October 5, 1695
Forest of Dean, 7:26 AM
Annabel awoke with a start, sitting up sharply in the bed with a low gasp. There was a slight sheen of sweat on her skin as she shook off the aftereffects of lingering nightmares. She couldn't even remember what this one had been about.
Her gaze went to the dying fire in the hearth and then to the small crate nearby. The kitten! Scrambling from the thick covers, she practically dove across the room to kneel down beside the wood crate, peering inside anxiously.
The small grey bundle of fur was huddled in the blankets, almost buried in them. It was relieving to see that it was breathing slow and steady. She had half expected to find a cold lifeless husk considering the fact that she hadn't woken up once during the night to feed it.
Before she could speculate further, there was a light knock before the snicking sound of the bedroom door opening. Annabel turned on a heel as Sebastian entered, casting the butler an accusatory glare. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked sharply.
"You were sleeping so soundly that I decided it better to handle the feeding myself," he replied simply, pulling the cart further into the room. She looked back down at the bundle which had begun to squirm as their words brought it awake.
Delicately, Annabel reached in to uncover the tiny thing before it could begin to mew hungrily only to find it wasn't quite as tiny as she remembered. In fact, it looked as if it had doubled in size overnight but that couldn't be right.
Reaching in warily, she pulled the half asleep kitten from the crate only confirming her suspicions. "Sebastian," she began, holding the healthy giant two day old kitten to her chest, "There's something strange going on. Somehow it's... grown."
Looking up to see his response, she almost shrieked to find him less than a foot away. Rolling her eyes, she looked down to see him holding out a small glass bottle of pink liquid. "Isn't that what living things do?" he asked wryly.
"Not like this," she pressed adamantly, looking into his crimson gaze to see some sort of secret practically dancing within. "What's this?" she asked skeptically, taking the pale pink liquid he offered her.
"Milk," he replied easily, rising to stand and begin preparing her tea. He could be positively obnoxious. Annabel opened the bottle he had given her and sniffed the contents. She couldn't smell any sort of herbs and she racked her brain to try to figure out what could have turned it pink.
"What did you put in the milk Bastian?" she asked in an exasperated tone, honestly curious at this point.
"Something to help it grow," he spoke, not seeming to want to divulge his secret as he strained out the tea leaves and filled a small cup with what smelled like warm vanilla.
Eyeing the pink liquid, she looked between it and the kitten in her other hand. Whatever it was, it had obviously done wonders for the small thing's health. Making up her mind, she filled the dropper with the liquid, setting the bottle down before bringing the tiny dropper to the kitten's mouth.
The kitten's tiny nose twitched, smelling the milk and then its tiny eyes shot open, revealing somewhat familiar bright crimson orbs. Annabel sucked in a breath of air as the kitten latched onto the dropper with a startling vigor.
"Interesting..." she heard Sebastian drawl and she looked over to see him eyes locked on the fur ball she held.
"Sebastian," she spoke, her voice low in sudden warning, "What in the hell did you do?" His answering grin was startling and she narrowed her eyes at him in what was supposed to be an intimidating glare.
The sounds of the kitten sucking on air sounded out and she looked down to see that it had drained the dropper with unnatural speed. Automatically, she refilled it and brought it back to its mouth before turning back to the butler.
"I assure you milady, I've done nothing but make him stronger," he assured her.
"Him?" she questioned raising an eyebrow. "What makes you think it's a him?" she asked curiously, content with his answer for now.
He raised a brow and quirked the side of his lip into a smirk, "Surely you know the difference in males and females milady," he commented, "If not, I would be more than happy to educate you." His voice was low with hidden meaning and she hated the way it brought a blush to her cheeks.
"I need no lesson in that, Bastian," she muttered, turning to the kitten who was slowing down in devouring the milk. He knew what she had meant, she thought grudgingly. It was hard to sex kittens until they were older. Perhaps he'd sensed it with some weird demon intuition.
