Zegadiss crumpled the pieces of paper in his frustration. It wasn't
here either. The book was useless! It hadn't helped him in the slightest.
It had all been wasted time! He growled. He suddenly smacked all the books
on the table off, watching them crash to the ground. He was about to grab
the table in his little room and throw it against the wall, when there was
a knock on the door.
"Go away!" he roared.
"Is something the matter Mr. Zelgadiss?" Amelia's timid voice called from outside. "I heard something crash and..."
"I'm fine," he lied in a much calmer voice then before.
There was a long pause. "It's almost time for lunch..."
"I'm not hungry!"
~*~*~
Amelia stepped back from the door, feeling slightly rejected. He had been like this for the past three days. He hadn't even come out to eat anymore. It had started the day after Turquoise had shown up and it was only getting worse.
"Alright, but if you need a break or anything..." she yelled in.
"I wont," he interrupted. "Go away. I need to finish my work."
She knew he was lying but let it go. She knew better then to press him for anything. She sighed as she walked away and held up a cracker to the blue-ish bird on her shoulder. He snagged the cracker and snapped it down. He loved the crackers she fed he for treats and never missed an opportunity to get one.
"Poor Mr. Zelgadiss," she breathed out to the bird. "He works so hard for his cure and still finds nothing." She stopped and glanced back the way she had come from. "He could come out and eat though. He's going to make himself sick if he doesn't eat something. I don't even think he rests. Now that isn't good at all, is it?" Turquoise cawed in agreement with her. "Perhaps we should do something about that, shouldn't we?" Again Turquoise agreed. She smiled at him. "You're right. If he wont come to lunch, then we'll just have to bring it to him." Turquoise cawed twice.
~*~*~
Zelgadiss had just finished straightening up when there was another knock on the door. "I busy!" he snapped. There was no response. He sat in his chair and there was another knock. "I said I was busy!" There was another knock. "Go away!" Another knock. Zel growled and and stood sharply. He stiffly approached the door and yanked it open, ready to rip apart the disturbance. "I SAID I was BUSY! Are you DEAF..." he trailed off when he saw the small person with a bird on her shoulder at the door quiver. She was wearing a blue dress she often wore around the castle. He suddenly felt ashamed of himself. She hated it when he yelled and he had been trying so very hard to be nice to her. It wasn't always easy to be friendly when you were so frustrated. "Oh, Amelia. I thought you were one of the servants. Sorry."
"It's alright, Mr. Zelgadiss. I didn't mean to disturb you but I thought you might be hungry so I brought you some lunch." The young woman before him held up the try she had been carrying. On it were a bowl of rice, some chopsticks, and a cup of steaming coffee.
Part of Zel was touched. Here he was yelling at her when she had just been thinking of taking care of him. He had truly been a little hungry, but he didn't want to leave while he was working. "Oh, ah, thank you," he said rather sheepishly. He took the tray and was about to close the door when Turquoise flew in.
"Oh, Turquoise, came back," Amelia cried, chasing after the bird. He flew up to the top of the four poster bed where he landed and settled himself. Amelia looked up him rather helplessly. "Turquoise, come down," she pleaded.
Zel smiled inwardly. He closed the door and set the try on the little table where there was room. It was half off the edge of the table and not very stable. He pretended to ignore Amelia and the bird, though he kept one careful eye on her. After a minute or so of trying to coax the bird down, Zelgadiss sighed. "Just leave him there. He obviously wants to stay. I'll catch him later and give him back. I really do need to get this finished..."
She sighed and took a seat across from the chimera. "I'll just wait. He'll come down in a few minutes. He's done this before. What are you working on?"
"Translating," he stated dryly.
"Translating what?"
"A book, what else?"
"I know that," she retorted. "I meant what kind of book and what's it about so far?"
"It's a book of prophecies and spells and that's all that it's about." He didn't look at her. He kept his eyes focused on the pages as he worked on figuring out every word. This one was the hardest to translate because many of the pages had been exposed to water and the ink had run and faded. There was a long pause between the two people. She was watching him work and he was trying to ignore her but failing. He kept glancing at the black haired princess, wondering why she was watching him and not her new pet to see if the bird would come down.
"You haven't touched your food," she suddenly commented.
He looked up at her and shrugged, then turned back to the book. "I told you before, I'm not hungry."
"Your lying," she remarked. He hated when she did that. He looked back up at her. "You haven't left this room for three days and no one has brought you anything to eat since then."
"I'll eat it later. I'm too busy with this right..."
