Hunt9

The Hunt: Part 9
-ZibbelCoot



Disclaimer:
All Escaflowne characters, places and such are ©1996, ©1998, ©1999 TV Tokyo, Sunrise. English adaptation ©1998 AnimeVillage.com and the dub version they tried to pass off as anime belongs to Fox I guess. However, Zorya Pele, Syrun, Galese and the Celet group (yes I'm too lazy to type them out) are my characters and I'd appreciate it if you ask me before using them. Also the song (the English and translation) is also mine so please don't use it without asking!

Author's notes:
Same as last time, happens 2 1/2 years after Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea.
I actually have no author's notes this time other than the anticipated dance scene will happen sometime at the end of part ten or eleven. Provided I don't mess up all the little sub-plots going on. Also this part moves a bit faster than i intended but I don't think you'll get too confused... I hope.
Enter the fanart contest, you know you want to... ^_^




Your niece's eighteenth birthday is fast approaching your majesty, the tallest of his four advisors spoke up. The king watched his lips, trying to see if there was anything else besides those words he was saying.
Yes, surely you can pick a suitable husband from her suitors?
he king replied weakly, trying to fight the fog that threatened to envelop his mind. The four seemed shocked at his answer but they recovered quickly enough, their banter enough to drive him insane. Each proposed why one man was better than the next, each proposing the princess leave Celet. Why must she leave? My advisors should know better than anyone that the last of the line must be close by.
My king surely you see how-
No, I'm afraid I do not see how Celet will prosper with its princess in some country half across Gaea, Kaele's voice rose as he spoke, the familiar fire of life burning in his eyes. It'd been months, no years since he last felt so alive. He would not be led like some sheep to the slaughter by some brainless advisors.
Trade and alliances your maje-
Paruchi, I will hear no more of this. Galese will marry when she is ready and if necessary I will let her pick her husband, he roared at them. They took a step back from them, their faces stern masks of stone. He would not be treated like some child! He was the king! And my word is final is this clear?
Then shall we cancel the ball? Surely the princess can just as easily find a husband from the servants as from the princes of potential allies against Hiwero, one of his four advisors said, his dark eyes glaring at the king. The king tried to think of something to put the man back in his place but couldn't.
he fell back in his throne, the four in black warily backing away from him. He felt so drained... as if that had been his last stand. No, I can't leave her now. I can't leave Galese to them, I promised you... I promised...
It will be all right, rest now my king. Rest and be at peace, a soft voice whispered in his ear. The king could do nothing but obey it as his mind was enveloped by an all too familiar haze. You must rest. I must rest, he muttered mechanically, one hand dismissed the advisors though they still remained in the throne room.
The birthday my lord? What should be done? this time a member of the Celet court, not one of the advisors spoke up. Kaele moved his head to look at the man, his dark eyes trying to break free of the fog. No, he couldn't let this happen! He couldn't just... Rest, all will be taken care of. The king surrendered his will then, unable to do anything else.
It will go on as planned, be sure to send out the invitations to all lands... It will go on as planned, be sure to send out the invitations to all lands, he repeated after the voice. I must rest now, take your leave. I must rest now, you may take your leave. The members of the Celet court were the first to go, none the wiser to what had just transpired under their own noses.
The king's dark sunken eyes rested on the Dragon War tapestry. Something... something about that war. Something he had to remember! Rest now, and remember nothing. His eyelids drooped heavily, even as the four called guards to him. The king has fallen ill! You must get him to his chambers as quickly as possible!
No... must remember... Can't let them take her...


