Thorne watched with a solemn expression as his sister entered the guest room in a day gown that he had purchased her earlier in the week.  It was a whimsical piece—black, with uneven edges that was neither loose or form-fitting.  The strands of her dark hair seemed to blend in with the dress straps that hung loosely upon her shoulders.  There was something different about her—something slack in the way she held herself and there was a curiously thoughtful smile upon her lips.  Without taking his eyes of her, he lifted a delicate wine glass to his lips and partook of the bitter liquid.  As she took a seat in the chair across from him, the curious smile faded slowly into a neutral expression. 

            He tilted his head lazily and smiled mockingly, “I do believe that you weren’t in bed this morning.”

            “Of course I was in bed this morning,” Kanako answered steadily, trying not to betray any emotion, “you were perhaps dreaming or sleepwalking…”

            He regarded her incredibly expressionless visage and mused to himself.  Her eyes always betray her…  He remained silent, enjoying the way her hair framed her face as he lifted the glass to his lips once more.

            “You’ve been sneaking out,” Thorne stated gruffly, trying to distract himself with the reddish liquid that sloshed about in its glass, “to meet who, I wonder.”

            “I haven’t been sneaking--.”

            “Don’t lie to me, Kanako,” he spat with narrowed eyes, “who did you see?”

            At first, she clenched her jaw, refusing to answer—then, “I did not see anyone, Thorne.”

            She flinched at the sound of glass breaking and drew her face back as he was suddenly standing in front of her, breathing into her face, “Is it a man, Kanako?  You’ve been seeing some filthy, commoner--.”

            “Thorne, you are drunk,” she stated simply as she rose, pushing him away with steady hands, “I cannot speak to you in this state.”

            But before she could even exit the guest room, he had turned her around roughly and pinned her against the wall, clutching at her wrist.  She stared calmly at the dangerous look in her brother’s eyes and felt a hint of trepidation course through her.  Steadily, she tried to twist her hand out of his grasp but he only gripped harder.

            “Have you told someone about us?”  He demanded forcefully, “TELL ME!”

            “I haven’t said anything…” Kanako trailed off fearfully, “please don’t--.”

            “You KNOW not to lie to me!”  He hissed, slamming her hand against the wall, “You TOLD SOMEONE.”

            “NO, I HAVEN’T!”  She shrieked back, and repeated softly, “I haven’t…”

            She sighed as she felt the grip on her wrist loosen and stared breathlessly, anxiously waiting for Thorne’s next action.  The way that he was breathing and staring at her seemed to signal he was about to strike her.  Kanako’s lips parted as she allowed a few tears to slide down her trembling jaw.  She drew her hand from his slackened grip to wipe her face.

            “Kanako,” he sighed, also wiping her wet face with his fingers, “I’m sorry… I… I love you.”

            “I-I know,” she nodded with relief, touching his fingers.

            “I don’t want to lose you,” he murmured, sliding his hands along her bare arms to grip her by the shoulders, “you’re the only one I have left… Do you understand?”

            “And you’re the only one I have left, Thorne,” she sighed raising her fingers to the hair in his eyes.

            He nodded as he cupped her face with surprising gentleness and pressed his lips against hers, “You’re mine.”

            “Thorne, what are you doing?”  She murmured softly as she felt herself slowly pushed against an embroidered tapestry.  Kanako watched with astonishment as he leaned down towards her, entangling her fingers with his.

            “I’m sorry, I love you,” Thorne whispered against her lips before plunging into that sweet little mouth.  A terrible blush rose to her cheeks as she closed her eyes, realizing just who was kissing her.  The memory of Marianna’s shocked face suddenly came to her.  What was he doing to you?  Her eyes opened and she pushed him away, staring apprehensively at him.  I don’t know, but I didn’t dislike it.  For a moment he stared at her, then his fingers were suddenly at the straps of her dress and he brushed them off of her shoulders, causing her hands to fly up in an attempt to prevent it from sliding off her.

            “Thorne?” Kanako questioned.

            “Trust me,” he said softly, gently prying away her fingers and glimpsing the fabric of her undergarments as he kissed her.  Kanako closed her eyes, welcoming the feel of Thorne’s hands upon her.  She shivered for a reason unknown to her and touched his face with her hands.

            “What the bloody hell are you two doing?!” Came an outrageously loud voice.

            Kanako pulled away as she pulled the fabric of her gown back up to its proper place and stared at the scowling red-haired girl standing in the hallway.  The girl was around their age, though dressed very differently in what looked like commoner clothes.  Kanako noticed something familiar about her, as the girl placed her arms across her ample bust.

             “And you will explain how you got in here, dear cousin,” Thorne smirked calmly.

            “It’s Annalisse, Thorne.”