"You don't look," she interrupted, a disapproving look on her face.
"Don't you have other things to attend to!?" he snapped. She didn't flinch at his words like she had many times before when he barked at her.
"No, I don't," she replied coldly. "Right now, I have you to attend to." She stood sharply and grabbed the chop sticks. She scooped a little rice up in them and held it out to him. "And I'm not going until you have something to eat." He glared at her. "I'll feed you if I have to."
Zel snorted. "I'd like to see you try." Thinking she would leave it at that, he turned his attention back to the book.
Amelia glared back. Well, if he wanted to give her a challenge, he had just done it. "If you insist."
Her words caught him off guard and the next thing he knew there were a pair of chop sticks in his face. He jerked back and snagged hold of her wrists. Miraculously, she still held on to the rice. She put some force into her arms and pushed against his arms. She was no match for his demon strength, but she tried anyway. Zel pushed back lightly, though not enough to hurt or discourage her. When exactly this became a game, neither of them knew, but they were both soon rather enjoying this little battle of wills to see who would give in first. Amelia giggled at her attempts and Zelgadiss smiled back at her. Every now and again, he would ease up on some of his strength and let her gain a little, then push her back again. He lessened up some of his strength...
Exactly how they ended up on the floor was not exactly clear, just that they were now sprawled out on the carpet. The bowl of rice, coffee, papers, and several of the books were scattered about as well. Zel snort out a half laugh and started to pick himself off the floor and froze. His eyes shot open as they stared into Amelia's own ocean blue pupils. She was lying stalk still underneath him. Their noses almost touched. Neither of them moved. Neither of them were really sure what to do. Part of Zelgadiss' mind told him to jump off and back away while apologizing profusely. Part of him ordered him to stay right where he was and not move until she did. Yet another part screamed to kiss her. The last part of him cried out that he do something other then just sit there. Timidly, he bent down a little lower and touch his lips just barely to hers. Like a deer caught in a lighting spell, she didn't move. She neither fought nor returned the kiss.
When he pulled back, he stared at her fearfully. She seemed too stunned to do anything. He was expecting her to cry out for guards, or yell at him, or hit him. She closed her eyes and leaned up to kiss him back. He didn't fight her. He didn't want to fight her. One of her hands suddenly reached up behind his head and threaded into his stiff, wire hair.
He deepened the kiss, both parting their lips slightly. Her other hand slid up to rest on his back. He used one hand to support his body up and not put his full weight on her, for fear of hurting her; the other traced down to rest on her hip. A shiver ran down his spin at the sensations he was feeling. He could feel her shudder inwardly as well. She pressed her body up against his. He clutched tighter to her hip, pulling all of her as close as possible. While still supporting himself up, he slipped one hand under her and rubbed it over her back. His second hand traced up her body from her hip, passing over one of her breasts, to cup her smooth cheek.
She didn't fight him as he had expected her to. She held on tighter. Gods, how he had dreamed of holding her like this on more then one occasion, but he had never expected her to allow him such a pleasure before. His hand traced back down her body. She let out a soft moan of pleasure as he did so. The hand on his back traced over his shoulder and rested on his chest. Her fingers seemed to trace a line of fire through his shirt. His hand ran further down to rest on her thigh and pull her leg up against his side.
"Mr. Zelgadiss, are you alright...AMELIA!" a familiar voice screeched as the door was pushed open. The pair suddenly jumped apart as if the other had been suddenly turned in to ice.
"Daddy!" Amelia squealed as she turned a brilliant red. She was scrambling to her feet along with Zelgadiss, who was as bright red as she was.
~*~*~
Phil's first reaction was to shocked and stunned. This is the first phase of reactions. Unfortunately for poor Zelgadiss, that phase doesn't last too long. As his mind processed what he had seen, his eyes began to burn with rage. How dare someone touch his little girl! How dare anyone try to defile her good name for his own pleasure! She was an innocent girl! He growled and focused his rage on the chimera. As far as Phil's instincts were concerned, Zelgadiss Grayweres had to die!
Phil lunged for the much smaller man, grabbing Zel easily by the collar. He hoisted the partial rock golm into the air (which is not an easy feet for most people) and slammed Zel's back into the wall.
"No, Daddy, don't!" Amelia cried as she grabbed one of Phil's arms.
He ignored her entirely, too focused on causing the man who had laid their hands on HIS daughter great pain, if not death. "You!" he hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "How DARE you touch her!" Zelgadiss tried to protest, but he was having a hard time breathing, let alone speaking, with Phil's knuckles driving into his throat. "I should kill you were you stand!" He slammed Zel against the wall again. "I should end you miserable life right here with my bare hands!"
