All right, here we go and thanks for the suggestion Dreamingfifi. I like that idea…
Chapter 24--Close Calls
Deirdre entered the room where the box was with two guards. Unlocking it, she opened the lid and stepped back. "Take him out of there," she ordered. "Perhaps after twelve hours he is ready to be more compliant."
The guards lifted him out with some difficulty. He wasn't even trying to help. "He is dead weight, my Queen," one guard said.
Deirdre frowned and moved forward. She took the cloth from his ears then removed the blindfold. She checked for a heartbeat, which was there, and then she brought her hand in front of his mouth to make sure he was breathing. She was a bit concerned, had he suffocated?
Suddenly Legolas's eyes opened and his head snapped forward. His teeth sank into her hand, drawing blood.
"Owww!!" Deirdre yelled. She hit Legolas across the face with her free hand, which loosened his grip, allowing her to pull her hand free. She cursed when she saw the deep bite mark and glared at him. "Biting is hardly the way for a Prince to act," she complained.
"Sorry, I would have punched you, but--" Legolas trailed off and nodded at his bound arms.
"So you would hit a lady?" Deirdre asked.
"Nay, I would never hit a *lady*," Legolas said.
Deirdre's face reddened as she deciphered the insult in his words. "Do you need to be put back in there another twelve hours?" she demanded. "Hold your tongue or I will do it."
Legolas glared at her, but he didn't respond. He couldn't deny that he didn't want to go back into that thing.
"Better, take him back to the royal suite. Bath and put on the clothes that have been left for you, golden one. Do not test me. Remember that the box is here and I will not hesitate to have you locked in again if you displease me," Deirdre ordered.
The guards led Legolas back to the suite, untied his arms then left, locking the doors behind him.
Legolas sighed and went into the separate bathing room. He would do what he was bid for now and wait for Jaisia to come. He prayed she wouldn't get caught again. He stripped off the clothes and tossed them carelessly on the floor. The circlet he laid on the table before he stepped into the tub. He sighed as the steaming water engulfed him, relaxing stiff, sore muscles. He wondered what Deirdre had planned for him next. (Jaisia?) He asked.
(I am here. Are you all right?) Jaisia asked.
(Aye, she released me. Why are you not on your way to Minas Tirith like you should have been?) Legolas asked.
(I could not leave you in her hands. Minas Tirith is months away. I was afraid of what she might do to you. I am sorry, little brother) Jaisia said.
(Do not be, I would have never been able to bear that horrid box if it had not been for you. Just be careful. I am sure you will be killed on sight this time. Do not let them catch you) Legolas said.
(I will be. Do you want to try to reach Kai again?) Jaisia asked.
Deirdre's threat to kill him if anyone came to help him filled Legolas's mind, but he hid it from Jaisia. (I think that is a good idea) he said. They concentrated together and it worked.
(Jaisia, Legolas, what is going on? We were all getting worried. Are you on your way back?) Kai demanded.
(Afraid not) Legolas said. Together they explained everything that had happened and that was still happening.
(Damn, I will tell Aragorn and we will see what can be done to get you. I am sure Aragorn will gather an armed force and come as fast as possible. Hold on!) Kai said. They released the link.
Just then Legolas heard the sitting room door open and shut. (She is back. I am closing the link. Be careful, little sister) he said.
(You too and do not lose hope. I am here and I am coming) Jaisia said then the link closed.
The bathing chamber door opened and Deirdre was standing in the doorway, staring at him. A possessive smile spread across her face and she entered the room….
Sigh, at least Kai and Aragorn will know what is going on, but what is Deirdre going to do now? R/R please-Thank you!!!
