by Lily Thomas
“It is your information to tell. I won’t breath a word about it.”
Elizabethswitched the subject, hoping their conversation would be forgotten. “What is your name?”
“Kiyla.”
Nibbling her lip Elizabeth asked another question that had been weighing on her mind heavily.
“Do you know Lele?” She had to know from another source about Lele and Stryme. She just wanted to verify what he had told her last night.
“Yes, I know her.” Kiyla said with a roll of her eyes. “She is one of our most interesting characters.”
They finally stopped at a door, and Kiyla motioned Elizabeth inside.
The room was piled high with different furs. Chairs and tables lined one wall, while the furs took up the rest of the room. There were so many different kinds and colors. She knew it would take several days just to sift through it all.
“Stryme wasn't sure, but he thought if we gave you some of our younger female’s clothing they might fit you. No dress for an adult would fit, I’m afraid.” Kiyla explained kindly.
“Anything would be better than this rag of a dress. My mother would throw such a fit, if she saw the state of this dress. It used to be one of my best.”
“I have the feeling it would please you to see her throw a fit?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “We used to have a wonderful relationship. Recently, it became strained, when I was forced to find a husband.”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to pry.” Kiyla waved her hand around the room. “Is there anything that catches your eye?”
Anything would do. Elizabeth just wanted out of her soiled clothing already.
She kept her eyes moving over the fabric and furs though. It wouldn’t hurt, if she could find something decent. Every time her gaze landed on a fur dress, her lip would curl in disgust. She wasn’t sure she was desperate enough to wear fur. She had been raised with fabric, and she definitely preferred it.
Kiyla dug through the clothing to find something to fit Elizabeth. “Why the interest in Lele, if I may ask?
“Well,” Elizabeth started, “she attacked me last night. She seems upset that Stryme is showing me such favorable attention. I want to make sure there isn’t anything between them.” Elizabeth held her breath, as she waited for Kiyla to answer her question. She really hoped there was nothing between Lele and Stryme.
The thought of them together made Elizabeth's heart pinch painfully, not that Elizabeth had a future with him. But it still upset her for some reason, a reason she wasn’t sure she wanted to explore quite yet.
She was only willing to admit she was attracted to him.
“And why would you be curious if there was anything between them?” Kiyla cast a glance over her shoulder at Elizabeth like she might already have a few guesses of her own.
“Only making sure Stryme isn’t being unfaithful. I’m not heartless, and I wouldn't want to ruin a marriage. Lele looked so hurt last night, and I feel guilt eating away at me.”
“There is nothing between them. Lele has delusions that Stryme wants to marry her, but it won't happen. No one would want her to be queen. He needs a woman whose mind isn't cluttered with thoughts about only having power. Lele just likes the thought of ruling others.” Kiyla gave a bitter laugh. “Lele would never make a decent queen.”
Elizabeth let out the breath she had been holding. Thank goodness there was nothing between them, and she felt relieved he had been telling her the truth.
Kiyla held a couple pieces of clothing up for Elizabeth to see.
“Kiyla, I don't think this dress was ever finished.” Elizabeth stated as she stared at the two pieces of clothing Kiyla was holding up against her body.
Bursting out in laughter Kiyla smiled. “Don't be silly! This piece has been finished.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “Though it is a bit cold outside. Perhaps a more full length outfit would be better for you.”
She rummaged through the clothing again, until she surfaced with something that would cover more of Elizabeth's body. Letting her head fall back she thanked the gods Kiyla was being so kind to her. She was uncomfortable enough just being among so many fire giants. She didn't want to be exposing a lot of her body to them. She needed to be strong and clothing was her first line of defense.
“I think this will do nicely, and I can assist you with the dress, if you would like.”
“Does it have any strings to tie? Or any under dresses?” Elizabeth asked as she inspected the dress in Kiyla's hands.
“No, it is quite simple to put on. Just bunch it up a little, and then pull it over your head.”
“Then I should be able to manage it on my own.”
It was more straightforward than any human dress she had ever seen or worn. It boggled her why humans had such extreme outfits. Even though the dress was made of fur it would be a welcome reprieve from all the skirts she was used to wearing.
“Then slip it on and let us make sure it works for you.” Kiyla made her way over to a pile of furs, as she gave Elizabeth some privacy to change.
Elizabeth eagerly disrobed and slipped the fur dress on.
It had a low cut neckline and the hem stopped at the middle of her calves. There were no sleeves, and she felt weird having her arms bared for the world to see. A bit more revealing then she would have wished for, but it was more wearable than the other dress Kiyla had held up.
She wasn't so much like her mother that she couldn't make compromises. She could be flexible.
“How do I look?”
Kiyla turned to stare at her in shock. “You look beautiful, Elizabeth. The color is quite becoming for your complexion!”
Elizabeth smiled. It was the first time since she had arrived here that she actually felt clean and like a normal human being.
It helped that Kiyla seemed to be genuinely enjoying their time together.
“Are we good to return to the great hall then?” Kiyla waited for a nod from Elizabeth before leading the way back.