As she watched, the kitten in her hand began to drift off, his cute little mouth going lax around the end of the dropper and his red eyes fluttering closed. Honestly, the red against his grey fur was rather beautiful. She only hoped it didn't end up affecting him adversely.
Setting the dropper to the side she cradled him close to her chest as he began to nod off, unwilling to put him down just yet. Sebastian approached holding out a saucer and cup. Plucking the teacup from the saucer she lifted it to inhale before taking a sip.
Of course the tea was phenomenal, it always was. Rich sweet vanilla coursed down her throat and she hummed lightly in contentment. Nodding his head at her obvious approval, Sebastian straightened, tugging at his lapels although his uniform remained immaculate.
"Breakfast will be served shortly my lady," he intoned with a dip of his head before moving to her wardrobe. She watched with dread as he pulled out a dress. While it meant she probably wouldn't be getting her ass kicked today, she still hating wearing the heavy things. Growing up she'd always had lighter, cheaper fabrics that didn't tangle in her legs or cut off her circulation.
With a groan she set the kitten back into his box and rose to her feet to begin another day under his strict tutelage.
"You need to anticipate my moves and move faster," Sebastian admonished, looking down at where she lay on her back, panting heavily on the floor. So much for not getting her ass handed to her.
Apparently Sebastian had decided that they needed to begin training with her in a dress since she wouldn't be gallivanting around in men's clothes to take her revenge.
Giving him the sharpest glare she could manage she weakly pointed the small dagger she held at him. "You're too fast, it's not fair," she protested, content to lay on the floor in her exhaustion as she slumped back down.
"And you're still too weak," he replied before goading her by saying, "Perhaps it's too soon to be setting things in motion." At that anger fueled her to sit up, slashing out with the dagger but he was gone, suddenly just out of her reach.
He always fought with no weapons, but no matter how she tried, she couldn't touch him. And the dress was doing nothing to help matters. Growling at his words that were ringing too true she hauled herself to her feet, kicking out the skirts that were wrapped around her legs.
While she had improved by leaps and bounds from her original state, she knew that she was still far too weak for regular one on one combat. Despite her exhaustion and the way that sweat was trickling down the inside of her dress most unpleasantly, she moved into a fighting stance.
Sebastian stood prim and proper before lunging forward, spinning around her jabs and slashes effortlessly. This time his leg swiped at the back of her legs, driving her to her knees while his hands grabbed her wrists from behind, pulling her back so that she was holding the knife to her own throat, her back at his chest.
"Damn it!" she shouted, squirming in his iron hold. She was pulled completely flush against him and, knowing he wouldn't allow the knife to slice her throat, she did something that shocked them both.
Annabel turned her head and slammed it down towards where he held her wrists, taking his hand between her teeth and biting down on his gloved fingers. Hard. Even more surprising was when he didn't shove her away but instead pulled her back closer against him, squeezing down on her wrist so she was forced to drop the knife.
She bit down harder, feeling warm blood wet the white cloth of his gloves and he let out a throaty growl right into her ear that quickly changed her anger into confused arousal. It was as if one sound from him could flip a switch inside her.
Her jaw relaxed and she felt uncertainty fill her with a strange fear as she moved to pull back from him. A hiss sounded as he gripped her even tighter, cutting off the circulation in her hands as he forced his fingers to stay pressed between her teeth. "I thought you wanted a taste?" he asked in a hoarse voice against her ear, each word dripping with hungry lust. Trust a demon to get riled up by pain.
He inhaled deeply, pressing his nose against the skin of her throat and she wondered if he could smell her fear. Or perhaps the way that her thighs were suddenly becoming slick with arousal. This is so sick. Pull yourself together.
He inhaled deep against her kin once more, and any words she'd been prepared to say died on her lips as she felt the scrape of teeth on her skin, leaving her to whimper around his fingers. Her tongue lapped against the fingers he kept shoved in her mouth as she breath heavily, her head spinning.
