Balthazar smiled and reached down, bending to touch the girl's hair.  For a moment, it seemed he was about to stroke it comfortingly, but instead he curled his fingers in her black hair and jerking her face upwards so he could look into her green eyes.  "Get up then," he said with a cruel smile, "Strip away those clothes, for even as meger as they are, they are more than a slave is allowed.  Then display yourself for me.  Show me that your body is worth my interest.  After all, there are plenty of beautiful women who would be willing to give themselves to me.  Give me a reason to want you.  Tell me what depths you are prepared to sink to.  Prove to me how desperate you are to live, even if it is to be demeaned and used.  Do it slave, and be convincing.  After all, your life does depend on this."<br/><br/>--==--<br/><br/>He moved his arms to catch her, and his eyes flickered first in hope and then disappointment.  He nodded and reached down to touch the sword at his belt.  Her words filled his heart with warmth and he smiled knowing he had pleased her.<br/><br/>"I shall be at your side.  Peril I know I can shield you from, but against tedium I can offer only my charm and wit."