FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
I Didn't Lie

Mardichi. I remember that day. He thought with a smile. She’s not wrong.

“You’ve no need of that with me. You’re one of the rare few that can say that.”

“Agatha said we’re safe at Meredith House.”

You are. I protect you.

“She too was right.”

“Step back.” She brandished her little weapon.

That wouldn’t stick me far enough to slow me.

You could barely kill a bird with that thing. But he did as she bid. Watching her quietly.

The pressure released around her leg.

Moving it slightly she confirmed she was free. Her face lit with challenge.

His returned the look, tilting his head down.

“Why did you drag me off to your lair?” She lifted her chin.

Much the way a wild mare pitches its’ mane when threatened. She looks untamed with her eyes spitting fire at me.

“How does such a tame thing become so wild with rage?” The air between them vibrated with her rising ire. “But a moment ago we were conversing.”

Red hair. To match her temperament?

You were so sweet once.

“You let me go along thinking you were some kind of dream.” She murmured. “Until you found me in the Merwood.”

“It was better that way.”

Was all I could do.

“So why have you changed your mind?” Her green eyes sparked.

Yes, why have I?

“You are Acharius aren’t you?” She demanded after a long silence.

Who else would I be?

“Need you ask?”

“No. I know your voice…Why did you hide from me?”

To keep you safe.

“I live on the fringe of your world. It’s a complex place.”

“I live with two reclusive women in Dread Hideout Country!” She blurted. “I live on the fringe of Ardae entirely.”

Not wholly untrue. He grudgingly thought. Absentmindedly moving things further into the corners. Why am I tidying a cavern?

“Was everything you said merely lies?” She stood, dagger aimed at his heart.

No.

“I don’t lie.”

“You deceived me. Saying you were a shadow.”

I am a shadow of who I once was.

“I didn’t lie.”

Her lips tightened. And she brandished her tiny weapon.

Acharius lurched forward and caught her tiny wrist before she could blink. She squawked. “My Girl, there is more enjoyable ways to have me at your mercy.” He plucked the blade from her fingers.

Why did I say that?

“Whatever do you mean?” Her green eyes widened. When he didn’t respond she made a sound that could’ve been a snarl.

“I don’t want you at my mercy or otherwise!” But he sensed her deep curiosity and heard her wandering thoughts.

She’s lying.

“Ha!” He scoffed. Releasing his grip on her dainty limb. “Your lingering looks at me say otherwise.

She jerked away. Jaw slack in shock at his bold comments.

Good. You should be horrified. You should go right back to your safe little House.

“Just look at you. You can’t keep your eyes off me.” Outstretching his arms, he turned a slow circle on long legs. Knowing his height and the width of his torso was impressive. She thought he looked massive.

“Look as you will, Girl. See anything you like?” He jutted his chin at her. Taunting her.

I glimpsed fire in her I can’t resist stoking again.

Her anger was tangible, but he rather enjoyed himself.

“Come now. Are you upset with me for taking your trinket? It’s little more than toy.” He caught her hand and turned it up to slap the knife handle in her palm.

Let her feel safe. He rotated on his heel and walked over to collect the jar of potatoes and head to the fire.

Shrieking furiously, she hurled the blade. It shot toward him with surprising accuracy. Aimed for his head. He ducked to the side to evade it. Straightening, he bumped his crown on the underside of the swaying handle. Giving her a dark look, he stepped aside to fully stand.

He reassessed her. Her desperation lent her skill.

“Such aggression is better used in other ways, My Dear.” He lifted a provocative brow.

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