“Iamthe Salt Army! You weak, poor excuse for a man hiding behind your mask! No force stands a chance against the might of my Drengr. Their skill is worth one to twenty on an average warrior.”
Sigvid’s hand clutches one of his axe handles. His free hand grips Avina as if Thrain might steal her away. “I should not have to explain this to you,King.”
Thrain sneers and takes measured steps until he is so close he would be nose to nose had Avina not stood between them. “You may justify your influence in society, but we both know you are muscles stuffed into an angry man's body.” He tilts his head, lowering his voice, “Strike me with your captive present. Let her see your true dignity before it’s too late.”
She clears her throat rather loudly. “With all due respect, King Thrain, Sigvid did brutally murder one of his own Drengr because of me and in front of me.”
“My brother should never have subjected Your Majesty to such savagery.”
Avina shakes her head to Sigvid’s astonishment. “I have lived a quiet life without love. Having someone kill for me was the closest I have ever felt to feeling cared for.”
He holds her tighter, “She is about to witness the sheer force of my brutality if you do not step away.”
For a final time, Thrain bows to Avina. “I still have much to learn of you, Queen Avina Bloodstone. Perhaps you might indulge me while held prisoner here? I promise I do not keep my trophies in cages.”
“Thank you, King Thrain.” Her stately voice is more impressive and stately than Sigvid has ever heard.
I see you, Avina, the young girl who rehearsed speeches and practiced her interactions with care.
“Sigvid, you are dismissed. After the last several months, your farm no doubt needs tending to.” Thrain flourishes his hand.
There is still one person in this town who he trusts implicitly with his creatures. With any luck, they would not have let his animals starve.
With that, he tows her out of the house and into the biting chill of early evening. People continue milling about, but the crowd and Drengr have dispersed.
She buckles her knees, refusing to take another foot off the steps. “I wish to go home.” Her voice wavers, and she chokes slightly. “Ihave someone who needs me.”She bites her lip and looks away, her fists shaking.
“You are my guest indefinitely.” There is no discussion on this matter.
He fucking owns her.
However, her sudden tears stir an uncomfortable feeling in the warrior.
She collapses to her knees, her face buried in her hands. “She is all that I have.” She can barely speak through the torrent of emotion.
“Who do you have that needs you?” His tone softens despite himself.
“Nellie. They’ll kill her. Samson will kill her. She has no one to save her.” Her words jumble out frantically.
“Who is Nellie?” he kneels beside her.
“My cat.” Her lips tremble. “I rescued her from being eaten alive by hounds. That’s what they do with stray cats in Timber. I couldn’t save her mum or litter mate, but I could save my Nellie.”
Her brow creases, and she looks up with loathing in her lovely eyes. “I hate you! You were supposed to be different.”
Her comment grieves him more than he cares to admit. He struggles to remain impassive. “Who feeds the cats to the hounds? Where do you keep your cat?”
“She lives-“ Avina tilts her head toward him. “Why?” She sniffles.
“This is important.” He leans closer, making her inhale sharply. “I need to know where you keep her and who feeds the cats to the hounds.” His expression is serious as his eyes bore into hers.
She meets his intensity in silence. A myriad of emotions cross her face in rapid succession. Finally, she closes her eyes and hangs her head.
“Nellie was living in my quarters. The Hound Master tortures the strays. He and I have had issues in the past. He lives outside the castle.”She chortles, “Do you intend to befriend him to deepen my torture?”
Sigvid grinds his teeth just thinking about this asshole. “I intend to murder this fucker and bring her home.”
She twirls a loose curl in thought. “I wish to make you a deal.” She takes a steady inhale and exhales before continuing. “You kill my Hound Master and bring Nellie back to me. Then I agree to be your toy, your prize, your whore, your pleasure slave until after the Winter Solstice. After which time you agree to let me return home to rule.”
