Chapter Five Light Up the Night
As the last notes of Alannah's song faded, Stayne smiled happily. Her voice was even more beautiful then he remembered.
"Thank you so much. But I'm not familiar with the song you sang. Where did you learn it?"
Alannah smiled sadly. "My mother taught it to me. She used to sing it all the time. All the Ladies at Court thought she was mad."
"Was she?' Stayne asked quietly. Alannah nodded and spoke in a low voice.
"She was, but it was through no fault of hers."
Stayne looked puzzled. "Then whose fault was it?"
Alannah looked at Stayne, and to his surprise her eyes were red. She spoke in a low, grating voice as she swayed slowly from side to side, almost rhythmically.
"My father, my Pater, my dad, my papa, left and left and right he went, had a woman every night, what a proper gent. Mother found him out, told him he should stop, but me dear old Pop, didn't want to waste his crop. So here's what he does…up and goes, leaves us all alone. Me mother couldn't take the blow, and her mind starts to go…round and round the wheels are turning, watch as all the fires start burning, burning, burning"
Stayne, who had been watching her with growing alarm, reached out and took hold of her shoulders, giving her a firm shake. Instantly, she stopped swaying and her eyes resumed their normal color. She gave a small sob, and much to his delight-and surprise-wrapped her arms around him. He returned the favor, and Alannah moved so that she was lying with her back against his chest. She could feel his muscles through his shirt, and she relaxed further.
"I'm sorry," she said in a small voice. Stayne smiled.
"There's no need to apologize. I'm pretty used to changes in temper. After all, I worked for someone who was infamous for just that. You aren't going to start yelling 'Off with their heads', are you?" He asked mischievously. Alannah laughed.
"No, I promise to let you keep your head. You look quite nice with it on, after all." She grinned at the blush on his face. "Not used to compliments, are you?"
"No, I'm not" he whispered quietly.
Alannah smiled gently. "Well, I shall make an effort to compliment you as often as I can. But for now, I think I had better leave you to sleep." She made to leave, only to have Stayne suddenly tighten his grip on her. He leaned down and spoke softly in her ear.
"Please stay with me." Alannah looked at him.
"Very well. But if you try anything, Ilosivic Stayne, you will be sorry."
Stayne's eye widened in alarm, and he stared at Alannah with his mouth agape. "I would never dream of trying anything! I do have some morals! How could you say that to me…you were teasing me, weren't you?" He finished in a resigned voice. Alannah grinned wickedly.
"Yes."
Stayne sighed quietly. "I might have known. Do you enjoy tormenting people?"
Alannah's grin grew wider. "Yes, it is quite enjoyable at times. But I apologize."
Stayne smiled. "Apology accepted, Milady."
Alannah rolled her eyes. "I hate being called Milady. Makes me feel as if I should be engulfed in silks, and chunnering on about the latest in Court gossip. I never belonged in that world."
Stayne smiled sadly. "Neither did I. I always enjoyed going on Patrol, because it gave me a chance to escape those confining walls for a while. Well, that and I didn't have to endure the Queen simpering at me."
Alannah laughed. "Yes, that must have been awful."
"You have no idea", Stayne said bitterly.
Alannah sighed. "I shouldn't have said that. My mouth runs away from me sometimes."
Stayne laughed. "That's normal for an Underlander. We all have our moments."
"Very true", Alannah agreed.
Stayne moved so that he was lying on his back, and slowly pulled Alannah down until her head rested on his shoulder. She draped her arm over his chest, and he placed his arms around her. She sighed quietly, and shut her eyes.
Stayne sighed with happiness, and fell into a dreamless sleep with the woman he was rapidly falling in love with in his arms.