The apprentice rocked back on their heels as they broke contact with the king. It had been close... too close. They shut their eyes, trying to think of some excuse for the sorcerers. Paruchi and Garufo would not tolerate any excuse however...
A sigh left them as they pulled back their heavy dark hood. Syrun remained across from them, his words soothing in the stagnant air around them. Still, they'd allowed them self to be distracted, and they'd nearly lost the king because of it.
They glanced around the room, trying to find something to occupy them self with until one sorcerer came to relieve them of their shift. It was getting harder and harder to sneak away unnoticed. Why the guards had begun to question them...
A cruel smile pulled the corners of their mouth upwards and a dark laugh escaped them. What had been the excuse they'd used to get passed the dimwitted guards? It had been by order of the princess' advisor the Lady Pele. Oh Zorya probably knew nothing of what was going on behind her back, and that only made them laugh more.
Surely the goddess didn't think Takaru had acted on his own. Who had recruited him? Why, they did of course! Abruptly they halted their laughter, their cold eyes on the room's other occupant. Syrun had stopped hs singing, his calming song. Why did you stop?
This will only bring suffering to you and those you love, he said, just loud enough for them to hear. For a moment their body went rigid, some small portion of their mind actually believing the spell weaver. However, that portion was too small to count and instead they laughed once more.
You're one to talk, your people are gone! Extinct! The human race has triumphed over myth and legend! they chuckled, not trying to restrain it at all. How good it felt to laugh after all this time... after all that had happened...
You will doom the rest of your kind with this, Syrun whispered beneath their laugh, too soft for them to hear.


Dilandau made his way down the corridor slowly, his dark red eyes disturbingly focused as he walked. He was not pleased with being stuck in the castle, that much was true. If he was stuck there however, why not have some fun? He'd play out the hunt, he'd see what made his prey tick. What was she afraid of? What did she want? Was she actually a goddess?
Dilandau's pace halted as that ran through his mind. No, that was absurd, he'd seen that goddess up close when Dallet and Guimel died. His left hand clenched, pain radiating outwards from old scars. She was definitely not the goddess.
His errant feet immediately renewed their journey, easily finding their way among the maze like halls and corridors of the palace until they found their destination. Dilandau himself was not surprised to see a guard at the door, he'd expected more than one. But the fact that the man was one of his own...
he called out, his tone invoking just a bit of the command he held.
The blond's head snapped up from his post, his blue eyes not quite meeting his General's.
Why are you here? he asked in a near growl, the irritation plain in his voice as he advanced upon the door his slayer guarded.
I was given orders to protect Lady Zorya-
Did I give the order? Dilandau allowed his cold eyes to stare down the slayer. Gatty's blue eyes fell to the ground, unable or afraid to look him in the eye.
N-no Dilandau-sama, Gatty replied, his shoulders slumping forward slightly. Dilandau straightened his own posture, looking like a General no one would dare oppose.
Then why are you still here? I expect you to be up early for training because of this, he sneered, his hand raised and ready to slap the dragonslayer if he failed to follow Dilandau's order. Gatty was not his third in command because of his looks however, and bowed his head before walking off in the direction of their barracks. A satisfied smirk on the General's face he turned to the advisor's door.
He stood there for a while, as if torn between what to do. The smile left his face as a frown replaced it. Why was he even here? To get a dragonslayer back from his sister's nonexistent command? No, the hunt... he had to see her.
His right hand gripped the door knob and easily opened it without a sound. Like a panther in the night he slipped inside without allowing too much torch light from the hallway to enter as well. The room was dark, but that was to be expected. He glanced around, the double moonlight illuminating the room softly.
The only noise that reached his ears were the increasingly soft footsteps of Gatty down the hall. Dilandau waited, back against the door wondering why by the gods he felt like an intruder. He was the dragonslayer General! He had the right to go anywhere in the castle whenever he wanted! Dilandau shook his head, trying to rid himself of the disturbing thoughts. He was the hunter... he had every right...
Gaea's double moons were momentarily hidden behind a cluster of clouds, darkness temporarily overcoming the room. It was in the darkness that Dilandau felt calmed, that he had some control. She couldn't see him in the darkness after all... he was safe. Swiftly he closed the distance between her bedside and the door, knowing fully well that no one would dare come by this room at this time.
He could end the hunt and... The mischievous clouds, whether it had been their intent to startle him or not, were swayed by a strong northwesterly wind. His dark red eyes adjusted easily to the added light but he stopped.
She looked stronger than the last time he'd seen her, her skin no longer tinged grey with death. As the moons were wiped of the filmy clouds Dilandau could only watch as she slept, almost entranced by her. The spray of dark red hair on her pillow, almost a halo of blood. Was she dead? Had someone snuck passed Gatty and managed to kill her before him? Something burned within Dilandau at that thought, that anyone would have the audacity to do that to him!
He almost reached for his dagger, opting that it would be easier to wield than his sword, but stopped himself. What if she was dead? What if...
A red gloved hand floated towards her face from the darkness, a macabre image if she chose to awaken at that instant. She remained still though, whether it was in death or slumber Dilandau's mind could not decide. Shadows flickered across her face, bought on by a passing cumulus cloud. He faltered, his hand just barely touching her still pale skin.
What was he doing? Why was he doing this? He should just end it now! His body and limbs resisted every thought he screamed, everything he knew to be instinct and reality. The red glove continued to inch closer and closer...
Dilandau nearly flinched as it touched warm skin, skin that belonged to someone alive. He breathed a sigh of relief but caught himself. Why was he-? What had just-? He was too confused, the hunt was not supposed to go like this! He was supposed to end it and-
His hand moved downward, gently caressing her cheek. Yes, she was alive. The healer had done his job. The hand left the skin only to touch down lightly on the original spot again. He gently caressed the pale skin once more, eliciting nothing from the slumbering maiden.
Why... why did I spare you? Why? A stray lock of hair marred her near perfect look and his hand went to remedy that. He pushed the dark strand away with his finger tips, the red leather barely brushing her skin.
What am I doing here... what am... He pulled his hand back as if he'd touched a hot iron, his feet carrying him back and away from the sleeping woman. She stirred in her sleep, her head lolled to one side as a soft sigh left her lips. He could still feel the warmth on his right hand, the heat from her face. He stared at it, unmoving in the still room. Why?