“You don't seem to be bothered by the fact that I am human.” Elizabeth commented.
Kiyla shrugged. “I save judgment until I know someone, and I trust Stryme. We trust our king, if he accepts you then most won’t pay you any mind. Most fire giants will mainly be curious. There haven’t been too many opportunities for us to see a human up close.”
Elizabeth and Kiyla remained in conversation, until they arrived back at the great hall. Elizabeth was able to get some general answers about giants. It was calming to have found a fire giant who was so willing to talk to her so openly.
“We will sit at the main table again.” Kiyla pointed it out for Elizabeth, as they walked through the throng of giants.
It was the same table Elizabeth had sat at last night with Stryme. Only he wasn't there right now, but Lele was. From the scowl Lele was giving her, Elizabeth knew she didn’t want her sitting at the table.
Clearly, she believed Elizabeth was the intruder. Shivering Elizabeth tried her best to ignore the daggers the other woman was glaring her way.
Kiyla caught the glare. “Don’t worry about her. This morning Stryme gave her yet another talking to. I highly doubt she will ever do anything so bold again. Other than try to glare you to death that is.” She finished with a smile and a wink.
At least someone thought this situation was amusing, because Elizabeth sure didn't.
She was able to tell Lele was out for blood. If she wasn’t careful, she knew Lele would seize another chance to get her out of the way.
Elizabeth sent Kiyla a fake smile trying not to show how much Lele bothered her. If Elizabeth was able to escape, Lele could have her table back. Assuming there was a way out of this fortress.
Maybe she could get Stryme to take her on a tour. Then she would be able to satiate her curiosity and look for an escape route. She found the fire giants’lives intriguing, and she wanted to know more. She was attracted to Stryme, and she liked how it felt, but she still had to save her people.
After the
y finished their meals, Kiyla led Elizabeth out of the great hall and into the castle courtyard. Elizabeth could see the giant city spread out behind the walls of the great fortress.
Would she ever be able to find a way out of the fire giant fortress? There were so many obstacles standing in her way. She doubted she would be able to pass through the fire giant village without being detected. It would be hard to blend in without crimson eyes and pitch-black hair.
Kiyla tried to show Elizabeth where the stables were, but the sound of clashing metal drew Elizabeth forward.
Peaking around the corner of the stables Elizabeth spotted the source of the metallic sounds. There, before her eyes, was the practice yard for the fire giant warriors. Stryme was in the arena battling his men, and he was impressive, to say the least.
She watched his muscles bunch together, as he held off his opponent. Her jaw dropped, as she realized they weren’t wearing any armor, while they fought with swords that hadn’t been dulled.
A gasp left her, as his opponent lunged forward. Stryme danced away, but just barely. Holding a hand to her heart she felt her breath catch in her chest. He was making her nervous for his safety.
At the moment he was the fire giant keeping them safe. They couldn’t afford to lose him. Or was there an emotional reason she was worried for him?
Kiyla looked to see what had distracted Elizabeth. Smiling she gave a nod in his direction. “Would you like to watch them? Or just watch him?”
Elizabeth turned wide eyes to Kiyla. “Why would I want to watch him?”
“Oh, I don't know. He’s a magnificent fighter as well as handsome, and it doesn’t hurts that he is a king.”
A blush crept up Elizabeth's neck and face. “He isn't horrible looking, for a fire giant, but I hope you aren't implying anything. There will never be anything between us. Our worlds are too different to be able to bridge them.”
Her shoulders drooped, as she realized what she said was true. She found herself growing fond of her giant captor, but she knew there was no possible way she could be a part of his world.
Quickly, she shoved down any sorrow she had. She needed to be strong and stop distracting herself with something that could never be.
“Me? Imply something?” Kiyla held a hand to her chest feigning shock. “Never!”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
Kiyla was growing on her as well. She almost felt like they could easily become friends.
She was finding it easy to forget where she was, but at least Lele kept reminding her. At least there was one fire giant that was acting like she had expected. But even Lele’s moodiness reminded Elizabeth of the women at court. She was just a jealous spiteful woman.
Elizabeth changed the subject away from Stryme. She couldn’t keep thinking about him. He was a distraction she couldn’t afford, if she was to make her way to the prince of Sardarn.
“Weren't you going to show me the stables, and then a little of the town?”
“I am going to show you the stables, but I think we should wait for Stryme, before venturing into the city. I wouldn't be comfortable having just you and me out there. There are still some that might not be enthusiastic about humans being among us. Not all of us are open minded, after all.”
Elizabeth had to concur with her. The thought of a angry mob of fire giants did not make her want to go out of the castle grounds without Stryme. She hadn’t thought about her safety, other than staying away from Lele. Most of the other fire giants would glance right over her and the other women without a second thought.
They were acting more civilized than any humans she knew. If a troop of fire giant women were brought to her castle, she knew they would be killed without a thought. Her father might try to save their lives, but humans could be sneaky when it came to hidden daggers and poisons.
As they made their way into the stable, she was distracted from her thoughts. She was amazed by the size of the stable.
