This chapter 19! Re-posted as ff was being a bitch last night and the links weren't working. So, read, re-read or review the choice is yours. Next chapter will most likely be posted tonight.

Ok, wow! Over 350 reviews? Seriously, you guys make my day, every day :D See how you motivate me? Not far off 400 now are we? ;0)

As a thanks here is the next chapter I finished off today for you. Sorry for the odd typo's in the last chapter,

I will be going back to fix them. Hope this one isn't too bad as I am my own beta and however well I check it I often miss something.

Aaand sorry for the messed up upload :S ff was being a bitch!

Enjoy, Lil'd

xxxxxxx

I woke slowly, I could smell food and it made me realise that I was hungry and hadn't eaten since lunchtime the day before today.

"She wakes and hungers," a soft voice spoke and I opened my eyes. The room was lit by early morning light, pale and grey but light none the less. "Irina, we have food for you, young one," it was Katarina speaking and I roused myself enough to sit up in the luxurious bed.

"Come eat, little one," Tanya entreated with an easy smile and I pushed back the heavy covers and swung my legs over the edge of the high bed as I eyed the table. It was laid with a feast and I couldn't stop my mouth from watering. Although the sisters were sitting at the small table they had hardly touched the food laid out.

"Here," Katarina tapped a platter and pointed to the food. "Eat what you want," I hesitated before sitting down and pulling the chair up to the table. As I reached out I screamed in surprise as a hand clamped down on my wrist.

"I'm sorry! I -!"

"Tan! You're scaring her!" I looked down to see a cold hand holding me, I tugged but I couldn't move.

"Sorry," Tanya lessened her grip but didn't release me.

"You really are cold," I murmured. When I looked up both sisters were staring at me, frozen. "I don't mind, I feel safe with you."

"You're too thin," my captor whispered as she turned my wrist in her strong grip, completely ignoring my comment.

"I am low-born, food is hard to come by," I whispered back, fearing I had angered them but there was no malice in her tone.

"Then eat your fill, you will never want for food while you are with us," I looked up at that, finally daring to meet their eyes after my errant words. "We will keep you safe." I looked from one to the other and saw only truth and warmth in their red eyes.

"Thank you," I didn't question them, instead helped myself to a pile of food which I began to systematically devour.

"She will burst," Katarina commented to her sister with a chuckle.

"Will not!" I retorted before I realised what I had said then hastily placed the half eaten roll of bread back on my plate. At that they let out bursts of genuine, musical laugher.

"Eat until you are sated small one," Tanya urged and I eyed the remnants of the roll warily until it was swiftly placed back in my hand and pushed towards my mouth. "We will go meet Sasha shortly,"

"Will we need to to roll you there?" Katarina teased me and I glowered at her.

"No!" I retorted as I finished the roll and took a long drink of the fresh water that had been poured into a goblet for me.

"Good, let's go." The women donned hooded travelling cloaks and I worried my lip, wondering if I could slip downstairs to get my own cloak. "Here." A cloak was thrust at me. "You're tall enough, it will fit," Tanya gestured that I should wear the cloak she was holding, it was think and fur lined, too fine for a slave like me.

"When you are with us you will dress the part," Katarina added, "we look after our own." I blinked at that but thought I would make the most of it for the short time they would be here.

We left the inn and I led the way to the main market area but off the main square to where the higher class merchants were situated. The sisters were walking arm in arm and I was leading the way, a couple of paces ahead.

"What do you require?" I asked politely as we approached the stalls.

"Cloth for dresses, and shoes," Tanya relied with a smile at me. It was another grey, overcast day and we were all wearing our hoods to keep off the damp air.

"This way," I quickly wove through the light pedestrian traffic to the stall I knew was run by a reputable woman, one that would not extort my mistress's. I paused as I thought about it. I already considered myself theirs, even though I knew they were travellers passing through. My heart dropped at the thought that they would be leaving soon.

Maybe if I proved useful for these few days they would take me with them? I snorted to myself. Who was I fooling? They had been nice to me because that is who they were but they would never consider me more than a servant to assist them during their stay.

"Here we are," I stopped by an open doorway and gestured for the women to enter before me and I received warm smiles as they did.

"Thank you Irina," Katarina nodded her thanks as the owner appeared, his eyes flicking over the expensive cloaks of his visitors.

"We require cloth for dresses," Tanya coolly informed the man who nodded and went about pulling several bolts of cloth for them to examine. I stood by and watched, occasionally being asked to give my opinion on the fabrics they sorted through. The quality of cloths they were choosing was the very best and soon a pile had accumulated on the counter.

