Free Torn by Kate Hill Page B

cell.”
    “Just because he killed to protect himself doesn’t mean he’ll kill defenseless people.”
    “Don’t fool yourself, Honey Wine.” Bron nodded in Torn’s direction. “He has the taste of blood. Besides, if you’re supposed to have such sympathy for these creatures, you should be happy he’s finally learned to play the game. Or did you get some sort of perverse pleasure from seeing him suffer? Maybe you want to watch another session of him with The Lady.”
    Honey Wine stood, fists clenched at her sides, and took a furious step toward Bron. Behind her, out of Bron’s sight, she felt Torn’s hand on her dress.
    He tugged gently, and Honey Wine stopped, willing herself to remain calm.
    Torn was right, of course. If she kept control of herself, once he was recovered, both would be free. Or die fighting for their freedom…
    * * * * *
    During the next two weeks, while Torn recovered, Honey Wine stashed supplies for their escape. She prepared small amounts of the poison he’d requested for the darts and hoarded healing supplies beneath her mattress. She had a second cloak made, and saved what little coin her sister allowed as her wages.
    “When’s the next full moon?” Torn whispered one evening as Honey Wine changed his bandage before retiring to bed.
    “Tomorrow night,” she replied. Their escape would have to be on clear night of a full moon, or else they’d never find their way through the murky water.
    “But we’ll wait for the next. The wound is healing quickly, but you’re not recovered enough to travel.”
    “I can,” he said. “If I wait until the next moon, I’ll be sent to Entertainment.
    I won’t go there. Not again.”
    Honey Wine finished applying the bandage and let her fingers stray to his neck. She traced the strong shape of it and touched the hollow of his throat. He was right. If they waited too long, he’d be forced to fight again, and she knew he would sooner destroy himself than kill unjustly. However if they attempted escape before he was strong enough to make the journey, they could both be destroyed.
    He took her hand and met her eyes. “I’d never endanger you. Believe me when I say I’m ready.”
    Honey Wine nodded. He had healed with remarkable swiftness, and she well knew his strength. It was time for them to move on.
    “Then we’ll do it tomorrow at midnight, just as we planned.”
    She stooped to retrieve her supply box, and he grasped her arm. When she turned, he was so close that their lips almost touched, and her heartbeat quickened.
    “You’re the most courageous person I’ve ever known,” he said. “I wanted you to know that and thank you for what you’ve done for me.”
    She nodded, her fingertips brushing his before she left his cell.
    The following morning, Honey Wine could scarcely concentrate on any of her duties. She both dreaded and desired the coming night. It might be a wonderful beginning for her and Torn, or it could be an agonizing end.
    “Honey Wine!” Bron grasped her arm as she stepped into the prison. “You and the Knight are to start breeding again.”
    “No!” She snarled, suddenly fearful that if Torn left his cell it might be searched and the tools for their escape discovered.
    Bron grinned, running his tongue over his thick lips. “You haven’t got a choice. I’ll tell you, it does my soul good to see the former Captain of the Guard being pawed by a beast. No better than a common whore, you are, Honey Wine.”
    “You probably enjoy watching so much because no woman will take you to her bed. I remember seeing that pathetic little cock of yours in the bathhouse.
    I’ve seen mice with more to brag about.”
    Bron’s face reddened and his fingers bit into her arm. “Fucking whore!”
    He dragged her towards the breeding pen, but she jerked away from him.
    “I’m not going in the disgusting pen again! If I must breed with him, then I’ll do it in his cell.”
    “In his cell?” Bron’s anger was replaced by a leer.