Naveen

Rina:

I blinked and clasped my hands in front of me. “What?” I asked not knowing what he said. Though I guessed from the look on his face it wasn't a curse word.

"Beautiful.". I repeated again for her to understand. I was star struck, openly so. Colored dresses were rare for my people. Dyes uncommon, and our best source of cloth came from dark wool or white silk that was cultivated. To see one of our dresses in color was...amazing.

Rina:

some color came to my cheeks and I dropped my gaze. “I didn't know if you would object.” I said softly, hands smoothing over the soft material.

"It fits you...no frills, no hiding, just you with out embellishment.". I murmured to her.

Rina:

“Well, enjoy it while it lasts.” I murmured with a crease between my brows. “I won't be able to be myself for some time.”

"Yeah...". I agreed softly. " are you ready for this?". I glance up at her one last time before dragging my gaze away.

Rina:

“No, I don't think so, but I'm trying to be. I've never done something like this before.” I admitted. “I'm glad youre here though. I'm glad you'll be with me.”

"Yeah. Speaking of...you know you will have to get me something once you go over.". I said carefully.

Rina:

“What do you mean?” I asked, looking up to meet his eyes.

"Depending on the situation you have play I need either the armband of a guard....or the collar of a slave. One is better than the other...but not necessarily preferable..." I remarked softly.

Rina:

The corner of my lips turned down and my expression hardened. “You're not going to be my slave, fiction or otherwise.” I told him firmly. No matter the reaction to having him with me, I would put a collar on him.

I searched her face then nodded. "So be it." I couldn't help but have a grateful tone to my voice.

Rina:

The guards passed out lunch while we waited. At midday the dust from the Queen's convoy could be seen over the tree line. My stomach twisted into knots. I tried to remain calm on the outside, but I was very pale and my palms were sweaty.

As we wouldn't have long left I took the chance to give Rina the last physical contact I might be able to for a while. I reached over to touch her leg giving it a gentle squeeze before moving it to take her hand. I bent over it like a vassal would while she sat but hidden from view I pressed a kiss to her palm, closing her fingers over it with a ghost like smile directed up at her.

Rina:

I had been wondering if our physical agreement would continue, especially with what I had said to him the night before. His touch more or less answered that question. It was distracting to be sure, his kiss to my palm sent a small shiver through my body that gave me momentary relief from my worries. It had been a few days since I had been with him, and it might be longer still before we could be together in that manner… I met his eyes, my breath coming slightly quicker with my side-tracked thoughts.

I met hers back and I smiled softly. My gaze spoke of how I wish we could be alone, how I too missed her touch, and an apology for the feelings I was currently putting her through.

Rina:

I let out a breath and looked up when one of the guards announced that the convoy was within sight. I got to my feet next to Talon but stayed out of sight. My heart thumped in my ears as I watched the carriage and the many soldiers around it approach.

I slid my blade over my head and into the straps across my back. I tightened them then placed a hand over the charm Maleen had given me, praying that the disk would work.

Rina:

I watched the carriage pull to a stop on the road ahead. A man from each side moved to speak to each other, discussing the swap. Finally they called for Talon to bring me over.

"You ready? I can still get you out of here right now." I murmured to her as I settled a hand on a blade and the other settled on the small of her back.

Rina:

I shook my head and smoothed my hands over the dress. “I am ready.” I said after a slow breath. I composed myself and set my shoulders back. Carefully I stepped out of my hidden spot and approached the carriage.

I followed beside her feeling it was my place to be as we walked towards the carriage. I tightened my hold on the blade but ended up letting it go with a grit of my teeth.

Rina:

The commander of the soldiers greeted me formally but it was clear he did not approve of me or the transaction. The queen was not present, which surprised me at first, then I realized how ludicrous the idea was for her to come.

After the transfer was complete they ushered me into the carriage, allowing talon to join me since he was my escort.

"The charm works." I murmured once we were in the carriage. I had stiffened at first when Rina was ushered into it first as I expected to have to walk or ride along side. But I had been let in after her.

Rina:

I leaned my head against the siding of the carriage after seating. “That's good to hear.” I murmured as the cart lurched forward. The men I knew slid out of view from the small window and were replaced by passing trees.