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Love's Curse Ch. 01

By: kitancyrus



Chapter 1: Pride's Fool

Once upon a time, in a different dimension, another time and warped place, there existed a planet that was full of magic, treachery, and extraordinary heroics. Into this world our adventure begins....

* * * * *

The crowds erupted in cheers as their beloved Prince Aries rode into their great city. In his wake his royal guards followed, many injured but still heads held high in strong pride. They had conquered yet another warring rival, their prince was a true strength for them. His only bad point was his arrogance as of late. They had defeated so many aggressors and rebels that he was becoming more overconfident by the battle. Many feared that soon there would be an enemy that he would underestimate too much and suffer a loss he could not afford to take.

The crowds parted before him to reveal an ambassador sitting on the steps. She came from the province that had just been defeated in battle. They had taken heavy losses and she wished for peace so that no more blood would be shed. The Prince knew her to be a shrewd ambassador, commonly known for causing a distraction while her troops snuck into a city and took their enemies by surprise.

He slid off his mount and waved to his adoring subjects before turning and addressing the Ambassador. "Speak crone. I will make a decision within this time so as not to give you any chance of bringing in your forces. Yes, I know of your treachery and your ambassador status is the only thing that prevents me from slaying you at this very moment." Aries stood firm before her with his arms crossed awaiting her answer.

Her eyes narrowed. Zitomira was not happy that her people had been defeated but she would teach this arrogant prince and his people a lesson they would never forget.

He looked down at Zitomira and acted like he was losing his patience. "Well if you have nothing to say to me, perhaps I should simply eradicate your people from the face of the planet?" He walked towards a large spire in the center of the plaza, the light glinting off the length of the central energy rod. The spire was easy to recognize as a weapon of war, one that should only be used as a last resort and never for the genocide of a defeated people. It was called 'The Hammer of the Gods' with good reason. It had the ability to create lightning storms at any location within the power range with catastrophic results for the victims.

Zitomira's eyes widened. "If you do that I will see you cursed for all time, you arrogant whelp!" she snarled and struggled against her bonds. They might not have been able to do much to her but they had bound her to keep her from killing their beloved prince.

"Oh really Zitomira? You are old and helpless now. Your powers mean nothing to my royal blood. You are a mere peasant with a talent for distraction. Your bloodthirsty horde will be exterminated so they may not rape another land. You have bitten off more than you could chew this time." The Prince slid his arm into the control panel, feeling the sensors connect to his limbs as he activated the power flow. Along the length of the spire energy began to crackle, up and down, like a beast chained to a collar.

The crowd began to sing holy praise as they watched the spire charge. "All we need is Lightning, with power and might. Striking down the prophets of false!"

The prince smirked at Zitomira and threw her a look that showed he considered her less than dirt and shouted to the crowd as he initiated the firing sequence, "HALLELUJAH!"

Energy erupted skywards, curving slowly towards the homeland of Zitomira's people. The survivors would be vaporized with the force of the blast, their evil purged from the world.

"No!" Zitomira's anguished cry was lost in the triumphant roar of the crowd. Her knees buckled and she sank to the ground sobbing. Her heart began boiling with anger and evil. He was a beast! A cruel, spiteful beast!

Aries slowly removed his arms as he heard the distant explosion from the horizon. Still smirking he held his arms up for silence and slowly approached her. "Now that you are the last of your kind Zitomira, the last of the barbaric bandits who have terrorized countless people's for centuries, I will deal the ultimate punishment."

He was standing close to her now, hand out stretched to cast the teleportation spell that would send her far from these lands. "You are hereby BANISHED from these lands, should you ever return you will be put down and your people will be lost to the mists of time. Go, and learn from what has happened this day. Rebuild your people and pray that they turn out differently." He closed his eyes and began to speak the spell.

Zitomira saw her chance. She muttered a quick spell, felt her bonds break and leaped on him. She clapped her hands on both his arms. "I hereby curse you, o mighty Prince Aries! You shall become a beast in truth. You will be scorned and feared. I curse your true shape and twist it into a visage of fear and loathing. I curse you!" she shouted.

He screamed as her power flowed through his body, mixing and morphing it and his essence. His form began to ripple and change as wings formed on his back. His hands grew into long sharp claws and his face contorted to a vile fang filled vision of despair. The horrified screams of the general populace was deafening as pandemonium broke out.

Zitomira cackled, her voice full of madness. "You will remain cursed until the essence of your other half recognizes you in truth. She must discover the truth on her own. If this never occurs you will live and die as a beast!"

Those words were her last as her face contorted in agony when Aries drove a clawed arm through her mid section. Her eyes widened but instead of shock there was only acceptance as she drew her final breath and died.

Aries, now turned beast, roared and spread his wings heading sky wards towards his palace. 

Love's Curse Ch. 02



Chapter 2: Seven Years Wait

Seven years passed and the people in the kingdom of Arethan lived in fear. Their beloved Prince Aries had indeed became a raging beast that ravaged the countryside and tormented his people. In hopes of appeasing him, virgin daughters were offered up as sacrifices. It was a sad and frightening time for all concerned and that is where our tale now takes us...

* * * *

As the light of dusk fell upon the kingdom, leathery wings took to flight through the growing night. Heading straight for the sacrificial post where he knew there would be prey awaiting.

The villagers had securely bound her ankles and hands. The young blonde screamed for help and when screaming failed, begged to be saved. But none came. They all cowered in the nearby bushes and prayed that fate would spare her.

Prince Aries landed with the soft clicking of talons upon cobblestones. Gradually he advanced upon the maiden, his claws extending as his long tongue slithered across his lips.

She shrieked in fear and jerked frantically but the chains held. "Get away you foul beast!"

His claws ripped away her flimsy dress in an easy movement, exposing her virginal body to the cold night air as a fine mist of rain began to fall. Slowly the prince stepped forward between her legs, his long, horrid looking shaft snaking out of his pants as if it were alive, heading straight for her core.

She shrieked again. He was so huge! How was he going to fit all that in her? She didn't want this! She tried to squeeze her legs closed but her ankles had been bound in such a way that her core was open to his invasion.

His eyes blazed as she tried to move and his claws flashed in front of her face in warning. His member slithered against her opening, worming it's way inside her, stretching her to her limit. It was too much for her first time but the prince cared not, he pushed farther, deeper inside. Quenching his lust was the only thing on his mind.

The pain was excruciating as his member literally tore her open. Her scream of agony echoed in the sudden stillness of the area as her family, neighbors and friends watched the violation of her body.

His hips began to move back and forth with determination, grunting and sniffing around her neck. As his arousal grew higher, his member swelled more, opening up her cervix forcefully as the head of his shaft seated itself deep in her womb. He intended to impregnate this sacrifice.

She continued screaming in that agonized wail that eventually died down. The girl gave a strangled breath and then breathed her last.

The Prince looked down at the girl and withdrew with a roar from her corpse. "What is the meaning of this?"

He stalked across the cobblestones to where the head of the village was cowering and lifted him from the ground in a claw. "You call THAT a sacrifice! One who barely last two minutes! You will bring me another sacrifice! And she had better be able to last, or you will not like the consequences!"

The prince dropped the mayor and glared at him, watching him scurry off. His eyes turned and took in the sight before him. He stared at one particular eighteen-year-old maiden. His enormous member swung lewdly between his legs as he approached her and snorted. "How many men have you bedded wench?"

She yelped in fear and ran behind her mother who looked at the Prince in fright.

He stalked after her and easily pushed her mother out of the way. "Well? Answer me wench!"

"Five," she gasped.

Her mother gave an indignant snarl and slapped the girl, knocking her to the ground.

The Prince moved in a blur and had the mother lifted above the ground in the blink of an eye. "It is people like you that cause my rage to rise. Perhaps if the sacrifice had slept with some real men she would have been able to handle me. Perhaps I should see just how well YOU would handle it crone?"

The woman fainted on the spot and the mayor gave a weak protest.

Prince Aries dropped the crone and turned to the mayor with an impatient growl. "If you do not have an acceptable sacrifice then I will go through women till I find one who can. And I will start with your daughter."

The villagers gasped in horror.

"Of course, my lord Prince!"

The prince looked around, his annoyance visible now. "Well? Where is she?"

"We need two days, sire. We must scour every corner of the village and that includes those in the outer areas. Please, I humbly ask for the time to do so."

The prince glared down at the mayor. "You have one day, till then I will make do with your daughter."

"Please! She is under eighteen and has not known a man! Please sire!"

The Prince was becoming increasingly angry now and picked up the woman he had first spoken to. "You are fortunate I believe in waiting till they come of age. You have until this time tomorrow. Or else." With that said, he took to flight heading for his palace once more.



Love's Curse Ch. 03



Ch 3: Unnatural Life

Harken dear reader as I continue this tale that will take us along the darkened paths to the outskirts of town where a family dwells. It is not a happy family by any means but then again, life is never fair. Listen well to the story of a young maid who wishes for little and never receives much except misery. 

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Lilandra stood at the edge of the forest and stared at the place she called home. Not that it was much of a home. Not since her mother had died at any rate. She had just turned eighteen five days ago and now she worried more. Her father's behavior was becoming more and more disturbing. She longed to be free but that would never be because he watched her like a hawk. She knew he was hoping to pawn her off on some guy that had money and if it were any of those in the village she knew she'd rather die than be married to such boors. Her mother had taught her to dream of better things and such things were not to be found in her home or in the village.

The harsh roar of her father's irate voice emanating from the house however interrupted her thoughts. "Lilandra! I thought I told you to have dinner ready by the time I got back from the north side! And why the hell is the fire not stoked up yet! You've had a whole three hours to get it done! Get in here right now!"

His roar startled her. She flinched before dropping her head and hurrying to the house. She had not been paying attention to the time when she'd ventured into the forest to pick blackberries for the jam she was hoping to make. And now she was in trouble. Again. She ran the last few feet and skidded to a halt before her father. She clutched her nearly overflowing basket to her chest. Her eyes only briefly strayed to his face before dropping back down to the ground.

Her father's pitch black eyes bored into her face. He looked down at the basket before snatching it from her hands. Angrily he threw it on to the huge kitchen table, berries spilling over its surface. "I tell you to have dinner ready and this is what you do! Go and pick BERRIES instead of cooking the freshly slaughtered pig? What do you think I am, a rabbit?" His anger was pure and seething, his face red from both his rage and a hard day in the sun. "When I tell you to have dinner ready I expect it to be done! I work all day to keep a roof over our heads and appease our Lord and this is how you repay me! Perhaps I should send you to him to learn some respect?"

She flinched again, her eyes still on the ground as she swallowed hard. She wasn't sure what to say to appease him. "Father, please, no," she whispered. Her heart was racing and she prayed that his anger would cool quickly.

This seemed only to anger her father more so, his hand rising into a position to strike her down with a hard blow from the back of his hand. "You think to tell me what I can and cannot do? How dare you disrespect your father in such a way! Do you wish to be sent out on the next wagon?"

She saw his hand rise and she hastily took a step back, her head snapping up in her fear. "No, father! I'm sorry I meant no disrespect!" she pleaded. She had said the wrong thing again!

Reluctantly he lowered his hand, his eyes burning with pent up fury now. "You have one hour to clean up this mess and have my dinner ready or you will feel the taste of the birch!" He moved away from her and stomped through the house, slamming the kitchen door.

She let out a shaky breath. She cautiously entered the house, her eyes furtively looked about to make sure he had truly gone through the kitchen and into another part of the house. She didn't shed the tears that stung at her eyes. Instead she hurriedly scooped up the spilled berries and moved the offending basket over to the side out of the way and out of her father's sight. Hastily she searched the cupboards for things to cook. She found several potatoes that she peeled and tossed into the giant black pot of water. She quickly stoked the fire and began cutting up the carrots and greens that she also found. 

Once they were added to the water and boiling, she went outside to finish skinning and cleaning the pig her father had killed. She cut it into the appropriate sections, three big ones for her father and brothers, two medium sized ones for her sisters and then finally a modest sized one for herself. She put them on the large platter and headed inside to the oven. She stoked the fire in it and placed the slabs inside. She leaned against the wall for a second and closed her eyes. She was now hot, sweaty, and stank of pig's blood but at least dinner was cooking. She still had four loaves left from yesterday's baking that she could serve. She hoped it would be enough.

From upstairs came a squeal of delight that Lilandra recognized as her sister Trina. Her father held the timely tradition that while living under his roof his sons were to share their wives with him. The ceiling creaked as the sounds of Trina landing on the bed and the almost clockwork sounds of her father, Victor moving atop her. He was loud and animalistic; his grunts of effort were punctuated by the erotic moans of the young wife. The deep grunting laughter of Victor as he had his wicked way with his daughter-in-law accompanied each surprised squeal.

Lilandra squeezed her eyes shut and covered her ears but it couldn't keep the sounds out. With a disgusted snort she ran from the house and outside to the garden. At least out here she wouldn't have to hear them. She grabbed a basket and began pulling up turnips and some lettuce. She could add them to the soup as well.

She finished, stood and dusted herself off. She went back inside, heard the noises still coming from upstairs and promptly put the turnips and lettuce into the water and hurried back outdoors. She looked at the barn. She'd better make sure they had milk on the table. Her father didn't care much for water. Only his alcohol and his milk. Snatching up a pail she went to milk one of their three cows. Her brothers should be coming in from the field soon.

As if on cue the sounds of horses could be heard coming down the dirt road, accompanied by out of tune singing. Obviously Jacob and Josiah had been at the still before heading home. The wagon behind them bounced and jostled, spilling a bit of hay on the particularly deep ruts in the road.

Lilandra was almost in the barn when she heard the wagon and grimaced at their bad singing. She ducked inside the barn and sat down to milk Ginger, one of the younger cows they owned. She always produced a lot of milk.

The wagon rattled to a halt outside and the barn door was pulled open by Josiah. Jacob who had heard his father from outside snorted and muttered. "That old fart gets her more than I do these days." He turned and his eyes fell upon his sister. "Well if I can't have MY wife, I guess I'll just have to take some home grown pussy won't I?" He moved towards Lilandra, staggering slightly and chauvinistically pawed at her firm buttocks. "Come on Lilly, put out for your big brother eh?"

Lilandra leaped back away from him. "Stay away from me, Jacob!"

Josiah conveniently blocked the door, a lurid grin across his face. Jacob advanced upon her, hands still groping, now trying to undo her dress. "Aww don't be like that sis, I only want a bit of love. You can't be THAT cold hearted can you?"

"Get off me!" she screamed and tried to push him off. When that failed she did the only thing she could think to do. She kneed him hard in the crotch.

Jacob's face went still a moment, the next he was crumpling to the ground cradling his groin. Josiah took that moment to burst into a fit of giggles at the unfortunate events that happened to his brother and had to lean on the doorframe to keep upright.

Lilandra took advantage of the situation, grabbed the full pail, raced past her two brothers and out the barn. She didn't stop running until she was at the kitchen door. She was forced to try to catch her breath and then she bit back a curse when she saw that she had spilled about half of the milk. Father was not going to like this at all. She opened the door and went inside. She let out a yelp when she saw that the vegetable soup was boiling over. "Oh no!" she grabbed a towel and a ladle and pulled the cauldron away from the fire. She stirred the vegetables but some of them had begun to burn at the bottom of the pot. Nothing was going right for her this day!

The room upstairs had gone quiet, filled with the sounds of post mating. The bed creaked above Lilandra once more, dust falling from the ceiling as her father got out of bed. A few moments later came the clumping sounds of his heavy boots coming down the stairs, followed by the soft patter of Trina's petite form. The kitchen door burst open, her father seeming calmer than before, but not by much. "Time's up Lilandra so serve up the meal." He glanced at the clock and frowned in puzzlement, growling now, "And where the hell are those two slackers? It shouldn't take more than five minutes to load that wagon."

"Yes father," she muttered obediently as she went about setting the table with bowls, spoons, and knives. 

Trina stood by and didn't offer to help. Another set of footsteps was heard as Samantha came downstairs, scratching at her armpit as she looked about the room. "What did I miss?" she demanded as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. 

"Nothing. It's dinner time," Trina pointed out just as muted cursing reached their ears. Samantha giggled and went to the table and sat down.

The kitchen door handle rattled a moment before it swung open, Jacob being support by Josiah as he was helped into the room. They both stunk of moonshine and Victor's face began to turn purple with rage. "What in hell have you two been doin'? I told you both to come straight home after loading that wagon. I bet you spilled half the goddamn load coz you weren't watching out for potholes and you both stink of MY moonshine! What the hell were you thinking? You could've wrecked my damn wagon half pissed like that. What've you got to say for yourselves?" 

The brothers were silent, too drunk to think up a speedy explanation so Jacob resorted to shifting his father's fury. "I can't quite remember. I slipped on the big puddle of milk Lilandra threw when I offered to help her milk Ginger. Then she kicked me in the royals dad, got me good." 

Victor's eyes shifted back and forth between Jacob and Lilandra, reason sprouting its head a moment to spare his daughter. "Oh really? I have a feeling she didn't attack you offerin' to help milk Ginger. That beast hates your guts." His fury bubbled down slightly as he sat at his place and slapped his hand to the table. "Sit down and eat, I'll deal with you after dinner."

Josiah smirked at his brother once their father's back was turned. He looked at his wife Samantha who gave him a sour look. Trina only smiled as if she knew something he did not. He staggered over to the table and dropped his brother into the nearest seat before sitting down himself. 

Lilandra had almost panicked when Jacob had blabbed about her spilling milk but when her father hadn't yelled at her she figured she was safe. Quietly she filled their bowls with the soup, placed the sliced bread in the center of the table and took the plates over to the oven to get out the meat. She served her father first, making sure he got his meat and filled his cup with some of the remaining milk. She fed the women next and lastly her two brothers. Once everyone had food she got her own meager portion. She slid into her seat, eyes down on the table and began to eat.

Victor brought the spoon to his mouth and took a big gulp of the soup, immediately making a face at the taste, his venomous glare centered once again on his daughter. He spoke quietly as he pushed away the bowl. "I'll assume for the moment that the pig I bought and killed for you to cook was somehow allergic to being boiled up in my soup shall I? I told you a hundred times to put some meat in my soup!" He sliced a thick chunk of pork off the slab and angrily began chewing. 

His jaws immediately began to slow and he looked down at his meat, seeing it was still bleeding in the middle. He spat the mouthful out on to the table and roared, "WHY THE HELL IS MY DINNER HALF COOKED, LILANDRA?" He pushed out of his chair so fast that it crashed against the back wall, his monstrous bulk moving at a thunderous pace towards his daughter, hand once more raised to strike. This time he did not hesitate or restrain himself but let it fly with a shocking force, knocking her from the chair.

She let out a cry of fear as she hit the floor and tried to roll to her feet. Her skirt tangled in her legs and kept her from getting up as quickly as she wanted to. She had learned from past experience if she didn't get to her feet he would pull her to her feet and it was often worse.

This was the case right now, however Lilandra was on her feet only for a moment before he knocked her back down again. His fury fully unleashed. "I give you a roof over your head! Ask you to have nothing more than my dinner ready and a fire going! And what do you do instead? Spend hours wandering the forest instead of your chores!

She hit the floor harder the second time and let out a whimper. She lay there for a moment trying to breathe for her breath had gotten knocked out of her. It was going to be bad. Maybe she should have just stayed in the forest then none of this would have happened. "Papa, please! I'm sorry!" she cried.

Her father dragged her once more to her feet and out into the yard towards the low fence that had acquired the nickname of 'The Birching Fence'. 

"Sorry ain't good enough anymore, Lilandra! You are gonna learn the hard way the consequences of disobeying my simple requests!"

She knew she shouldn't struggle but she didn't want him to punish her. She was trying so hard and she was tired. Her two sisters never did anything. She had to wait on them hand and foot and still do all the chores. It wasn't fair! "No! No! No!" she protested, struggling to break free.

Her father's grip in her hair tightened and for a third time he slapped her face, bursting her lower lip. Hauling her over to the fence he tied her wrists to the bottom posts with the tough leather thongs that were put there specifically for this task. His plate sized hand gripped the lower half of her dress and tore it off, letting the cool air caress her exposed body as he strode over to the birch tree near by and selected a suitable branch.

She twisted futilely. She was crying in earnest now. She heard the kitchen door open and heard the giggles of her sisters and the drunken laughter of her brothers. Of course they would all come out to see the show.

The heavy footsteps of her furious father came thudding back towards her. There was only the briefest of whistles before the branch struck her flesh, the searing pain erupting across her flesh like a firestorm.

She screamed in pain and the tears streamed down her face. She sobbed brokenly, "Please, stop!"

Her father's arm worked back and forth over and over again, birching her buttocks, thighs and lower back. "I'll teach you how to obey one way or another! Remember this night because the next time I'm leaving you out here all night!

She was nearly fainting from the fire that raged through her body at the blows. She only wanted it to stop. Oh mommy, she screamed silently in the depths of her soul. Father hadn't been this way when she was alive. 

The final blow struck, Victor stood panting and threw the branch down, blood coating its surface. He loosed the thongs and grabbed her hair, forcing her face upwards to meet his gaze. "Next time you'll remember your place, won't you?" He stood up and headed towards the house, shouting towards his sons. "What the hell are you two laughing at? You're getting up at dawn tomorrow to go fetch all the hay you lost! And you can sleep in the goddamned barn tonight for stealing my drink!"

"Aw dad!" Josiah whined.

The whine was met with a blow from Victor. "I SAID OUT YOU LITTLE THIEVING SHIT!" 

He roughly grabbed Samantha by the arm and dragged her towards his bedroom.

"Hey, sir, I'm coming," Samantha grinned. Of the two women she liked her sex rough. And Victor in this mood was one she enjoyed. 

Jacob laughed at his brother before stumbling back in the house. Trina rolled her eyes and followed her husband inside. That left Josiah struggling to rise as he wiped the blood off his face. 

Over by the fence, Lilandra had fallen to the ground near the post. She could feel the blood running down her back but she was too hurt to care. She didn't think she had any tears left but a few ran down her face. It took her a long time but she finally managed to get to her feet and stagger into the house. It was even worse when she made it to her bedroom. She had begun bleeding again but she collapsed onto her pitifully thin straw mattress.

A short time after Lilandra had made it to bed, a ruckus could be heard as Victor threw Jacob out of the house to join his brother, shouting, "Until you learn to keep your damn hand off my drink you can STAY out there!" The door was slammed again and he could be heard stamping upstairs, returning to Samantha who cried out in ecstasy as Victor's hand connected with her firm buttocks.

Lilandra cringed. She wanted to escape from this life and these people. But she didn't see any hope of that happening. Ever.



Love's Curse Ch. 04



Ch 4: Midnight Stroll

Heed well the night, my friends, for many wondrous and dangerous things reside there. But the pure of heart shall be saved from such evils. But if purity is lost then evil will grow, watch out my friends for the witching hour.

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The night slowly crept upon the inhabitants of the small farm. Inside it had finally grown quiet. The normal night creatures were out and their soft chorus of noise was the only sounds heard.

Lilandra lay in the bed, her body aching all over. The blood had since dried but she hadn't tried to remove her clothing, what was left of it. Finally the heat and her inner turmoil drove her from her bed. She snatched up a scratchy wool blanket and wrapped it gingerly around her body. She left her wooden shoes on the floor and crept downstairs.

She had one moment of fear when she pressed on the bottom step and it creaked loudly. She froze, her breath catching in her throat. When no one stirred, she hurried outside into the night.

She didn't even pay attention to where she was going. She just wanted to get away from her home. It wasn't until she startled a rabbit and it rushed away from her that she looked up. She gulped. She had wandered into the forest without a light. She clutched at the blanket and paid closer attention to where she was going. Fortunately for her it was a full moon and the path was well lit. She knew where she wanted to go. To the lake that lay at the heart of the forest.

In the deep, dark shadows of the forest, glimmering eyes watched her closely, interested in this young thing that had entered the forest. As he moved to follow, nothing but the leaves could be heard rustling. The predators and inhabitants of the forest knew better than to come after this being.

She made it to her destination. Carefully she unwrapped the blanket from around her. She winced when it rubbed against one of the welts from her beating. She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. Dropping the blanket to the ground, she shed her ruined clothes. This time she couldn't hold back her pained cries as the clothing reopened some of the half closed wounds.

The scent of blood perforated the air, the night forest around her seeming to come alive with rustling. Soft growls and glinting eyes could now be seen at the edge of the forest. The hunters had caught her scent.

Slowly the wolves emerged from the shadows, closing in to surround Lilandra.

Lilandra whirled around when she heard a twig snap. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the wolves. Without another thought she ran for the water and plunged into it. It was cold and she gasped as she treaded the water and moved farther from shore.

The wolves continued to come closer, sniffing around the discarded clothes. A few were at the water's edge, about to step in, when their ears pricked and their heads shot upright, all looking in the same direction. The wolves at once bolted from the shore as fast as their legs could carry them, colliding with each other as they left.

In the silence that followed, a solitary figure in a stunning evening dress emerged from the shadows, speaking softly. "Hark my lady, the woods can be a treacherous place at night. One does not know what horrors may be lying in wait for them..."

Lilandra let out a yelp of surprise at this new intruder and threw her arms protectively over her chest as she eyed the figure. He was handsome and looked rich. What was he doing out in the woods then? 

"Are you lost sir?" She was still self-conscious about her nudity but her mother had always taught her to be polite.

The figure shook his head and looked around the clearing, nudging the ragged clothes that were caked in blood. "I frequent these woods often my lady. Pray tell, have you been bare fist hunting?"

"Bare fist, milord?" she didn't understand his question. He definitely had a funny way of speaking.

The figure smiled and held his hand up in balled fists, then in a strangling motion. "Hunting without a weapon. Your clothes are caked in blood. I thought perhaps you had been the victim of an unfortunate encounter with the wolves that roam these woods. They are very protective of their territory. Even known to attack trained woodsmen."

"Oh! No, sir! I can barely manage to get my snares to work properly," she admitted, blushing brightly. 

The figure before her chuckled softly and extended his hand towards her. "Please my lady, you need not be modest around me. There is nothing that I have not seen that a woman can offer. I am simply a man enjoying the quiet of the woods."

Indeed the woods were quiet now, not even the usual background noises could be heard, save for the whistling wind through the trees. No owls hooting their messages, no rabbits scuttling in the bushes. Not even insects chirping their nightly chorus.

Lilandra blushed an even deeper shade of pink. She didn't know this man. But something about him made her decide to take a chance. Besides the cold water was starting to bother her and her teeth were beginning to chatter. Slowly she made her way from the water, making sure to keep her back away from his probing eyes. When he gestured for her to turn around you started to balk but reluctantly did so, closing her eyes so that she wouldn't see the pity or possibly even the disgust he might display.

He slid his jacket from his shoulders and wrapped it around her to keep the chill from her body. "Such a cold night to be bathing my lady. Especially with such wounds upon your back. Do enlighten me as to how you came to acquire them?"

She looked down at her feet. "It matters not. It was my fault. I will bear my shame and not speak of it," she whispered even as she pulled the jacket closer against her body. Kindness. She'd forgotten what it was like. Her mother had been dead for six years. Six very long, pain filled years. She closed her eyes to keep from crying over the most precious person she had lost.

Softly a perfectly manicured hand touched Lilandra's cheek, gently wiping away a stray tear that had wormed its way out of her eye. He gently lifted her chin to look into her eyes with his own deep caring pools of calm. "My lady, if you had done something that deserved such punishment then surely you would be capable of murder. I seem to remember that lashes were reserved only for the worst of criminals. Did you perhaps seduce a man and smother him in your ample bosom?" A soft chuckle was heard, showing that he was jesting with Lilandra.

Even though she knew he was joking she still blushed. She couldn't help it. This man was strange. Well maybe not in places away from the forest but in her world he was. The men in her life only brought pain and fear. With this stranger she felt safe.

"I was punished because I failed to do what was asked of me," she admitted.

The man before her raised a thin eyebrow, his voice becoming inquisitive, "Oh? And what might that have been?"

She shuffled her feet, now embarrassed. She felt small compared to this man with the commanding presence. She looked away from him and mumbled, "I didn't prepare dinner correctly."

His voice was cold a moment, but not towards Lilandra. "You were beaten so badly simply because you were late with dinner? What kind of a monster would do such a thing?"

"Please, sir! It truly was my fault. If I hadn't been daydreaming...." Her eyes grew wide and she clapped a hand over her mouth. She just admitted something private. Now he was really going to think her addled in wits.

His face took on an even more shocked look of bewilderment and disgust. "Beaten for daydreaming? My lady this is terrible! How can you bear to stay in such a place? Surely there are those in town who would give you shelter from such a beast?"

"Only if I sell my body," she whispered and then shuddered. The ones who lived in town were a snobby bunch that only did things for two reasons: money or sex. Or both. They never did anything out of the goodness of their hearts. And they especially took great delight in being cruel to those who lived on the outlying farms like her and her family. No, she'd rather be beaten by her father than deal with city folk.

"Indeed my lady, ever since the prince was turned to beast the people have become corrupted. It seems Zitomira has left a larger mark than first thought..." The figure nodded solemnly, a wave of sadness crossing his face a moment.

Lilandra looked at him then. She'd heard that name mentioned when she was younger. Her mother had told her that story. It had made her sad. She couldn't help but think as her mother retold the story that if people were only nicer the world would be better. "Corruption has always been and always will be. But it is what we do to not spread it that matters," she replied, echoing her mother's words to her so long ago.

The figure sighed knowingly and looked into her eyes deeply before flinching slightly and looking worried. "I must leave you now my lady, but know that you will have safe passage on your journey home. No animal will dare attack you."

He winced now and slid his arms across his ribs before turning and heading for the forest at a run.

"Wait! Your jacket!" she cried but he was already gone. She stared at the spot he had disappeared to and sighed. She hoped he'd be all right. She looked up and realized that she had to go home. She dreaded the thought but there was no help for it. Home was where she had to go. She looked down at her bloodied clothes and blanket and decided to leave them. She still had one blanket left at home. She started the trip back, her mind on the kind stranger she had left. 

It took her twice as long to get home because she was dreaming about the man. His handsome face, kind smile and those eyes. The startlingly blue had drawn her in and made her feel special. Wanted. She blinked and with a start realized she was almost halfway up the yard. She turned to look up at the stars in the sky.

"Night sky, that watches over me. I make one wish and one wish alone. Please help that kind stranger find happiness," she whispered before heading back inside the house. Quietly she crept back upstairs and got back into bed, snuggling the jacket around her. 



Love's Curse Ch. 05



Chapter 5: Timely Rescue

Prick the beast and does it not bleed? Anger the beast and you shall bleed.

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

Josiah stood outside Lilandra's room and smirked. He had awakened in the middle of the night and had snuck into the house to get some food and to fuck his wife. He'd been denied that pleasure because the little slut was in his father's room. So he had made a detour by his sister's room only to find her missing. He had contemplated telling the old man but changed his mind. Instead he'd gone back to the barn to wait. His patience had paid off when he saw her sneaking back into the house. He'd waited a few minutes and then gone inside. Now he stood staring at his sleeping sister. But it wasn't really her he was interested in but rather the very expensive jacket she was wearing. Where in the hell had she gotten that? Had his uptight little sister finally found a man to bang her? He smirked. Father was going to be pissed when he found out. Josiah decided to wait before telling the old man. He wanted to be sure that he was there to watch his sister get punished. The thought made him even hornier. Smiling he crept back out to the barn.

****

The rooster crowed and Josiah and Jacob reluctantly got up and headed out to get the hay. 

Inside the house Trina and Samantha slumbered on. 

Lilandra awoke and in a panic hid the jacket the kind man had given her. It wouldn't do for her father to find it. There would be hell to pay for sure. She got dressed and went downstairs to start breakfast.

Victor grunted and shifted in his bed, Trina and Samantha lay naked on either side of him, various marks across both of their bodies from the rough night of fucking. His eyes flickered open when the rooster crowed and he grumbled for a few moments before remembering about the two naked women beside him. He felt his arousal grow as his hands slide across Samantha's buttocks and squeezed firmly.

She mumbled in her sleep and moved away from his groping hands.

His frown formed into a glare and he sharply spanked her ass with his large hand, hard enough to turn the skin a rosy red once more. "Don't you move away from me, woman!"

The smack partially woke her up. "Go away Josiah, I'm tired," she muttered her eyes still closed as she rolled farther away, pulling some of the quilt with her.

His hand shot out and roughly grabbed her arm, pulling her back as he growled menacingly in her ear. "This ain't Josiah, bitch."

Finally his voice penetrated through her sleep-fogged mind and she yelped her eyes finally open to stare into Victor's face. "I'm sorry," she stammered.

Victor continued to hold her gaze as his hand slid down to her breast, squeezing harshly. "Show me just how sorry you are..." Victor rolled on to his back, his long, thick aroused cock pointing skywards.

Samantha scrambled to straddle his hips and slid her hot pussy down on his cock. Though she had been acting cowed, she liked the smacks and the roughness.

Victor let out a low, deep moan of appreciation, his hand once more spanking Samantha's buttocks. His free hand quickly slid between Trina's legs, finding her center and inserting two thick fingers into her.

Trina moved in her sleep, her legs opening slightly to give him better access as she too began to awaken.

His technique was rough as usual, thrusting his fingers as deep as he could. He leaned up and buried his face in Samantha's breasts, biting her soft flesh.

She cried out and arched her breasts closer to his face while moving up and down on his fat, long cock. Her moans were joined by those of Trina who was fingering her clit and arching her hips so that his fingers would go deeper.

He growled his lust, pulling Samantha's nipples hard with his teeth. Several of his 'love bites' on her breasts had drawn small drops of blood. The rhythmic sounds of fucking were punctuated by the hard smack of his hand to Samantha's buttocks, threatening to bruise this time from such force.

She didn't mind. His son wasn't as rough as she liked so she had abandoned his bed in favor of Victor's bed and ways. 

Victor grunted and tensed below Samantha, his cock swelling within her seconds before he erupted within her with a load of hot thick, creamy cum.

She cried out as her body stiffened and she orgasmed with him. She collapsed on top of him, shaking from the after tremors. Oh yes, sex with Victor was the best.

A few moments later, Trina's cries of pleasure were heard as she too came. Both lay spent, their eyes on Victor to see what he would do next.

Victor took a few moments to catch his breath, staring at the ceiling. Once this had been accomplished he unceremoniously pushed Samantha off of him and climbed out of bed to wash up and dress. Ten minutes later he was shaved, gruff tempered and ready to tear somebody a new arse hole.

***

Lilandra busied herself in the kitchen, making sure to create enough noise to drown out her father and sisters. Thankfully the noise stopped and she finished cooking the eggs. She placed the rest of last of night's bread on the table and waited on the family to show.

Victor stepped into the kitchen, banging the door open and slapping the table with his hand as he sat down at his place. "Remember what I said would happen if you screwed up again Lilandra."

She jumped at the loud noise. "Yes sir," she whispered and sat the porridge in front of him along with the cooked apples and eggs.

Victor dug into the meal laid before him, taking time to taste it, searching for an excuse to punish his daughter again. "Where's my milk?"

She blanched. She hadn't milked the cows! She began backing away from the table. "I'll go get it," she stammered before she whirled, grabbed the pail and raced out to the barn.

Victor's rage began to rise again, his fist clenching as he waited on his daughter returning. Angrily, he consumed the rest of his porridge and apples before starting on the eggs and bread.

She made it to the barn and hurriedly milked one of the cows. She was afraid. How could she have forgotten that he liked milk in the morning? She was a little too rough and the cow mooed loudly. "Sorry old girl," she apologized. She picked the pail back up and quickly made her way back to the house. She grabbed a ladle and spooned milk into the cup until it was full. Trembling she approached the table and handed her father the cup.

He snatched it from her hand, spilling a little on the table and took a swig, swirling the liquid round in his mouth before putting the cup down on a dry area. "Clean that up and get some wood for the fire, get it nice and hot. I've got a method that'll show everyone just how worthless you are at simple tasks!" He left the room with an unpleasant look on his face.

She didn't like the way he had worded his order. But she obediently went and gathered as much wood as she could carry. She came back and began stoking the fire.

Victor returned with a sadistic grin on his face. He had a branding iron in one hand, which he placed in the fire. "Get it good and glowing, then drop your drawers Lilandra."

Her eyes grew wide and she started at him in horror. At first she was too shocked to protest but then that moment passed and before she even thought about it she blurted out, "NO!" He was insane. She was not going to let him burn her! She was not an animal!

He roughly grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head back, his face turning red now with anger. "What the HELL did you just say wench! Are you disobeying your FATHER? The man who breaks his back every day to keep a roof over your head!"

"No, no, no! I'm not some animal! Don't do this!" she screamed at him, her fear overriding her normal cautious behavior around her father.

Her screaming only earned her a mighty backhand from her father, "Trina! Samantha! Get in here!"

Both women came into the room at a run. "Yes, Victor?" they asked then both glared at the struggling Lilandra.

"Hold your sister down while I heat up the iron. It's time she truly learned her place."

Trina and Samantha smiled sadistically. Yes! They would finally get to do something to Lilandra. They caught her by the arms and dragged her over to the table. They slammed her down on it and pinned her. They were both farm girls themselves and stronger than they looked.

Victor turned to the fire, stoking it higher and began heating up the branding iron.

Still smiling, Trina yanked up Lilandra's skirts and Samantha pulled down her drawers, exposing her still bruised and welted butt.

After a few moments he turned round to face them, the branding iron crackling as it met the cool air. "After today, everyone will know how you are nothing more than a possession, Lilandra, because only a possession can't do simple tasks like make a meal." His hands slid across her injured buttocks before pressing the branding iron to her flesh for longer than necessary.

A gut-wrenching scream of agony was jerked from her throat and then she fainted.

Trina and Samantha both stood there, holding her down and laughing evilly. "Give it to her, Victor! She should know better than to be an uppity little bitch."

Victor removed the branding iron and placed it in front of the fireplace before motioning to the front door. "Take her outside, we'll wake her up and show her the meaning of discipline."

Trina and Samantha easily dragged the unconscious Lilandra outside. Just then the sound of the wagon pulling up caught their ears. 

Victor emerged from the house carrying a thick leather strap, wrapping and unwrapping it around his fist to make it flexible.

"Father! What's happening?" Josiah casually asked as he and his brother parked the wagon and came over.

"I'm teaching your sister her place in this house."

"While you're at, you might want to ask her about the man's coat in her room," Josiah said with an evil grin.

Victor raised an eyebrow and glared at his unconscious daughter and cracked the strap lightly across his palm. "Oh really? Wake her up!"

Trina and Samantha tied Lilandra in place while Jacob came over and dumped a bucket of water on her.

Lilandra sputtered, blinked and saw the ground. "No," she groaned and struggled weakly.

Victor immediately cracked the strap across Lilandra's buttocks hard, watching another welt appear. "Where did you get the jacket? Are you holding out on your father?"

She yelped. "What jacket?" she cried when the strap bit into her battered flesh. How had they found out? No one had been up when she'd made it back to the house. Did the fates hate her so much that they would let her trip into the forest be discovered?

"Josiah! Get the jacket!"

The strap tore into her flesh again as Victor swung it with power. "Where Lilandra? Don't play innocent with me you little skank!"

"I didn't do anything wrong!" she screamed through her tears.

"Yes you did! How dare you whore yourself out without my permission! Where is the money?"

The blows rained down again and again, harder and harder.

"I didn't sleep with anyone! There isn't any money!" she yelled, the tears flowing freely as the pain hit her nerves and brought even more agony.

Josiah walked inside, retrieved the fancy coat and came back outside waving it in the air. "Here father!"

Victor snatched the coat from his son and held it in front of Lilandra's eyes, slapping her face. "Where did this come from Lilandra? Who did you whore yourself out to, to get this!"

She clamped her lips closed and shook her head. She was not going to reveal to her father who she had met in the forest. She was starting to feel dizzy from all the blows.

"Well if you are going to be a whore then I will treat you like a whore!" He began undoing his pants, pulling her head back by her hair.

Jacob reached over and grabbed her hair. "Let me help you father."

"Yes, give it to her! She knows better than to fuck someone outside the family without permission!" Trina and Samantha screeched.

Victor growled as he forced the thick head of his cock into Lilandra's mouth. "Take it Lilandra! This is what you get for acting like such a whore!"

She gagged and tried to move her head but Jacob tightened his grip on her hair and started forcing her head back and forth.

Josiah watched the display and then grabbed Samantha and began fondling her. She squealed and kissed him hungrily. This was more like it!

So busy were they with tormenting Lilandra that they didn't hear the hoof beats of the approaching horses.

A strong commanding voice rang out from across the yard accompanied by the ring of steel as swords were drawn. "Halt your actions peasants! It is time to pay your taxes!"

Victor looked up and snarled at the guards, then down at his daughter, hissing. "You are lucky daughter, we will continue this later." He stood and buttoned up his pants before addressing the party. "Who goes there, trespassing on my land?"

"Your land? Don't you mean Prince Aries' land?" the mayor retorted imperiously.

Victor chuckled gruffly and held his arm out to indicate the land. "The Prince has not been seen in years and he has not come to collect his taxes in those same years. It is by default now owned by those who work upon it."