"No, Daddy please!" Amelia begged. She had started to cry. In all her life, she had never seen her father this angry before. "Please stop! Don't hurt him!"
Phil pressed hard against Zelgadiss' neck. His mind cried out for blood...this man's blood. A ear popping screech filled the room as Turquoise dived off his perch and scratched Phil's face. The bear of a prince jerked back, releasing his hold on Zelgadiss. Zel fell to the floor, gasping for air, Amelia running to his side to see if he had been hurt. Turquoise flapped his wing furiously as he struggled to stay afloat only a few inches from Phil's face. He cawed several times, redirecting the giant man's mind.
The rage phase passed, and Phil became logical and peaceful once more. This, however, did nothing to lessen his anger. It just made him less likely to kill the unfortunate chimera. He watched as Amelia helped the man up and felt his rage begin to boil over again.
"Amelia! Out! Now!" he barked. Amelia flinched at every word. "Go to your room! I'll speak with you there! And as for you!" He turned his attention back to the still stunned Zelgadiss. "In my study!" When neither of them seemed to be moving, Phil growled. "Now!" Knowing better then to dare try and test his rage, the two scurried out of the room, at off to where he had ordered them. Turquoise landed on Phil's shoulder. "And you just sat there and watched, didn't you!?" he hissed at the feathered creature. The bird cawed definitely and nipped Phil's ear. "Idiotic bird," the man grumbled. Turquoise dropped off of Phil's shoulder and flew off to find his owner.
*****
Zel waited impatiently in the study. He paced nervously. His hands were shaking slightly. Why did I do that? he mentally demanded. Of all the stupid things to do, why did I have to try that one? Because she was there, another part of his mind reminded him. "Damn it," he muttered out loud. "Why did I have to go and do that?" Because you wanted to, the little voice persisted. You've always done just what you wanted to. That's why you left in the first place, isn't it? You WANTED to find your cure. You WANTED to be human again. Well, you WANTED her, you saw a chance to have her, and you took it. Perhaps next time you should think before you act.
She did seem to like it, a new voice insisted. She kissed you back, you know. It wasn't all one sided. It wasn't like you didn't enjoy it. He stopped his pacing, remembering how she had felt in his arms. Deny it all you want, Zel, but in the end, you do want her there again. You've been running in circles since you got here because of her. Maybe it's time to admit you can't always run and hide behind a stone mask...especially if...no, WHEN you become human again.
Zel jumped out of his thoughts as the door clicked open. He stood very still as Phil walked in, stiff as a board. His cold gaze didn't meet Zelgadiss'. He sat at the desk and shuffled some of the papers on it, putting them away. "Sit," he commanded. Zel took the seat across from the prince. Phil looked up and locked eyes with the chimera. Zel could almost feel the loathing in the man's stare. "Are you aware of what you were doing?" he asked in bewilderingly calm voice.
"Yes sir, I am," Zelgadiss replied, masking his own emotions with a calm tone.
"Then I am certain you know why I'm angry."
"Yes sir."
Phil stood and walked over to the window that over looked the gardens. He took a deep breath and held it for a long moment, collecting his thoughts. "Were you aware of what I could do to you?"
"Yes sir," was all Zelgadiss could manage to get out.
"Then why did you persist?"
"I don't know..."
"Did you even think of the consequences?"
"No, I didn't think..."
"Exactly!" Phil interrupted with a roar. "You didn't think! You didn't think about anything but your own pleasure! You thought about how you could have your way with MY daughter! You didn't think for a second what would happen after that!"
"Sir, I didn't..." Zelgadiss tried to protest, but Phil cut him off.
"I was young once! I know what went through your mind!" He suddenly glared at the chimera, paralyzing the younger man with fright. "I know what you would have done! What your hormone would have desired!" he hissed. He turned fully around. "I would have thought you wouldn't be so bold as to try and use Amelia..."
"I wasn't using her!" Zelgadiss snapped, suddenly bold. A serge of rage had flowed his veins at the suggestion that he would use her.
The prince folded his arms together and glared at the younger man. "Oh, and what did you think you were doing, then?"
Zel stopped to ponder the question. What had he been doing? He really didn't know. It had all happened so fast. He really hadn't thought about anything, even as it had happened. He had just acted, letting caution blow away in the wind. He recalled the situation: she had brought him lunch, Turquoise had flown on top of the bed, they got in to a fight/game over rice, fell on the floor, and then he had kissed her. He still wasn't sure why. "I don't know. I wasn't thinking."
