Chapter three, la-de-da! And look, RF is back!

Raine: -Sigh-

Hey, be nice! We like RoyalFanatic.

Raine: You do. I don't.

Sourpuss. Okieday, onward!

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Had she fallen asleep again? It must have been so, because she felt herself return to conciousness, and saw evidence of the afternoon through the mouth of her little cave. It was still silent though, save for the mighty roar of the enormous waterfall outside.

She had to admit, every time she woke up she found herself listening closely for her name. Or, more importantly, her name called in his voice. But that was next to impossible, wasn't it? How could she ever hope to be found by anyone in this hole-in-the-rock? Dismally, she stopped listening and glanced to the unfinished letter lying beside her. It was time to go on with day two.

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I think I was sleeping again. Maybe that's what happens when one can hardly move for the pain of an open wound. But that's not really what you're reading this to know about, is it? Yes, alright. Day two of this "epic story."

This one happened while you were at the Company, so I find it doubtful that you're really aware of it. And this is when the trouble really, truely started. A letter was delivered to me while I was sitting, just reading. Giving the boy who'd transported said message to me a little smile and a dipping of my head, I retreated back inside.

I sat down again, sliding my finger under the envelope's flap to release the seal, and began to read. What I saw didn't appeal to me in the least.

"To the Lady Bryant -

This is a letter of proposition addressed to Mrs. Raine Bryant, wife of the Lord Duke and president of Altamira's famed Lezareno Company. We have sent this proposal to you, and do sincerely hope you'll look it over. If you choose not to, I can assure you that the consequences will not be particularly pleasant.

First of all, we must inform you of a few guidelines in regards to fore mentioned proposition. This letter must not be shown to anyone, with the special emphasis on your husband, Duke Regal Bryant. If he is allowed to see this, the consequences talked about above shall be set into motion.

Now that we have your attention, My Lady, we will waste no more of your time with this letter, and get straight to the terms of the deal we wish to make with you. The one we will begin with is the arrangement of a meeting with myself, and a few of my more trusted colleagues.

Come nightfall, just outside the city, we will await the honor of your presence. Please take note that if you are not there on your own, we are not afraid to take the measures necessary to correct that mishap. As for aleviating the suspicions of your husband, we will leave that to you.

I am certain this will be quite an agreeable gathering for all of us, My Lady. I look forward to speaking with you."

And that was it. The strangest letter I've ever received - and possibly the most nerve-racking. The polite sweetness the author used in communicating unpleasant meanings was not comforting, but quite the opposite. But of course, what was I to do other than oblige? After all, I had no idea what "measures" they would take to get that meeting of theirs.

Maybe now you'll understand why I was acting the way I was that afternoon, when you returned home. I met you at the door with a smile, and was greeted in turn with your kiss. And they say romance is dead. "How was your day?" you asked me, sitting down.

I considered, as I lowered myself to sit beside you, bringing up the summons. But I decided against it, of course. They had said that if you knew about it, there would be "consequences." I didn't know what those would include, either, and so decided the best path would be silence on the matter. "Uneventful," I said passively. "Is the Company getting along well?"

"As well as it ever has. It, too, provides 'uneventful' days. Are you hungry?"

Your question caught me a little off-guard then, startling me out of musings and ponderings about the coming night. "What?"

I remember you blinked at me as if you were afraid you'd offended me in some way. "I asked," you said carefully, like you wanted to make sure you didn't mess anything up, "if you were hungry."

"Oh, ah..." I forced a smile, making it as realistic as I could. "A little."

You still gave me a funny look as you nodded and went to prepare a late lunch. You made it rather difficult when you returned, handing me a bowl of curry, and asked me, "Is something on your mind?"

I don't believe I had ever lied to you before. And then, all at once, I was forced to fabricate a whole string. I'm so sorry, but I believed it wise at the time. Maybe it wasn't so smart..."No. I'm alright, just...a little tired. I didn't sleep well last night."

"Oh? Why not?"

And again. It seemed I could only get myself deeper. "It was nothing, Regal, don't worry about it." I took a bite of the offered food, looking as care-free as I dared without making myself conspicuous. I know you were sitll suspicious, even if you didn't say anything to me.

So, then, night did indeed fall. Darkness draped over Altamira and our traditional, quiet evening came into play. For a little while, at least. When I glanced out the window, though, and saw the moon rising, I stood with it. You blinked at me, startled. "Raine?"

"It's alright. I just want to take a little walk - I'm a bit stiff, and it appears to be a cool night." I nearly sighed as you got up, too.

"Would you like a bit of company?"

Well, the "meeting" couldn't last too long, I thought. "...Sure. Will you wait for me on the beach? I have something I want to take care of first. I'll only be a few minutes."

This, I'm sure, only increased your unease. But thankfully you went without a fuss, and I headed toward the gates. A group of three stood there, evidently waiting for me. Because when they saw me, a smile broke out on a man's face - the same man, coincidentally, that had stopped by the day before on the pretense of asking directions. "My Lady, Ms. Raine."

"We are not on a first name basis, sir," I told him sharply. I don't like to pull rank on people, but I did not want this criminal using my name as though we were friends.

"Well, well, my apologies, Lady Bryant." He stressed my title, and I gave him a good glare as I demanded to know what he wanted. It was then that the plans were put into play. "I'm afraid I might have misled you, my lovely lady. Really this isn't an optional thing - this proposition...some might call it blackmail, dear."

"What are you talking about?"

"You love your husband. And you know he puts duty before his own life. The Lezareno is his first--pardon me, second love, as I'm sure you rank first in his priorities. But you see, if you refuse this, I will crumble his beloved Company to the ground, and he along with it."

Again I was nervous. I didn't know what they wanted, and I was in a horrid situation. But I wasn't going to let him harm you, or the Lezareno. "What. Do. You. Want?" I repeated.

"You."

I blinked. "What?"

"I want you, M'Lady. I want you to come with us on our little...trip. So you can help us do something that we cannot accomplish all by ourselves." He folded his arms across his chest.

"And what might that be...?"

"Not tonight, love. Return to your mate and talk away the night. Bond." He was clearly amused. "Another meeting will be scheduled...soon."

I knew I wasn't getting any more answers from him just then, and so I relented and headed for the beach where you were waiting. We walked, and did indeed talk for a while. But I wish I could say that my heart had been in it. In all truths, I was very nervous.

Oh, my...I'm afraid I've been writing all afternoon. The sun is nearly set, and my hand is protesting again, as well as my fatigued mind. Tomorrow morning I'll resume my tale. Until then.

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She wasn't sue she could have gone on if she wanted to. The pen slipped from her grasp and she shuddered in pain again. Oh, how she hurt...And how she longed to be safe and dry with him. She coughed, but this alone sent another awful pain through her entire body and she gave a soft groan.

She didn't even have the energy to shift this time, and thus was stuck with her current position. But nevertheless, her eyes slipped closed and slumber's inky blackness took her.

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OoooOOOooo. Interesting, eh?

Raine: -Nervous- What's going on?

If I told you now therre'd be no story. Gah, what's with you fictional people? Geez. Stay tuned!