The mayor smirked. Victor was a man after his own heart. "Well I propose a deal. I'll let you alone on YOUR land if you will hand over any unmarried women that live in this household."

Victor paused a moment, considering this as he watched the mayor. "How about until the Prince himself arrives to claim this land, you and your tin soldiers get the fuck off my land."

"I'd really hate to do this by force but the winged terror is demanding tribute and it is our time to give it. The beast does not want any of the city girls. He says they aren't to his taste. So we were forced to come to the farms. And as you can see," the mayor pointed to a wagon with six frightened young women in it. "You are not the only one who has to give up a daughter. So which one of the three will it be?"

He eyed the two women who were unbound. The third one he couldn't get a good look at because she was bound to the fence and her long black hair covered her face.

Victor's eyes shifted to Lilandra for a moment as he thought deeply and spoke slowly. "They are all my daughters. Married to my three sons."

Trina and Samantha both gave him surprised looks. The mayor saw them and his eyes narrowed. He snapped his fingers and one of the guards came up with a sheet of paper.

"You know it takes a liar to know another one and you are a poor one. You two go untie the girl and bring her to me. She's the one we need," the mayor ordered as he finished looking over the paper and then looked back up.

Victor nodded to Jacob who quickly moved to the barn and returned with a lengthy ornate sword. He tossed it to his father who held it with surprising skill. "You ain't taking MY house maid."

"As much as you'd like to protest, you're outmanned," the mayor said coldly as more guards dismounted pulling out their swords.

Josiah put his hand gently on his father's arm. "Dad, don't be stupid. We can buy another, better one at market, one who doesn't screw up and likes it rough."

The mayor's guards eyed Victor and Josiah and waited patiently for Victor to stand down.

Lilandra was praying that her father would do something stupid and that they would kill him. Then she would be free.

Victor thought for another long moment before lowering his blade and nodded to the mayor. "Take the wench, not that she'll be any use. She can't master even the most simple of tasks."

The guards were disappointed they wouldn't get to fight but they untied Lilandra and carried her over to the mayor's horse.

"Give her to me," the mayor ordered and they handed the unresisting Lilandra up to him.

The guards grinned and let their hands wander across Lilandra's breasts and buttocks before they secured her in the saddle.

Lilandra stiffened but didn't make a sound. If she didn't move maybe they would leave her alone. 

"If the beast doesn't claim her, you can come and take her back," the mayor informed Victor.

Victor nodded and watched the group leave, turning back towards his son before addressing Trina and Samantha. "Well until we can get a new maid you two have the luxury of filling in for her. Get to work! All of you!"

"Ugh!" Trina gasped but Samantha simply rolled her eyes and headed for the house.

*****

The group had been traveling back toward the main plaza of the city. The mayor was getting anxious. Time was running out. But that didn't stop him from appreciating the fine bit of flesh the young woman in front of him posed. He took the reins in one hand while his horse trotted along the dirt path, his free hand moving to Lilandra's knee. His hands were soft, yet slightly rough from the day's work, gradually working their way up the inside of her thigh.

Lilandra stiffened and tried to shift away from his hand but she couldn't go too far on a horse and she was more hurt than she realized.

The mayor tightened his arms around her and hissed in her ear. "Move again and I'll see to it you are the first sacrifice to the beast!" His hand slid higher up her thigh, mere millimeters from her pussy.

"No, sir, please. I'm not that way," she whimpered as she tried to free her arms.

"You don't have a choice woman. You WILL be put up for the beast whether you like it or not and I WILL have my pleasures with you while you are still in one piece." His hand cupped her mound and squeezed. Two short pudgy fingers slid inside her, the motion of the horse forcing Lilandra to bounce upon them.

"No, no, no," she whispered brokenly but was powerless to stop his invasion of her pussy. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to force her mind to go elsewhere, away from this raping of her body. Was that all men thought she was good for? It made her want to curl up and die.

The mayor shuffled forwards in the saddle so that her bouncing ass rubbed against his bulging pants. He grunted lecherously as he felt the wetness in her pussy grow. "I see you like this. Such a pity you have to be sacrificed to that beast."

She didn't like it but her body seemed to. She was still a virgin but if this kept up she wouldn't be. It was the only thing she valued most and it appeared as if the mayor was going to take it by force. Her poor mother was probably rolling in her grave right now.

All too soon for the mayor's liking however, they arrived back in town and he was forced to remove his fingers. He did however lick them clean in front of Lilandra's eyes, grinning lecherously.

Her face turned red and she hung her head in shame when she heard several of the guards chuckling.

The other women were herded from the wagon and pushed toward the town's main plaza. One of the guards came up to the Mayor's horse. "Need some help?" he asked a little too eagerly.

The mayor rolled his eyes and unceremoniously pushed Lilandra off the horse into the guard's arms. "Leave her maidenhead, if it is missing the Prince will have your hide hung above his doorway."

The guard blanched and dragged Lilandra toward the plaza with the other girls. The townspeople had all gathered around in silence as the appointed hour occurred. Their eyes turned skyward.

Lilandra gulped and looked up as well, wondering what it was she was going to see.

A shadow appeared over the square followed by a horrendous roar. Prince Aries circled overhead, watching the action below before swooping down and landing lightly on the cobbles with the softest clicking of talons.

The gathered women began screaming and tried to run but the soldiers' drawn swords froze them in place. Lilandra however hadn't run. She was staring in fascination at the creature before her.

The prince stalked around the group of women, snarling and occasionally snapping at them like a sheep dog keeping a flock in line.




Love's Curse Ch. 05



He advanced upon the mayor, snarling. "Is this all you could find?"

"Yes, sire!" the mayor stammered bowing several times, hoping it would appease him.

The prince glared and turned back to the women, bellowing out commands. "Line them up and strip them down. The selection begins now!"

The women began crying hysterically as the guards forced them to strip and line up. Lilandra was the only one not crying. She was too tired and hurt to care anymore. She dropped her clothes and stood there ignoring the gasps from the crowd when they took in the mess her back and butt presented. It was a mass of bruises and bleeding welts. And she hadn't forgotten about the brand, which now was only a dull throbbing ache.

The Prince strode along the line, a critical eye looking across the women. Occasionally he would cup a breast or grab a buttock. He stopped dead in his tracks however when he came upon Lilandra. His memory stirred and his vivid beautiful blue eyes stared into hers for a long moment. He straightened up and nodded to Lilandra. "This one will be the payment this month. Clean her up and send her to my palace. The rest will be sent to the harem for training should I return."

The women were ushered away and a guard grabbed Lilandra's arm dragging her toward a nearby home to clean her up.

The Prince walked over to the Mayor, an angry look upon his face. "Where did you find that girl?"

The mayor stammered, "one of the outlying farms." He hoped that his prince would be satisfied with that answer and not harm him.

Prince Aries grabbed the Mayor by the throat and lifted him off the ground to his face. "Which one and where is it?"

"The one nearest the forest! The one owned by Victor and his sons!" he squealed.

"Victor..."

The Prince snarled and tossed the Mayor away, taking flight in a roar of outrage, heading straight for Victor's farm.

The mayor sat there rubbing his throat and thanked the fates he wasn't Victor.



Love's Curse Ch. 06



Chapter 6: Eye for an Eye

Heed the anger of the beast for it will spell your doom. Fear the beast for it is all-powerful.

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

The Prince soared through the air above his lands, the winds whistling past his wide leathery wings. The air was punctuated with a thunderous roar as Prince Aries saw the farm come in sight, circling it like a vulture.

The sound shook the house and sent the occupants inside running outside. Trina and Samantha looked up, saw the creature and promptly fainted.

Jacob and Josiah clung to each other and Victor just stared before shaking his fist at the sky and running inside to grab his sword.

The winged beast swooped low over the two sons, claws slicing at their arms and backs as he passed, only wounding them however.

He swooped round once more, in front of the group and roared at the top of his lungs, shaking the house once more.

Jacob and Josiah stayed low on the ground, cowering in fear. Victor came out of the house, his sword ready. "Come to me you foul beast!"

And come the beast did, claws extended, razor sharp and ready to disembowel any who got in his way. His speed was immense, moving in a blur that few could follow. He attacked Victor from the side, claws slashing at his arms and chest.

Victor grunted and felt the blood running down his body as he tried to parry the beast's claws.

Prince Aries quickly grew tired of the game and grabbed Victor's sword arm in his huge claw, crushing the bone in his strong grip.

This time Victor bellowed in agony as he looked at his mangled arm. He grabbed the sword awkwardly in his left arm. "C'mon you foul beast!"

The beast seemed to laugh at this and repeated the action with Victor's left arm. The next pass, however, he grabbed Victor by the throat and lifted him effortlessly off the ground. "This is the price you pay for beating your daughter!"

Victor's face turned an ugly purple color. "What do you know about my daughter?" he wheezed.

Another long, sadistic laugh was heard from the beast as he brought Victor close. "You never know what monsters you might meet in the forest at night Victor. I wonder how you will fare against the wolves with two broken arms?"

"Why do you care about her? She's nothing but a lying whore!" Victor struggled uselessly in the beast's grip.

"Oh really Victor? This coming from a man who tries to kill his ruler. Lets see how you fare in the forest, shall we?"

Claws slashed deep into Victor's leg as the prince took to the air once more, heading for the forest and the predators that waited.

*****

Lilandra stood inside the house she'd been dragged to. She was still nude and she shivered in the cool air. She whirled when the door opened and a surly woman came in with a pail of steaming water and a cloth.

"Here!" the girl snarled and threw the cloth at Lilandra before slamming the pail down on the table, stalking out the door and slamming it closed behind her.

Lilandra blinked in astonishment before going to the pail and dipping the cloth in it. She began slowly wiping the grime off her arms, legs, and butt. She couldn't, however, get her back cleaned. She covered her face with her hands. She wanted to find a place to hide and just cry.

The door opened once more, but only for a moment before the mayor stepped in and closed it behind him, locking it. "I thought you might need a hand with your back." The mayor was still trembling a little; the fear from the attack had shaken him to his core.

Lilandra's head snapped up and she eyed him warily. "I'm fine," she said quietly as she began backing up. She didn't trust this man. He had taken advantage of her.

The mayor held a hand out for a moment. "Please, this is for the good of all of us. If you aren't prepared correctly then he will kill you and return for another. Do you really wish to be the cause of someone else's death?"

That gave Lilandra pause. "No sir." She didn't want that on her conscience.

The mayor nodded and spun his finger a moment. "I didn't think so, now turn around so we can finish here."

Her instincts told her not to trust him but since no one else seemed inclined to assist she had no choice. She turned around.

He picked up the washcloth and dunked it into the steaming pail, gently washing away the dirt and grime from her back, watching with growing lust as the water trickled between her buttocks and over her puckered anus.

She was feeling really drowsy. All she wanted to do was sleep. Exhaustion was pulling at her.

After a moment his hands bent her over slightly, the washcloth sliding over her buttocks and between her legs, lingering for much longer than necessary.

She stiffened and shifted to the side. She was not going to let him help anymore. "Don't," she stated flatly.

His hot breath fell upon her neck, his hands still insistent, sliding now between her buttocks, rubbing her tight rear entrance.

"Stop it!" she cried and tried to move away from him.

He held her arms though, pushing her against the wall face first, pressing his aroused groin against her. "The Prince only checks if your pussy is untouched, not your ass, so relax and don't make this hard for yourself."

Her eyes were wide in fright and she screamed for help as she wildly struggled. He was going to force himself on her!

Immediately there was a harsh pounding at the door, the handle rattled with strength, and the wood creaked under the strain. A loud male voice could be heard. "Open this door immediately! Or it will be broken down!"

The mayor cursed and backed away but not before slipping a finger in her pussy to finger it one last time. He leered at her and went to the door and opened it. "Can I help you?" he demanded crossly.

The mayor was grabbed and dragged out of the house, held up off the floor by the powerful arms of the Prince's manservant Lynn. "What are you doing here? You know the rules! No one other than the old maid is to help sacrifices prepare!"

"The maid said the wench attacked her! So I decided to come and see what the wench was up to," the mayor whined.

"Oh really? Is that why the maid was uninjured and grumping about how timid the girl seemed? You are pathetic!" Lynn pushed the mayor away from him into the street. "If you come near this woman again I will insure it is your hide that hangs upon the Prince's walls next." He turned back towards Lilandra. "My apologies, my lady, it will not happen again. This is for you to wear at the prince's request." He laid down a wide package, opening the lid and revealing an exquisite dress. "If you need help then call and the maid will return and help under my supervision."

When the new man had arrived, Lilandra had frantically searched the room and finally snatched up a blanket to wrap around her body. Her face was red and she was feeling humiliated. She didn't know how many more nasty surprises she could handle. She watched the man lay down the bundle. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the dress. She'd never seen anything so beautiful or so expensive in all her life. She numbly nodded and timidly headed to the table. She carefully caressed the dress. It was made of silk. "I can't wear this," she whispered. "I'll get it dirty." Tears filled her eyes. She knew the mayor hadn't completely cleaned her back and she was afraid that if she put the dress on her welts would bleed again and the dress would be ruined.

He smiled a moment and motioned to the table by the bed, upon its surface were bandages and a soothing ointment. "If you wish, my lady, I can aid in applying the bandages. If you do not trust me I can have the maid help."

He seemed kind. She walked over to the bed and turned around so that her back was to him. She gulped and dropped the towel.

He moved almost soundless trough the room and gently examined her welts and wounds, tutting occasionally, "That man may be good with numbers but when it comes to cleaning wounds he is a complete buffoon."

Gently the washcloth was applied, properly cleaning out the dirt and grime. The soothing salve was next applied into each open wound. He professionally ignored the hiss of stinging breath as it was applied, "Don't be afraid to curse my work my lady, I have felt such a potent sting before and so know just how tempting it can be. My name, by the way, is Lynn." Lastly the soft fluffy bandages were applied and secured to her back.

It hurt, the cleaning of her wounds but not as much as the wounds themselves. She felt nothing but relief when the salve was applied and her back and butt went numb. She thanked the fates for the loss of pain.

"Thank you," she said softly, her back still to the kind man.

He soundlessly stood up again and gently removed the dress from the box, holding it up for Lilandra to view. "I hope this is in your size, my lady, otherwise it will take some time to find one that fits."

The dress looked like it would fit. She'd never had one that fit right in her entire life. Her mother had always made her clothes a size or two too big so that she could wear them for a few years. She stepped into the dress and slid it up on her shoulders. It was a perfect fit.

Slowly Lynn slid the hooks together, securing the dress in place and smiled as he looked Lilandra up and down. "Perfect." He offered his arm to her and motions towards the door, where outside awaited the palace carriage.

She slid her arm through his. She was still feeling self-conscious and her hair was a mess but there was nothing she could do about that. It took five hours just to be able to brush all the tangles from her hair. She only did it once a week at home.

They walked in silence towards the carriage, the door opened for her by one of the guards and she was helped up into it. The door was closed and Lynn climbed aboard, jerking the reins to begin the horses.

Lilandra studied the inside of the carriage in awe. It was made of the finest of silks as well as dazzling gemstones. She was overwhelmed. She was to be a sacrifice. That meant she was going to die. Well at least she would die quickly rather than slowly on her father's farm.

As the carriage rumbled along the long cobbled road, the beating of wings could be heard as the prince returned. The wind was blowing towards the side of the carriage and a wet smack was heard as a piece of blood drenched cloth struck the window. It was the patch Victor always wore above his heart.

Lilandra let out a scream and then paled when she saw what it was that was on the window. She felt herself get lightheaded and she fainted.

The coach immediately pulled over and Lynn quickly dismounted and entered the carriage, "My lady!"

Gently he fanned her face in an attempt to awaken her. "My lady, what happened?"

Lilandra revived and then weakly pointed at the window where the patch was still sticking and the blood was running down the window.

Lynn sighed softly and quickly drew the blind. "Mind not that, my lady, probably something the wind picked up from a lost hunter. The woods are so dangerous these days."

"Yes, of course," she stammered. It couldn't be from her father. She was very tired and imagining things.

He nodded once more and made sure she was settled before climbing aboard and starting the horses once more.

She dozed off into a fitful sleep filled with monsters, weird noises and the stranger she had met in the woods. She tossed and turned as he beckoned her to follow him. She was too afraid to though she wanted to take the sadness from his eyes.

The carriage jolted to a halt as it arrived in the centre of the large palace courtyard, oddly devoid of any staff. The eerie silence seemed to penetrate even the deep shadows of the carriage.

The only sound that could be heard outside was the rhythmic tapping of Lynn's shoes as he climbed down the carriage and walked to Lilandra's door, opening it quietly.

Only in sleep was her face unmarred by fear. Instead she was peaceful for the nightmarish dreams had faded as she'd fallen into a much needed deep sleep.

He smiled and very carefully lifted her into his arms, walking soundlessly into the dark palace, heading for the room reserved for guests.

Not once did Lilandra stir. She had fallen into the hand of the sleep god and she wasn't about to wake any time soon.

Lynn gently placed her on the bed and left a lamp lit so that she could see if she woke up. She was beautiful. It was a pity she was going to be sacrificed. He quietly left the room and closed the door. Once outside he locked it and headed for the east wing and Prince Aries.

The prince landed on his balcony and pushed open his wide doors, midnight was fast approaching and he had not the strength to go wandering this night. For now he had a guest in his palace. The woman from the forest, who knew not what his true form looked like, did not know that he was the beast, and hence was unafraid.

Lynn rapped twice on the large double doors before unlocking one of them and entering. "My liege," he said respectfully and bowed low.

The Prince turned towards Lynn just as he began to change; groaning and crying out as he changed temporarily back to human form. He stretched his neck and sighed, "You know it wouldn't be so bad if the change didn't leave me stiff as a board."

Lynn chuckled and walked over handing Aries a robe. "She is safely in her room and sleeping soundly. Why did you drop something on the window?"

Aries looked at Lynn with a puzzled look as he slipped on the robe. "What do you mean? I didn't drop anything on the window."

"On the carriage window my liege. A bloody piece of cloth that caused the young lady much fright."

Aries paused a moment and sighed softly, looking at his reflection in the mirror a moment. "It must have caught upon me when I left him in the forest. I did not anticipate something like that would happen."

"Left who in the forest my liege?" Lynn questioned as he ushered Aries over to a steaming tub full of water. He knew that his master liked to wash away the stench of the beast.

Aries shed his robe as he stood by the bath, his toned muscular body glinting in the dim light. "That monster Victor. He was the one who gave the girl her wounds."

"I see," Lynn replied quietly. "Did you see the brand on her right butt cheek? Do you think he did that too? It was a very recent wound."

Aries raised an eyebrow as he slid into the hot water, feeling cleansed as it caressed his skin. "I did not see that recent wound no. I will have to inquire later when she awakens."

"You have forty-five minutes left sire. And she was sleeping so soundly I don't think she'll awaken before then," Lynn informed him as he set out elegant clothes for his master.

Aries nodded and sighed gently, running the flannel across his skin, massaging his stiff muscles. "I would like so much for this girl to be the one. I long so much to be normal for more than one hour a day."

"I pray for it too, sire. Your kingdom needs you. The overlords have gone lax and corruption is rampant."

The prince nodded and stood up, removing himself from his bath, he reached for his towel and drying himself. "Indeed, they have let the cities and towns go to hell."

"If this girl is but a sampling of the local populace, then our work will be cut out for us when you do regain your human shape."

The prince nodded as he slid into the elegant clothes that had been laid out. "Perhaps it will be necessary to bring back the regiments to keep the peace till order is restored?"

"I will begin looking among the loyal sire."

Sliding on his jacket the prince turned towards the double doors. "Thank you Lynn. Now, what was there left in the pantry when you last checked?"

"I restocked sire so we have meats, cheese and the best wines. Everything we usually get when you bring a sacrifice here," Lynn assured him.

Smiling, the Prince nodded once more, walking through the door while calling back. "Take the night for yourself Lynn, your help is much appreciated."

Lynn bowed and headed off to his quarters. He had some planning to do for his master's return to power.

***

Aries walked in silence through the dark halls down to the refrigerated storeroom. Breathing deep, he took in the scents of foods rarely experienced recently. "Ahhh, how I have missed such scents."

Upstairs in her room, Lilandra slowly awoke. She lay still trying to figure out where she was. Everything was so vague. She climbed out of bed and stumbled to the door. She tried to turn the handle but the door was locked. I will not panic, she thought to herself right before she began shaking the door handle frantically.

"Someone please let me out!"

As if on cue, the lock clicked and the door swung open and Prince Aries filled the doorway. A tray of exotic delicacies held in his arms. "Good evening my lady, did you sleep well?"

Lilandra stumbled back and looked at him warily. It was the man from the forest! 

"What, what are you doing here? Do you serve the flying beast too?"

He cocked his head to the side for a moment, considering this, "In a way, yes. Are you hungry?"

Her stomach rumbled loudly and she blushed. "Yes, please, if it's not an inconvenience."

The prince smiled and quietly walked into the room, setting the tray down on the table and moving two chairs to it, motioning for Lilandra to sit.

Shyly she moved around him and slid into her seat. She let out gasp of pain when she sat down for the dress rubbed against the brand and some of her welts. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

"I will have Lynn bring some more salve up for that brand of yours, he will help check your wounds each day."

He sat down across from her, opening the bottle of wine, the scent filling the air.

Was he using magic? How had he known she was branded? When he had last seen her all she had on her body was welts. And why was he talking so formally about the man who had driven the carriage? So many questions filled her head but she didn't voice them. Her father had trained her too well for that habit to break.

"Thank you, sir," she replied softly and stared at the plate of delicious smelling food.

"Please, my lady, dig in. Enjoy your meal. You deserve something good for once. Your father will not be able to harm you any more."

She picked up a treat and started to eat it but his words made her pause and give him a startled look. "What do you mean by that?"

"The mayor witnessed your abusive father's attack upon you. He informed me of the incident." He sliced a chunk of steak off and slipped it into his mouth, a look of pure enjoyment crossing his face."

Just who was this man? "Are you the overlord for our province?" she asked timidly.

He chuckled softly and shook his head at her question, "No, my lady, I am not the overlord of your province."

"Oh." She was disappointed. Maybe if he had been local...No, people like him didn't want to make love to people like her. She didn't have a high enough station.

A wince crossed the Prince's face a moment. Was it time already? Time had flown by so fast. "I'm afraid I must cut our liaison short, my lady. There are things I must do, enjoy your meal." He stood up quickly and swallowed, heading for the door.

"Wait!" She hurried to stand but the dress got twisted around her legs and she had take a moment to untangle herself.

Aries moved quickly out of the room and locked the door behind him.

She got the dress free and ran for the door only to discover it was once again locked. She banged on the door but gave up after a few minutes. She was once again imprisoned. She went back to the table to finish the food but it tasted like ash to her. 



Love's Curse Ch. 07



Enter the beast's lair. Be not fearful. Trust in yourself and the light for darkness must give way to it.

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

Lilandra woke slowly when she felt the sunlight hit her eyelids. With a groan she sat up and looked around the room. What she saw made her gasp. It was filled with shades of pale violets and pinks. It was the fabrics and the jewels that were encrusted in the furniture that made her ogle. But amidst all the wealth she felt an aura of loneliness and anticipation that made her shiver.

There was a soft polite knock at the door, along with the telltale clink of silverware being balanced on a tray. "My lady, are you awake?"

"Yes, sir, I am," she said as she slid from the bed. She was still in the same gown from yesterday. She turned and looked at the bed and gasped. There was blood in some spots. Apparently some of her welts had begun bleeding again.

The door clicked as it was unlocked and Lynn stepped inside. Various pieces of breakfast silverware glinted and the smell of freshly baked bread and cooked breakfast filled the room. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did. Mostly." Her mouth watered at the smells of the food.

He placed the tray down on the table, placing fresh bandages out first with a pan of hot water. "If you would please sit, we'll begin with your bandages. After breakfast the master would like to see you."

She blushed but then turned her back on him and dropped the dress. It pooled around her feet. Some of the welts near her lower back and butt were bleeding, as was the brand.

Lynn quietly set about his task of cleaning the wounds on Lilandra's back, applying salve where needed.

She hissed but didn't scream. Finally he was done and she tried to breathe normally. The pain was slowly fading but it still hurt.

Lynn quietly moved the used bandages onto the tray from last night along with the left over cleansing products before soundlessly moving to the large wardrobe, lifting out another stunning gown. "Perhaps this would suit you better today my lady? It is of thinner material so should help you stay cool today."

She put the gown on. It was a pale shade of green that complemented her tan and her emerald green eyes shone brightly. Not that anyone had seen her eyes before because normally her hair fell into her face and hid them.

He nodded as he reviewed her form. "Wonderful my lady, the master will be most pleased." He lifted the used dress off the bed and slid it into a compartment in the wall that closed with a soft click and the sound of fabric falling down a shaft. "Now, please, quench your thirst and hunger."

She sat down and at first ate sparingly. She was used to making whatever food she did manage to get, last a long time.

Lynn patiently waited by the window, watching the world pass by outside, content to let his guest take as long as she needed.

When Lynn didn't yell at her she began to eat more until she had finished off all the food. Never had she felt so full and content. At home she had always been hungry because everyone else had eaten all the food.

He waited until Lilandra had finished her meal and smiled when he saw she had finished the entire plate. "My, my, you must've been hungry. Very well, if you will follow me I will escort you to the master."

She rose and quietly followed him down the hall. It was eerily silent in the place. "Is there no one else here besides you, the Master and I?"

"There are servants who come in once a week to do maintenance and various forms of cleaning. But other than that, none."

She thought that odd but then again what did she know about the rich other than the ones from her village? 

"Oh," she replied.

"It's the master's condition that is the cause, not many people are willing to work for a beast all week you see."

"A beast? The beast that was in the square is the Master you speak of?" she squeaked.

Nodding, Lynn continued talking as if this was nothing strange. "Indeed my lady, he was cursed by a barbarian woman many years ago."

She didn't know what to say to that so she stayed silent. She felt overwhelmed. The place was huge and she was afraid she'd never be able to remember it all.

After a few minutes of walking, the pair came to a set of huge double doors. Lynn lifted the large knocker and rapped sharply. "My Lord? Your guest is ready to see you."

A low growl came from inside the room, the soft clicking of talons heard for a moment before the prince spoke in a demon's voice, "Enter."

She shivered a little in fear at the evil she heard in the voice. But then she steeled herself. She hadn't run from the beast when it was selecting her. She was not going to run now. 

Lynn opened the door for her and she walked inside. The door closing made her jump and her heart thumped faster in fear. Resolutely she continued into the dimly lit room. "Hello?"

The deep, menacing voice floated from the dark shadows of the throne room, however this time it seemed different. Somehow the evil within it seemed somewhat elegant and refined. "Good morning my lady. Would you care to tell me your name?"

"Li--, Lilandra, sir," she answered softly, her eyes on the floor, her fearful breathing loud in the quiet room.

The beast hummed in the darkness, feigning deep thought. In the deep shadows came the sounds of talons clicking along the flagstones, his outline just visible in the dark and no more. "Do you know why you are here Lilandra?"

"I am to be sacrificed. That is what the mayor of our province said."

"Sacrificing is the term they use for the women who unfortunately did not survive their time with me." There was a sound from the beast, a breath of wind that sounded distinctly like a sigh. "But that was not the reason they were chosen."

Lilandra was confused. "Then why were they chosen?" Her natural curiosity made her look up cautiously. She couldn't see the beast in the dim lighting, only a mere shadow.

The beast paused a moment and looked directly at Lilandra, his eyes bright comets in the choking darkness. "You have not heard the tale of why I became like this?" The beast paused a moment and looked directly at Lilandra, his eyes bright comets in the choking darkness. "Are you afraid Lilandra? Afraid of what the reason might be?"

She would be lying if she said no. "Yes I am afraid but I'd rather not know. I only want to know if you're going to kill me."

Chuckling softly, the Prince stepped forwards into the light, revealing his monstrous form. "That my, lady, depends entirely on how you handle me."

She backed up a step. "Handle you?" She looked at him with innocent eyes. She really didn't understand this creature. But those eyes. They reminded her of something. Something important that she was forgetting.

"Of course, why else would I choose such a beautiful woman?" From between his legs began to length the most enormous cock that Lilandra had ever laid eyes on. It continued to grow for several minutes, inch after inch of flesh emerged till a full eighteen extremely thick inches were visible.

She gaped and began backing up until her back hit the door. "No," she whispered, sick with horror. She had been sent her to be a sex slave to this, this creature!

"Yes Lilandra, you WILL do as you are destined or you will die in the attempt. Either you take it willingly or I will do so by force. Force of course, tends to shorten one's life expectancy down to a few minutes."

Now she knew what he meant when he said the others hadn't survived it. She turned around and tried frantically to open the door but it was locked from the outside. With a whimper she gave up and ran toward the nearest corner, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan to save her life and virginity.

The Prince cut Lilandra off, his hand grasping her arm, however her wrist slipped from his grasp and she tumbled to the floor, the dress flapping up her back, revealing her welts. He froze as he stared at the wounds, remembering his reasons for punishing Victor. He turned away and returned to the shadows, speaking softly. "Leave me be Lilandra...you will heal first then we will do as I have told you."

She lay there trembling and confused. She had been positive he was going to rape her and then he suddenly stopped. She began to cry softly as she came to her feet. She edged her way to the door but this time found it unlocked. She opened it and flung herself out into the hallway and into the startled arms of Lynn.

Lynn caught her in his arms gently and held her for a moment trying to calm her. "My lady, what's wrong?"

"He.... it.... so big...hurt...let me go..." she babbled as she cried.

Lynn held her solidly and shook her to get her attention. "Lilandra, PLEASE!"

The shake snapped her back to reality and she focused her green eyes on him. "The monster tried to rape me but then stopped and told me to leave and to heal."

Lynn seemed perfectly calm at her words, "What can I say? The master likes his bed mates to be fit and healthy when they take his gift."

If this man meant that monstrous cock was a "gift" then she was going to have to find a way to get away from this place.

"Come my lady, perhaps a walk in the hall of honor will ease your mind?"

Still trembling, Lilandra took his hand. She was only too glad to be going away from the room with the beast.

***

Aries sighed and growled as he walked towards the balcony windows, staring at the landscape. Why had he stopped? Because he didn't want to be remembered as a man like Victor by this woman. He didn't want this poor abused woman's last moments to be that of pain and fear. He let out a roar and flew back out into the night.



Love's Curse Ch. 08



Chapter 8: Beauty's Rose

Lilandra lay in bed staring at the canopy overhead. It had been three days since she had seen the beast. Lynn had mostly confined her to her room but that didn't bother her. She did a lot of sleeping, eating and resting. Some of the deeper welts had finally stopped bleeding and were starting to heal. The brand also was starting to heal but she would be forever marked.

* * * * *

The Prince stalked along his hallways heading for the Hall of Memories. He pushed open the wide doors and stood before the relics of his past reign, sighing as the memories welled up within him.

Lynn walked in behind him. "Sire, I'm going to be showing Miss Lilandra about the grounds today. Her wounds aren't paining her as badly and she needs the fresh air."

The Prince nodded in response to Lynn's information and looked at him a moment. "Good, be sure that she does not enter this room. I will be forever damned if she does."

"I have kept her from this wing and she does not ask. She has been cowed into being meek but I see hints of spirit in her. Perhaps it will be spirit enough to save a prince," Lynn replied slyly.

Prince Aries grunted a moment and began quietly walking around the spire in the center of the room, occasionally rustling his wings. "I shouldn't have used it Lynn. I should have just had her executed by the firing squad instead of having my moment of satisfaction."

Lynn stiffened. "It cannot be undone now, sire. You must remain hopeful and move forward. I have a feeling about this lass. She's different than the others you have brought here."

"True, usually they would jump out the window at first sight of me. This is a good sign."

"Yes, she has steel in her veins. She had to in order to endure whatever hell her family put her through. Poor girl." Lynn shook his head. "I'm going to go serve her breakfast and then it's off to the gardens. And sire, please try not to scare the housecleaning group that will be here today."

"I never try Lynn. It's not my fault they don't have steel in their veins like our guest. Have fun in the gardens and be careful of the roses."

"I thought it best to inform you sire, just in case you had decided to behave." Lynn chuckled. His liege was still the same underneath the bitterness of his curse. "And we will steer clear of the roses." He bowed to Aries and left him to his thoughts.

Aries returned once more to his memories, watching each item for a moment, reliving that terrible day over and over.

* * * * *

Lynn closed the doors quietly behind him and made his way to the kitchen. He efficiently prepared her a try for breakfast and headed back upstairs to her room. He knocked on the door once before unlocking it and entering.

Lilandra was up, dressed, and standing by the table when he entered. "Good morning," she said shyly.

Lynn smiled pleasantly and made his way over to the table, gently setting the tray down before her. "Good morning, my lady. How are we feeling this fine day?"

"Less sore. Restless. I miss the outside," she stated wistfully as she sat down to eat.

He lifted the lid to reveal a perfectly cooked traditional breakfast, almost overflowing the plate. "Well then you are in for a special treat. We are to view the gardens today."

"You mean it? We are to go out today?" Her eyes were bright with joy and eagerness.

Lynn nodded and motioned to the great gardens that spanned for miles outside her window. "Indeed, my lady. There are several hours worth of appreciation out there. That is of course if one only glances the blooms. It would take days, possibly even weeks to view all the flowers and fully appreciate them."

She grinned broadly and went back to eating. She soon finished and stood. She couldn't disguise her desire to be on their way. "Thank you for breakfast." She walked over to the closet and found a hat to keep the sun off her and she quickly donned it. She had managed to brush and braid her hair the night before so that it didn't look like a rat's nest. "I'm ready."

Lynn respectfully held his arm out for her to take, heading at a slow pace along the corridors so as not to upset Lilandra's stomach and let her breakfast settle. "We must of course stay clear of the roses. They are the master's most prized blooms, but more importantly, their thorns can be razor sharp."

She was slightly disappointed at the news. Roses were the one flower she hadn't seen and it was one her mother had often talked about. No matter. She was sure there were other flowers that she would get to see on their little jaunt outdoors.

He quietly paused just before the doors to the garden and motioned for her to look to the glass environment before them. "This here my lady is the public example of the master's work and skill."

Behind the glass wall, in constant perfect bloom were four roses. One red, yellow, white, and black. Each stunning in color and radiating beauty.

She gawked. "They're beautiful," she whispered and before she could stop herself she was reaching out to touch the black one. The glass was cold to the touch as her fingers traced over the engraved lettering. 

Lynn smiled and softly spoke, "Ah the blackest rose of night. It is the only one of its kind in the whole estate and is on the master's coat of arms. It represents passion and fortitude in the tasks he undertakes, along with his honor."

She looked at Lynn in confusion. "But I was always taught that black meant evil and suffering?"

"On the contrary my lady, evil comes in many forms. Black was simply the unfortunate color the darkness evil prefers to hide in."

"Oh." She still looked unconvinced but her fingers once more stroked the glass as her eyes strayed to the black rose. She shook her head and stepped back with an embarrassed laugh. "Gardens?" she asked politely to cover over the moment.

Lynn watched her with interest. The others that had come this far had avoided the dark rose, thinking it dead, but this girl...this girl could see through appearances. "Of course, my lady." He swung open the great double doors, the strong breeze filled with the aromas and pollens filling the hallway.

She took in a deep breath and a smile that transformed her features and showed her beauty burst forth as she took a step forward into the beautiful morning.

The sun was shining brightly and the herb gardens that dotted across the estate were alive with staff completing their weekly duties, pulling weds and killing pests.

"Other people," Lilandra murmured when she spotted them. They were all of various ages but all worked diligently. As they passed by the workers, she frowned. The workers were giving her pitying glances and in the cases of the women, fearful ones. She moved closer to Lynn. "Why are they looking at me like that?" Her question was softly spoken but it sounded loud in the suddenly silent garden.

Lynn took a moment thinking how to word the crushing destiny she might have. "Did you ever wonder why the master asks for a new girl each month?"

She nodded and then bit her bottom lip. "Is it because he..." she stammered off and blushed as she recalled how huge his cock was and what he had wanted to do to her.

Lynn nodded in response and continued. "The master always paid for their funerals in full with the most grand of services."

She closed her eyes and shuddered. She doubted any of her relatives would come to her funeral. "I see," she replied softly before looking straight ahead and not at the workers.

"Don't take it too harshly my lady. It is an unfortunate part of the master's condition that he cannot control."

"I suppose that was little comfort to the dead girls," she stated before turning red and putting her hand to her mouth. She shot Lynn a look of fear as she hastily stammered out an apology. "Forgive me sir! I should not have said that!" She trembled a little afraid that he would strike her for her insolence.

Lynn, however, seemed unmoved by her words. "You need not apologize my lady. The master himself has said those words many times before. It is like a soldier having to execute an innocent villager for living in enemy territory. They have no choice, they must do it."

His words only produced a chill of fear through her. They did not bring comfort. "You said there were many flowers?" She changed the subject quickly. She didn't want to think about her fate.

"Oh yes, just beyond the hedges here."

Lynn quietly opened the larger gate in the ten-feet tall hedge, revealing entire fields of exotic, precious flowers.

Lilandra stared in mute surprise at the explosions of colors that the flowers displayed. Not only the colors but also the shapes and sizes as well. And the scents! They were a heady mixture of sweet, coy, and tantalizing.

He smiled brightly and once more began walking along the well-kept path, slowly proceeding along the stones allowing Lilandra time enough to take in the amazing scenery.

Occasionally as they walked she would reach out to touch a flower and ask Lynn questions. She could have kept walking through the gardens forever but after a few hours her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she needed to eat.

He gratefully answered all of her questions, pleased to see her enjoying the gardens. It has been so long since anyone had done so. When he heard her stomach rumble he could not help a light chuckle. "Perhaps it is time to return? It will be dark soon I believe."

"Yes, of course!" She once again blushed when her stomach added its own agreement.

Prince Aries watched them from high above in his balcony. He smiled to himself as he watched her enjoying the sunlight and the fields. He felt his heart ache a moment as his gaze focused on her, dreading the night that would quickly be arriving.

Lilandra suddenly looked up. She had felt someone staring at her but there was no one in the garden except for Lynn and herself. She ignored her unease and continued to sniff at the flowers on their way back inside. "Thank you for this day." She smiled winsomely at Lynn. She meant it too. She had truly enjoyed herself.

He nodded and once more smiled warmly, escorting her down to the kitchen to save himself a trip up to her room. The hearth was blazing warm, creating a soft, gentle atmosphere as Lynn walked towards the larder, asking, "What would you like this evening, my lady?"

"Do you have any meats? I find myself craving some," she admitted. She had liked the fruits, vegetables, grains and bread trays he had been serving her but now she wanted something a little heartier.

"Indeed my lady, we have all forms of meat here. Game bird, chicken, pork, beef, lamb, mutton, rabbit, or venison. Which would you prefer?"

"Lamb. I've only tried it once and I liked the taste." That was probably putting it mildly. She had devoured her meager portion and had wanted more but her father had refused to let her have any. He said hired help didn't get to eat grand.

Lynn nodded and brought out a large slab of the chilled meat, cutting thick slices from it before laying them on the pan above the fire. In a few minutes they were done and he carefully placed the plate in front of her, the volume of meat easily enough to satisfy even the largest of men's hunger.

She found silverware in one of the cabinets and handed Lynn a fork, spoon and knife before seating herself. She cut into the meat and ate with gusto. "This is delicious!"

"I aim to please." He smiled at her enjoyment

They ate in companionable silence and eventually she had to push the plate away. It had been years since she'd had a full belly and she was grateful to Lynn for it now. "Thank you." She paused and then bashfully asked, "How long have you worked for your Master?"

Lynn dabbed at his face with a napkin as he thought for a long moment. "I worked here ten years before his birth my lady and will still be here until my dying day."

"How old is he?" Now she was curious. She was only 18. She thought the beast was very old but maybe not.

"He is 32 my lady, a fine age for a lord if I do say so myself. He was indeed in his prime before his condition arose. A charismatic leader who held grand festivals once a season for his everyone to attend."

So the beast was older than herself but not by much. "He was well liked then?"

"He was favored by many, he was the leader of a once grand and incorruptible army which rid the lands of evil bandits that had plagued the trading routes for years." Lynn's eyes filled with joy as he remembered the days before the curse 

"He must have angered someone for them to do this to him." Lilandra didn't know anything about powers but she had heard that some of the people beyond her little valley possessed them. Her mother used to regale her with stories about such people but because Lilandra didn't see any in use she dismissed it as just stories. Now she wasn't so sure. Just like her mother used to tell her that there were beasts who could talk. And now she lived in a place where a beast did indeed talk. All her doubts were on shaking ground.

"Indeed he did anger someone, sweet lady. He angered the leader of those barbaric and brutal bandits. The men took her into custody because she was known to be treacherous and her punishment would have been banishment had she not attacked the master."

"What did they do to her?"

"She was executed instead, attacking the master usually only comes with a flogging or prison. However, he was changed that fateful day. Alas the poor misguided Zitomira was no more."

The name stirred something in her memory but it was illusive so she dismissed it.

