Cassia rummaged through chests and closets, looking through the fine gowns that must have been among Corvus' war spoils. She examined a sheer dark purple gown. It had a plunging neckline and a hemline that stopped mid-thigh. It was optimal for her purposes. She slipped it on and sat down to wait.
The sun was setting, and Corvus would be home from his duties at any moment. Sure enough, she herd his chariot approaching. He strutted into her room. When he saw her reclining on her bed, he stopped and swept his gaze over her.
"Why Cassia, you look ravishing," he said. His tongue flicked over his fang.
"If I'm going to have to be your wife, I might as well enjoy the benefits," Cassia said smoothly. "Won't you have a seat?"
She stretched her arm toward a table, which was laden with delicacies and a flask of wine.
"You must be famished after such a long day."
Corvus took a seat, and Cassia joined him. She poured him a glass of wine.
"This new attitude suits you." Corvus said. "What made you change your mind?"
"It is a woman's place to accept her lot, and truly mine is better than most." Cassia said. She watched as he drank his wine.
Cassia adjusted her dress, arranging it across her legs. Corvus watched her appreciatively.
Before he could make a move, she leaned forward and kissed him boldly. He tensed slightly in surprise and leaned back in his chair. Cassia plunged forward, running her fingers through her hair and tousling it. For the first time, she was in control. Corvus couldn't take what she gave him freely.
She pulled away and settled back in her chair, pouring Corvus another glass of wine.
"Did you enjoy that?" she asked, looking modestly at her hands.
"It was like embracing Venus," Corvus answered.
"Exult in the knowledge that more in coming soon," Cassia said. "For now, make merry." She passed him the wine.
The glasses were large, and Corvus had been too distracted to eat anything. When he set down his second glass, it wobbled on the table.
"Cassia..." His words were slurred. He reached to embrace her. She stood up.
"You mentioned how you loved my outfit, and how… minimalistic it is. Would you like to see something even more so?" she said.
Corvus almost fell out of his chair.
"I'll be right back," Cassia said.
She slipped out of the room, swaying as she walked. As soon as she was out of sight, she headed for the stables. Her short dress would make it easy to leap up onto Colossus. His dark color would blend into the night. It was ideal for her purposes.
Helena was waiting for her in the stables.
"You're here, my lady," she said anxiously. "I was so worried. Here, I prepared some supplies for you." She passed Cassia a bundle.
"Thank you, Helena. I wish…" Cassia said.
"It's all right, my lady. This is all I know. I get along." Helena said softly. "You need to get on your way."
Cassia unhitched the gray horse and leaped onto his back. She turned to say goodbye to Helena.
Over her shoulder, she saw the stable door open. Corvus filled its frame.
He did not look happy.