Refina's bright red lips parted in an easy smile for the man sitting across from her. What do you think they want from us this time?
Something drastic must've happened if they wanted us to bring the prince of Hiwero.
Oh please, they probably just want to cut him up into little pieces and give it to the brat of a princess to make sure she cooperates, Refina said with an exasperated sigh. She wanted to see some action dammit! How long had she been serving with the sorcerers? How long had they promised she would get to fight and overcome some of the greatest fighters in all of Gaea? Too damn long, she muttered before taking a swig of the ale before her.
Her companion remained silent, knowing that she needed to get her ranting out if he was to have a quiet ride to the castle. That's your fifth mug, he finally spoke up as she signaled for one of the barmaids. Refina turned her eyes from the young woman to her companion again, taking in that which he was. A handsome young man, no older than his mid twenties with ruffled brown hair that stopped just below his ears. His eyes though, that's how you could tell what he really was. If you watched him long enough, watched his eyes like a hawk... There! He blinked and just before his eyes had closed they'd turned a dull yellow color with irises shaped like a house cat's.
Something wrong with me drinking Zongi? she teased the doppelganger as her sixth mug was placed before her. Her bright blue eyes watched him for a moment longer before finally indulging herself with another sip.
Yes, I'm not carrying your drunk ass to Waesir along with that brat. You weigh more than he does.
Do not! she nearly shouted like some silly six year old. Zongi's face was blank at her outburst, his eyes always watching her, gauging her reactions. Hmpf, at least I know what the hell I am, she said with a vigorous nod, her blond ponytail bobbing up and down behind her.
He raised one eyebrow at that and smiled. Would you prefer I stay in that form?
No, no, no, this one is much more pleasing, she sighed, resting her elbows on the small round table. All around them strangers had begun to throw them strange looks. Refina could hear whispers behind her, fearful and excited whispers.
Is he a doppelganger?
What about the girl?
Are they from Hiwero?
They said something about the princess. Refina rolled her eyes at the comments, they were all the same, everywhere they went. Ah well, sheep for the slaughter. The sorcerers didn't say we couldn't kill anyone on the way...
Refina, we have a specific task to perform.
You're no fun Zongi, she pouted, her empty mug gently placed on the table's edge. Just one-

