Part One
Bucky had gone out hunting when he came upon a new path in the woods…so he followed it. It led deep into the forest, and up into the mountains, to the most beautiful and most foreboding castle he had ever seen.
His mouth dropped open in surprise.
Because of the long walk, it was already night, and as he watched, lights appeared in the windows.
He hid behind a tree. Something growled behind him, and he froze, eyes wide and fearful, then turned slowly to see what had growled.
A pack of wolves emerged out of the woods, looking at him hungrily.
Bucky jolted back against the tree, cocking his rifle shakily. The wolves came closer. He shot the closest one, but the others did not flee.
He shot again. They growled louder. He tried to shoot again, but his gun just clicked.
A low curse left his mouth and he dropped the rifle to run. The wolf-pack took pursuit, chasing him up the path.
Bucky ran as fast as he could up to the castle and pounded on the door.
"Open the door! Open the door! Please let me in!"
It creaked open, and he rushed in and slammed it shut just as the wolves lunged.
When he turned around, the hall was completely deserted.
He wiped his forehead with his shirt. "Hello? Anyone there?"
Silence. A light clicked on somewhere, and he jumped and shielded his eyes from the sudden flood of light.
Heels clicked on the dark marble floor, and a lithe, shapely figure descended the stairs, sheathed in a deep blue evening gown.
Bucky blinked a few times from the light, and once he could see properly, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open a little. The woman was drop-dead beautiful. Elegant features both sharp and soft, her hair cascaded down her back and shoulders like pale gold silk, and once she was close enough, her electric ice-blue eyes sent shivers down his spine.
She reached the bottom of the steps, and her crimson lips curved into a slight smile, then parted to release a voice that set his heart racing.
"Welcome."
His throat went dry, and all he could do was stare. Lightning struck, and he jolted.
"Um…th-thanks."
"You are welcome. Are you hungry, perchance? I was just about to have dinner."
"I…I don't want to intrude."
The woman smiled, and Bucky's heart stopped again.
"There is nothing to intrude on, handsome stranger. There is simply me and my dinner, which I am happy to share."
His heart skipped a beat…she thought he was handsome. "B-but my friend is waiting for me back at the village."
"The nearest village is a full day's walk, handsome stranger. It is well into night. You should rest."
Bucky's brows furrowed. How did she know that? "Have you been to the village?"
A twinkle of amusement shone in the woman's eyes. "How else would I get my groceries?"
He shrugged. "Servants? I mean, you can't be the only one taking care of this place."
She simply smiled. "I do take walks from time to time."
"So you're actually the only one here?"
"Not completely, I do have one servant, but he prefers to remain unseen, I know not why, and I have my cat."
"Ah."
She smiled again. "And of course, any guests that happen upon here."
Her eyes bored into his, setting a gentle fire ablaze within him. He swallowed hard.
"If nothing else, you need to rest before your return journey."
Bucky nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "If you insist."
Her smile did not fade. "This way, then."
She led him to a spacious dining hall, the table already set.
His brows furrowed when he noticed the two place settings. "Do you always have an extra plate in case of uninvited guests or do you usually eat with your servant?"
"The first. As I said before, Nikolas prefers to remain unseen."
"You're very hospitable."
She smiled again. "I try."
They sat, and she began to eat elegantly.
Almost everything looked like it just happened to be leftovers, if still extremely high-quality food, and the tableware looked very old.
Bucky couldn't help but lick his lips at the smell of the food as he put some on his plate. "Did this place go down to you from your family or something?"
The woman glanced at him. "Yes. It has been in the family for several hundred years. But don't worry. The food is just from the other night."
He chuckled. "That's a relief."
She smiled.
Bucky smiled back and dug in. The food was absolutely delicious. His hostess ate with perfect, almost Victorian manners, but that did not raise any red flags in his mind.
When he was done, he fell back against his chair. "I haven't eaten like that in years."
His hostess smiled and set her napkin on the table. "Would you like to see your room? Or would you prefer to do something else first?"
"If you have something else in mind, I'm all ears."
She looked him up and down, a tiny smirk curling her lips. "It seems otherwise to me. I only see two ears."
Bucky laughed. "True, but seriously, what do you have in mind?"
His hostess shrugged lightly. "There is much to do here, and you are the guest."
He nodded. "Alright."
She smiled and stood. "What would you like to do?"
He shrugged. "Probably just go to bed."
She nodded. "Follow me."
She left the dining hall and headed up the stairs, leading him through a maze of hallways to a dark wood door identical to all the others in the hall.
"Do not leave the room until morning, for your own safety."
His brows furrowed. "Why?"
"This is a very old castle. There are most likely several things that lurk in the darkness. And I wouldn't want you getting lost."
His eyes widened. "Can't you do something about it?"