Quietly Lynn cleared the table of the meal and contents, laying them aside to be washed later. "I believe it is time for some rest, my lady."

"Yes, yes of course." She stood but then she had a horrible thought. "Am I to meet with the beast again this evening? Will he..." she couldn't complete the sentence.

"Not tonight no. Tomorrow perhaps when you are fully healed. Have you reconsidered the master's kind offer, my lady?"

She looked away from Lynn. Kind offer? That was a nice way of putting what mostly amounted to a rape on the part of the beast. "I have to think some more," she stammered.

He nodded and held his arm out for Lilandra to take. "I do hope you reach a decision by tomorrow night, the encounters go so much more smoothly if one is willing."

"I understand," she whispered.

They walked back to her room in silence, his hand gently resting on her arm in a small gesture of comfort. "The master will see you after dinner tomorrow night. Rest well, my lady." With that said, he silently left the room. Only the sound of the door closing and the lock clicking into place could be heard.

She looked at the door and then went to the bed and started crying softly. She was afraid and she had no one to confide her fears in. Finally sleep claimed her and she slept dreamlessly. 



Love's Curse Ch. 09



The beast has fangs
The beast has claws
The beast has no soul
Beware the touch of the beast for it shall corrupt.
=================================================

Lilandra watched as Lynn once again left with her dinner tray. Tomorrow night she would have to face the beast and give him her virginity. The very prospect scared her. With a sinking heart she knew she would suffer the same fate as other girls who'd had the misfortune of gracing the beast's bed. She went to her bed and lay there tossing and turning. She would find no sleep this night.

****
Lynn took the uneaten meal back to the kitchens with a sigh. He had not meant to cause her distress but Lilandra was healed and time was up. She would either survive the Master's attentions or die trying. He wanted to believe that she would but he wasn't so sure. He spent time cleaning up the kitchen before heading toward the East Wing to await his master's midnight arrival. He was greeted by the sounds of the Prince returning back to his human form. 

Aries twisted his neck to each side, listening to the clicks and sighing. When Lynn entered he spoke quickly, "I have a plan Lynn and we must do it now if this is to go smoothly."

Lynn looked at his Master in surprise. "Of course, sire. What did you have in mind?"

Aries slipped on a silk robe, wrapping it around himself while speaking, "Blindfold her and shackle her to the bed, I will take her in this form. This way we will satisfy the curse and preserve her life."

Lynn's eyebrows rose and he gaped at Aries. "But, why?" He wasn't sure what he was asking his Master. He was surprised by the fact that his Master was concerned for Lilandra and that he had chosen to come to her in human form rather than take her virginity as a beast. Even as he tried to wrap his mind around his Master's odd behavior he was already grabbing a blindfold and shackles from a nearby table.

"Because I am sick and tired of being the cause of death to innocent young women! Now go!"

Lynn gave a quick bow and hurried toward Lilandra's room. The idea of shackling her pricked his conscious but he would do as his Master had bid. He unlocked the door to her room and quietly pushed it open. He spied her prone figure on the bed and with a quick prayer to the fates he crept toward her, the shackles feeling heavy in his hands. He stopped at the edge of the bed and looked down at her. It was best to blindfold her first he decided. He reached forward to do so but froze when her eyes opened and she looked up at him.

"What are you doing?" Her tone was fearful as she gazed up at him.

"It is to help you sleep better my lady, the light of the full moon tends to shine through the curtains brightly at this time of night."

The shackles were hidden below the edge of the bed as he slid the blindfold over her face. "Trust me my lady, when have I ever lead you wrong?"

She shivered but allowed him to blindfold her. He had not harmed her in any way. He had only been kind and gentle. She did trust him and so she lay still as the blindfold slid into place and the brilliant light of the moon was replaced by darkness.

He softly stroked her cheek, feeling his conscience arguing with him about what he was going to do. In the silence that followed the only sound that was heard was the clicking of the shackles as her wrists were chained to the bedposts. Softly he whispered, "Forgive me, my lady, but the master has decided that the time is now. I hope you have made the right decision..."

She stiffened at his words and started to struggle but he had already firmly shackled her. She whimpered in fear. "Please, Lynn. Not this way," she whispered as a single tear slid down her cheek.

He said nothing, only walked away and the sound of the door being opened pierced the night and he was gone.

Small tremors of fear wracked her petite frame as the silence grew heavy. She could hear her harsh breathing in the stillness and the increased beating of her heart was loud in her ears as she lay there helpless awaiting the arrival of Lynn's beast Master. She had thought she would have until tomorrow night to prepare but that offer had apparently not been true. So like a beast to impulsively change its mind. She wished he would come and get it over with. She asked the fates to take her quickly if the pain was too much. Her only regret was that she did not get a chance to tell the mystery man good-bye.

The door opened with a soft creak, a soft breeze blowing through the room, filling it with the scent of roses. The quiet sound of bare feet walking across the flagstones could be heard, accompanied by the sound of smooth silk crumpling to the floor.

Lilandra squeezed her eyes shut even though she couldn't see. Her mouth instantly became dry and her heart beat even harder. She was going to be raped! She felt every muscle in her body tense in dread.

The bed dipped as the unknown visitor moved upon it. However it did not dip as much as it should have. It seemed as if someone much lighter had crawled upon it. Soft, delicately manicured hands slid her dress up her thighs, exposing her pale flesh to the cool night air, gently stroking her skin.

Lilandra noticed none of this as her frightened mind conjured up the horrible pain she imagined she was about to experience. The touch on her skin froze her and confusion set in. It felt like a hand, not a claw. Had the beast decided to let another man rape her in its stead? She whimpered. She was going to become the slut her father had proclaimed her to be.

The figure leaned down, his hot breath brushing the side of her neck moments before delicate fluttering kisses graced its surface. The lips were soft and moist, giving the most exquisite feelings as the hands on her thighs slowly slid up her body. Her midriff exposed, the hands softly massaged her flesh, still heading upwards towards her pert breasts. The movements were gentle, compassionate, seeking to grant her the most pleasure they could possibly conjure up.

She felt her body growing hot and her mind whirled. What was going on? Why did she feel such nice sensations where she was being touched? She blushed when her nipples hardened and a whimper of want slipped from her mouth. She wasn't sure what her body wanted but at the moment she was too busy exploring the new feelings she was experiencing.

The hot breath disappeared from her neck only to moments later fall upon the slope of her breast. Once more the fluttering kisses tickled her skin, heading slowly down to her nipple as the firm globe of desire was grasped by the manicured hands and firmly squeezed in lust.

She gasped and clamped her legs shut even as she shifted. She heard the shackles clank but she couldn't seem to make up her mind if she was moving away or toward the touch of her silent visitor.

The lips upon her nipple suckled like a newborn babe, flicking the hard nub between his teeth. His rough tongue sending shivers of ecstasy through her petite frame. Gently and subtly, his free hand slid down her abdomen once more and tenderly through her downy pubic hair.

When the fingers touched her down there she gasped and whispered, "No, please, don't." She remembered how the mayor had used his fingers on her pussy and how disgusting it made her feel. She didn't want to feel that way again.

Softly, the figure spoke, his voice laced with desire and caring, "Sh, it will only hurt a moment...then you will feel such pleasure."

That voice! She recognized that voice!

"Is it you?" she asked as she went completely still beneath his hands. If it was he then she wanted to see his face if he was going to take her virginity. She could tolerate it if it was the kind man from the forest.

There was a long moment of pause, his hands still upon her body. Quietly he spoke to her once more, his tone still caring and loving, "Yes, the master sent me to prepare you, so you would know the pleasures of a caring man at least once in your lifetime."

"Please, may I see you then? I do not like this blindfold." If it was the man from the forest then she wanted to be able to look upon him as he gave her pleasure. She wanted to remember his face and this night so that she would be fortified for her time with the beast.

Once more there was a moment of hesitation before the blindfold was slowly removed. The figure above her was illuminated by the moonlight as it shone through her window. He looked perfect at this moment, sleek and toned, like a wolf on the hunt.

Her mouth fell open in a perfect "O" of surprise as she gazed on his upper body. The sight of it mesmerized her. Her father and her brothers all had very hairy chests but this man before her had just enough that he didn't look like a youth but didn't look like some disgusting unkempt farmer.

His face formed into a lust filled smile as he leaned down, their lips meeting in a tender kiss, slowly building in passion. Once more his hands began to move across her body, her inner thigh gently being caressed in invitation to open for him.

She didn't refuse him as her legs parted farther and she kissed him back. She'd never been kissed like this. The few kisses she'd been forced to endure had come at the hands of her father and brothers and most recently at the hands of a neighbor's farmhand. She had been disgusted every time but this time it felt different. It made her body flush with heat. Her confused gaze locked on to his face. What were these feelings running through her?

Slowly his inquiring fingertips slid further up her thigh, stroking every inch of flesh that came into reach. The tips tentatively met her moistening lips, slowly slipping up and down their length, feeling them engorge beneath his touch.

"Oh!" she gasped and then closed her legs. That feeling she remembered. It was the one the mayor had caused when his fingers had slid inside her. She turned red in embarrassment and twisted against the shackles.

Once more his hushed, concerned voice was heard. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

She squeezed her eyes closed. How was she to explain to him that another had done those things to her and she had felt dirty but with him it didn't feel that way?

His lips once more met hers gently, hoping to ease the tension within her body. "I will not hurt you, my lady."

"It's not you, it's me," she gasped as she opened her eyes to look at him. Green eyes met blue ones. Hers were wary and afraid. "The mayor, he," she stopped and blushed. "He did what you did but I did not like it," she added.

His hand gently caressed her face, looking deeply into her eyes. "Would it help if you were unshackled, my lady? The master has alas allowed only an hour for me to be with you."

She bit her lip and nodded. The shackles were starting to chafe. Only an hour! But she wanted to be with him longer.

The click of the shackles pierced the quiet air as her wrists came free, "Better?" His aroused member could now be felt resting against her knee, hot and throbbing.

Her eyes widened and she stared at him, afraid to look down. "Yes," she gulped as she clutched at the sheets underneath her.

His hand caressed her face once more, "Look down, it'll help." Against her leg, his member was an easy seven inches, instead of the shocking eighteen inches of his bestial side.

"It's going to fit inside me?" she asked dubiously as she looked at him first timidly then with curiosity.

He smiled and nodded slowly at her, "Indeed, it will easily fit within you."

"All right." She reached out and touched his face, marveling at the soft yet firm cheekbones. Her hand trailed down his face, to his neck and to his chest. She felt that wetness between her legs again and she blushed but she guessed it was all right because he wasn't complaining that her body was doing it.

As his fingers felt the wetness, his smile increased and the tips began to stroke her lips once more. Slowly they circled her clit, watching her reaction.

She felt a moan escape her lips and she opened her legs further. "More, please," she begged.

He gladly granted her pleading request, allowing his fingers to slide within her tight, virgin opening. As he moved them back and forth, he added a scissors movement, gently stretching her to allow for easier entrance for his aching member.

She could feel more wetness coming from her body and her breasts were tingling. "Your name? Please, you've never told me your name," she said even as she arched her back and pushed her lush breasts toward him.

"All will be revealed in time my lady,"

His fingers slowly withdrew from her entrance as his waist slid between her thighs. His head dipped down towards her perfect round globes, once more sucking her teats into his mouth.

She wasn't sure what to do with her hands but then they were going around him to his back. Her nails grazed him.

A long breath came from his lips as he lined his tip up with the mouth of her pussy. He ran the head of his pulsing cock up and down her lips, getting it wet enough for easy penetration. "Are you ready?"

She wasn't but she said, "yes," anyway.

With consent given, his hips gradually leaned forwards, pushing his hot, solid cock into Lilandra's warm, wet, tight depths.

She flinched when she felt the pain and then frowned. The pain only lasted for a moment and she stared at him, wondering what was going to happen next.

When her face frowned in puzzlement, he smirked once more and began to draw his thick length out of her grasping passage. When only the head was still within her, he pushed back into her, a little faster, just enough to intensify the pleasure and make her want more.

Her eyes grew wide and she gasped and then wiggled. She felt full down there and felt a nice warm feeling creeping through her body.

Soft lips touched her neck, tender flitting kisses. The touch was like the wings of a butterfly, light yet felt. Slowly he moved down to her shoulder as he worshipped the skin before him. His artful caresses and kisses stimulated her virgin body and made her moan even louder. 

She was so hot! When was he going to quench this flame? 

His hips sawed back and forth, working his erect member within her. Each stroke stoked the fire within her till it seemed as if she would burn up with the feeling. A fine sheen of sweat coated his muscles as each drive forward was punctuated with a loud slap of skin as his hips met hers.

She felt a budding sensation of something but then it hit her and her body seized up and fine tremors that grew began washing over her body and caused her to cry out her passion in surprise and delight.

Hungrily, he bit down upon her nipple as he felt his own climax rocket towards him. The sudden increased tightness of his lover setting off the most intense pleasure he had ever experienced. He threw his head back and roared in orgasm, the sounds ricocheting off the walls and ceiling. Within her fertile depths, his potent seed exploded forth from his tip. The thick, hot, sticky substance coated her walls and penetrated deep into her womb.

The bite to her nipple made her wince in pain and gasp but then another orgasm hit her at the same time as his and she was drowning in sensations.

Gradually his hips began to slow till he held still within her. His length fully penetrated, plugged and sealed her, holding his life giving sperm within her. His breathing was heavy and coming in long breaths that flowed across her chest. Both of their bodies were coated in a slick layer of sweat and juices that gave the air a sensual aroma.

"I'm glad the beast chose you to be my first," she whispered. "I don't think I could have survived if he had been the one to take my virginity from me." She shuddered as she thought of the pain that would have caused. 

Before she could stop herself, she yawned. She suddenly felt very sleepy. Her eyes started to close but she did manage to ask one last thing before sleep claimed her. She didn't hear his answer however for she peacefully slept.

Softly he bent down and whispered his answer in her ear before slowly sliding from her body and bed. He glanced towards the clock on her wall and realized that his time was almost up. He slid his robe around himself once more and headed out, locking the door behind him once more and heading for his chambers.

Lynn was waiting for him in the hallway. "Hurry sire. You only have five minutes left before your hour is up!"

Aries was not worried however and almost leisurely strolled along the halls. "Her door is locked Lynn, the halls are wide enough to accommodate my wing span, what is there to hurry for?"

"I do not know why I feel such urgency this night. I apologize." Lynn wasn't sure why he was in a hurry to get his master back to the east wing. Even he was confused by his strange behavior.

"Perhaps it is that you feel guilty for shackling her to the bed? Feel free to discard those feelings Lynn. She quite enjoyed it once released. It was my idea and you had no choice."

Lynn gave Aries a startled glance. He had been feeling guilty about blindfolding and shackling the young woman. He had thought it very cruel. He was happy to find out that Aries had released her. The thought of her lying there bound and blind had bothered him a great deal.

Aries walked into his room and hung the robe inside his dressing room, emerging just in time to transform back into the ferocious beast he was cursed to be.

"Master, forgive me for being so bold but may I ask a question?"

Aries twisted his head from side to side, his neck popping loudly as he stretched. Growling softly in satisfaction he nodded in approval. "You know you may ask me anything Lynn. Whether or not you get an answer is another matter."

Lynn gave a rueful chuckle but then grew serious. "Why go to her in your human form? You do know what will happen, don't you?"

"Eventually she will realize the connection Lynn. If she doesn't then alas she will fall victim to a rough night with this side. I'll be damned if I try for six months only to find that she can't make a simple connection."

Lynn shook his head. His master was putting entirely too much faith in the girl. Lynn didn't know if she had it in her to figure it out. And he wasn't sure if his master had time left for such a wait. "As you will it, sire."

Aries walked quietly over to the large balcony and opened the doors wide. The night air flowed in like a tide, cool and crisp. He turned his head back to Lynn a moment and spoke softly. "You saw her reaction to the roses...she will see what truly lies beneath." He spread his wings and dove off the balcony, gliding off into the night once more.

Lynn watched his master go and hoped that Aries’s faith was not misplaced. True the girl was the first to see past the rose but would she be so observant when it came to the man and the beast?





Love's Curse Ch. 10



Chapter 10: I Can't Take It!

Evil lurks in the sunshine, plots to avenge a lie.
Beware my beloved for evil's face is a beautiful one that hides malice.

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

The cloaked man looked furtively about. He only had a few more feet to go before he would reach the rebels' encampment. He had seen the fearsome beast as well as the beautiful young lady who had been brought to the castle. She was different from the others. In fact she looked disturbingly familiar but he couldn't place her. Maybe Discious would have an answer. He stopped and let out a series of whistles and clicks. He was soon answered and he proceeded on his way. He stopped outside the ornate tent and took a deep breath before entering the semi-lit interior. He promptly dropped to the ground his forehead pressed against it as he waited for General Discious to speak.

In front of the visitor sat a well built muscular man, his body solid as brick with an impassive gaze to match. His body was covered from head to toe with many scars making his once handsome features grotesque and frightening. At the moment he was studying a map of the surrounding area a bottle of fine vintage wine sat beside him. He brought the bottle to his fat lips and took a long swig of its aged contents. His eyes fell upon the spy kneeling on his floor, and he spoke with a deep voice that had long ago inspired fear into his enemies and courage in his soldiers. It had once been filled with power and elegance; however, age, battle and drink had warped and decayed it to a low, dangerous rumble. "Speak! What information do you bring me?"

"The beast has brought another girl to the castle. And she looks familiar my lord."

"Another lamb to the slaughter then. Familiar how?" Discious raised a thick eyebrow in question, his patience running short already. He was not one for mystery or anticipation. 

"I don't know how to explain it, my lord," the spy nervously stammered. He wished he had a way to show the General the girl's face maybe then the man would understand.

"You may not, but I do." Discious rose from his chair, flexing his gauntlet clad hands and walked towards his spy, Elfred. "You have been good to me Elfred so I will not destroy your mind for not being accurate with important details. I will make you wish I had..."

"No my lord, please, I beg of you, just give me a few moments to remember!" Elfred's eyes widened as Discious approached and he pleadingly raised his hands in front of him. 

"Your time is up Elfred, now it is time to see what you know." Discious' hand hovered above his spy's head as he spoke, his words ominous and cold. His hand descended in a hammer like movement, his iron grip clinching his spy's head in a tight grip that threatened to crush Elfred's skull.

Screams rent the air as Elfred's mind was dissected, probed, examined and evaluated. Finally, Discious found what he had been looking for in the forefront of his spy's mind. What he saw made his blood run cold and his heart to ache painfully. She was almost a mirror image to his wife Zitomira, but he knew they had never borne children. Zitomira's sister, however, had born two sons and a daughter. It was clear to him what the beast was trying to do. He was trying to break the blood curse Zitomira had laid upon his soul. Discious would not let this happen, the beast must suffer for all time for what he had done to the people of {insert name of Zitomira's people.}

Elfred collapsed backwards when released, pale and cold, but still alive. Discious turned to his lieutenant and spoke in a rumble fuelled by growing rage. "Assemble the troops Falcor. We march on the city in two days. And have someone see to Elfred, he will be awakening in a few hours and I do not wish to listen to his screams again."

"Yes, General!" Falcor easily scooped up the much lighter Elfred and carried him from the tent.

"Sssso what did you see?" hissed a voice from the darkest corner of the room.

"I saw a vision of beauty that I thought had been lost to the sands of time. It seems Aquene's daughter has turned up alive and well." Discious' eyes narrowed as he looked at the picture of his wife that sat upon his mantle. 

The hissing increased for a moment before a giant snake-like creature emerged from the shadows. "Aquene had the ssstronger powersss of the two but ssshe chossse not to ussse them. If ssshe did indeed have a daughter thisss would work to our advantage. Are you planning on capturing her?"

"On the contrary, Syn, I plan on rescuing her. When she sees how the beast reacts to his palace being stormed by an angry mob of townsfolk sick of their daughters being murdered, she'll walk right into our open and waiting arms."

"I hope you are right. I have learned that femalesss are not the predictable creaturesss we wisssh them to be."

"This is true...Zitomira was a prime specimen of that, such guile in her. She could worm her way out of a firing squad. Have your spies stir up some trouble in tow. When my men arrive as 'peace keepers' they will gladly back our plan to overthrow Aries. His day of judgment is about to arrive for destroying our people."

"Assss you wisssh, General. I hope this plan of yoursss worksss and that the girl isss grateful." Syn bowed and then disappeared into the night.

Falcor entered a moment later. "Can we trust him? He seems to have his own agenda."

"He has his uses for now...once we have control of the palace we can deal with those useless reptiles."

"Of course, General. The men will be prepared to move in the morning."

"Excellent, now leave me, I have things I must deal with."

He motioned towards his concubines, beckoning them towards his bed. "You may take Maria tonight for your good work Falcor. Be gentle with her, she likes to bite certain places if you are too rough."

Falcor chuckled but held out his hand as the beautiful redhead came to him and they left the tent with her giggles filling the air.

"Ahhh Verina, my beautiful dark shadow, come to me. Show me how much you have missed me." Discious smiled in lust as he motioned to his remaining concubine, her chocolate skin glistening in the warm night air and the scent of fragrant oils tantalized his senses. 

Verina smiled as she slid into his arms.

*********

Lynn looked over the reports he had received and sighed. Trying to find and recruit those who had once served his prince was becoming frustrating. Most had turned to less than stellar ways of living and the few he would trust were missing or dead. He looked at the clock. His prince should be arriving soon to discuss with him his findings. Sighing he rose and headed for the east wing. He entered the room and laid the reports on the table.

The air momentarily shuddered as the beat of leathery wings was heard, accompanied by the soft clicking of talons on marble floor. A few moments later the groans of transformation bounced off the walls as Aries returned to his true form. "Ow..."

"Sire, are you hurt?" Lynn looked at his master in alarm and raced over to take a look.

"It's nothing, I was careless and almost landed on a 'monster' hunter from another land come to 'slay' me." Aries shook his head and ignored the blood dripping from his arm as he reached for a towel to wrap the long gash in.

"It is not just nothing, my lord!" Lynn retorted curtly as he grabbed some salve and moved the towel out of Aries' reach and began working on the gash.

"Then what would you call a five feet tall man armed with a short sword and padded archer armor against...well me?" He hissed and glared at his friend as the salve was applied. "It's no worse than when I was stabbed in the leg with a pitchfork for killing a cow."

Lynn glared at Aries. "This is no joking matter, my liege! Do you wish to die a beast?" he snarled as he finished the salve and firmly bound up Aries' arm.

Aries looked shocked a moment and put his free hand on his hip. "Lynn, a little cut is hardly going to kill me. I've landed in trees that have done more damage than he did, you didn't fret this much when that happened. What's eating you tonight?"

Lynn turned away and stomped over to the table where he had placed the reports. He fought for and regained his composure. "I have been hunting for your loyal soldiers and they are in short supply. The few who could be trusted are dead or missing. And as for getting support from the villages, they have either forgotten you or do not care for corruption has filled them all and they now rule individually. If you want your kingdom back I'm not sure how it will happen."

"The same way my ancestors did...diplomacy and, if necessary, by force." Aries looked into the mirror a moment and sighed long and low.

"Force?" Lynn snorted. "What force, my lord? We HAVE no troops. No one will follow a beast," his voice dripped with bitterness. Once his liege had been revered, feared and respected. But those glory days were long past.

Aries walked over and gently placed his hand on Lynn's shoulder. "We will manage Lynn, you say the villages are full of corruption, yes? Then we can use that to our advantage. If we can keep even one village for now then we will have a foothold from which to work. They did not fear me before because of my looks or my physical ability but because of my mind. Trust me Lynn, all will be well."

Lynn sighed. He had serious misgivings but kept them to himself. "Miss Lilandra is recovering very well. She asked about her mystery visitor. I told her I did not know all your plans and was unaware of the identity of her nighttime visitor. She seemed disappointed but then recovered remarkably well when we went for a walk in the gardens."

"I'm glad that she is doing well." Aries nodded and smiled, turning away from Lynn for a moment to don his robe, the light catching the scars that decorated his back from many battles, keeping his kingdom safe. 

"I worry about her sometimes. There is a sadness she bears but I'm afraid to ask her. And she stops every time to stare at the black rose." Lynn waited for Aries' instructions.

"Perhaps I should leave a specimen in her room then? One wonders what her reaction would be. Press her on why she seems sad, sometimes you have to endure a bit of pain before you can truly see the extent of an old wound."

"Yes, sire. Now, here are the reports. I have ordered them from the most corrupt to the least corrupt, but that isn't saying much. I am also still attempting to locate your four loyal generals that are missing."

"Indeed, it is rather strange that all four would disappear like that. Thank you Lynn, I'll look over them this evening. See to it that the chessboard is setup tomorrow night. I have a feeling our guest may naturally know how to play."

"As you wish. Are you going to disturb her tonight?" Lynn asked.

Aries thought for a long moment as he stared into the mirror. "Yes, I believe I will, but not like this. I've noticed I'm getting a little shaggy in my other form. Tell me, is she any good with a brush and some scissors?"

"I don't know, sire. I don't think I've ever asked. What do you have in mind?" Lynn gave him a sideways look.

The prince smile broadened as he turned to look at Lynn, "Something to ease her tension around me, something to hint that this beast's bark is worse than his bite." He paused for a moment before finishing, "A haircut"

Lynn gaped at him but then belatedly closed his mouth and cleared his throat. "Of course, sire. Do you wish that to be the first thing she does in the morning after breakfast?"

"Indeed, nothing better than a haircut and a bath. It'll give her a chance to also realize that the boa between my legs that she saw a few nights ago doesn't bite either."

"You jest now but we shall see my lord. I will continue to try to find your generals sire. They have to be somewhere." Lynn shook his head.

"Thank you Lynn, that will be all for tonight. Hopefully all will go well tomorrow also."

Lynn left the reports on the table, gave Aries a bow and left his Prince to his thoughts.

Aries lifted the reports from the table and walked over to the balcony, reading by moonlight, thinking to himself as he read each one formulating various plans.

*****

The heat from the morning rays of the sun gently caressed Lilandra's skin waking her. She lay there rubbing the sleep from her eyes before realizing that she was sleeping later in the mornings than she used to on her father's farm. Of course at that time she had gotten up before even the rooster so that she could get all her chores done. She didn't miss the hard work or the pain her father had inflicted on her. He was once was a nice man but when her mother died, he had changed. She sighed as she rose and dressed in a simple, yet elegant yellow gown that complemented her skin and cheered her up. She would not think of such things right then. She was eager for breakfast and for another walk in the gardens.

The sound of the door unlocking signaled the daily arrival of Lynn with breakfast. There was something different this morning though, the air smelled of roses before he entered. As he entered and placed the breakfast-laden tray on the table, the light of the sun struck the thin crystal vase. Inside it was a single thornless black rose in partial bloom.

Lilandra eagerly met him at the door but stopped as her gaze swung to the rose. "For me?" she gasped and reached out to touch it but at the last second snatched her hand back.

"Indeed my lady, the master thought that since you seemed so fond of them that you should be able to examine a specimen without the glass." Lynn nodded, a slightly concerned look on his face. The master's roses had at one time been considered more valuable than gold itself. 

Lilandra blushed feeling chastised by the look on Lynn's face. It wasn't that she didn't want the gift. No one had ever given her flowers before and she was embarrassed by her lack of experience in such matters. She carefully took the container and hugged it to her body, taking a moment to savor the unique smell of the black rose.

Lynn busied himself by laying out her breakfast and the supplies needed to check her almost completely healed wounds. He quietly cleared his throat and spoke as he worked. "The master also has a request. He wants to know if you have experience with managing hair?"

Her head snapped up and she looked at him warily. "I can manage my own decently enough," she replied, not sure what he was asking her.

"It is, alas, not your own that he is inquiring about." There was a set of soft clinks as an elaborate grooming kit, suited for lengthy animal hair, was placed on the table. "As part of your duties for the master he wishes you to groom him when need. This happens roughly every 2-4 weeks."

Lilandra's eyes grew round in fear. She had to do some grooming on the horses but never had she been asked to perform the task for an intelligent talking beast. She trembled. What if she messed up? What if he hated the way she cut? Would she be punished? Would he rape her? Or worse, kill her?

"Yes, yes sir," she stammered as her head dropped down and she looked pointedly at her plate of food which was no longer appealing.

Gently Lynn placed his hand on her arm. His touch was calming and comforting. "You need not worry nor call me sir, my lady. The master simply needs a trim and has grown tired of the hands of an old man cutting off the excess length. Its main purpose is so that he dries quicker when it rains." He chuckled softly as he ate one of the thick pieces of toast on the plate. "To be honest you could probably shave half him bald, trim the rest and dye it pink and I doubt he would care as long as he didn't need to shake himself dry for a couple of weeks."

Lilandra looked at Lynn then and a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. Her nervousness eased somewhat and she began eating. "I will try," she said after a few moments.

"How is the brand doing this morning? Any pain?" He smiled and nodded once more, pouring a glass of juice and a cup of tea for her. 

"No, it feels much better. I am sorry I will forever carry it but I am glad I will not be receiving any more from my father," she replied her voice going soft.

Lynn sat down by her and gently took her hand. "The master and I are also glad that you won't receive any more like that. Now eat up. As soon as your meeting with the master is done, how would you like to explore the orchards? Perhaps even pick some apples?"

"That sounds wonderful." She was still feeling afraid but she would do her best. After all, it was all she had to give.

He smiled broadly and stood up, quietly walking towards the window and looking out over his master's kingdom, letting Lilandra finish her breakfast. On a day like this you could see all the way to what once was the heart of bandit country. Now all that remained of them were stragglers and remnants of their former glory.

"I am ready," Lilandra said, her voice breaking the quiet. She wasn't but the sooner they did this the better off she would be.

"Very well, my lady, your client awaits." He turned and motioned for her to pick up the grooming set before walking to the door and opening it for her with a flurry of grace. 

She held the tools to her chest and walked out into the hall. She followed him as he led her to a different wing of the palace. She hadn't been to this area before and she looked about curiously at the paintings and statues that filled the area.

Each of the paintings was of a former monarch, a portrait done in oil paints or a sculpture done in marble. The last portrait and statue however were missing. She wondered about that but kept silent.

Lynn swung the wide doors open to reveal the beast hanging from the rafters, his eyes closed, his long leathery wings drawn around his body like a bat. Lynn cleared his throat and the dark fur of the beast's face moved, revealing bright, piercing red eyes. His wings unfolded and he flipped down from his resting place landing on the flagstones with a thump and a loud clatter of talons. Straightening up he nestled his wings behind his back and nodded to Lilandra. "Good morning Lilandra."

"Good morning sir!" she stammered and backed up until she bumped against Lynn. Her heart was racing and her eyes were fixed firmly on the beast's face. He was very hairy indeed...

Aries slowly walked over to a stool placed in front of the balcony his wolf like tail swishing back and forth slowly over the seat, as if dusting it, before sitting down. "Begin when you are ready, take a moment to compose yourself and familiarize yourself with your tools." The wound on his arm was still visible although it had begun to heal already. "There is also a needle and some thread on the counter for when you are done."

Needle and thread? She gazed uncertainly at Lynn but his face was unreadable. "Yes sir," she said softly as she reluctantly came to the beast's side and sat the tools down on the table. Most of them were familiar. Two of them she had never seen and so she avoided them. "Where do I start?" She didn't want to begin grooming him in the wrong spot.

The prince held out an arm and flicked out his claws with a graceful movement. "You can start by filing down my nails and clipping off the rough points and edges. Make sure they are nice and smooth otherwise they start irritating their sheaths."

"How, how do I do that?" she asked, still not looking at him. None of the tools looked like things to use on nails. Well except maybe for the file. But he had also said she had to clip his nails. How in the world was she supposed to do that?

Lynn was by her side in a heartbeat and leaned down indicating the nail clipper. "If I may sire?"

The Prince nodded slightly and Lynn picked up the clipper and made sure Lilandra was watching as he clipped away the burrs that had developed as Aries' nails had grown. Once this was done, he took the file and wore away the rough edges till the nail was perfectly smooth.




Love's Curse Ch. 10



He handed her the clippers and file and smiled. "Simple, my lady."

Lilandra gulped and picked up the clippers and went to a claw and tentatively began clipping the nails.

The Prince sat in silence, breathing long and low. He watched the landscape outside and spoke softly, not moving in case he startled her. "Did you enjoy the rose Lilandra?"

She froze in the act of reaching for the nail file. "Yes." Her voice trembled slightly but she grabbed the file and went back to working on his nails.

He nodded now, the dark fur on his face curling into a smile that revealed a long row of razor sharp fangs. "That's good to know. A dog's bite isn't always as bad as his bark."

She wasn't so sure about that but she finished first one claw then the remaining two. She had to admit his claws didn't look so threatening when filed and trimmed.

"Very good work Lilandra. I assume you know how to trim and smooth animal hair yes? The same as human hair except the brush is coarser." He lifted his claw up to admire her work and nodded in approval.

"Yes sir, I do." She picked up the detangling comb and with trembling hands began working on his fur. She remained tense, just waiting for the moment when the beast would turn on her.

Unexpectedly he gently stopped her hands and held them, drawing them close to his face. "Discard your fear Lilandra, see that not all beasts are rough horrifying animals with no compassion. Most are merely misunderstood, only knowing to follow their instincts...like the wolves in the forest when you were bathing. They only followed you because they reacted to your blood."

She froze and stared at him. How had he known about that night in the forest? The only other person there had been the man who had taken her virginity. Unless this beast had been watching her even then. Her fear rose again but she managed to keep it off her face. "Yes sir," she replied meekly, only briefly looking up at him and then away.

He gently placed her hand upon his furry face, letting her feel its surprising soft silkiness. It wasn't rough like horsehair, but smooth like a wolf. "How could I hurt a creature as kind and beautiful as you Lilandra?"

This time she did look at him in surprise. He thought her beautiful? Maybe this beast had poor eyesight. "Nay, I am not beautiful," she protested, a blush stealing across her cheeks.

"On the contrary, you remind me of my great aunt Sicile. In her time she was said to be the kind of woman who men wrote songs about. I am sure that if bards still came to our lands then there would be entire symphonies honoring your beauty."

Lilandra only laughed bitterly. She was not beautiful. She had seen beautiful. Her mother was beautiful but she was not. Her father had told her often enough.

"Why such bitterness in your laughter Lilandra? One such as you should not feel something so negative." The piercing deep blues of his eyes met her in concern.

"I'm not beautiful. You must have poor eyesight. I have seen beauty and I do not have it. I am plain." She went back to untangling his hair and then brushed the strands smooth.

"Exactly Lilandra, plain is always the most beautiful of all..." This time it was Aries' turn to chuckle at her words.

He was crazy but she wasn't going to say that aloud. So she remained silent and groomed him.

He fell quiet and settled for once more looking at the landscape as she worked over his lengthy fur. It took her several hours but then she was finished. She had combed out all the tangles and then cut it in such a way that it was out of the way and cooling him at the same time. Aries stood and walked slowly over to the full-length mirror, admiring her work. "Very good Lilandra, your skills appear to rival even Lynn's. I hope you enjoy your walk in the orchards today."

She gave a sigh of relief, dropped into a curtsy and then walked backward until she was beside Lynn.

The prince walked towards the large bay windows and spread his wings wide before launching himself into the air, the sound of his wings rumbling on the air.

She watched him leave and then turned trembling to Lynn. She wasn't sure if it was from fear or something else. "Please, may we take that walk now?"

"Of course, my lady, you have done well today, he seemed to enjoy that more than he usually does." He bowed his head slightly and gently took her arm in his leading her out of the master's chambers.

The words brought little comfort to Lilandra. She was very confused. Later she would try and sort her feelings out. They walked in relative silence along the corridors, their footsteps echoing as each struck the marble floors.

When they walked outside and the warmth of the sun touched her skin she relaxed. "May I see the rose gardens?" she asked timidly.

"As you wish, my lady. I will gladly show you them,"

"When will the gardeners be back?" Lilandra asked once she had taken a moment to breathe in the clean outside air.

"In a few days, they come only once a week, but they do an amazing job." Lynn walked slowly with her, admiring the way the sunlight shone upon her face. The prince was right she was most beautiful.

She felt so alone. What she really longed for was another woman to talk to. Most of her life she had been surrounded by males and the females she had encountered had been very spiteful to her despite her best overtures of friendship.

He continued walking with her for a few minutes before clearing his throat and inquiring in a worried tone, "Is there something wrong, my lady? You seem awfully quiet suddenly."

"I don't want to seem ungrateful but I need to speak to a woman," she admitted, her face red in embarrassment.

Lynn was taken aback by this and paused mid-step as he took this in. "Oh it's not ungrateful, my lady, it's just that there aren't any women who would willingly live around the palace with the master. Most think that they will perish in the night."

Lilandra's expression crumpled. "Is there no way for me to go into the village and speak with a wise woman?"

"What would you need to speak of with a wise woman?" His own expression was curious.

"I just need to speak to one," she said defensively. His tone reminded her of her father's voice. Her father used that same tone when she had gone to him frantic because she was bleeding from between her legs. She hadn't known that what was happening was a normal thing for a female. Her mother had died before telling her about such things.

He nodded and smiled a bit. "Alright, would you like to go now or tomorrow? I believe we still have a few hours of daylight left."

"Can I please go now?" she hated to beg but she really, really wanted to be around people other than the beast and Lynn.

Once more he nodded and steered them towards the coach yard, "As you wish, my lady. I do hope nothing is the matter, I would hate to think that I have let you become ill."

Lilandra felt guilt prick her conscience. "It is nothing much. Just woman to woman things," she hastily reassured him.

"Of course, my lady. I would not dream to be able to tell you of such things."

Lynn of course did know, he had been the aide to the former Queen and birthed the current prince himself when the doctor had been unable to attend due to an epidemic in the city. But something now told him not press the issue with Lilandra.

Lilandra gave him a grateful look and turned to face the coach that had pulled up in front of them. Finally, human companionship! She couldn't wait.

He politely opened the door for her and helped her up the steps, making sure she didn't stumble or fall. Once he was sure she was inside, he climbed up on to the coachman's bench and twitched the reins, urging the horses into a gentle canter.

On the way to the village, Lilandra's thoughts tumbled about. She had made a decision. She was going to run away from this place and go hide in some other village. Start completely over. She knew that even though the beast had let the mystery man take her virginity that didn't mean he wasn't going to force himself on her. The very thought was unbearable and frightening. She'd rather take her chances in a new place than risk her sanity and life with the beast. She would miss Lynn and she was going to miss her mystery man but she wanted to live. So she was going to the wise woman to seek guidance.

The carriage jolted and rocked as it headed along the corroded and worn road, the village coming into sight. Workers in the fields shot frightened and angry looks at the carriage all of which Lynn seemed oblivious to. Eventually the carriage entered the village and pulled up outside the cottage of the local wise woman. Lynn hopped down and opened the door for Lilandra and held his arm out for her to take.

Lilandra stepped out and shivered at the tension in the air and the angry glares from the few villagers who were watching them. She hurried by Lynn and up the walkway to the door. She knocked timidly and almost jumped when the door was opened. Looking at Lynn one more time she forced herself to be calm and went inside. The smell of incense and herbs assaulted her nose and she had to gulp to keep from being sick from the cloy smells. "Ma'am, please, I seek your wisdom," she stammered.

"Ah, yes you would not be the first bride of the beast to come to me. Many came to get something to end their lives. Others came for something to end his," the woman cackled. She brushed back a strand of graying hair and looked at Lilandra.

Lilandra gasped and backed up a step. The woman's left eye socket was empty and a jagged scar ran from the top of her forehead down to her cheekbone. "Does my appearance frighten you?" the woman asked casually.

"Yes!" Lilandra had never been known for tact, a thing that had often gotten her into trouble.

The woman laughed. "Honesty, child, will get you everywhere. Remember that. Since you have been honest with me, I shall be honest with you. You wish to escape the beast, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am. I fear for my life."

"I have a way for you to flee it but you must be fearless when the time comes. Do you think you can do that?"

Lilandra considered the woman's words. She didn't think of herself as a brave person but for once, she truly believed she could be if it meant saving her life. "Yes, ma'am, I can."

"Good, good. Come here." The woman turned from Lilandra and rummaged around in a wicker basket full of packets. She pulled out two and handed them to Lilandra.

"Listen carefully. The packet with the red string is for the beast. The one with the blue string is for the man who brought you here. When you are ready to flee you must pour this in their drink. It will make them sleep for a full day. Then, and only then, will you be able to escape. Do you have a place to flee to?"

"I had not really thought about it. I was going to the next village I could find."

The woman shook her head. "Listen to me. Make your way here and I will help you hide in a land where the beast holds no power."

Lilandra gave the woman a startled glance. A land the beast did not know? Was that even possible? She wasn't sure whether or not she believed that particular proclamation by the wise woman but she was desperate and anything right now was better than her other choices. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Very good then. I will be awaiting you. Now you had best go. The beast's servant is waiting."

Lilandra nodded to the woman and tucking the packets into her dress top she hurried back to the carriage and Lynn. 

Lynn watched a group of suspicious looking men when the door opened, jolting him from his monitoring of them. When he glanced back, they were gone. "Ah, my lady, success I trust?"

