Chapter 4

I slowly made my way to where I remembered them taking Denushka. Oddly there was no one around, no guards patrolled the grounds or anything. It was eerily silent. I felt a shiver down my back, but forced myself to go on. I reached what appeared like stables and peeked inside. No guards. I could smell straw and horses. A few lamps were dimly lit here and there. I wonder which one Denushka is in? I looked into the first and second stable, but it was empty. It seemed like none of the stables had horses?! Just then I heard a sound. I sounded like a woman...I slowly walked closer and then caught glimpse of the naked back of a man. The sound I heard was of a woman moaning. They were busy making love in the stable! I quickly stood back and bumped a bucket over. The man suddenly looked around, but didn't stop what he was doing. His eyes were unusually beautiful and completely black. It reminded me somehow of Denuska's... how could this be?! I ran out the stable when arms suddenly surrounded me and covered my mouth at the same time. I desperately tried to scream and wriggle free, but the person was too strong for me and quickly pulled me away from the stables.

"Keep quiet and come with me!" a voice whispered urgently into my ear. It sounded familiar.

I kept resisting, but had no success. Eventually we got to an isolated courtyard. The person let me go.

"How dare you!" I said and instinctively wanted to slap him through the face before I could help myself. I was angry. Angry and embarrassed at the same time. The scene I just saw in the stables... and that I got caught in my attempt to escape. It was the butler. And he caught my wrist in the blink of an eye.

"You!" How did he know?!

"I would show more appreciation, considering that I just saved your life."

"What?!"

"You don't know what you saw, do you?" he asked. My face was turning red at the recollection of the scene I was desperately trying to erase from my mind.

"I...I..." I stammered.

"He is a kelpie."

"What?!" I must have heard wrong.

The butler folded his arms across his chest and looked annoyed.

"Don't tell me I have to explain to you what they are?"

"No...no, I know...it's just, I didn't think mythological creatures really existed..."

"Even though you wear a charm around your neck to ward off pixies?"

"How...how do you know that?!" The charm was always hidden under my clothes...

"My lord has been surveying both you and your...friend for a while now. Your coming here had been carefully planned and considered."

"Now that helps me feel right at home!" I said sarcastically. I've been spied on for who knows how long and didn't realise...

"It should, since you know that you are not a complete stranger to his majesty. I assure you that his intentions are honourable Miss Monforte. It would be in your best interest and safety to not leave the castle without me or other arranged escort. The unmarked lands are home to...many creatures."

"Like kelpies?"

He nodded.

"That was Denushka, wasn't it? Why didn't he try to kill me before? I've ridden..." oh my gosh! my face was turning tomato again. The idea of riding a horse that can turn into a man... and all the things I've told him... My legs gave way and I sat down on the side of a fountain that was in the centre of the courtyard.

"He can only take his true form inside the unmarked lands, like all the other mythological creatures. It is curious, however that he didn't take his chance as soon as you crossed the border. He seems to...care about you in some way...that is very unusual..."

"If he cares so much, why is he...he..." I couldn't finish my sentence and couldn't look the butler in the eyes.

"His majesty had forbidden him to lay his hands on you, but he is still a kelpie. That woman let herself become his prey of her own free will. Everyone here knows that the stables are off limits at night."

"You mean that all the horses are kelpies?!"

I felt nauseous. No wonder Este's horse ran off. I hope it's okay...

"What about that woman? Shouldn't we help her?"

"Oh, do you wish to take her place?" he asked and I looked at him in shock.

"No, of course not! But don't kelpies drown their victims and..."

"Yes, but a trade had to be made. Such is the rules."

"Trade? You mean she instead of me?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare.

"Come, you must be tired. Things will look less dreary in the morning," he said and reached his hand out to me. I looked at his face. His gold eyes were steady and there was a slight smile on his face. Could I trust him?

"Please answer one more question for me."

"What is it?"

"What are you?"

"I noticed earlier in the dining hall that you are very observant. You mean because my eyes are an unusual colour? That is a secret, but I can assure you it is nothing as exciting as your kelpie," he said seriously. I took his offered hand and he pulled me up, but my legs gave way. He immediately pulled me close to him to prevent me from crashing to the floor. I ended up being held tightly in his arms. His face was suddenly so close... My heartbeat sped up and I trembled even more. What was wrong with me?! I felt his hand softly stroking my hair and his whisper.

"There, there..."

For a moment I was speechless, but then common sense kicked me under the bum. This surely would cause problems if we would get seen like this...it would look like the butler is caressing me... and I don't know what he is – he could be a vampire for all I know! Didn't those vampires in Twilight have gold eyes too?!

I gently pushed him away.

"Thank you, I should be able to stand – I think."

He let me go.

"Shall we?" I asked with a braver voice than I felt. He walked with me to my room and I asked him to please wait until I have closed and locked the balcony doors. What if something grabbed me if I was alone? I was terrified. He bid me goodnight and was about to leave.

"Wait!"

He stopped and looked at me. "Yes?"

"Thank you..."

"You are welcome." He turned to leave again.

"Please tell me your name!" I called out.

"Does it really matter?" he asked.

"It does to me...you are the only friend I currently have in this place."

"You consider me your friend? I am flattered, but please don't forget that I am just a butler to his highness...my name is Hiro," he said and left the room and closed the door softly.

"Hiro..."