Vardene sighed. He had been talking quietly with Valen, the Warlord filling him in on what was not expected of him. Making him realise he didn't have to sexually pleasure a woman every time one of the little whores snapped their fingers, making him realise he was free to choose the woman he wanted to partner with.

Lord Jared, the Queen's consort and husband, had arrived in the middle of that discussion. At first he had shied away from the man's scrutiny, knowing as he did that Lord Jared had not approved of his being brought into Dena Nehele, knowing he had had reservations about an unknown Warlord Prince in his Queen's Territory who may have lost something vital in the hands of Hyall's ruling class. And so he had been worried about his interest in him since he had threatened a visiting Queen. He didn't want to leave Dena Nehele.

He didn't want to leave Charlotte.

But Jared's short visit had shown him to be sympathetic. He had understood. And he had talked to him as if he was not a near savage Blood-male capable of killing those of the distaff gender.

More importantly, the man had encouraged his feelings for Charlotte. He had told him what Daemon SaDiablo, the Sadist, had told him.

"Don't spend the rest of your life regretting that you did not take the risk," he had said, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't let those who have tried to break you win," he had added when he had started to shake his head.

He made it sound possible. He had given him hope. Not an illusion a sex slave should entertain. But then, he was no longer a slave, he no longer had to suffer the touch of a scheming little slut. He no longer had to live with a Ring around his cock, no longer had to tread carefully or else risk a woman's painful wrath.

But what of Valen? Vardene groaned at the thought of Charlotte with another man. He turned towards the Warlord who was still in the room with him.

"Are you and Charlotte…?"

"What? No! Mother Night, no. I guess you thought so because I tend to be a bit protective of the little witch? Poor woman," he chuckled, "I drive her nuts as it is, I don't think she could handle me on a permanent basis," he wriggled his eyebrows, "No, I saw her through her virgin night, that's all."

Vardene suppressed the jealous reaction that that news caused. He was being irrational. But he still couldn't help but envy the man beside him.

And want to hit him.

"So, you don't…" he stopped as he noticed Catlyn running towards them.

"Here comes trouble," he heard Valen mutter under his breath.

"Hi Vardene! Hi Valen! Guess what, Valen? Vardene said he would take me up to the waterfall today! You can come too if you want, it will be loads of fun! You really should come, you know, it took me forever to get him to take me. It might take you longer, so you should just tag along today. It wouldn't be any trouble, I'll go and tell Mrs Rae to pack some more food for us if you like?"

"Unfortunately I am otherwise occupied, but I will come with you to the kitchens," Valen said grinning, "I have some unfinished business."

"Okay! And next time you can come! Its good you're going to visit Ginnifer, Valen. But you had better behave or Mrs Rae might take after you with her wooden spoon again. I know! You should bring Ginnifer flowers or something—"

Valen spluttered.

"I think she likes daisies. Or was it roses? I know," Catlyn continued, "I'll ask her for you!"

"Ah thanks for the offer, little one, but I think I'll just take my chances," Valen answered with a slightly wild expression.

Vardene fought to keep the grin from his face. It looked like Valen had met his match, not that Catlyn was aware she was getting the best of him though.

"How about you stay here with me? You can tell me what you and Charlotte have been up to."

"Okay! Well…"

Vardene nodded in acknowledgement as Valen gave him a grateful glance before disappearing to the kitchens… and in pursuit of a particular witch. The man certainly was confident in that respect.

"Vardeeeeene, you're not listening!"

He grinned down at the young witch.

"Well, I am now," he said whisking her up onto his shoulders, smiling in pleasure at her squeal of delight.