"Yes, she was helpful. I feel better now." And this was true. Now that she had a definite plan of action she did feel better.

He nodded and once more opened the carriage door for her, helping her up into it before mounting the bench and setting off to the palace.



Love's Curse Ch. 11



Chapter 11: Run!

Confused heart,
Diverse paths,
Choices are made and kept.


The ride back seemed long to Lilandra who was fretting over what to do. Now that she was out of the presence of the wisewoman, she had doubts as to her next course of action. She didn't want to hurt the beast or Lynn.  She felt sick to her stomach with nervousness. She wasn't sure if she could do this. As the coach rumbled into the constantly deserted courtyard, a chill wind blew across the cobbles, causing goosebumps to rise along her skin as she stepped down onto the stones. She shivered and looked around guiltily before hurrying past Lynn and into the building. She stood in the main foyer and forced herself to be calm. If she acted too scared Lynn would question her to tell him and explaining was not an option.

Lynn quietly followed her indoors, shutting them behind him, sealing out the draught. "It seems the year is moving on my lady, we will need to stoke the fire soon I fear."

She jumped and then gave him a wan smile. "Yes, a fire would be nice." She didn't add that she wouldn't be here for it.

He nodded slowly and gently linked his arm in hers slowly making their way along the dark, shrouded corridors. As she passed the entrance to the east wing, the glint of something metallic in the distance caught her eye.

She stopped in her tracks. "What was that?" She strained to see.

Lynn paused for a moment before pulling her along a little forcefully. "It is nothing that you have need to see my lady, simply some relics from the past the master would prefer to forget."

She looked at Lynn in surprise when his grip tightened and she stumbled as he made her keep moving. What was he trying to hide? But then she felt ashamed. She was hiding things. She could not afford to be angry. She looked down at the floor, lest her face betray her thoughts.

Lynn was strangely quiet as he escorted her back to her room. When they were inside, he moved to the fireplace and began to stack the logs upon it needed to being a strong fire.

Lilandra walked over to the window. She didn't say anything for a moment but then she spoke, her voice soft. "Did you want to serve your Master?"

Without missing a beat he spoke in a sincere tone. "I was serving this family long before the master was born. I watched him be born and grow to the man he has become today."

"You speak of him with affection but if you care so much for him, why did you not stop him from harming other women?"

"I have my reasons my lady and I shall stand by them until the day I pass." He struck the two lighting stones together, sending sparks into the kindling and alighting it.

She shook her head and went back to staring at the window. She couldn't understand such loyalty. She couldn't stand by someone who caused death. Yet here she was. She was so confused! Once she got away from this place she could be safe and alive.

With the fire now burning brightly, he stood up and quietly headed for the door. "I must take my leave now my lady, I hope you sleep well." 

The doors closed with an ominous creak, followed by the now common sound of the lock clicking into place.

She walked to the closet and retrieved her nightgown. She took out the packets the wisewoman had given her and placed them under her pillow. She changed clothes and slid under the covers. After several minutes she fell into a restless sleep.

*  *  *  *  *

The sound of the lock turning in to the open position pierced the crisp morning air. The scent of ash tinted the stagnant air, the fire having died hours earlier. 

As the door opened, the clink of crockery awoke Lilandra from her slumber. She roused slowly but then came fully awake when she realized that Lynn was in the room. She tried to still her panic. Had he found the two packets? "Good morning." She hoped her voice didn't sound strained.

Lynn sounded as jovial as ever as he began setting out her breakfast. "Good morning my lady, did you sleep well?"

"Yes." Which was a lie. She hadn't slept well at all. But if she said as much then Lynn would hound her into talking about it and that was something she didn't want to do.

"I am glad my lady, perhaps you would like to tour the castle this day? We have not had the chance for some time."

"That would be fine." She came and sat down and ate the prepared breakfast quickly. She looked at him and then at her nightgown, hoping he would take the hint and walk outside so that she could get dressed.

Quietly tidying up, he picked up the tray, and left the room to give Lilandra a chance to get dressed. 

Once he was gone, she hastily dressed, put the packets inside her corset and quickly brushed her hair. She knocked once on the door to let Lynn know she was ready.

The door opened and he offered her his arm. "You look amazing this day my lady."

"Thank you sir." She nervously plucked at the emerald green dress. It wasn't too tight like some of the other dresses and breathing was easier. She wondered which part of the place they would see today. So far he had shown her the gardens and the west wing. That still left a lot of area to cover.

Gently he began to lead her down an unknown corridor. It seemed to be more antique than the others and had more traditional decoration. "Today I think we shall explore the south wing, it is the area of the castle dedicated to the Master's parents."

Her eyes widened but she said nothing. She did look about and take note of the route Lynn was taking. 

As the pair progressed along there were paintings and tapestries portraying life before the dark days. Each was a grand piece of work that had taken weeks to complete. Lynn described the events depicted in each.

Lilandra was feeling overwhelmed. There was a lot of history in this place and she could feel it pressing in on her. Almost as if those of the past were judging her. She felt the guilt return for what she was going to do to Lynn. He had been a good friend to her and to have to drug him pricked her conscience. Drugging the beast however did not bother her. It was he who was holding her captive.

Gradually, the themes of the paintings and tapestries became darker and darker, descending into times of war and hatred. Finally, in front of them lay a great horizontal painting, at least 25 meters long. Its theme was the most gruesome and brutal of them all. It depicted a war zone. At the close end was a huge gorilla like man leading an invasion force into the lands of the Prince. At the far end were a regal pair, recognizable as his parents, but just barely, their faces were scarred and their hair matted with blood from the ferocious battles the days before.

Lynn seemed to gaze off as he recounted the memory of the day, "This is the last day that I or the master saw his parents alive. This was their last stand against the invading hordes who wished to conquer this land." A tear came to his eye as he continued. "I was there when they fell, fighting side by side with them, including the master. I held them in my arms as their life faded away. Their one wish was for me to look after their son no matter what the cost. I gladly accepted, for those who had given their lives for this land ask nothing but what truly matters. When their death became apparent to the master his grief was overwhelmed by his anger. An incredible rage over took him and he fought harder than ever, tooth and nail. This inspired the others and brought courage to the troops. Even though terribly outnumbered, the sheer force of retribution drove back the hordes and the land was saved."

"He was a general then in the Great War?" She was of course dimly aware of the war. Her mother had often spoken of it.

"Indeed, he was the leader of the former bandits. Their people however were scattered to the four winds decades ago. Who knows where they reside now.”

"So the beast was human once?"

"That I cannot say my lady, it has been too long to remember. Perhaps we should return, it is most likely near lunch time and the master will surely be hungry this day."

"Hungry?" she gulped. Would she finally be forced to dine with the beast? Until now she had eaten in her room or with Lynn.

"Indeed my lady, his appetite is not as frequent as humans and so I will need the full time to prepare it and an extra set of hands would be greatly appreciated."

"Of course," she stammered uneasily looking as if she were going to faint.

With a questioning glance, he held his arm out for her. "Are you all right, my lady? You look a little pale."

"I'm fine." Images of the beast ripping her to pieces and having her for a meal ran through her mind. She had to escape today. Waiting for nighttime was not an option.

Lynn nodded and slowly began walking back towards the entrance to the long corridor. "So, did you enjoy our little excursion today?"

"Yes it was very informative." And it had been. She had learned some unknown history about their region. Her mother had always said knowledge was a good thing.

A smile crossed his wrinkled features and he winked at her. "Was I right in seeing a blush come across your cheeks when you saw the portrait of the master’s father? While awaiting her answer, he slid the door to the kitchen back allowing the hot, slightly stuffy air to flow over them.

"Sir!" She had blushed a little. The man had been handsome.

He chuckled softly and motioned towards the cupboards. "Could you get out the lard while I fetch the pans?"

She obediently brought out the lard and then hastily dumped the contents of the two pouches into it. Thankfully the powder was cream colored and easily blended in with the mixture. She carried the jar over to the table.

He put several large scoops of it into the pan and brought out three large slabs of beef placing them inside. As they began to cook, he hummed to break the silence.

She watched him work and again the niggling of her conscience cried at her to tell him the truth.

He sniffed for a moment, as if smelling something not quite right, "Hmmm something doesn't seem right with these steaks..."

He bent over the pan, sniffing at the contents as he pondered what it could be that he smelled.

She felt her heart race and then she hurried over. "How often do you cook steaks? Is it every time he's hungry or is it a delicacy?" She leaned forward and sniffed. "Father would often make me cook steak. I would get beaten if they were cooked wrong." She unconsciously flinched at the memories.

"Almost every time he is hungry my dear, there is little else with the toughness he prefers in his meals. Ah, I know what it is."

His eyes lit up as he stood up and reached for a jar of spices, picking out various powders and granules, sprinkling each into the pan with care. "The Master likes his food to have a bit of fire to it."

She belatedly realized she had been holding her breath. "A bit of fire? Must be an in town thing. On the farms we eat our food bland or plain."

Lynn looked shocked for a moment, "Then you don't know what you are missing out on my lady. Here," he placed a small packet of mixed spices into her palm. "Try this with your next dinner. But be sure to bring a glass of water. Especially if you get it in your eyes by accident. It can cause horrible pain if it isn’t washed out immediately."

"I can't." She started to hand it back to him. She was feeling like the worst of criminals for what she was going to do Lynn. Maybe the advice from the wisewoman wasn't so, well, wise.

"No, no, my lady. I have plenty and you look like you could use a bit of pep in your life. At worst you could use it to defend yourself against those horrid mongrels in town."

She closed her palm around the packet and cradled it to her body. She would keep it and remember him by it. He was the only thing she would miss from this strange place.

As the steaks came to readiness, he tipped them onto a large platter and with her help, loaded it onto a small-wheeled cart. On the lower level, a jug of almost pitch colored liquid swirled and bubbled.

She said nothing as they headed toward the forbidden east wing. Her heart was racing and she only hoped that powders would do their work and put both the beast and Lynn to sleep. She shivered as Lynn knocked on the door and opened it. She stood as close to the door as possible.

The deep rumbling voice of the beast could be heard as the door slowly swung open with an eerie silence, "On time as always Lynn, my thanks."

"You're welcome. I thought maybe you and Miss Lilandra would like to dine together."

Lilandra looked in Lynn's direction and tried very hard not to panic. She couldn't dine with the beast. If she ate the food then she would fall asleep too.

The Prince shook his head and walked back towards the long table in his chambers, "Not tonight Lynn, there is something that I wish to speak to you about."

"Of course. Shall I take Miss Lilandra back to her room then?"

Aries nodded and slowly lifted the trays over to the table, setting them down at two places. "That would be advisable, however I think we should give her some leeway, she has grown fond of this place you have told me. So perhaps we should leave the door unlocked tonight. After all, even if she were to run, there is only the village and we know how they reacted to her selection, don't we?"

She didn't dare look at him so she kept her eyes on the floor. She could feel the heat of Lynn's gaze on her as he pondered his Prince's words. "I agree, sir. She has earned the right to have some freedom. I will escort her to her room and then come back to you sir."

Aries nodded once more and waved his hand in dismissal before moving over to the window gazing at the mist-covered moors around the castle.

Lynn quickly took Lilandra back. "Please, milady, keep to the paths you know and don't stray too far. Evening is approaching and I wish to find you safe when I come to check on you later."

"Yes Lynn," she replied meekly as she entered her room and watched as the door closed. She would wait two hours and then make her escape.

*  *  *  *

Lynn returned to Aries' chambers. "My prince, why the decision to give her such freedom?"

Aries smiled and winked at his friend. "By doing this we will gain her trust more fully and she will be more likely to break the curse. Now my friend, let us dine on this fine meal you have prepared."

Lynn smiled as he sat. "It is has been a while since we've dined together. And it is an excellent idea. I fear earning her trust will be hard. She did not have an easy life and that father of hers did a lot of damage to her emotions and body."

"Indeed, but all things come to pass with time and patience." Aries lifted the lid from his tray and breathed deep the wide array of tantalizing scents that wafted up from his meal. "Ah, as fine as always Lynn."

Lynn grinned as he sat aside his own much smaller portion. He began eating, savoring the taste of the meat. He had to admit that it tasted even better than usual.

The prince rapidly devoured the platter with his usual lack of grace, the room filled with the sounds of meat being torn to shreds for a few minutes.

Lynn was immune to the sight though he did remember with a grimace how it had disgusted him when he had first seen it. He had long ago lost such reactions and settled into the patient person he was. His prince needed him. That was all that mattered.

Aries finished with a flourish of his fangs and an appreciative belch. The air strongly scented with the spices that had accompanied the meal. However, there was something else there now, something he hadn't noticed at first. As the he began to sniff the air, the room began to spin before him.

"Aries?" Lynn asked, rising quickly from his seat when Aries swayed on his feet. He started to move closer but the smell in the air was funny and he felt lightheaded. "My prince," he gasped as he collapsed to the floor unconscious, the last thought he had was that no one was going to be around to protect Lilandra.

The Prince roared loudly in rage as he realized he had been drugged. His body was resisting, but it was a losing battle. Gradually, he fell to his knees, then to his face upon the floor.

*  *   *

Lilandra anxiously paced about, every so often checking the time. When it was exactly two hours after Lynn had left her, she ventured out of her room and went back to the beast's section of the place. She pushed open the door and froze as her eyes took in the scene. Lynn was asleep on the floor as was the beast. She couldn't believe the wisewoman's stuff had worked. She let out a hysterical laugh and ran back to her room. She stuffed a dress and several pairs of pants and shirts into a sack. She regretfully slid the satin slippers off her feet and put on a pair of sturdy winter boots. Without a backwards glance she ran from her room to the stables. She quickly saddled a horse, swung up into it and made her escape to the town. She had to get to the wisewoman and then from there go into hiding where the beast would never find her.

*  *  *

In the dead of night, not far from the town, the sound of hoof beats pierced the night, but not the regal beat of a palace horse. The tempo suggested something bigger, stronger and far more volatile. As the horses came into view it was clear that they were warhorses. Their course was headed straight for the village.

Syn and his group of warriors followed not far behind the humans. The girl was not to be harmed but these men were not the most trustworthy. He didn't know why Discious had hired these lowlifes. Hissing orders he sent his men into the surrounding forest. If the human female had done as Discious ordered, then the girl would be coming into their trap tonight.

The horses came to a stop around the rear of the Wisewoman's shack. The mercenaries dismounted and unceremoniously hammered on the door for a moment before it was opened, revealing the wisewoman. "We've come for the girl."

"She's not here yet. But she will be soon. You must get out of sight. She will spook if you are in here."

The man growled at her in annoyance, but did as he was instructed, stepping back outside and leaning against the back wall.

It didn't take long for Lilandra to arrive in the village. She uneasily noticed that none of the people would look at or even acknowledge her. She urged the horse toward the outskirts where the wisewoman lived. She slowed the horse to a walk and dismounted at the walkway. "Ma'am. I'm here," she called softly as she knocked on the door.

The door opened and wisewoman ushered her inside. "It took you long enough. I was beginning to think you didn't have it in you."

Lilandra looked at her feet and didn't reply.

"That's all right dear." The woman patted her on the back. "I promise that your NEW life will be so much better."

The back door burst open to reveal the unpleasant mercenary. When his sharp eyes laid upon Lilandra a filthy grin spread over his face. He moved towards her with a saunter in his step, his tight pants already showing what was on his mind, "This the girl? Damn she is pretty. I bet she's just aching for a real man after all that time with that beast."

Lilandra stumbled backward, her eyes wide in shock. Her confusion showed as she glanced from the wisewoman to the man. "What is this?"

"It's your destiny. You wanted to be free. This is the only way. Trust me child. Who would you rather have you? A filthy beast whose cock will kill you or a real man's dick that will give you pleasure and not steal your life?"

"Neither!" Lilandra cried and ran for the front door.

The mercenary moved quickly though, grabbing her long hair and dragging her backwards. "Yeah that’s right, I like my women to be feisty!" He dragged her outside, heading for a low bench in the back yard, taking off his belt. "For the next hour bitch, you are mine. Then my buddy is gonna have you, then his buddy, then his buddy's buddy. All the way till every man in this county is satisfied."




Love's Curse Ch. 11



"No!" she screamed and frantically struggled, trying her best to scratch his face, hoping that he would let go of her long enough for escape.

Her scratching only enraged him, his hand raising back to strike her. But, instead of a blow, his face contorted in agony and he brought his arm round, his hand replaced now by a bloodied stump.

Behind them the distinct low menacing, unforgiving growl of Prince Aries was heard.

Lilandra stared at the bloody stump and a scream died in her throat. Her eyes were on the beast. She could hear the shouts of the man's friends as they came charging from their hiding places.

Syn and his men watched from the forest, not making any move to help the humans. Instead they watched the beast intently. Syn knew they would meet again and he wanted to learn his opponent's movements.

The lead Mercenary’s chest promptly exploded as a huge claw erupted through him, coating Lilandra in a flood of fluids.

The beast spun around and launched himself towards the next opponent, raking his talons down his face and chest, leaving huge gouges in their wake. His free hand shot out and grabbed his colleague, promptly tearing his throat out with his razor sharp fangs. The fourth mercenary was already leaping towards him with his sword raised when Aries set his eyes on him. Moving swiftly, he caught the man by the legs and with incredible strength, yanked his body back the way it had come and slammed him down onto the cobble with a bone-crushing crunch. Aries spun and swung the ma again like a rag doll, smashing him into the wall of the stone shack, then onto the ground once more. This process was repeated several times until the man's body was crumpling in places no human body should under any circumstances. By now the final mercenary had turned tail and was headed out across the fields into the mists. Aries moved in a blur, upon the man before he had a chance to look back. His scream pierced the night air as Aries thrust both of his claws inside the man's chest before lifting up into the night air. Once air borne, he hauled his arms outwards, the mercenary bursting open above Lilandra, his entrails showering down upon her and the surrounding courtyard.

Lilandra stood there shivering, her fear too great. She just knew he was going to kill her too. Entrails and body parts were all around and on her. She didn't even try to wipe any of it off. What was the point? He was going to rip her apart for running away.

The beast landed a few feet in front of Lilandra and roared at the top of his lungs, the air vibrating with the power of his rage. He stalked towards Lilandra, each thunderous step cracking the cobbles beneath him such was the force of his focus. As he neared, his monstrous member snaked out of his pants, writhing in the air, eager for its prey. However, he did not attack Lilandra, no, his target was instead another. Lilandra could only watch as he smashed down the door to the shack. Seconds later the wisewoman screamed as she was mounted and maimed by the prince. The last sounds of the night were her gurgling last breaths of death.

It was the sight of his member and hearing the wisewoman dying gurgles that finally broke her paralysis. With a moan of horror she turned and ran to the horse, haphazardly mounting it. She kneed the terrified horse and raced off down the road with Lilandra clinging to his back.

The Prince took to the air as he heard the horse galloping away, heading straight for Lilandra, his eyes a fiery red as he descended upon her, arms ready. As he swooped down from above, he grabbed her around the body and lifted her up onto her air, wheeling round and heading back towards the palace. His breath was hot on her neck and his fur deeply matted with the blood of those slain this night.

She didn't make a sound when he lifted her into the air. Instead she closed her eyes and prayed that her death would be swift. All the fight had gone out of her. She wanted it to be over.

A few minutes later they landed in his chambers and he released her from his arms while stalking around her. "I take you from your life of slavery and give you one of luxury. I feed you, clothe you, and give you a grand roof over your head. I have you checked on every day, given guided tours and even let you roam as you please around my mansion and this is how you repay me!" Aries was snarling now, his anger was rising again and he felt insulted by what she had attempted to do this night. He stepped close his fangs bare and stinking of death, "WELL?"

She stood there cowering. This was worse than dealing with her father. Her guilty conscience was yelling at her. Whatever words she would have said lodged in her throat as she began to sob. She was such a fool. A naive stupid fool.

His temper seemed to fade a moment and he sighed before turning away from her. "Although I do not blame you for wanting to leave. There have not been many who have been able to see past my appearance. After all, who could care for a beast like myself?"

She glanced at him then, tears still rolling down her cheek. The hurt in his voice hit her hard and she took a step toward him and froze. She wanted to comfort him but she didn't have the right. She had caused his pain.

As he walked over towards Lynn, he winced as his leg gave out from him a moment. A small river of blood was dripping off him. It was not a serious injury, although it would cause him some inconvenience for a few days.

Lilandra saw the gash. "You're hurt!" she cried and ran over to the water basin. She grabbed a towel, dipped it into the water and hurried over to the beast. She dropped to her knees and wrapped the towel around his leg.

He tried to play it off as nothing more than a scratch, more concerned for his friend. "It is nothing, I will recover fine. I cannot say the same for Lynn. I do not know when he will awaken, if he ever does that is."

"If he doesn't wake, what will you do with me?" she dropped her hands to her side, her head bowed as she awaited his decision.

"I will train you to take his place. However I strongly doubt he will pass on. He will however require some extra assistance till he fully recovers."

"Yes, sir." She paused. "The wisewoman said that if I gave you the powder you would only sleep and then awaken hours later. It wasn't supposed to harm either of you."

"She also promised you a better life did she not?" He winced as he moved once more, lifting Lynn in his claws and gently placing him upon the bed. "There is a cot set up in the corner that Lynn would use when I was ill in my youth. You may use it until he awakens."

She stood. "Yes. She told me she could get me some place far away that even you could not find. I was afraid of you and," she gulped, "the mating you would make me have. I thought only of escape."

"Well now you know better don't you? The medical supplies are in the closet beside the bed, I am going to bathe and get rid of this blood before the stench is permanent. Do NOT try to run again. I don't want to have to kill more kidnappers." With that said, he moved out of the door and headed down the hallway, limping with each step.

She didn't even ask him if she could get cleaned up. She looked at her bloodied clothes and hair that was matted with the pieces of flesh from her would-be-kidnappers. She rummaged in the medicine cabinet and took out some items. She examined him carefully but he was not injured. When he didn't awaken immediately, she dozed off. An hour went by and she was startled awake by a groan.

"Lynn?" she asked as she rubbed at her eyes and waited for him to fully wake.

His head lulled to the side and his eyes fluttered open a fraction. His vision swam before him, the room spinning like a gyroscope. Another groan came from his lips as his drug fogged mind tried to form the words his heart yearned to say, "Aries.... must help him..."

Aries? Who was Aries? She gently pushed Lynn back down. "No, you mustn't get up. The drug is passing through your system. You must give it time."

"The master...Prince Aries...the woman she...drugged him. I have to...make sure he’s fine." His vision was somewhat improving; he could just make out the outline of the person in front of him.

Prince? Yeah right. There was no prince around here, unless Lynn meant the man who had taken her virginity. She stared at him in shock. She had made love to a Prince? A blush stole across her face as she dabbed a cloth on Lynn's forehead.

His eyes slid closed again, the drug mercifully dragging him back into unconsciousness once more, "Please...find him."

"I will Lynn." She made the promise but she wasn't sure how she'd go about it.



Love's Curse Ch. 12



Smegger_29 and myself (Kita) would like to thank all our readers who have stood by us and kept up with this enchanting story. If you enjoy this story, please check out our other effort, "Onyx Dreams," written under the name of kitazkitten.

Flight

Lilandra had fallen asleep again. Her dreams were plagued with such nightmares that she came abruptly awake, a scream lodged in her throat. "Not real," she muttered before getting up to check on Lynn.

A cough broke the silence as Lynn stood behind her, sitting on a chair in the shadow of the doorway. "It does not do well to trust the village midwife on matters other than birth, does it my lady?"

She stumbled back and barely managed to keep herself from landing on her butt. "You scared me!" She glared accusingly at him though she was relieved he was alive and well.

"That was the point. I believe that somewhat repays the debt for drugging me, my lady."

He slowly rose from the chair obviously struggling with the lingering after affects of the drug he had been given. "You are fortunate the master is not affect by such things for long."

She looked at the floor then, guilt returning. "I'm sorry. It was wrong of me. I, I was afraid."

"It is alright. Few do trust the master. His appearance is quite shocking most of the time. Perhaps you could do me a favor and help me back into bed. I do not feel entirely well."

She hurried over and let him place his arm over her shoulders. Together they made it to the bed, she pulled the covers back and helped him lie down. She startled when the clock chimed midnight. It didn't seem like it should be that late.

As the clock rung out its hours, Lynn let out a soft groan, the master would be changing back now, and usually he would be in the mood for a bath. He hoped he would not be disappointed, given the circumstances.

"Are you all right?" Worried that he was more hurt by the drug than he was admitting, she checked his forehead for signs of fever. He didn't feel warm.

He shook his head, gently taking her hand. "It's nothing. Just felt a little dizzy for a moment. Could you perhaps fetch me a glass of water, my lady?"

She looked around and picked up the pitcher. It was empty. "I'll be back. There is no water in this."

Nodding, he watched her head for the door, noting her light steps, and sat in silence as it clicked into place. It was not long before the silence was broken by the sound of the handle turning once more. The footsteps were different, heavier this time, the tell tale sign of his master.

*   *   *

Lilandra hurried to the kitchen, refilled the pitcher and grabbed a second one, filling it as well. She had much to atone for and knew that no matter what she did, the choice she'd made would haunt her. On her way out she snagged a loaf of bread. Thoughts about what to do to be forgiven were foremost on her mind as she entered the room and stopped. The man who had taken her virginity was standing next to the bed, speaking quietly to Lynn.

The pair did not notice Lilandra at first, their voices hushed. "My prince, are you sure you are all right? You were limping when you came in."

"I am more concerned about you, old friend. You will be off your feet for a few days yet."

She knew it! The man from the forest was a prince! Now she was more confused. How had the prince gotten hurt? Maybe he had run into the wolves in the forest. Or perhaps something else had happened. She shifted and her hip bumped against the table. She winced when it creaked.

Aries turned and glared at the noise. He relaxed when he realized it was Lilandra. "Ah my lady, I was just saying good evening to Lynn after checking on his health. But I fear I must return to work, good night, my lady." He began walking for the door, his limp pronounced.

She stared at his leg, her mind stirring. The injured leg was important but she couldn't remember why. "You are hurt. Let me help you, my prince." Awkwardly she attempted to curtsy.

He waved dismissively. "No. you need not curtsy. I am no real Prince. A Prince of the forest perhaps, but nothing more. I will be fine, it's just a scratch from driving off wolves from the stock in the fields." He paused as he remembered to feign surprise at her appearance. "By the gods! What happened to you? You look as if you've slept in a slaughter house."

She turned red and looked away. "It was a slaughter," she mumbled. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that! I'm being ungrateful. I will get clean as soon as I'm allowed to."

Lynn chose to intervene, hoping to give his master time to disappear. "It's all right my lady. I believe I will be fine while you bathe in the master's bath next door. I can personally assure you he will not mind."

"Thank you." With another awkward curtsy she set the pitchers and bread down and hurried through the door Lynn pointed at.

Aries turned to Lynn bowing respectfully. "I believe I owe you yet another debt of gratitude old friend. Thank you. Now I must take my leave, the night wears on and I have little time left."

"Be careful, my prince. I do not know what to make of her now. I did not think she had it in her to attempt to harm us. I am sorry my judgment was flawed and my belief in her misplaced."

Aries frowned. "I do not believe she meant us harm. If she had, would she not have slain us as we slept?" Giving Lynn a subtle wink, he left, his boots echoing in the quiet night air.

Lynn pondered Aries's words. Though he had told Lilandra everything was fine, it was not. His trust and respect for her were shaken. He should've known that she was like the others. Unable to see past her own nose, worried only about herself. No, he would watch her carefully and be more vigilant. Aries must continue to live. He was not about to let a slip of a young woman kill his prince and friend.

*  *  *

Syn and his men left the forest taking a little used trail to bring them to the predetermined meeting spot. He stepped into the center of the ring of rocks and patiently waited on General Dicidious. He wanted to report and be on his way back to the remains of the mercenaries. His men were hungry and so was he.

Dicidious quietly walked out of the shadows, the moonlight glinting off the various pieces of metal that lined his armor and weapons. He checked the clearing, clearly displeased when he did not see what he sought. "My prize?"

"Lossst. The men you hired were dessstroyed by the beassst."

Dicidious raised an eyebrow glaring at his reptilian ally. "And yet you somehow managed to escape unscathed."

"We did not attack. Your mercenariesss refusssed our help. Ssso we only watched and learned. The beassst is not invincible. He can be killed." Syn hissed in pleasure at the thought of ripping into the winged beast. He was sure it would be very tasty.

A low growl came from Dicidious as he advanced on Syn, easily lifting him from the ground in the iron grip of his hands. "I give you a simple task. Bring the girl to me, and you WATCH?"

Syn hissed low and threatening. His men slithered from their spots and surrounded the general.

"I sssuggessst you put me down or my malesss will feassst on your flesssh."

From the shadows farther into the forest came the distinctive clicks of crossbows being loaded. The general pulled him in close, his breath hot on Syn's scales. "Find her, do not fail me this time. Or else you and your friends will become a throw rug for my tents."

The gathered lizards hissed their anger but at Syn's nod they backed down. "It ssshall be asss you command, General."

"Good." He dropped him, glared for emphasis, turned and headed back into the shadows of the forest.

Syn picked himself up and headed in the opposite direction, his men following silently behind him.

*  *  *

Lilandra finished washing and climbed out of the bath, thankful that it had running water. It was the one thing she had hated the most about living in the forest. No city conveniences. Everything had to be hand carried and when you had two vain sisters who insisted on taking a bath daily it became tedious and aggravating. She looked around and spotted a towel and robe. She would have to use it until she could get back to her own room and get proper attire. A sense of contentment stole over her and she began to sing.

"My love, one heart

My soul, never part

To caress, to hold

To dare, be bold

My love, my life

My hand, your wife

To dream, to please

To protect, with keys

My love, so sacred"

The sound of wings beating the air was heard. Moments later, Prince Aries, in beast form, swooped onto his balcony, shaking his fur dry from the snowstorm that had begun outside.

Lynn walked quietly over to his side and inclined his head toward the bathing room. He was mesmerized by Lilandra's voice, surprised that she could sing and do so beautifully.

Aries looked at his servant a moment, then his gaze followed. His ears listened intently to the song that was being sung from the other room. Quietly, he took slow steps towards the door, his talons clicking lightly upon the flagstones.

"My body, is yours

My love, open doors

To love, to touch

Give kisses, so much

Hold me, feel free

Trust me, please see

Dance here, lead you

Forever mine, yes true."

She finished drying off her body and hair. Wrapping the towel around her hair and up into a twist until she could find a brush, she donned the robe, tying it tight. Steeling herself, she gathered up the ruined clothes and reached for the doorknob.

He took a step back from the door, quicker than he intended, his talons clattering loudly upon the cold flagstones.

She heard the noise and froze. Her heart thumped hard in her chest. But when it didn't happen again she opened the door and went still. The beast was back and Lynn next to him. I will not be afraid, I will not be afraid, she kept telling herself over and over.

Aries cocked his head to the side, looking intently at her, as if predicting her worth at market. "You have the voice of an angel my lady. I am most impressed."

"You heard me?" She was embarrassed by the thought. She hadn't realized she was singing that loudly and why did he think she had a beautiful voice when he knew it wasn't true? Maybe it was his beast nature that kept him from hearing how bad she sounded. "I am not that good. How is your leg?" A change of topic would be safer.

He turned away from her his wings folding neatly behind his back. "It will be fine in a few days, a minor inconvenience. As for your singing...I have excellent hearing, I would be able to hear you clearly even if you were whispering 100 paces away."

This bit of news made her afraid. Just how much did he hear then when she was in her room alone? Terror gripped her. But she kept her expression blank. "That is interesting."

Lynn cleared his throat. "Maybe you should escort Miss Lilandra back to her room."

Aries considered this for a moment, the air seeming to grow colder as he did so and nodded. "Very well, it has been sometime since I have wandered through my own halls." He held his wing out for Lilandra to take, waiting patiently.

She looked at him and nervously put her hand on it, the soft feel of the wing surprising her. From a distance it had looked scaled. It was interesting to learn the texture was more featherlike.

He changed his mind, his wing coming free, fluttering briefly before joining the other one to settle down on his back. He extended a hairy claw and gently wrapped her wrist in its soft downy warmth. They began the quiet walk back to her rooms.

She walked ramrod straight. Fear made her breathing harsh. She didn't quite trust Lynn about them forgiving her. She had almost killed them both and if she were in their place, seeking retribution would be first on the to-do list.

The only sound as they walked along the corridor was the distinct clicking of talon and the deep breathing of the beast, clouds of steam flowing from his nostrils in great bouts as he took each breath.

"It's gotten colder." She shivered. It didn't seem like she had been here long but it was almost the winter season. That meant she had been here five long months. Surprisingly the beast had only made the one attempt at her body.

He nodded to himself, deep in his thoughts. This close to him, the sounds of his wild member could be heard stirring inside his pants. If she were to take the time to look down, she would also see it moving like a python beneath the material.

She heard the movement and kept gazing straight ahead. She wouldn't have anything to do with his penis, not even if he put a bow around it to make it look better. He would tear her apart with it. And she'd rather live.

He looked over to her a moment, "It moves only because it senses your fear. If you do not fear it then it will not harm you."

They were at her door and she pulled away from him. "How can I NOT fear it!" she blurted out, her gaze on his face. A face that wasn't human but animal, with long fur and a muzzle that barely concealed sharp teeth.

"The same way that you do not fear a hungry wolf. If you show it kindness and feed it then it will not harm you." His hand rested heavily on her shoulder.

The weight froze her in place. Her green eyes wary and uncertain. "Wolves and those who act like them have always given me reason to fear." 

"Then you know not what it is like for the wolf. Hunting out of need each night, being hunted by farmers and skinners. torchlights instinctively bringing fear."

He sounded like he knew those feelings. But then he would know, he was the beast and was hated. She looked at him and felt a curious flutter in her heart. "You're right, I don't know." Her expression softened.

As they arrived at the door to her room, he swung it open in silence, gently pushing her inside. "The door will be left open, but you've had a long day. Get some sleep."

"Sir!" She started to say something but then shook her head and went inside.

Aries sighed softly and turned, walking away towards the main hall. Deciding differently he turned off into a side gallery with the words 'Private' stamped above the door.

Lilandra replaced the robe with a long velvet red nightgown. The chill seemed to lessen and grateful she put on some slippers. She eyed the open door and made a choice. She would never know anything if she didn't start paying attention. Silently she left the room and began to explore.

Two hours later she stood at the foot of the stairs that led to the forbidden wing. Curiosity got the best of her. Ascending the stairs she paused. A moment of misgiving but then she carefully opened the door and slid inside staying in the shadows.

In front of her, as if by magic, the light sprang to life at her presence. The next flared brightly a second later, followed by another and still others, all the way along and around the huge amphitheater styled room. In the center of it, visible from the balcony she had walked on to, was a tall metallic spire. The sight was breathtaking and humbling. She felt small compared to the majestic feel of the room. Why would Lynn forbid her from seeing this place? Thoughts on why were considered and discarded. There was no reason for being denied entrance to this area.

As she cast her eyes around the room pieces of charred, dented and damaged armor caught her gaze. Vividly colored tapestries stood beside them, various forgotten noble houses of the realm. However, if she concentrated for a moment, she could almost feel a sense of foreboding about the spire in front of her, as if something horrific had happened. There was evil here. She knew how that felt. It was the feeling she got whenever her father had been about to hurt her or when one of the men in town was thinking of forcing their unwanted attentions upon her. The spire was death. Suddenly she felt as if she couldn't breathe. Spinning around she hurried toward the door.

The hulking form of Prince Aries however blocked the doorway. A deep, menacing growl came from his throat, showing his growing rage. "How dare you!"

Lilandra stumbled back, a cry on her lips. "Please," she stammered as she tripped over her feet in her hurry to escape him.

He stalked forwards with a hunter's grace, his talons clicking with a terrifying precision with each step. His wings spread outwards instinctively and his claws looked strangely sharper than usual. "I lay down simple rules for you to follow. Do not enter this wing. Yet somehow that thick head of yours could not contemplate that fact. Perhaps I should teach you the consequences of coming in here!"

Giving a fearful squeak as he roared the last words, she dove to the left around him and ran out the door. She didn't scream but her harsh breathing was heard in the silence as she fled blindly from the castle and into the forest. Her foremost thought was to live.

Lynn had made his way from the Master's chambers to the kitchen and was on his way back when he heard hurried footsteps. He stopped and turned to the east wing when he saw Lilandra run by him. He called out to her but she didn't hear him as he watched her disappear around the corner. With a worried look he made his way to his master. "Sire?" Peering about in the darkness he didn't see Aries and his worry turned to alarm.

A deep growl came from Aries once more, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "She knows too much Lynn. I'm afraid it may be too late for her now."

Lynn's expression was grim. "What did she see? Did she touch anything?"

"I found her inside here, there is nothing more that needs to be said." He walked over to the tall windows, leaning on the strong railings. "Find her Lynn, find out what she knows and bring her back here."

"Sire, as much as I'd like to obey your orders, I don't believe I should be the one to do this. It is YOUR rule she broke and I have not completely recovered from the drug in my system. I would never be able to catch or track her."

Aries eyes slitted and he tried to glare at Lynn but found he could not. He was right after all. Aries had made the rule to ensure the curse would not be violated. He should be the one to find her and bring her back. To find out the truth of what she knew. The conditions of the curse were already broken; he would stay a beast forever. He turned without a word and moved with surprising silence along the hallway, exiting through the nearest doorway and taking to the skies.

*  *  *

Lilandra ran until she tripped and fell face first into a thorny bush. It took her a few minutes to extract herself. she felt the blood running from the scratches, her breathing hard. She tried to calm down. Why had she run? She wasn't sure only that the beast had scared her badly with his ferocity. She didn't know if she wanted to go back or take her chances in the forest. Rising slowly she continued farther into the woods.

Syn and his men watched from the trees. The young woman was beautiful. No wonder Dicidious wanted the lass. She was stunning. At the moment she didn't look it with the scratches but when cleaned up, well that was another matter entirely. Hissing softly the lizard men agilely climbed the branches as they got into position to capture the unsuspecting woman.

Aries soared through the dusk skies, his eyes searching the forest with sharpness, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lilandra. The forest was a dangerous place for those without unique gifts. For mere mortals the forest was a death wish come to life.

Hearing a faint rustling to her left, she froze, her heart racing. Please, let it not be wolves. Fleeing into the forest had not been such a good idea after all. Cautiously she started forward again.

Syn gave the signal and the men dropped from the trees easily surrounding the female. Syn hissed in pleasure when she fearfully screamed. "You will come with usss," he ordered.




Love's Curse Ch. 12



Lilandra spun around and counted the creatures. There were seven and they looked like the lizards on the farm, only bigger and much more dangerous. "Let me pass!" she tried to sound regal but her voice quavered.

Syn shook his head, his tail whipping out to wrap around her. Ignoring her screaming, the group began walking deeper into the forest.

She attempted to struggle but every movement hurt as Syn's tail constricted in warning. Finally she gave up and settled for screaming in the vain hope that someone would hear her.

Syn ignored her cries. He felt the vibrations of the approaching local wolf pack. Hissing irritably, he and his men drew out their knives and spears ready to battle the animals for their captive.

Aries's sensitive hearing picked up the piercing screams of his runaway female. He swooped to the right, diving low above the trees to quicken his pursuit.

Suddenly the wolves sprang from hiding and the men began striking out but the wolves were hungry and aggressive and the battle was violent as two lizard men went down under the snapping, salivating jaws of the pack. "Kill them now!" Syn yelled as his talons sank into a wolf pulling it brutally apart.

A dark shadow passed over the group as the swoop of leathery wings was heard. The group trembled as the prince landed. A low growl of territorialism came from when he spotted the group.

"You!" Syn growled, his fangs lengthening. "She is ours, you cannot have her!" Casually he swatted aside a female wolf that leaped at him.

Lilandra squeaked in relief. He was here. She would be safe.

The wolves still crouching in the shadows snarled at the beast even as they began advancing on him, bringing the number of the pack to fourteen. Six wolves lay dead nearby.

Aries glared and flexed his claws, his own fangs glinting in the darkness. "Well, well. I've been looking for a new rug." He snarled at Syn, daring him to challenge him. "Put the girl down and let's finish this."

"I think not, beassst. Ssshe isss my prey. Find your own."

A wolf slunk closer to Aries, intent on taking a bite out of him. Aries turned to the wolf barking out a warning before returning his attention to the lizard. He was curious how Lynn would like him carved up for dinner tonight.

The wolf disregarded the warning and launched itself on to Aries's back, clawing and snapping as it attempted to rip into his skin.

He flinched as the wolf's claws sliced his skin and wings. Reaching back, he grabbed the beast and tossed it to the side, moving forward towards Syn, hoping to end the fight before the wolves proved to be a distraction.

The wolf hit a nearby tree with a thud, falling to the ground unmoving. The other wolves howled and slunk closer, some of them taking on the lizard men and the others heading for Aries who posed the bigger threat.

Lilandra kicked wildly, hoping to distract the lizard into dropping her. "Look out!" she cried, fear almost closing her throat as five wolves rushed the Beast.

