Jailed Soul - 3 - To the flight of Paradise
(All characters, events, names, icons of descriptions, cities, states, and archives of fiction are as such and are entitled to the creator of this fiction. No such duplication of the fiction, or any characters, events, names, icons, cities, and states may be reproduced without the author's consent or used in any manner that would be used as public domain. This work is not public domain. Refrain from unauthorized distribution. Work is collective and intellectual property of Cryptosporidum, 2007.)
Author's Note: I've been having a blast keeping this thing up for the small lot of you reading Jailed Soul. Thanks so much for reading, especially my main commenter. Yes, I am talking to you! In retrospect, those who like the story may be curious as to when I plan updates. Well, I typically come home to write one page a day, and stay ahead of the curve of my writing. The actual story is about 50 pages long, continuing so, there's so much more. I update in about a week and a few days, so don't fret if you think I've abandoned the work. Oh, and apologies, YS has a very clumsy interface when creating story series'. I'm afraid links to seperate parts will have to be found manually, very sorry.
Anyway, keep reading and enjoy!
-To the flight of Paradise-
The morning shine of the day went on without much pause. Malic did precisely what he meant to: get through his patients, paperwork, and majority of office business before making reservations to Paradise Momentum. Most of his medical work was simple, since the occupying patrons on his reserve wanted only to talk about how starlight affected insect movement, or where potatoes originated from, or some past family history of minute interest. Since he was so dead set on not being bothered, Malic also got all the necessary printouts and office statistics that was needed, so he wouldn't receive any haywire calls about aggravating swarms of ink-on-white sheet paper. A few deals were done, board members kept in high spirits, backlashes to the droning of infamous and dastardly news media, and Malic sped home, practically sweating to tell Sapphire.
Upon parking, entering, and looking (as last time), Malic located his maid servant sitting quite peacefully, reading, believe it or not, in the quarter of the living room. With the Omni-Clock (an interesting tact, no doubt). When the nobleman approached, her ears immediately perked and twitched, her eyes shooting to him, as she smiled, stood, and curtsied, her familiar maid uniform quite well pressed. Seemed she got a little time in for herself after all.
"Master, welcome home," came her feathery voiced greeting. Her master gave a grin, one that held the ire of knowing-something-she-didn't, while the slightest quirk tugged at Sapphire's brow.
"Can I get you anything, Master Malic? Tea perhaps?" she suggested mildly. Malic, ready to burst with his plan, fumbled with one hand in his pocket, shaking his head, fighting down an array of smiles.
"No thank you, dear. In fact, I only want one thing from you this week," he stated smoothly, vocals jittery with excitement. Sapphire tilted her head, bewildered by the strange command. One thing? What does that mean? She asked herself mentally.
"I'll tell you what it is a bit later, Sapphire. For now, I've got to go make a quick call. When I get back, we've got a bit of shopping to do, okay?" he hinted, taking a mental note to pack his bags... quickly. The rabbit hybrid bowed her head in affirmation.
"Yes, master. I will remain here until you return," she replied, submissively, always the part of obedient slave. Malic nodded, glad all things were going smoothly, and rushed to his main chamber room, closing-locking-the door, as though his maid would here him. His heart rushing in anticipation, Malic went to his phone, slowly began to recall what the number for what Paradise Momentum was, and dialed it in. In some odd ten minutes, he managed to reserve a room, a date, time, and place of arrival, along with the "luxury package" that came attached to his unorthodox wealth.
When he had reserved the room (perfect view of the beach), he instantly began ducking around for proper clothes. Suits, shirts, casual pants, ties, sweats, shorts and the like all began to find their way clumped in a messy pile, a mountain of his inability to pack well. He snagged a toothbrush (one for Sapphire, too), deodorant, soap, his wallet, sunglasses, all the minuscule items he would need for the hotel. Half and hour later flying by, he had managed to get the hideous clump into one travel-bag, the sack to the level of bursting as the zipper was painfully closed shut, prepared to explode at the slightest touch. Malic sighed in his failure. If only Sapphire did it... And then it him.
Sapphire had nothing. Her outfits consisted of a few maid skirts and blouses, standard bra and panties, the mahogany leather slave collar she always wore, and the silver shining stud in her left ear. That was it. No casual wear, no bathing suit, no jewelry, not even a fancy gown. It left Malic at a peculiar rut, but not a large one. He decided that the best thing to do was drive to the mall, as he intended, tell Sapphire what he was planning in the car, let her pick out her favored outfits and such (and his own, as he just remembered he had no swim trunks either), purchase them, rush back home, and move on to Momentum. He would just have to be... careful. If Sapphire ended up having another breakdown in the car, the noblemen would regretfully have to cancel, and continue to behave in the manner that was: master and slave. Grunting, he brushed the thought aside. Be more positive. If she questions it, I could just make something up... like the "slave room" thing, he told himself, searching for reassurance.