"That's what I thought..."
"But I was not trying to use her!" he barked. "I would never do that! It's not like I planned any of that! It just...happened."
Phil grunted at him bitterly. Zelgadiss doubted the prince believed him. Phil took a deep breath and sighed. "Once the books are finished being translated, I'm sure you will be on your way again," he stated coldly. Zelgadiss didn't have to ask what he had meant. It was easily translated as leave as soon as possible or else. "Now get out."
Zelgadiss didn't hesitate. He hurried out the door, counting his blessings for not having his life ended in there where no one would have seen. While he had never thought the prince to be a violent man, he certainly knew better to cross him in affairs involving his daughter. He'd already lost one daughter and he wasn't about to let the other one be disgraced.
*****
The bird cawed protests from his cage. He didn't like being locked up. "Then maybe next time you wont go where I can't reach you!" Amelia scolded. She was sulking on her bed, lying on one side so she could stare out the window. She had had almost a whole hour to think about everything that had happened and she had come to one conclusion: she was just as confused now as she had been when it had happened.
It doesn't make sense, she mentally sighed, rolling on to her back. He left, saying he had to find his cure and he wasn't sure if he would ever come back. Then he shows up again, saying he's only staying until he gets the books translated. Even if he found his cure, he said he didn't intend on staying. He seemed to have made it rather clear he didn't want to be around me, so then why did he kiss me? ...and like that?
She rubbed a hand over her cheek where he had placed his hand. It had felt so wonderful when he had touched her. She had been so certain she had been over that crush, but now...? Now what? If daddy doesn't kill him, he'll certainly be banished. Oh, why did DADDY have to be the one to come in. If it had just been one of the servants, I could have bribed them.
Why did you let him kiss you? a new voice protested. You could have pushed him back and said no...but that would have hurt him...and I don't want to hurt him...and I didn't want him to stop.
Turquoise flustered in his cage. He cawed several times again, trying to get her attention. "I told you no," she sighed. "I'm letting you out right now. You're not going to get me in to any more trouble today." He didn't listen and began to flap frantically in his little cage. He seemed rather desperate. "I said no!" she snapped, sitting up.
She stopped and stared as she saw the second bird perched on top of the cage. This one was just like Turquoise, only a dark, midnight black. It stuck its beak in the cage and Turquoise snapped at him. The black bird jerked back but seemed unfazed by Turquoise' attack. Amelia slid off the bed and cautiously approached the cage, hoping not to startle the black bird. It crocked its head to one side and stared at her. It watched her closely. Just as she was in arms reach of it, the black bird took off, flying out the window. Amelia watched it go, rather disappointed, though Turquoise seemed relieved. He had calmed down and was perched on the bar hanging in the center of the cage.
The door handle turned, startling the girl. She jumped and gasped, clutching a hand the her chest, feeling her heart race. Her father walked in, a sour look on his face. She averted her eyes, so she didn't have to look at him and see the anger and disappointment in his eyes.
"Sit!" he ordered, pointing to one of the chairs in her room. She did so, her whole body feeling weak. He watched her for a long moment, making her more and more nervouse. It felt like she had been sitting there forever before she mustered up the courage to look up at him. "I'm dissapointed in you," he stated blandly.
"I know," she bearly breathed out.
"You acted foolishly, without thinking. You could have disgraced yourself, your family, and this kingdom."
"I know..."
"I don't think you do know!" he snapped. She flitched at his words. "I don't think you realize what could have happened. What if I hadn't come in? What would you have done when he left? What if you had carried his child?" Each word carried more hatred then the last one. "You would have brought more then just shame on to the this kingdom! The brastard child would be thrown out! You couldn't keep it! Where is the justice in condeming someone to a horrid life as an outcast!? I am starting to rethink naming you as my sucessor. Reputable princesses do not engage in such activities, especially those in this family." He glanced down at her and saw her body tremble slightly as she tried to contain a sniffle and some tears. He wanted to comfert her, but he knew better then to do that. He had to remain strong, even if she didn't. He really hated to do this to her, but sometimes we all have to do things we hate. "You will have a personal guard with you at all times while he is still in this city and you are NOT to be alone with him. Do you understand?" She nodded weakly. "Good."
