Chapter 6

Like clockwork Claudia conjured a plate of salty meat and hard bread into the cage. At least it seemed like it, telling time was difficult with no sky. Plus, he'd sometimes pass out after they used spells. Reluctantly he forced the meager portions down even as his stomach protested.

A bird entered the dreary chamber, a horrid thing named Lucifer. It was the only thing his captor showed any measure of affection for. Perching at his mistress' shoulder he cawed. Whatever it was saying she understood.

"Really, well no one's gotten so close," she said, quite interested with a growing smile. More cawing and she gave a gasp. "He is oh now this will be fun," her gaze landed on Sammy who listened with rapt attention. "Now really eavesdropping that's not very polite," she crooned waggling a finger. He hated that baby voice and Claudia knew it. "Oh well I can tell you you'll be getting company but let's not ruin the surprise more."

Such an ominous turn of her voice, her eyes glittering so gleefully and cruelly, it made an icy trail of bony claws rake down the prince's spine.

Dread slowly sunk his stomach like a stone. Forgetting his bruises and cuts he frantically yelled out, "WHAT does that *mean?* Tell me!"

She said nothing as her long nailed fingers produced pink smoke. He breathed in the scent of fresh apples and flowers but a million times more intoxicating. Sammy laughed at the floating sensation stealing at his thorny, thorny respite and flittering away with all that pain. All the while wondering if this was what a sampling of wine felt like.

Closing his eyes, the captive went into bliss.