Kateri gently yanked on the bond that held her hand to his and saw that he stirred in his sleep. She huffed for a moment before sliding down onto the ground herself with her head leaning against the log.  She turned her head and watched his breathing slow, his muscles relax, and dreamland engulfing him with a twitch here and there.  She wasn't getting out of this tonight that was for certain and she was also weary. Perhaps tomorrow night would be more fruitful to plan an escape. As much as she had enjoyed his curiosity and his seemingly polite company, she wasn't about to let him take her back to the Prince by any stretch of the imagination. She would die first.<br/><br/>Her eyelids closed behind a lush curtain of dark lashes. She pulled her jacket around her as the night air licked her pale flesh causing goosebumps to form. It was cold tonight and the temperature would drop a few degrees more before the night was over. She waved her other hand and allowed the fire to burn higher and brighter, opening her eyes for but a moment to throw some nearby branches into the flames. She looked over at Anton again and he was still sound asleep.<i>Light sleeper huh </i>she thought as she smiled softly. Once again she closed her eyes and soon she reached her own dreamland.<br/><br/><i>Kateri was strolling in the gardens of the palace. Her arm draped around the Prince's as they conversed on the current affairs of the war to come. The Prince often confided in her in matters of the kingdom and asked for her insight. Always looking for an edge or a way to usurp the enemy by any means necessary, even a witch's manipulation.  She was always very careful with what answers she gave, never told the Prince more than necessary when prodded for information. She kept much of what she knew and saw to herself. She learned quickly that when she gave the Prince what he desired, he always wanted that much more the next time. She brushed her lips against his arm, leaving a small pink lipstick smudge on his skin as they made their way to the center of the garden where a fountain was located.  He allowed her to rest and sit on the edge of the fountain as he gazed upon her beauty. He caressed her cheek with his index finger as she smiled up at him. He pulled her up into a warm embrace and kissed her luscious lips, drinking her sweet nectar before holding her head in his hands. He pressed hard against her cheeks until he could feel her teeth.<br/>
<br/>
"Never, never look at another man as you did this morning my pet!" he growled, digging his fingers into her skin harshly. "You're mine," he said as he released his grip. Kateri reached up to massage her face, wondering what sprung such jealousy as she also had other suitors besides the Prince to attend to.<br/>
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"But my Prince, I am just a courtesan. I have many suitors" she replied, stepping back a few paces to give the distance between them.<br/>
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"No longer. I forbid it!" he snapped as he snatched her right hand from her side and drew her in close to where their bodies were pressed up against one another. "If you disobey, it will be the bowels of my dungeon you will face, pretty little thing" he chided as he kissed her once more.<br/>
<br/>
She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat and tried to gain her composure as she smoothed out her dress with her hands. "Yes sire, I understand your wishes" was all that she said before he took her by the arm once more and led her out of the gardens.<br/>
</i><br/>Kateri's eyes fluttered open as dawn was breaking. She half stretched so not to disturb Anton for he was still fast asleep. The fire was burning low but still gave off enough heat to keep them warm. She needed water but knew that moving too much would wake him. She let out a soft sigh as she laid there next to him. She turned to her side and watched the rise and fall of his chest, how his muscles twitched in his dreams. She closed her eyes and stepped into those dreams.<br/><br/>All around her was utter carnage. She sucked in a deep breath as she observed the soldiers fighting one another and blood spraying from open wounds.<i>So this is what he dreams of</i>she thought as she stepped over a few bodies to approach him. Then she felt a sharp pain in her back that shot straight through her belly. She looked down to see the tip of a sword protruding from her abdomen. Blood poured from the wound and she cried out, waking herself up with a massive upright jolt that yanked her hand almost free from the bonds that Anton held.