He turned and left her there. He didn't dare look back, knowing he would lose his cold exterior at the sight of her tears. He shut the door harsher then usual, though it wasn't quite a slam. When he was gone, she burried her face in her hands and cried. She had never heard him say he thought she was a disgrace to the family, and somehow that had hurt more then anything else anyone could have said or done.
"Go away!" he roared.
"Is something the matter Mr. Zelgadiss?" Amelia's timid voice called from outside. "I heard something crash and..."
"I'm fine," he lied in a much calmer voice then before.
There was a long pause. "It's almost time for lunch..."
"I'm not hungry!"
~*~*~
Amelia stepped back from the door, feeling slightly rejected. He had been like this for the past three days. He hadn't even come out to eat anymore. It had started the day after Turquoise had shown up and it was only getting worse.
"Alright, but if you need a break or anything..." she yelled in.
"I wont," he interrupted. "Go away. I need to finish my work."
She knew he was lying but let it go. She knew better then to press him for anything. She sighed as she walked away and held up a cracker to the blue-ish bird on her shoulder. He snagged the cracker and snapped it down. He loved the crackers she fed he for treats and never missed an opportunity to get one.
"Poor Mr. Zelgadiss," she breathed out to the bird. "He works so hard for his cure and still finds nothing." She stopped and glanced back the way she had come from. "He could come out and eat though. He's going to make himself sick if he doesn't eat something. I don't even think he rests. Now that isn't good at all, is it?" Turquoise cawed in agreement with her. "Perhaps we should do something about that, shouldn't we?" Again Turquoise agreed. She smiled at him. "You're right. If he wont come to lunch, then we'll just have to bring it to him." Turquoise cawed twice.
~*~*~
Zelgadiss had just finished straightening up when there was another knock on the door. "I busy!" he snapped. There was no response. He sat in his chair and there was another knock. "I said I was busy!" There was another knock. "Go away!" Another knock. Zel growled and and stood sharply. He stiffly approached the door and yanked it open, ready to rip apart the disturbance. "I SAID I was BUSY! Are you DEAF..." he trailed off when he saw the small person with a bird on her shoulder at the door quiver. She was wearing a blue dress she often wore around the castle. He suddenly felt ashamed of himself. She hated it when he yelled and he had been trying so very hard to be nice to her. It wasn't always easy to be friendly when you were so frustrated. "Oh, Amelia. I thought you were one of the servants. Sorry."
"It's alright, Mr. Zelgadiss. I didn't mean to disturb you but I thought you might be hungry so I brought you some lunch." The young woman before him held up the try she had been carrying. On it were a bowl of rice, some chopsticks, and a cup of steaming coffee.
Part of Zel was touched. Here he was yelling at her when she had just been thinking of taking care of him. He had truly been a little hungry, but he didn't want to leave while he was working. "Oh, ah, thank you," he said rather sheepishly. He took the tray and was about to close the door when Turquoise flew in.
"Oh, Turquoise, came back," Amelia cried, chasing after the bird. He flew up to the top of the four poster bed where he landed and settled himself. Amelia looked up him rather helplessly. "Turquoise, come down," she pleaded.
Zel smiled inwardly. He closed the door and set the try on the little table where there was room. It was half off the edge of the table and not very stable. He pretended to ignore Amelia and the bird, though he kept one careful eye on her. After a minute or so of trying to coax the bird down, Zelgadiss sighed. "Just leave him there. He obviously wants to stay. I'll catch him later and give him back. I really do need to get this finished..."
She sighed and took a seat across from the chimera. "I'll just wait. He'll come down in a few minutes. He's done this before. What are you working on?"
"Translating," he stated dryly.
"Translating what?"
"A book, what else?"
"I know that," she retorted. "I meant what kind of book and what's it about so far?"
"It's a book of prophecies and spells and that's all that it's about." He didn't look at her. He kept his eyes focused on the pages as he worked on figuring out every word. This one was the hardest to translate because many of the pages had been exposed to water and the ink had run and faded. There was a long pause between the two people. She was watching him work and he was trying to ignore her but failing. He kept glancing at the black haired princess, wondering why she was watching him and not her new pet to see if the bird would come down.
"You haven't touched your food," she suddenly commented.
He looked up at her and shrugged, then turned back to the book. "I told you before, I'm not hungry."
"Your lying," she remarked. He hated when she did that. He looked back up at her. "You haven't left this room for three days and no one has brought you anything to eat since then."
"I'll eat it later. I'm too busy with this right..."
"You don't look," she interrupted, a disapproving look on her face.
"Don't you have other things to attend to!?" he snapped. She didn't flinch at his words like she had many times before when he barked at her.
