The Guide

by Trudie Collins

  “Not bad,” she complimented him as he smoothly dipped her. “Then again, I should have guessed elves would be good dancers seeing as they are so nimble on their feet.”

  The partners changed, and once again. On the third change Sam found herself in Brin’s arms and her heart rate instantly increased. He held her tight, tighter than her other partners had done, and he ran a caressing hand up her naked back as he eased her out of the dip, sending a chill of excitement through her. Neither spoke as they danced together. Sam avoided looking directly into his eyes, worried that he would sense the impure thoughts that were going through her mind. When it was time to swap partners again, she felt a pang of regret. He held her hand slightly longer than was necessary, leaving her longing to be in his arms once more. They stayed on the dance floor for the next tune, and the one after that.

  Hawk, dressed in his customary black, slipped unnoticed into the great hall and watched the dancers. He quickly spotted Sam, noticing how she held Brin just that little bit closer than she did her other partners. He smiled to himself; tonight would be fun.

  By coincidence, Sam was back in Brin’s arms when the song ended and the dance changed from a group composition to one for single couples. Without saying a word, Brin moved his arm down Sam’s back to the correct position and swung her around into the opening steps. Hawk casually walked up to them, flawlessly intercepting as they danced passed.

  “My turn,” he said smugly to Brin as he took over from him. A look of pure hatred flashed across the elf’s face, but instantly dropped away as Sam was swung around so she no longer had her back to him.

  “You don’t mind do you?” she asked over her shoulder as she moved around again. He minded. He minded a lot, but pride kept him silent. He simply bowed to her then made his way toward the table where glasses of fruit punch were being served.

  “That was rude,” Sam said sternly to Hawk as they glided around the dance floor.

  “I know, but it was necessary.”

  “Why? What are you up to?” Hawk refused to answer so Sam changed topics. “Dressed colourfully for the occasion I see.”

  “No need for sarcasm,” he replied, slightly amused. “I like black. I look good in black.”

  Sam was forced to agree with this statement. The way the witches had moulded the cloth around his body was almost indecent, leaving little to the imagination when it came to his firm, perfectly formed derrière. She was tempted to give his buttocks a quick squeeze to see if they were as tight as they appeared but decided it was probably inappropriate, especially as she could feel Brin’s eyes watching her.

  They had been circling the dance floor for a few minutes when Sam looked down at her feet. “I thought we were moving too smoothly,” she commented, noticing that they were actually floating a few millimetres from the ground. Hawk winked.

  “One of the advantages of being a vampire. It is amazing how much easier dance steps are when you are not touching the ground. It makes it much harder to step on your partner’s feet.”

  As they danced, Hawk held her tight, caressing her skin at every opportunity. He was an excellent dancer and skilfully maneuvered Sam around the floor as though they had been dancing together for years. All the while Brin watched them coldly, not noticing the women who were trying to catch his eye, hoping to be taken onto the dance floor themselves.

  Brin was not the only one not enjoying the evening. Dal was having difficulty escaping the advances of an overeager young lady. The daughter of a Duke had been fluttering her eyelids at him during the ceremony and feast and now had him cornered. He had blatantly refused to dance with her so she chatted happily to him, groping his bottom whenever she thought nobody was looking. He kept attempting to get past her, but she had him backed into a corner and kept blocking his exit.

  When the musicians took a short break, Tor walked up to Seth. “What are you up to?”

  “Watching your young cousin. He seems to have gotten himself into a little bit of a fix.”

  Tor looked across to where Dal was struggling to remove the girl’s arms from around his waist. “You had better go and rescue him. I do not think I could face his mother if he inadvertently gets himself betrothed and from what I have heard about that young lady, it is a distinct possibility.”

  Laughing, Seth sauntered across the room, grabbed Dal by the arm and started to drag him away. “Sorry miss,” he said politely, “but Tor wishes to speak to his cousin.” This, however, was exactly the wrong thing to say.

  “He is related to Prince Tor,” the girl chirped excitedly, taking hold of his other arm. “He neglected to mention that.”

  Dal looked at Seth pleadingly. Seth took pity on him. “I take it he also forgot to mention that he is married with a young child.”

  “Yes, he did, the bastard,” the girl snarled, slapping him round the face before stomping away.

  “Did I deserve that?” Dal asked, perplexed. “She is the one that has been molesting me all evening. There should be a law against it.” He rubbed his sore cheek, which was turning a bright shade of red.

  Seth laughed. “Dal my lad,” he said, slapping him on the shoulder, “there is a lot you need to learn about women. Grab some ale then come with me. I need some fresh air so you can have your first lesson while we walk.” Dal did as instructed, then noticed Tor watching him. He quickly swapped the ale for fruit juice and followed after Seth.

  Later that evening, Ria found Ellen staring forlornly at the dancers and asked her what was wrong

  “He is really in his element out there,” Ellen said a little wistfully as she watched Patrick dance with yet another partner. He was being more than a little friendly with some of the prettier ones and she had overheard someone taking bets on which one he would spend the night with. She had been shocked to hear that she herself was one of the current favourites.

