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I gave him a long and passionate kiss. “I shall keep your heart as you keep mine and neither one of us shall ever be truly cold again. ”

He smiled at me and it warmed me thoroughly. Pulling me down into the comforts of his bed, he again seduced me with his kisses and touch.

I gave himself wholly to him and was not satisfied until he was deep within and we were one.

In the afterglow of our lovemaking, I finally drew away from him and dared to stand in the shadows of the mausoleum to see the last rays of the setting sun vanish from the sky. He rose after me and his hands slid down my arms as his chest pressed against my back.

“It is time,” he said in a voice that caught with emotion.

I nodded as I dared to look into his eyes. My emotions were reflected in his gaze.

We dressed in silence and did not dare to gaze upon each other. It was far too difficult to refrain from touching and dragging each other back down into the soft bed.

I struggled for a bit with my dress, and then he came to me, and with infinite care, helped me fasten it tight around me.

“Your Master,” he said in a low voice. “Does he treat you well?”

I hesitated as I pulled my long cloak around me. Should I speak the truth or not?

He sighed, my hesitation enough of an answer. “Stay with me. Together we can break the curse that is upon you. ”

“I cannot. ”

“Why not?”

I looked up at him, my eyes full of tears and my lip trembling. “Because his power over me is not merely his blood, but much more. He has the power to strike down that which is most precious to me. ”

“I do not understand,” Ignatius said, his expression confused.

I threw up my hands and pulled away from him. “I know you do not. But it is the truth! He has found a way to keep me his faithful slave beyond his blood and I cannot defy him. When I return tonight, I know my punishment will be cruel, but he will not kill me for he needs me. ”

Ignatius came to me, his hand reaching out to touch my cheek. “Tell me. What power does he have beyond his blood in your veins?”

I shook my head and whispered, “I cannot. For what he threatens is too dear to my heart to reveal to anyone. ”

Ignatius drew away from me then said, “I wish I understood. ”

“I wish I could speak the truth, but I have lost too much to dare to lose what little I have left of a life that was once mine,” I answered. I walked to him and lay my hands on his chest.

He gazed down upon me with adoration and remorse. “I fear for you now. More than before. ”

“I shall be fine. I am far to ornery to be struck down,” I assured him. “And, my Master, he does need me. He does. ”

He crushed me against his body and we kissed long and passionately. The heat of our desire for each other began to overwhelm our senses and reluctantly we drew apart.

“I must go now,” I said softly.

“I know,” he said in a hushed tone.

“Ignatius,” I said just to hear his name once more.

He looked up and smiled ruefully. “Lady Glynis. ”

I bowed to him and he to me.

“Take care of my heart,” he said.

“I shall,” I vowed, giving him one last smile then fled into the night.