Even if she could magically find the willpower to contain herself, she couldn't do much in the position she was in. On top of that, she didn't know if she wanted to. Some strange fire was building in her core and she wanted to writhe and squeeze her legs together in an attempt to quell it. Mercifully, he pulled his fingers from her mouth and she was left to nearly fall back when he was suddenly gone.
Remaining in a kneeling position, her heart still racing, she turned to see him cleaning up from their training before pouring her a measure of water. He could be so hot and cold, moving from one emotion to the next as easy as taking a step and it sometimes left her reeling. It was also a stark reminder to his true nature.
Slowly she moved to stand, walking over on shaky legs to sit in the chair that was positioned behind a large sturdy desk. Her notes were sprawled over the surface and she pushed them out of the way, doing her best to press the way her body reacted to the devilish butler from her mind.
"We're going to need to stay in the village for at least a week," she spoke as he approached to set down a glass of water as well as buttered biscuits. If he wouldn't be bothered with a reaction to what had just happened, then neither would she. Reaching forward, she grabbed the glass and downed the water, temporarily calming the heat within her.
Tapping a finger against the desk, Annabel looked thoughtful for a moment before picking up a wood encased charcoal stick. Using a blank sheet of parchment she began to draw and Sebastian moved to stand beside her while she did her best to ignore him. After a moment, the lines and shapes formed a rough map and she pointed out the notable buildings and homes.
"The inn is near the trading post. That will be where we will stay and the church is set on the hilltop," she spoke as she continued to sketch. Pausing she turned to glance at him quizzically, "Can you step foot into a church?"
Sebastian flashed a smile that held a hint of teeth before giving a slight nod, "Of course my lady. Although it may be a bit harder for me to keep this form," he admitted. She didn't seem at all startled by his casual words and instead nodded in return as her face turned contemplative.
"That's fine, I think it will do the priest good to have a little reminder of what awaits him in Hell," she mused, her eyes taking a faraway haze as she pictured his torment. Bastian's eyes glowed and she knew it was from her sudden malevolent thoughts. The man was practically a bloodhound when it came to sniffing out her moods.
"So shall the priest be our first target?" Sebastian asked, his voice low.
Annabel nodded before responding, "I want to make an example of him. Display his end in a way to stir fear in their hearts." She hummed, picking out another sheet in the mess of papers and holding it to Sebastian. "We shall also need to shop before we go. There is much to prepare."
He took the list in hand, his eyes dancing over the contents with a pleased air. "Of course young mistress, consider it done," he spoke calmly with a nod, turning to walk to his tea cart.
"Oh, and Sebastian?" she called as he walked to the door. He paused not bothering to turn around, just as she didn't bother to look up. "You shall play the part of a Lord and my husband. We shall be there under pretense of seeking land nearby. Do be prepared to put on a bit of a show," she ordered. If they had bothered to look at one another they would've seen anticipatory smirks tugging at their lips.
The next week and a half passed by rather quickly with training, planning, and caring for the little kitten. Although little was highly subjective at this point. At just over a week old, the kitten was larger than a full grown cat, although he was much more playful, with soft kitten fur. It was obvious that there was something unnatural about the young mouser but, to their credit, none of the staff spoke a word of it. They had begun to take his massive daily growth spurts in stride and Jack came inside to spend time with him daily. However, the poor maid, Mya, kept from interacting with the rambunctious fur ball, and Annabel had detected a hint of fear from the quiet maid on more than one occasion.
Nearly a week ago, the precocious kitten had moved from his wooden crate of his own accord, and had taken to sleeping in bed with her. Not that she minded in the least. It had also taken a painfully long time to find a name for him and it was surprisingly Sebastian who had chosen one. Maahes. He said it was from some Egyptian war god but she couldn't remember all the details. Still, it fit the grey beast perfectly.