  “Take it as a compliment,” Ria told her, when Ellen passed on what she had heard. “Some of those doing the betting must think you are something special.”

  “Or they think I am stupid enough to go to bed with him then be heart broken when he leaves the next morning.”

  “Maybe you should consider doing exactly that. It may get rid of some of your sexual frustrations and, from what I have heard, it would certainly be a night to remember.” Ellen was too flabbergasted to reply.

  Ria walked across the room to where she saw Grimmel on his own, leaving Ellen to stare, open mouthed, at her retreating back. Grimmel was definitely sulking.

  “Go away,” was his reply when she asked him what was wrong. Looking around the room, she spotted River on the dance floor with a young man who was paying her a lot of attention.

  “Why are you not dancing with River?” she inquired, faking innocence. Grimmel growled at her.

  “Dwarf’s do not dance.”

  “They sulk well though.” She was rewarded with another growl. Deciding any advice she could give the dwarf that evening would be a waste of breath, she left him to dwell in his misery alone and went off in search of a single young man who wanted to dance.

  “I need some fresh air,” Sam announced, stepping out of Hawk’s arms.

  “Good idea. I will take you for a stroll through the garden.”

  “And you can finally tell me what you are up to.”

  “Perhaps.” Grabbing a couple of glasses of wine on their way, they left the great hall. It was a warm, clear night, with a light breeze carrying the smell of roses. They headed into the garden, neither of them noticing the figure silently following them. Wandering around, they found a stone bench and sat down, Sam leaning into Hawk. She felt at ease in his presence. His arms were warm and comforting, offering friendship, nothing more. Relaxing, she closed her eyes.

  “So are you ever going to explain to me why you were so rude to Brin and have been doing your best to prevent me dancing with him all night?” The watcher crouched behind a nearby bush, ears pricked.

  “You noticed that did you? Very well. You want him so I am going to
help you get him.”

  “Explain.” She did not waste her breath with denials.

  “The easiest way to get a man is to make him jealous; make him think that he has competition for your affections. Right now he thinks that I want you.”

  Sam sat up suddenly. “But you don’t.” It was not a question.

  “No. I have experienced love and lost it. I do not want to go through that again. You do not know how hard it is,” he added quietly.

  “Actually, yes I do.” She told him about Dean and the baby. It was the first time she had managed to talk about it without crying.

  “I am sorry,” he said, kissing her forehead comfortingly.

  “Do you think I am stupid, risking going through it all again?”

  “No. I just think you are braver than I am.”

  Sam went quiet. “Do you really think he believes he has to win me off you? Is he even interested in trying?” she asked suddenly.

  Hawk smiled. “I am certain of it.”

  Sam relaxed back down again. “You’re a devious sod.”

  “I will take that as a compliment.”

  When they rose and walked back toward the palace, they failed to notice someone stepping out from the bushes behind the bench on which they had been sitting. Brin watched them depart, his face betraying a slight smile. He had overheard every word.

  ——————————-∞——————————-

  The music stopped and the dancers slowed to a halt. Ellen was exhausted. “The evening is over for me,” she informed her partner, kissing him on the cheek. “Goodnight.”

  “Wait,” Patrick said, taking her hand. “Let me escort you to your room.” Racking her brain for a reason to refuse him and failing to find one, she accepted his offer. Leaving the great hall, she turned to the right, but Patrick pulled her to the left.

  “My room is the other way.”

  “I know,” he replied, ‘but there is something I want to show you first.”

  Thinking longingly of her bed, but resigning herself to being away from it a while longer, Ellen allowed herself to be led away.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, recognising that they were entering the part of the palace that was reserved for the royal family.

  “I talked Tallon into giving me his room for the night. After all, he will not be needing it.” He led her around a corner, opened the first door on their right and held it open for Ellen to enter ahead of him.

  “I should be going,” she said, refusing to cross the threshold. She made the mistake of looking toward him as she spoke.

  “Stay.” Ellen had seen that look in his eyes before, though had never been the recipient.

  “That is really not a good idea,” she informed him, dragging her gaze away from his face.

  “Stay,” he said once again, his voice soft and compelling. She refused to look at him, knowing that she would be unable to resist him if she did. He pulled her close, gently kissing her neck.

  “Please stop,” she said, making no attempt to push him away.

  “You do not mean that,” he replied, moving the strap of her dress aside as he started to kiss her shoulder. “You want to stay.”

  She tried to say no, but her mouth was unable to form the word as memories of his naked body forced their way into her mind.

  “Yes,” she found herself whispering. Her legs began to weaken and she had to lean into him for support. Taking her hand and leading her into the room, Patrick closed and locked the door.

  ——————————-∞——————————-

  Sam, too, was ready to call it a night. Hawk played the part of a suitor perfectly as he escorted her to her room. He glimpsed Brin talking to a servant, indicating toward them with his head, and smiled.

  “He has set a servant to watch us,” he whispered to Sam. “Invite me into your room.”

  Sam was a little taken aback. “Don’t you think that is going a little too far? I am sharing this room with a few other women you know.”

