Quandary

“Where have you been hiding?” She asked.

Here. Always here.

“I think I’ve glimpsed you afore…” She murmured.

She’s remembering the night she found me in my chamber.

Nearing slowly, she ceased breathing. Finally lowering to a knee, she reached out a hand for him to scent.

Wildflowers. Ducking his head, he craned it toward her. Smelling her before nuzzling her palm.

She giggled softly in response and scratched the softness of its cheeks and chin. Pressing into her hand it turned its head to be closer to her.

He was stunned at the foreign sound of her laughter. Pleasant. Soft and lilting.

I’d never tire of hearing that sound.

Dropping to her knees she stroked the panther’s back. Feeling the satin fur warm under her hand, she was comforted by the beast.

As he’d suspected. She’s more comfortable with animals then people.

It was interesting to see this side of her. Warm and smiling. Greeting someone with a friendliness he so rarely saw.

I understand. Animals ask for so little whereas people always need a lot. Rumbling softly, he placed a massive head in her lap.

Contentedly rubbing between his ears, she slipped to the floor and edged closer. “I could use a companion.” She whispered softly.

His huge gold eyes watched her impassively.

“Do you belong to Sebastian?” It plopped its head back to her lap in answer.

Better question is: Do you belong to Sebastian? He blinked huge soul-seeing eyes at her.

“Fair enough. You’re mine now.” Rubbing its muscled back, she was surprised at the stiff feel of the hair there.

“I’ll call you Quandary.”

Quandary isn’t that a fitting term for me trying to garner her attention in whatever form she’ll give it to me. He nudged its head against her belly in approval.

At least she didn’t decide on something like Blackberry. He grimaced at the thought.

At length Elsabet rose to leave, her red, purple, and blue tunic flowed around her, belted round her tiny waist. Characteristic blue jewels dangled over her forehead and from her ears. Clinking as she moved. She glanced down surprised to find Quandary moving in step with her. Her brows lifted. She knelt to pat its back and peer under its belly.

What are you doing?

“A male.” She murmured with an eye roll.

Would that you were that interested any other time!

“First of your gender I’ve appreciated in a long time.” She laughed ruefully and rose again.

Fantastic. Grand news. Just grand.

In her chamber she went to the bed and opened the tunic. Letting it fall before she eased under the coverlet.

Ack. Were he a man he’d have tossed his hands in frustration. As the cat he could only look up at the ceiling, praying for patience.

She sighed comfortably when Quandary joined her, over the blankets, to snuggle warmly into her back. She was fast asleep in moments.

Utterly unaware of his agony in knowing she lay right next to him. Warm and soft and currently, yielding. Completely absent any clothing under the coverlet.

He drew a quaking breath. I’m leaving this room as soon as she falls asleep.