Carefully, taking in a deep breath, Malic grabbed a very slick pair of sunglasses, returned to the living room where Sapphire was, and began his clumsy "trap". The maid stood to greet him again, familiar stance, smile, and gaze.
"Sorry that took longer than I expected. Ready to hit the road?" asked the noblemen with a scratch of his head. The rabbit hybrid nodded respectfully.
"Of course, Master Malic, though I feel I am not in presentable condition to your valued public. Perhaps one so low as I should remain-"
"No, no! I want you with me Sapphire. And stop degrading yourself, you are not low, you're a beautiful young woman and..." interrupted Malic, though trailing off under the realization of what came out of his mouth. Sapphire blushed, and bit her lower lip, repressing a giggle.
"Er, just come on, I'll explain on the way," he ordered, walking toward the entrance of Majestic Estate as his servant followed. As her protocol forced, Sapphire casually opened the door for Malic as he entered his onyx black Viper, while she went to the other side of the passenger seat. Starting the car, the Viper started with a low hum, and slowly began to creep its way out of Majestic Estate. Past the gates, to the roads of cobbled asphalt, a quick trek to the inner limits of Globalside City, the perilous but exotic locale affixed with gambling, vice, rich and poor, business and a notorious paparazzi. Malic mused within himself that Sapphire hadn't been here before, only at the Global-Sun corporation which was many months ago.
When nearly an hour passed, Malic and Sapphire had breached into the depths of Globalside, to its very core, surrounded by traffic, people, sounds and lights, and buildings that climbed to God's green heaven itself (not literally, of course). Jeweled windows sparkling like a rain of diamonds dotted the Viper's sleek paint surface, while impatiently Malic drummed his fingers on the leather steering wheel, a tide of unmoving cars before him. When the moment dragged on to be seemingly infinite, Malic sighed, took a long time to think, and made a decision. He made a glance at Sapphire, who was sitting quietly, hands folded in her lap, eyes somewhat lowered, her entire sumptuous form still as calm waters.
"Sapphire," began Malic, clearing his throat for the proper tone, "these past months have been some of the better in my life. For a long time I was alone, sullen, without company. But, when you came into my life, estranged and chained it may have been, it was truly a happy moment. Sapphire, you have been a friend to me, a woman whom has kept my world and home in order, one who listens always and does things in the best of graces. I am only regretful that you were forced into all this,"
"I couldn't imagine going on without you at this point," continued the noblemen, trying to get out all he had to say before the rabbit responded, "you're a delight, a true gem. I value you in every way I can, and I don't think I'll ever be thankful enough that Christ gave me such a pretty girl, sharp in spirit and mind. And so, for all this hard work you've done, for all the joy and smiles you've brought me, I've decided to take you on a vacation, for one week, at Paradise Momentum, the finest beach resort in all of Globalside. I wanted to tell you now, because, er, you need some bathing suits, and better clothes for that matter. Like me. So..." he trailed, letting silence fill the car, as he looked over to see Sapphire, fearing but wanting her reaction.
She had tears in her eyes. Her cheeks had gone nearly rose. A light smile stretched over her muzzle, and she returned Malic's own stare. The noblemen sought for a caring word.
"Sapphire... you all right?" he asked, wiping a tear from her eye, all ready beginning to conclude this was a bad idea. At least he tried, right?
"Master..." she started, a low, weak whisper that bubbled with compressed emotions. Malic tensed, listened, feeling the air around him grow warm and hot. He did not reply, only waited.
"...thank...you... so much..." came the lilting words, faltering, consumed by the raging excitement and happiness of Sapphire's own body. Her mind was clouded, in disbelief, and she sniffed a few times, composing herself, Malic giving her a tissue to dry her eyes.
"Is this a yes?" Malic queried rhetorically, receiving a slow nod from his maid-slave. For a minute, he studied the cog and gear icon etched into her fur and skin, a signet of brown mixing with her tan and cream-colored pattern. The very depths of his control seemed limitless, all admitted by this one symbol, though it finally began to wash away, bit by bit, with the acceptance of Malic's offering. At least he hoped so. How far could get through these bondage bars?