Today, Annabel had chosen to take a break from the never ending planning and training, feeling sufficiently prepared for their departure tomorrow, and was lounging on her favorite red chaise in the study while Maahes was curled in front of the fire, his crimson eyes fixed on her. They quickly flickered to the door when it opened, his tail twitching as Sebastian opened the room. The relationship between the two was... interesting to say the least.
While pretending to be focused on the book of philosophy she held, Annabel surreptitiously watched as Sebastian crossed the room towards her. She couldn't help but stiffen as he came near, wondering what he was up to. Since their last physical interaction, she had been overly cautious with maintaining her distance, unnerved by how easily he could overtake her senses. He knelt in front of her and she finally gave up on the pretense of reading, setting the book down to meet his gaze. "Yes Bastian?" she questioned expectantly, keeping her expression bored.
Maahes rose from his position, stretching his body languidly before walking to Bastian and rubbing himself over the butler's side. Sebastian ignored him, keeping his attention focused on her. "All the supplies are prepared for our trip milady," he began, reaching into his pocket as his eyes began to dance with a familiar and somewhat worrying amusement. Before she could form a reply, a small velvet box was pulled forth and she was torn between annoyance at his theatrics and nervousness at the gesture. He opened the box revealing a brilliant pear shaped ruby set in a gold band and surrounded by beautiful interlacing filigree.
There was no denying the ring was stunning and she knew she would have to wear one to keep up their cover but having him present it to her in such a manner was disarming. Trying to appear unaffected Annabel reached forward with her free hand to grab the ring but his hand moved fast as lightening and the gripped her wrist. "If I may, milady?" he asked, not waiting for a response and he set down the box with his other hand and plucked out the ring.
Knowing she wouldn't be able to rip her hand free from his grasp she kept herself from moving, even as he loosened his hold. With slow steady movements, Sebastian slipped the ring onto her finger and she was grateful he wore the gloves. Skin on skin contact with him always made her skin tingle.
"There you go Mrs. Michaelis," he murmured and her eyes flicked up to his at the name.
"Michaelis?" she questioned simply, wondering if it was a random name or perhaps if he was revealing something true about himself.
"Indeed wife," he replied, drawing out the name with apparent relish. "Is it not custom for a woman to take her husband's name?" he asked, arching his brow.
It was clear that he would continue to dance around the issue so she let the matter drop. It didn't matter anyways. Letting her hand slip from his loosened grasp she nodded in a businesslike fashion. "Of course. Well done Sebastian," she spoke in a dismissive tone, turning her eyes down to look at the open book.
Surprise quickly turned to anger when his fingers cupped her chin and forcefully brought her gaze back up. "You will have to remember to treat me as a revered husband milady. I shall not be lenient with you in public you understand," he spoke, his deep voice setting her insides ablaze.
Holding onto the anger to keep her grounded Annabel brought her hand up to smack him but he easily caught it with his other hand. "This is what I'm talking about darling wife," he spoke wryly, "You will have to curb such violent tendencies or I will have to punish you."
"Sebastian," she growled in warning her green eyes flashing as her lip curled. She shifted to bring her other hand to strike but in a moment he was up and over ten feet away. Glaring at him balefully, she rubbed her chin and said, "Don't you worry about my performance. I will do what needs to be done."
"I'm counting on it young mistress," he replied cheekily, moving to the fire to add another log. He was growing bolder in his attentions to her everyday and she wondered if his hunger for her soul was driving him mad or if he was possessed by human urges as well.
"Mr. Thomas Blake and Ms. Mya Bronte will be accompanying us on our trip to act as our bodyguard and servant respectfully. Both are quite capable. They know of our ruse but not the reason for it," he said but she couldn't help her frown. If felt unwise to include others, but she knew it would appear strange if a Lord and Lady arrived alone.