Aries swatted the wolves away from him; however he was forced to stop as three leaped at him, sinking their fangs and claws into his flesh once more.

"Let me go! Please we have to help him!"

The wolves grew frenzied in their attack at the smell of blood. The pack took down two more of Syn's males, leaving only four. Syn debated his next move. He could leave with the girl but something about her made him want to honor her pleas. What to do, what to do, he mused.

Aries slashed one of the wolves, splitting it neatly in two. The second he chose to throw towards the other who was advancing on him. To dislodge the third he flapped his wings with a grunt, sending the last one tumbling across the ground.

Syn issued a series of hisses and instantly his men backed away from the wolves and disappeared into the woods. Syn watched Aries for a long moment and then set Lilandra on her feet. "I leave you to your fatesss." With an incredible leap and twist he was airborne and landing in a tree. He threw Aries a mocking salute and vanished into the foliage.

Aries quickly moved towards her, keeping himself between her and the wolves. "What did I tell you about running off into the woods at night?"

"S-sorry! Look out! " A wolf sprang at them and behind it four more.

Aries slammed his fist into its body, sending it sprawling across the ground. He was forced to take a step back as the last four dove at him, his wounds bleeding heavily now as their sharp fangs and claws cut him.

She didn't even think about what she was doing. He was hurt, the wolves scared her and she didn't want him to die. Deep inside her a fire blazed up and the heat scorched her very nerves, pulling a scream of pain from her right before four lines of fire erupted from her hands, hitting the ground, and racing toward the wolves who were oblivious to their impending deaths. The first line of fire struck the lead wolf, setting its fur ablaze. Its dying howl of agony filled the air and was joined by three more. The wolves fell off Aries and fell to the ground writhing before going still.

With the exertion of fighting off the wolves and the massive blood loss, Aries swayed as the wolves turned to charred corpses. His legs gave way beneath him and he toppled over, crashing face first into the ground.

The silence was instant and unnerving. The pain stopped and she sank to her knees gasping in shock. What had just happened? "Beast? Beast?" She crawled to him and timidly reached a hand out to him.

Nothing was heard from him at first, but after a few moments, deep breathing could be heard in his massive chest. His wounds were slowly beginning to close, although it would be several days until they were fully healed.

She touched him and recoiled when the sticky blood coated her hand. She burst into tears. "This is all my fault. I, I was afraid. Please, please don't die!" She frantically looked about. "Help! Someone help me please!"

"Don't fret child. You can help him. Just believe in yourself and imagine in your mind's eye where you wish to go." Lilandra looked around. She didn't see anyone but the voice was female and very clear to her. Gently she cradled the Beast's head in her arms, closed her eyes and visualized the layout of his room and Lynn. She didn't notice the change of scenery, nor did she glimpse Lynn's startled look. The tiredness overtook her and she passed out on top of Aries.



Love's Curse Ch. 13



First smegger and I would like to apologize for the delay between chapters. Much thanks to all those who showered us with their support and encouragement. We also wanted to let our readers know that we are working on a website that will give you even more on the stories the two of us write here at literotica. If you'd like more info feel free to email us.

Chapter 13

"My lord! Miss Lilandra!" Lynn ran over to them and cried out in dismay as he glimpsed Aries's wounds. "No, no!" Roughly he pulled her off Aries's body. He could tell that the bites were from wolves. It meant that his Prince would be hurting for a long time as the wounds healed. It took him several minutes to move Aries closer to the window and toward the light. Rushing from the room he headed for the kitchen where he snatched up towels and boiling water and hurried back. 

*  *  *

Lilandra groaned and sat up. Blinking in surprise she looked about. "Lynn?" Scrambling to her feet she started for the door but stopped when she heard a groan. Turning she spotted the Beast. He looked terrible. Gathering up the hem of her dress she hurried to his side. "You're alive." She gently ran fingers over his fur. She frowned when she saw the blood.

"Get away from him!"

"What!" she jumped and guiltily spun around to face an enraged Lynn. 

"It is your fault he is hurt, you silly little naive girl! He told you those woods were dangerous, how many times will it take for you to learn!" Ignoring her hurt look, Lynn sat the water down and dipped a towel in it. Pressing it to one of the wounds he carefully began cleaning it.

She watched him for a moment and considered leaving. It was clear Lynn didn't want her near Aries. She started for the door.

"If you leave I will personally drag you to your room and chain you to the bed!"

"Stop yelling at me! I said I was sorry! What more do you want from me!"

"I want you to stop being such a selfish little child and give my master what he needs!"

She blanched then. "I cannot have sex with him. He would tear me apart!"

"You are such a fool, Lilandra. That is not what he desires most from you but you are just like all the others that come here. Thinking only of yourself and preserving your precious body." His words were scathing and burned at her conscious. A moan stopped Lynn's rant. "Master?"

"Lynn, don't be so harsh on her. She is only just a girl."

"That, that girl almost got you killed!"

"Yes but she got me back here to you and your capable hands." Aries opened his good eye and looked over at Lilandra, his voice tiring. "How did you get us here?"

"I'm not sure. A voice told me to think about Lynn and the next thing I know we are here. I don't remember much after that."

"However you managed it, for this I thank you."

"Please, sir, let me tend your wounds." Lilandra blushed shyly and looked down at the floor. "After all you got them saving me from those creatures."

"The wolves are," Lynn started to say more but was interrupted by Aries.

"It was the Reptilia who accosted her. The wolves came after."

Lynn paled and gazed sharply at Lilandra. "What did they say to you?"

"Nothing. They did tell him that I was their prey."

"This is not good. The Reptilia are hired as mercenaries and they never, ever just leave their prey behind."

"Very true Lynn. We will speak about it later. But for now, let her tend my wounds."

"Very well." Lynn moved away from Aries's side. "I will get more water."

Lilandra and Aries were silent until Lynn left the room. Still not looking at Beast she picked up a towel, soaked it and applied it to a wound. She worked that way for several minutes.

He watched her movements, noticing the blush that highlighted her cheeks. He disagreed with Lynn. He believed that maybe she was starting to understand. He reached out a claw and touched her hair. She froze at his touch. Ah, so there still was some fear. He hoped that one day it would go away. "It is all right, little one. I had never noticed how fine your hair really is."

"It's like my mother's. Her hair was so soft and long. Sometimes she'd let me braid it." She looked at him then, her eyes brimming with tears. 

He nodded slowly, his breathing becoming slow as the room slowly began to spin, feeling weak now. "So familiar, hair like silk..."

"Beast?" She shook him, trying to be careful. "Beast, please wake up! Lynn will blame me if you fall unconscious."

He shook his head a moment, trying to clear the cobwebs unsuccessfully, for a moment he looked scared, wondering if perhaps this time would be the last he would see this world. Slowly his eyes began to slide closed as darkness began to take over his vision, stealing him from the conscious world.

"Oh no! Not again. Oh please wake up!" A hasty glance at the door momentarily stayed her panic. Lynn wasn't back yet. Looking about she spotted the cushions on the divan and grabbing one dragged it over to Beast. A moment of struggle but then she managed to lift his shaggy head and lay it gently on the cushion. She took a second to look at his wounds. The worst of them appeared to have stopped bleeding. That was good. Getting up she went to the small cabinet that she had once seen Lynn open and discovered a jar of salve. Going back to Beast's side, she liberally slathered the odd-smelling ointment on every wound no matter how small. She would not let him die because of her silliness.

The horrifying scent of the salve filtered through the stench of blood, filling his nostrils. It sent shockwaves through his senses, jolting into his brain like lightning. The good eye opened again and a disgusted groan was heard.

Relief set in when she noticed him looking at her. "Good you are awake again. Does it hurt anywhere else besides where I put the medicine?"

He wrinkled his snout, snorting out, trying to dislodge the wrenching smell of the salve. "It's demolishing my nose so I can't tell..."

"I'm sorry!" She didn't know what else to do. She had only made things worse. Would she never get it right? Probably not. She was nothing but a problem. Her father had been right. She backed away from Beast staring at the floor as she did so. "I'm being a pest. I'll go sit over in the corner and stay out of your way."

His large furry hand gripped her wrist with gentle firmness. "If Lynn gave up every time I thought he was being a pest do you think I would still be here? I have almost given my life to ensure your safety, the least you can do is see that I live to regret it." A soft sound, almost like a chuckle was heard from him, followed by a wince, this was going to hurt when he changed back to human form.

Her mouth opened but then she closed it. Fear of him was rapidly vanishing as she tried to understand the feelings that were bombarding her. Guilt she knew well. Shame too had often been a constant companion. But the new feeling that was stirring in her heart was different. She didn't have a name for it. Analyzing it would have to wait until she was alone. Reluctantly she laughed, the soft sound caressing Aries's hearing and soul. "I do not want to be the one to make you regret anything." With gentle hands she checked his body for any unseen cuts and bruises. She was almost to his wings when the creak of the door startled her. She jerked upright, pulling her hands to her sides as she glanced at Lynn who was entering.

He opened his eyes, looking at Lynn for a moment, thinking of his next words and knowing that his time in this form was growing short. Soon he would turn back in to a man and the pain would multiply. If Lilandra was not escorted away by then she would find out the truth and he would be doomed forever. "Lynn, I think that the girl has been terrorized enough this night. Perhaps you should escort her to her room? I doubt she will try running away again now that she knows there are worse things after her than I..."

Lynn opened his mouth for a moment to protest, but fell silent as he noticed his master's look. Nodding promptly he set the items he was carrying down on the table by the door and walked over to Lilandra, offering his hand. "It is best that we do as the master asks."

Warily she took his hand and stood. She stopped at the door and turned to look at Beast. A flicker of confidence replaced indecision. "May I check on you tomorrow then sir?"

His eyes were soft as he watched her and nodded a moment, "Yes, tomorrow, we have much to discuss about certain rules that must be respected."

"Yes sir." She let Lynn lead her back to her room. She stood in the center away from the door as she watched him shut it and lock her in. Heading for the wardrobe, she picked out a nightgown and put it on. She climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep.

As Lynn returned to Aries's room, he found that his master's breathing had grown quick and shallow, a sign that the change was minutes away. He stood ready with his tools of healing that he kept for such emergencies, such times were far from pretty and many were etched into his memory like acid on a glass plate. As he watched, his master's body began to change, a low growl gradually morphing into a loud higher pitched scream of agony, like someone being tortured slowly.

Soon the change was complete and Aries lay spent on the floor. The ache from the change combined with the pain from his injuries forced a growl from him. "Lynn, my friend. Check to make sure I have no broken bones. I need to be in better shape if I'm to keep Lilandra from wandering and the Reptilia from getting her."

Slowly and with care, Lynn slid his hand across his master's damaged and aching body, ignoring the winces and hisses of pain when he touched a sensitive area. It seemed nothing vital was broken, a rib or two were cracked, however he knew from experience that these would be healed within a day, two at most. A silver lining that the curse had provided, injuries never kept Aries down for long, it had brought out his fighting spirit in its worst form. He was a walking battle machine that could dominate and destroy an entire legion when truly enraged and able to heal away his injuries with incredible speed. "You seem to have no broken bones other than a rib or two my prince, I am more concerned about your slashes, you have lost a large amount of blood. Please, let me give you some of mine to help you through this."

Aries shook his head. "No. I will be fine. However, if you happen to have a leg of lamb or some other meat handy...."

Lynn couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Even in dire pain from a transformation his Lord never seemed to lose his hunger for food. Nodding, he stood up and picked his master up in his arms and took him to the bed where he began to bandage the worst of his wounds to prevent further loss of blood, ignoring his master's protests. "Very well Sire, once I have finished dressing your wounds I will fetch you some sustenance."

Aries touched Lynn's shoulder. "My friend, bring back the information you have gathered on my old generals and surviving troops. The Reptilia came into my territory without invitation. I will not allow them to multiply or to destroy my home. We must prepare to fight. If we don't I fear the consequences."

He looked his master in the eye and nodded in agreement. "Of course Master. Many still remain, although scattered and hidden across the lands. You must first rest and heal yourself. You will be no good for fighting if you can barely stand."

"I will be well when it is time. Are any on their way here? I remember you had sent out missives four months ago. Any responses at all?" He tentatively stretched out a leg and only a small twinge of pain hit him.

Lynn looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding once more. "Yes Sire, one of your main generals, General Karas, is on his way with some men I believe. He should arrive within a few days to a week if the weather holds steady."

"Finally a glimmer of light in this wretched year." His blood had begun to heat and he knew the change was imminent. He sighed for a moment and closed his eyes, preparing himself for the pain that would come far too soon for his liking. "Time to get furry again. Lynn I will remain here resting. Tomorrow we can figure out what to do about Lilandra."

He bowed deeply to his master as he finished speaking and moved towards the door as he replied, "Of course Sire, I shall make the preparations you requested earlier while you rest."

Aries's murmur was drowned out by the sounds of his change back to beast. He flapped his wings once, settling them along his back before he fell into a much needed healing sleep.

*  *  *

"Sir! Sir! The Reptilia are returning!" the young soldier eagerly announced as he rushed into General Discious's tent.

The general stood up, smiling as the return of his mercenaries was announced. He nodded to the boy and stretched his arms a little, chasing away the stiffness that the cold night had brought to them. "Good, show them in. I wish to see my prize before she withers too much from their touch."

The soldier bowed and ran from the tent. Syn and what remained of his elite warriors entered, heads held high their unblinking gaze focused on Discious.

He waited as they came inside, the number of them diminished. He gave Syn a hard stare and raised an eyebrow. "My prize?"

"Lossst to usss at the moment." Syn didn't elaborate. He and his warriors had decided that they were going to terminate their contract with Discious.

He growled and stepped towards the mercenary, his large body tensing in preparation to inflict pain as he spat out his words, "What do you mean LOST?"

"Either the wolvesss or the beassst got her."

His large hand shot out, grabbing the serpent by the throat, squeezing it in an iron grip. "That was NOT what we agreed on! Your job was to bring her here, to me!"

Syn didn't struggle. His gaze was on Discious. "We were attacked by the local wolf pack and the beassst. Asss you can sssee there are only three of us remaining out of fifteen."

The grip tightened, Discious was clearly on the verge of unleashing a raging fury upon the creature in his grasp. "You told me you could handle it. You informed me that the beast would pose no problem to your supposedly elite men. It seems I hired the wrong mercenaries to do a simple fetching job."

"Let him go. We do not need to do your work. Do your own finding of the girl. There is sssome ssstrange magic afoot that protectsss her. We have no defenssse againssst magic."

He pulled the creature close, glaring into its slitted eyes, his breath coming in great clouds in the cool air. "Magic? Impossible! There should be no magic left! Magic died with Zitomira."

"Then I have no other anssswer for you, General. Ssshe hasss been sssaved more timesss than any human I've ever met. You can keep our fee. We are wassshing our handsss of thisss operation."

Discious snarled and shoved the lizard man away, causing him to fall to the floor. "Then go. You can't even deal with a simple beast and a conjurer of tricks. Mark my words reptile, for failing me others will know of your weakness. Work will evaporate for the likes of you."

"That isss sssomething we will deal with when the time comesss. I would wisssh you luck but men like you never ssseem to appreciate sssuch sssentimentsss. Good-bye General. May our pathsss never crosss again."

"If they do...I can guarantee you that you will not be crossing anymore...now get out of my sight you incompetent pathetic excuse for mercenaries."

Syn's three elite warriors hissed their anger but quieted as Syn walked out of the tent in silence.

Falcor watched them leave. "Sir, Syn and his men have never, ever, failed to bring in the object they were sent to retrieve."

Glaring at Falcor, Discious turned away, his voice dark with concern now that the lizardmen were gone. "I know Falcor. This beast has more tricks up his sleeve than we first knew of. The only option left is to storm the castle by force. Take him off guard. He cannot defeat us all."

"I'm not so sure. He has the girl. And if she is indeed imbued with magic...I do not see how we will prevail."

"We have overcome magic before. Zitomira has taught me countermeasures against such magic. However they are difficult to reproduce. I will deal with the girl myself."

"As you wish, sir. Shall I get the troops ready to move?"

"Attacking in winter would be foolish, the roads are deadly and ditches invisible in the snow. We will wait till spring comes. That way the weather will be to our advantage."

"Yes sir. I'll check with the supply officers to make sure we do indeed have enough. Do you wish for a recon team to be dispatched to keep watch on the beast's castle?"

"Yes, I want to know the every move that that abomination to mankind makes. I want to know his routine, his weakness, his flight patterns, everything."

"It shall be done. Soon sir, you will be king!" Falcor thumped his fist to his chest and bowed low before leaving Discious to himself.

The general walked across the hard ground floor, stopping in front of the map of their former kingdom, now a desolate wasteland of death and disease. "Soon...we will finally have our revenge..."

* *  *

Far to the east, in the deep valleys of the wastelands, the bone chilling winds of the season whistled through the cracks and boulders of the pass. Below the high stretching walls of the pass, a group of travelers trudged through the light snow, winter was fast coming here and it was unwise to get trapped there when the snows fully hit. There was not much time left but they would make it if nothing delayed them further. Leading the group, a large monstrosity of a man shielded his eyes from the biting cold. It would take more than the weather to put down General Karas.

The man to his left tapped him on the shoulder, shouting above the shrieking winds. "General, we must find shelter soon. The men are exhausted. If we keep this pace up we will be of no use to our prince."

He turned his head just enough to look at the younger man, his face concerned but knowing they had no choice in the matter, "And if we do not keep going we will get caught in the coming storms and we will not see the prince at all. We will rest once we have cleared the wastes, we cannot risk stopping here. If we do we may never leave."

"Yes General." Mayguel looked at his fellow soldiers and nodded grimly. They would follow Karas for he had kept them safe for the last seven years. They would not give up now. Resolutely they trudged on.

Turning back to the harsh winds, Karas sighed as he felt the burn in his legs grow stronger, however the end of the valley and the borders of the wastelands had appeared on the horizon. It would be perhaps another day, two at most before they were back in their homeland.

A low whistle followed by two loud clicks sounded an alert to the marching men that potential enemies were approaching. The lead scout watched as the four Reptilia passed by his hiding space and continued toward the wastelands and General Karas's small army.

Karas signaled for the march to halt, listening to the message that was sent through the coded whistles. He motioned for his men to hide, leaving their belongings in the center. They would take the enemy as they investigated their cargo.

Syn was still smarting from his losses when Byn hissed a warning that objects had been left in the road ahead. Cautiously the Reptilia made their way over to the bundles and inspected them Byn's tongue scented the air, trying to figure out which way the owners of the discarded things had fled to. Unfortunately the wind was blowing towards the cargo, preventing any smells from reaching the searching lizardman.

"Take what we need from it. Ssscavenger'sss rightsss." Syn was pleased with this find. It would make traveling the Wastelands easier.




Love's Curse Ch. 13



As they drew closer to the cargo, the army of Karas watched, waiting for the perfect moment to spring their trap. As they approached, the ringing of swords was heard as they drew their blades. "That's far enough snakes."

Syn froze, his gaze on the humans that now surrounded him. "We did not know thessse were yoursss."

"That was the point reptile. We wanted you here so we could rid the land of another batch of mercenary scum who prey on our lands and comrades. Now drop your weapons or we will fell you where you stand." Karas took another step forwards, the top of his sword under Syn's chin.

Syn issued a series of clicks and hisses. Slowly his warriors lowered their weapons. "We are no longer mercernariesss. I made a choice that will insssure that we will never be hired again."

"Indeed you have snake, because by coming here, you have sealed your fate and will fall by my blade. Have you any last words before I send you back to the hell that spawned you?"

"Yess. General Disssciousss is attempting to kidnap the young female who hasss sssnagged the Beassst'sss attention." Syn stood calmly unafraid of death. He had been bred for war and death was no stranger to him.

Karas paused for a moment, considering the words he had heard. He was unsure if he could trust them, the Reptilia were known as mercenaries and in general mercenaries would say anything to get what they wanted. "And how do I know you aren't saying this just so we release you?"

"May I?" Syn gestured to the pouch he carried.

"If you try to cross me snake I will skin you alive till you die." The sword tip pressed against his throat, pricking the skin.

"No crosss." He reached into the pouch and held up a tuft of fur as well as a piece of a woman's dress. 

Karas' eyes narrowed and he leaned in closer to Syn, the sword tip still pressed close. "Very well snake. For this we will let you go, once you tell us when he plans this. But if I see you again. There will be no questioning. Only death."

"He will move on the Beassst in the ssspring. He hasss called in all his alliesss. He wissshesss to rule. And the ressst of usss be damned."

Karas stepped back, lowering his weapon. "Very well. Take your weapons and go. Do not enter these lands again or I will personally use your hide to line my floor." Karas looked to his men a moment, "Pack up the cart well, we must make haste if we are to arrive before winter takes its full grip."

"Good luck." Syn turned to leave but paused. "Beware the female. Ssshe isss more than what ssshe appearsss to be."

Karas nodded only once, keeping his weapon free of its sheath until Syn and his men were out of sight. Sliding his blade home he sighed and rubbed his face with a hand. He could feel the weariness drawing his strength from him, but they needed to continue. They could not fail the Prince Aries once again.



Love's Curse Ch. 14



To all our readers, we sincerely thank you for the words of encouragement. Lilandra and Beast thank you as well. Happy reading!

* 
 Her head was throbbing as she opened her eyes to the bright sunlight streaming in. She had lost count of the days she had been here with Beast and Lynn but last night's events were still fresh in her mind. How had she managed to get them from the woods to here? The few possibilities she thought of were instantly cast aside as improbable. No some other force was at work here. She shivered. Her mother used to whisper stories of magic and oddities to her when she was younger but had stopped when father had flown into a rage and proclaimed that such garbage would not be told in HIS house. Sighing she dressed in the pale blue wool gown and sat before the vanity and brushed her hair which had grown longer than she was used to having it. It meant it took twice as long to fix but she found that time soothing. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten yet.

Promptly, as if he had known she was hungry without being there, a knock came through the hardwood door. "Miss Lilandra? Are you decent?" Lynn asked from the other side.

"Yes, Sir Lynn, I am dressed." She decided that since he was being formal she must do the same. She grieved at the loss of the personal way they had begun to relate to each other. Going back to the way he spoke to her when they first met hurt.

The sound of the lock turning echoed through the room, the door slowly sliding inwards and revealing the usual serving tray that bore her daily breakfast. "I hope you are hungry this morning, my lady." He walked farther into the room and politely lifted the lid from the plate, revealing a steaming hot breakfast. He bowed towards her and spoke in a polite tone. "I shall return when you are done, my lady." He turned towards the door, beginning to walk towards it.

It was too much, she let out a choked cry and ran toward Lynn but stopped a foot short of him, her hand outstretched, her gaze pleading. "Lynn," just a whisper but it spoke eloquently of her remorse.

He paused as he heard her outburst of emotion. Slowly he turned and looked at her, a small smile gracing his lips as he looked at her. "I apologize for upsetting you...I am very protective of my master. I have been with him since before he was born." He paused and looked towards the large windows for a moment, memories crossing his expression as he did so. "It is difficult to accept that he will get hurt protecting those he cares for."

"He should not be getting hurt." A surprising admission from her. "I am being stupid and fearful and my mother, if she were alive, would be very ashamed of me right now. I'd probably gotten a beating too for being so rude to one who rescued me from a fate worse than death." The words were sincere, her repentance genuine.

Gently he laid his hands upon her shoulders, his smile widening as he looked into her damn eyes. "I can see you are genuinely repentant Lilandra. I forgive you for your foolishness. Please, eat, I will stay and talk with you if you wish."

A breath she didn't know she was holding escaped. "Thank you." Returning to her seat she began eating. "Yesterday," she gulped. "Yesterday you told me give him what he needs. What did you mean?"

"Well...he has led a rather lonely life for many years now. He has felt the burden of loneliness. He is simply looking for a companion. Someone to talk to...someone to make the years worth living."

Tension fled from her shoulders and she slumped in her seat feeling foolish. She had thought, that all Beast wanted was sex. It was what all the stories said, what he had tried to take from her the first day of her arrival at his home. But now Lynn sat before her telling her that Beast was lonely. It boggled the mind. "You're saying he needs a friend?"

Lynn nodded, sighing quietly and rubbing the back of his aged hands. "So many can only see the beast on the outside, someone struggling with things he cannot control. Inside he is simply someone looking for a friend, yes."

She pondered this as she finished her food. How many times in the past had she longed for a friend? Someone who was kind and not cruel? Someone who would understand her even when no one else did? If that was all that Beast wanted then she could relate to that. "So that's it. Only a friend? Nothing more?"

"He wishes only for a companion. He highly doubts you would want anything more and does not expect it. A friend is all he is hoping for. Someone to listen when no one else will."

"I see. I, I think I would like that." She stood then. "Is he still resting? If not I would like to see him, if I may."

"He is awake and resting in bed. I'm sure he would like to talk to you Lilandra, there are some things you need to discuss. Such as certain boundaries."

She blushed. "Yes, that would be...a good idea. I am ready when you are sir."

He nodded, slowly rose from the chair, and held his arm out for her to take. "Then we shall go see the master."

She took his arm and let him lead the way to Beast's room. Her heart was racing as she tried to think of things to talk about that would not make her feel uncomfortable.

Lynn reached out and rapped sharply on the door and waited a moment for a reply. A low growl of 'Enter' was heard before he gently pushed the door open, revealing his master sitting up in bed, bloodied bandages laying loosely on the bedside table.

There was no hesitation on her part. She entered the room, though her shy gaze fell on Beast and then away again. She could and would do this. He was lonely too and the least she could do was talk to him. Talk never hurt anyone. He looked at Lilandra with those deep dark eyes of his that seemed menacing in all lights, his claw extended towards the chair, indicating her to sit.

There was the soft click of the door behind her as Lynn closed it once more, to give the two time alone to discuss what needed to be said.

Lilandra straightened up and walked unflinchingly over to the seat and sat down. This time her eyes were on his face. "I owe you an apology for everything I've done wrong. I can't stand to see others hurt because of my foolishness."

"You are forgiven Lilandra, I know what it is like to live in shame." He closed his eyes, taking slow breaths, trying to ignore the aches that were pulsing through his body.

She felt that strange tug on her heart again. "I was very shameful too. My mother loved me but my father, he only wanted to use me to make money. Then she died and left me alone with him and my brothers. He did not care about my feelings. He made me a slave in our home. I had to wait on everyone hand and foot and if I forgot or messed up, I was punished severely. You saw some of the marks the first day I met you."

He nodded once again, gently taking her hand in his, the warm fur silky smooth against her skin. "You need not ever worry about being treated like that ever again Lilandra..."

"Please, do not make promises that you cannot keep. You don't know my father. He was not happy at being parted from me. I saw it in his face when the mayor took me. Father is bidding his time, no doubt coming up with a way to get me back." She shuddered. "I do not wish to go back there, EVER. But of course my behavior lately would contradict my words. I've been so ungrateful." She looked ready to cry.

A slightly smug look crossed his face as he spoke next, hiding something from her. "Trust me on this young one, he will not be doing anyone any more harm again."

She believed him. He had yet to lie to her. Her credibility was not as good at the moment but she was going to change that. "So, um. Nice weather."

He turned his head to the window for a moment, noting the pouring rain outside. "For ducks, yes." He smiled and laughed softly, wincing slightly as he did so. "You need not put up false images here, if you have something to ask then please do."

"Lynn said you needed a friend," she blurted out and then blushed.

He looked down at the covers a moment before sighing and smiling, "I guess my secret is out then...I admit I have been longing for a companion of sorts for some time now. Someone to talk to on long nights who isn't constantly obsessing over my health."

Lilandra laughed. "He does fuss a lot, doesn't he." She blushed. "Oh, I'm sorry! I should not criticize my elders."

Another laugh and wince came from Aries, his furry hand lightly patting hers. "How I have longed to finally hear someone agree with me on that. All my life he has been fussing over me. Sometimes I'm glad to escape into the night."

"Except when you have to save stupid girls like me."

"Do not worry about that young one, it has been some time since I have flexed these muscles in such a manner. It was refreshing in a way."

"Are you sure? I really am truly sorry for my part in all of this. My father always said I was stupid. Maybe he is right."

"No. No, Lilandra, he was anything but right. You know so much in your beautiful head that I am surprised it does not explode with all the knowledge your curiosity has granted you. Your father was an evil man who is much better off dead and the world is a better place because of it."

Her eyes fastened on his face. "What do you mean "was an evil man?" Do you know something I do not?" She moved from her spot and came closer to him. "What are you saying, Sir Beast?"

The beast looked at her for a moment, trying to determine whether this was a good idea or not, telling her that her father was now fertilizing the forest floor via wolf droppings could backfire on him if he wasn't careful. "I am saying Lilandra that your father committed a serious crime by abusing you in such a way and...He was executed shortly after his crimes came to light."

Lilandra sank to her knees stunned. She wasn't sure if she was going to cry or laugh. Celebrating didn't cross her mind. Despite the fact that her father had been cruel to her for the last few years, she remembered him before he had turned that way. Tears rolled down her cheeks unnoticed.

Reaching out, his soft fur brushed against her cheek, wiping the tears away. "Are you all right Lilandra?"

"I...what will my brothers do? I wonder if they are all right? Oh," she cried, wringing her hands. They may have been horrible to her but they were still the only family she had.

"They will be fine, they are strong willed and capable of looking after themselves. Do not worry."

"I don't know why I feel this way. They were so mean to me. Hurt me, even tried to rape me but yet I feel worry. Is this right? Is there something wrong with me?" Absently she stroked his fur, seeking comfort.

He shook his head, watching her. "No, not at all. You have a good soul inside you, worrying about those you care about. Family is the most important thing in the world."

"I don't think I ever properly thanked you."

"You do not need to thank me Lilandra, I do what must be done to ensure your future is safe."

She stirred restlessly then. She needed some air. She started to rise but then looked at him and made a decision. "Would you come walk with me?"

He tilted his head for a moment before nodding and carefully moving out of bed, wincing as he swung his legs out.

"Oh, or maybe not!" She wrung her hands, shuffling nervously. "Maybe we'd better not. Lynn will yell at me. I, I don't want him upset again."

"No, no, Lynn won't yell at you. Just, give me a moment till I get my balance. Please, pull the chair over so I can lean on it."

She grabbed the chair and put it near him and carefully stood by his side so that if necessary, he could lean on her. A heavy claw laid on her shoulder and the chair, most of his weight being put on the chair, making it groan, but enough was placed upon her to cause a strain. She locked her knees and gritted her teeth. She felt his claws dig slightly into her flesh but she didn't make a sound. Such pain was minimal compared to the things her father had done. She still couldn't believe he was dead. The thought would take some getting use to.

He was on his feet, sighing softly as he stretched his sore wings before settling them once more. "Thank you Lilandra, please, lead the way."

Bowing, she opened the door and went out into the hallway. What she really wanted was to go to the garden. She knew it was more than likely lifeless but she had felt at peace outside and that's where she needed to go. She was conscious of Beast beside her and she felt a strange heat course through her body.

With the quiet clicking of talons on the hard floor, he followed her lead, gazing at the paintings as he did so, "I trust Lynn told you that we would be discussing some ground rules now that you are staying here."

Her heart beat sped up and fear tickled her mind. "Yes, sir. He did."

"Firstly, if you are told you must not enter a section then I expect you to honor it. Straying into places you must not go will not be tolerated."

"I understand. I know better. I was rude to go where I was forbidden to do so. It will not happen again."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. Next, when I tell you to do something, such as a chore or a meal or gardening, you will do so without question. Lynn will show you where things are till you learn their place. This will not happen often, mostly during spring and autumn when the planting and harvesting commences. We have large stocks and plentiful larders to hold the fields of produce we create."

"I am no stranger to hard work. I'd prefer to do something rather than sit and do nothing."

"Excellent, the final thing I will say, is that you will be required to make some important decisions from time to time. The first of these will be where you would like to go today."

She paused and glanced at him. "Me? Make important decisions?" Confused she didn't respond. Was this a trick to insure her loyalty to Beast and Lynn? Or was it some test that if she failed they would keep her locked up?

"Indeed, Lynn will not be around forever...he will need someone to help him later on in life."

"Helping I do well." She stopped in front of the garden door. The rain had stopped outside and though it was winter, she had learned that they had a greenhouse on Beast's lands and she had been wanting to see it. "If it pleases you, I'd like to see the greenhouse."

He raised an eyebrow for a moment as she asked this, considering if he should. The only two people who had been permitted entrance were Lynn and Aries himself. "Oh? Very well, we shall take a stroll through the humid expanses of my greenhouses. But I will make one thing clear. Do not touch a single thing growing in there. Harsh consequences befall those who do...and they are not delivered by myself or Lynn..." He let the silent threat hang in the air, testing her for a moment to see if it would click in her mind that most of the plants growing there were brimming with poisonous venom.

A shiver ran along her spine, her mouth suddenly going dry. "Yes, Beast. I will not forget." She would follow any and all directions he gave. She had told Lynn she would be Beast's friend and friends had to trust each other.

He nodded his head for a moment and felt a slight smile come to his face, revealing the hundreds of razor sharp needle-like fangs that inhabited his jaws. He held his arm out for a moment as he spoke next, "Good, I hope you enjoy our little tour then Lilandra."

A moment's hesitation but then she put her hand on his arm. The Beast had an odd gait when he walked on his two hind legs. He towered over her smaller slight form but instead of it scaring her, it comforted her.

As they walked along the garden paths, the air seemed colder than it should. Gradually the path turned to gravel and the shrubs turned to harsh looking bushes, their branches like gnarled fingertips stretching from the ground. She pressed closer to Beast, the evil of the place repelling her. She wanted to turn back but she refused to act cowardly. It only brought trouble. She started when she looked up and saw they had reached the door of the greenhouse. The blackened wood of the doors gave off a deep, rough odor as they were pushed open, overwhelmed quickly though, by the suddenly pleasant aroma of the mysterious plants within the greenhouse.

"Ah." A pleased gasp as she glanced about taking in the beauty of the flora surrounding her. She did not move from Beast's side, remember his warning about the plants. The aromas that wafted from the plants beside her were surprisingly enticing, as if telling her to come and touch them. The heady scents toyed with her, tempting her to examine them. The pull was strong and her body swayed toward the flowers. Such lovely smells. As the scents danced before her eyes, they seemed hypnotic, drawing her in closer...closer....

Suddenly the air shuddered and a rumble of thunder rattled the glass roof with its force. Behind her, Beast sniffed and rubbed his nose on his furry arm, muttering, "Damned flowers..."

"This might have been a bad idea," she murmured, her words beginning to slur.

"It will teach you a valuable lesson Lilandra. Just remember not to touch anything. No matter how much you want to. Your senses won't always be telling you the truth." His words sounded strange to her ears and she gave him a puzzled frown. Her head felt...well she wasn't sure. She was having trouble getting her thoughts in order. Staggering she bumped into Beast and went down to one knee, clutching at his fur, trying to anchor herself.

He stood there, silent for a moment as he looked down at her. Carefully he offered his claw. "It takes some getting used to. Just remember to breath deep and take your time."

She struggled to follow his instructions. If only she wasn't getting so sleepy...

He sighed softly and couldn't help but roll his eyes, some people just didn't have the tolerance for these flowers. With a delicate touch, he lightly poked the tip of his claw into her upper arm, only just enough to pierce the skin.

Yelping, her drooping eyelids flew open and she glared at Beast. "Ow! That hurt!"

"Good, if it didn't I'd have to carry you back. This first part of the greenhouse is home to the legendary Kindness Thorn Bush. It's heady scent contains a powerful neurotoxin that induces a state of drowsiness which can only be broken by pain."

"Oh," heat colored her cheeks and she found that she was more focused as she looked at the plant. It's deceptive pink petals and pale green center had snared her with its beauty. She hadn't been ready for the scent and now she knew to be wary of it. Moving closer to him, she waited for him to go farther into the greenhouse.

He slowly continued, keeping an eye on her in case she felt the urge to stray once again. "Most of the specimens in here are fatal to the touch. Others are simply a powerful paralytic. You will need to learn how to recognize these since this land, especially the forest, is populated with many of them."

"Yes, milord. Are there any that are lethal just as they are? One that could save your life if attacked?"

"In here? Almost all of them are lethal. They will kill anyone who comes near them or who touches them. They do not discriminate between friend or foe. If you are chased into an area with such plants, the only way to survive is to know how they will kill you."

"I see." Her mind was whirling at the implications. "Please, continue. I do not wish to die from a flower's wrath."

"Then it may be best if we do not visit the Night Roses..." He let the statement hang in the air for a moment, wondering if she would be daring enough to go there.

'Roses? You have more roses?'' A smile lit her face at the prospect of seeing roses.

"Indeed I do Lilandra, but they are not for the faint of heart to view face to face. The one you saw in the cabinet was a dead specimen. Alive they are far more dangerous than you can imagine."




Love's Curse Ch. 14



"How can they be more dangerous? True roses have thorns but still..." she trailed off, waiting for him to explain.

"These Lilandra, are no ordinary roses. These are Night Roses. They say to gaze upon one of these living flowers is to have your very soul ripped from within you, and to touch it's perilous thorns is to experience a death worse than a thousand blades slicing at your skin."

"If they are dead they hold no power but if I were to look at them now I would die?" Lilandra shuddered at the thought.

"No, to touch their thorns you would die. To look at them would most likely shatter your mind into a thousand glinting shards of insanity. Strangely enough they do not seem to affect me."

"Oh!" she squeaked and kept her gaze on his face though for some strange reason she wanted to stare at the flowers for a long time.

Beast opened his jaws gradually, displaying row upon row of razor sharp needle like fangs. A long, low rumble was heard from his throat growing slowly louder until it could be distinguished, oddly enough as a yawn.

"My lord are you tired?"

He shook his head slightly and ruffled his wings, "No more than usual, the scent of the roses occasionally causes me to yawn. I find it rather soothing."

"It makes me," she faltered to a halt. The memory and feelings she had felt when her night lover, Aries, had come stealing into her room was awakened by the scent of the roses wafting into her nose. "You are right, maybe we should go back."

"If you so desire that, but I thought that you wanted to see the roses properly?" He raised an eyebrow for a moment, his piercing eyes holding an inquiring twinkle to them, masking the usual savage murderous glint that normally resided there.

"Oh that is right. You do have other plants than these beauties here. Yes, I would like to see the others please." Unconsciously her hand snaked out and caressed the petals, though her gaze was elsewhere.

Immediately his vice like grip clamped around her wrist, jerking it back from the petals. "I shall have to make a note to bring the manacles next time."

She cried out more from surprise than pain. The word manacles made her blanch. "No, please, Beast, I am sorry."

"Not to keep your prisoner Lilandra." He released her hand from his soft, yet unyielding grip. "It's so you don't end up accidentally maiming, poisoning, terrifying or killing yourself."

"Yes, Beast." She looked down at her feet, afraid of making another mistake. The ease she had started to feel around him in the greenhouse was evaporating.

He lightly patted her on the shoulder and chuckled softly. "Do not worry Lilandra, Lynn himself has to wear a breathing mask when he is working in here."

"I see." It mollified her somewhat to know she could at least breathe without having to wear a mask. "The other flowers, milord," she quietly reminded him.

"Ah yes, of course, this way, these others are...slightly less dangerous than the ones we have seen so far. Just remember to keep your hands in your pockets."

She looked down at her skirt and then at him. She didn't have pockets. Instead she shyly put her hand in his paw and waited for him to lead the way. His claws gently wrapped around her hand, engulfing them in its warmth, quietly leading the way further into the greenhouse. His breathing was slow and regular, enjoying this quiet, peaceful moment between the two of them.

She had not felt such inner quiet since her mother had died. Her mother always had that effect on others. No matter how mean her father could be, he had seemed to lose his rage whenever around her mother. She let Beast take her to the other flowers, which she ogled and oohed over. Several hours passed and reluctantly she mentioned it to him. "I've had a wonderful time. But it is getting near evening. Lynn will have my head if I keep you out here much longer.

Glancing for a moment at the darkening sky he nodded in agreement, his change would be upon them if they were careless. "You are right young one, let us head back before the cold night meets Lynn's fiery temper and causes a hurricane." He chuckled softly for a moment at the image of that, turning and guiding her back towards the entrance of the Greenhouses.

Her steps slowed near the black roses, the urge to touch breathing along her skin.

Aries felt the tug as she slowed and knew that it would be dangerous to bring her back here again. "Lilandra? Remember what will happen if I am late in returning you to his care."

"Yes, Lynn's ire." She shook off the feeling and hurried her steps. They made it back inside where a scowling Lynn met them. "You're late. Thankfully I kept dinner warm. Miss Lilandra, if you will go change, I will bring you down for dinner." 

Meekly she bowed her head. "Yes Lynn." She hesitated, her shy gaze going to Beast before she let go of his paw and followed the hall to her room. She was surprised Lynn was allowing her to do so alone but she supposed the new trust had to start somewhere. 

Lynn waited until Lilandra was gone before scolding Aries. "Milord, you must be more aware of the time. There are only five hours left in the day. If you wish to woo her some more you must allow more time to do so. Come, I must clean you up and take you to the dining room before bringing down your lady."

