FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

“Is that all?” She asked derisively. Nearly stomping her foot.

That all? Irritation was making his face flinch and it felt as though one eye may actually be twitching. Oh, she makes me furious!

“I don’t have to explain myself to you!” He walked to pace the fur rug before the fire. Setting his sherry decanter on the mantle so he could work off some frustration pacing there.

“Fine!” She still stood next to the red chair.

“Fine!” Bast tossed his head like an angry animal to keep her in view. Much the same as Quandary did when agitated. He massaged his temples before rolling his shoulders and straightening. Stretching his back. Movements graceful, feral…Feline. He commenced pacing. His eyes flashed gold in his annoyance and he swung his head again to keep her in view as he turned to walk the other direction.

Elsabet’s gaze narrowed as she watched him.

A vision flashed through her mind’s eye of Quandary earlier tonight. Doing those same movements and looking at her with those same eyes.

Her jaw dropped.

“What?” He paused.

“I’ve oft thought you move more beast then human.” She murmured in shock.

“Yes. Yes.” He shook his head in annoyed gesture. Tossing a hand. “I’ve heard it many times afore.”

But she still stared at him as though having never seen him afore. “How could I have missed it?” Her jaw gnashed. “How long did you think I’d play the fool?” She shifted. Body tensing.

She’s ready to attack me. Why?

“You doubt me? You doubt the sacrifices I’ve made for you?”

“I doubt much of what you say.” She stated. Her contempt shrouding her thoughts beautifully.

Wait? What are we talking about? His eyes narrowed on her. Why am I getting the sense we’re discussing two different things?

“Are you speaking of my loyalty?” He took her silence as affirmation.

Fine. Look for yourself. Flattening his palm before him, his fingers splayed as he headed for her. Approaching her with a rounded orb developing in his hand.

She tucked into the chair to stay out of reach. “What is it?”

She’s afraid of it. Understandable since she doesn’t know what it is.

Frost formed over the orb coating it and turning it to glass until only a small square area glistened. Her reflection stared back at her from that spot.

“Take it.” He ordered.

She automatically complied. Staring at the weightless gift in her cupped hand, mesmerized. “What is it?”

“Captured energy.” He watched her staring at it, jaw agape. “My energy binds it. With it, you’ll be able to see my whereabouts when you wish it.”

Her eyes lit with wonder as they moved to him. Tearing her gaze from the orb.

He looked at her awestruck expression. “You can see me all the time now.” He assured softly. “When you’re dubious about my doings.”

Hopefully it’ll bring you some comfort. Since you refuse to believe me.

She looked back to the ball of energy and light, held in her palm. Though it appeared a solid mass when she tilted her hand, it seemed to melt and reform like ripples on a lake. The reflection of it shined brightly in her lavender blue eyes. “Why?”

“Because you have me.”

I’m not straying.

Her confusion was apparent. Rising from the chair she held it carefully before her. Walking up to her chamber in a daze.

Stepping from the library, he watched her climb the stairs.

He still had the distinct sense that it wasn’t merely the gift that had her so baffled. What was it then?

Because I gave it to her perhaps?

Because she can check for herself to see if she can trust me? He couldn’t rationalize that look on her face earlier. When he’d paced before the fire.

What was she thinking? He wished he’d peeked beyond the barrier.