"Wrap these up," Tanya instructed as they paid for their purchases. I stepped forward to gather up the packages but a strong hand on my shoulder stopped me. "Have your boy deliver these to -?" She looked at me for the name of the inn.

"The Black Horse," I provided. "Have them leave them with Madam Gorzy," I instructed the vendor who nodded.

"Of course, they will be there before noon Madams," he confirmed and we exited the shop.

"We need a cobbler," Katarina spoke then surprised me by taking my arm and Tanya took the other so I was sandwiched between them.

"To the left," I guided them to the boot and shoe maker used by the upper classes of the town. We entered the shop and I was greeted by the apprentice.

" 'rina!" He smiled at me before noticing my companions. "Miladys!" He ducked his head in a bow. "How can I help?" He looked at me with great curiosity, trying to figure out why I had such exulted company.

"We need boots and indoor slippers," Katarina spoke up, neither of the women removing their hoods but the smile she threw the boy, Marko was his name, dazzled him and he nodded, eager to please. She flashed me a knowing smile as I raised my brows at his eagerness. "Men are easy to manipulate little one," she whispered in my ear, our heights not dissimilar due to her petite stature and her cool breath made me shiver.

Tanya took charge and ordered several pairs of shoes for herself and her sister. I stayed by Katarina's side as she continued to speak to me softly.

"You know the boy?" I nodded.

"Yes, he is from the same village I was born in. His parents sold him to the same master I was sold to." I sensed the anger before I heard it, the low growl emitting from beneath her hood. Tanya's head whipped round to stare at us but after a pause she returned to her business as though satisfied there was no cause for concern.

"He likes you," she stated and I frowned.

"Yes, we are friends," I confirmed and heard another, softer growl, it should have worried me. What woman growls like an animal? But, it did not. Rather I felt safe and protected.

"No little one, he sees your beauty and covets you for himself," the words were low but there was an underlying anger there that chilled me.

"Don't hurt him!" I pleaded. "He has always been good to me," I explained without really knowing why I begged for his safety. Why would Katarina hurt him? "He protected me when we were taken." I added and felt her relax. "I have no interest in him.," I confirmed, for good measure.

"Then he is safe," she pledged but I noticed her gaze fixed on the boy and he seemed nervous now, as though sensing the danger emanating from the woman by my side although she had not moved or spoken to indicate her displeasure with him.

"Deliver these to the Black Horse in within three days," Marko nodded and gave me a smile and a wave as we left and this time both my companions growled, too low for anyone but me to hear but the smile dropped from his face faster than a galloping horse. Three days. That meant I had at least that time with them and I was both relieved and already saddened that they would eventually leave me here.

"Anything else we need sister?" Tanya shook her head.

"Not at the moment," she paused. "Although -," she turned to face me. "Do you have a place where we can obtain writing materials and possibly books?" I gaped at her, open mouthed. I was right, they could read and write.

"Um -," I paused as I thought hard. "There is a scholar who writes letter and reads for people who pay him. He has premises near here," I suggested, pleased with myself and I was rewarded with smiles form the sisters.

"Lead the way," Katarina reached out and captured my hand and I blushed as she linked her fingers with mine as Tanya once again looped arms with me. We walked slowly to the scholar and I noticed how we attracted stares as we went. There were not too many people about, it wasn't a market day but there were people out on their morning business.

"Wait here," Tanya ordered and I waited with her sister while she disappeared inside. I started towards the door when I heard raised voices inside.

"Don't worry, not everyone thinks women should read," my companion spat out as there was a sudden silence from within. She arched a brow as Tanya returned with a smirk on her face. "Did you teach him a lesson sister dear?"

"Indeed I did sister," the smirk was returned and a knowing look was exchanged. "But I did nothing to cut our stay short, I am enjoying Irina's company too much," she smiled at me at I was touched by the warmth I saw there.

"I -, I like you too," I smiled back shyly and that earned me a chuckle and my heart nearly stopped when cool lips kissed my cheek, barely grazing the skin but my heart stuttered.

"Good, now it's time to eat. Where can the best food be found?" I was questioned as she pulled away, red eyes barely visible under her hood but glued to mine.

"Um," I looked away, the gaze a little too intimate to take lightly. "There is a baker who makes delicious pies," I happily informed them, "well I have heard they are delicious," I ended, a little less enthusiastically. I was lucky if I got table scraps, some days I went hungry.

"Then that is where we shall go," Katarina smiled. "Show us, little one," I had come to like the terms of endearment they used because that was what they were, affectionate words directed towards me. Me of all the serving girls in the world.

