All Chapters of The Taming: Chapter 191 - Chapter 200

Sebastian didn’t know what had changed in Elsabet, and he wasn’t about to question it. She was a joy this morning, almost playful. But then she’d disappeared up into the solar most of the day. Which generally boded ill for him since that was typically her favored place to sit and think about uglier things. He’d expected her resentment to have returned by the time he saw her next. Instead, he’d heard the creak of his chamber door. That first night, he was awake when she crept into his chamber. Merely staring at the wall next to him. He heard the creak of the door, and her soft step on the floor. He knew the sound of her, even her breathing. He knew precisely who had entered his room. He was still. Refusing to look. When she only stood there, hesitating so long that he thought she might rush out, he caught up the blanket behind him and lifted it. Not facing her to avoid scaring her away. His invitation was clear

“What would you do if you were in my position?” Sebastian asked. “If you cared for me and you thought I was in danger, but I wanted more than anything in the world to be out on my own?” She looked taken aback. As if he’d just struck her. Her eyes roved his face and she opened and closed her mouth as if such a thing had never occurred to her before. She rose, walking quietly around the long end of the table and striding toward him without a word. She’s either going to gut me or kiss me. He suspected. Leaning back in his chair with half a wince already on his face. “Perhaps, were that the situation,” She stroked her finger along the table. Her tone level. “and I could imprison you to keep you, I would.” There was strange understanding in her voice. But also a string of underlying bitterness that worried him. As if she weren’t being wholly sincere. Or she’s not entirely sure, herself. Either one had him swallowin

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier CountryRHYERSRhyers was wandering the halls of WaterRose to see if Sebastian was home. When he past Elsabet’s chamber he saw the door open.Her slim silhouette passed by the doorway one way, then back the other.She was pacing furiously. Her crimson skirts rustled with every turn. She was rubbing her face ferociously.Like she’s trying to wash away something. Rhyers watched her from the doorway.His head was swinging to keep her in view. His shoulder length black hair waved to his shoulders, brushing along them as he swiveled each direction. Today that hair was loose, framing his angular face. His silvery green eyes were intent on the agitated valkyrie.“Elsabet?” His voice stopped her in her tracks.She faced him. Blinking rapidly.“Do you care to share?”“One conversation does not make us frie

“I came here to help you, you sniveling shit.” Alazareth threw over his shoulder. “Good to see your smiling face in the morning!” Bast waved at his back. Bast sighed and jogged forward to stride next to his twin. Alazareth shot him a sideways glance, his eyes narrowed in irritation. Which meant Bast was already getting under his skin today. “So happy to see you’ve healed well.” Alazareth remarked. Making Bast wince. “From which injury?” “Take your pick.” Bast eyed him on a wince. “I’d have preferred to choose none of them.” Ignoring him, Alazareth remarked. “So, I come all the way over here from Nightway, and find you snoozing the day away.” Bast heard steps and realized Boy had eased away and was now diligently cinching ropes around the main mast. Still close enough to hear, he was snickering.  “Enjoy my pain, Boy.” Bast remarked. “Wait until the cart wheels are turning and your headache sets in.”

After Bast sent Alazar off with much of the exported goods, he took what he’d had unloaded in another cart and ordered his first mate back to the Isle of Wight for another load before he began the long trek back to WaterRose with the remaining cart. It had a lone mule pulling it. He didn’t need to touch the horse for it to nuzzle the back of his neck and clop along behind him. He chuckled and rubbed its neck. “You are a good lad, I see that.” The mule was one that Alazareth had loaned him for the job but during the trek, Bast was growing rather fond of the thing. Though Sebastian was happy to be taking a cartload of gifts and fine foods back to WaterRose with him, he couldn’t help but be disappointed by the time it was taking. It was nearly dark that night by the time he arrived. He found himself growing increasingly excited to return knowing she was there. If I hurry, I may make dinner with her. Another chance to see her pretty