Chapter 32

The sound of the waterfall echoed through the cave. Aurelia brought fresh water for the men who had fallen under the strange spider creature's spell. Mshindi spent much of his time near a small hole, as he emptied his stomach down it. Zinjo proved to be resistant to the paralytic venom of Hinata. Since Aurelia found him she refused to let the lion mango.

His yellow eyes stared at her with unparalleled affection, and his arms kept her close to his hard body. Her hands felt his strong abdominal muscles expand and contract. The sensation excited her lady parts to no end, but now wasn't the time to explore how much more excited she could get.

Redford searched the place and found some bottles of poison. Each was labeled with strange symbols, "I'll assume each of these has a different purpose. Rather a clever creature, augmenting her poison for different uses. I know a merchant who can probably translate them for us, Once we get Venmere. He said in a business-like tone.

For the first time, Zinjo and Mshindi looked upon Redford with respect and reverence, "You put your life on the line to save us, we are in your debt," Mshindi bowed before the brigand.

Redford waved his hand in annoyance, "Stop that, I sought to even the score. I know you have saved me more than once."

Mshindi stood before him, "Then perhaps you would like to be bitten, I can think of no higher honor to give you." Zinjo and Aurelia raised their eyebrows at the suggestion.

"No thanks," Redford shook his head and smiled, "I would love to comply with my friend, but I like me the way I am. I have a purpose now, when Aurelia ascends the throne, I shall be head of the royal guards, what more could I want."

"Hmmm," Zinjo smiled, "I too am sorry for underestimating you, Redford. You and Aurelia came for me as pride mates should. I will be proud to have you serve my wife."

Aurelia looked at the men, "You all still look sick from the poison, and the road is about an hour away, we have safety here in this cave. Why stay for the night?"

"You speak correctly, dark princess. While I am not fond of staying in this accursed place for any length of time, we are still too weak to travel," Zinjo looked at the other men.

"We'd be stopping so I could lose my previous meals on the ground, we'd have more time than if we stayed," Mshindi agreed before he covered his mouth and a jet of vomit shot down the hole.

Aurelia stood in front of the men and pointed to the cocoons, "We have time, maybe we should make this place a little more hospitable. Find a container and gather up anything of value, we may need them to buy silence from the common folk."

Redford laughed, "The princess finally shows her true colors. She is a thief in the clothes of royalty."

"Yes, and she's better at it than you are," Mshindi added with a grin.

Redford scowled, and Zinjo laughed, "She will be the greatest queen of Shadowfen."

The moment the words left Zinjo's lips, Aurelia wondered if she even wanted to be queen anymore. She kept the thought to herself until she could talk about it with Zinjo privately. The decision affected him as well.

***

Later when their bellies were full of fish and wild greens Mshindi and Redford gave the couple some privacy and remained in the main chamber, while Aurelia and Zinjo took the alcove for themselves.

He held her close and she languished in his warm embrace content to do nothing for the first time in days. She caressed his face and kissed him several times before her head found his shoulder. All that mattered is they were together again.

Zinjo grumbled to himself softly with harsh words. Aurelia looked up at him with a quizzical look and shook her head, "What's wrong?"

"I am ashamed. I allowed another woman to call me away from you. I am unworthy to be in your presence." His proud voice seemed a little less proud the moment the words came from his lips.

Aurelia giggled and kissed him, "It's not your fault. Magic was involved. There is nothing to forgive. What was she like?"

"I do not wish to speak of it"

"Zinjo we will be married and we have to talk about these things, even if they are difficult"

"My father used to say some things are better kept in grim silence than to be said out loud."

"I hear you, but I am not your father, and I am asking you to say it out loud."

"No," Zinjo said in vehemence.

Aurelia demurely stood up and headed out to the main area, "Then I guess you can think about that while you sleep alone." She stormed into the main area. Mshindi and Redford pretended to fix the table, "You're not fooling anyone," She shouted at them.

Aurelia stepped outside to bathe in the moonlight. She took a moment to understand the issue from Zinjo's point of view. Here was this powerful man, with a big heart and lots of love to give. Why would he hate what happened so much? The obvious was the feeling he had somehow lost control. It also told Aurelia how much she mattered to him.

On the other hand, as a married couple, they would have discussions about topics far more sensitive than the one she proposed. She knew his pride was wounded and wished there was a way to make him feel better. After twenty minutes of trying to figure out what to say Zinjo's soft voice interrupted her train of thought.

"There was a twisted kindness about Hinata. She made me feel desired, but like I had taken a bath in mud. She promised me pleasures beyond the human realm. I asked if you would be there," Zinjo chose a rock and let his feet dangle in the water. "The kindness vanished and she screamed at me. She was supposed to be my only desire. When I refused her again she paralyzed me and wrapped me up in the cocoon. I have never felt so powerless in my life."

Aurelia put her arm around him and let her feet dangle in the water, "I take it feeling powerless did not agree with you?"

"When you have been strong for so long, you forget how to be weak," Zinjo smiled for the first time since he came outside. "In Kiazangi, mates tell each other everything, the good and bad. I decided it was okay to be weak with you. You are strong enough for the both of us."

Soft joyful laughter came from Aurelia who kissed Zinjo passionately and said, "Don't you ever forget it either."

Zinjo chuckled and pointed to the cave, "We should get some sleep the road to Venmere is long."

"Right behind you, my love." The pair walked into the cave together ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.