Page 116 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

The blanket smooths over my breasts for far too long. I’m flooded with heat and pleasure. It feels so good that it takes a long time for me to finally tell him to set me free. “Let me go.”

Even then, the words come out weak.

He releases me and lays the blanket over my shoulders. I manage to walk several steps barefooted before he hauls me into his arms again. This time, I don’t struggle because he is so warm. I love the comfort and the familiarity of his scent too.

But still I have to ask, “When are you taking me home?”

The man doesn’t answer.

I decide I will pester him with that question a hundred more times. Sister Greeta eventually gave in to Blaire’s demand for a second breakfast when my friend asked the priestess too many times.

That’s right.

I will annoy the hell out of this man until he brings me back to Windhaven.

Comforting warmth greets me as soon as we enter the keep. Almost all the candlesticks and lanterns in the hallways are lit and I am silently grateful for it. Svenn climbs the spiral staircasesilently, still refusing to answer my question. I’m about to ask him again but it appears that we have reached our destination.

Despite the frustration welling in my chest, I welcome the heat in the chamber. Basic furniture fills the sitting room, lit by more candles and a bright fireplace. Svenn carefully lowers me to the hearth. Carefully. So carefully.

“Stay right here.” His voice sounds rougher than usual.

He turns to leave again but I tug at his arm. I pull his face gently close to mine and search his eyes. “You’re my Svenn now. Why are you still being mean?”

He cocks an eyebrow. “Your Svenn?”

There is a long pause as he stares down at me.

“Be good.” He kisses my head again and then he’s gone.

The storm rages outside, howling with fury. I get up to spread my wet nightgown on the rod mounted on the wall. With luck it will dry soon from the warmth of the room.

I settle once again on the rug over at the same spot he placed me earlier. Flame crackles in the fireplace and I pull the blanket to my chin to keep myself warm.

Our strange connection is content and quiet now. His experiment proves to be true. The bond is calmer after our physical interaction. I feel terrible for staying away and avoiding him this past week.

Lightning flashes across the large panel window. I sit closer to the fireplace at the chasing thunder, covering my ears.

This is going to be a long, cold night. I press my hand to my stomach. I haven’t eaten anything since morning. My mind drifts to the plate of roasted duck somewhere in a room in this castle. It’s probably spoilt by now, but I’ve gobbled worse things than a day’s old meal.

Svenn told me to stay. It’s not like I want to listen to him. I just can’t summon the energy to climb the stairs and find thatroom again. I decide to conserve my energy and forage for food later.

Surviving is what I do best.

In the midst of my despairing hunger and the cold, I find myself missing my captor. I hope he comes back soon.

That’s not very survivalist…I can almost hear Blaire’s voice and frown in my head. Maybe I’ve gone mad in this castle in my loneliness.

My hair is partially dry by the time the huge door creaks again. I scold my face from looking too excited at his return.

The Strigon prowls to me slowly from the dark. I spring up from the hearth and move away from him. I feel vulnerable without a weapon in hand. I should have grabbed the iron poker leaning on the wall. Each time he strides forward, I back several steps. We stare at each other like two fighters in a ring.

I wait for him to move or say something. He finally raises a hand and gestures to my blanket. “Let me dry that up.”

The cloth is damp from my wet hair but there’s no way I’m giving up the only protection I have.

“Sounds like a trick to get me naked,” I mutter underneath my breath.

“I don’t need a trick to do that.” Something dangerous flickers through his eyes, and I shiver. This time not from the cold.