Oh, but Zon-Gi, she whined further, propping her hands up and resting her chin on the palm of her hands. She batted her eyelids like a maiden trying to seduce a knight and continued to pout her bright red lips. Refina knew how she looked to him, to any man in the tavern. She was beautiful, she was an angel; a goddess among women and adored by men everywhere. All she had to do was say the word and no doubt a brawl would commence at her whim. She tilted her angelic face to the side, her button nose slightly turned upward as she batted her pale blue eyes again. A strand of blond hair fell into her face, breaking the perfect image. For a moment Zongi's face blanked, then his lips curled into a smile as an irritated look crossed her face.
A strange laugh left his lips as he titled his head back, his laughter a loud roar. Refina pulled the hair back in place, glaring at him as coldly as a water dragon might its prey. Shut up.
As you say Refina.
She looked around her, not liking the looks on the faces of the men around her. She would just have to kill someone if they stayed here any longer. How much longer to Waesir?
Two days.
Two days until we trap a goddess, she said, a smile pulling at her lips as Zongi's cryptic smile stayed on his face.


Galese walked down the corridor, her lips pulled into a thin line. Celena had run off the day before to speak with the General. She fought briefly to keep her face blank as her anger built up within her. How was I so foolish? I never should've said anything to her.
Now was not the time to be upset. After all, she was meeting with Korent again. Their meetings were still in concealed places, the dark hallways of the palace, the garden maze... Each thought, each memory brought a bright smile to her face, even as she walked in darkness. She'd taken better precautions this time however, with a reddish powder sprinkled in her hair. Up close and in bright light one might be able to see she wasn't Zorya but, in the dark or far away no one would know the difference.
she called out softly. Damn why was the hallway so dark?!
a masculine voice whispered back. Galese strained her eyes, trying to see anything in the pitch black of the castle. A wandering cloud fluttered over the double moons before finally skittering away on a swift dragon wind. Galese covered her eyes for a moment as a window before her illuminated the hallway.
A light touch brought her hand down, only for soft lips to kiss the back of it. Galese felt her cheeks redden and smiled at her paramour. she stilled whispered, her free hands now going to embrace him.
He easily accepted her into his arms, the soft smell of leather around him from his armor. Galese closed her eyes, oblivious to everything around her. All that mattered was him, Korent.