For the best, he decided not to talk until they arrived at the mall, so as not to pour anything more thickly on Sapphire. She still was quite delicate, after all.
Traffic eventually shattered, the road becoming more and more open, as the asphalt cleared and the Viper zoomed along with ease. The reality of the world slipped by, and the calmness of enjoying one another's company dripped back between Malic and Sapphire. The noblemen himself was full of thoughts of relief, and then to certain levels of business. Such as, what exactly would he wear? He hadn't really visited the beach that often, mostly taken golf-trips with Vostrikov, and on company picnics, but that was about it. He considered the world would laugh at his pale skin, and he imagined the paparazzi wouldn't give him an easier time either. Idle things, ignore them for the sake of her, he thought inwardly.
Finally, the Viper was able to zip past more machine obstacles, and roll into Globalsides' many malls, this one a conglomeration of many companies falling into one category. Money leeches, teetering wallet parasites. Malic was quick, rushing past other "enemy" cars, searching for a good parking space, until he located one, parking in, getting an angry finger from a frustrated driver behind him. Malic snickered, a bit, turning the keys of a car to a stop, and the two made their way inside.
It had been ages since Malic had taken a visit to a place so public, much less a mall. He almost felt intimidated by its magnificent and ominous doors, tall glass guardians, and the sheer magnitude of people and vendors within. Noise surrounded him. Chattering from idle folk, tempera music softly playing in the background, shouting, the marching of continuous footsteps. He really had been out of it. Sapphire, on the other hand, looked... excited. She had never been inside a place with so much activity, and her tears were now replaced with wide eyes of intrigue and interest, as her ears flicked this way and that, drinking in every sonar wave she could. It made Malic chuckle. Not even at Paradise Momentum and she all ready was having fun.
For a while, they both had to network their way past a great deal of miscellaneous stores selling items of strange worth, until reaching the department specializing in clothes of all kinds (withholding their name, of course). Malic looked around, and saw the vast level of things for sale, frowning in a kind of bewildered despair. How in God's name was he supposed to find anything in all this? Start with the male and female sections, the only thing to do. He turned to his maid-servant, trying to remove an awkward command.
"Sapphire, uh, you go on ahead and pick out what you like. You know, clothes, casual wear...*ahem*...bathing suits, all those things. I'm going to see if I can find something for myself," he told her, keeping his stare averted. Sapphire tilted her head.
"Master? Are you certain you would not like to come with me? It would be necessary to check that my clothing is in your taste, master, as protocol deems." she answered, angelic voice with her bred thoughts.
"Well... no... ah, it wouldn't be proper for a gentlemen... to, you know, scour through ladies... garments..." he said, choking on his own answer, keeping his volume down, while his cheeks readily flushed a vague red. The rabbit hybrid nodded promptly.
"I understand master. I apologize, I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable," she submitted, slightly drooping her head. Malic waved his hand, scoffing at the idea.
"It's okay. You just go get what you'd like. Meet me here in half an hour, all right dear?" came his soft reply, the noblemen checking his watch to catch the correct time. His slave curtsied in pleasant response.
"Yes master, I will return no second later," the rabbit girl said, trotting off to find her preferred wares. The primal side of Malic could not help to gaze at her tight buttocks, swinging in a methodic motion as she faded behind a forest of cloth and cotton. He choked, again. Knock it off, get your head together.
The noblemen, for some odd reason, waited for at least five minutes before even changing his stance. He would have left, sought out some generic brand of swimming trunks, yet, something caught the corner of his eye, a band of glimmering items to the left of him. It was a side-vendor of jewelry, prized with glittering silver bands of necklaces, pendants, amulets, rings, watches, braces and so on, all raining down in a fine show of interest. At this, a thought occurred in Malic's head. Steadily looking around, he casually walked over to the vendor, and immediately began to scout for things of prized worth. He stole a glance behind his shoulder, on the watch for Sapphire, and then returned to his examination.
A treasure trove of light beset his optics. Such a wonderful collection of trinkets, he began to think he'd have to buy them all. But why? For who? Not himself. For Sapphire... came a mental answer. He stopped. It was very tempting, yes, very consuming to want to lavish her in gifts, but no... not yet. Another time. It was too soon. There was still more building that was needed between the two before moving on to fine items. He could all ready imagine her, finely coated in jewelry, slender body radiating with many different assortments of gold and silver. She would be so very... refined.
