Taming the Giant Read online

  “What could befall us that’s worse than what already happened?” she demanded? “How can Bram hurt us—he only wants to get to know us!”

  “One of us, anyway,” the Elder Witch sneered. “Have a care, Princess. Your royal reputation is not nearly as secure as your esteemed father’s was.”

  “You—” Alanah began but Thiera had already turned and swept away, her shiny black feathers rustling importantly.

  “I don’t think she likes me,” Bram said mildly when she was finally gone.

  Alanah let out a breath and shook her head ruefully.

  “She doesn’t like anyone she can’t control. She was right though. I…I shouldn’t have, uh, kissed you.” She looked up at him shyly. “I don’t…don’t know what got into me.”

  “I do.” Slowly he extended one hand and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles. The touch was light, almost tentative, but it sent chills and fire through Alanah’s veins. “We’re being drawn together,” Bram told her in a low voice. “Those who dream-share always are. It’s natural to want to touch…to want to kiss…”

  To want to do more, his glowing sapphire eyes said, though he didn’t speak the words aloud.

  Alanah bit her lip, not sure how to respond. The pull of his big body was undeniable but he was a giant. How could they possibly fit together?

  And why are you even thinking of ‘fitting’ with him? she scolded herself, feeling a blush of shame spread on her cheeks. You only met him an hour ago and it’s not like he’s your husband. It wouldn’t be proper to do what you’re imagining with him.

  Not proper and not possible either. He was simply too big and her flower was unbloomed.

  “Bram,” she began, uncertain what she was going to say.

  “Alanah,” he returned. “I must go now. It will be getting dark outside and we’ve already caused enough talk.”

  “Oh, yes…yes of course.” She took an abrupt step back from him and straightened her court robes. “Just be careful of the gnashers I warned you about.”

  “I thank you for your concern for my safety.” He unfolded himself from the floor and stood, towering over her once more. “I will take my leave and see you at first meal, er, breakfast.” He cleared his throat. “I can find my own way out—probably the same way your Elder Witch found to get in.”

  “Oh…goodbye then,” Alanah whispered.

  He stooped and took her hands in his. Lifting them to his face, he bent and pressed a kiss into each of her palms.

  “Farewell until tomorrow…my Princess.”

  Then he left her standing there with a wildly beating heart and the blood racing in her veins until she felt she might faint. Gods what had just happened to her?

  “I know what happened,” Alanah said to herself in a low, awed voice. “My dream…my dream came true.”

  Chapter Five

  Alanah had half convinced herself she had dreamed the whole episode when she woke the next morning but then Jenla was knocking at her door and telling her the giant was outside waiting to come in.

  “Outside where?” Alanah exclaimed, clasping her white linen sheet to her breasts. She slept in nothing but a thin white shift, although it was almost time to start wearing her thicker, winter sleep clothes. As much as she’d enjoyed kissing and touching Bram, she didn’t think it would be proper to let the giant see her dressed so skimpily.

  “Outside the castle, my Princess,” Jenla said, smiling a little. “You didn’t think I’d let him come up to your bedchamber did you?”

  “Oh no—of course not.” Alanah sat up, blinking the sleep out of her eyes. “Well, bid the guards let him enter. I told him he could have breakfast with us and work beside me today.”

  “You did?” Jenla’s brown eyes were troubled. “Do you think that’s wise, Alanah?” she asked quietly. “Thiera is going around saying all kinds of crazy things about this giant. I don’t think the people trust him.”

  “That’s because they don’t know him yet,” Alanah said firmly. “And Thiera is just upset because I’m doing what I feel is right instead of obeying her every whim.”

  “The Elder Witch has a lot of power over what people think,” Jenla pointed out quietly. “It’s not wise to cross her, my Princess.”

  Alanah sighed. “Well, it’s too late now—I’ve already crossed her and I’m not going back. Besides, once the people get to know Bram—”

  “Bram?” Jenla interrupted her.

  Alanah felt her cheeks getting hot.

  “That’s his name,” she said shortly. “Bram. And I’m meeting him for breakfast.”

  Jenla must have seen the light of determination in her face because she nodded and lifted her chin.

  “All right—then I’m coming with you.”

  “Thank you, Jenla.” Alanah smiled at her friend gratefully. It was good to know that Jenla would stick by her—especially since her decision to entertain the giant was certain to be an unpopular one if Thiera was already spreading nasty rumors about him.

  “You’re welcome, my Princess. Now let’s get you dressed.” Jenla nodded decisively and went to rummage in Alanah’s closet for something suitable to wear to breakfast with a giant.

  Alanah nearly laughed at the idea but then she stopped. Having Bram around would be no laughing matter if Thiera had her way. Alanah would have to step carefully around the Elder Witch from now on…very carefully indeed.

  * * * * *

  The food was simple but good and Bram ate as carefully as he could, not wanting to give offense. He complimented every dish and was very careful with the tiny, rough silverware he was given to use—a two tined fork about as long as his pinky finger and a knife which was only slightly longer to cut the salted ham he was served.

  He wondered about the domestic animals—where had they come from? Alanah’s planet was small and rocky and cold, just on the edge of the habitable zone of her solar system. While looking for her, he and his crew had discovered another, larger planet with a much more hospitable atmosphere which was located closer to the sun. There were signs of a civilization that had died out long ago—one far more advanced than the one which prevailed here.

  They might have sent a colony ship which crashed here, Bram speculated as he carefully buttered a thin slice of toast with his tiny knife. They lost contact with the home planet and their technology failed or was lost. After a few hundred cycles, their past became nothing but legends and they were forced to live off the land as they are now.

  Not that they were living very well. It was clear great care had been taken to offer him the best of what they had but the portions were meager, even for a female of Alanah’s size, let alone a male of his own height and weight.

  Alanah obviously saw this and offered him more but Bram declined. He had an idea from the way the serving girls were eyeing the dishes hungrily that they probably got what was left after the nobles were finished eating. He would not deprive them of food they needed much more than he did. After all, there was plenty and to spare on his ship—it wouldn’t hurt him to go hungry for a little while.

  Conversation was somewhat stilted at the breakfast table, perhaps because Alanah knew all eyes were on her, including the harsh gaze of the woman she had called “Elder Witch.” She seemed to hold great control over many of the women present and the ones gathered around her table all shot disapproving glances at himself and Alanah even though they ate quietly and spoke hardly at all.

  After breakfast, Alanah rose from her chair and declared to the assembled woman that it was time to go applen picking.

  “There are a few left on the wild trees that grow on the edge of the forest,” she said, when she stood to make the announcement. “I’m taking a party to gather them. This is probably going to be the last nice day before winter truly sets in so let’s make the most of it.”

  There were some grumbles—especially from the more richly dressed women—about the ignominy and hardship of picking applen but Alanah shut them up with a simple question.