"What would you choose?" I was asked as we reached our destination.

"The mutton pies always smell nice," I commented as the smells hit me and I stood on my toes to see all the pies displayed on the shelves behind the counter.

"Six pies, man," Katarina promptly ordered. "Wrap them up. We will eat them back at the inn," the last was directed at me and accompanied by what I could only describe as an indulgent smile.

As we entered the inn both my companions surrounded me, sandwiching me between them and keeping prying eyes away from me. I didn't object, I felt safe with them and enjoyed the closeness. When we reached their rooms I was pushed inside and the lock dropped behind us.

"Food!" Katarina announced with a flourish as she unwrapped the pies and placed them on the table in the main room. I glanced around, checking the rooms for their cousin, she unsettled me and I was not looking forward to spending more time with her although I knew I would have to at some point if I continued to enjoy the sisters company.

"Eat," I was nudged towards a chair and a wooden platter was placed in front of me containing two of the pies. I looked up incredulously. Two pies? For me?

"But I -, you?"

"We ate our fill at breakfast and there are pies left for later." Tanya confirmed and I shrugged, not wanting to refuse to eat so I took my time, savouring the taste of the meat in it's rich sauce. It was the best meal I had ever eaten. When I was almost too stuffed to move there was a knock on the outer door.

Both women tensed.

"I believe it is our cloth," Tanya confirmed as she listened. "Are you too full to accept it? It is bright in the hallway and my eyes suffer." I nodded, I was after all their serving girl, not guest. I didn't question her excuse about her eyes, nor did I want others questioning their oddity. Red eyes belonged to monsters and these women were not monsters, were they?

The thought stopped me dead in my tracks.

I pulled myself together, not wanting them to notice anything was wrong. I opened the door and it was the inn's errand boy carrying the packages of cloth my ladies had bought.

"Where do you want these?" He asked and I turned for guidance.

"The table Irina," Tanya instructed and I pointed to the table in the first room.

"There, Bart," I said and he carried them into the room and placed them down. A nod from Tanya and I dismissed the boy. "Thank you Bart, that will be all." He stared at me then smiled.

"Cook is at her wit's end because she hasn't got you to order about," he whispered. "I pity you when they leave," he added solemnly and I sighed. "Her whip is standing unused." I deflated even more, knowing she would take her spite out on my flesh.

"I'll be alright," I reassured him. He was my friend and we tried to look out for one another where we could.

"I'm sorry I'm not bigger and stronger 'rina, I'd protect you." He pledged and I frowned, chancing a look over my shoulder. Sure enough two pairs of eyes glared at me from the bedroom, hidden from Bart's view by the angle of the door. "Go!" I pushed him towards the door and he left. I locked it behind him and went back to the bedroom.

"He's my friend, I have no feelings for him," I hurriedly explained as I saw the tense set of their bodies. I didn't know why they were so against boys showing an interest in me, I had to marry someday and they were both kind, unlike a lot of young men I knew.

Maybe it was because they had bought my services? Maybe because they owned me they did not want to share? I could understand that. Friendships were distractions but the fact I had no interest in either boy made it difficult to understand. Maybe -. I paused to think for a moment. Maybe they just did not like men? They were of marrying age but unmarried and obviously wealthy. So, it stood to reason that they required no husbands. What other use are men except for siring children and providing for the family?

"Irina?" Katarina's voice was soft as it recalled my attention and I jumped, feeling guilty for being so curious.

"Sorry," I mumbled my apology.

"What troubles you child?" Tanya questioned me, her face writ with concern.

I bit my lip as I wondered how to reply.

"I, I -." I stuttered nervously. I did not want to criticise my benefactors for fear they would be offended or worse, send me back to the kitchen. "I have not and never had any interest in the boys of this town." I eventually stated, surprised at how firm my tone was. I even managed to steel myself enough to look up and meet their reddened eyes which they now made no effort to hide from me.

"Good, because you are ours!" I gasped at the possessive tone tinting Tanya's words.

"You have bought me?" I questioned, not really understanding what they meant.

"No," Katarina confirmed with a frown.

"But we will," Tanya added with a look at her sister and my ears heard those whispers again and I couldn't help but stick a finger inside an wiggle it in an effort to clear my hearing.

"You would buy me?" I asked, incredulous.

"We would, should you agree?" I frowned at that. The whole purpose of slaves was that they did not get a choice.

"You would travel with us until we reach our home then you may live with us." There was a whispering again and their cousin's name ghosted through my brain. I studied the sisters closely, Tanya looked a little angry but Katarina had a determined look on her face. They were speaking to each other! Maybe it was through their minds? I blinked as they both turned to look at me.