"No, I don't," she replied coldly. "Right now, I have you to attend to." She stood sharply and grabbed the chop sticks. She scooped a little rice up in them and held it out to him. "And I'm not going until you have something to eat." He glared at her. "I'll feed you if I have to."
Zel snorted. "I'd like to see you try." Thinking she would leave it at that, he turned his attention back to the book.
Amelia glared back. Well, if he wanted to give her a challenge, he had just done it. "If you insist."
Her words caught him off guard and the next thing he knew there were a pair of chop sticks in his face. He jerked back and snagged hold of her wrists. Miraculously, she still held on to the rice. She put some force into her arms and pushed against his arms. She was no match for his demon strength, but she tried anyway. Zel pushed back lightly, though not enough to hurt or discourage her. When exactly this became a game, neither of them knew, but they were both soon rather enjoying this little battle of wills to see who would give in first. Amelia giggled at her attempts and Zelgadiss smiled back at her. Every now and again, he would ease up on some of his strength and let her gain a little, then push her back again. He lessened up some of his strength...
Exactly how they ended up on the floor was not exactly clear, just that they were now sprawled out on the carpet. The bowl of rice, coffee, papers, and several of the books were scattered about as well. Zel snort out a half laugh and started to pick himself off the floor and froze. His eyes shot open as they stared into Amelia's own ocean blue pupils. She was lying stalk still underneath him. Their noses almost touched. Neither of them moved. Neither of them were really sure what to do. Part of Zelgadiss' mind told him to jump off and back away while apologizing profusely. Part of him ordered him to stay right where he was and not move until she did. Yet another part screamed to kiss her. The last part of him cried out that he do something other then just sit there. Timidly, he bent down a little lower and touch his lips just barely to hers. Like a deer caught in a lighting spell, she didn't move. She neither fought nor returned the kiss.
When he pulled back, he stared at her fearfully. She seemed too stunned to do anything. He was expecting her to cry out for guards, or yell at him, or hit him. She closed her eyes and leaned up to kiss him back. He didn't fight her. He didn't want to fight her. One of her hands suddenly reached up behind his head and threaded into his stiff, wire hair.
He deepened the kiss, both parting their lips slightly. Her other hand slid up to rest on his back. He used one hand to support his body up and not put his full weight on her, for fear of hurting her; the other traced down to rest on her hip. A shiver ran down his spin at the sensations he was feeling. He could feel her shudder inwardly as well. She pressed her body up against his. He clutched tighter to her hip, pulling all of her as close as possible. While still supporting himself up, he slipped one hand under her and rubbed it over her back. His second hand traced up her body from her hip, passing over one of her breasts, to cup her smooth cheek.
She didn't fight him as he had expected her to. She held on tighter. Gods, how he had dreamed of holding her like this on more then one occasion, but he had never expected her to allow him such a pleasure before. His hand traced back down her body. She let out a soft moan of pleasure as he did so. The hand on his back traced over his shoulder and rested on his chest. Her fingers seemed to trace a line of fire through his shirt. His hand ran further down to rest on her thigh and pull her leg up against his side.
"Mr. Zelgadiss, are you alright...AMELIA!" a familiar voice screeched as the door was pushed open. The pair suddenly jumped apart as if the other had been suddenly turned in to ice.
"Daddy!" Amelia squealed as she turned a brilliant red. She was scrambling to her feet along with Zelgadiss, who was as bright red as she was.
~*~*~
Phil's first reaction was to shocked and stunned. This is the first phase of reactions. Unfortunately for poor Zelgadiss, that phase doesn't last too long. As his mind processed what he had seen, his eyes began to burn with rage. How dare someone touch his little girl! How dare anyone try to defile her good name for his own pleasure! She was an innocent girl! He growled and focused his rage on the chimera. As far as Phil's instincts were concerned, Zelgadiss Grayweres had to die!
Phil lunged for the much smaller man, grabbing Zel easily by the collar. He hoisted the partial rock golm into the air (which is not an easy feet for most people) and slammed Zel's back into the wall.
"No, Daddy, don't!" Amelia cried as she grabbed one of Phil's arms.
He ignored her entirely, too focused on causing the man who had laid their hands on HIS daughter great pain, if not death. "You!" he hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "How DARE you touch her!" Zelgadiss tried to protest, but he was having a hard time breathing, let alone speaking, with Phil's knuckles driving into his throat. "I should kill you were you stand!" He slammed Zel against the wall again. "I should end you miserable life right here with my bare hands!"