He wondered when such a time would draw upon them. Would it be proper? Would acting so loving toward someone that he was supposed to rebuke, scorn, punish, someone to treat so lowly, was something such as that a bad thing? Unnatural? An abomination to society? Who would be the judge of that? What would society think of him? In ways, Malic somewhat regretted his friendship with his maid slave, for, the eyes of many would gaze at them strangely, treat them as outcasts. That was the very last thing he wanted, for both himself and Sapphire. He did not want her life to suffer in unhappiness based on the pretense of his own actions. All this made a knot of butterflies grow in his stomach. What was to happen at Paradise Momentum?The thoughts moved on, the asylum heir kicking them aside so as not to spoil a good time.
Sooner than he expected, the thirty minutes were up, and Malic returned to the spot where he said Sapphire and he would meet again. When he re-entered the convent that held all the vast array of clothing, he saw Sapphire, standing patiently, with at least a four-inch thick stack of who knows what, from what he hoped were more appropriate attires. She beamed when she saw him approach, presenting the vast magnitude of tethers that forested under the grasp of her arms. Malic gave a sycophantic-surprised look.
"I have done as you requested master. All these items are befitting to me, I think, and such that will surely please you," she promptly announced, sing-song tone and all. Malic grinned at the amount, indulging her.
"Sure you have enough?" teased the noblemen jokingly, though Sapphire did not seem to understand the statement. Malic coughed, awkwardly attempting to recover.
"Ah, well, right then. Let's get these things checked out, Miss Sapphire." he said, leading her to the checkout aisle, where a pudgy woman dressed in deep crimson red greeted them, pug-faced, wrinkles drawing at the flabby cheeks of her age.
Without word, the woman took the stack of clothes Sapphire handed to her, striking them through the invisible "eye" of red, that which scanned all the information to a pricing machine, so on and so forth. Malic merely whistled as he patiently waited, until his eyes began to watch what was being bought: basic dresses, standard casual shirts and skirts, new bras and panties, panties with frills, thongs, over-exposing bathing suits, mini-skirts, tight long pants, suggestive dress shirts that hardly held the bust, and it went on. The old lady checking the products squinched her eyes, and a nasty look befell Malic, with a shake of her head. Clicking her tongue, she told him the price, tore out the receipt, and bagged the "products" of interest. Malic began to blush.
The old woman rather shoved the bags into Malic's arms, and gave Sapphire a pleasing, warm smile. She then handed the maid a small, rectangular strip of white. A card.
"If you ever need help, just call them," she said, once again giving Malic a scornful gaze. His lip curled into a shameful frown. When they left, Malic carrying one of the bags in his arms in polite respect, Sapphire made a tiny giggle.
"She was a sweet old woman," stated the rabbit hybrid, glancing at the card she had been given. Malic snorted a laugh. It was her first free statement without the word "master".
"Yeah, she's a real winner. Love to have her over for tea," came Malic's sarcastic reply. This time, Sapphire did laugh, a little bubbly chuckle, the happiest sound the noblemen had ever heard her make. In disbelief, he rubbed the folds of his hair, in utter relief and masked glee. Looked like Paradise Momentum was going to work out after all.
~*~
A sweeping hush of darkness. All the stars were dancing in the twilight sky as silver candles, the moon a bloated face, baring the drunken grin of its own illumination. Night had swiftly grasped over Globalside, the same for Paradise Momentum, all the suggestive neon lights blearing out of their hidden shells, incarnating the very term "night-life". Paradise Momentum stood as the giant of wealth and glory, a marble hotel tower that soared into the sky, affixed with statues and luxurious botanical designs at its front, while the raging sea and milk-white beach extended behind it, gated, watched, keeping vagrancy out and extravagance in.
A form of solid black graced the oval-roadway of the resort, a defiant roar and hum that signified a beast of speed. The black Viper smoothly, and tediously, made its way past gates and security checks, all to reach the ultimate destination that was this heaven on earth. Malic was noting all the important signs, the gate check, the parking number, the room area, head full of simply trying to get settled in. Sapphire was the opposite. She was amazed, engulfed by the imagery of the tall hotel, dilated pupils drawing in the fantastic lights and statues, admiring the palm-trees, her hands fidgeting in childish excitement as a whole new world graced her mind. If it was not for such rigorous training back at Global-Sun, her composure and manners would be broken. She just wanted to go wild.