Perhaps Galese should've paid more careful attention to her surroundings. Of course, Korent was not as observant as he could be either. Pale green, angry, eyes watched them. It hadn't been intentional, their owner had merely been wandering the halls for his watch. A duty all the dragonslayers had been given. Although now he suddenly realized why Korent had taken the graveyard shift ever since they arrived back in the castle.
Latro let out several low curses under his breath and quickly turned away. He'd been right all along! That girl Zorya, that thief was out to get everyone of them! He glanced over his shoulder as he began to walk quickly away. No point in disturbing what he'd found... especially if he could find someone fast.
Dilandau... I have to tell him. Then Korent will be punished and so will that little bitch! Latro rubbed his gloved hands together, for the first time since he'd seen her, joy accompanying her image. He'd show Dilandau just how loyal he was. He'd show all the other dragonslayers...
He ran now, wishing that there was some short cut to take to his General. Damn it did I take a wrong turn? Latro skidded to a halt his eyes frantically searched the dark and dreary stone walls. He'd turned the right way hadn't he? There! The door to his general's room was just a few feet away and-
Latro opened the door without even a thought to knocking. He didn't even wait for Dilandau to acknowledge him as he walked into the room. It took him only a second to realize his mistakes. The General was in the middle of his room, sword out as if he'd been practicing with it only moments before. Dark red eyes burned through him.
M-master Dilandau! I-I-I saw Korent shirking his duties for a woman, he blurted out, suddenly realizing that he may have made an error in his judgment.
There'd better be a better excuse than that for interrupting me this time of night, Dilandau growled as he sheathed the sword.
He was with the thief, Zorya! They were... involved General, Latro persisted. A flurry of emotions seemed to blur the General's pale face before a nasty twitch began on his left cheek. The garnet eyes closed, relieving Latro of their disconcerting gaze. He nearly breathed a sigh of relief, but remembered whose company he was in. Dilandau's left hand went up to his cheek and gently pressed down on the flesh there, stopping the twitch that had begun.
Slowly, as if Gaea's temporal scale had changed, his eyes opened. Anger, that was all Latro could see on his master's face. No, he could almost see something else... In the instant his mind took to try and analyze it, Dilandau used it to take out his rage and frustrations.
Latro fell to the ground with a cry of surprise. Why had he been struck down? Why wasn't Dilandau screaming and cursing the girl or Korent? Master Dilandau, Latro nearly sobbed as he held his bright red cheek. His fingertips gently touching the already forming bruise. He hissed in pain and remained on the floor, suddenly wishing he'd never seen the two people together. I'll kill you myself bitch for what you've done to us, his mind snarled as Dilandau began for the door to his room.
Get out now! I expect you to follow orders next time and not disturb me in the future, Dilandau's voice was cold, dark, painful to listen to. Latro's eyes squeezed tightly shut, he didn't want to see Dilandau angry at him. He just wanted to show Dilandau that he was the best-
Latro pushed himself to his feet, the left side of his face already swelling. He didn't dare look behind him, to see that murderous look in Dilandau's eyes. Latro shut his eyes, one quite painfully as he pushed open the door to his shared room, he did not want to be on the receiving end of those eyes...
He managed to get to his bed and didn't bother to remove his armor. Why bother? Dilandau would be up and yelling at them to get a move on in less than a few hours anyway. Then he cracked.
Latro rested his head on the small pillow, wishing he could just get away. Why had Dilandau done that to him? Why not Korent? A stifled sob escaped him and salty tears soon wet his once dry pillow. By the gods nothing was right! Nothing's been right ever since she came here!
He wasn't quite sure how long he'd laid like that, crying like some flighty woman with no control. All he knew was that one moment it was just him in the room and the next, someone else was in it.
Latro, you are not to speak of this to anyone. The next time Korent leaves I am to be informed immediately. Is that understood? Dilandau's voice quivered, as if he were about to cry or about to explode with anger. Latro had never even seen Dilandau come close to tears once in all the years he'd served him, and assumed it was the latter. Though from before Latro wasn't quite so sure anymore...
Yes sir, he tried to say confidently but instead his voice cracked. Without another word the door to the smaller room shut, casting him into darkness. Around him Shesta snored on, oblivious while viole and Gatty remained in their deep slumber. None had seen or heard his embarrassing incident; one less thing for him to worry about.


Korent walked down the dark corridor, aided only by faint torch light that would soon need to be replaced with fresh torches. He was disturbed by what had happened only hours before. Latro, the dragonslayer beneath his own rank, had shot him dirty looks all day. As if he had something to do with the nasty black eye and swollen cheek Latro sported. I don't understand any of this. Maybe I should just tell Galese that we need to stop this...
His heart protested that however, pain inching into it at the very mention of never seeing Galese again. He cursed under his breath wondering why by the gods he had to do this. He loved her, loved her with his heart and soul! And what were they doing? We sneak around like common rats and thieves. Why can't we just-
His thoughts stopped however, well all his coherent thoughts anyway, as he caught sight of his beloved. Her hair was tarnished by that ridiculous red powder she insisted on using when they'd meet. True it was better safe than sorry, but what would happen when Zorya found out about her alter ego?
That wasn't on his mind at the moment though. The only thing that concerned him was enjoying the few short minutes he and Galese would be able to spend in the torch lit halls of her country's castle.
Once more the young woman and man failed to check and see if they were truly alone...