She shook her head "It is only I and Nikolas and my cat, remember? And whatever lurks here does not harm the three of us. I believe it only hungers for new, fresh blood. Nikolas has always been here, I am of the bloodline that has always been here, and my cat…is a lurking beast, if a small, sweet one. Do not be afraid should she visit you tonight."
"Um…how about I just leave. I usually get home by morning anyway."
"And risk the wolves? No. You are safe in your room."
He hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."
His hostess opened the door. "I have business to take care of all day tomorrow, so do not expect me to be at breakfast."
"Okay." He nodded and walked into the room.
"Sleep well."
The door closed.
The moonlight cast a silvery gleam through the window, highlighting the huge old canopy bed that looked as if it was still in the time it was made.
Bucky smiled a little. "That's cool."
Something moved on one of the pillows, and Bucky drew his pistol, pointing it at the thing, his heart quickening.
"Prrrrp."
"What the hell?"
The thing stood up and stretched, and…it was just a black cat.
He sighed and relaxed, setting his pistol by the bed. "Stupid cat."
The cat made an offended noise, then ambled over and sniffed him.
Bucky sat on the bed and started taking off his shoes. The cat sniffed him thoroughly, then promptly laid down beside him and started purring aggressively, putting its head on his hand.
"Stop it." He pulled his hand away.
The cat looked up at him and meowed.
"What?"
It headbutted his hand. "Mrrrow."
A soft smile curled his lips, and it purred loudly as he petted it. He picked it up and folded down the covers so he could get in the bed. The cat crawled in with him, still purring.
Bucky chuckled. "You're actually pretty cute."
The cat licked his nose. He chuckled more; it kept purring. He sighed, and sleep came over him.
Morning dawned bright and clear.
Bucky sat up and looked out the window, absently noting that the cat was gone. He got up.
The door opened easily. Bucky stayed still, watching.
A dark-haired man peeked through, then froze. A tray of food was in his hand.
"I hope you're that lady's servant…"
The man nodded and held up the tray of food. "I was going to leave this for you so you would not have to search for the dining hall."
Bucky nodded. "Okay."
The man put the tray on the nightstand.
"Thank you."
The man nodded, then left, leaving the door open behind him.
Bucky set the tray on his lap and began to eat. Just like the night before, it was delicious and very filling.
A raven landed on the windowsill as he finished and set the tray aside. He looked at it. It blinked at him, then flew off.
Bucky blinked a little and shook his head, then got ups and put his shoes back on. The door was still open, so he headed out.
The halls were quiet. He frowned a little and walked down the stairs. The whole castle was quiet, and there were just enough lights on the he could make his way safely. He headed to the dining hall. It was empty.
He looked through the surrounding rooms, trying to find his hostess. Soon he realised that he could take all day and still not find her, so he sighed and sat down. Time passed, and eventually he got up, sighing, and went to the door. He had wanted to see her again before he left, but apparently he wouldn't.
The door was unlocked, and the path was clear to the village.
On the way, he shot a few rabbits for dinner, and arrived at his home with them slung over his shoulder, and laid them on the table.
Something about his home felt…off after spending the night in the castle of the strange, beautiful woman.
He looked around carefully…nothing was stolen, so he just shrugged the feeling off.
After he skinned and gutted the rabbits, he cut them up, packaged the meat, and stuck them in the icebox, then ate. That done, he went around back to his horse, Sasha.
The brown mare whinnied at him, then snuffled at him looking for treats.
Bucky chuckled and gave her an apple. "Spoiled."
She nickered.
He patted the side of her neck, then mounted her. She tossed her head.
Bucky clicked his tongue. "C'mon."
Sasha started to walk, and Bucky turned her up the path to the castle.
The sky was darkening as they arrived. He dismounted and knocked on the door; it opened on its own again.
He walked in. "Hello?"
Silence, then faint footfalls.
"Ma'am?"
Her servant's face appeared in the shadows by the staircase. "You returned…come in, come in! I will go inform Mistress Liron you are here, and then I will stable your horse."
The bear-like man scuttled up the stairs with surprising speed.
Bucky raised a brow and waited.
After a few minutes, the beautiful woman descended the stairs, one hand on the rail, her red gown trailing like a river of silk behind her.
She smiled, showing a flash of pearly white teeth behind her crimson lips. "You returned. Welcome back, Bucky." She said his name as if she was tasting it.
Bucky smiled. "Just couldn't stay away."
She laughed softly, a laugh that sent tingles down his spine. "Well, you are slightly early for dinner, so would you like to join me in my study?"
"Sure."
She offered a hand, and he took it. It was cold, but that didn't raise any red flags.
He followed her to the study. There was a fire in the grate, and thick books on the table.
"You actually have time to read those?"