  “Trust me.” Unsure that she was doing the right thing, Sam let him follow her into the room and close the door behind them.

  He remained in the room for a while, giving the servant enough time to report back to Brin, then, with a swift goodnight, he flew out of the window. His departure did not go unnoticed; Brin was waiting in the courtyard below, watching the window.

  Dawn was not far away. While Sam drifted off to sleep and Hawk went looking for a last meal before turning in, Brin made his way to the stable where the wagon containing Hawk’s coffin was situated.

  He was sitting in the wagon when Hawk flew in.

  “I have been waiting for you,” he informed the vampire.

  “So I see.” Hawk kept his tone neutral, hiding the slight trace of concern he felt.

  “Not long ago you told me that you would kill me if I hurt Sam.” Brin looked him straight in the eye. “The same applies to you. Betray her in any way and you will regret it.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “Of course not. I know how dangerous you are. I am just pointing out how easy it is for a coffin lid to accidently open during the day.”

  Hawk’s face betrayed no reaction. No more needed to be said so Brin jumped off the wagon, landing lightly on his feet. Hawk watched him leave the stable before opening his coffin and getting in. As he pulled the lid shut he wondered if Sam had been right; maybe he had gone too far.

  Brin stopped outside the stable, listening. As soon as he heard the sound of the coffin lid closing he put his hands in his pockets and sauntered back to the palace, whistling as he walked.

  Chapter 29

  Bright sunlight was shining through the windows when Patrick opened his eyes. Ellen was standing by the bed, getting dressed. He waited for her dress to fall into place then reached forward to grab her. She adroitly moved out of his reach.

  “I have to go,” she said. Turning to face him, she leaned toward him and kissed him gently on the lips. “Thank you for last night. It was good, really good.”

  Before he had chance to respond she was once more out of his reach. He watched, astounded, as she left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

  “What just happened?” he mumbled to himself before lying down and drifting back off to sleep.

  Everyone was awake, though still in bed, when Ellen let herself into the room the ladies in her party were sharing.

  “And where have you been?” Liselle enquired before she had even closed the door.

  “I do not have to answer that.”

  “True. It is common knowledge that you spent the night with Patrick,” Ria stated. “How was it?”

  “You cannot ask that,” River exclaimed, shocked.

  “Of course I can. Well?”

  Ellen could not keep the smile from her face. “All I will say is that even if I never have sex again I will still die a happy woman.”

  “Come off it,” Sam scoffed. “He wasn’t that good, was he?”

  Ellen nodded, smirking. “And what about you young lady? I thought it was Brin you were interested in. You were all over Hawk last night.”

  “I was not. We are just friends. It’s amazing how quickly you become at ease with someone when you sleep in their bed most nights.”

  “I would hardly describe his coffin as a bed, but I see your point. So why did I overhear a couple of servants discussing how he entered this room with you but did not leave?”

  “He flew out the window.”

  “Oh.” Ellen was disappointed with such a simple explanation. “Well I hope you made sure Brin did not see you taking him into your bedroom.”

  “On the contrary, Hawk made sure Brin saw everything.” Four pairs of eyes looked at her, eyebrows raised. Sam went on to explain, in great detail, Hawk’s underhand tactics of the previous night.

  “I never knew men could be so devious,” Ria said with admiration. “They always seem so simple and straight forward. It is a shock to the system to
hear of one actually using his brain for once.”

  “If it makes you feel better, think of Hawk as a vampire rather than a man,” Sam suggested.

  “Good idea. Now who votes we have breakfast delivered to us. Or is it lunch time already?”

  “Count me out,” Liselle said. “I am going to head to the library to start hunting for the mysterious Zeneth.”

  ——————————-∞——————————-

  It was nearly midday by the time Patrick made it down to the dining room. Seth looked up, hearing the door open. Patrick did not return his welcoming greeting. “What is the matter with you? Rumour has it you got lucky last night.”

  “I did, but she walked out on me.” He did not want to have this conversation, but could see no way of avoiding it.

  “Are you saying that you wanted her to stay?” Modo asked incredulously.

  “No, but that is not the point,” Patrick snapped. “I am always the one to walk away. She should have been crying and begging me to stay.”

  Dal was horrified. “You hypocritical pig. You use women for sex, treat them like dirt and then get all indignant when it happens to you. You are unbelievable.” He threw his hands in the air in disgust and walked out of the room.

  “What has got into our young pup?” Modo asked Seth.

  “We had a talk about women last night. I think he has taken some of the things I said to heart. I will have another talk with him.”

  “No,” Patrick sighed. “He is right.”

  Just at that moment Tor walked in, fury oozing from his entire body. “You self-centred bastard. What do you think you were playing at?”

  Patrick went pale. “Now what am I supposed to have done?”

  Tor kept the table between himself and the cause of his anger, knowing it was the only thing stopping him from strangling the man. “You could have had almost anyone last night. Half the women were falling over themselves to spend some time with you, so were some of the men, but you had to choose Ellen.” He banged his fist down hard on the table, making a nearby glass tip over. “Do you never think of anyone but yourself?”