This time, of course, the rabbit girl was properly clothed. A fine dress, a deep cyan laced with blue frills sat over her form, a velvet grasp defining all her womanly features. Thigh high stockings of a very light baby-blue climbed up to her thighs, and her hands and lower arms were coated in thin, silken gloves, which had a crux at her middle and fore-finger, exotic and unique that presided easily with her luscious, lavender hair. No longer did she look the part of timid, bound slave, but now a woman to be respected, an image of royalty and perfect etiquette. It was precisely the title of someone going to Paradise Momentum.
Malic sighed in thanks as he finally managed to whip through the ridiculous amounts of security, heading over to the front of the hotel, where a bellboy would take his car to a safer location. Were it not for the steam-pressed tuxedo and cream-white rose sitting in his chest pocket, Malic would have been like a haphazard drunk. He looked to Sapphire when the glistening doors of the resort drew closer.
"All right Miss Sapphire, we're almost there. Now, when we get out, don't worry about getting the bags, that's what we have bellboys for. As a matter of fact, these are my orders: don't even think about lifting a finger to dust, clean, or any of that stuff. You're here to relax. People are going to do for you what you've been doing for me. Here, you're not a slave, you're a beautiful girl with a respected member of society, okay dear?" Malic said, rubbing her shoulder for support and comfort. The hybrid ran over the thoughts, no doubt a little perplexed by the way she was going to be treated, but she nodded, rendering the character of "rich lady" in her head.
"Yes, master. Should I only speak when spoken to?" she answered with a question, overlapping for flaw, rendering all logical errors impossible. Malic shook his head.
"Say whatever you want. And call me sir, Miss Sapphire, master won't be necessary here," he responded, overwhelmed by his own excitement.
"Certainly mast... I mean, sir," Sapphire said with correction, just a tad of rose flooding her cheeks. The level of citizenship she was being given was something else, that much was certain.
Like a perfectly moving clock, the Viper drove to the entrance of Paradise Momentum, where a doorman, bellboys, and random people scurried around (except the doorman), the blood of such a large hotel resort. Silently, with a professional face, Malic exited the Viper, went to the other side, opening the car door for his "lady", as he took her hand, a young looking attendant of Momentum approaching the two.
"Good evening, may I see your registration ticket?" the young man asked, voice a low pitched, cracked kind of tone, as Malic nodded, retrieving a piece of paper with a multitude of information. The bellboy somewhat beamed when he read the number.
"Ah! Mr. Majestic, pleasure to have you at Paradise Momentum. Give this to the clerk inside," the attendant said, handing Malic a rectangular card.
"Thank you," the noblemen replied, show the bellboy his keys. "Take it easy on her, all right?"
"Will do sir! Your baggage will be delivered to your door within the hour!" With a subtle smile, the bellboy hastily took the keys and drove off with the Viper, to another safe locale beneath the entire resort itself. Malic then proceeded to enter Paradise Momentum with Sapphire, taking her arm in his, both striding in almost as royalty.
There are many words constructed by the human tongue for the purpose of ample description for they things they see. Millions upon millions of terms fill up just the English dictionary, and the whole creation of language for the entire world seems limitless. And in all that great vastness of utterance, it was doubtful there were many for the interior of Momentum. It was a palace, an oak, marble, gold and silver palace, lit with enormous and finely crafted chandeliers, accompanied by botanical flowers, the rich sound of classical music drifting in the air. Even Malic Majestic felt... envious, his own estate a shriveled grape in comparison to such a structure. Though, while he himself expected nothing less, he heard Sapphire give a quick gasp, her grip tightening on his arm.
"I'll take it you like the place, Miss Sapphire?" Malic asked, face content with her joy. Sapphire couldn't seem to find the words, merely gaping eyes, soaked in the beauty that was this heaven.
His stoic companion clinging to his arm, Malic headed toward the front desk, where a thin, chipper fellow at least in his fifties waited, balding at the top, dusty skin freckling about his form. He was the first to speak.
"Evening, sir and mistress. You have your room information, yes?" there was hint of a french accent.
"Yes, thank you," the noblemen said in the manners of conversation, routine idle chat in the minute business deal. The clerk checked the card for a moment, turned round to enter something in a computer, until he returned, slipping a key from a stud on the wall.
"This is your room key, 58th floor, number 7C. Enjoy your stay here at Paradise Momentum," the clerk informed, resigning a brass trinket and piece of paper. Malic gave a quick 'thank you', and tugged Sapphire along, off to the elevator. When they reached the confined space, on their own, the noblemen clicked the button indicating 58, to where the elevator made its skyward trek. A shock ran through the rabbit hybrid.