"I do."
"Wow, impressive." He chuckled.
She smiled, and he smiled back as she sat in one of the elegant wingbacked chairs.
"Have a seat."
He sat and got comfortable.
"Couldn't stay away, huh?" She seemed amused, just slightly.
He smiled. "Nope."
"Dare I ask why?"
He shrugged. "Just thought I'd visit. It's a nice place you have here."
"Thank you. I must admit, it is nice to have a guest."
A smile curled his lips. "Maybe I should come by more often."
"You would be welcome to."
His smile widened. "Alright. How long has your family had this place?"
"Several centuries; I forget exactly how long."
Bucky nodded. "It's in very good condition."
She smiled. "Thank you. A lot of it is Nikolas and those who came before him, but there is still much that I and my forebears did...at least as much as we were let to." She chuckled softly, and her tongue darted to lick her lower lip.
His eyes were drawn to the motion, but he looked back to her eyes as she spoke again.
"So what is it you do, down in the village?"
"I sell things."
"What do you sell?"
"Meat, fur, leather, jewellery, other things."
She nodded. "Do you make any of it yourself?"
"I do. And I trap the animals myself."
She leaned forward a little. "What is that like?"
"Making traps?"
"Yes."
"It's hard work, but it pays off in the end."
She nodded.
"I should bring some stuff up to show you next time."
She smiled again. "I would like that."
He smiled back. "…what's your name, by the way?"
"Liron Ruskin."
"James Barnes, but people just call me Bucky."
She nodded. "That is a nice name."
"Thanks. My parents gave it to me."
Liron laughed.
The door opened. "Ma'am."
Bucky looked and saw her servant standing in the doorway. "Do you want dinner up here or in the dining hall?"
A glance back at Liron showed soft eyes. "Whichever is easier for you, Nikolas."
Nikolas smiled a little. "You know ease is no issue of mine, ma'am."
"Either works."
"Up here, then."
"As you wish, Nikolas."
The bear-like man left, and Bucky turned to look at Liron again.
"So…have any boyfriends or husbands?"
She shook her head, and he could not help but smile.
"How come?"
Her lips curved up at the corners. "Haven't found the right one."
He nodded. "Good reason."
They sat there smiling for a moment, before Nikolas returned with two trays.
Liron moved some books off the table, the collar of her dress dipping down. Bucky looked away.
The trays clinked onto the table, and the scent of the food made Bucky's mouth water.
"Thank you, Nikolas."
"You're welcome, ma'am."
Nikolas left as Bucky grabbed some bread.
"Mm, this is good."
Liron smiled. "Thank you."
Once the food was gone, Bucky sat back. "That was really good."
"It was. Nikolas is an excellent cook, and an excellent teacher."
"Teacher?"
She nodded. "I made the bread. Just because I am a lady does not mean I should not be able to cook. And frankly, I enjoy it."
"Oh, okay." He smiled. "Well, it was very good; I congratulate you."
"Thank you, Bucky."
He nodded. "You're welcome."
She crossed her legs. "What about you? Have you any lovers?"
Bucky shrugged. "A few, but a long time ago."
Liron nodded. "None suited you. I understand that."
"Yeah."
"I attempted to take a lover a few times, but they never lasted long enough to count for anything."
Bucky's cheeks pinked. "Oh, that must have sucked."
Her eyes glittered for a moment as with an inside joke, but she just nodded. "It did indeed."
Bucky could not help but laugh, and Liron smirked.
"What do you usually like doing?"
"I read a lot, write some, practice combat with Nikolas, play music…various things."
"Combat? Really?"
She crossed her arms. "You doubt a woman can fight?"
"No, I don't, but you just don't seem the type."
One blonde brow rose. "The type?"
"You seem so elegant and keep to yourself."
"Can I not do both?"
"I'm not saying you can't, just that it's unusual."
She nodded. "Fair enough. I learned at a young age to be prepared for as much as I can, but to always present the proper image."
"That's very smart."
Liron smiled, and he returned it.
She leaned back in her chair. "Do you know how to fight?"
"Yeah, a bit."
She nodded, and they shared a smile.
"What are your plans for today?"
"I had none, though…" She looked at the clock on the mantle. "It is late, and I assume you are tired."
"Kinda. I should head back though; I don't have my gun."
"You are welcome to spend the night here if you wish."
"Mm…" He glanced out the window. "…wolves are probably out, so sure."
She smiled. "I will go inform Nikolas."
Liron stepped out the door, then shadow-travelled to where she sensed Nikolas was. "He's staying the night again."
Nikolas nodded. "The nights seem to be in your favour."
She smiled. "They do indeed. Thank you for dinner, by the way. It was delicious."
