It’s a cue for something, because Gwydion and Mabon both urge their mounts to pick up speed. I close my eyes. I’m a long way from the ground and this is terrifying. But the feel of Mabon fitting so closely against me and gently sliding up and down is nice. Too nice.
Mabon giggles quietly. “Hello Mister Dinkey.”
I bite back my groan of dismay. I’m not giving Mabon anymore satisfaction. But the problem is soon solved when we pick up even more speed and start twisting and turning. Fear wilts my boner, and all I can do is cling onto Mabon for dear life.
It continues for far too long, and then, just as I’m sure I can’t take it anymore, it stops. We are motionless. It’s silent.
Tentatively, I open my eyes. We are alone with Gwydion in a snowy clearing. There is a large, hairy pig with tusks lying lifeless on the ground. A spear is sticking up from its neck. Crimson blood is seeping out onto the pristine white snow.
I snatch my gaze away. My stomach is rolling.
“Congratulations, Lord Gwydion,” says Mabon.
He sounds perfectly calm, but I swear something is wrong.
Gwydion grins. “Thank you, Your Highness. Would you do me the honour of a favour?”
“It would be my pleasure,” says Mabon.
He reaches into his robes and pulls out a lavender coloured handkerchief. Gwydion moves his stag closer and holds out a deadly looking spear. Mabon drapes his piece of cloth over it and Gwydion raises his spear, sending the silk sliding down the shaft and straight to his hand. He lifts it to his lips, kisses it and tucks it into his robes, next to his chest.
Mabon laughs, seemingly in delight. But I have a very bad feeling about this.
I just hope I’m wrong.
Chapter sixteen
Ican’t believe he has left me chained to his bed again. He is such a little shit. I thought we had moved on from such things. Grown closer. But I guess I’m still nothing more than a plaything. Something to use and then discard every time he gets bored.
Sighing heavily, I wander over to the window. My leash is just about long enough to reach. It’s dark outside and I can’t see shit. It’s not at all distracting. I’m left fuming, and worrying about him, and fuming that I’m worrying about him.
He clearly has enemies. Osian even warned him. But why do I care? Doesn’t the saying go, the enemy of my enemy is my friend? I should be finding ways to communicate with Duke Carian and Lord Gwydion, and I should be working with them.
So why aren’t I? Why does the very idea of it make me feel sick? I’m not so daft as to be turned by a pretty face and mind-blowing sex. Or am I? Oh lord, this is impossible!
I run my hand over my face and try to pull my thoughts together. I need a distraction. Something. Anything that will stop my thoughts from twisting in circles. Anything at all.
I know! I’ll do some more Morse Code. That requires just enough brain cells to keep me occupied.
I bring a lamp over to the windowsill and get as comfy as I can. I still don’t have much to say.
‘I’m being held by Prince Mabon. I’m gathering information. He doesn’t know I’m Resistance.’
It’s pathetic, but no one is going to see this, so it doesn’t matter. I’m just going to make damn sure I escape with something useful. That way, all of this would not have been for nothing.
The Resistance will be proud of me. I’ll be free, and Mabon will fade to nothing more than a confusing memory.
My breath hitches, but I ignore it. I’m not thinking straight. I’m a captive. It’s a stressful situation. Stockholm Syndrome is a thing for a reason. Once I’m out of here, I will be able to think clearly and I’m sure I won’t be feeling fond of Mabon at all.
A door bangs loudly in the next room. I quickly move away from the window and go stand by the bed, with my most innocent expression.
Mabon bursts into the bedroom. And he is not alone. He is wrapped around Gwydion and their hands are all over each other.
My leash brings me up short and the collar presses tightly against my throat. I gag and the instant rage I felt fades. Mabon is not mine. He can have whoever he likes. The idea that he’d be loyal to a mere pet is ludicrous. I don’t know what came over me.
I step out of the way as they fall onto the bed. Nausea is rolling through me. I turn away. They are completely ignoring me. I may as well be a piece of furniture. So I don’t think Mabon isgoing to unchain me. I’m stuck here and I’m going to have to watch.
Well, I’m going to close my eyes and block my ears. But it’s not going to be enough. Being a thousand miles away would not be enough.
