Rule # 2: Create a False Sense of Security

Keria observed her surroundings from her bird's eye window. She had to admit, she was somewhat surprised Vizsla trusted her enough not to smash through the glass boundaries and commit suicide. Then again, had he been her prisoner, Keria would have made sure the bastard would have never been afforded such a luxury. So, this event spoke slightly to his character. Viszla was either trying to convince her to join his cause through immense brain washing and hospitality, or she had simply overestimated his intellectual capabilities. Keria watched as the Death Watch soldiers lined up civilians in the distance. The young woman closed her eyes. In moments to come, loyal members of her mother's staff would be executed. Perhaps this had been his intention, not to harm her physically, but to slowly drive her to the brink of insanity. She heard the door flash open from behind her.

" You really shouldn't watch that, " Viszla chimed. He then went across the room: "Computer," he ordered, " Turn on blinds." Keira grimaced. The older man's gaze settled upon hers. " You find this amusing?" Keira shifted her head in irritation. Viszla narrowed his gaze: "Death is never amusing." He spat. Fear coursed through her veins.

The man then slowly approached her. Viszla walked around her, taking in her physical form. A knot formed in Keria's stomach. He then came up from behind her, briefly touching the back of her neck with his fingers. "I see the physicians have been treating you well." He whispered in her ear. Keria resisted an involuntary shutter. She was particularly glad she was turned away from him so he would not see her blush.

What was he doing? Keira thought as he attempted to control her breath. He then leaned further into her ear: "Is there anything else you require?" Keria closed her eyes. So he was attempting to seduce her? What a funny thought, especially after earlier. Had her previous, laid, undeveloped plan backfired on her already? For who seduces the seducer?

No, she thought to herself. This was not the end. No, this was simply a beginning leading to a new end. And as she turned her head to boldly stare him in the eyes, Keira realized this was nothing more than a minor complication. He was a man, and she was almost a woman. She could give him what he asked for … someday … though not now. Not when he stood tall, with his massive ego, prancing around as if he were the Prime Minister of Mandalore. No, when he was weak, not before her people, but before her. When he truly believed she was the only water in the dessert, then she would concede to him, for then he would be helpless and purely at her mercy.

" I ask only one request." She said humbly. Viszla shifted his head in questioning. "I ask my cousins be allowed to reside with me." Viszla narrowed his eyes. "This is a one person residence." Keira gave him a skeptical look. Yes, there was only one bedroom, but the living room was more than enough space to house two young children. "I know." Keira nodded her head. "But I require my servants at all times." Viszla rolled his eyes. "Not even my Death Watch troops are afforded such luxuries," he said as he plopped himself on the coach.

Keria was silent. " They are just children." Keria spoke aloud. Viszla looked up: "What makes you think I want them in here?" Keira closed her eyes. Clearly he didn't. "It's all I ask." Viszla took a deep irritated breath through his nose. "You may ask the guards to bring them here as you wish. However, they must be out of here before nightfall. Do you understand?" Keira gave a half-smile and nodded. "And if I find out they are causing any trouble …" Keira didn't here the rest. She didn't like the fact that Lorain and Sara were sleeping in that unsanitary cell. However, she wanted them out of there. This was a small victory.

Viszla was now still staring at her intently. The young woman sat next to the man. " Thank you," She said, trying to maintain her childhood innocence. Create a False Sense of Security. The thought rippled through her mind. Here she was, trying to create positive environment not only for him, but for herself as well. Keira hated this scenario, but she was going to have to work with it.

This man was partially responsible for the death of her mother. An immense amount of negativity was buried at the bottom of her heart. Now, however, things had to be different. She was determined to stay alive. So now, she would have to gradually play to his fantasizes. It would not be easy. Keira didn't particularly know what qualities he liked in his women. To be honest, she didn't even know what particular qualities she liked in her men. Keira was rather inexperienced. Nevertheless, she sought to excel in all matters of life, so how different could this be?

The psychology behind human sexuality seemed rather easy. She had seen enough interactions between the opposite genders to understand the basics. So again, how hard could this be? Keira then leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. He just sat there, purely expressionless. Was her perplexed? Was he gratified?

She could only imagine how this was going to plan out. He looked nearly twelve years her senior. He was younger than her parents, but considerably older than that of herself. She was seventeen, almost eighteen. She was hardly a child anymore, even if her mother would have argued otherwise. What she planning to do to gain herself authority women did all over the empire all the time.

There was a great silence between them. "I will tell the guard to escort your cousins to your quarters." Viszla spoke moments later. Keira nodded her head. He then placed his hand on her thigh. Keira heart skipped a beat. "You would do well to remember my gratitude and mercy." He then moved her hand up her leg, under her skirt. Keira paled at his motion. The man then pulled back his hand and laughed. Keira closed her eyes. So he was toying with her?

Perhaps so would have to reevaluate her seduction process? Then again, how can you have seduction without the end result: sex. Within five minutes of social interactions, Keira had learned intellectualizing sex and potentially having sex were two completely different things. Damn. She mustn't stray from the plan, not matter how uncomfortable she became. This wasn't for her, this was for countless others. She had to live so their sacrifice would not be in vain.

"Remember that." Viszla spoke in her ear. He looked like a naughty schoolboy rather than a powerful Death Watch warrior. "Yes," Keira responded, "You've been rather … blunt." That was the only appropriate response she could give. Create a false sense of security? Yes, she was right. That was definitely for her benefit rather than his.

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