Hello All,

As you can see my muse is in berserk.... still. Which is quite odd taking into consideration I'm half alive and half awake for most of the time.

THANK YOU to all my reviewers. Your feedback is as always priceless to me.

One warning: this chapter contains violence and sexual content (or sort of).

The rest you have to find out yourselves.

Thanks,

MS

Nathaniel slowly got up watching the water swim down his muscled body. He stepped out of the tub and walked to the room drying his hair. Then he wrapped the towel around his hips and headed for the table. He took a small decanter, and poured himself a glass of red wine. Then he approached a dresser and examined his face in the mirror. The wound wasn't bleeding anymore. Although it was not deep, he was sure that this kitten has left him a souvenir. And he planned to do the same. He smiled at remark that Nuada made right after their meeting, when she was gone.

Nathaniel, I'm giving her to you hoping that you know the rules. I guaranteed her immunity.. but it's not the most important. What I want you to remember, that you represent Elven Royalty a branch of Silver Tree. No matter what.. do not disgrace us.

And he didn't mean do disgrace anyone. Except for her. Just to make her always think twice before she decides to attack any of his kind. With a smug smile he allowed his mind to drift away. A knock on the door made his grin widen. Very slowly he approached the door, tasting the moment.

"I was sure that you wouldn't show up. That would be a disappointment…" with his arm he invited Nessa inside

"Let's just get on with it" – she snarled passing him by – "I don't know what twisted ideas you have, but keep in mind, that I'm not a masseur. You risk your health.. Sire" her eyes flashed mischievously

"Oh I just have confidence in your dexterous fingers… Wine?" he pointed at the decanter – "You seem tensed"

"Well I am tensed, and with due respect, it's none of your business… " she hissed – "Will you lay down?"

"Feisty and perky… perfect combination.." the grin he casted her from over the shoulder made her feel uneasy.. – "All right then. There is oil. Ready when you are" – he added sitting down on the bed.

Nessa rolled her eyes and with a sigh grabbed the bottle. She slowly approached the elf casting a awaiting look.

"Aren't you supposed to lay down? As I've told you.. I don't know much about massaging, but I always thought that subject has to lay down." She stated lazily swinging a bottle

"Well, how very smart!" Nathaniel clapped his hands – "But before I turn my back on you, I need to make sure you didn't bring unnecessary metal with you.." he sneered at her taking the bottle out of her hand and putting it on the pillow– "Now let's see what do we have here…" he purred pulling up her sleeves – "Ah. Those nice shiny toys." he slowly pulled out the daggers hidden on a special mechanism attached to her arm. He stood up slowly and approached the dresser. "I'll return them to you once we are finished" he murmured putting them into drawer – "Well how many more you have?" he queried advancing at her slowly

"None" she snarled lifting her chin up, although her inside voice was almost yelling at her to get out

"I have to check though…" the elf was just in front of her, towering above her. It was becoming really difficult to stand her ground, but she hoped that if she wouldn't show fear, he would not dear to lay his finger upon her.

"You are violating my personal space… Sire.. I assure you that I don't have anything left. And as for these…"she pointed the dresser with her head – "I just brought them for protection purposes. I'm sure you'll understand.." her eyes narrowed as she watched predatory grin appear on his face.

"I'm not violating anything…." a strong smack made Nessa's head tilt back – "Yet"

Nessa's eyed widened in shock, as she didn't expect such open assault from his part. She took a step back holding her face. Then she hissed "You really want to get me into a serious mess.."

"No" – the elf snarled – "You already ARE in a great mess. I'm just taking my compensation… This will hurt.." he murmured stretching his fingers – "but if you'll cooperate.. it will hurt less.."

Nessa's heart was pounding, and her mind was racing. Her only chance was to get out of this room. Rhys trained her in hand-to-hand combat, however she could not be a match for taller, stronger and definitely much better trained warrior. She peeked at the door and not wasting anymore time she started to it. Her hand clutched on the knob, and the door started to open when strong had brutally grabbed her hair and with one quick move sent her to the ground. Nessa amortized the fall and lifted her head to see Nathaniel turning the key.

