| Darius led Caterine slowly away from the camp. She anxiously wished that he'd simply get on with it, for her apprehension was beginning to blossom into sheer terror, and she could hardly stand it. Finally they were far enough away that anyone who saw would not know exactly what was going on. It was the end of the road for her. The sword Darius had trained on her suddenly moved from the small of her back to the gentle curve of her neck. He was going to do it. He slowly circled her so that he would be facing her, taking a cruel delight in her fear. "What's the matter Caterine. Have you lost your nerve? I have not." Her heart seemed to stop and for a moment, so did her breathing. Her eyes communicated everything that she could not bring herself to say in words. "Some of my men think you are foolish for leaving the city. But do you know what I think, Caterine?" She was afraid of saying the wrong thing, so she said nothing at all. "I think you are the bravest person I have encountered in my entire life. And I am captivated by you." Darius said. He slowly moved his sword away from her neck. "I want you to come away with me." |