"My apologies Lynn, the greenhouses were especially enchanting today. You should take some small bandages with you also, some of the flowers were a little too...aromatic for her to handle today." He sighed for a moment as he watched her leave, wondering if she could really be the one to break his curse. "She is a rare specimen Lynn. Never before have I met someone so fragile yet strong inside."

"She is more than what she appears and I'm sorry for misjudging her as well. I will take the bandages once I have you in the bath. And Aries, try to eat neatly." Lynn opened the door to let Aries in. "Enjoy the bath sire."

He ducked his head a moment to enter the room and nodded in response before he stumbled slightly, clutching his ribs and gasping. The change was upon him once again, it's due time shifting with the seasons elongating nights.

"I will make sure she comes down in an hour to have that dinner with you. I also managed to get one of the villagers who is not as afraid as the others to come play some music."

Aries nodded once more, slowly rising from the floor and wincing as the last remnants of the toxins of the greenhouse escaped his system. "Why do I suddenly have the urge to mate with a daffodil Lynn? Have you been cross-breeding the greenhouses again?"

"No sir, but maybe it has something to do with Miss Lilandra going in there with you."

Aries tilted his head to the side thinking. "Perhaps, perhaps. We shall have to see what other things develop in the mean time. Thank you Lynn, I appreciate your help tonight, as always."

"You will always have it. Now go soak. I'll meet you in forty-five minutes." Lynn bowed and headed for Lilandra's room.

* * *

Lilandra was in her room trying to decide what to wear. Never had she this nervous. She felt different and she didn't know why.

Lynn moved silently through the hallways, noting which areas would need a once over with a duster as he neared his destination. Lightly he rapped on her door, waiting on her reply as he spoke. "Miss Lilandra? Are you decent?"

"Yes, Lynn please come in." She had laid two dresses on the bed. One was a brilliant emerald green and the other a shade of blue close to that of the ocean. Either would enhance her eyes and compliment her skin.

The door swung open and Lynn stepped in, smiling as he closed the door behind him. He gently placed the tray with the bandages on a side table. "How was your trip to the greenhouses? My master was most pleased to have spent time with you this evening."

"The flowers were beautiful. I did not know so many were that deadly but I am aware now and will be careful. He was so nice to me and saved my life." She looked down at her hands, only then noticing the cuts and scrapes. "Oh, I didn't see those before."

Lynn nodded and hid a slight smile at her only noticing now. "The master would like to offer his apologies. He usually has me there to pinch our guests out of their daydreams. Allow me to treat them so they don't get infected."

Absently nodding she sat down at the table, her mind going back to the black roses. "Has he always liked the black roses?"

He began his work as he spoke with her, his smile widening as he remembered Aries cultivating them. "Oh yes, it has always been his dream to grow such fascinating plants. Beauty that holds such terrifying consequences. Not even the serpents of old dared to go near them and they were the most brutal fearless warriors one could ever encounter."

"Lynn, I know you might think me silly but I, I think the flowers were talking to me." She blushed. 

He swiftly did up the bandages on her arms so they would not be too noticeable. "That my lady I can certainly believe. I am not sure how but I think that somehow we have a forest nymph lurking in there somewhere."

"I've heard of those. Mother talked about them once, in a story she told me at bedtime. But the one she talked about lived in water." The dress that she finally chose would not interfere with the bandages. "I need your help. I have two dresses to choose from."

"Ah yes, Water Nymphs, I think the master has only met one, unfortunately he was mad with hunger from 2 weeks without food and tried to eat her, they don't let him come close to them now." He slowly stood and walked over to the dresses to admire them, "They both looking stunning, it will be quiet difficult to choose which would be best."

"Does he prefer one color over another?" She really wanted to please him. He had been so kind to her and she had truly enjoyed spending time with him.

"I believe he has a penchant for blue, although it is sometimes hard to tell with the state he comes home in. One would think brown and red were his favorites. But yes, I'm firm in my belief that blue is his favorite."

She had been leaning more toward the blue herself. There was something about the silk dress that made her feel all warm inside. "I will wear the blue then. How much time before dinner?" 

"Dinner will be ready in around 30 minutes, I have prepared a feast which I hope is to both your likings."

"Thirty minutes! That's all! Out, out, I have to hurry!" Thirty minutes was barely time to get the dress on and fix her hair. She fretted as she urged Lynn toward the door.

"Of course, of course. I will...see if the master requires any help bathing..." The rest of his sentence was cut off as the door closed behind him. He couldn't help but smile at the situation, everything seemed to be going perfectly now.

In a flurry she got dressed and then spent the remaining time brushing and fixing her hair. She had more questions to ask Beast and now that fear was not souring her emotions, she was curious and wanted to know more. Patiently she sat and waited for Lynn to come back for her.

At the 30 minute mark there was another sharp rap on the door, the scent of glorious, well cooked food wafted under the door. "Miss Lilandra? Are you ready?" Lynn waited patiently on her reply.

"Yes, I'm ready." She smoothed her hands down her dress, took a deep breath and opened the door. Her hair was neatly braided and a flush stained her cheeks.

Lynn almost gasped in surprise at the vision of beauty before him and felt a grin form on his face. "My goodness Lilandra, you look absolutely stunning this evening! If the master does not notice I will swear he must have gone blind."

She blushed a bright pink and fidgeted. "Thank you, Lynn." Her eyes dropped to the floor as she took his arm and let him take her to where Beast waited.

He couldn't help but smile more at her shyness, glad Aries finally had someone who could relax around him, even if it did take a near death experience to find her. He guided her along to a small dining hall, the room alight with candles and the scent of lavender as they entered.

"Oh, oh my!" She stared at sight before her, mesmerized at the candles and inhaling the scent. She felt tears in her eyes but managed to hold them back. They were tears of happiness.

Lynn smiled once more as he guided her gently towards her chair at the table, it's elegant wooden face was laden with trays of hidden foods and decanters of strange and exotic wines. "I am glad that you are happy with the layout Miss Lilandra, the master designed it himself."

"He did?" She was awed. She hadn't known Beast had such fine taste. Her mouth watered. True the food she had eaten here had been better than that of the fare at home but this, this was even grander than anything she'd ever experienced. "Where is he?" Curiously she looked around.

"The master is currently grooming himself in his chambers, he wished to rid himself of the scent of the days labors before he came to dinner. He can become rather...aromatic after a day's work. He should be here in a few minutes." He pulled the chair out for her, allowing her to sit as he pushed it in, unconsciously wiping a speck of dust from the top of the shining veneered wood.

"No one, and I mean no one, has ever cooked me such a feast as this. How do I eat it all? Oh my!" She became flustered.

He could not help but let out a small chuckle at her astonishment. "Do not worry. With the master no feast lasts till the morning. Do not feel embarrassed if you are not able to eat much. It is more of a challenge to get anything at all before he reaches this end of the table."

"Lynn!" Lilandra giggled as she imagined Beast eating everything in sight. "At least he won't be hungry for a while," she replied, a smile on her face.

"I hope not. I do not think I could manage to cook this much every night. If you will excuse me I shall check to see if he is ready yet." He quietly turned and headed through the large doors once again, closing them behind him. It took Lynn a few minutes to make it to his Master's room. He knew that by now Aries had changed back to his beast form. He was going to check to make sure that his master's fur was clean and free of tangles. He also needed to remind him to watch his behavior and eating manners around Lilandra.

Aries was standing under the great fountain like shower that was in the rear of his chambers. It's original size would have been grand and superior for a normal human, in his beast form however, it was only of moderate size for his frame. He stepped out of the shower just in time for Lynn to enter and get drenched as he shook himself dry. "Ah, good evening Lynn, how is Lilandra?"

Lynn sighed. "She is seated and waiting. The musician will be here in five minutes. You must hurry milord."

"The food is ready and your lady is waiting, please be gentle."

"Of course I will be gentle Lynn, aren't I always? Besides it is dinner we are having not some kind of mating ritual. Calm yourself Lynn, it is only a meal." He chuckled as he flicked the last of the water from his wings while walking to the door. "Wish me luck dear friend, I think I may need it this night."

"Yes, much luck to you and to the lady. I will go and make sure the musician has arrived." Lynn followed behind Aries and once they were in the hallway he went in a different direction. This was all very exciting and good fortune indeed.

Aries took a long slow deep breath, trying to quell the butterflies that were rising in his stomach, a lot was riding on this dinner, more than he liked to admit. If he made a mistake it could be disastrous. He reached forth with his two great clawed hands, clasping the handles gently and slowly pushed the two large decorated doors open, immediately drawing in a great breath of the succulent meats upon the table. Lynn had gone all out this night. He paused as he took in the great beauty of Lilandra seated at the table and felt his heart groan within himself. "Oh my lady Lilandra, you look absolutely ravishing this night."

"Beast!" She hastily came to her feet, her cheeks a rosy pink. She had been daydreaming about how this dinner would go. "Oh!" She moved from her seat and dropped into a curtsy. She was overwhelmed by everything--the feast, her clothes and the beast who looked very different, less terrifying and more approachable. Even his claws did not appear as lethal. And his words, they stirred feelings in her that she had begun to have but didn't quite understand. No one had looked at her the way he was looking at her now as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

He in turn bowed low before her, showing her the same respect that she was showing him. As he rose he smiled as best he could, his fangs glinting in the light. "I am glad to see that you are not too badly effected by our little trip into the greenhouses Lilandra, I was a little concerned that Lynn would have skinned me alive for the marks I gave you."

"I hardly noticed them. He bandaged them." 

"Good. I would prefer you did not become sick due to my actions." He smiled once more, approaching her and gently taking her hands in his, looking deep into her eyes. "I am glad that you are here this night, it has been a long time since I have had company that is not terrified of me."

"I." She stopped and thought on his words. It was true. She wasn't scared of him like she was when she first had come to him. "You are scary when you are angry but most of the time it is because I've done something foolish."

"But you are learning and growing wiser each day. I have not seen someone overcome their fears as quickly as you have. You are truly amazing Lilandra." He felt his mouth watering with the scents of the meal and his stomach begin to growl. "I think perhaps we should begin, or my stomach may chew its way out of me to feed itself." 

"Oh dear! Um, no we don't want that." She stepped back from him and hurried to her seat and sat. Her own stomach chose to growl at that moment and she laughed nervously.

A soft chuckle came from him as he sat down across from her and watched her for a moment. "It seems I am not the only ravenous beast here. Now, let us enjoy this marvelous meal before it grows cold. Lynn makes such exquisite meals indeed."

Lilandra began to eat. At first she didn't talk because she wasn't sure what to say.

He lifted some of the pans from the large serving plates and took in the smell of each. "Ah wondrous indeed. So tell me Lilandra, if I may ask, what events brought about your situation with your family? I don't believe I have asked what happened to your mother?"

Lilandra froze in the middle of taking a bite. A flash of sorrow crossed her face before she shook herself and answered his question. "My mother died a few years ago. She was a kind, gentle woman. She was the only one who could tolerate father. She did her best to make sure my brothers turned out differently from father but father's ways were too strong. My brothers didn't want to be gentlemen. They wanted to be like father, rutting with whomever and being lazy. Mother got sick one day and within a few months she died. By that time both of my brothers were married. Father waited one week before making me the house slave. My sisters did nothing." Her voice conveyed the deep bitterness she had experienced during those times.

"I am sorry to hear of such things, I remember a time long ago when such acts would have been dealt with swiftly...alas that time is long gone. But even through all the suffering you put up with, you are still strong and open minded. I am glad you survived such torment."

"My only escape was the forest. Nothing bothered me there during the day. Of course that's what led to the scars on my back. I lost track of time and father beat me. Everything went from bad to worse from that day on. Then I was brought to town and met you. You scared me a little but I was so happy to be away from my family that I didn't care if you were going to kill me or not."




Love's Curse Ch. 14



"I never intended to kill you Lilandra, I felt your soul crying out and knew that you had to be rescued from the life of horrors that had been inflicted upon you. There may also have been a small bird that informed me of your circumstances."

"A small bird? I did not know birds talked?"

He couldn't help but smirk at this, he was fascinated by her innocence. "It is a turn of phrase, this particular little bird is a handsome one with black hair and a rugged body."

She gasped. "You mean Aries? You know him!"

The prince nodded slowly. "Indeed, he is...an acquaintance of mine. We do not see each other often as his traveling schedule is a mystery and he does not stay for long either. He prefers to meet with me alone."

"Oh." For some reason, his explanation didn't disappoint her as much as she thought it would. True she liked Aries but now that she was starting to enjoy Beast's company she felt like a traitor for ever feeling something for Aries to begin with.

"But do not worry yourself over him Lilandra, to word it in a softer way, he prefers to play for his home team as it were." He slowly sliced through a thick steak with one of his claws, placing the piece in his mouth and chewing slowly.

The reference was lost on her but his tone reassured her and she went back to eating. Shyly she asked, "Where did Lynn go?"

"He is most likely making sure the musician has not run away screaming. Either that or he is picking out a fine wine for after dinner."

"How about both," Lynn replied as he entered with a bottle of wine and the musician.

Aries smiled wider as he saw the musician enter, he was, of course blindfolded so he would not be terrified away. "Ah, thank you Lynn, I trust he did not require too much liquid courage?"

"Just the right amount milord. He is ready when you are."

Lilandra rose and felt a faint tremor run through her. She had never danced in her life. Her mother always said she was going to teach her but had never found the time.

Beast looked up at her from his meal for a moment, concerned at the look on her face. "Are you alright Lilandra?"

"I'm fine. I'm ready," she stammered, her hands running up and down her legs. She hadn't meant for him to see her unease at the prospect of dancing.

Lynn watched her intently. He was certain he knew what the problem was but he was going to let the two of them work it out.

Wiping his mouth carefully with his napkin, Beast rose, approaching her with a friendly manner, "I hope you do not mind but I'm not the best dancer in the world. Lynn has tried to teach me but sadly has ended up with more trodden toes than dance moves taught."

"You too? Oh good." She walked up to him them, her smile tentative as she waited for him to tell her how to position herself.

He smiled back and with as much care as possible he gently positioned the both of them as they should be. "First you take a step towards me, like this." He took a step back, allowing her to follow his movements. "Then a step to the left, like this. Then a step to the right, like so."

She moved as he directed and was doing fine until the musician started to play his pipes and she stepped on Beast's foot. He didn't seem to notice, continuing to move in time with the music, enjoying the moment they were having. She relaxed as she found the rhythm and within minutes was actually leaning closer to Beast. His smell which was still animal but combined with a light floral scent, made her smile. It reminded her of the scent of the Night Roses.

His arm lightly wrapped round her waist, holding her close, the music drifting across the night sky as the evening seemed to last forever...



Love's Curse Ch. 15



To the fans, thank you for your unwavering devotion and patience. I (kita) would like to thank you as well smegger_29 and my new writer-in-crime allan8d8 who assisted in this chapter's completion. Happy reading!

*

The following day dawned clear and beautiful, though a little cold and the layer of snow on the ground reminded the castle's inhabitants that winter's grip was still alive. Lynn walked about humming happily. Last night had been a great success. Lilandra and Aries had danced and not once had the young lady flinched. She was nervous, true, but the fear that had clung to her was gone. Now perhaps, things could progress more smoothly. Knowing that she was probably still sleeping, Lynn went to his Master's room to see how he had fared after last night's dinner. He knocked once and opened the door. "My Prince, are you awake?"

Aries let out a sleepy groan and slowly opened his eyes. As the thoughts of last night flickered through his mind he smiled. "Enter."

Lynn noticed how relaxed Aries seemed and he grinned happily. His prince had not been this calm in a very long time. "I came to see if you needed anything before your morning flight?" Lynn waited patiently for Aries to fully rouse himself.

Aries slowly got up and walked over to the window and looked out at the grounds below. "No, I believe I shall be fine for now. How is Lilandra this morning?" The prince turned around to look at Lynn as he posed the question.

"I have not checked on her yet. I thought it prudent to let her sleep." Lynn came to stand beside Aries. "I feel that you are getting closer to her heart. And I've received word that General Karas will be here in one week if the weather remains mild. I'm still trying to locate Generals Albin, Yearntil and Gotred. Karas has at least 100 men with him. It will go a long way in dispelling the rumors surrounding this castle."

Aries looked back out the window and closed his eyes. "The sooner Karas and his men arrive, the better. I don't expect the forces that have begun to move to wait much longer. The sooner we establish some order, the sooner we will have little to worry about from inside or outside forces." He sighed and looked back at Lynn. "Keep trying to find out what you can and make sure our guest doesn't get into any trouble. I'll be back tonight."

"Of course. Be careful, sire. Remember that Miss Lilandra for all her bravery, is still afraid and fragile. Don't get hurt." Lynn admonished as he stepped away to give Aries room to maneuver.

"I won't. We're finally forming a friendship, a bond I don't want to shatter." Aries said as he spread his wings. "I am off." With that, Aries took off through the window and flew over the trees into the horizon.

Lynn took a few minutes to tidy up Aries's room before leaving to go wake Lilandra. Now if his Prince and the lady could keep up the momentum they were starting to build, the curse would get broken sooner rather than later. Smiling he knocked on Lilandra's door.

Inside Lilandra had just finished dressing and was brushing her hair. "Come in."

Lynn slowly opened the door and bowed slightly. "Madame, breakfast shall be ready soon. Afterwards, we shall do something a little different today," he said without much change in his expression.

"Different?" Lilandra looked at Lynn in surprise. She was trying to sort out her feelings for Beast. He had been so kind and such a gentleman. Nothing like any male she had ever met before coming to the castle. Well not, exactly true. Aries, the man from the forest had been nice as well. But Beast, it was a new side to him. Shyly, she blushed as she thought of how gently he had held her while they dance.

Lynn grinned slightly and coughed to catch Lilandra's attention while she was deep in thought. "Miss Lilandra?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm ready to have breakfast." Her blush darkened to a darker shade of pink at having been caught thinking about Beast. She walked over and took Lynn's arm, a smile on her face.

Lynn maintained his composure. He led Lilandra downstairs and towards the dining room. "I decided that today we would do something a little different after breakfast." he said again.

"What did you have in mind? I feel useless just lying about all day." Lilandra pointed to the dusty banisters. "We need to clean."

"I'm glad you feel that way. As a way to become better acquainted with more of the rooms, we are going to clean throughout the entire castle." he replied.

"Good. Now I can earn my keep." She felt relief at that moment, knowing she could be helpful. They had made it to the kitchen and sat down to eat. She found herself very hungry. She waited until she had finished all her food before asking, "Which room shall we start in?"

Lynn thought for a moment. "I believe we shall start in the South wing. Yes, I believe that will work." he said taking up their dishes.

Lilandra helped him clean up the kitchen and fell into a companionable silence punctuated with conversation here and there as she and Lynn got a few buckets and some cloths to clean with. Obediently she followed him to the south wing. She noticed that unlike the other wings, this section did not have as many pictures.

Lynn continued to lead Lilandra through the corridors past the first couple of rooms in the South wing before opening the door to a room on the left. "Any rooms we don't clean, it is best not for you to enter." he said, directing his comment to Lilandra as he opened the door.

"I will not forget." She had promised to follow any directions they gave her and she was going to live up to it. She tackled the window sills with gusto. She paused when she saw movement in the bushes below. "Um, Lynn. Are any of the villagers scheduled to be here?"

"Hmm? Um, no. Not today. Why?" he asked, busy cleaning the bookshelf in the corner.

"Oh. Never mind." She shook her head. Maybe she had imagined it. She glanced down again and when nothing moved she went back to cleaning. Time seemed to fly by and soon the room was finished. "I think, maybe a break?" She wiped away sweat from her brow. She felt good. 

Lynn gathered the buckets and rags and looked around sighing. "Very well. We shall break for now. Let's head back and I shall fix us something to drink."

Lilandra looked out the window one last time before following Lynn back toward the kitchen. They were almost to the stairs when Lilandra felt something smash into her back and send her sprawling to the floor. She screamed and tried to roll over to see what was on her.

Lynn spun around to see what happened and noticed a stranger on Lilandra's back holding her down, trying to control her. Being not the first attack by someone trying to get into the castle, Lynn reacted immediately. He swung the two buckets he was holding towards each other, colliding them into the temples of the attacker's head, knocking him out instantly.

Lilandra stopped screaming as water hit her and she heard the grunt of person on her turn into a hurt moan and then silence. "Lynn?" she gasped as the weight on her back grew heavy.

Lynn rolled the man off Lilandra and helped her to her feet. "In the kitchen, there is some wire. Go fetch it for me, please. Go."

She hurried downstairs, grabbed the first bottle of wine she could find and rushed back upstairs to Lynn. "Here." She held it out, being careful to stay a few feet from her attacker.

Lynn took the bottle of wine. He looked at it then her. "I said wire......WIRE! W..I...R...E!! Now go you silly girl! Go!!!" As she ran back to the kitchen, Lynn popped the cork and took a drink from the bottle and sighed. He noticed the attacker beginning to rouse and quickly smashed the bottle over his head. "I shall have to apologize to the master for such a fine bottle of wine."

Lilandra was flustered. How could she have been so stupid! Fighting back a sob she grabbed the wire and a knife and ran back to Lynn. She held out the items to Lynn.

Lynn grabbed the knife and wire and cut off a long length. He bound the man's hands behind his back. He again cut another length with which he bound the man's feet. He turned to Lilandra. "Help me get him into the dining room."

"Yes, sir, Lynn, sir." Hysteria was licking at her emotions at the near capture by the masked man. Why had he chosen her to try to grab? Pushing her thoughts aside she assisted Lynn in getting the man to his feet. It was a painfully slow processing of getting the man to the dining room. They placed him upright in a chair and Lilandra backed away.

Lynn looked at the attacker for a moment before pulling the mask from his head. He turned back to Lilandra. "Go to your quarters and lock the door. Don't open the door to anyone except for the master or myself."

"But Lynn!" Lilandra suddenly was worried about the older man. "What if he breaks free?"

"Don't you worry about that! I shall take care of our uninvited guest. Now go!" Lynn said with a look of seriousness on his face.

"Yes sir." Spinning on her heel she fled from the room. She had to get to her own bedroom and think about everything that had happened. She flung open the door and then slammed it shut, locking it from the inside. Slowly she began to pace.

Lynn looked at the clock in the corner and turned the knife in his hand. "Master shall be back soon, then we shall get a few answers. In the meantime.....time to wake up." Lynn said as he took a cup of water and tossed it in the face of the assassin.

The man sputtered and groaned. Slowly his head rose and he glared at Lynn. "You've ruined my plans."

"And you've caused me to ruin a perfectly good bottle of wine. I need some answers...what you were planning, why, who you are working for? Those type of things." Lynn ran his finger down the blade of the knife in his hands.

The intruder laughed. "Do you think I'm a fool? I will tell you nothing. My employer would be most disappointed if I gave you any kind of information." Another cold glare from the man before he turned his attention to the wall.

Lynn sighed. "I was never much good at interrogation. However, since you won't speak to me, master will be back within ten minutes. Maybe you'll be more courteous when he asks you the same questions."

"Your foul master does not scare me. He can bleed just like the rest of us," the man sneered at Lynn. His posture screamed of confidence and certainty.

Lynn chuckled. "I'll remember that when the blood is pouring from the gashes he will leave in your flesh."

A slight hesitation but the intruder managed to hide it. "Be careful. Maybe he will be the one left with gashes."

Lynn unhooked the cuff links binding his sleeves together and rolled his sleeves up and went into the kitchen. He returned shortly with the attacker's knife, a lime and a saltshaker and sat them down on the table in front of the man. Lynn pulled up a chair in front of him and picked up the knife and lime. "I'll ask this again, who are you working for?" Lynn coolly sat down in the chair.

"Go to hell old timer. I'm not afraid of you or your pathetic beast. HE can bleed just like the rest of us."

Lynn cut open the lime and let out a sigh. "As I mentioned before, I'm not much of an interrogator. My specialty was torture and special ops....as a member of my master's late father's personal guard." Lynn poured a little salt on the split lime and took a lick. "Most of my victims usually passed out from pain, thus weren't often able to give out any information period."

The younger man's look of gloating abruptly vanished. "Special ops? Torture? Now wait a minute...no one said anything about torture! This is not the way it was supposed to happen," he whined, squirming against his bonds.

Lynn ran the sides of the knife across his tongue, licking the lime juice off. "Well, you could tell me what I want to know. Last chance while working with me."

A moment's hesitation then a shifting in the bound man's gaze. "I will tell you nothing, beast lover!"

Lynn took the knife and slowly stood up. He walked around to the side of the man before quickly slamming the blade into the man's arm and yanking down causing deep, long gash. He pulled the knife out and slowly wiped it on a napkin sitting on the table as a piercing scream escaped the captive's mouth before he clamped his lips shut, his breathing harsh. His eyes were wide with the true beginnings of panic and fear. Lynn walked back over and picked up a slice of lime and the saltshaker.

Lynn took another lick of the lime with the salt before turning to the captive. "Were you saying something? No? Okay." Lynn took the lime above the gash and squeezed it slowly, letting the juice trickle down. He continued to squeeze until the juice became less willing to exit the flesh of the fruit. Lynn tossed it on the table. He then took the lid off the saltshaker and poured some salt out into his hand, forming a small hill. He sat the shaker down with his other hand and smashed the hill of salt in his hand onto the captive's wound, making sure to rub it in completely. "I warn you, once I'm done with the salt and lime, the tortures will only get worse."

Another shriek was torn from the man's throat, tears running down his cheeks. "Stop, stop!"

A booming roar shook the room before the door was flung open with enough force to break it. Aries's large bulk shoved its way inside and he stopped a few feet from Lynn. "I smell her fear and the stink of trespasser. What has been going on while I was away?" Growling he lowered his head to be eye level with the bound captive. Aries's words were aimed at Lynn.

Lynn grabbed a napkin and wiped his hands. "This man intruded while Lilandra and I were cleaning. He attacked her and I knocked him out. I've been trying to obtain information from him, but he doesn't seem to care for salt and lime. I must also apologize, for I had to waste a perfectly good bottle of wine on his head." Lynn replied calmly as he bowed slightly.

Aries blinked and his growling increased. "Did he hurt her badly?"

"No. Thankfully she was unharmed, though she was somewhat shaken. I sent her to her room and told her to lock the door."

"Good. Now, maybe since your nice methods of persuasion aren't working..." Aries raised his paw, his claws extending as he prepared to mangle his unwanted guest. 

Lynn coughed suddenly, his eyes catching something in the stairwell. "Sir, please hold off on that for just one moment. We have a guest." he said, his head nodding towards the stairs.

Aries gave Lynn a malevolent before swinging his head around to see. He froze, his eyes on Lilandra's pale face and scared expression.

"Beast?" Her voice quavered and she took one small step before going still.

Aries stammered. "I...you don't understand...it's just...." He slowly walked towards her pleading for understanding and forgiveness.

Lilandra looked at the man who had tried to hurt Lynn and herself. She wasn't sure what she felt but seeing Beast so angry on her behalf, instead of angry at her, made her feel pity for Beast. She took another few steps toward him and paused, her hand outstretched toward his face. His fangs looked sharp and deadly but she knew they would hurt only those who injured others or who did foolish things. "Beast," she whispered her hand finally connecting with his fur when he stopped in front of her.

Aries lowered his head and closed his eyes. "I never meant for you to see anything like this...but there are those who don't approve of my being alive, let alone in such a position of power. They will do anything they can to hurt you, Lynn or myself. I only do what I need to get the truth of who is behind such attacks so that I can stop them. It is something I do not take pleasure in, I assure you." A tear rolled down the fur on Aries's face as he explained.

"Do not cry. I need to go back to my room. I agreed to obey anything you and Lynn said and here I am being disobedient." She wiped the tear away and shyly glanced at him. "I will stay in my room until Lynn comes for me. Good night my Lord." She wobbled into a curtsy and turned to leave but stopped at the door. "I know you do not take pleasure in it," she whispered and then she was gone.

Aries looked up and smiled slightly. "Thank you." he said in quiet voice. As she closed the door, he turned towards Lynn who was smiling and grinned. "Shall we?" he asked cheerily.

"Yes, my lord, it is time for answers."

Aries cracked popped his neck and stretched out his claws. "If you have answers, now would be a good time to provide them." he growled as he closed in on the captive.

The intruder gulped, his mouth opening to scream again.

* * *

Josiah and Jacob glared at their wives. Ever since Victor had been killed, life had been difficult. They heard that the Beast had chosen Lilandra and no one knew whether she was alive or dead. The last few months had been hard and finally they had sold the farm and moved closer to town. Both loved the gambling tables and soon that money had dried up. To make ends meet, they had forced their wives to whore themselves out. Not that Trina and Samantha cared. As long as a man rutted between their thighs, the two were happy.

Josiah had just risen. The house smelled of sex and brew. Sneezing in disgust he headed outside, scratching his ass as he went to get water from the well. He paused when he heard the sound of horses.

"Let's move, get those horses saddled! We confiscate as many steeds needed to get our army in shape," Karas's voice boomed with confidence. "We reach the prince's land soon." 

Josiah came around the side of well and glared at the large group of men heading his way. "Hey! Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Karas looked at Josiah and dismounted. "You must be the owner of these horses. Don't worry, you will be compensated in full and more." he said with a friendly smile.

"Like hell! I need them horses...for work." Josiah flapped his hands about vaguely.

Karas frowned. "I apologize if it is inconvenient, but the prince's army needs these horses. I promise you will be compensated."

"Prince? I don't know no prince." Josiah spit at Karas's boots. "We only have the mayor around these parts."

Karas sighed. "Despite what you may have heard or been told, there is still a prince and his armies are in need of horses. He understands that it may trouble you to give up such resources, so he will gladly compensate you." Karas responded calmly.

"Hey Josiah? What's going on?" Jacob demanded from the doorway of their home. He had heard the noise outside and gone to investigate.

"This man wants to take our horses and says there for a prince." Josiah chortled. "A prince!"

Scowling Jacob came outside. He was big and burly like his brother. He was not intimidated by General Karas's larger muscular frame.

Karas looked at Jacob and hoped he would be more reasonable. "As I attempted to explain to your brother, there is still a prince and his army needs your horses. You will be well compensated, I promise."

"How much?" Jacob yawned, not believing this stupid man in the fancy getup.

"At least market price and some extra, but that will be once we have calmed the unrest and rebellions that are going on." Karas replied, again with confidence.

"Unrest? Rebellion? Did you hear that Josiah? This man is looking to start a fight. Listen you, if you come to start a fight, you needn't bother. Just go to the Mayor's office which is a mile that way. He'll be more than happy to sell you what you need without having any rebellion." Jacob laughed at Karas. "Rebellion, ha ha. That's funny. Come Josiah. Our bed mates await." Not staying to see what else Karas might say the two brothers went back inside, firmly closing the door.

Karas shook his head. "Get those horses saddled. We leave now!." he said pointing back at the horses.

"Yes sir!" The horses were captured and put on a long lead with the other unridden horses. Karas's third-in-command, Hilyen came to his side. "What is wrong with these peasants? Do not understand anything?"




Love's Curse Ch. 15



"I believe there has been a decay in pride in their country and corruption in the local leaders. This won't stand." Karas said with disdain.

Hilyen glanced at the house. "Yes, when our Lord Prince whips them all into shape, things will be different." Hilyen pointed to the soldiers "We're all ready General."

Karas nodded. "Let's move out!" he commanded as he waved the direction forward.

Without a sound the troop took the horses from the farm and followed their commander.



Love's Curse Ch. 16



The authors would like to thank the readers, the comments and the best wishes of everyone who reads this story. Please make sure to check our profile for updates about this story.



Jacob and Josiah stumbled from the tavern, staggering slightly from the effects of the ale they'd been imbibing again. They had been pissed to discover their horses taken by that fellow who claimed to be in some army. Not that they used the horses to do actual work. Since their father's death, they had been even more lazy than usual and had chosen to live off the money made from selling the farm. Their wives were happy being whores and the two men were just as happy to spend money on drinking. It worked out well for everyone. They continued to stumble along toward the house they currently rented. They were oblivious to their surroundings, singing off-key in surprising nice baritone voices.

From the shadows, the eyes of a hunter watched. Old and experienced, he had been monitoring the two men for some time. They had witnessed the attack on the father and had been witness to the events that had happened as a consequence. They would be perfect to start a rebellion within the prince's borders...

Jacob looked at his brother. "Ya know, wondered if that Beast ripped our slutty sister to pieces?"

"Why the hell ya thinking about that whore for? She deserved what she got," Josiah mumbled, tripping over a pebble in his path.

"I'm just saying, what if she ain't dead? How much money you think she got from letting the Beast fuck her?" Greed filled Jacob's eyes as he thought about the possibilities.

"Bah! Beasts don't have money idiot! That's why they're called dumb animals," Josiah retorted.

"Man can dream can't he?" Jacob groused, clearly unhappy with his brother for not taking him seriously.

From the shadows stepped the watcher, his footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Matching the pace of his two targets and following their course along the roads and pathways of the village.

"Man I gotta piss," Jacob grumbled, stopping in his tracks and whipping out his penis. He started urinating not carrying if anyone saw or not.

A small cough broke the sound of his urination, a polite voice rolling from the mouth of the speaker. "I wonder if you realize someone could mug you very easily right about now..."

Josiah tried to turn around but his legs got tangled with each other and he landed face first in a puddle of mud.

Jacob arrogantly turned around and smirked at the man before him. "Who the hell would mug us? We ain't got no money." Calmly he put his dick back in his pants.

With a soft singing sound a long thin rapier blade tip was swiftly pressed to his throat. "You assume I would take your money friend? What if I wanted something more precious? Your life for example?"

"Hey now! We ain't done nothing to you. Just two fellows minding their own business," whined Jacob.

"Business...hmm now that might be the something I followed you for. My master has a proposition for you two fellows. Whether or not you accept it, is of course, your own choice..." To emphasize his point he pressed the tip just hard enough to draw a tiny spot of blood.

"Sure why not? Not busy at the moment," Josiah joked as he got to his feet wiping mud off his face. He enjoyed watching his older brother squirm.

"Very well then, my associates are waiting at your abode, shall we depart?" He nodded down the road to their apartment, where a carriage was already waiting.

"Well, I guess we'll be traveling in style then." Jacob hitched up his pants and got in the carriage followed by Josiah who was still trying to dust the mud off his clothes.

The man smiled and slid into the driver's seat, he didn't need to witness what went on inside. His master would deal with it.

Inside the carriage sat Discious, his huge muscular form menacing in the shadowed carriage.

Jacob and Josiah eyed the big man inside warily. "What you want?" Jacob demanded, his buzz from the ale starting to wear off and be replaced by a headache.

"To make you an offer, boy." Discious's voice was a deep dangerous growl, hinting at what would happen if he were to be crossed by these young men.

"Your father was killed by the beast, was he not?"

"Yeah but everyone knows that. Stupid bastard deserved what he got. Banging our wives and making us go without."

"So you hold no grudge against the creature who murdered your father then?"

"Maybe a little. We're more upset he took our little sister. We could have made a killing off that body of hers."

"And what if I told you that she was alive and unblemished by that monster?"

Jacob's mouth fell open in surprise and the last of his drunken state abruptly disappeared. "You lie!"

"I do not lie friend, she lives and is untainted. Do you wish to really get her back?"

Josiah was watching the man intently now. He and Jacob exchanged looks and Jacob answered slowly. "Perhaps...it depends on how much work is involved."

"Just a little bit of...public speaking you could call it."

The great hulking man stood there looking at his two passengers, "Well?"

"We're in!" They said at the same time, twin grins of malice staring back at the man in the carriage.

"Very well...this is what you will have to do..." He leaned forwards and began to whisper his plans...

*    *    *

Evening came swiftly but Lynn did not notice. He was smiling for word had reached them that General Karas and his men were only an hour away. Impatiently he hurried to Aries's chambers to meet with his Prince and tell him the good news.

Aries was standing on the balcony gazing out into the night sky, breathing deeply of the scents that the winds brought to his senses.

Lynn knocked once and came in. "My Prince, General Karas and his army will be here within the hour. This is excellent news for us."

"I know Lynn, I can smell them on the air. It seems change is sticking to it's schedule for once. Perhaps now our dream of rebuilding our ravaged homeland can come to fruition."

"I have possible good news regarding General Gotred. It seems he had made his way south and has been living there for some time. I'm trying to get confirmation on that but I have hope." Lynn bustled about cleaning up. "I managed to get some of the village women to help me get the lower level rooms cleaned so that the General and his men can stay inside for tonight. Also, I had food brought in that should last for at least 3 days, more than enough time for us to figure out what we need to do."

"That's excellent my friend, No doubt he will be pleased to be back in the keep. Gotred will be hard to find, however no doubt he will be eager to return. He always enjoyed the field of battle."

"Most big and muscular fighting men are that way," teased Lynn. His step was light and so was his heart. Though Miss Lilandra had managed to brighten the place, it was still tense because the trust was being rebuilt among the three of them. "Miss Lilandra has been very solemn since the break-in and near kidnapping."

"Yes, most people are. We must be more subtle the next time. Perhaps you need to refresh your memory with the subjugation techniques you once mastered?"

Lynn grimaced. "I never thought I would have to use those techniques ever again but of course I've been known to make a few mistakes. I felt it prudent, however, that you be the one to tell Miss Lilandra about our soon to be arriving guests. We still have five hours before your change and I will have all the men squared away by then as well."

"Perhaps, we must be sure that she does not have another...unnecessary reaction to the situations presented before her. I entrust everything to you Lynn. When I change tonight, I would like to speak to Karas."

Lynn gave Aries a surprised look. "You will not meet him as the Beast?" He paused as he thought on Aries's words. "Wait, you want me to explain to Miss Lilandra about Karas?"

"I will explain to her, Lynn, do not worry, you have a small platoon to take care of. You always wanted more people around the castle did you not?"

"True but I didn't think that many this fast," huffed Lynn good-naturedly.

"A challenge is good for the soul my old friend, it will do you a fair bit of benefit to see Karas once more." He yawned and stretched his wings out, feeling the strain leave his muscles.

"Right now, Miss Lilandra is downstairs peeling potatoes and making the bread."

"I see you have been teaching her your famous culinary skills. What is on the menu tonight?"

"Potato soup with deer meat. I've brought up the best wine from the cellar."

Lynn looked at his Prince. "I suppose I should go assist her. Do you want me to send her to you once we are done?"

Aries nodded and walked towards the open balcony, enjoying the cool breeze that swept in, "Yes Lynn that will do fine, thank you."

Lynn bowed and hurried out, his mind on the number of dishes needed to feed all the men.

*    *    *

Lilandra wiped her sweaty brow with the back of her hand and glanced over at Lynn. Never had she worked so hard before but unlike the times spent cooking for her father and brothers, this work was more enjoyable.

"Lynn, who is coming? You keep avoiding question. Please, who is it? Are the villagers finally over their fear of Beast?" Curiosity was burning bright within her. She had to know!

Lynn looked at her for a moment with a slightly worried expression on his face. "The master will inform you of who our guests will be tonight after we are done preparing the feast. The sooner you finish then the sooner you shall know."

"Lynn!" Lilandra shook her head, exasperated. "Well I'm done. Where is Beast?" Lilandra covered the meat to keep it hot and laid her apron on the table.

"Patience is a virtue young lady, make sure you put the spices in the correct containers before you leave. Pepper in the Cinnamon powder does not mix well."

Lilandra blushed, hurriedly corrected her mistake and looked at Lynn expectedly.

He nodded approvingly, "that's better, now off you go before he gets impatient." He turned back to his long bench, beginning to clean up what he could.

Lilandra left the kitchen and made her way to Beast's chambers. She knocked on the door, impatiently shuffling back and forth, waiting for him to acknowledge her.

After a moment the booming voice of Beast called out instructing her to enter. The air was chilly compared to the immense heat of the kitchens. "Ah, Lilandra, how are the preparations for the feast?"

Lilandra blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer light as she entered. "We are done. The food is being kept warm. We made enough food to feed a whole town! I asked Lynn who the food is for but he told me that you would explain." Lilandra had made her way completely inside, her eyes finally locating Beast sitting near the window sill.

"To put it simply some old friends are returning to the castle. The complex answer, would be, what is left of one of my strongest regiments and their courageous leader, general Karas."

"Wait. Your army? A general? Why are they coming here now?" Lilandra paled at the thought of all those men in the castle. Did this mean Beast was going to make her bed them? 

"Because the time for change is almost upon us, my dear. A war is coming...a war to set things right once and for all. We shall reclaim my kingdom and rebuild it to its former glory."

"War! With who? I do not understand Beast!" Vaguely she remembered her mother speaking of battles and wars but always as stories of bygone times. Not in the present. Always in the past. "Who are you fighting?"

"There are dark enemies out there, Lilandra, lurking in the shadows. The tapestries you saw with Lynn when you first came here depicted the first great war with those same enemies. Now they stir in the shadows once again. They are like cockroaches, and I intend to purge every single one of them this time."