"No, Daddy please!" Amelia begged. She had started to cry. In all her life, she had never seen her father this angry before. "Please stop! Don't hurt him!"
Phil pressed hard against Zelgadiss' neck. His mind cried out for blood...this man's blood. A ear popping screech filled the room as Turquoise dived off his perch and scratched Phil's face. The bear of a prince jerked back, releasing his hold on Zelgadiss. Zel fell to the floor, gasping for air, Amelia running to his side to see if he had been hurt. Turquoise flapped his wing furiously as he struggled to stay afloat only a few inches from Phil's face. He cawed several times, redirecting the giant man's mind.
The rage phase passed, and Phil became logical and peaceful once more. This, however, did nothing to lessen his anger. It just made him less likely to kill the unfortunate chimera. He watched as Amelia helped the man up and felt his rage begin to boil over again.
"Amelia! Out! Now!" he barked. Amelia flinched at every word. "Go to your room! I'll speak with you there! And as for you!" He turned his attention back to the still stunned Zelgadiss. "In my study!" When neither of them seemed to be moving, Phil growled. "Now!" Knowing better then to dare try and test his rage, the two scurried out of the room, at off to where he had ordered them. Turquoise landed on Phil's shoulder. "And you just sat there and watched, didn't you!?" he hissed at the feathered creature. The bird cawed definitely and nipped Phil's ear. "Idiotic bird," the man grumbled. Turquoise dropped off of Phil's shoulder and flew off to find his owner.
*****
Zel waited impatiently in the study. He paced nervously. His hands were shaking slightly. Why did I do that? he mentally demanded. Of all the stupid things to do, why did I have to try that one? Because she was there, another part of his mind reminded him. "Damn it," he muttered out loud. "Why did I have to go and do that?" Because you wanted to, the little voice persisted. You've always done just what you wanted to. That's why you left in the first place, isn't it? You WANTED to find your cure. You WANTED to be human again. Well, you WANTED her, you saw a chance to have her, and you took it. Perhaps next time you should think before you act.
She did seem to like it, a new voice insisted. She kissed you back, you know. It wasn't all one sided. It wasn't like you didn't enjoy it. He stopped his pacing, remembering how she had felt in his arms. Deny it all you want, Zel, but in the end, you do want her there again. You've been running in circles since you got here because of her. Maybe it's time to admit you can't always run and hide behind a stone mask...especially if...no, WHEN you become human again.
Zel jumped out of his thoughts as the door clicked open. He stood very still as Phil walked in, stiff as a board. His cold gaze didn't meet Zelgadiss'. He sat at the desk and shuffled some of the papers on it, putting them away. "Sit," he commanded. Zel took the seat across from the prince. Phil looked up and locked eyes with the chimera. Zel could almost feel the loathing in the man's stare. "Are you aware of what you were doing?" he asked in bewilderingly calm voice.
"Yes sir, I am," Zelgadiss replied, masking his own emotions with a calm tone.
"Then I am certain you know why I'm angry."
"Yes sir."
Phil stood and walked over to the window that over looked the gardens. He took a deep breath and held it for a long moment, collecting his thoughts. "Were you aware of what I could do to you?"
"Yes sir," was all Zelgadiss could manage to get out.
"Then why did you persist?"
"I don't know..."
"Did you even think of the consequences?"
"No, I didn't think..."
"Exactly!" Phil interrupted with a roar. "You didn't think! You didn't think about anything but your own pleasure! You thought about how you could have your way with MY daughter! You didn't think for a second what would happen after that!"
"Sir, I didn't..." Zelgadiss tried to protest, but Phil cut him off.
"I was young once! I know what went through your mind!" He suddenly glared at the chimera, paralyzing the younger man with fright. "I know what you would have done! What your hormone would have desired!" he hissed. He turned fully around. "I would have thought you wouldn't be so bold as to try and use Amelia..."
"I wasn't using her!" Zelgadiss snapped, suddenly bold. A serge of rage had flowed his veins at the suggestion that he would use her.
The prince folded his arms together and glared at the younger man. "Oh, and what did you think you were doing, then?"
Zel stopped to ponder the question. What had he been doing? He really didn't know. It had all happened so fast. He really hadn't thought about anything, even as it had happened. He had just acted, letting caution blow away in the wind. He recalled the situation: she had brought him lunch, Turquoise had flown on top of the bed, they got in to a fight/game over rice, fell on the floor, and then he had kissed her. He still wasn't sure why. "I don't know. I wasn't thinking."
"That's what I thought..."
