FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses
Be More Careful

Everything about your face has a reaction from me.

“I thought you never lied?”

“Except for when it comes to claiming I don’t replace you attractive. I could prove right now how very attractive I replace you.” He glanced up from the trencher.

“Must you always avert the conversation?”

“Must you?” He cocked his head.

“When it is that subject.”

“And why, might I ask, is that?” He sat back awaiting her answer. Watching intrigued as her eyes spit fire. Cheeks flushing. Dark lashes moving as she blinked furiously trying to control her temper.

“No. You may not. I asked you a question first.”

“Ah, but mine was more interesting.” He resumed eating without looking up at her. Knowing she vibrated with barely contained rage. The fire behind her roared out beyond the mantle and crested, nearly to the walls. His acute hearing caught the extra flood of water dumping along the bailey, starting to sound like crashing. He took a bite of food to hide his thoughts.

“Go ahead and laugh at me, Captor.”

“What?” He gave her a startled look. “So, today I’m your captor. When such a short time ago you implied you missed me. And after that…You warmed me in the library.” He purred. Eyes brightening with intensity as he gave her an unblinking stare.

“You assumed I missed you.” She swallowed. Throat working.

“I thought you said you did?”

“You shouldn’t think. It doesn’t suit you...Besides, when you do, you elect for poor decisions…Such as drinking poison!”

“Full of disdain this morning, aren’t you?” He asked in an amused tone. Picturing all that passion hot underneath him.

“Do you take anything seriously?” She demanded. Slapping her chair over as she leapt to her feet. Fisting her hands. Eyes rolling from vivid red to bright blue in rapid concession. The candles in the Dining Hall began flickering as though nearly consumed by a wild wind. The chandelier hanging high above the table swayed precariously.

I took bedding you very seriously.

Bast only spared the chandelier a slight glance, working hard to keep her from noticing the nervous flicking of his eyes. I need to calm her down. Despite my enjoyment.

“Not if possible.”

“Will you die for them?” She raged.

“Calm down.”

“Answer me!” She shrieked. Working a small fist.

The walls of WaterRose groaned. And Bast realized it was time he answered.

“If it’s necessary.” He took another bite of egg.

When she was silent rather than shrieking with rage, he was vaguely surprised. He reluctantly glanced up and found her eyes trapped somewhere between red and blue and glowing. Pretty silver hair falling over her black dress. And she held before her one hand with the flesh slowly peeling back to expose long black talons which ruptured from her fingertips and caused her hand to bleed down her wrist.

“If death is your wish you might as well end it now rather than prolonging it.” She suggested. Freakish gaze steady on him.

He saw her game. I see you Elsabet.

“Death doesn’t scare me Elsabet.” He took another bite of breakfast, spearing a bit of sausage under her watchful gaze. “But it’s obvious my carelessness upsets you. And if this is your way of persuading me to not be so heedless in my actions because it affects you, it’s duly noted.”

He paused for another bite. “I’ll be more conscientious in future.”

Let that be the end of it. He hoped.

There was a long silence. As if he’d stolen wind from her sails. He felt the need to look up at her.

Her face was vulnerable with pain. And gaze blue, hands dropped to her side as she looked at him. Emotion raw.

Emotion I wasn’t sure she possessed.

“Do you play games, Sebastian?” She whispered brokenly.

“No.” He met her long look. Shaking his head solemnly. “I can see that for whatever reason, my actions distressed you. It’s not my wish. I want only for you to be happy.”

She was speechless, lips parting as though she’d speak.

He waited but she said nothing further. He commenced eating. Avoiding the anguish in her eyes.

She turned in a swish of silver skirts and began walking from the room. “Sebastian.” She’d paused.

“Hmm?” He looked up with a mouthful of food. Eyes startled.

“Thank you.”

He nodded. “Elsabet,” He heard her step pause. “I’ll be gone this evening.”

“You’re always gone!” She shouted bitterly. Walking again.

“You could give me incentive to stay?”

She screeched like an enraged bird and the crystal chandelier above him rocked from the wave of her rage.

“Or not.”