“Ciara," Rose whispered after the tears had dried, “teach me to read."

I sat up and Rose sat up with me. She looked really excited. Her eyes were shining, but she tried to maintain a calm demeanor.

Much to Fuji's dismay we took the little pad back. I used it to begin teaching Rose the simplest pieces of the language. It was more difficult than when I learned, but of course she wasn't bonded to a Warrior right now.

Fuji watched us with utter disinterest. She only occasionally interrupted to remind us we weren't supposed to be doing this. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

“I Like to teach and Rose likes to learn, Fuji. This is fun. I know it's not what we're supposed to be doing. Maybe we work some this afternoon, would that make you happy?" I asked feeling exasperated.

Damien's voice surprised me so badly I dropped the pad on the bed.

“Is this what we Left you to do?" he questioned stepping into the room.

My back touched the pole at the center of the bed and my eyes were wide. He just stood staring at me with his arms crossed.

"Well?" he asked stepping in farther.

“Yes...No, I'm not sure," I finally answered. He didn't say anything and walked slowly toward the bed. Behind him I heard Rose and Fuji's owners calling them to come and eat. I didn't even glance at them, my eyes stayed on Damien.

The girls slipped off the bed and left. Damien continued to watch me with his arms folded across his chest. He Looked contained, but I couldn't tell much more than that.

I started to speak and he held a hand up to silence me, so I just stayed quiet.

Damien walked until is thighs were flush with the bed. He motioned me closer to him and I moved quickly toward him. I was stretching the leash on my neck tight, but it brought me within a handspan of him.

"You were a good girl this morning," he praised suddenly reaching forward and releasing the strap around my neck. "If it helps with your project, I will ask Basin if his slave may learn the symbols. Would that make you happy?"

I nodded and smiled up at him.

“Yes, it would help if she knew how to make the symbols. I enjoy teaching her, also."

Damien smiled back at me and offered a hand to help me off the bed. I stood before him and had the sudden need to be close. Wrapping my arms around his waist I hugged him tight. He returned the affection, holding me for a moment. I felt his Lips on my hair and knew he was kissing my head.

“Come and eat," he said coaxing me out into the main room.

Rose and Fuji knelt at the table and took their meals from their owners’ fingers. I didn't see a place for me to kneel. Damien guided me to a chair and sat me down. I looked up at him questioningly.

“Eat your midday meal, Ciara," he said placing a bowl in front of me. The other men made no sounds as Damien sat casually beside me.

The food in the bowl was good, mostly. It seemed to be fruit mixed with some sort of meat. The meat was chewy and oily, I did not like it at all.

It didn't take Damien more than a moment to realize I was picking out what I Liked. He took the bowl and fed me himself. He mixed the fruit and meat, making me eat it together. Begrudgingly, I admitted it was pretty good that way.