The kitten arrives.
Dmitri lifted his head and grinned. Vincent led Mana into the dining room and pulled a seat for her to sit. Mana hesitated before taking the seat, nodding to Vincent.
Vincent took a seat between Dmitri and Mana and nodded to Dmitri. Mana glowered at Dmitri from her place. Dmitri gestured to the bowl of stew in front of her.
"Eat."
Vincent glanced at Mana and mimed eating. Mana glanced at the soup and spoke. Vincent replied and Mana apprehensively took a spoon and began eating. Dmitri took his goblet and sipped.
"I want to know why she's here."
Vincent nodded and spoke to Mana. They conversed, Dmitri smirking at Mana's tone. His eyes drifted over her tightfitting attire. Travelling clothes, they may be, but not suitable for Russia's winter. Not that Dmitri was complaining per se.
Mana glowered at him and spoke.
"My Lord," Vincent coughed, "Lady Mana requests that you do not scrutinise her so closely."
"Is that what she said?" Dmitri chuckled.
"Granted, her choice of words is as tasteful as yours," Vincent said with a sigh. "But she does not wish to divulge why she's travelling to France."
Dmitri met Mana's mismatched eyes.
"She could have taken many routes, why through Russia?"
Vincent asked and Mana turned away, lips pursed. Dmitri took another sip.
"Regardless, she isn't leaving until she has beaten me in battle."
Vincent sighed.
"My Lord…"
"I stand by it, Lazarev," Dmitri said and Mana looked up when he dented his goblet. "She will not be treated with 'special care' because she's a woman."
Dmitri and Vincent glared at each other before Vincent turned to Mana and spoke. Mana got to her feet and snapped her fingers. Vincent rose and raised a hand, stumbling over his Japanese as blood whips coiled around her arm.
Dmitri laughed.
This little kitten isn't afraid to unsheathe her claws.
"Tell her she needs rest before she even has a chance against me," he said and placed his goblet down.
Vincent spoke and Mana glared at him. Vincent paled and gestured with his hands for her to sit down.
Meanwhile, Dmitri admired the new view. Her corset was probably too tight but it most definitely suited her.
Mana glared at Dmitri before her blood shot back into her body. She took her seat as Vincent sighed in relief. Dmitri chuckled again.
"She can train with Alexei," he said, leaning his cheek on his fist. "Show her the gym when she's finished eating."
Vincent nodded as he translated. Mana nodded to Dmitri.
"She may also learn some Russian so offer some lessons here and there."
Mana nodded at the translation, looking a little relieved.
"She may use her weapon in training and duelling. Just make sure she doesn't kill anyone with it."
Mana rolled her eyes and pouted. Dmitri chuckled.
"Anything else she wants, let me know," he ordered and Vincent nodded. "I just want our little kitten to be comfortable."
Vincent raised his eyebrows at the emphasized word. Mana frowned at and glanced at him.
"Kitten?" she said slowly.
Vincent turned to her, stuttering in his Japanese and shaking his head. Mana narrowed her eyes.
Dmitri grinned.
"No, go on," he purred. "Tell her what it means."
"My Lord!"
"Tell her."
Vincent sighed, braced himself and glanced at Mana.
"Koneko."
Mana's jaw dropped and she glowered at Dmitri. She stood up and despite Vincent's protests, she launched herself towards Dmitri.
Dmitri stood and caught her outstretched wrists. Mana struggled as he held her up, their noses nearly bumping.
"Koneko," he mimicked Vincent and Mana gnashed her fangs. "Yes, cute little kitten."
Gnash those fangs all you want, I'll keep calling you that.
Mana brought her legs up and kicked his chest. Dmitri smirked and dropped her to the floor. Her bosom bounced as she landed on the carpet. She hissed and rubbed her rump, glowering at Dmitri. He smirked wider.
"My kitten," he said.
Mana got to her feet, shouting angrily as she stormed out of the dining room. Dmitri glanced at Vincent who stared after her.
"What did she say?" he asked and Vincent coughed.
"I feel obliged to not tell you," he said. "But I believe she's more of a dog person."
Dmitri's laugh bounced off the walls.
"Tell her that she's free to duel after three days," he instructed Vincent. "Any consecutive duels will be arranged if she asks and I may accommodate her."
Vincent turned to Dmitri and hardened his look.
"My Lord, she is not simply an aristocrat or a D. She is from a prominent Pureblood family who will be looking for her."
"They won't look here," Dmitri said as his smile faded. "She chose to go through Russia to get to France. She doesn't want to be found by her family. The current head of the Kurans refuses to contact us, she knew this and went through Russia knowing he won't want to come here in his pursuit."
He glanced at the open doors.
"She's run away."
Clever little kitten, I will unveil your darkest secrets.
Requested by two guest reviewers