a minute studying Vivian with somber eyes. “You aren’t the only one who has been forced to salvage their life. My mate was not that different from yours,” she admitted hesitantly. “You must never breathe a word of that, certainly not to Blaidd.”

“I’m sorry,” Vivian quietly replied, shocked by what Zora shared. She didn’t really know Zora, but the woman didn’t strike her like the type to show sympathy or confide in others.

“Thank you.” Zora nodded. “Vanum only raised his hand to me once. I’m not a gentle female, as you may have guessed, so I wasn’t as injured as you were. If my mate hadn’t been the Primitus, my family would’ve killed him for the offense, and no one would have questioned it. But Vanum was the Lupercalia Primitus, and I didn’t wish to bring hardship to my clan, so I hid what happened,” Zora sighed, caught up in her memories. “He used to get so angry, accusing me of judging his actions, which in all fairness I did. He wasn’t a good leader,” Zora admitted with a frown and a shake of her head. “I think I put up with him for so long, because he was good with Blaidd. Blaidd looked up to his sire, and Vanum enjoyed the cub’s adoration. I used to fear the day Blaidd grew to learn his sire wasn’t perfect, because I have no doubt Vanum would’ve grown cold toward his son, as he did me.” Zora looked at Vivian, her eyes clearing, as she let the sad memory recede into the past again. “Anyway, as awful as Blaidd’s sire was, I was still overwhelmed after Vanum died. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I made certain life was better for Blaidd and our people. Believe me, I understand feeling trapped and having nowhere to turn. But you will find your way, I know it. Just relax and take a break from your life on Earth.”

“Thank you for the encouragement. It’s just, well, this is all so overwhelming.” Vivian waved her hand about the room. “I don’t remember everything, thank god, but what I do remember is -.” Vivian shook her head, not wanting to dredge up memories best left buried. “I really appreciate the advice, and I’d really like to take a break. But the people back home aren’t going to just forget that Steve was murdered. I need to go back and somehow explain that a passerby intervened. The longer I’m here, the guiltier I look,” Vivian insisted.

“I truly am sorry.” Zora sadly shook her head. “When Blaidd returns you will have to petition him. I’ll let you be. The clothes I brought you are on Blaidd’s bed. Wash-up, eat, and try to rest.”

Zora walked out, leaving Vivian alone with her thoughts. She floated on her back staring blankly at the ornate ceiling, as conflicting emotions swirled in her mind. Vivian didn’t condone what Blaidd did, but he did save her, and heal her arm. He was some alien ruler; clearly his concept of what was right and acceptable was different from hers.

Dad, God rest his soul, would’ve murdered Steve if he caught him hitting me, she conceded.

Still, it rankled Blaidd refused to take her back to Earth when she insisted. Her life hadn’t been her own for so long. This was just another affront in a long line of offenses.

I will just have to make him see reason.

Vivian took Zora’s advice as she waited for Blaidd to return. She floated on her back, then did laps in the warm water, till she was all pruney.

“Where do you think they keep the towels?”

Vivian looked at the empty lounge chairs as she waded up the steps. She wandered, dripping and naked, around the perimeter of the pool, but found nothing. There was a recessed vanity with small cloths next to a wash basin, and containers of unrecognizable products, but still no body towels. Vivian wandered into an alcove, and stared at the elevated bowl.

“Well, I found the toilet.” It was high enough her feet dangled when she did her business. “I think I need a toddler potty.”

Vivian continued her tour around the giant bathroom, at a loss for what to do. There didn’t seem to be any hidden linen closets. When Vivian passed a section of wall, she was surprised by a sudden powerful gust of air.

“Oh,” Vivian exclaimed, batting at the air, as her hair whipped all around.

She turned in front of the body dryer till she was entirely dry. Naked, Vivian peered into the bedroom. Seeing the coast was clear, she hustled to the bed, where Zora left her a couple dresses to choose from.

“I hope these fit, since Zora took my other clothes.” Not that she wanted to put on her bloody shirt and jeans.

Vivian grabbed the yellow gown, and pulled the shimmery stretchy material over her head. It clung to her boobs, hips and thighs, and dragged the floor, but at least it was clean.

“Beggars can’t be choosers.” She shook her head at the outfit better suited for a taller skinnier girl.

The tray of food resting on the bed caught her attention. It took a minute to pop the lid on the bottle of water, but she finally got it, and thirstily sucked down several gulps. Vivian paused as she realized it had a fresh flavor, like cucumber had been added to it.

“Interesting.” Vivian set the canteen down.

There were several small bowls with finger foods. The ornate design on the ceramic vessels distracted her for a moment. She grabbed what looked like a berry and popped it into her mouth.

“I guessed right – fruit salad.”

The blueish chunks were so watery and sweet Vivian was instantly in love. She moved on to try the next bowl of assorted morsels. It tasted like an assortment of raw cubed vegetables. Vivian tossed a pale green piece into her mouth and chewed.

“Oh, no.” She quickly spit out the pasty bitter tidbit.

The third held some sort of savory little meat turnovers, salty and good. Vivian picked up a gray oblong piece from the last bowl. Her eyes widened as she studied it. There were two long ears pinned back against a head, and two closed eyes.

“It’s a baked baby bunny!” Vivian dropped it on the tray in horror.

The thing crumbled into several chunks, and Vivian sighed in relief. It wasn’t some poor creature cooked whole, but some kind of ornately decorated pastry. She lifted a bit to her mouth and took a nibble.

“It’s an animal cracker,” she snorted.

As Vivian ate, she looked at the other half of the room. There was a large set of mirrors on the wall nearest the bed. Not far from it was an ornate array of weapons flanking a full-sized picture of Blaidd, regal and frightening. She noted how the image seemed to project off the wall, looking way too life like.

Vivian yawned as she finished eating, and set the tray on the table by the head of the bed. The plush bed was inviting. She glanced up at the lit orbs dotting the ceiling.

“Now how do I turn them off?” She couldn’t see a light switch anywhere.

Vivian gave up and just snuggled in, pulling the covers up, tucking her head beneath the folds to shield her eyes. There was a pleasant yet arresting scent on the sheets. It reminded her of juniper, mixed with something compelling and masculine. Vivian shifted uncomfortably as she realized she was in Blaidd’s bed, wondering why he hadn’t put her in a guest room. It took longer than normal, but the exhausting turmoil caught up with Vivian, and she drifted off.

Vivian startled awake from her nap. She looked around frantically, till she remembered where she was. She was still alone. Rather than being relieved, Vivian found it disconcerting. The hours passed as Vivian paced and explored her gilded prison, growing more and more frustrated by the moment.