"You cannot leave now… we are about to begin" with a smug he slowly advanced at her

Within a fraction of a second Nessa was back on her feet again. She examined the room in search of any weapon. Unfortunately her luck has abandoned her permanently.

Well girl… do what you can do best… RUN!

She jumped on the bed and ran to the other side increasing the distance between her and assailant. On her way she grabbed the bottle with oil. Under some circumstances the glass is the most welcome. Her action seemed to amuse him. He slowly circled the bed, cutting off the way to the door. He played with his fingers, making them crack. His eyes were cold and ruthless.

"So you are going to me difficult, right?" – he twisted his head to the side – "Very well then. I always loved hunting.."

"Stay away from me!" Nessa yelled " I mean it! I'll knock your brains out!"

"Be my guest, little doe" – he prodded her slowly approaching Nessa gritted her teeth. Nuada's anger strangely lost its importance to her. Now being confronted with this Elf she made her choice. She took aim and with all the strength she had the hurled the bottle. It hit elf's head with a thud. Suddenly the sneer was replaced with honest surprise. He staggered, and then fell down to his knees. Nessa didn't wait much longer. She rolled onto the other side of the bed and went up to the door, she turned the key and cast furtive gaze to at the floor. To her horror she saw an empty space instead of elf's body. And this was a mistake. Before she managed to act, she felt his hand grabbing the back of her neck

"Were you looking for me?" – the hand made Nessa's head hit the door frame. Now Nessa staggered back and fell to the ground. She totally lost control of her body. She felt the blood stream coming from the cut on her head. The world whirled around her making her nauseous.

Nathaniel stood above her and purred "I'm so going to enjoy this– He bent down and roughly grabbed her arm making her stand up. Then with one move he sent her on a bed. He approached her and smacked her hard "Don't you dear to faint. This is going to be such precious memory.." he growled. Nessa felt him rolling her on her back. She was slowly coming back. She felt him position on her thighs

I have to do something… I have to… - her thoughts turned to mantra. Her head was terribly heavy, and the world still danced in front of her eyes. She barely saw a dark figure leaning above her. A distant voice spoke

"Without your toys, you're not that tough. Which makes me wonder, which extraordinary skills made Nuada fondle you that much. Let's investigate a bit.." He purred.

Nessa felt his hand caress her forehead and went down her temple, circle around lips and down the chin. It stopped at the collar of her shirt. The consciousness was slowly coming back to Nessa and she froze at the sound of torn material. Nathaniel was pulling now two sides of her upper clothing slowly revealing her chest and stomach to him. With a big effort the raised her hands to cover herself. Nathaniel took them and abruptly pushed them above her head.

"You're spoiling all the fun, speaking of which I see that Nuada has already made his point." He purred sliding his finger over her bruised ribcage – "So how was it?"

"You're sick, pathetic creature." Nessa growled trying to free her hands – Let me go right now. If Nuada finds about this…"

"He'll be happy to know that I enjoyed my compensation." – elf sneered and added – "Why would you think he would care about you? Filthy human? You really need to be straightened." purred sliding his hand down to her bosom.

"GET OFF ME YOU MAGGOT!" Nessa yelled at the top of her lungs. Nathaniel hand shot forward and covered her mouth making her screams muffle.

"Shhhhh…I understand you ache to scream but not now my little one. Just for the final. Besides do you believe someone would come to help you? Very naïve for such a big girl…." With and amused gaze he leaned closer to her face "Well go on. Fight, scream. I like it. I believe Nuada liked it as well." Nessa's body suddenly went limb. Her eyes were full of disgust. As he slowly removed his hand she spat

" Nuada never had me. He's too honorable to force himself upon me… But you know what?– she paused –" now I understand why you have to. You're nothing like him. NOTHING!" – she closed her eyes at the fist coming against her head. When she realized it took too long she dared to open her eyes. She didn't know how to react to what she saw. Nuada was standing by the bed, blocking Nathaniel's arm with his own. She held her breath waiting for the situation to develop.

"What do you think you're doing Nathaniel?!" Nuada's face was mixture of anger, surprise and disappointment After a moment of pregnant silence Nathaniel snapped

"What I do in my private room should be none of your business!"

