Disclaimer:
Nope, still not mine. And my hopes were so high…
He had seen her. And he knew that she was coming. It showed in every determined line of her frail frame. How delightful. It was always convenient when they decided to come to you, it saved the effort of actually leaving the castle. Convenient when one had been trapped for time beyond counting, he snarled. Though no, that wasn't true. He could count every day, every year and every hour. Seven billion nine-hundred and eighty-three thousand, give hundred and twenty six miserable…or was it twenty seven.
He couldn't let himself forget. It's who he was. He was pain. How terribly…melodramatic. He allowed a tiny smile to quirk the corner of his mouth. He would deal with her easily enough. Deal with her as he had dealt perhaps with so many sweet young girls come to defeat him before. There were so much more interesting things one could do with a stake.
Aleera watched him out of the corner of her eye, twirling a bit of hair around her finger, her mouth decidedly in a pout. "You have so little time for us now, Master….you seem so troubled…"
He allowed the smile to fully form, stretching the corners of his lips. "How can you say that, my sweet?" He cupped her chin in a pale white hand as she nuzzled against him like an oversized cat. How very cute. In away it was very much the way one would think of some sort of household pet. She was undoubtedly lovely, his taste was superb, but the space between her ears consisted mostly of air.
A pleasant amusement, as were all of his wives. It amused him to have such a variety of appearance and so little to distinguish them inside. Such passionate dedication to him… so terribly flattering, if he did say so himself.
Her face tilted up to him, like a flower to the sun. "It has been ages since we have flown among the villages, since you have joined is in our revels, our beds…"
So that was the problem. He could see Verona's hand in this, pulling the strings of the younger girl, stroking his ego so prettily. Whatever she wanted, it would probably be more than simply loneliness, and cold sheets. Perhaps he should look into it closer, but more important matters called.
"My sweet, you know there are other matters that concern me." Gently he pushed her away from her, ignoring with long practice the shrieks of disappointment emitting from her pretty throat. They ended as quickly as they had begun with a harsh slap to the face, and he closed his eyes rather enjoying the sudden silence.
Aleera faded into the background, to report to Verona no doubt. They did so enjoy their little plots, and petty displays of independence. Still, there were more important things to consider. The girl who was coming…
She was useful, she would bring him power. And failing that, he imagined she would probably taste pretty good on rye bread.