Purebreds and Power
Chapter 13

As he walked through the garden, Han admired the magnificence of the roses in the moonlight.

In one quick move, he snapped a bloom off, thinking of the beauty asleep in his bed. The flower’s scent could never compare to hers, but he brought it up to his nose and inhaled anyway.

Han and Lilly had been snuggling, kissing, teasing when her soft snores began to tickle his ears. Her warmth cocooned them both in comfort, so he moved them to his room where he could enjoy her without interruption.

Han smiled again.

That’s when he heard a thump on this shoe.

Pulling the bloom away from his nose, he noticed a deep crimson spot that marred his wingtip. An unexpected feeling flashed through him.

Han laughed.

A full belly laugh rolled through the darkness when Han noticed the source. He dragged his palm down the corners of his mouth but couldn’t stop smiling as he brought his wet finger to his lips, savoring the new flavor.

“The sting of thorns never felt so sweet.” Han chuckled, sucking the blood from his fingertip. “And I never thought I would taste you!”

Han continued his stroll through the immaculate garden–a skip in his step. His mind wandered to his beloved yet again, oblivious to the natural beauty surrounding him.

He grinned again.

His fiery beloved would keep him alert, never knowing what she was thinking, doing. She had strong thoughts and opinions, and he welcomed them.

Excitement for their future tete-a-tetes warmed his chest when a blood-curdling scream permeated his reverie. He knew its location as soon as he heard it.

His bedroom.

He moved at supernatural speed, slowing only to straighten his jacket before stepping through the door. His insides churned, although his pristine countenance gave nothing away. He only took five steps before James appeared.

“My liege,” James began with a bow. “Sera brought a snack up to your room when you didn’t come down.”

“I see.” Han moved past before the words left his mouth. “Where are they?”

“The dungeon.”

Han clenched and unclenched his fists, fighting the demons that wanted to surface. He barely took notice of the blonde who suddenly threw herself at his feet.

“I’m sorry. So so sorry, Master.” The blonde servant swallowed hard, taking a breath. “You’ve never let… Sera hit her so hard she drew blood. But it healed. It healed so fast. I screamed. I’m sorry.”

Han dragged his hand over his eyes before looking straight ahead. “You will not provide meals for one week. Return to your quarters.”

The girl’s bright blue eyes widened twice their normal size, and she bent further, prostrate. “Thank you, Master. You are kind and just! Thank you!”

Her appreciation echoed down the hall as Han continued toward his beloved. His thumb rolled over his index finger, feeling the smooth, newly-healed skin before clenching into fists once again.

Han stood before the heavy metal door, having ventured further than he should. Han didn’t think. And he always thought. He took a deep breath--the aroma of Lilly’s blood filling his senses. The crack of leather whooshed, then snapped as it ripped into flesh. Han gritted his teeth.

No other sounds left the room.

No whimpers. No cries.

“You’ll think twice before staying where you don’t belong!”

Sera’s voice pierced the air before another crack.“That’s 50. The silver I dipped the tip in will ensure you remember your place, filthy dog.”

Han’s fists shook at his sides. His beloved should be ruling this castle by his side, not dripping blood on the floor. As he poised himself to step in, the door flew open.

“Tell James she went back to her room. Then drop her in there. It’ll take a week or more for her to recover. Stupid bitch.” Sera turned around and met a stone-faced Han. The servant with her bowed then scurried away. “Han! I found this wretch sullying your sheets. She’s unfit for you."

“Don’t tell me what is or is not unfit, Sera.”

“My apologies, Master.”

“Have this cleaned up immediately. The stench is ungainly. ”

“Yes, Master.”

Han stared at Sera. “Now!”

Sera bowed, then sauntered down the hall. When the sound of her heels faded, Han slouched against the cold wall, and closed his eyes. He sighed a heavy sigh. Then another. And another.

Then Han snapped his head forward, eyes open, fixed his cuff links and stepped into the dungeon.

The silence weighed heavily on Han. He could barely hear Lilly’s breathing. But it was there. She was alive.

“Lilly.”

Nothing.

Han stepped closer. Lilly’s body hung limp, strung up by her wrists. The tip of her big toes carried her weight.

“Lilly…”

Han furrowed his brows and reached up to undo the bonds.

“Don’t.” Lilly lifted her head and opened in big brown eyes.

“Lilly… you’ve been--”

“I know. And don’t go getting all soft on me now.” She blew a piece of hair from her face. “I was just getting used to your rugged smolder.”

A small smile graced Han’s face before he cupped Lilly’s cheeks and pressed a gentle kiss on her parched lips.

“Lilly, I can’t just leave you–.”

“You can and you will. Don’t downplay my part.” She leaned forward and kissed Han’s cheek. “I knew what I was doing when I came here.” Lilly coughed, a trickle of blood leaking down her arms.

“Han.” Lilly lowered her voice. “You asked me to trust you. No doubts.” She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Han’s muscular chest before leaning back and staring up at him. “You have to trust me too.”

Han brushed the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

Lilly chuckled before wincing. Han immediately moved forward again and frowned.

With her face now buried in Han’s chest, Lilly sighed.“I’ve survived worse.”

Han tilted her face up toward his. He searched for the meaning behind her words, but she didn’t give one.

“I shouldn’t have said that. I’m fine.” She pecked his lips. “Or I will be fine.”

Han took one tentative step back, then, without hesitation, turned and exited. Only one person would satisfy his rage.

Han had never felt so lost, so out of control. Seeing Lilly covered in her own blood sent his primal instincts into overdrive.

He needed to formally claim her. Protect her. Make her his queen. He should never have to see her hurt, let alone bleed.

Han sat in the parlor and dropped his head in his hands. He doubted his plan. He, for the first time, doubted himself.

Han scrubbed his face, then stood, straightening his jacket and shirt. A low murmur of whispers rolled through the house. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway–flesh squeaking on tile.

Han waited, masking his feelings behind a blank stare. He stepped out of the parlor. and nearly collided with Lilly’s battered body. Her body hung from limp arms. Her legs swished back and forth, leaving a blood trail in their wake.

Lilly sensed him, and her eyes shot open. Her gaze softened for only a moment. With a brief shake of her head, she told Han to stay still, trust her. Then she closed her eyes again. Lilly and her captors rounded the corner out of Han’s eyesight. The streaks of blood left proof of Han’s failure to protect what was his.

Never again.

“Clean this immediately!” Han barked, stopping the gossip, sending his staff in every direction. “No one will see her, talk to her, feed her for a week!”

“She’s lucky she isn’t dead.”

“Do you have something to add, Sera?” Han kept his eyes fixed straight ahead,

“No, Master.”

Once Sera was gone, Han turned on his heel and marched into the servant’s quarters. When he reached his destination, he tugged on his cuffs and threw the door open in front of him.