Melena by Jacquelyn Frank

Author:Jacquelyn Frank [Frank, Jacquelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BIN 08386-02709
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Published: 2018-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

When Melena woke it was to the sound of men speaking beyond the sheer curtain separating the bed from the rest of the tent. She was naked beneath the covers and as a reflex sank down deeper beneath them to protect herself from strange eyes. But then she remembered the night before and how Valerian had wanted to put her on display to anyone who walked into the tent. Was that still the case?

She thought it best to lie there quietly, listening.

“Find the leader of the rebels and bring him to me.”

“We have been trying to find him for months,” the man said with frustration in his voice. “He is a slippery little fuck.”

“You have been seeking him in order to kill him. Now I want you to seek him for parley. I want to talk to him.”

The leader of the rebels? Melena felt her heart trip. That was her brother! What did Valerian want with her brother? She was heartened by the fact that he seemed to only wish to speak with him. But she did not let herself feel too much relief. There was no telling what Valerian had planned. The man was a mystery to her. All she knew about him was what she must do in order to please him. She was required to give him everything. She must never hold back. She had been able to figure that much out.

She slid out from beneath the covers and saw Valerian’s tunic in a pile on the floor. She picked it up and slid it over her head. She swam in it, the garment being far too large for her smaller frame, but she didn’t want to walk out there naked… unless it was commanded of her.

She slipped past the curtain and walked up to the two men. She immediately settled onto her knees beside her lord and master’s feet and pressed her cheek to his thigh. He was wearing a pair of loose-fitting pants, but no shirt or vest. He was completely bare-chested.

He continued to speak as if she hadn’t even made an appearance, but she felt his hand settle on her head, and he petted her absently as he spoke. “Surely we have spies in the rebel camp,” he said.

“None. We have never been able to find the rebel camp.”

Valerian frowned darkly. “Then spread a rumor about parley in the towns. Let everyone know I wish to speak with him. Tell them… tell them I have his sister.”

Melena stiffened. He was going to use her to lure her brother? She would be bait, so he could… what? What was he going to do?

“Yes, Sir. I will see it done right away.”

“In the meantime, I want this army made ready to move. I expect us to be ready within two days’ time. Find the rebel leader before then.”

“Yes, Sir,” the man said.

The stranger exited the tent, leaving them alone together. Valerian still did not acknowledge her other than to pet her hair. He picked up a quill and began writing on a piece of parchment.

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