Seducer of Souls - Chapter Five - Eight

His smile faltered slightly when she did not respond.  He stood, feeling uncomfortable with the silence that hung between them.

"I am sure you will want some food and a bath now you are awake," he said.
For a long moment, she stared blankly at him. "Yes...That would be fine," said Ann.

He noticed her voice sounded edgy, obviously concerned about his next move.
Trying to keep his movements casual, he wandered to the bedside sitting on a chair that one of the healers had been using.

"I was thinking, that when you are feeling stronger I could show you around my home.  You could have you meals in the main dinning room too, so that you are not so secluded."
"Will you mother be dinning with us?" said Ann.
Without thinking, he reached out and held her hand. "No.  I think it would be best for you and mother not to spend too much time together.  We can dine alone."

When he noticed her staring at his hand, he quickly released hers.  His attempts at friendliness so far were not having the desired affects. Angrily he stood up, striding towards the bedroom door.

Ann's gentle response stopped him in mid stride. "I would prefer it if we dined alone."

Glancing around he graced her with a warm smile.  "Good.  I hope that I will soon have the pleasure of your company.... Don't take too long though."

Geran then left the room, leaving Ann in the care of his servants.

* * * * *

Ann concentrated on building up her strength.  The long days when she was unconscious had left her feeling weak and confused. 
The healers had instructed the castle servants what food would be best for her recovery and after a couple of days bed rest, she was able to join Geran in the dinning hall.  Much to her relief without his mother being presences.
Draken's change of heard disconcerted her.  There had been no threats; he had not physically hurt her, even though on occasions his eyes flashed with anger.  Deciding to encourage his new gentler manner, she attended every evening meal, silently listened as he slide in little comments about the benefits of royal life, saying nothing that would bring about his annoyance.

One evening, after another genteel meal, Draken suggested a walk in the castle gardens.  Excepting dutifully, she decided to play along with his current frame of mind to buy time for the others to get to her.  As he led her out of the main doors and into the garden, she caught his eyes glance down her form.  She wore a long, plain, red dress that fitted her neat figure perfectly.  She now had a wardrobe full of such flattering, feminine attire that no doubt he preferred to see women wearing.  Trying to hide her nervousness, she commented on the beautifully kept gardens.  He received her praise with a silent nod and continued to led her deeper into the grounds. 

The suns rays had long since left the sky, replaced with a brilliant full moon.  When Draken led her into an archway of large trees her steps faltered.

"What's wrong?" said Geran.
 "I am finding it difficult to see now that the moon light as been blocked by the trees," said Ann.
Taking her hand he said, "That's alright, I will lead the way."

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as he led her under the trees.  In other circumstances, she would have found her surroundings enchanting, but not tonight!

"Where are we going," said Ann.
"To my favourite part of the garden," said Geran.

Gently he pulled her along, towards the end of the tunnel of trees, they finally finished at a stone gazebo that reached high into the foliage above them.