Seven: Marythelia

Zargis led me outside for fresh air and we stood together. I hadn't truly thought about what I was doing until Citron had come in and started throwing me around. I was confused though as to why Zargis was helping me. I was curious to why Unda, as beautiful as she was, used some form of magic to seduce Zargis. I was envious of her. Her hazel eyes were brought out by her curly blonde hair that flowed down her back to her rump. Her body seemed like a nice shape, curvy with what seemed to be enough proportion to the right places. She even walked gracefully, and no doubt she was rich.

So no matter the magic she uses, why wasn't Zargis into her? Why did he want saving? Why was I the one with him instead of her?

"Thelia?"

I looked up at the man with all the splendor of the world. "Yes?"

"I want you to take me into the town and show me where I can get some good food."

For a moment, I was hesitant because the people there wouldn't understand the "punishment" Zargis has given me. But then, I figured it would be preferable to the Unda and Citron. So, I smiled and began to lead the way down the trail through the forest and into the town.

Sad was bustling with women gossiping and running about. At first, I wondered what all the chaos was about, then I remembered that it was summer Solstice. Although I was never allowed to enjoy summer Solstice, Citron left me home and I had the night to do my own celebrations: going to my spot in the forest and taking what little food I could to have a picnic. It was the one time a year when I didn't worry about my master might be searching for me because he got himself so drunk, he didn't get back until the afternoon after.

Zargis suddenly pulled me out of the way of a horse drawn cart that was carrying cattle for butcher. I stared at the cows, feeling sorry for them, yet grateful they provided good meat.

"Seems like your folk take the holiday as intensely as we do," Zargis said absently.

I nod. "At least all the workers and owners do." Before he could ask any questions to my statement, I began to briskly walk to a diner where I knew they served very wholesome steak. Zargis followed behind me and when I stopped and gestured for him to go ahead, he began inside.

I turned and sat against the building, watching people laugh and chatter. It was beautiful and depressing at the same time.

A hand grabbed my arm and I gasped, looking up. "You're coming with me," Zargis demanded in a low tone.

I shook my head. "If a slave is allowed to have the day off, then they have their own places to go. This place is only for people like Citron and you." Zargis narrowed his eyes. I couldn't tell if he believed me or not, but gently unwrapped his hand from my arm and smiled. "It's okay. I'm not hungry anyways."

"That's not the point," he hissed, then grabbed my arm again and began to lead me away from the establishment.

I followed him, shocked at his reaction, unable to pull away from him. His grip was firm but it didn't hurt.

When we were through the town and on the other side, Zargis led me into another forest, down a trail and to a small cottage-like place. I began to dig in my heels when I realized he wanted to take me inside. "No!" I pleaded. "Please, don't make me!"

Zargis glanced back at me, his features soft again. "Thelia, calm down. This is owned by Otreg. No one comes here except us."

"Why are we here?"

He straightened and cupped my face with one hand. "Because, if you aren't allowed to eat with me in town, then I will cook for us and you will eat with me here."

"Why?"

"Because I want to talk to you without any interruptions from Unda or Citron." He smiled, then gently took my hand instead of my arm and led me inside.

The cottage was cozy and warm, larger than I expected. There were plush furniture with a hearth fireplace. The kitchen was beautiful with gray-blue and white tiles and steel appliances. It had a breakfast bar where people could sit together and talk with the cook while they prepared the food. I felt dirty to be inside this nice place, but I knew Zargis wouldn't let me argue.

Zargis went to the fireplace now and lit up a few logs, then came back over. "Don't be shy. Go make yourself comfortable."

I shrugged, not wanting to ruin anything, but did as he ordered. I moved the rug made of some kind of soft fabric, and sat on the wooden floor. Although it was summer, it was cold and wet mostly.

Zargis was rummaging around in the kitchen as I huddled by the fire, still unsure of what I was doing here.

Then a hand was on my shoulder and I look up. "You don't have to sit on the hard floor," he said and held out a glass with something red inside.

"I don't think Otreg would appreciate it if I got his nice rug dirty," I said and took the drink, sniffing it. "What is it?"

"It's not blood, if that's what you're thinking," Zargis said with a grin. I quirked a brow. "It's wine."

I shook my head. "No thanks."

I went to put it down, but Zargis stopped me. "I'm not going to get you drunk, Thelia. I will make sure you stay sober. All I want is for you to relax and be yourself. Have a little fun with me."

"Why?"

"Because it'll be good if you trust me before we go flying. I'm not going to fly with someone who doesn't trust me." I smile and bring the wine to my lips. I take a sip and taste the sweet liquid, letting it run down my throat and warm my stomach. I take another sip then put the glass beside me on the floor. Zargis shakes his head at me being careful. "Otreg won't mind if you make a mess, Thelia."

"I don't want him to be mad at me."

Zargis thought for a moment then sighed and stood, holding out his hand. "Come on."

"Where?"

"If you don't feel comfortable sitting on the furniture or even the rug, then I will make you comfortable. Come on," he said and urged me with his fingers.

"How?"

He gave a great sigh. "Why don't you just trust me and find out?"

When I still hesitated, he grinned and bent down and hauled me into his arms. I squealed, wrapping my arms around his neck so I didn't fall, then Zargis began walking deeper into the house. I tried to look around, but it seemed like everything went into a blur until Zargis stopped in a room and set me down on a bed. "What just happened?" I asked, feeling slightly dizzy.

Zargis chuckled and went somewhere to my right. "I went a bit faster than was necessary, but I didn't want you getting any ideas. "I began to get up. "Stay there. I want you to stay sitting until the dizziness goes away."

I stayed and waited. After a few minutes it did and Zargis was kneeling in front of me, looking deep into my eyes. Seeming satisfied, he helped me stand then took me into a bathroom. "Shower. Use whatever you like. There's a brush on the counter to do your hair. I want you to leave it down. When you're finished, come back into the bedroom."

I was a bit shocked by his orders and narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "Why?"

He held my chin in his fingers and grinned. "Because I said so." With that, he left.