Zorya awoke with a start. Her eyes darted all around the room, the irises dilated. The dream... it'd been so real... Still, nothing stirred in the darkness around her. She blinked, afraid to go back to sleep. Afraid to go back to him.
Gingerly, Zorya pulled up her knees to her chest, getting a sharp pain for all her trouble. She let out a soft groan and rested her forehead on her propped up knees. Why was this happening? How the hell had he gotten into her dreams?!
The cold sweat covering Zorya's body affirmed it had not been a pleasant one. She could remember running, trying to run away but, he was there. First the fires and then him, only he'd tried to kill her again... With every step she took he gained on her until he was close enough to raise his sword and- That's when she'd woken up.
Zorya sat like that for a few more minutes while her heart calmed down. Then the pains began again. Zorya gritted her teeth, wishing she had her backpack and whatever tylenol or midol she'd packed away in one of its pockets.
But of course, it'd been lost when she first arrived. I'll just have to ask Celena for more of that tree bark stuff they use here. That's all... Zorya tried to concentrate on other things, pleasant things... home. She'd give almost anything to just hear her brother and sister's voice...
As she thought about it, Zorya changed it. Zorya had grown used to this world; to its people. Takaru... She let out a cold laugh as she fought the despair welling up within her. The fire had stopped talking to her, she'd never get home now. And that's if it even talked to me to begin with. Maybe this is all a dream. Or, I'm going insane.
Zorya, like the two people hidden in a darkened hallway, was not as observant as she should be. Silence pervaded the room except for a soft almost rhythmic tip tap. She didn't even raise her head as a hand reached out to her until it was too late.
That hand grabbed her upper arm and pulled, not waiting for her to see it. Zorya's body was nearly pulled off the bed, her head jerked violently to one side before she could even think of seeing her attacker. The hand's grip did not abate however and continued to tug on her arm.
Zorya attempted to pull back her arm as her hair fell into her eyes, making it impossible to try and see who it was or stop them. Stop it! Let go of me, she finally found her voice, though as weak as it sounded she doubted even a child would listen to her.
You are coming with me, the person responded, his words rigid and commanding. Zorya froze as he pulled on her arm again. No, the dream isn't coming true... I'm still asleep and this is just a horrible horrible-
He pulled on her arm with enough force that she nearly fell off the bed. As it was her side with the still delicate scar screamed in pain as she twisted her body around so she wouldn't land in a heap by his feet. Zorya gasped for breath as the double pains attacked her. It hurt too much to be a dream... With her free hand she managed to push aside the hair that had blocked her vision before.
Once more her tired, pained body went rigid. What the hell do you think you're, she tried to protest to reprimand him. His eyes narrowed at her and for a moment Zorya could almost imagine the dream beginning, with her running and him raising his sword.
Be quiet and come with me, he rasped, as if he didn't want to draw anymore attention to himself. Zorya glared back at him for a moment, willing her limbs to respond to her, to pull out of his hand. He held in firmly however and made no motion to indicate he would relinquish it anytime soon.
No! I don't have to do anything if you're going to kill me! I'll just call the g- Zorya didn't get to finish the sentence as he pulled on her arm again, twisted it and paralyzed her momentarily. She was powerless as his free hand went to her lips and smothered the cry of pain she'd been about to release. The hand on her arm released it, only to pin both her arms one side painfully; his hand finally stopping just below her ribcage on her abdomen's left side.
Do not trifle with me, he seethed into her ear, his hand clamped over her mouth. Panic washed over Zorya as he began to walk, she couldn't stop him. He was going to kill her after all those threats and attempts. She was going to-
She nearly bit down on the glove as the hand on her stomach touched the scar. Dilandau pained her wince of pain no heed however and continued out of her room only to god knows where. Zorya shut her eyes her mind screaming to the fire. She wanted an answer now and it didn't matter if they were real or figments of her imagination, she just needed an answer...
Her feet were too tired to keep up with the pace Dilandau had set in pulling her through the dark halls. The general didn't seem to be paying that much attention however and alternated with her walking and him practically dragging her feet across the halls. Why the hell is he doing this? Why doesn't he just-
Her thoughts came to a grinding halt just as Dilandau stopped as well. For a second Zorya didn't know why he bothered to stop until her eyes adjusted to the pale moonlight and dying torches all along the walls. A couple stood there in an intimate embrace, neither caring for anything else but the person in their arms.
Zorya wondered why Dilandau would bother to bring her here, to show her those two people but then she noticed just who it was. Galese... in the arms of a dragonslayer? After all she's said against them... That explains the throne room but why and what's in her hair?
She strained her eyes and tired to get a better look only to be held back by Dilandau. Still she could see something in the princess' hair, something red.
Zorya recoiled as if she'd seen a ghost, she pressed her back against Dilandau and almost made him take a step back. Galese was dressed in her armor, and Galese's hair nearly the same shade as her own! Anger raged within Zorya as she remembered the rumors she'd heard the guards mumble outside her room while she healed. It was all clear now. Galese hadn't done the switch to protect her, Galese had done it to give herself freedom. Zorya shut her eyes tightly, not wanting to see anymore.
To think Dilandau had accused her of impersonating the princess all those weeks ago. How could she use me like that? How could she betray my trust? She was so angry she could scream and so upset she could cry. With Dilandau's hand still at her mouth she could do neither, even as the couple said their good byes. They said something about her, she heard her name and she completely disregarded it. Why should she bother listening to Galese after this?