"But I was not trying to use her!" he barked. "I would never do that! It's not like I planned any of that! It just...happened."
Phil grunted at him bitterly. Zelgadiss doubted the prince believed him. Phil took a deep breath and sighed. "Once the books are finished being translated, I'm sure you will be on your way again," he stated coldly. Zelgadiss didn't have to ask what he had meant. It was easily translated as leave as soon as possible or else. "Now get out."
Zelgadiss didn't hesitate. He hurried out the door, counting his blessings for not having his life ended in there where no one would have seen. While he had never thought the prince to be a violent man, he certainly knew better to cross him in affairs involving his daughter. He'd already lost one daughter and he wasn't about to let the other one be disgraced.
*****
The bird cawed protests from his cage. He didn't like being locked up. "Then maybe next time you wont go where I can't reach you!" Amelia scolded. She was sulking on her bed, lying on one side so she could stare out the window. She had had almost a whole hour to think about everything that had happened and she had come to one conclusion: she was just as confused now as she had been when it had happened.
It doesn't make sense, she mentally sighed, rolling on to her back. He left, saying he had to find his cure and he wasn't sure if he would ever come back. Then he shows up again, saying he's only staying until he gets the books translated. Even if he found his cure, he said he didn't intend on staying. He seemed to have made it rather clear he didn't want to be around me, so then why did he kiss me? ...and like that?
She rubbed a hand over her cheek where he had placed his hand. It had felt so wonderful when he had touched her. She had been so certain she had been over that crush, but now...? Now what? If daddy doesn't kill him, he'll certainly be banished. Oh, why did DADDY have to be the one to come in. If it had just been one of the servants, I could have bribed them.
Why did you let him kiss you? a new voice protested. You could have pushed him back and said no...but that would have hurt him...and I don't want to hurt him...and I didn't want him to stop.
Turquoise flustered in his cage. He cawed several times again, trying to get her attention. "I told you no," she sighed. "I'm letting you out right now. You're not going to get me in to any more trouble today." He didn't listen and began to flap frantically in his little cage. He seemed rather desperate. "I said no!" she snapped, sitting up.
She stopped and stared as she saw the second bird perched on top of the cage. This one was just like Turquoise, only a dark, midnight black. It stuck its beak in the cage and Turquoise snapped at him. The black bird jerked back but seemed unfazed by Turquoise' attack. Amelia slid off the bed and cautiously approached the cage, hoping not to startle the black bird. It crocked its head to one side and stared at her. It watched her closely. Just as she was in arms reach of it, the black bird took off, flying out the window. Amelia watched it go, rather disappointed, though Turquoise seemed relieved. He had calmed down and was perched on the bar hanging in the center of the cage.
The door handle turned, startling the girl. She jumped and gasped, clutching a hand the her chest, feeling her heart race. Her father walked in, a sour look on his face. She averted her eyes, so she didn't have to look at him and see the anger and disappointment in his eyes.
"Sit!" he ordered, pointing to one of the chairs in her room. She did so, her whole body feeling weak. He watched her for a long moment, making her more and more nervouse. It felt like she had been sitting there forever before she mustered up the courage to look up at him. "I'm dissapointed in you," he stated blandly.
"I know," she bearly breathed out.
"You acted foolishly, without thinking. You could have disgraced yourself, your family, and this kingdom."
"I know..."
"I don't think you do know!" he snapped. She flitched at his words. "I don't think you realize what could have happened. What if I hadn't come in? What would you have done when he left? What if you had carried his child?" Each word carried more hatred then the last one. "You would have brought more then just shame on to the this kingdom! The brastard child would be thrown out! You couldn't keep it! Where is the justice in condeming someone to a horrid life as an outcast!? I am starting to rethink naming you as my sucessor. Reputable princesses do not engage in such activities, especially those in this family." He glanced down at her and saw her body tremble slightly as she tried to contain a sniffle and some tears. He wanted to comfert her, but he knew better then to do that. He had to remain strong, even if she didn't. He really hated to do this to her, but sometimes we all have to do things we hate. "You will have a personal guard with you at all times while he is still in this city and you are NOT to be alone with him. Do you understand?" She nodded weakly. "Good."
He turned and left her there. He didn't dare look back, knowing he would lose his cold exterior at the sight of her tears. He shut the door harsher then usual, though it wasn't quite a slam. When he was gone, she burried her face in her hands and cried. She had never heard him say he thought she was a disgrace to the family, and somehow that had hurt more then anything else anyone could have said or done.