She didn't dare move a muscle as she heard the boots stop by her cell, though a keen ear might have heard the breath hitch in her throat. Without raising her head, Wyn cast a furtive look to the lump in the hay nearby, where she had stashed the tiny slivers of metal she had just been using to pick the dungeon lock, assuring herself that they were well-hidden. After what felt like an eternity, the boots moved off again, and she heard the creak of rusted metal as the guard opened the door of another cell. A sharp voice ordered one of the slaves out, and she felt her chest twinge in sympathy at the man's fearful reply. Serving as a meal did not generally result in death, but it was never a pleasant experience. The man knew better than to resist, however, and she heard him follow the newcomer meekly out of the dungeon, accompanied by the king.<br/><br/>There wasn't any point to getting up, so she remained where she was for a time, nearly falling asleep for real until she heard the door swing open again and the man returned to his cell. The sound of boots approaching her cell was all the warning she got before the guard whacked the butt of his halberd against the bars of her cell with a resounding<i>CLANG</i>. The sound nearly caused her to jump a foot in the air, and she sat up groggily, rubbing her wringing ears and glaring at the apathetic guard.<i>"What?"</i><br/>"Don't take that tone again, brat," he growled in reply, moving to unlock her cage. "Out. Now."<br/>She knew if she stayed put, he'd merely reach in and toss her out by the scruff, so she grudgingly rose to her feet and stretched before stepping out, casting a way look to the vampiric guard. "Seems Master Lucius has picked you out," he said with a smirk as he gave her a shove towards the door. "Lucky you."<br/><i>Lucius?</i>She didn't know any vampire by that name, and wondered if it was the stranger who had been in the dungeons today. What he could want with her in particular, however, was anybody's guess. "And why, pray tell, am I so 'lucky'?" she asked as they ascended the stairs.<br/>She heard the guard scoff behind her. "I'm surprised you've never met him, given what a stubborn little thing you've been in the past. He's the best trainer the court has ever had." A prickle of fear ran down her spine at that. "Maybe<i>he </i>could finally teach you some manners."<br/>"We'll see about that," she growled quietly as the guard escorted her through the palace, up to the third floor. As they reached a set of suites she had never been in before, the guard prodded her forward with the tip of his spear. "Go on, get in there." He smirked, lips drawing up to expose the twin crescents of his fangs. "And good luck."<br/><br/>Unnerved, but determined not to let him see it, Wyn squared her shoulders and knocked on the door, waiting for the call to enter. She stepped inside, leaving the guard to return to his post and her alone with the stranger. She paused to size him up, a guarded look masking the unease brewing in her guts. As pale as the rest of his kind, with long hair, he was reclining on one of the ornate chaise sofas. In stark contrast to her, he looked perfectly at ease--even slightly bored.<br/><br/>"You asked for me?" she said quietly, sounding somewhat expectant. She couldn't begin to guess what this newcomer wanted with her in particular, though she'd be damned before she let him intimidate her.