He held her still even as the two parted. You've lost your edge Korent, why should you be allowed to wear the dragonslayers' armor? his own mind seethed even as Zorya silently cursed her almost twin.
This was the fun part though, the part of the hunt he'd changed. Why kill his prey when he could do so much more to break her, to make her trust no one and... That wasn't completely why he brought her here though. He shut his own eyes briefly as the princess turned down a corner no more than three feet from them, hidden in the shadows. No, he reminded himself, that is completely why I brought her here. Even as he thought that though his rational part of his brain disagreed. Why would he bother to drag her here when he could merely taunt her, mock her of what went on behind her back?
She began to tremble in his arms, her shoulders shaking lightly. Dilandau allowed his lips to part in a cruel smile as he kept his hand on her side. He made sure she saw every minute of this, every excruciating detail. She fought against him when she'd first seen the two but now she was limp in his arms. He wasn't even sure he needed to cover her lips anymore, but it was a necessary precaution.
Was it worth it? Is living worth it, knowing someone else has become you? Hmm Zorya? Do you wish you'd chosen death at my hands now? he half chuckled-half whispered into her ear.
Her tremors became more pronounced as her body remained pressed against his. She made no effort to break his hold and Dilandau made no moves to suggest he would release her anytime soon. Your one saving grace, the one person you trusted has completely and utterly betrayed you, he continued, his breath tickling her neck. Everyone you know is against you, the princess, that spy Takaru-
That named seemed to be her breaking point and Dilandau watched with an odd fascination as she finally released the tears she'd been holding back. She'd fought so hard to remain strong and all he needed to break her had been two names. She's so weak, weaker than that cowardly king. Dilandau continued to watch her though, his arms of their own will softening their grip on her.
Why was he holding her so gently? He could release her so why- He held her for a few moments more watching as the tears flowed delicately down her cheeks. Why wasn't he enjoying this, the pain he'd just wreaked upon his prey? He should be cackling, mocking her pouring salt on the wound he'd just opened...
His mind flashed back to the night of Takaru's attack to where she'd been struck. Without another thought he dropped his hands, hands that had literally irritated a wound. His mind spun for a moment, the confusion of a few nights before revisiting him. It didn't matter if he hurt her, he was the hunter and had every right to- His body fought what his mind thought however and took a step back from her as she stood, her body silhouetted by the soft moonlight. Of course this time she wore a much more modest night gown.
She turned to face him, her eyes rimmed red with tears. Get away from me, she sobbed and pushed him weakly. He didn't budge and merely watched and Zorya held her face in her hands and began the trek back to her room. Dilandau remained where he was, the confusion still coloring his mind. Why? Why did she get to him when he was the hunter? How could she possibly do that?