FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

RHYERS

Rhyers was in WaterRose’s Parlor with Bast and Dorena laughing when Elsabet stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Watching through the open doorway.

“Elsabet?” Bast caught her in his peripheral.

Oh, no. And so, it begins. Rhyers felt his stomach sink.

She won’t receive this well.

“Come join us!” Rhyers attempted.

“Why?” She called back. “It appears you’ve enough company.”

She means Dorena. That was obvious.

“Join us, Elsabet.” Bast softly invited.

“For what.” She stepped to the doorway. Exuding animosity as she peered at both men before her gaze dropped hatefully to the pretty blonde. The air around her vibrated with her fury. One by one, the candles doused in great puffs of smoke. “Perhaps I go upstairs and find some company of my own.”

Oh, shit. Rhyers flinched. Teeth gritted as he watched Bast fearfully.

Bast rose angrily from his chair at the challenge. He roared as he headed for her. “Woman! Do not toy with me!”

He didn’t like that threat.

A wicked smirk curved Elsabet’s ruby lips.

She knows what she’s doing.

“A day will come Sebastian, when you find I’m no longer swayed by your voice.” She took a threatening step forward. Fearless. “Not as easily charmed as the rest.”

Meaning Dorena.

There are no others. But obviously she thinks there are.

Bast closed in until they stood nose to nose.

Elsabet refused to give any ground.

The air crackled tensely between them.

Elsabet’s voice rose in a low hiss. “How long do you actually think I’ll let you keep me here?”

Oh, he isn’t going to like that.

He was unblinking. “Much longer than you were able to contain me.”

Her lips turned in what appeared to be a snarl.

Bast engaged in an in-depth argument with the terrifyingly lovely Elsabet.

Elsabet’s eyes flashed blood red, before subsiding into dark purplish orbs once more.

A glance at Dorena revealed her rapt with curiosity. “I want so badly to eavesdrop.”

Bad plan.

“I wouldn’t do that.” Rhyers took a sip from a glass of Bast’s high quality sherry.

“Is she his wife?”

Not yet. Not even after all these years.

Rhyers scoffed. “Eventually. But until she concedes, she will remain his captive.”

Dorena’s expression was filled with empathy.

“Don’t pity her. She wouldn’t have it.”

She may kill you for having that look on your face. Rhyers blanched.

“Will she give in?” Dorena asked.

Doubt she has much choice.

“In all probability. Sebastian is a hard man to resist.” His observation was decisive and proud.

And whether she wants to admit or not she cares for him.

His eyes slid back to Dorena. Or she wouldn’t be so upset by Dorena’s presence in WaterRose.