"Married?!" Athos shouted.

He paced the halls of his castle, still baffled by the conversation he had with Ora earlier.

"Sire

"Sire."

"How could she marry someone she doesn't even know?" he cursed.

"Sire."

"Doesn't have a choice?!"

"Sire."

"Who is it? Who the hell is she being forced to marry?" Athos hissed.

"Sire!"

Athos turned his attention to Luther. The man was standing at the end of the hall. His arms crossed over his chest.

"What?!"

"Forgive the intrusion; but, Lavinia is waiting in your chambers," Luther said apologetically.

Athos rolled his eyes, uninterested. If it were possible he would send in someone else to deal with her. For he did not have a shred of patience left.

He huffed and quickly made his way towards his bedchamber. Inside he found Lavinia laid out on his bed with only a sheer piece of material draped over her. Her long red hair cascaded over the many pillows like a cape.

She smiled, devilishly.

"What do you want, Lavinia?"

"Someone told me you went up to the mortal realm," she slithered.

Athos leaned against the wall.

"I did."

"Why?"

"As if I'd tell you," he shot back, defensively.

She snaked off the bed and swished her way over to him.

"You know, Athos. I can remember a time when we used to share everything," she hushed. Her lips grazed his chin.

His eyebrows raised.

"You and I both know that those times are long gone," he stated.

Lavinia smiled. Her hands began to roam up his chest and around his neck.

"Are you sure? Because I feel as if we could simply pick up right where we left off," she giggled.

Athos reached out to cup her cheek. He stared down into her gorgeous red eyes. It was true he had once admired her. Hell, there may have even been time when he actually loved her. Or at least thought he did.

"What's the matter, Lavinia? Are the many toys I gave you no longer suitable? Or, are you afraid that you no longer tempt me?"

Lavinia laughed at his accusation.

"Oh come now, Athos. You don't expect me to believe that little human could possibly compare to me."

Athos' eyes darkened to a deep red

Athos' eyes darkened to a deep red. How dare she speak of Ora. Speak of her- how did she even know about her?

Within seconds he had her by the throat. His claws sank into her neck, cutting off her ability to breathe.

"Let's get one thing clear. You do not have a say in who I socialize with. I'm not even going to question how it is you came to know about the mortal girl. You may have hundreds of demons wrapped around your finger but I am not one of them. If you ever meddle in my affairs again, I will personally throw you to my dogs. Understand?"

Lavinia nodded. Athos tossed her to the ground like a rag.

"Now get out," he ordered.

She quickly left his room, cursing under her breath.

He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. All he wanted was to be around Ora and hear her beautiful voice.

For the first time in his life, Athos had wished he was mortal.

. . .

Ora sat up in bed, thinking about the handsome man she had finally met. Athos. Just saying his name brought a smile to her face. Although their conversation had ended on a rather sad note, she couldn't help but feel content. He was, after all, the first man she had ever seen.

With any luck she would have another chance to see him.

"Oh, Athos."

She toyed with the piece of red material he had covered her eyes with from earlier.

"If only you were a gallant knight. Then you could rescue me from my fate," she whispered.

Creek.

Ora quickly looked across the room, startled by the sudden noise. She saw no one. Little did she know that there was someone there. Someone hiding deep within the shadows. Waiting.

(If you like the story so far please feel free to comment or ask questions!)