"You are not my business…" Nuada retorted releasing his arm – "but she is. Get off her right now!" he growled. Nathaniel slowly leaned back and rolled of the bed. Nuada glanced at Nessa trying to find out how far did it go. He reached out his hand and spoke softly

"Come Nessa, I'll take you to your room…"

"You'll never touch me again! EVER! No enchantment will protect you from me!" Nessa yelled jumping out of the bed – "This is your fault. Don't pretend you care. You let this happen. Go to hell you and your people!" – she wrapped herself tightly with scraps of fabric that used to be her shirt. – "Now you earned my hate!". She turned on a heel and started for the door. Nuada rushed after her. At the door he stopped and hissed "I'll deal with you later..

******************************

Nessa stormed to her room swallowing tears. She has never been that scared in her life. Generally fear was not too familiar feeling to her. She always knew how to take care of herself and how to deal with potential dangers. The helplessness that she had just experienced frightened her beyond her comprehension. And she was mad at herself, she didn't manage to take control. She was mad at the emotions in her heart and tears in her eyes. Again little hopeless girl came to the surface. The one that was supposed be dead long ago. She slammed the door and walked up to the dresser to take a look at herself. In torn clothing and with her face swollen she didn't resembled this proud rogue Queen she was known as. She leaned against the dresser and hanged her head. Two teardrops fell on dresser's surface.

At the same time Nuada stood at her door experiencing a fierce inner fight. Enter, or leave her alone?

In you enter what will you tell her. That you're sorry?! That you feel ashamed for your friend?! That's not what you meant?! Nuada's fists and jaw clenched - And just leave it as it is? She deserves apology. I deserve her hate. I made her go there….. NUTTA! He stood there for a moment. Finally he made his decision. He reached for the knob and slightly pushed the door. As he entered the room he saw her. She was leaning against the dresser, with her shoulders shaking, catching the air in quiet sobs. At this view Nuada's heart became heavy. Suddenly the fact that she was a human, one of the vermin he wanted to annihilate, just didn't matter. He just wanted to fix this. His mind was blank, he didn't know what to say. After a moment he cleared his throat and spoke:

I came to … apologize. This was not my intention for my men….." his speech was broke off by the sound of strong slap. Nuada staggered back because the blow. She would never suspect her of such strength. As he found her eyes, they were burning with fury. She breathed heavily with her fists clenched, arms pressed tightly to her sides.

"I don't care how sorry you are! I don't care about your feelings at all! If you came for absolution.. you won't find it here! Now GET OUT!" - she advanced at him raising balled fist to punch him. This time Nuada was prepared. He caught her wrists and he brought her to a standstill. He waited till she stopped struggling and spoke-

"That was an impressive punch. And I did deserve it. But now I want you to listen to me…. Please…" The last word made Nessa stiffen, for she would never suspect this inflated bastard of knowing it. Nuada sensed her interest and continued – "Our relationship is not… an easy one. We both gave a hard time to each other. But believe me I would never…" –he bent down and found her eyes – "NEVER let anyone to hurt you like that. Not under my command. That's too low even in war conditions. I apologize for that, for I treat it as personal disgrace. From now on I will hold full responsibility for your safety…I just wanted you to know that."

The rage in Nessa's eyes faded to be replaced by surprise. He really seemed honest, and ashamed. Suddenly Nessa felt another wave of tears, crawling up her throat. The wave she could not fight. Nuada saw her eyes filling with tears. It made him feel like worst scumbag. Forgetting his pride he whispered "I'm sorry". Taking her by surprise pulled her towards him, still restraining her hands.

His action startled Nessa. She hit his chest, with attempt to resist. But then, his warmth, his scent overwhelmed her. She did not have strength to fight. Too many enemies around; his pride, hers, tears, fear humiliation, they all came against her attacking her fiercely. Finally a silent weep came out of her throat. She pressed herself to him and buried her face in his chest. Her reaction surprised him, but at the moment he felt strong need to protect her. He released her hands and slowly lifted them to embrace her. With one hand he caressed her hair, the other wandered up and down her back. They stood like that until crying stopped and Nessa lifted her head and spoke – "You know this brings our relationship to a higher level? I left some of my body fluids on your chest, that has to mean something."