She had grown up thinking her castle must have the largest stable in the whole land, but she had been wrong. It was quite impressive how the stables went all the way back into one of the surrounding mountainsides.
“When Stryme shows you the city he will want to go out on horseback. Before we go out, he wants to know if the mare he has picked out will be suitable.”
“He has a mare picked out for me? Which one?”
No one enjoyed riding quite like her, as long as it wasn’t for days on end. Stryme was just about to steal her heart if he kept this up. No matter how much she tried she was going to have a hard time resisting him.
Kiyla motioned to three of the rows of stalls. “All of these horses are his.”
“All?” Elizabeth's mouth dropped open. Not even her father had this many. “Which one is the mare?” Elizabeth asked her curiosity fully peaked. Now that she had a day of rest from horse back riding she was ready for some more.
Kiyla led Elizabeth farther into the stables to a beautiful chestnut colored mare.
“She is magnificent!”
“Does that mean you will accept her?”
Running her hands over the mare's coat Elizabeth replied quickly. “She is far larger than any horse I am used to, but she seems sweet tempered. I think she will be fine.”
He was worming his way into her heart. A giant had given her a better gift than any of her past suitors.
The mare let out a small neigh, as she rubbed her soft pink nose against one of Elizabeth's hands.
“I think she approves of you as well. I’m sure Stryme will be pleased to hear you’re enjoying his offer.”
“When does he plan on taking me out to see the town?”
“I am sure it will be soon. He just needs a free moment. Being king can be demanding on his free time.” Kiyla let Elizabeth lead the way back out of the stables where they continued to spy on Stryme.
Elizabeth knew all too much about what royalty had to do. Stryme had taken her at the right moment to make her question marrying a stranger. It would still have to happen, and Elizabeth would just have to learn to live with it.
As they made their way out of the stable, they stopped to watch the warriors still training. Elizabeth could watch Stryme all day. With his shirt off, he was quite the specimen to watch on the practice field. He dominated not only with his body, but also with his skill. He might be a muscled man, but he moved with unexpected grace and agility.
Chapter 10
Strike after strike, he beat his opponent to the ground. Only when the other warrior grunted that he forfeited did Stryme stop his onslaught.
He was enjoying the practice with his men. It was taking his mind off his aching member. Every night he slept next to Elizabeth was torture, but he didn’t want to push her. She was strong, and he knew if he lost her trust he would have a hell of a time gaining it back.
He still hadn’t been with a female. The only one he was interested in bedding was Elizabeth. She had a body made for loving. She wasn’t bony or built like a fire giant female. She had just the right amount of curves to her. Her lush curves felt so good, when she was pressed against him at night.
He offered a hand to the warrior who was now lying on his back. The warrior took it and Stryme helped him up off the ground. It was the least he owed the warrior for beating him to the ground.
Stryme was restless, since he couldn't stop thinking about his little female who was probably awake by now. Last night had been hard for him, with trying to contain his body and his raging emotions.
Elizabeth knew how to affect him like no one else. If she wanted, she would probably be able to get him on his knees with the lust he had coursing through his body. The mighty king of the fire giants might just beg to have her for one night.
Another warrior came into the practice ring to fight, and Stryme lifted his sword. They both bowed, and then leapt on one another.
The clash of steel was the only sound that filled his ears. Sparks flew from the force of the swords hitting one another. Stryme barely broke a sweat
, while the other warrior had difficultly keeping up with the speed of Stryme’s blows.
Then he felt it.
Felt those sapphire eyes watching him from behind. He knew who was staring at him. His body only reacted to her like this. There was no other female who affected him in such a manner.
He wanted to impress her. Sure, he had fought off two mountain cats in front of her, but she probably hadn't been paying all that much attention. With the fear that had been coursing through her veins, it was probably all a blur for her.
Now she was examining him. He could feel her eyes inspecting every move he made. He wanted to show her he knew how to use his sword. He was a protector, and he was more than capable of guarding her from anything or anyone. He felt like a young boy trying to impress a female.
He swung his sword with more force than was necessary to push his fellow warrior back. He advanced forward. Now Stryme had the upper hand, and he kept pummeling the other giant until the warrior forfeited the match.
Stryme let up, with a triumphant smile. Sliding his sword into his scabbard he turned to Keylz with a cocky grin plastered on his face. He knew he was skilled, and she was there to witness it. Now that he was thinking about it, he should have made a better show of it. Either way, he had won.
“Was that not a little over kill?” Keylz asked as he patted his leader on the back.
“Never.” Stryme looked directly into Keylz eyes. “At least, not while they are watching.”
Keylz glanced around. “Who is watching?”
Stryme let out a hearty laugh. He was in a good mood. Soon he would be showing Elizabeth his city and his people, and he hoped she would enjoy what she saw.
“We have a couple females watching us from the direction of the stables.” He said inclining his head towards the stable.
Keylz glanced over at the stables. Sure enough, there he saw two females watching the practice field. One of them was the little human female Stryme seemed to be doting on and the other was Kiyla.