Author's note: Thank you all who has followed me this far!

IMPORTANT: I'd like to take a moment to restate the fact that I don't do sex scenes (I know officially ffnet doesn't allow it anyway, but I know it makes it onto this site despite that) and also to stress that when it comes to 'forced encounters' that is absolutely not happening, not even through inference. Although at some point it will probably make sense for the Valeyard's character to start down that path I promise that if River doesn't stop him the Valeyard will stop himself. I realize that telling you this at the start takes out some of the suspense and such from the story, however I don't want anyone to stop reading in fear that River is in that particular danger. She is in plenty of trouble and certainly playing with fire by staying with the Valeyard, but that's one fate I'm not interested in exploring beyond a 'close call'.


Doctor Who: Rassilon's Wrath

Prologue

River fluttered her eyes open as she woke gently. She had laid down on the cot in the cold cell. Since she had been left in a deep induced sleep by the Valeyard she reasoned that it would be best if she appeared to still be resting when he returned. River wasn't sure when she'd actually fallen asleep but she expected to wake to the same dank prison that she'd been trapped in. However the soft bed she was laying on, the rose scented air, and the warm amber light that greeted her told her that she had been moved.

A little disconcerted that she had been taken from the cell without waking River started to second guess her decision. Her sinking feeling was made worse when she realized that perhaps she just didn't remember being woken and moved. The Doctor had warned her that the Valeyard may muck with her memory further, but it hadn't changed her resolve to stay and keep track of the Valeyard. Sitting up River looked around at the lavishly decorated bedroom lit by dozens of flickering candles.

"Hopeless romantic..." River sighed "just like the Doctor."

Feeling a little nauseous River wrapped her arms over her stomach. The feel of her clothing was startling cold. Looking down River was stunned to find herself wearing an elegant gown covered in blood red sequins. A second look revealed that the dazzling sparkle was actually thousands of genuine rubies set in the fabric not sequins. Getting to her feet River walked over to the free standing full length mirror, the stones in the bodice of her dress flashing as she moved. The mirror revealed the beauty of the floor length dress and the woman wearing it despite the worried expression that stared back at her.

"I've made a terrible mistake."

River spent a moment looking for something less flashy to wear, but her options were the ruby dress or nothing. With 'nothing' certainly not being an option River went to the door, praying it wasn't locked. The door opened without protest and let her out into a lonesome hallway lit by glowing alcoves. River furrowed her brow as she noticed a line of rose petals on the floor that lead off to the left.

"Hopeless." River muttered.

Following the directions of the trail of petals River wove her way through what appeared to be a deserted five star hotel. Other than the swishing sound of her dress it was frighteningly quite. The roses eventually lead River to a stunning open floor ballroom with a vaulted ceiling that was dripping in cut crystal chandeliers. The far wall was all glass revealing that they were actually on some form of luxury space liner from the spectacular view of the Milky Way.

It took a moment for River to spot the Valeyard who was standing in front of the vast window staring out. She found her hearts suddenly pounding as he turned around to face her. He was wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo with a tailed jacket. He had left the jacket unbuttoned to reveal the ruby studded vest that matched River's dress perfectly. Unlike the Doctor the Valeyard was distinctly missing any form of bow-tie or neckwear, but had rather left the top few buttons of the white silk shit undone. His face lit up when he spotted River in the ruby dress he had picked out for her.

"River." The Valeyard beamed. "Just in time."

"In time? In time for what?"

The Valeyard didn't answer, instead he sashayed his way over to River with an exaggerated swing to his narrow hips. Reaching her he spun around causing the tails of his jacket to flare as he finished with a flourish and a radiant smile. River managed a genuine chuckle and shook her head at the Valeyard's exuberance. She couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly the Valeyard seemed to mirror the Doctor's mannerisms.

"You are *ravishing*." The Valeyard announced proudly.

River yelped in surprise as the Valeyard suddenly wrapped one arm around her waist and took her hand in the other. Pulling her into a far closer than standard Waltz position he gracefully lead River across the glassy surface of the spacious ballroom floor. It came as second nature to River to follow his lead as they danced their way towards the gigantic floor to ceiling window. For a moment she even had to remind herself who she was dancing with.

Once they were at the window the Valeyard twirled River around with enough momentum to make her a touch dizzy. He stopped her by putting his hands on either side of her hips. Facing the window with the Valeyard at her back River tried to turn around but he stopped her by wrapping his arms low around her waist. Pulling her against his chest the Valeyard continued to sway River to the slow beat of the music that only played in his own mind.

"So...where are we?" River asked casually.

"Shhhh," the Valeyard purred "just watch."

"What am I watching?"

"You'll see."

"Valeyard, Honey, we need to talk..."

"Talk later, hush, it's about to start."

"What is abo..."

River stopped midsentance as the Valeyard brushed her hair away from her shoulder and kissed her neck behind her ear. Her stomach churned sickeningly as the Valeyard kissed down the length of her neck. She closed her eyes and did her best to relax under the unwanted attentions of the Valeyard. She had known from the start that she was going to have to allow him close if she wanted to keep his trust, she just hadn't realized how difficult it was going to be to accept his touch. River never have any intention of letting him get any further than the kissing, but she had thought it would be easier to feign being comfortable with his lips against her skin and his hands wrapped around her waist. River jerked slightly as the Valeyard slipped one hand lower down across her hips.

"Still not comfortable with the new me?" The Valeyard asked in a hurt tone.

"I just need need more time. I'm sorry."

River relaxed as the Valeyard brought his hands into a less intimate embrace. She was thinking of a way to delicately change the subject to the Timonic Fusion Device when the view outside the window exploded in a spectacular spray of multi coloured light. River couldn't even gasp in surprise as she gapped at the show outside the thick glass. The Valeyard nuzzled against her neck as all of reality seemed to ripple and shimmer. When it over River struggled to find her voice.

"Wa...was that the...?"

"The the end of rules and the beginning of a new life."

"No, no you didn't... How? When?"

"I did it for you, for us." The Valeyard suddenly lowered his voice to a grow. "I am going to burn the Doctor's entire Universe...starting with the Earth and ending with...wait...no...where did that thought come from?"

River's fear turned to confusion as the Valeyard began to ramble. He held her tighter, almost painfully tight, as if someone was about to try and take her away from him. With her back pressed against his stomach she could feel him starting to tremble. He buried his face in her shoulder for a moment as he started panting for breath.

"Valeyard..."

"I would never hurt you, never, nothing and no one can make hurt you." The Valeyard spoke in a barely audible whisper. "I love you, you'll always be safe with me, always...I'm not going to hurt you, I'm not...I wouldn't..."

River's blood ran cold as she realized the Valeyard wasn't trying to convince her, he was trying to convince himself.