"Master? Room 58? That's nearly the top!" she exclaimed, head clouding with the levels of wealth she was witnessing. You see, for all her training and manners, refined sense of slavery and so on, she still was completely overwhelmed, rules of servitude taken away as the natural facade of herself became real.
"Nearly. I guess I should've gone all the way, but, didn't want to blow too much money. I'm certain this will be suitable?" Malic queried with amusement. The maid didn't respond, just grasped her head and stroke the folds of her long, velvet hair. Half of her believed what was happening, the other half received the events as all a dream.
A suitable moment later, the elevator taking its sweet time climbing skyward, the metal hinged doors gave a soft 'ping', and slid open, revealing a long, vertical hall with several doors on the left and right. There was no one around. A gentle aura of music befell the corridor, and ornate lamps protruded from the sides of the frame, a golden light encompassing a richly colored hallway. Malic took a pause to admire his surroundings, and then proceeded to carry Sapphire along, checking for a bright, silver 7C.
Interestingly enough, the room was at the end of the hall, separated by a great length from the other rooms adjacent to it. Not wasting a second, Malic slipped the key into its proper place, and opened the gateway to relaxation.
An almost inaudible gasp once again slipped past Sapphire's delicate lips. A large, ovular room with richly decorated furniture was the scene of interest. To the left of the room, a large, high-definition television hung proudly as a symbol of all prominent technology, leather couches and chairs placed perfectly in front of it, while an artificial fireplace sat below it. Parallel to the door were rounded windows, some that could slide open, a prime view for the ocean below, crystal orbs of an angel. The right wing of the room consisted of the kitchen, and beyond that, two grand chambers, probably for separate people, both holding master bathrooms (Malic secretly didn't feel like sleeping alone).
Malic released his gentle grasp on Sapphire's on arm, freeing her, as he walked in, checking around, monitoring the place as suitable. The rabbit hybrid merely found her way to a chair, and slowly, almost dreamily, sat, hands folded in her lap. The noblemen unstrapped his heavy tuxedo jacket, tossing it lazily to a coatrack, eyeing Sapphire with interest.
"Well dear, what do you think? I personally feel it's a tad too ritzy, snobby folk and whatnot, but it's all ready looking promising," he generously asked her, also taking a seat and resigning with a broad sigh. It took a moment or so for the maid to respond.
"It's... amazing... Master. I-I cannot believe you've done all this... all this for me... it's beautiful master, gorgeous. Thank you," she answered with a bow of her head. Malic snorted, either in timid agitation or the "recorded" reply.
"Yeah? Well, it's not as beautiful as you," he said, this time completely aware of his own compliment. Sapphire's head somewhat drew back in a kind of... excited shock. A familiar blush rang over her sleekly cute cheeks.
"So, now that we're here, I guess we should eat, until they bring us our luggage. What do you want?" the Majestic heir prodded again, escaping the rabbit from consorting to a reply. Her reaction was a slight tilt of the head.
"Whatever you desire master. My body is yours, I will accept what you offer," Again a deep rooted answer that was more or less not her voice. Malic mentally sighed, but showed no visual agitation.
"Oh, come on, Miss Sapphire. You're on vacation, you don't have to work or abide by me! Really, what have you always wanted to eat?" he earnestly asked, diving into the liquid labyrinth of her soul. There in lay a face of absolute confusion.
"I... whatever... you would give me..." Sapphire said, slowly, eyes growing unfocused and spaced. The noblemen decided to tread carefully, for she looked ready to break down again.
"Are you sure, milady? As your master, I want you to be in top shape, and what better way than to keep you happy?" he retorted, heading straight for the training that kept the rabbit in line. If he could not ask her, he would order her to be truthful, break down those invisible walls rattling her thoughts.
At this moment, Sapphire appeared befuddled. "I... don't... I don't know... I'm sorry master... I don't... know..." came the weak reply. Malic blinked. It must have never occurred to her about her own opinions and wants, own tastes, likes and dislikes. He scratched at his nose in contemplation. So much for the second try.
"It's okay. We'll settle for prime rib, with some oriental salads on the side," he said, while Sapphire nodded, snapping to and back to her normal behavior.
Still though, even after they ate, after they had unpacked their baggage, relaxed and watched a bit of television, signing off to bed and bidding each other a good night, the question lingered in Sapphire's thoughts. It was a time when she was asked to think for herself... to know herself... and she didn't even have a favorite food.
What was she to do?