He returned the smile and ducked his head a little. "Thank you. He seemed to like your bread. Did you put anything in it besides the regular ingredients?"
His tone was clear to what he was referring to.
She shook her head. "I did not have time…but I do not believe I shall need to."
Nikolas nodded. "Whatever you choose, ma'am. How long do you think it will take?"
"You know you don't have to call me that when it's just us. And I am not certain…not long."
Nikolas nodded again. "Sorry, I have served your family for so long I have become accustomed to it as I was of breathing before then."
Liron laid a hand on his shoulder. "It is alright, Nikolas. You can call me that if it makes you more comfortable, I simply wish you to know you do not need to. There is no need to apologise."
"Yes, Miss Liron."
She smiled and let go.
Nikolas smiled back and disappeared to prepare Bucky's room as Liron returned to her study. She and Bucky bid each other goodnight, and she went to her room and stripped down, changing into dark clothes suited for hunting in the darkness.
Her steps were silent as she slunk through the trees, searching for her prey.
Morning dawned, and Bucky laid in bed for a while before getting up and leaving the room. Just like last time, the hallway was silent and empty, so were all the other rooms near his.
A confused frown turned down his lips, before he realised that it made sense she would sleep in some other part of the castle.
He shrugged and headed down the stairs, almost running into Nikolas. He stopped quickly.
"I'm sorry."
"'Tis quite alright, I was actually coming to fetch you."
"How come?"
"Mistress Liron would like to speak with you."
"Where is she?"
"Her study."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Bucky smiled a little and headed down to Liron's study.
He knocked. "Liron?"
"Enter."
He went in. "You wanted to see me?"
The fireplace was the only light in the room, and her dress seemed a bit more…casually provocative than the ones he had seen before. She looked up and smiled.
"Yes. Have a seat?"
He sat.
"How did you sleep?"
"Good, you?"
"Well enough."
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Can you dance?"
He laughed. "Is that why you asked me down here?"
She bit her lip, seeming suddenly a little nervous. "I have been invited to a gala in about a week, and I am required to bring someone with me. Nikolas does not like parties."
"Oh, well, I haven't danced in quite a while, but I'd love to go."
Her smile sent a tingle down his spine. "Thank you, Bucky."
He smiled back. "Mmhm."
"Would you like me to help you refresh your memory before we must depart?"
"What?"
"Would you like me to remind you how to dance? You said you have not done so in a while."
"Oh!" Bucky laughed a little. "Yeah, sure."
Liron's smile widened slightly.
He got up and held out a hand for her. "Milady."
She took his hand, much cooler than his though her touch filled him with warmth, and stood, leading her out to the middle of the floor.
"Just a moment." She released his hand and turned on a stereo in the corner. Orchestral music in a waltz rhythm filled the air. "This should be easiest."
They shared a smile as Liron placed her hand on his shoulder, lacing the fingers of the other with his. "You know what to do with your feet, yes?"
Bucky's throat went dry at the feeling of her hand entwined with his, how close they were standing…
"Yeah."
Her eyes shone in the low light of the fire. "Good."
They began to move. One-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three. It went relatively smoothly, and then Bucky tripped.
"Sorry!"
Liron steadied him. "It's alright."
Slowly Bucky slipped into the groove of things. Liron kept close.
She could feel his heartbeat and the rush of his blood, strong and steady, and it took more of an effort than she had expected for keep herself in control. To not just hypnotize him to bend to her will so she could taste him… But she knew it would be all the sweeter if he was willing and aware, so she held back and kept to herself.
"Liron?"
Her eyes snapped to his.
He cleared his throat, pupils expanding for a moment in response to her unconscious pull. "You okay?"
She smiled, and forced herself back to how she was before she started thinking of how good he would taste. "Mind just wandered for a moment. I'm sorry."
"It's okay." He returned her smile, just a bit.
"You have captivating eyes, Bucky."
Bucky chuckled. "Thanks." His lips quirked into a smirk. "So do you."
Her smiled widened for a moment. "Thank you."
His mirrored hers, and then he stopped moving. "I'm done for now, if that's okay."
Liron nodded and let go of him. "As you wish."
"Thanks for the dance."
"You're welcome, Bucky."
They shared a smile.
"I should probably get going."
Her smile dropped a little, but she nodded. "Very well. Nikolas will bring your horse to the front door."
"You can come with me if you want. See what the place is like."
She bit her lip. It looked to be a sunny day… "I'm sorry. I have some things I must do, but I will come down when I can if that is alright with you?"
"Oh, okay, that's fine."
He gave her directions, and she smiled.
"Thank you, and I shall visit you this evening if not earlier."
He smiled back and nodded. "Alright, see ya then."
"Until our next meeting." Liron sat back into her chair.
"Yeah." Bucky walked toward the door, Liron watching his every step.