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block and approached the stove to find fried fish and potatoes. He procured a plate, and
piled it with generous helpings and grabbed some biscuits to go along with it. Then
Vanlyn went for the cavern. Once there, he set everything down and slipped out of the
robe.
Vanlyn chose a bottle of one of the liquid soaps and sank blissfully into one of the
steaming pools. He scrubbed himself clean first and then dunked his head into the water,
washing his hair with brisk movements. Concentrating on that kept the memories at bay.
When he d rinsed himself off thoroughly, he leaned over the edge of the pool and started
in on his meal, eating quickly. Now clean and full, Vanlyn felt himself relax as he sank
up to his shoulders. After a time, he slipped into a light doze.
The dreams were not clear and shrouded in twilight, but Vanlyn was aware of
everything happening.
Arms and legs in a tangled embrace&
Flesh glistening with sweat melding hotly together&
Vanlyn looks up into the face of his lover, wanting and needing to please him. He
loves him so much&
Vanlyn knew that face.
There were other places, other times, stolen in secret. Lying together, basking in
afterglow&
A door opens. Someone invades their safe haven. There is a shocked gasp, and a
hand rose to painted lips. The person flees.
 Rasleigh, wait, don t go!
Vanlyn came awake with a start. His reflection stared back at him, distorted by the
rippling of the water. Still, even he saw the shock and realization mirrored there.
Rasleigh.
Vanlyn pressed his fists to his eyes. The memories came to him again in rather stark
and graphic detail. Dane s words sounded loud in his ears, I want to fuck you. I will
possess you.
Vanlyn gave an irritated grunt and worked to banish them again, but they persisted
until even he had to admit how good Dane was and how much he d enjoyed it.
Vanlyn sighed and let himself slip beneath the water. The gentle thrum of his own
heartbeat was his only companion in that world of muted sound. It brought him some
measure of peace.
Finally, the want for air had him surfacing. He stretched, feeling at least a little better
as he stepped from the pool.
The feeling that he was no longer alone, that eyes were on his back, had him
whipping around to face the door.
Taddeus Ramsay stood at the entrance, his eyes freely roaming over Vanlyn s naked
form. There was no surprise or embarrassment, only the look of a predator facing a very
desirable prey.
Vanlyn was so shocked at this blatant disregard for his privacy that it was a few
moments before he found his voice.  What by the hells do you think you re doing? How
dare you!
Ramsay didn t seem in the least bit contrite.  Your pardon, Highness. He turned
away, rather too little too late in Vanlyn s opinion. Vanlyn snatched up the robe and
violently jammed his arms into the sleeves, tying the belt uncomfortably tight. Still
Vanlyn felt naked and exposed as though the clothing didn t truly form a barrier. He was
blushing, and he knew it, and wished by all the gods he wasn t.
 You had better have a damn good reason for this breech of propriety. Vanlyn
strode angrily to the man and faced him despite his humiliation.
 I believe I do, Highness, Ramsay said calmly. His demeanor enraged Vanlyn.
Ramsay wasn t in the least bit repentant for his actions.  I don t believe I ve mentioned it
before, but my nephews are both conjurers.
 And? Vanlyn thought Ramsay had better damn well get to the point.
Ramsay reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out an object. His anger curtailed,
Vanlyn stared at the smooth oval gem in Ramsay s hand.  My nephews collaborated on
making this. It isn t very powerful, but it should be enough to aide you.
His curiosity piqued, Vanlyn took the gem from Ramsay s hand. It was of the most
unusual design. It was a deep red, the color of blood Vanlyn thought uncomfortably, but
at its heart, there were streaks of opalescent black. And Vanlyn could swear the flaws
changed shape and position even as he held the gem.
 This gem, when placed against Dane s skin, will paralyze him for a few moments,
Ramsay went on.  But only for that long. Dane is too powerful to do anymore.
Vanlyn looked up at Ramsay.  It won t hurt him, will it?
Ramsay raised an eyebrow.  It won t but why should you care about that either
way?
 I don t. Vanlyn dropped his gaze again to the gem in his palm so Ramsay wouldn t
seem him blush.  So, I place this against his skin and then what? The geas will still
prevent me from escaping.
 This may take care of the geas as well, Ramsay said.  But I must be honest, they
were unsure. So, I highly recommend that the moment Dane goes down, you should run
for the kitchen exit. My nephews and I will be waiting there with a mount for you. We ll
take you to one of their homes. My manor wouldn t be safe. It s the first place Dane will
look for you.
 Of course.
 My nephew will try and relieve you of the pain if the geas is still in effect, but we
can t promise, Ramsay said.  You may have to live with it for a bit until we can employ
a conjurer who is Dane s equal.
Vanlyn nodded.
 I must return to the study, Ramsay said.  My nephews won t be able to keep Dane
busy forever. We will wait twenty moves of the clock for you after we leave. If you don t
appear before then, we will assume it didn t work and devise some other plan.
 Thank you, Magisteri Ramsay.
He nodded once.  Good fortune to you.
When Vanlyn was alone once more, he examined the gem again. He knew a little bit
about them from his studies. His mother had employed a craftswoman to design specially
made jewelry as gifts for relatives and friends. Vanlyn had asked her to make something
special for Eselda s birthday. While watching her at her work, he d asked questions about
the various gems she used. She d been glad to teach him and flattered by his interest.
This gem didn t fit any classification he knew. It resembled an opal, but it also had
characteristics of carnelian. He couldn t figure it out at all. Vanlyn was still
contemplating these things when he arrived at his room. He put the gem aside so he could
get dressed, choosing a vest with side pockets in which to secret the gem.
He descended to the first floor, and upon hearing voices raised in heated discussion,
Vanlyn decided he didn t want to be in the midst of it. Vanlyn went into the library,
positioned himself nearest the door to Dane s study, and waited. When he heard Dane
order Ramsay out of the manor, he knew his opportunity had come.
Vanlyn stepped into the study as Dane returned. He could tell the minister was
distracted and angry by the way he came to a sudden halt at Vanlyn s appearance.
 Oh, good morning, Dane said.  I gather you heard that argument?
 I did. Vanlyn was suddenly nervous as a virgin lad with his first lover.  Are you
all right?
 Oh yes. Dane waved dismissively with one hard.  Ramsay is an arrogant ass. I
take it he sought you out to discuss his grand plans for your rescue?
 Yes.
 And?
Vanlyn looked away.  Nothing came of it, if you want to know.
 Really? Dane raised a critical eyebrow. He stared at Vanlyn, seeming to weigh his
answer, then tilted his head as if he would comment further but thought better of it. Dane
approached him instead.  Did you rest well? He gently cupped Vanlyn s chin with his
palm, turning Vanlyn s face to him, forcing him to meet his eyes.
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