"Beast, I." Lilandra looked down at the floor. "I see. Will I be helping Lynn serve dinner?" Her tone had gone from warm to very polite, her expression changing to one of vagueness, much like the one she'd worn at home whenever her father had barked orders at her that she hadn't comprehended. It was safer than the alternative had been.

"Do not worry Lilandra, the men will feed themselves, they prefer to wander while they feast." He turned and walked towards her, gently placing his claw on her shoulder, "Are you all right?"

"I am fine, Beast. I guess I was more tired than I thought. Maybe I should retire to my room."

He looked down at her, he could tell she was lying but he did not want to push her. "Very well Lilandra, I hope you rest well."

"Thank you. If you need me, well, I will help. Good evening, Beast." Her eyes flitted to his face and away as she left his room.

*    *    *

Lynn waited outside in the courtyard, ignoring the cold air blowing about. Another storm was due in a few days. Karas had done well to get to the castle as soon as he had. Lynn only hoped the other generals would be able to arrive as quickly. Soon the whinny of horses and thudding of boots striking cobblestone was heard as Karas and his army came down the lane.

As they approached the gates, Karas raised his arm for a halt. Looking down at Lynn he waited until the noise had stopped and struck his heart to his chest in a salute to Lynn. "Commander, it is good to see you again."

"General Karas, you owe me no salute. Please, enter," Lynn opened the gates and gestured for Karas and his men to come inside. "The stables are to your left. I am sorry we have no staff to assist to their care but as you have probably noticed, the people have forgotten about their prince."

Karas could only smile, it was just like old times, "Fear not my old friend, our time in the wilds has not wiped our memories of how to stable our mounts. Do not worry, the people will rally soon when they see the army is returning."

"One can hope," Lynn muttered, spinning on his heel and heading for the stables first. Once the horses had been attended to, Lynn took Karas and his company into the castle. "The whole first floor is yours. No one will disturb you. Prince Aries will be down to eat dinner with you and discuss matters with you. He will meet you in two hours."

"Thank you, how is his...condition? When we parted he was not handling it well..."

"He has become resigned to his half life. The last seven years have been, eventful." Lynn would leave the telling of it to Aries. "The communal bath has been cleaned and the water heated. Take your time and rest. I will come get you for dinner."

"Thank you for that, I am glad to be here once again. We have many stories to tell you."

"It will be good to hear them. Things have been dreary here for a long time, especially with the Prince in the beginning. But now, not as much, since time has worn away the shock." Lynn stopped in front of the General's room. "Only the best for the best." Lynn looked at the men. "Find a room, each houses four soldiers. Rest and relax. You are safe within these walls."

Karas smiled widely and patted Lynn on the back, well done my friend. These are much appreciated." He turned and addressed his men, some old and some new. "Men, treat this place as your new home. Same rules, if you break it, we'll break something of yours. Enjoy yourself, but have fun."

Lynn watched them flow around him and into the rooms. He turned to Karas. "Make sure your mean stay on this level and if they must have air, stay on the grounds. No one is allowed upstairs unless escorted by me."

"Of course, my men will not stray from this level, if they do there will be hell to pay." He turned and glared at his men to emphasize this point.

"Yes, sir, General, sir," they all replied as one.

Satisfied Lynn left them to get settled in. He made his way back upstairs to Aries's room. "Sire, General Karas and his men are getting themselves reacquainted with the lower levels. I told them that dinner will be in two hours. Should I lock Miss Lilandra in her room?"

Aries turned and looked at his old friend and thought for a moment. "No need to lock her, in, but do inform her to stay on her floor for now. I will introduce her to the general in due time."

"Of course sir. They are all eager to see their prince again. This is exciting news."

"For now let them enjoy themselves, it will do them good to enjoy the comforts of the castle once more."

"Very good then, my Prince. I will return in two hours. Is there anything else you need, my Prince?"

"That will do for now, Lynn...I must leave for an hour. The urges are calling once more..." His voice was darker at the end, he had not indulged the needs of his curse for longer than he shoulder have.

"I understand, be safe, my lord." Lynn bowed, still smiling about the day's events and quit the room.

*    *     *

Karas and his men were ready by the time Lynn came to lead them to the dining hall for dinner. "Prince Aries will be with you shortly. Until then, feast heartily."

Karas shook his head. "Are you going to serve us all by yourself, old man?" His smile was genuine though his eyes were troubled.

Lynn gave a rueful smile in response. "Of course, I somewhat doubt a platoon of the kingdom's finest can out pace my legendary serving skills, General. After all, you aren't so young yourself anymore either."

"True but what I meant was, where is the staff? Why do you not have kitchen maids and serving wenches? Come to think of it, where is everyone?"

"That, my friend, is a long and...disheartening story. Put simply, the master's new form was...unpleasant to the staff. Right now only the summer harvest staff still attend, only because they do not see the master."

Karas's expression changed to one of anger. "How dare they abandon their Prince! After all he did for them! Saving their worthless lives!"

"General, please calm down, the prince will explain everything. We do not blame them for leaving. People cannot help what they fear." Lynn picked up the bottle of aged spirits and refilled Karas's mug. "It is a subject that is still tender with the master, so please try not to overreact."

Karas calmed down but with visible effort. "I know that I left seven years ago, and perhaps my Prince thinks I was being cowardly and I will admit, his appearance was shocking at first but myself and the other three Generals felt it prudent to divide up and hunt down any of Zitomira's people that might remain. We didn't want them to use whatever powers that witch had to infect our own citizens. We saw much in our travels but we did not find anymore of her people."

"It seems they are more skilled at blending in than we first thought. But do not worry General, all will be made right in good time. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourself. This is a celebration of homecoming for our people."

"Your words are intelligent as always." Karas downed his mug of spirits and with a hearty laugh began to eat. He noted which of his men finished first and began to move about restlessly. "You can walk about on the first floor but remain on this floor as per our Prince's orders." He fixed his gaze especially on Zanthiel. The young man was barely 22 years old but already displayed some unpleasant personality traits that Karas was attempting to correct.

The young man looked up sharply, a glint of annoyance at being restricted showing in his eyes but he nodded and quietly stood up. "Of course sir, I shall not wander out of bounds..." He walked away from the table and out into the corridor, muttering to himself.

Karas looked to Hilyen and to Mayguel. Both men nodded. They would keep an eye out for young Zanthiel. Satisfied that everything was fine, Karas resumed eating. Soon he was full as were most of his men. He looked to Lynn. "The hour is almost up. Will we be seeing him?"

Lynn leaned close, speaking in hushed tones, "He has requested a private audience with only your Karas. You are the only one he can truly trust for now. Please do not take this the wrong way but he does not know your men as well as you. He cannot risk anything unpredictable happening."




Love's Curse Ch. 16



"I do not take it as an insult. Much has changed in seven years. I am ready to see him now, Lynn, if that is permissible?"

Lynn nodded and moved towards the door, "Of course, General, if you will follow me I will show you to the master's chambers."

Karas nodded to Mayguel and turning smartly on his heel followed Lynn upstairs.

*    *    *

Lilandra had grown restless in her room and finally she had snuck out. She knew that the guests were all downstairs so she should be safe on this floor. Besides she had an urge to look at the roses in the display case. It had been growing steadily over the past few weeks though she had not confided this secret to Beast or Lynn. She HAD to see the roses, now, and thus she was on the move. She would face whatever punishment later but she had to have at least a glimpse.

At the other end of the floor, Zanthiel had quietly entered the passageway. He had heard rumors from the townsfolk that there was a girl here that the beast had taken captive. He hadn't had a woman in months and there was a bounty on her head for the man who could steal her away without getting caught.

Finally Lilandra made it to the roses and stood gazing longingly at them. Her eyes kept returning to the black one. It was the most lethal but something about it was sad. It had a beautiful appearance but a deadly interior. "I feel as if you are trying to tell me something, something important but I'm not understanding. My mother always said that just because plants and animals do not speak, does not mean they do not have stories to share." She caressed the glass before pressing her face against it. She had the urge to rub the black rose all over her skin, between her breasts....

The firm grasp of two strong meaty hands on her upper arms brought her out of her daydream, the low growl of lust recognizable from the man behind her. "Well, well. Looks like the rumors were true. You're coming with me little lady, there's a fine bounty on your head."

Lilandra's eyes flew open and she tried to break free. She did not know this voice! "Let me go this instant!" she yelled.

The hand moved over to her mouth, silencing her cries. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way, little lady. But keep squirming if you want, I like my women with fire when I take them." He spun her around and pushed her against the glass hard enough to crack it. "Now see what you did? You made me hurt you."

She felt shards of the glass dig into her back and she whimpered. She needed help. Without thinking, she attempted to kick him between the legs. Her aim was a little high and she missed the spot she was aiming for but kicked him instead in his inner thigh.

"Ow!" HE growled and slammed her into the glass again, harder this time. With the glass weakened from the previous slam, it shattered this time, spilling shards of glass, soil, and the roses all over the floor.

Her head was ringing and she felt more pain. That meant more cuts. Her body had finally healed from what her father had done and now this. She was going to be a very ugly woman if things like this kept happening. She squirmed and managed to bite his hand at the same time slamming her boot heel into his foot. She had to save the roses! They meant much to Beast and she would be damned if she let some intruder ruin them. Her life and virtue momentarily forgotten, Lilandra tried to get free.

He roared in pain at the bite and the stomp, lashing out in retaliation and backhanded her hard across the face. "You little BITCH! How dare you do this time me!"

"Ahh!" the force of the slap sent her reeling and she fell to her knees, her palms being cut open. Her eyes watered and through the tears she spotted the roses. She grabbed for one and her hand connected with the black one. She tried to get to her feet and run. She had to get away from this man.

Her luck ran out as his strong hands grabbed her skirt, dragging her back towards him. "You think you can expect to do that to me and not face the consequences? Well think again!"

"Get off me! Help!" She flailed about trying to injure her assailant enough to run. In her struggles the black rose she was clutching slapped Zanthiel in the face and three of the thorns sank into his skin. Lilandra didn't notice nor did she care. The man was going to hurt her and she couldn't stomach the thought of what he was going to do.

He screamed in agony as the venom of the roses seeped into his skin. He shot upwards ripping it from his flesh, but it was too late, the veins in his face were already turning black, crawling slowly across almost half his face as the venom infected him. It was old and very weak, but it still packed a nasty punch. The room began to spin for him, his knees going weak as he collapsed.

Lilandra scooted backwards and stared in horror at the man on the floor. She sat and sobbed, too relieved that the man had stopped hurting her to notice her own wounds. "Beast, Beast I need you," she whimpered.

There was a slam from down the hall as the great doors to the Beast's chambers flew open. He had felt the incident, the venom of the roses had called out to him, told him they had claimed another victim, and with that he knew the treachery the soldier had tried to perform. He stormed down the hallway, Lynn and Karas hurrying after him, not sure what on earth was going on.

"My Prince! Wait!" Lynn called as he and Karas ran to keep pace with the angry Aries.

"Sire, what has happened?" Karas demanded as he pulled out his sword, ready to do battle in his Majesty's honor.

"This is no concern of yours, General, someone has violated MY sanctuary and so I will be the one to deal with them."

As they rounded the corner, Lilandra and the soldier could be seen, Karas growled as he recognized the boy, there would be serious trouble for Zanthiel. However before he could act, Aries was upon the soldier, grabbing him and smashing him against the wall hard enough to shake dust down from above.

"My Prince! If you kill him, we won't know what prompted his attack on Miss Lilandra," Lynn scolded Aries, hoping that his tone would get through to Aries. Carefully stepping around the glass, Lynn stopped by Lilandra. He saw her clutching the black rose and he sucked in a quick breath. "Sire, she's holding the rose and she's bleeding," Lynn added as he saw that one of the thorns had pierced Lilandra's skin.

Karas was torn. He didn't know who to help--Lynn or Zanthiel. Not that Zanthiel would get much sympathy from Karas. The younger man had violated the rules of the castle and he would pay for it.

Aries stared at the soldier, his grip on his throat tightening slightly before he growled in a low, dangerous tone to Karas, "General, from this point on this man is to be under constant guard. I want every man in your platoon interrogated to find out who else knew his intentions and I want to know by the end of today." He dropped the soldier and turned to look at Lilandra, kneeling down he gently took her hand and delicately removed the thorny rose from her hand. "I am sorry I allowed this to happen to you, Lilandra. You are very lucky there was no venom left in this rose where you grabbed it."

He was lying and Lynn knew it, but he could understand not wanting to panic Lilandra anymore than necessary.

"Beast, I'm sorry I disobeyed you and Lynn. I was told to stay in my room, but I kept thinking about the roses and how much I needed to see them." her voice was a mere whisper as she reluctantly let go of the rose. She looked down at her hand which had started to swell. "Am I going to die?" She remembered that he had said the roses were lethal.

Karas was staring at the young lady in appreciation. The girl was beautiful no doubt. "Will he live long?" Karas asked Lynn as he turned his attention to the unconscious Zanthiel.

Aries's soft furry paw lightly stroked her face. "No, my dear, you were very lucky today, you didn't get any venom in you. You held it just right. You are going to be fine. He isn't going to hurt you anymore. Now let's get you cleaned up shall we?" He gently picked her up in his arms, pausing to look at Lynn for a moment. "We will finish our meeting in the morning Lynn. Make sure the culprit doesn't leave..."

Lynn nodded and waited until his master was gone before speaking to Karas, "For now, yes, the venom from those flowers was very weak, he is truly fortune. However, if Aries is angered by him any further, I doubt even I can stop him from making sure no one finds your soldier ever again."

Karas shook his head. "I don't understand this. I know he's been in trouble, but this, even this is beyond anything he's ever done." Still puzzled, Karas grabbed Zanthiel's arms while Lynn grabbed the boy's feet. Together they carried him back downstairs and locked him in an empty room to await Aries's judgment.

*     *    *

Lilandra snuggled in against Beast, happy for the comfort his presence brought. She didn't look at the man who had hurt her. Would she ever learn to just follow orders? Sighing she closed her eyes and tried not to think about the pain in her back from the glass pieces embedded in it.

Aries carried her to his chambers, gently laying her down on the bed before closing the door. "Lie on your side, Lilandra, this will take some time...not having fingers will make this...interesting."

"Yes, Beast," she replied meekly and rolled over. The swelling in her hand had gone down, so the only pain left was that in her back.

"This will hurt a little but I will try my best not to hurt you too much." He leaned in and carefully began to remove the shards, the razor tips of his claws stung and nipped her flesh, but the glass was coming out smoothly.

She made no sound, simply clutched the sheets in her fists, twisting them until her knuckles were white.

He worked quickly and was done in under ten minutes. He scraped the glass into a bowl from the side cabinet before picking up a damp wash cloth and some bandages. He gently wiped her back clean of blood before carefully applying the bandages. "It seems perhaps the angels are jealous of your beauty, they keep sending people to disfigure you."

His words made her cry. She had begun to think that way of late. Or perhaps it was her own wicked nature as her father had often accused her of indulging in.

He paused once he was done and gently helped her up. "What's wrong Lilandra? I did not mean to offend you." He gently stroked her cheek once more, looking into her eyes, "I meant no disrespect by my words."

"I'm sorry I think it's the fear wearing off. I was so scared. One moment I was enjoying the roses and then he had a hold of me, hurting me...My one thought was that I wanted you to save me from him. Then he used me to smash the glass and scatter your beautiful roses," she had to stop talking because once again she was crying. "I hurt your roses! I'm such a clumsy disobedient oaf!"

"Shhh Lilandra, it's alright, there was no harm done to them. Their time had passed long ago. We have a whole greenhouse of them to replace them, remember?" He leaned forward, his cold canine nose lightly touching hers. "I have done worse to you in my time. You need not feel any guilt over this."

Her hands came up to tangle in his fur. She breathed in his scent, her mind marking it as safe. She would remember it for as long as she lived. "My mother once told me that everything, people, animals and plants were alive in their own way and should each be respected and that just because animals and plants may not speak people talk, did not make them any less worthy of consideration. I tried to save them but I was not strong enough. I know you have more but still the ones inside that he destroyed, they cannot be replaced."

"I know they are touched by your words, Lilandra. Thank you. But they will give new life to the next generation. It's what they would want, yes?"

Her eyes closed and then opened. A flame of fire seemed to dance in the pupils of her eyes. "Yes, that is something they would want."

"I'm glad you think so. How do you feel now? I got out all the glass, it will be tender for a few days though I'm afraid..

"I will be fine. I think I should rest."

He nodded and pulled back the covers of his bed, "Rest here as long as you like. I will be close by so do not worry."

A yawn escaped her and sleepily she nodded. Yes, safe in his room. She liked that idea.

He helped her into bed and gently pulled the covers up. He lightly stroked her hair and smiled. "Sleep well Lilandra, I am but a call away."

"Thank you, my Beast," she murmured, her eyes already closed as sleep claimed her.



Love's Curse Ch. 17



Authors' Notes: First smegger and I (kita) want to thank everyone for the outpouring of emails and comments. We apologize for the long periods between chapters. Special thanks to caribbeanisland in UK for noting an item in the story that we overlooked but most definitely corrected in this chapter. Please, everyone enjoy and feel free to comment/email us!

*

General Karas was furious! How could Zanthiel be so foolish? Had he not warned the men to stay in the assigned area? Angrily he tried to find a reason for his man's rebellion and attack on the woman. And just who was the girl anyway? Was she the reason Lynn wanted everyone to stay downstairs?

The sound of talons clicking on the hard stone flags echoed in the hall as Aries strode down the corridor. He was annoyed, his anger having faded a little but not by much. He was going to find out just how much that man knew and then, if the mood took him, make sure the forest wolves had a feast tonight.

Karas and Lynn got Zanthiel to a room and tossed him inside. The younger man groaned and feebly stirred. Karas glared at his soldier before stomping past Lynn back out into the hallway.

Lynn looked down at the young man and shook his head slowly, "The foolishness of youth..." He walked back to the door and closed it quietly behind him, locking it securely before addressing Karas, "It seems time has had its toll on all of our instincts."

"I don't know what got into him. He is one of my best and I fear our Prince will not be lenient, especially since it happened to a lady under his roof."

"I'm afraid I must agree with you there my old friend. Add to the fact that the rose venom is coursing through his veins...the prince will know when he is not telling the truth."

"Then I hope for his sake that he tells the truth and perhaps our Prince's ire will not be so great." Karas turned at a faint sound. "I do believe he is almost here."

Lynn nodded and sat down in one of the chair by the door, "He is already inside, the only exit now is through the open window...Let us hope we don't have to clean the flagstone tomorrow."

Karas grimaced and prayed that his man would be honest and that Zanthiel's odd behavior was a fluke. Otherwise he'd be short one man.

* * *

Just audible on the edge of hearing, the click of talon on the floor inside could be heard, getting closer and closer to where the young soldier lay.

Zanthiel had finally managed to open his eyes and immediately wished he hadn't. He was laying on the floor and coming closer to him were really sharp claws. He was so scared he almost pissed his pants.

A low growl filled the air, reverberating around the room. The long arm of air reached down and gripped the young man by his shirt and easily pulled him off the floor. "Good evening boy."

"Please, please, don't kill me!" Zanthiel stuttered, kicking futilely as he was hauled into the air.

The prince glared at him, bringing him close, his stinking breath blowing in the terrified man's face. "Now why would I do that? Perhaps you could be so kind as to explain to me what you were doing wandering my domain unattended?"

"I, I...please my lord, the poison burns!" Zanthiel was sweating and he wanted to lie about why he'd been in a restricted area but with such thoughts came a fiery pain.

"That's what happens to rabbits who stray into the dens of predators. Now tell me boy, what were you doing wandering in my den without supervision?"

"Please, have mercy! I was stupid! I only wanted to get the money!"

Aries looked at him closely. "What money? Did someone pay you to try and kill me?"

"On our way here, the village we came through...at the tavern was a man offering money to any who could capture and bring to him the lady of the beast."

"What man? What was his name? What did he look like?" His grip tightened, menace growing in his voice.

"He was hooded! He made sure none could see his face! The other men at the table called him a fool, said it was impossible."

"Who was he working for then? How much was he offering?" Aries' fangs were beginning to bare now, his patience growing short with the lack of information.

Zanthiel struggled, his face turning redder. "He offered 1,000 gold pieces to the man who capture and bring her to the edge of the forest by tonight. I do not know who he worked for, if any! That's all, I swear it milord!"

Aries glared at him once more. "Who else accepted the offer from this man? 1,000 gold pieces is a tempting offer."

"I do not know. The man did not stay around after his declaration. No one else moved from the table. I left when the General rounded us up. That's all of it! I speak the truth!"

A little smile came across Aries' features as he watched the man. "Then answer me one final question boy. Do you think you can fly?"

"No, milord, I am only a man!" The whites Zanthiel's eyes were visible.

"I will give you one chance to live. You will do something for me. If you succeed you will be rewarded with your life. If you fail..." He let the threat hang silently in the air, awaiting the mans reply.

"An-, anything my prince!"

"You will go to this meeting, you will bring one of your leaner comrades bound and seemingly vulnerable. We will wait for this mysterious man. You will convince him you have the girl. You will take payment and complete the deal, are we clear?"

Zanthiel nodded vigorously. 

"Good. As punishment you will suffer the venom coursing through your veins while you do this job for me. Count yourself lucky I do not make it worse." He dropped the young man and called to Karas outside, "General, you may enter now."

Karas was not a nervous man by nature, but knowing that one of his soldiers had disobeyed made him wary of his prince who he had not seen in many years. "My liege?"

"Prepare your most skilled lean man. We have a special guest to pick up tonight. Make sure he can scream convincingly."

Karas was baffled but bowed low. "It shall be as my liege orders."

"Once we are done Karas, I want you to make this man suffer in that unique way you are famous for. Make him remember that if he betrays us again...there will be no rest for him."

Karas straightened, and gave a chilling grin. Traitors, no matter how close a friend they were, deserved everything that happened to them. Zanthiel had ceased to be his solider the moment he crossed the line into enemy.

Aries nodded and strode away down the hall, leaving Karas alone with the young man, Lynn silently watching from the hallway.

Karas looked at the cowering Zanthiel and laughed as the young man sobbed his fear.

* * *

After leaving Lynn to guard the door, Karas went and got some much needed sleep. He woke up in the early afternoon of the next day. Frowning at being allowed to sleep in, he washed, dressed and went in search of Lynn. Instead he heard singing. Entranced he followed the sound, not paying heed to where he was going. He stopped outside a room, riveted by the sweet soprano voice. As the notes died away, he pushed the door open and froze. Before him was the girl from the night before. He blinked and realized she was standing in nothing but a shift.

He blushed like a schoolboy when she yelped in surprise. Hurriedly he looked away as he heard her scrambling about for clothing. "I'm sorry. I should have knocked."

As Karas turned he just barely dodged the swipe from a long hard iron poker that clanged off the flagstones and swiped upward on the rebound, once again just barely missing the general's chin. He took a step back only to see a determined Lynn lift it high above his head and stop when he realized who it was. "Oh it's you general..."

"Gods above, Lynn! That was my head!" Karas scowled. He gave a rueful laugh when Lilandra's bashful giggle filled the air.

Lynn carefully lowered the poker and set it by the inside of the door, still somehow carrying the lunch tray in one hand, nothing spilled. "Do forgive the lack of butter on your toast, Miss Lilandra, I was about to spread it when I heard you yelp."

"I don't think I'll die if I don't have butter, Lynn, but thank you." Lilandra had her dress on and sidled past Karas and over to Lynn's side.

Lynn idly waved at the general in a dismissive tone, "Oh you would have hardly noticed through that thick skull of yours Karas." He carefully poured tea for Lilandra and himself before sitting down and sipping it, watching the general. "So what brings you to see our guest General?"

"I heard the singing...It was foolish. But the song was so beautiful, made me think of better years...." The yearning in his tone caused a silence to descend. Lilandra simply stared at him.

"Of course it was beautiful but you are far too old for this lovely young flower." This came from Aries, who was now standing in the doorway, what seemed to be a smile upon his snout. "It seems you have attracted more than your usual number of guests Lilandra."

She blushed and ducked her head. "I'm sorry Beast."

He quietly moved into the room, gently laying his paw on her shoulder. "There is nothing to apologize for Lilandra, you know this. Now tell me, how are you feeling? I trust your back is feeling a little better?"

Nervously she glanced in the general's direction before looking directly at the Beast. "I feel rested. My back still aches but it does not burn with pain. Thank you." Unconsciously she reached up and caressed his snout, her fingers running from it to his jaw.

Karas gaped. Never had he seen anyone, not even Lynn, be so bold with the Prince while in his Beast form. Karas was amused. The young lady appeared reluctant to stop touching his Prince. This was good news indeed!

A quiet growl of contented happiness came from Aries, like a puppy who had just been given a good belly rub. "I am glad you are getting better, if I may be so bold, may I check your hand as well?"

"Yes, of course, Beast." She moved her hand and held it out for him to see.

He very carefully took her hand in his and looked down at it, it was still slightly swollen but that was to be expected. What amazed him the most was that there was no rotting of the flesh at all unlike the young soldier she had struck in the face. It was remarkable...like the rose did not want to harm her with its venom.

"Am I all right? I will live?" Anxiously she rocked back and forth.

He nodded and smiled once again, "Of course Lilandra, didn't we tell you that last night? Do not worry. There is no poison in you at all."

She looked perplexed and so did Karas. "Doesn't the black rose venom always poison if not kill?"

"Like I said, you gripped it just right young one. You were very lucky." He gently let go of her hand and chuckled, the warm air in his vast lungs blowing from his nostrils and causing her hair to almost shimmer in the breeze it caused.

She shivered, eyes contracting. "Beast," she whispered, her breathing speeding up.

He gently stroked her cheek with his warm furry paw, "Yes Lilandra?"

Karas was embarrassed to be staring at the two. He could feel the building attraction and he wondered, staring at Miss Lilandra, if she even knew it existed. He was sure his Prince knew, but the young lady, something told him she was innocent about a lot of ways of the world. He cleared his throat. "Sir, we need to speak about my soldier's activity, if you have time."

Aries held her gaze for a moment longer before nodding and tuning to Karas, "Indeed, we have much to discuss and more to prepare."

Lynn clapped his hands together. "Come Miss Lilandra, you can have lunch in your room. Then I need your help in North Wing. I do believe we have cleaning to do."

"Lynn!" she groaned but obediently followed him from the room.

Karas watched her go and turned to his Prince. "Sire, forgive me for my boldness, but has she ever been around men? She seems so, innocent."

Aries looked at the general for a moment, considering his words. "In short, yes she has. But thankfully she was removed from them before they took advantage of her. From what my sources tell me, her father and brothers were quite active with each other's wives."

Karas looked ill. "I'll never understand peasants. Why they insist on acting like animals...Disgusting. Zanthiel is resting but he will do as instructed tonight. Do you wish to capture the person offering the bounty or are we to kill any who come to meet Zanthiel?"

Aries had given this much thought during the night and was sure with his answer. "We will capture and interrogate him on site. Once we've finished...we dispose of them both. If he can be tempted by a measly 1000 gold pieces, I don't want him in my ranks." 

"He was a good solider too. I just don't understand it. My men have never strayed. I will now have to rethink and reevaluate all of them. We cannot have complications at this stage. My liege, what of the other three generals?"

"We have some information as to where they may be located, however we have yet to make contact with them. I can only hope they are still out there to find."

"If they are like me, they are too hard to kill and too ornery to die. They will come, my Prince. I had dreams about coming home and then to get Lynn's message, well I knew it was time to return then."

Aries nodded, looking towards the wide bay windows. "Too ornery indeed, I seem to remember a few of them coming back from the brink of death just to spite the physicians." He let out a low laugh at the memory, wishing they were here now.

"Aye, that they did. I must go check on my men and prepare Zanthiel. After getting a better look at the young miss, I have the perfect solider to play the damsel." He gave a chuckle. 

Aries raised an eyebrow as he heard the last remark but smirked all the same. "I don't know whether to be impressed or disturbed Karas."

"Do both, my liege. I just hope it works. And now, I must go."

"Of course, good luck General, I'll be keeping tabs on the progress of our little 'outing'."

"As will I." Karas bowed low, saluted, and marched smartly from the room, his mind already turning to the problem of tonight's meeting.

