Um Chapter 3

Hide and Seek


Like a predator on the prowl, he stalked through the castle. It was like an never ending labyrinth, one that he knew very well, but for some reason, he'd lost his sense of direction in his pursuit. Probably because his mind was racing with only one thing on it at the time.

Um.

She had ran off and he was determined to find her by any means necessary. He rarely got into these moods anymore, but everyone who lived in the castle knew all too well to avoid him and stay out of his way when he did. Determination pumped throughout his body, adrenalin course in his blood and fueled his body, which was beginning to tire, though that didn't stop him. He wouldn't stop. Not until he had her in his arms, on his bed, doing things to her that she probably wouldn't dare to dream about.

Or maybe she would. Who really knows? With a woman like that, it's difficult to tell. She was a puzzle, and enigma, and he liked that. It added character, just like her large body added character. And he liked character. He liked it a lot. It was new, refreshing, and invigorating. So unlike the personality of his Queen. She was a ticking time bomb waiting to fully explode, to go off the deep end. And try as he may to pacify her, some times she ranted and raved like a mad woman for hours.

He got sick of it, of her. But he knew for certain that he'd never get sick of Um.

After all, Stayne had come to terms a few years ago that he was not as young as he used to be. He was still handsome and desirable, but he wasn't going to live forever. Eventually, perhaps he'd like to settle down, have a wife and children, leave the life of being the Queen's personal assassin. But that wouldn't come about for a good many years to come. Although he wouldn't deny the fact that it was Um who inspired his fantasies. She inspired a lot more than that as well.

But right now, the main focus was on finding her. And that's what he set about to do.

He lurked through hallway after hallway in search for her. It was late now, and most of the castle inhabitants had retired for the evening, so finding her couldn't be too hard. Especially since he'd probably hear her long before he saw her, hear her dress made of curtains swish about her lovely legs in an enticing manner. So young, so innocent, and so luring, and she remained oblivious to it all. She had no idea how she affect Stayne, but he'd be more than glad to help her understand once he found her.

And sure enough, his prophecy of hearing her before seeing her came true. He hard the rustling of a dress around the corner of the hallway he was currently patrolling. A grin spread across his face and he moved with a swiftness and grace that his profession required. Once coming to the corner, he peered around it, and frowned.

There she was, standing, at the Mad Hatter's doorway.

Though the mad man was gone - to fit the Queen's head with the hats he made for her - anger and jealousy still boiled in his veins. It would figure that the freak would steal away what was rightfully his. After all, he's the one who first laid eyes on Um, not the Hatter. And he'd died before letting the man take what was his again.

Acting before he thought, Stayne came out from his hiding place and stalked right up to Um. She was preoccupied, knocking on the door urgently, so he had the perfect opportunity to pin her to the wall once again, this time by holding onto her wrists.

"So, we meet yet again, Um." She frowned and struggled to break free of him, but he kept his hold tight, having no intention of letting go.

"Let me go." Her voice was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard, and he wanted to hear it stay his name over and over again. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, inhaling her rich scent, before he looked at her.

"No. I won't let you go, Um. Now that I have you, I'm never letting you go again. You are mine, Um, all mine." He pressed his body closer to hers, and she struggled even more, gasping sharply at the feel of him.

This made him grin even more, and he leaned in closer. He tilted his head up a little, eying her neck like a panther eyed its prey. And very softly, with a gentleness that neither he, nor Um, knew he could ever have, he kissed her neck. A sensation overwhelmed him at the contact, and he felt so lightheaded and dizzy and so wonderfully drunk, that he didn't even realize that his name was being called for.

"STAYNE!" The Queen's voice echoed loudly throughout the castle, probably waking everyone that was sleeping soundly. Sighing, in aggravation as well as despair, he rested his head against her neck, shutting his eyes tight for a moment before he opened them.

"She…she's calling for you." Um's voice brought him back to reality and he nodded before reluctantly pulling away. He released her, and she rubbed her abused wrists before staring down at him, apprehension, curiosity, and panic present in her lovely eyes.

"I have to go now, Um. But do not forget this: you are mine." And with that, Stayne marched down the hall and to wherever his Queen was, cursing her name all along the way.