Blood of Azura

Part XV

The Leoth did not look at all worried by the king's invitation, merely indignant, so perhaps she was worrying needlessly? No. She felt this in her bones. A heavy dread, a creeping death. In desperation, she gripped hold of Theodan's arm.

'You cannot take me to him, say you will refuse, you must refuse,' She pleaded, everything leaving her now but the cold desperation.

Theodan said nothing, his dark eyes examining every part of her face in silent contemplation. For a moment she thought about giving herself over to his mercy. This known devil was better than the tribal king known for his sadism and cruelty. What if she revealed all to him and begged him to help her escape this place, what if she promised him the riches and gratitude of Calate if he were to return her to her homeland? Would he do it? Could she do it? Go back? After all, she'd done to escape?

As Theodan's expression clouded with suspicion she felt all hope float further away from her. He was a Leoth warrior. He possessed no mercy. He'd find no clemency for an Azurian slave who'd shown nothing but disdain for his very existence.

'Theodan please...' she whispered, squeezing the thick muscle of his arm a little harder. She recalled how sure she had been that she would never beg him for anything - yet, how easily the words came now. Weak. Craven. Selfish. Something shimmered in his eyes, the dark purple flame flickering, wavering, with some emotion she could not place.

'I can smell your fear, female,' he said. 'I can smell your blood thick with it.' He narrowed his eyes. 'Tell me why I should disobey a king for you?'

She swallowed. Opened her mouth to speak, the words rushing to her tongue, a burn which matched her wrists, her back. This Leoth was all that stood between her and certain death. This beast of Leoth. This animal who had marched upon these shores at the very behest of the tyrant who sought to wipe out the monarchial line of Azura.

This Leoth was not her saviour. He was the Zybar's saviour.

He was her enemy.

No. If this was to be her death then she would face it with valour as Galyn had. She let go of him and stood back, raising her chin to meet his eyes.

'No matter,' she said. 'Of course, you will obey. Your king of dogs wishes to wipe out all of Azura - and you are here to assist him with the task.'

A low growl escaped his throat and he stormed away from her to the chest at the foot of the pallet which he threw open in frustration. She flicked her eyes to Jhaan who stared at her with a hopeless look on his face. He seemed to be pleading with her, warning her. Theodan pulled on a dark leather tunic, intricate markings sewn into it in silver, and a pair of light coloured leg coverings. She stood still, her breathing fast and loud, her blood rushing past her ears, her eyes, her bones rattling with fear. She felt trapped and hopeless yet inside her swirled a raging storm of panic.