"What of your cousin? Would she agree?" A moment's doubt flickered across their features before resolution took hold.

"She will," Katrina stated firmly. "Now, please can you call us some water so we can bathe." I did as I was told and soon Bart had fetched enough water to fill the tub, I'd taken it from him at the door as I didn't want to antagonise the sisters with his presence on their territory. What? Are they animals now? I mused as I poured the last bucket in. Well, they were very protective over me.

"Bath time!" Tanya pointed at the tub and I blinked, then turned to leave them alone for privacy. "No, you need to bathe, so those lashes don't get infected." I blinked again, staring at her because I didn't know how else to react.

"Bathe and then I will put some salve on them." Katarina instructed as she went to slip the lock on the main door. "Here are clean clothes," Tanya placed a small pile down on the chair she had been sitting in on my first meeting with her.

"Do you trust us?" Katarina looked concerned, and a little hurt so I nodded. "Bathe!" A gentle shove and by the time I had caught my footing I was alone, the bedroom door clicking closed. I sighed and weighed up my options. I didn't really have any. I could do as I was asked and please my mistress' or refuse and disappoint them and I knew I didn't want that. So, I quickly stripped and began to wash myself. It was then I noticed a small bottle by the side of the tub and I eyed it curiously.

It was yellow in colour and I opened it to smell, it had a mild floral scent and I realised it was to wash my hair. Scents such as these were a luxury, only for the very rich so I shunned it in favour of using plain water to clean my hair. But, when it was wet I realised the smell of the kitchens still lingered and it was then that I used the scented liquid, reasoning that my mistress' did not want me to smell of stale sweat and food and that was why they had left it for me.

After rinsing I dried quickly and slipped on the undergarments and shift that had been left for me. The scent on them indicated they belonged to one of the sisters, Katarina I suspected as she was closer to my size although even now I was slightly taller.

"Are you dressed?" The question was spoken through the connecting door.

"Yes," I confirmed and the door opened. Come through, let us see your wounds. I hesitated, not wanting to impose my slave life on theirs

"Come," Tanya's command was soft but I found myself obeying and I padded barefoot into the other room where it was indicated that I should raise my shift and lie on the bed. I did as I was told, unprepared for the angry hisses the sight of my back drew from the sisters.

"She was so scarred, hundreds of scars criss-crossing her back," Kate recalled sadly.

"They didn't always heal well," Irina added quietly, only able to imagine how it must have looked as mirrors were another luxury she didn't have. "Even now I shy from the whip," she chuckled ruefully and snuggled closer to her sisters who tightened their hold. Bella frowned, trying to think why she would come into contact with whips. Rose nudged her and she suddenly realised they were probably used in sex play, the thought mortified her and she kept quiet, waiting for the story to continue.

"They applied salve, their fingers cold but gentle and it eased the pain, they were fully healed in a few days. Katarina loaned me one of her fine dresses until mine could be cleaned.

"We burned it," Tanya snorted, "it was nothing but rags."

"Yes, I was to be spoiled," Irina laughed softy, her mood a little happier. "The dress material was miraculously made into dresses my size by the next morning and the shoes that were delivered the day after were also to be for me. They spent their time reading and writing and after I expressed an interest I began to learn too. I suspect it had all been a set-up but I was too naive to realise this at the time."

"You were never naive," Kate chuckled.

"Well, maybe not," Irina agreed, "a slave is exposed to the harsher side of life," she confirmed. "But, I was trusting of them. So trusting that I slept the night in their bed, not noticing they did not sleep as they barely moved, I did not notice their coldness through the thick furs."

The night before they were due to leave I woke to harsh voices. I had not seen their cousin since the time she had passed me that morning in the hallway. I had not queried her absence as the thought of her return made me uncomfortable. Now she was here and they were arguing but I was still heavy from sleep and all I could make out was a rapid murmur as the conversation flew back and forth.

"She wanted us to kill Irina." Tanya scowled at the memory. "We said we would leave her if she wouldn't let you come with us." Both sisters smiled at their youngest member. 2She soon changed her mind when she realised we would fight for you, she had no way to stop us as she was not much older than us, only a few decades."

"We would not of hurt her, only left." Kate confirmed. "But she grew to love you as we did."

"When did you find out what they were?" Bella asked the question that had been on her mind. The sisters looked at one another.

"Well, " Irina smirked. "That was interesting.

xxxxx

Next on Crimson Bonds

"Are you alright? Did he harm you, little one?" I shook my head, the worry in her voice cutting through my other thoughts.