* * *

The day had gone by swiftly but quietly. Lilandra didn't mind. After her experience with the solider the night before, she was more than happy to stay in her room, being obedient for a change. She ate her meals in her room and when the late afternoon sun bathed her in its warmth, she fell into a restless sleep...

~~~~

{I know this place:}, Lilandra thought, but she wasn't sure how. {I know I'm dreaming too, but why?} She peered around the room, trying to figure out how she knew this place. Slowly she walked around the huge room, looking for a way out but finding none. She was completely enclosed in. "I will not panic. There has to be a reason why there is no door."

A voice from behind startled her, causing her to turn sharply. Only to see a woman who looked almost exactly like herself -- an older version of herself in far stranger clothing but still....

"You seem surprised to see me Lilandra. I would've thought you would have learned to remember your dreams by now."

She blanched, her hand going to her mouth. Tears formed in her eyes. "Mother?" the word was a faint whisper in the quietness of the room. She couldn't believe her eyes. Her mother stood before her, in perfect health, with that familiar loving look of concern that she always had when she and Lilandra had been alone. "No, this cannot be. You...you died!"

"As perceptive as ever I see." She smiled a moment and moved to lounge sofa in the centre of the room. Sitting down she lightly patted the cushion beside her. "Come, sit. We have much to catch up on and time is short."

"Father is dead!" Lilandra blurted out and then blushed. She nervously twined her fingers in the fabric of her dress, a habit her mother had often chided her about but that she couldn't seem to help, especially when she was very nervous.

Her mother gently took her hand in hers, holding it softly, but firmly. "I know dear. I cannot say that I regret his passing. That man was not worth it in the end. There are many things I have seen, in time you will realize how to do this also."

"I don't understand. You're going to leave me again, aren't you? This isn't real, any of it?" Lilandra clutched her mother's hands tightly, willing herself not to cry.

"In a way you are right my child, but also you could not be farther from the truth. My spirit is always with you my darling, closer than you think."

"I am confused but it does not matter. I want to savor this moment. Oh mother, I, please! Strange things are happening to me and to those that I lo--, care deeply for. You were always very wise. Please, I need your wisdom now."

"As always my child, tell me, what troubles you?"

"When Beast saved me from the wolves, he was hurt. I couldn't lift him and I needed help. I heard a voice that told me to imagine Lynn and that I would save Beast. And it happened mother! And there was the fire that came from my hands to scorch the wolves who dared attack my Beast. Mother, how did I do these things? You spoke of such things in your bedtime stories. Magic you called it. But you said it did not exist. Then how is it that I saved him? How is it that the venom from the black rose did not hurt me like the man who attacked me? I have so many questions and no answers, mother!"

"All will come in good time my dear. I shall explain the basics to you first. You are correct to assume Magic does not exist, it was a simple name to give a complicated power. What you have, what WE have, is the power of the earth beneath us. The power to give life and create great events. The fire from your fingers was but a fraction of that ability."

Lilandra's eyes widened but she stayed silent, taking in all her mother's sayings. Later she would analyze them and keep the lessons close to her heart.

"Come my child, you must watch, and learn." Gently she took Lilandra's hand and led her toward the wall closest to the fireplace which was transforming from brick into a shiny mirror.

"Oh!" Lilandra froze but was forced forward when her mother pulled her to it. 

"Look into its depths, remember how it feels to fall into it. Watch your Beast and his men as they seek to find the truth. Remember, the earth will aid them if you so will it."

"Yes, mother," Lilandra stammered and turned her attention to the mirror's surface which had begun to swirl. She saw colors twist into combinations and then she was falling....

* * *

Karas critically eyed Ashyton. The young man was slender like a woman and just as wily. They had put him in a woman's dress, gave him a bosom and applied makeup. Ashyton had taken the teasing of his fellow soldiers in stride, proclaiming proudly that it was an honor to serve his liege.

Karas laughed and looked at Lynn. "Your old uniform suits you well, old friend. What do you think of my handiwork?" He gestured to the now finished Ashyton, who fluttered his lashes at Lynn.

Lynn couldn't help but chuckle at the young man and raised an appraising eyebrow. "I think perhaps he should not stray into town tonight until he has changed. I don't think the local dog chasers will appreciate finding out he's more a mutt than a bitch."

The soldiers laughed and Ashyton smiled. "They would find out this mutt has a bad bite. But we'd best get going if we are going to trap those who choose to attack our Prince."

"Here, here. Everyone has their orders. We await our Prince."

The soft beat of leathery wings was heard above them for a moment before Aries landed nearby, the soft thud of his great weight connecting with the firm soil beneath him.

"My Prince," Karas dropped into a deep bow, his men doing the same. "We are ready."

Aries took in the vision of disturbing beauty that Ashyton had become. "Very well General, let us find and greet our special guest with the utmost haste. You have your orders, move out."




Love's Curse Ch. 17



Karas' grin turned feral as he and his men headed into the forest. Lynn turned to Aries. "Be careful, my Prince." 

He turned and winked at Lynn, his fangs glinting a little in the dim light as he seemed to smile. "Aren't I always?" With that said his muscles heaved as he launched himself into the night air above, following the path of the general below.

Lynn snorted and hurried into the woods after Karas' group. They made good time and arrived early. Zanthiel was shaking but stilled at a glare from Karas. "You know what you have to do. Do not fail our Prince. Ashyton, do your best. Everyone else spread out, keep hidden, do not strike until our Prince commands it."

"Yes, sir!" With quick and quiet efficiency they got into position. Lynn joined Karas as everyone settled in to wait. In the clearing, Ashyton sat loosely bound with the nervous Zanthiel by his side.

There was a barely audible flutter above them, yet those in on the trap knew that it was no bird but something much more dangerous. The great hunter's eyes watched carefully from above, gleaming with anticipation of the event to come.

A few snaps and pops heralded the arrival of the prey. The man, burly and scruffy stopped a few feet from Zanthiel and Ashyton. "Well boy, I can't believe you came through!"

Zanthiel stood up slowly, his voice wavering slightly. "O-Of course I did, I said I would, didn't I?"

The visitor's eyes narrowed. "What's the matter boy? Scared of the forest? Well you shouldn't be. Did the girl put up much fuss?"

"A little, but I taught her who was in charge." He clenched his fists a little to stop them trembling, the poison was making his muscles ache terribly and it was difficult to stay focused.

The man leered. "Well I'm impressed that a young whelp like you had the balls to lay a hand on the prize. But my buyer doesn't care. He just said alive. Which means, I've got a few minutes to play." The man reached down and grabbed his crotch and made a lewd thrusting motion at the pair. "We can fuck her together, if you like?"

"NO! I mean...no, that's fine. I've had my fun with her already. You, come here." He motioned for Ashyton to come over to them.

"Your loss. Here," he tossed the bag with the gold to Zanthiel.

Ashyton came to his feet and reluctantly plodded over, face down, hair obscuring him from the visitor's view.

Zanthiel stepped to the side, away from the disguised young man, keeping far from the man who had given the bounty. He did not want to be close to what was to come.

Ashyton stopped a foot away and pretended to cower. The man laughed and reached forward, snagging one of Ashyton's arms and yanking the younger man to him. Ashyton kept his head bowed. "You are so tiny, maybe that's why the Beast didn't sacrifice you. His loss, my gain. My employer will be thrilled. After all, you remind him of something he lost long ago. Now, enough talking. time for some screaming." The man ripped open the bodice and leaned down to get a taste of the breasts beneath. He was however met with the feel of a long thin razor sharp cold blade pressed to his throat, what he thought at first were breasts were nothing more than a couple of stockings and a hairy chest. 

The one feminine looking 'victim' was smiling now as Ashyton raised his head, looking directly into the man's wide eyes and smirked. "Oh on the contrary, I think we have just begun to talk."

The man glared. "What trick is this?" He demanded of Zanthiel, though his eyes never left Ashyton's face.

Zanthiel looked terrified now, a shadow coming across the clearing, the sound of leathery wings filling the night air. "I...I had no choice..."

The man started to sweat when he heard the fear in Zanthiel's voice. He was prepared for this. He let out a long whistle. That would bring the men that Discious had given him to help with the capture of the girl.

In a heartbeat Ashyton had swept the man before him off his feet, driving him into the ground, knocking the wind from his lungs. "Now now, don't spoil the party."

"Too late girl man!" the man sneered as fifteen armed soldiers entered the clearing. Several had bows but most had swords. 

"You have your orders! Kill the Beast and those that follow him!" The lead solider shouted as they charged Ashyton and Zanthiel.

Their charge however was cut short as Karas and his men shot up from their hiding spots, blades at the ready. "Oh-ho, it's seems like quite the gathering, my blade is hungry for some fresh meat." Karas was a terrifying visage, his scarred and aged features made all the more horrible by the chipped and serrated blade held before him in his hands.

The opposing soldiers simple sneered and charged Karas and his men. "Death to the Beast lovers!"

It was at that point that Aries chose to land, crushing two archers as he did so. Karas and his men knew not to waste an opportunity and so leapt into battle with the opening this provided.

"Get him!" the leader snapped as he headed for Ashyton and the bounty hunter.

The remaining soldiers began battling Karas' men with gusto, wounding several. Lynn chose his targets carefully, coming in and killing an enemy. He was far older than Karas' men and had to be more careful.

Aries roared and slashed any man that dared to challenge him, the night air becoming a bloodied scene of death and agony. Behind Lynn, one of the fallen enemies was still alive, drawing a dagger as he slowly rose.

* * *

In the room, Lilandra stared at the mirror, fear riding her heart. "Beast," she whispered, glad to see that he was doing fine. But then the mirror's view shifted and she saw the enemy coming toward Lynn. "NO! Lynn look out!" she screamed.

* * *

The enemy soldier staggered toward his feet. He would take down that Beast lover! He gathered his failing energy and charged Lynn.

The fallen soldier moved in what seemed like slow motion, Aries caught sight of him but it was too late. Lynn turned at the last second, his sword slicing through the air, but he could only gasp as the dagger was plunged into his abdomen. The soldier did not last long, the momentum of Lynn's blade cleanly lopped off his head, sending it tumbling through the undergrowth.

All fighting in the clearing stilled as the men looked in shock at Lynn. Karas' hoarse shout, rang through the sudden quiet as he ran his opponent through and ran to Lynn. "Lynn! Lynn!" 

The rest of the enemy were quickly felled, the opportunity not missed. Lynn's breathing was shallow, spitting up blood as he tried to apologize to Karas for his mistake.

"Hush old friend. You need help, serious help. Where is the nearest wise woman?"

"There is no wise woman left, she attempted to kill both Lynn and myself some time ago. She lives no longer."

Aries knelt down by his old friend, taking his hand in his large furry blood splattered paw, "Lynn."

"We cannot move him my Prince for it will surely kill him. I'm sorry." Karas bowed his head in regret.

* * *

Aquene turned Lilandra from the mirror again, the image fading from sight. "You have a chance to save your friend, my child. Will you take it?"

Lilandra was frantic. "Yes! Anything! Please just tell me what I need to do!" she clutched at her mother's arm.

"First of all you must calm yourself, clouding your mind will only make it harder."

She gently placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "Picture in your mind the earth itself, the ground beneath your feet. Reach out and touch it, feel it, let it guide you to your friend. See yourself taking him in your arms and lifting him up, moving him through time and space."

Lilandra nodded and closed her eyes. At first nothing but then she felt a gentle stirring of her mind and senses and then...yes! Connection as the earth sang a greeting to her. Tears rolled from beneath closed eyelids as she wept in joy. But she could not stay to bathe in the happiness of the earth. Instead she called to mind the image of Lynn, the man who had guided her since she first arrived. Lynn, who she cared for as the father she never had. She moved so fast and then...

* * *

Lynn was growing weaker as the pain roared through his body. He was such a fool. He should have been faster.

"Lynn!" 

He shook his head. For one moment he thought he heard Lilandra calling his name. That was impossible. She was safe in the castle, away from the carnage.

"My Prince," his breath wheezed. "Please, be gentle to the young miss. I do believe there is love there."

"Save your strength Lynn, don't try to speak. We'll get you to help, don't worry. I'm sure there will be a wise woman along an minute."

Tears rimmed his eyes as he watched his friend slowly slip away, he could hardly bear to watch him go, but he had to, he owed him that much.

"Lynn," the voice was faint in the air.

"Did you hear that my prince? They are calling me." Lynn's eyes began to glaze.

Karas felt tears on his face. He did not care if his men saw him weep. Lynn was and always had been an extraordinary man. His loss would be devastating.

Aries slowly nodded, he couldn't hear anything, but he would agree to whatever his friend said. When the time came everyone heard strange things.

A breeze stirred the leaves as a hum filled the air. It grew louder and a loud pop rocked the air. Branches flew about and the ground shook.

The men around the clearing shielded their eyes, Karas instinctively covered Lynn as whatever event happened around them. Aries looked around, the dust beginning to settle as he tried to make out who it was. Then the scent hit him, how could it be? "Lilandra...?"

"Beast? Lynn?" Lilandra's hair had come unbound and flared out, stirred by an invisible wind. Her white gown and emerald green eyes were focused on Beast. "Where is Lynn? Please, I must help him!" She moved and the magic of the moment was broken when she ran to Beast's side. "Where is he? I know they hurt him! I have to save him!"

Karas slowly sat up when he heard her voice, confused. "Girl? How on earth did you get here?"

"No time!" She spotted Lynn, ran past Beast and fell to her knees at Lynn's side. "No dying, Lynn!" she ordered and then looked up at the sky. "Mother! Now what?" She tilted her head, a frown on her lovely face.

Karas looked hopelessly at Aries. "My Prince?"

There was soft laughter on the wind as it began to blow a little harder, a quiet whisper heard, barely audible. But to Lilandra is was as clear as day. "Reach out to the earth, bring its energies forth and give him new life."

"Yes mother." Lilandra's eyes focused fully on Lynn and she put one hand on his abdomen, the other above his heart. "I will not let you die, Lynn." She smiled serenely and her eyes began to glow.

The remaining soldiers gasped, some prayed to the gods and others backed away from the General, the Prince, Lynn and the witch girl.

Lilandra saw none of it. Her concentration was complete as she opened herself to the joyous harmony of the earth. The glow in her eyes matched the glow of her hands. Along the ground vines crawled and wrapped around Lynn's arms and legs. Lilandra's breath changed and sweat dotted her brow but still she did not move.

Lynn could only gasp as he felt something strange flow through his body, the pain stopping, subsiding, to be replaced by a warm safe glow inside him.

Aries and Karas couldn't believe what they were seeing. It had been decades since something like this last happened. Not since the war....

Slowly the glow disappeared and with a weak gasp, Lilandra slumped over Lynn unconscious. Karas immediately checked her pulse making sure she was alright.

Seeing Karas had the situation in hand, Aries turned and glared at the man who had issued bounty, he felt his need to kill slowly rising.

Lynn cradled Lilandra to his chest. "Amazing," he whispered but then his gaze went to his prince. "My prince, we need to get Miss Lilandra back to the castle. We can interrogate the vermin there," he sneered.

Aries nodded silently, containing his anger. "You are right Lynn, let us have a polite conversation with him where it is safe. Make sure he doesn't 'fall' down too many holes." He turned and walked over to Lilandra and Lynn. "I think you two might need a ride home."

Carefully Lynn stood. "She is a miracle, my prince. But this also raises many questions about her parentage. Best left for another day," he mused. "We are ready, my prince."

"Prince Aries, I and my men will return. We will also bring along our original traitor for he still needs to be dealt with."

Aries nodded as he wrapped his arms around Lilandra and Lynn, holding them close. "Excellent work Ashyton. General before you return with the bounty hunter, execute our traitor."

Without another word he gathered Lynn, who still held Lilandra, into his strong forearms. He grunted as he lifted off into the air, careful not to move too quickly in case someone lost their grip.

Karas watched as Aries headed for the castle. He and his troops turned to the cowering Zanthiel with feral grins on their faces. They advanced on him and soon shrieking was heard followed by the gurgle of a dying man.

* * *

Falcor stood in front of the magic see-all mirror that General Discious had managed to find. He wasn't sure how his commanding officer even knew where to get one and he didn't ask. His current job was to monitor the progress of the bounty hunter they had paid to find the girl. In disgust he watched as first the bounty hunter, then the soldiers fell to the Beast and his men. Discious was NOT going to be pleased. He covered the mirror after watching Zanthiel's death and headed for the general's tent.

Discious sat in his tent, brooding, the whore he had taken last night had given him something nasty and the itch was driving him mad. That idiot wise woman had told him the salve would stop it. He made a mental note to have her killed later that week.

Falcor cleared his throat and then entered, dropping to one knee. They were in the Village Enyer where resentment and hatred of the Beast was plentiful. "My lord."

"I thought I told you to watch the capture of the girl, Falcor? Is your attention span that short?" He snapped, the itch had made his temper short and dangerous.

"I was watching my lord but we have encountered a problem." He kept his head lowered, not wishing to provoke his commanding officer.

"WHAT? What problem!" He stormed up to Falcor and grabbed him by the lapels. "You said he would not fail!"

"He is the best in this area at what he does. How was he to know that Karas' man would do a double cross and that the Beast Prince himself would be there aiding in the fight?"

"You have seen Aries in action you should know he is not as stupid as some think." He dropped Falcor and turned away, growling, "If he has failed then tell me how this managed to occur."

"The bounty hunter convinced one of Karas' soldiers, a young man by the name of Zanthiel, to capture the girl. The young man was greedy for the money offered. At some point between the agreement and today, the young man turned on my bounty hunter and set a trap. Our soldiers might have been enough but the beast made the difference. And there was something else."

"Your tone is dark Falcor, what is it you speak of that brings such concern?"

"The Prince's right hand man, Lynn, was injured and dying. However, he was saved." Falcor hesitated, not sure if he should say the rest. He had seen it but still not believed it.

"Saved? By what? A wise woman? I thought the last had been killed by that monster."

Falcor's head came up then and he looked his commander in the eye. "It was the girl who saved Lynn. She, she healed him by laying hands on him."

Discious frowned and paused, his eyes widening for a moment before he began to smile. "So, she has discovered her abilities? She truly is "her" daughter then. We must move soon Falcor. If we wait too long she will unlock powers that could turn the tide of this war. We will muster our forces and attack in the summer."

"Yes, my lord. Over half of this village's men are eager to wage war on the Beast for over the last seven years many of their daughters have been sacrificed to him."

"Excellent. Begin their training, when the time comes the battle we wage will be one for the ages!"

Falcor thumped his fist over his heart, eyes gleaming with anticipation.



Love's Curse Ch. 18



Lynn glanced down at the unconscious Lilandra and marveled yet again at the power she had displayed. He was amazed yet disturbed by the implications of what this would mean for his master's relationship with the young woman.

Aries glided in quietly through the open balcony doors, landing gently with his two passengers in his arms. He set Lynn down before moving to his bed, laying Lilandra down so she could rest. "I think you could do with some rest as well old friend. I will watch over her for now."

"I'm too worked up to sleep. Besides, we must figure out what to do about her power, my prince."

"So far it seems she has used it only when the situation requires it. Such as saving our lives. Perhaps she could be of use to us in the coming months, healing the wounded and such like."

Lynn grimaced. "I hate to think of her being stuck in the middle of all this. She is so young, my prince, though I do believe her heart is generous. Her courage though, well, I do not think it could hold up during a war."

"Not everyone's does Lynn, but we must remember that even the most hardened of troops were once naive young boys. People harden eventually." "True, but do you want her to get that hardness? Remember what happened to another young woman whose heart became hard. She cursed you into the form you now bear."

"True, but her sister did not. Her sister was quite the opposite of that wretched Sea-witch." Aries paused for a moment as he thought about something.

"She seems to resemble her quite closely doesn't she?"

Lynn sucked in a breath. He had wondered when Aries would make the connection. "Yes she does my liege. Do you think it is possible?"

"Anything is possible Lynn, but the question is, when did she find time to have a child? And more importantly, how did she end up here?"

"Well, if I believed in the triad of elements, I would say it was that power that brought Miss Lilandra to us. As to when Aquene found time to have a child, I can't say."

"I did not even know she was married."

"Obviously it was out of wedlock, but I can't see her having allowed that beast Victor to have come near her, let alone touch her at all. Perhaps Lilandra was adopted?"

Lynn shrugged. "We won't know unless we ask Miss Lilandra." He glanced over at the slumbering young woman. "I think she'll be asleep for several more hours."

"Indeed, she looks exhausted. I doubt I will get much sleep tonight myself after what has happened." He stood up, slowly pacing back and forth in front of the window.

"I do believe General Karas and his men will be a while in coming back." Lynn had seen the gleam in Karas' eyes as they were flying away. The good general would be short one man and possibly have more information on who was after Lilandra.

"I would be disappointed if they did not take their time, Lynn. Zanthiel betrayed his Commander after all. The man who took him in, protected him and made him a real man. Such betrayals come with harsh punishments."

"Would you like me to put her back in her room? And do you have any wounds I should look at, my Prince?"

Aries quietly walked over to the bed gazing down at her, a slight smile gracing his features. "No, there's no need to disturb her sleep. I'll watch over her tonight. It's getting close to my time to change anyway."

"She still hasn't figured out the connection, has she? My Prince, I hope for so much but at the same time I worry that she will fail you."

"If it is meant to be then it will be so Lynn. You know that as well as I, we cannot force such things to happen. If we try then it is guaranteed to go wrong."

"Yes, my Prince. I'm being foolish. Just blame it on an old man's fears. Now, I'll go and check on our food stores. Good night, my Prince."

He nodded towards Lynn as he left, looking out from the balcony as the moonlight slide across his body, the change beginning. He grunted in pain, clutching his ribs as his body changed forms. Letting out a low roar which slowly changed into a suppressed scream. Aries once again became human.

Lilandra groaned and slowly opened her eyes. Disoriented, she let out a yelp when she saw a nude man by the window. Wildly she looked around for something to hit the intruder with.

Gasping he stumbled into the bathroom, hidden by the shadows. He groped around and quickly pulled a bathrobe around himself to keep his modesty. He took a moment before popping his head out. "It's ok...it's me."

"My Lord Aries!" she squeaked, scrambled from the bed and dropped into a curtsy.

"No, no need for that my lady. Please, continue resting. Just pretend I'm not here."

"Oh, I, oh!" She wrung her hands nervously. Pretend he wasn't there? How did he expect her to do that? She was aware of his muscular body. She felt her face heat. But right on the heels of that thought, came an image of Beast and his kind eyes. Startled she sat down and pondered this new thought.

He slowly walked out of the bathroom and sat down in the comfy chair by the bed, his face was fresh with scratches and small cuts. "I heard about what happened at the ambush."

"Oh?" she dropped her head and stared at the floor. She wasn't sure if he was going to scold her or praise her and she wasn't sure if she wanted either one.

"I'm glad you were there to help Lynn, I don't know what we'd have done if he'd passed away. Thank you."

Lilandra squirmed. "It was nothing. I mean, it was something, just that I...Shutting up now." She grew quiet, ashamed at her inability to tell him her feelings.

He smiled a little and gently took her hands in his. "I understand. You don't have to explain anything to me."

He looked up into her eyes with his own big brown deep eyes, "You are so beautiful Lilandra."

"You keep saying that. You're embarrassing me." She blushed and looked into his eyes. They were so familiar. It teased the corner of her mind but like water it slipped away.

"It's true though, you have an amazing body, a perfect face and an incredible mind to go with it all."

"If I had such a mind then why do I keep falling into trouble?" Bitterness this time at herself made her cry angry tears.

"We all fall into trouble Lilandra." Motioning to his own cut face he spoke again. "I wasn't exactly the most careful person in the world tonight either."

She gasped and hurried to his side. "Who hurt you?"

"Oh it was nothing serious; I just got a little careless walking through the woods tonight. I tripped and...fell down a ditch. I'm fine."

Gently she touched his face. He wasn't bleeding and she sighed in relief. She was puzzled that she wasn't more concerned and she frowned.

He gave her hands a gentle squeeze as he looked into her eyes, "Something troubles you Lilandra?"

She blushed. "No, nothing important. I, I feel lost. I thought I understood who I am but tonight...well now I'm not so sure."

His thumbs gently rubbed the back of her hands, his skin feeling much softer than she expected, a tingle crossing her skin as he did so. "Tell me about it..."

She glanced at him and looked away. She wanted to tell him but it didn't feel right. He wasn't the one she really wanted to speak with. An image of Beast popped into her mind and she suddenly felt guilty for being intimate with Aries. She abruptly pulled her hands from his and stood up. "I'm sorry. I really should get back to my room."

He stood up, unsure of why she was reacting like this. "Lilandra, what's wrong? Did I do something to offend you?"

In his haste to stand he did not notice his robe slipping open slightly at the front.

At his tone she raised her eyes and froze, her gaze sliding down to his penis. She blushed, and flustered, hastily averted her eyes. Yes he had taken her virginity but he had never come back to her bed after that. She had wondered in the beginning if she had done something wrong. But if the hardness of his cock was any indication, then he was still interested in her in that way. It was all so confusing!

He saw her blush and at a gentle breeze from the open window, realized what she had seen. His mind told him he should stop, but his lust, pent up for months now overpowered him. He took a step forward, the robe opening wider as he approached her. "You've been lonely haven't you, without the caring touch of a man upon your body?"

He reached out, gently caressing her cheek, "You need not fear me Lilandra. I wish to only please you."

"I, I." Timidly she came forward and kissed his lips.

He tenderly returned the kiss, cupping her cheek, parting his lips slightly, his firm tip brushing against her dress, pressing against her abdomen.

Uncertainty filled her but she continued. She had started it with the kiss and mother had always told her to never be a quitter. She ran her fingers lightly down his arms, still too shy to take her hand lower as she deepened the kiss.

He gently pushed her backwards until the door prevented them from going further, his free hand roaming across her stomach, up towards her firm pert young breasts. With growing desire, he cupped it firmly, squeezing it between his strong fingers, feeling her nipple grow erect beneath his touch.

"Aries," she breathed, her eyelids fluttering closed as she enjoyed the sensation. "Please, more." He nodded, his breathing getting heavier as he took her hand, guiding it down to his hot, hard shaft before letting his robe fall away from his body fully. His hands worked deftly, freeing her from her dress, allowing it to join his robe as it pooled on the floor around her long slender legs.

Her fingers slid around his shaft and slowly she started to move it up and down. She had heard from her sisters crude conversations that men liked this sort of thing.

A shiver ran through him, a low groan of lust coming from him, much like the sounds she had heard her brothers make, so obviously she was doing something right. His hands slid up along her bare hips, across her stomach to her exposed breasts, cupping them once more, teasing her nipples between his thumb and forefinger.

"Oh!" That heat in her belly was starting to pool lower toward her cunt. Her heart was beating faster. She threaded her hands into his long hair and gentle tugged.

His head followed the direction of the tugging, his lips fluttering across his skin with butterfly kisses. Down her slender neck and shoulders, slithering across the warm soft slope of her breast before capturing one her erect buds in his mouth, suckling upon it, teasing her every so often.

"Aries!" She arched toward him, her body demanding his touch. She felt...she didn't know what it was but it made her want him to touch her everywhere.

She moaned and shifted her stance to give him better access, her hand was still stroking him but only just, so caught up in her pleasure that she forgot about him.

After what seemed like an eternity of teasing to her sensitive nipples, his lips finally travelled lower, across the planes of her stomach till they finally arrived at the trimmed forest of her pubic hair. His tongue, writhing like a snake, swiftly slithered though its foliage till it found its prize. The tender, aching button of her clitoris.

His hot breath blew over her sensitive nub, teasing her once more before his lips enclosed it, surrounding it in the hot wet warmth of his mouth.

She moaned louder and her legs almost gave out. She put her hands on his shoulders to support herself.

He purred into her wet centre, the vibrations humming though her throbbing clit. He slid his hand along her inner thigh, caressing her skin as he went. As he reached her opening, her stroked his fingers along her moistening lips, feeling them bloom like petals beneath his touch, before sliding a finger inside her.

"Aries!" She felt fire race through her veins and she was suddenly very wet. Her eyes were open and she panted.

He purred once more, working his finger in and out of her depths, adding a second finger as he felt her open before his touch.

"Is it supposed to be like this?" she gasped, wriggling as his fingers plunged in and out of her.

He removed his face from her dripping pussy for a moment to nod, "Oh yes...and more."

He captured her clit in his mouth once again, flicked it with the tip of his tongue. He curled his fingers forward, feeling for and stroking the spongy rough flesh of her g-spot.

Lilandra braced herself against the door. She couldn't feel her legs only the pleasure from between them. She wanted him inside her, wanted him to make the raging fire cool down.

As if reading her mind, he withdrew his fingers and swept her up in his arms, carrying her over to the bed. He laid her down on the soft silken covers, spreading her thigh as he slid between them. Gently he pressed the head of his cock against her opening, letting it slip in a millimeter at a time till only just the head was inside. Softly he whispered, are you ready?"

"Yes, please! I need you!"

He smiled lovingly and let his hips push forward into her blazing depths. She was as tight as he remembered, her young walls squeezing him firmly as he pushed deeper inside her, moaning softly as each thick inch entered.

She looked at him, into his eyes and his eyes reminded her of something, something that once again eluded her. She rocked her hips, demanding that he move within her.

He laid his arms alongside her, supporting his weight as his hips began to move slowly back and forth, taking his time, savoring this precious moment.

She whimpered, wanting him to quench the fire of passion not prolong it. "Aries," she gently complained, once again rocking her hips, trying to quicken the pace.

"Shh, Lilandra...good things come to those who wait. Enjoy it..." He leaned down, gently kissing her neck, nibbling at her skin as he let out a low, almost feral growl.

At his growl she froze. Guilt hit her then as she realized why she felt unsatisfied. Though Aries was making love to her, it was not him she wanted to be with. Shocked, she realized that she wanted Beast. Beast, whose sad eyes and tenderness had won her over. Beast, who kept her safe at cost to himself. True Aries had saved her and had taken her virginity but he didn't KNOW her.

"Stop," she whispered.

His hips began to move faster, driving into her with determination now. His lust was growing quickly, his pent up need rearing its head.

"Aries, stop!" she pushed against his chest, suddenly furious with him and herself. "Don't! It's not you I want!"

It took him a moment to realize she was telling him to stop. He frowned confused. "You can't be serious...not in the middle of...you can't be serious."

She covered her face with her hands and started crying. "I'm sorry! I, I thought...but I can't! I'm so sorry!"

He sighed quietly and laid his head down against her shoulder, still panting from his exertions, this was not a good turn of events. As a human a case of blue balls was bad enough...but as the beast...he would have to go out tonight and satisfy his lust elsewhere. "It's alright Lilandra, really, it's alright. Stop crying, please."

Slowly her sobs quieted and she looked up at him, eyes red and swollen. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I," she stopped and her gaze skittered away from his. She didn't know how to explain it.

"It's fine Lilandra really..." He slowly withdrew from her sighing quietly as he slid off the bed and tied his robe around himself once more. He stumbled slightly as he felt a twinge of pain run through him that he knew all too well, "I'm sorry...I have to go..."

He pulled open the door and quickly disappeared down the dimly lit corridors, leaving Lilandra alone in the darkness of Aries' bed chambers.

"Wait!" she yelled but he was already gone. "I'm such a fool," she whispered. Upset at her behavior and angry at herself for hurting his feelings, she left the bed, haphazardly threw on her clothes and fled to her room. She locked the door and flung herself on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

*    *    *

Karas and his men finally returned to the castle with the bounty hunter in tow. The man was securely trussed up. Zanthiel's body they left in the woods for the forest creatures to devour. The steady stomp of their boots on the cobblestones was loud and alerted the castle's inhabitants to their arrival.

"Hie, Lynn, we have returned!"

Lynn stopped before the doors and pointing at their boots. "I know you having been walking miles General but I have just finished the floors and I will not have your men mussing them up. Leave your boots at the door...then bring him to the main hall. The master is waiting there, be careful Karas...he is in a foul mood this night and he will not tell me why."

Karas grunted and then barked an order that had all his men scrambling to remove their boots. He had two of his more burly men drag the prisoner to the main hall. He led the way, walking side by side with Lynn. "A foul mood? I would have thought he would be happy that we had saved his lady?"

"Indeed he was happy...but something must have happened during his transformation. What puzzles me most is his unwillingness to talk about it."

Karas frowned. "Our Prince always confides in you. This is baffling indeed but it will have to wait." The group had arrived at the main hall and he knocked twice before pushing open the massive doors and stride in. "My Prince." Karas dropped to one knee.

His two men forced the prisoner down to his knees as they too followed their commander's example.

Aries stood at the great fireplace, glaring forward, his needs were distracting him but he did not want to indulge them, he dared not imagine Lilandra's reaction. Instead he turned around, growling softly, "You're late General."

So Lynn had been right about their liege's mood. "My sincerest apologies sire. The traitor took longer to punish than I expected. Forgive me."

"I am not in a forgiving mood currently. What have you learned tonight from this maggot so far General?"

"That he was hired by a man in the north who told him your lady's name and gave him very specific directions on how to find the town near here. The mystery client also gave this hunter money to put out as an enticement."

"If that is all, General, you may leave us. I wish to speak with this rat alone."

"As you wish my liege." Swiftly he rose and left with his two men following.

Lynn stepped back and decided to watch his Prince. I will have to ask Lilandra if she knows what is wrong, he thought before focusing his attention on Aries.

"That means you as well Lynn. I am in no mood to be disobeyed."

Aries flexed his claws, letting them glint in the light before the bound and captive man before him.

Shocked, it took Lynn a moment to recover. "Of course, my Prince." He gave the prisoner a pitying glance and quit the room.

Aries slowly began to pace around the captive before him, his talons digging into the flag stones, leaving scratch marks. The tension inside him was clear; he needed to indulge his urges, violent, sexual or destructive. This man was unfortunately going to be the source of his relief. "Tell me, boy, how much time do you think you have left in this world?"

"As long as I will it," the bounty hunter arrogantly replied.

The smile that came onto Aries face was something no mortal should ever see. Slowly he reached out with a claw extended, gradually pushing it into the upper arm of his captive. "I think what you mean is, as long as your captor wishes it."

The man cursed and glared defiantly at Aries. "My client said you were an animal."

"Only in part, the rest of me is something you will get to see this night. You will find that I am not just an animal...but a cruel man by nature as well."

He pulled the claw out before moving it down a little and pushing it back in. "You see because I can do this all night. You will tell me everything you know."




Love's Curse Ch. 18



The man began to sweat. "I have nothing to tell a beast like you. You are not a man. You are an abomination."

"Such an observant man. Allow me to let you observer what I like to call pain..." He pressed firmer, the tip of his claw scraping against and digging into the very bone of the man's arm.

The bounty hunter screamed in agony. The pain was beyond anything he had experienced before. He would not give in! He was a thief, murder and worse but he had his own sense of honor. He had never given up a client's name. Ever.

"Just imagine boy, you have many, many more bone in your body that I can do so much worse to than this. Think about that before you speak."

The man looked at the Beast before him and pondered his options. If he spilled his guts the Beast might let him live. After all, hadn't the beast said he was a man? Was a client really worth dying for? "Fine, I will tell you what I know. The guy who hired me, his name is Falcor. He said if I did this job then some General would be pleased. That's it, I swear it."

The claw slowly twisted in his arm, ripping the flesh open wider. "Are you sure about that boy?"

The man screamed loudly and stared in horrified fascination as he bled. "Ye-yes!"

"Oh I don't think you are telling me the whole truth. What else did he tell you?"

The claw with drew again, lightly pressing against a point a little farther down once more, waiting.

This time the scream was longer and the bounty hunter almost fainted. "He said the General wasn't afraid of a beast and that the girl was magical. He said not to hurt her, that the general wanted her whole. Falcor also said that they would be able to observe me even though he wasn't really near me."

"How? By what means?" The claw pressed into his flesh, the rough claw tearing it open with agonizing ease.

The man bellowed his agony and thrashed about trying to get away from Aries. "I...don't...know! I swear it!"

Aries pulled the claw out. However, instead of leaving him be, he kicked him in the abdomen hard, sending him across the room.

The hunter's roar of anger ended when he crashed into an oak table and had the breath knocked out of him. Wildly he looked about and staggered to his feet.

Aries stalked over to him, flexing his claws, a terrifying glint in his eyes. "Well well, it seems you are made of some tough stuff there. Let's see just how tough you are shall we?"

Aries lashed out with his claws, he controlled the arc though, so only the tips of his razor sharp blades sliced along the skin of his chest, leaving five long cuts.

The man doubled over, wheezing as the pain licked his flesh and caused him to freeze as he panicked. He had to get away from this evil beast!

Aries smile widened into a feral grin, displaying his needle like fangs, the same fangs that had ripped apart hundreds of people over the years. "Oh little rabbit...there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide...."

"I can't wait until Falcor finds that pretty young woman. He said he was looking for a good fuck and since the almighty Beast Prince can't get it up and do her, then Falcor will do what a filthy animal can't." The hunter smirked and glared malevolently at the Beast before him.

Aries' eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin, but the smirk was still there, that everlasting never changing smirk. "Words will do you no good boy, because you see. You are in my domain now, and your precious little Falcor cannot save you, but from what I've seen so far, I doubt he would no matter what you did for him. You are alone boy, left to the wolves as it were...and lunch is about to be served."

He reached out and gripped the main by the throat, picking him up into the air. He slowly dragged the tip of his left claw along his victim's inside thigh, drawing blood where it sliced, and opening up his skin, stopping just short of the man's groin. "Perhaps I will make you my eunuch and force you to serve me once I remove your legs."

The man blanched, hissed from the newest source of pain and then in a fury, spit in Aries' face. "Go fuck yourself!"

The claw flicked down hard, severing the man's left leg at the knee, a dull sickening thud heard as it hit the floor. "You first..."

The hunter squealed in distress and came near to fainting at the sight of his now detached leg on the floor. "You will regret this! That girl can never love a monster!"

Aries could only smirk as he drew his large paw back, pausing for a moment to let his prey see the final moments of his life, "It's too bad you feel that way, because now I have to decorate the walls with your insides..."

He thrust his claws forwards, spearing into the man's gut, gripping his spine tightly and in one hard, agonizing motion, hauled down with all his strength.

The hunter didn't even have time to scream as his life was taken from him.

Aries paused for a moment once the deed was done and thought out loud before cursing softly, "Lynn will have my hide for this...you can't get blood out of silk bed sheets."

A sharp knock on the door was the only warning as Lynn hurried into the room. He looked about and sighed. "My Prince?"

Aries dropped the bloodied corpse in front of him and bowed his head to Lynn. "Forgive me, old friend, it seems I have irreparably sullied the bed clothes."

"The bedding can be replaced. What I don't understand is why this rage?" Lynn glanced down at the remains and grimaced. "I do not wish to pry, my prince, but if something has happened between you and Miss Lilandra, then I must know so that I can best help you both."

"I am fine Lynn, my irritations have been satisfied, and I am in a much better mood now. Have Karas send up a couple of his men to clean this mess up, it'll do their moral some good to see what we will do to those who threaten our empire."

Lynn made note that his prince had sidestepped the question. Very well, he would just have to ask Lilandra. "Yes, my lord. Will there be anything else?"

"Yes, tell Karas to look up a man by the name of Falcor. He is the next step on this road we must follow. Perhaps he can lead us to those who are in charge."

"As you wish. I will check on you in the morning. Good night, Aries." Lynn bowed and quietly left the room to do his Prince's bidding.

The prince nodded slowly before turning and walking towards the balcony, with a hard beat of his wings he launched himself out into the cool night air, enjoying the breeze flowing over his fur.

*    *    *

Lynn decided to first go downstairs and let Karas know about Aries' order and then he would go see Lilandra. It took him a moment but then he found the General. "Karas, a word with you!"

Karas looked up from piece of cooked meat he had been sneaking slices from and quickly put the lid back on, hoping Lynn hadn't spotted him. Hastily he turned away a moment and gulped down the last mouthful. "Yes Lynn, I was just admiring your uh...kitchen setup, it's very efficient."

Lynn chuckled. "Karas, you can eat as much as you want. Truly it will not inconvenience anyone. Besides, I'm hungry as well." He pulled up a chair, opened the lid and grabbed a few slices before munching on it. He sat quietly for a moment before speaking his mind. "Did you not find our Prince's earlier behavior odd?"

The general relaxed a little and sat opposite Lynn, picking up another thick slice and taking a bite from it as he thought about it. "In all honesty Lynn it has been many years since I last saw our prince. I would not know if his behavior is strange or not. Life changes people in unexpected ways. Perhaps this is simply his way of working through his problems? From the screams I heard earlier, he seemed to be quite enjoying himself. It was quite similar to the way he worked through his parent's death....only less mass genocide this time."

Lynn rubbed his jaw and pondered all angles. "I think it is something else that set him off. He worked some of his anger off on the hunter. And we got a name from it. Falcor. That's who the hunter said hired him."

Karas paused a moment, the name pricking up his attention, "Falcor did you say? Now there is a name I have not heard in some years now. I have a feeling I know the man he speaks of. He was a lieutenant for the water witch's army, a truly cunning man, never one to be underestimated."

"You mean he dealt with Zitomira and her ilk? Then this is bad news for us. There aren't many witches left of any of the Three Bloods that can assist us." Lynn paused and thought about Lilandra's display of power that had saved his life. Could she have the blood?

"Oh there are plenty out there Lynn, there are however, few who have the ability to tap into the real power of their bloodline. So far the best I have seen from the Earth line was a man who could light his cigar with his thumb, nothing more. With water, the best since the war was a farmer who could bring a light rain down on a certain field of corn once a month. It's nothing like the old days," his eyes darkened as he spoke next. "Not like the war when every person you fought might have an ability. When men around you burst into flames and the earth swallowed up whole battalions of men, only to be spat out again as your own side countered the spell."

Lynn shuddered. "Those were dark days indeed. It did not help that the Prince's parents were killed by a witch. I know that they were not all bad; many fought on our side. But for the most part witches tended to deal in the darker aspects of their powers." He shook his head. "If this Falcor is one of Zitomira's people, he may have the power. We need to come up with some plans quickly. I've located Gotred and sent a messenger to bring him home. The other two generals are still in the wind."

"I suspected as much, Albin was never one for staying in one place very long and Yearntil...you'd be lucky to find him even if he was on fire. I remember spending 4 hours looking for him only to find out he was following me around a few steps behind wondering where I was going."

Karas smiled slightly and shook his head, "It is good that Gotred is coming home though. We will need his strength and his battalion. Those monsters he calls men are the toughest blockers I have ever met."

"Yes, Gotred did tend to get many who were more brawn than brains but that worked well in battles where injuries might be numerous but the solider continued to fight. Men are not like that in this part of the world anymore." Lynn sighed. He really needed to go check on Lilandra.

"Not only that but they were skilled earth defense warriors. Every single one of them had mastered stone skin. You could hit them in the head with a battle hammer and they wouldn't even bat an eyelid."

He sat back and ate another slice of meat, "No one is these days, not since that day the prince ended the war. People are too afraid of those with abilities. They think they'll turn out just like him."

"And that's not true. Aries' power was sky-based. That heartless witch Zitomira twisted his power and forced him to his current form. You can only be turned into something else by another witch. You're not born in a monster form. This is why I hate having uneducated people. It makes it that much more difficult to change their wrong thoughts."

"Indeed, but not only by another Elemental user, it has to be your opposite. Sky is weak to Sea, Sea is weak to Earth and Earth is weak to Sky."

"I had forgotten the lore. Seven years is a long time. I've been far too busy keeping my Prince from going insane. And the number of young woman who have died because of his curse....It breaks his spirit. That's why Miss Lilandra is so important. I truly hope she can love him as he is, beast urges and all. Otherwise we are all doomed."

Lynn sighed quietly before standing up from the table, "Speaking of Miss Lilandra, I should go find her and make sure she is alright after last night. I am concerned something may have happened between her and the prince."

Karas nodded and stood up also, heading towards the pantry where the ale was kept, "Indeed, and I must make sure my stomach receives the proper care it needs!"

He chuckled quietly and nodded at Lynn before disappearing into the depths of the stores. Lynn could only roll his eyes at the general before heading out of the warm kitchens to find Lilandra.



Love's Curse Ch. 19



Lilandra lay in bed on her back with her arm flung across her eyes. She knew they were red and puffy, but she didn't care. She was still pondering on why she had rejected Aries. She'd seen the hurt in his eyes, but she had been too shocked by her own thoughts to properly explain what was wrong. Now he was probably angry and that was the last thing she wanted.

"I don't know what to do. The pieces are all there but I'm too stupid to understand," she moaned and fought back a fresh round of tears.

The soft knock upon the wood of her door was unmistakably Lynn, he always knocked a certain way, as if it were a code. "Miss Lilandra?"

Lilandra tensed. Here it comes, she thought. Time to face the music. She sat up. "Come in." She didn't move from her spot on the bed.

The door opened and the soft tinkle of the china tea set was heard. "I thought you might like a cup of tea, you were asleep for a long time my dear."

"Yes...uh...thank you." Surprised that he wasn't lecturing her, she stood and came over to the table and sat. Wary, she didn't speak as she watched him set the tray down.

He politely began to pour the tea, not saying anything until he was done. He was methodical like that in tense times. Finally, he looked up and asked, "I heard some commotion earlier tonight. Did you have a nightmare?"

"I-It's all my fault!" Lilandra blurted out and wrung her hands. She didn't want Lynn mad at her or Beast. "I insulted Beast's friend Aries. I didn't mean to, but I did. Please, Lynn, I'm sorry!"

Lynn frowned and sipped his tea a moment. "Insulted how?"

Lilandra turned a brilliant shade of pink before stammering out an explanation. "Aries was in Beast's room when I woke and he, we, started to...the bed. But then I said no, and he looked like he was in pain."

"I see, well he has a bit of a condition with his health. He has to take medication. He must have forgotten it when he was visiting you."

"Oh. I thought maybe it was because I stopped him while we were..." Lilandra floundered, blushed again and finished in a rush. "While we were making love. But I realized that he wasn't what I wanted. Even though it felt good, he wasn't who I wanted," she whispered softly, her tone baffled and sad.

"What? Oh my!" Lynn was genuinely shocked. "If it wasn't him you wanted then...who?"

Lilandra dropped her head, squirmed, debated and finally opted to say nothing. She simply clenched her hands into fists and let misery and guilt prick her conscience.

"Lilandra? Are you alright?" Lynn's hands reached out, gently laying upon hers to reassure her. She trembled and fought with her emotions. She realized in that moment, that she cared greatly about Beast. His thoughts, his tenderness and his patience. She wanted to be with him. He made her feel...cherished.

"I'm fine. I think I need some sunshine."

"If that is what you wish then I would gladly walk with you through the gardens outside." He was concerned by her quietness. Was she straying from Aries? He silently prayed that it was not so, otherwise all would be lost.

"Thank you, Lynn." She jumped up and ran to the closet to retrieve some comfortable shoes. She came back to his side and slid her arm through his. Outside would be better. She could think and sort out what was going on in her mind and heart.

He took her arm through his and laid his hand upon hers once more, guiding her out of her room and towards the entrance to the gardens. "Sometimes all one needs is a breath of fresh air and a glimpse of sunshine to brighten their mood and refresh their mind."

"My mother used to say that too. She said that troubles were like a rainy day and that any cloud must flee before sunshine." Lilandra smiled as she thought of her mother. Her mother was alive, or some kind of alive. Not that it mattered to Lilandra what state. To hear her mother's voice and know that the one person in the world who cared about her still worried about her, made Lilandra giddy with relief.

"Wise words from a wise woman, I'm sure. The skies are clear today, a nice change from the dreary weather of late." He felt his own mood begin to lift, indeed it was a nice change to get out into the sun.

Lilandra said nothing else until they were outside. The heat of the sun bathed her face and she closed her eyes, soaking it all in. She felt stronger, even calmer. It was like coming out of a dream. Had she really been that silly to run from this place? From Lynn? From Beast? She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She thought about Beast and his kind eyes.... Once again something niggled in the back of her mind. She reached for it and found herself rebuffed. Her eyes flew open and she let out a startled squeak.

Lynn paused mid-step and looked at Lilandra. "Miss Lilandra? Is everything alright?"

"I-I'm fine. Maybe I shouldn't have stared at the sun," she hedged. She had never felt anything like that in her mind before. She was starting to wonder if she was going crazy. She needed to talk to Beast.

~No, my daughter, not yet.~

Lilandra almost squeaked again and caught herself. ~Mother?~

~Not yet. Patience.~

~I don't understand.~

~You will. Trust your instincts, my daughter.~

More confused now than before, Lilandra stared down at the flowers. She wished her life wasn't always about waiting, about patience. Why couldn't it be simple?

Lynn stood in silence watching her closely, something was going on but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It were as if she were listening to someone...but there was no one around them and he definitely wasn't speaking right now.

"Lynn, do you have any children?"

"Oh no, none myself. I have always been caring for the master, ever since he was a young boy. That is enough for me, he was enough of a handful by himself."

Lynn couldn't help but smile a little as he remembered the mischief Aries would get into in his youth.

"I see." Lilandra saw the warmth in Lynn's smile and was a little envious of Beast. Her own father had never looked at her that way. "Lynn, is there really such a thing as magic?"

He raised an eyebrow at her, quite surprised at her question given what she had done herself recently. "Yes, as you have shown us there is indeed such a thing as magic."

"But it wasn't me that did it!" she protested and wrapped her arms around herself in a tight hug. "There's no such thing. I mean, I can't have magic. I'm not special!"

"Lilandra, there are thousands of people who have magic, many simply have no idea that they do because it is so weak within them. The master himself was once a great sorcerer of Sky magics."

"Sky magic? I do not understand. I know I am young, but Father always said there was no such thing as magic. That it was only nonsense tales that Mother," Lilandra paused and then continued. "that Mother told me. She often told me that I was special and that it would all make sense when I was older. And then she died and Father taught me that I wasn't special at all. That the nonsense in my head was only good for getting punishments."

"Well your father was a liar, Lilandra. Magic does exist and if your feats are any indication, then your mother would have been a powerful sorceress indeed. There are three different types of magic in this world. Perhaps after our walk we will discuss it further?"

Three? Powerful sorceress? Everything was happening too fast. Her stomach rumbled and Lilandra laughed.

"I guess, maybe I should eat?"

"If you wish, young miss. I believe there are still some apples in the orchard that can be picked."

"That would be good, Lynn. I'm sorry my stomach is so loud." She let him lead her to the orchard and selected the biggest apple she could find. She ate quietly for a moment before mustering up her courage to speak. "Lynn, is there anything that Beast likes above all else?"

"I would not know any more young miss. It has been some years since he has had time...or the will to indulge in anything relaxing or positive. I do remember that he quite enjoyed art for a time and music."

"Music? Does that include singing?"

Lynn nodded, looking up towards the slow drifting cloud and bird wheeling overhead in the sky. "Yes, from time to time. He tries to do sing sometimes when he bathes but I made him stop because he kept breaking all the windows with his terrible pitch."

Lilandra giggled. "Lynn," shyly she looked over at him. "I would like to sing for him. Not-not tonight. I want...I want to make it special for him. Just him. Can we do it in a day or two, without the new people around?" Her heart was racing, yet asking for this moment felt right.

A wry grin came over his face. So she really was beginning to fall for Aries. That was a most excellent sign.

"I will see what I can do. I'm pretty sure I could manage to have the General's men out of the castle for a night."

"Thank you! I think I should like to go rest for a little while." Lilandra smiled and slipped her arm through Lynn's. Yes, it was time she showed Beast some gratitude and she wanted to explore these new emotions stirring in her heart.

*    *     *

-Sotan City-

It was another hot, humid day but General Yosaf Gotred did not mind. In fact, he enjoyed the sweat it produced. And of course, training his men also had something to do with his good mood. Seven long years and not a word from his Prince and suddenly a messenger arrives with a pleas from Lynn. Gotred did not believe in coincidences. It was time to go home.

He heard a grunt and a curse and he looked over at the newest recruits. Three of the ten were siblings, large farm boys with a love of brawling. Clumsy with weapons except for the spiked mace, the three boys Yan, Lan, and San were his favorites. Not that they let it go to their heads. They were extremely shy and the slightest bit of teasing made them blush like a young maiden.

"Enough! Fall in!" He bellowed and watched as his two thousand men scrambled into their assigned units. He looked down at them from the raised dais and smiled. Yes, his men. Fighters all of them and loyal.

"Today is a good day. Word has reached me that our Prince has need of us. We will leave in six hours. Pack all the winter gear and prepare the horses."

"For our Prince!" the men chanted and raised their weapons in the air.

Gotred pulled free his broadsword and raised it high. "Yes, for our Prince," he stated and dismissed the troops to get ready.

He left the dais and headed for the main compound where the women and support staff waited. He was sure that his trusted personal aides had informed the staff and that they too would be getting ready to travel.

He went into the kitchen and spotted Zera and Zanel quietly giving instructions. Gotred grinned. The day he had saved the thirteen-year-old twins from bandits had been a fortuitous day indeed.

"Well?"

"Everyone has gone to prepare, Sir. We are packed and ready as well," Zera informed him with a saucy wink.

Gotred chuckled. Zera was wily and a fast thinker whereas her brother Zanel was quiet and fiercely loyal to his sister and to Gotred.

"Very good, you two. I appreciate all your help. Go and do whatever else is left. I cannot wait for you to meet my Prince."

"You make him sound larger than life," Zanel pointed out.

"That's because he is. Now off with you."

"Yes, Sir!"

Gotred, satisfied that things were proceeding nicely, took a short route back to his quarters. The city he had settled in seven years ago after the disaster with Zitomira, had been a small town, constantly harassed by bandits and larger towns. Gotred and his men had helped stave off the town's enemies and had slowly built the small town into a prosperous city. He did not feel bad about leaving. He had no ties here. The closest thing he had to a family was Zera and Zanel, not that he would tell the twins that.

He laughed and gathered his meager possessions. "Hold on, my Prince. I am coming." With one last cursory perusal of his room, Gotred spun on his heel and left.