Page 80 of Bianca and the Monsters

My smile is wicked, no sense denying it. “Only if you lie.”

“Ican’tlie to you.” His flushed face reveals he’s just collided with the same memories playing in my mind, of our first phone call when he told me that a Taran can’t lie and that he certainly wouldn’t lie to me.

Softly now, sending my love to him, making him feel my arms around him as our song becomes foundational. “I believed you then, Bastien, and I believe you now. But what I really need is for you to stop lying to yourself.”

Bastien takes a small step back, his arms hugging himself. He’s clearly uncertain but also willing to let me lead him. “I’ll try. What do you want to know?”

“Are you sorry you said any or all of those things to the queen?”

“No,” he answers instantly.

I nod for him to continue.

“I couldn’t let that opportunity go—it might never come again. A true-bonded Taran is the only one who could ever do what I did. I felt your pride. I felt your need and mine. I felt called by my Taran blood. No, I don’t regret what I said, but Ihateseeing you caged…” His hand shakes over his chest. “Cages scare me… Remy’s net. My kind are held in ornate cages like rare birds in your world. Cruel,publiccaptivity for the enjoyment of others.”

My heart clenches and I want to lay waste to anyone and everyone who ever even considered doing that. “What you are feeling is completely justified, butthis…” I gesture like a game show host at my cell and then his. “… is temporary.”

He grabs his bars. “But how do you know that? You heard what Remy said.”

I sigh like a criminal whose yacht just reached international waters—I don’t actually know what that means, but it sounds super cool. “Many reasons. Would you like to hear them?”

“Yes, please.”

“One, when Archie and Pennie hear about this, they will be here with bells on, and by bells, I mean the kind of fury that will ring some serious bells. My father is no slouch about getting feisty when it’s necessary. And…” I point at my tiara. “… I can totally pick the locks with my tiara. My dad insisted on some basic life skills. I know how to hot-wire a car and pick locks—the man never knew where his keys were, solife skills.”

My Bastien is completely gobsmacked.

“But if you can hold out for a little while, I’d like to see what happens without escalating things by causing a confrontation with the antler brigade. Remember, they can’t harm us and I can hold you from here.” I send all my love his way, enveloping him in a sufficiently tight embrace.

His immediate response is humbling. His panic, his lifetime of terror, his unease falls away and he gazes at me with unreserved adoration and trust. “Thank you, Mistress.”

I grin. “Are you sure you don’t want to say more silly stuff? I’d really like to spank you again.”

He blushes. “Let me just think of somethingverysilly…”

Powerful stomping echoes from beyond the dungeon door.

“Darn it, I think the cavalry might be here. Sexy time will have to wait.”

He finally smiles, relaxed and happy. “Pity.”

Chapter54

Bianca

The heavy dungeon door swings open and a dozen familiar-looking monsters stream through the opening. All of them carry so much stuff I can barely see them beyond their burdens. Some bark orders at a few of Remy’s soldiers, and seconds later, my cell is open and the new arrivals enter, ignoring me completely as they dramatically improve the condition of my cell.

Thick, fluffy blankets and furs cover the bed, and a drape is added to provide privacy around my jug. Two monsters bring a table that is instantly covered with platters of food and pitchers of liquid. A chair arrives next that must be the child-monster size, because it looks perfect for me. When my delighted gaze ventures toward Bastien, I find other monsters sprucing up his cell.

Not one of our delivery crew says a word, but they each nod respectfully as they pass me on their way out. My cell door clanks shut, the monsters disappear through the dungeon door, and Remy’s knights follow them, probably resuming their positions outside the dungeon.

Bastien and I just stare at each other, both of us grinning, our song sweetly hopeful.

“Look at this,” I tease. “We have food, beverages, and each other. Life is wonderful.”

Before he can respond, the door slams against the wall and Remy enters, followed by Archie, who appears taller, broader, and infinitely more violet than I’ve ever seen him, and Pennie, who’s smoking like a steam locomotive, all his coals practically on fire and shining through the cracks in his skin.

“Oof,” I whisper, “the cavalry’s here and they aredispleased.”

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