Nuada released her and smirked. Her face was in terrible condition, red and swollen but her eyes were back. That was a great relief. He smirked and replied

"Well that's true. You've marked your territory. From now on I'm your personal guard.." he bowed to her making her chuckle silently.

"Do you really consider me honorable? As you said…. There?" – Nuada queried

"I don't know."– Nessa studied her boots – "I really don't. You're hard to figure out. I don't know what to think right now. I think I want to believe you are. I want to believe that you wouldn't want that for me after all. Cause…" – she paused and turned her back on him – "If you had, you would have done it long ago… I guess that makes me believe you.. so far. Speaking of which…" – she span to see his eyes again – " did I hear well? You wouldn't let anyone to hurt me LIKE that?" – she took a step back and continued – "And what do you think, the intentions of this man back in the market were? Did I just blow your cover? Or rather you blew it?" a smug smile appeared on her face as she watched his embarrassed face

"You were just showing off…" she chuckled – "And you got me… you didn't plan to leave me there…"

"Don't push your luck, Human.." he smirked seeing her back again. His eyes went down to her torn clothing. "Go you need to change your clothes. And go to sleep, it's been a tough day. For all of us." As he turned to leave she spat "I never thought I would say this, but I was really glad to see you. Thank you" she whispered avoiding his eyes "And sorry for this…" she muttered pointing now pale red mark on his cheek.

"It's nothing… Good Night." He spoke and left the room shutting door quietly. Nessa approached them quickly and turned the key. She was exhausted. That was her worst day ever. She shook of the shirt, stripped her pants and as she stood the rolled to bed. She was to tired and to shaken to think of proper hygiene. She laid long with her eyes fixed upon the ceiling. Finally she sleep came but it didn't bring rest and peace. She was running, running away from amber eyes and evil laughter. She was not free even in her sleep.

********************************

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Nathaniel hit the ground with a thud after Nuada's punch – "Do you even realize how your stupid behavior endangered the success of our mission?" He snapped –"I won't mention the shame that you brought upon us…"

"I don't recognize you Nuada.." Nathaniel's eyes darted at Nuada as he slowly got up wiping the blood coming from his lip –" You're raising hand against your own kind because of some human…. Xhan?" he pronounced the last word with thoroughly stressed disdain

"You acted like a worse of human filth… No Nathaniel I don't recognize you. Where is honor in you? If you needed entertainment, there are many places in this city that could ease your pain. But ravishing the member of our group. A SIGNIFICANT MEMBER…. I'm very disappointed. A was sure that living among Fae will make you more civil…". After moment of thick silence he continued. – "If you decide to leave, I will reluctantly accept your resignation. But I will be the most happy to have you by my side, as I always had. But there's a condition… human is absolutely untouchable. Can you accept it?" elf crooked his head awaiting his companion's reaction. After further moment of deep silence he slowly answered.

"I will be by your side as always my prince. I vowed my loyalty to you and I'm keeping my word…." He paused - "I can only hope, that old Nuada will be back soon. For I can't and I won't accept the fact that you value your enemy over you own kind. I won't touch the human again. You have my word"

"Very well my friend…" Nuada nodded slightly – "Today we might part in anger, but I'm sure you'll come to see the overall purpose soon. Good Night.."

"Aren't you going to make me apologise?" Nathaniel's mouth stretched into sneer

"No" – Nuada answered – "I did it for you. For I'm responsible for my people's actions.. And mistakes"

Nathaniel glared at the closing door. He has been humiliated for the second time this night. He rushed for the dresser and grabbed a glass. He downed it and poured himself another. He was a pure rage. This was not over. This will be over when he says so. She glass shuttered to pieces in his hand. Nathaniel looked at the cut on his hand with indifference. Eventually predatory smile crawled upon his lips as his fist balled pushing the glass deeper into the wound.

A/N

Nutta- in elfish damn

Xhan - in elfish bitch