In the chaos that was the parties dispersing after hours of the kings talking, and sometimes arguing, I was finally able to move again. While they said their goodbyes I quietly snuck over to my poor friend. 

I whispered into the dark, and pungent crate, "Amber, are you awake?" I was met with silence. I gently touched her dirty hair through the bars, and said a silent prayer to the moon goddess that she would survive. If the King knew that she didn't really have white hair like Max implied, then she must be a decoy. So, my only hope was that she was more useful to him alive. 

A hand wrapped around my wrist and I was once again pulled to my feet. Ruby red eyes met my own. King Leon glanced around the room, once he was sure he had everyone's attention he pulled me harshly to him. I stumbled into his hard chest, and my stomach was in my throat as he leaned in. Soft lips pressed against the sensitive skin on my neck. I froze, and didn't dare breathe as he trailed his lips down the length of my arm to the wrist that he held in his large hand. The whole room was transfixed, and not a noise could be heard except the cry that escaped my mouth when he bit down. A tear rolled down my face as sharp pain gave way to dizziness and I slumped against him. 

He released me and announced, "Just a reminder of who you belong to, pet." As if I needed another scar to remind me. I knew everything tonight was for show, the question was why. 

I didn't notice Damion walk over to us until he growled from behind me, "That's enough." He pulled me away from Leon, and scooped my limp body into his arms. My head lolled to the side as Damion carried me towards the exit. Before everything went black I made eye contact with King Leon who couldn't hide his broad, bloody smile. 

~~~

It was an effort to pry my eyelids open. The first thing I noticed was the soft rays of sunlight that were filtering in through thin drapes that were rustling from a breeze. Square cut, white stone walls surrounded me. The floors were mahogany wood, and the light that was coming in was from what appeared to be an attached balcony. It was a large, airy room with fine wood furniture, and silver trinkets. It was fit for a member of the royal court, not a slave. 

I pulled my stiff body into a sitting position, and was relieved to see that I was wearing the same black dress. That hopefully meant that no one touched me. I'm assuming that I missed the journey, and am now already in the Kingdom of Claws and Talons. I couldn't help but feel confused as to why I wasn't chained up in the dungeon. I'd heard whispers from those who were brave enough to dare to speak about a kingdom other than our own, that King Damion was ruthless, and his kingdom reflected that. Although, the man I met at the meeting didn't seem as bad as King Leon. I could only pray that that were true, and the rumors were just rumors. 

Just in case, I forced my aching body to move and searched the room for something to use as a weapon. I found a candlestick and was happy to see a sharp 2 inch point once the candle was removed. I shoved the wax candle into a drawer of a large wooden dresser and then raced back to bed. I heard a faint knock on the door and had just enough time to squeeze the candle stick under the mattress, and get myself under the covers. 

The door opened, and I focused on breathing deeply and evenly. The light pitter patter of footsteps indicated that it wasn't the werewolf king, and I highly doubted it would be a guard. The footsteps stopped once they reached my bed, and my heart raced. Whoever or whatever it was had a warm vanilla smell that hit me. 

A small calloused hand gently shook my bare shoulder. I opened my eyes slowly and stretched as if I was just waking up. I pretended to be startled at the appearance of this stooped elderly woman. Piercing close-set brown eyes peered at me through shoulder length white wavy hair. Although she stood hunched, and like a strong wind could reduce her to nothing, her face was bright and alert. 

She smiled at me and said quietly as if talking to a spooked animal, "I was beginning to worry that you would never wake up." She patted my hair gently, and I half expected to be offered an apple. 

"Where am I, and who are you? I croaked. I slowly scooted away from the woman so that she was no longer touching me. She withdrew her hand, and understanding shown in her eyes. 

"You're in King Damion's castle as our special guest for the next 12 days. I'm Myrtle. I've been taking care of you since our journey back," she paused and then continued with a laugh, "There were a couple times I thought you were dead. Glad to see you're recovering." 

That means I've been asleep for at least two full days. My skin crawled with the thought of what could have happened to me during the time I was unconscious. There was no way for me to ever know for sure what went on these last two days, and that scared me. 

Myrtle started speaking again which pulled me out of my troubling thoughts, "Let's get you all washed up, and out of that...dress." She said the last word with disdain, and heat spread to my face even though I didn't pick my outfits. I nodded, and she led me to a door across from the bed that I had somehow missed in my frantic searching. It's a miracle I've survived this long. 

The adjoining, private washroom was all marble, with swirling greys and hints of green. It had a small pool of steaming water with flower petals in the corner. There were soft cloths to dry off with, and jars that upon further inspection had delightful smelling soaps in them. Myrtle watched for a moment as I looked around. 

"Would you like help, or do you want to bathe yourself?" She asked. I had never been given the option, but cleaning myself off sounded a lot more appealing than having a stranger do it. 

I murmured to my feet, "I can do it myself." I flinched when Myrtle's gnarled fingers lifted up chin. She immediately removed her fingers when my eyes met hers. 

"Darling girl, no one is going to hurt you here. Feel free to speak clearly, and no need to stare at the ground," whispered Myrtle gently. I nodded to convey my understanding, although I didn't believe her. 

Myrtle gave me a sad contemplative look and then said, "I shall leave you to it. I'll come back in about an hour to escort you to lunch. There should be clothes in the dresser around your size. If you need help dressing, or anything before I return, you can poke your head out in the hall and ask one of the guards." 

I ran over what she said in my head, but kept getting caught on one word. "What is 'lunch'?" I asked. 

"You don't know what...okay. Um, lunch is a meal for the middle of the day. Do you know what breakfast, and dinner are?" She asked.

I explained, "I've never heard those terms before. Every meal is simply referred to as a meal in my kingdom. I've never had more than one a day. And, that's if I'm lucky." I was absolutely baffled at the concept of three meals, and them having labels. What a luxurious life to live. 

Myrtle tsked and responded, "No wonder you're skin and bones. I promise you will have more than one meal a day here." She started walking towards the door and paused to add, "Oh, and you'll be dining with his majesty."