Knowing that he was heavily invested in her endeavors and wouldn't risk the two staff causing things to go awry, Annabel nodded. "Very well Bastian. However, if they interfere I will hold you accountable for their actions." He nodded solemnly as if properly chastised but she knew it was just for her benefit.
A knock sounded at the door and Sebastian moved in a blur, opening it smoothly. Jack stood on the other side and though she would be loathe to admit it, she had begun to enjoy his company. If Sebastian's abrupt answering of the door startled him he gave no indication. Instead he peered around the butler, his startling blue eyes wide as he scanned the room.
"Good day Lady Annabel," he greeted happily and she couldn't help but smile at his boyish enthusiasm. Maahes gave a loud meow, bounding across the room like a playful puppy and Jack ducked around Bastian to enter the room.
"Good day Jack," Annabel responded, closing her book and watching as Maahes attacked Jack's leg with mock severity. The kitten never left her side for the most part but he absolutely adored Jack. He treated him like a littermate it seemed for the most part and despite the copious scratches and wounds that it brought, Jack seemed to love Maahes as well.
Jack continued to walk, dragging the leg that held an attached Maahes across the carpet. Without any delicacy, the young man flopped down on the large persian rug in front of the chaise, ruffling the grey fur of the kitten roughly as he smiled up at her. It was an infectious smile, one that felt like the warmth of the sun on a cold winter day.
A thought suddenly entered her mind. Would Jack have treated her this way if she had known him in the village? She'd like to think so. She could imagine that she would've fallen for him had she met him before her life had fallen apart.
He had grown up an orphan, not knowing any parents his entire life and she wondered if he had been mocked or beaten as a child. Looking at him now she wouldn't guess it but she knew all too well how much a person could hide away.
"Are you still leaving tomorrow?" he asked, his voice dropping slightly with his disappointment. She nodded, lowering herself from the chaise to sit across from him and he seemed shocked when she crossed her legs as he did, allowing their knees to touch and trapping Maahes between them.
"Yes but we will be back before you know it Jack," she assured him. "I trust you will keep Maahes company and keep him from becoming lonely?" she asked, knowing that Maahes could be in no greater hands.
"Aye," he replied with a nod and when she reached out to brush the kitten he settled down between them, turning on his back for a belly rub. She laughed and glanced up to Jack but his eyes were glued to the ring on her finger.
"It's not what you think Jack," she spoke, her voice low and for a moment she realized that she wished it were real. She wished she could have happiness and marriage and perhaps even children one day. But that wasn't where her fate lay. She had gladly given that up for her vengeance and even now she wouldn't take it back. It still didn't stop her from wishing for more.
"Annabel?" he spoke, reaching out to grasp her hand and then looking hesitant, his hand hovering in the air. She closed the distance between them, grabbing his hands in hers and smiled at him encouragingly.
"What is it Jack?" she asked softly, proddingly. His eyes shifted to hers and then down at their clasped hands.
"It's not my place but be careful would ya? I mean, I know you'll have Sebastian and Mr. Thomas with ya and I don't even know where yer going but... come back?" his voice sounded so unsure and she felt older than her years as she looked into his ocean eyes. Innately she knew that this was a man who had lost much and she felt guilty that eventually he would lose her as well. It wasn't fair.
Annabel released his hands and reached forward to cup his face before leaning forward and placing a kiss on his cheek. "Don't worry Jack," she spoke softly against his skin, "This isn't goodbye, not yet." His cheeks were flushed when she pulled back and he cleared his throat, nodding his head as he looked everywhere but at her.
As if she just realized her sudden boldness, she too blushed and she recaptured his hands before her courage could completely leave her. "I also want you to know that you're my friend Jack. Don't ever worry about talking to me about anything." His blush slowly faded and he met her eyes again with his cheery smile. She was glad to see it and she hoped that he never lost that contagious smile of his.
*Maahes is pronounced mah-hees. Maahes is an ancient Egyptian lion-headed god of war, whose name means "he who is true beside her".