"I apologize for how that girl treats you"

Bette turned to face him and shook her head, "Your apology isn’t necessary. She was most likely frightened"

Tina’s father stroked his long blonde beard that was streaked with white, "You have a point. I’m glad at least you have the strength to challenge her. Many feel intimidated to do so, which is why none last as her Caretaker"

Bette nodded, "Well I’m glad I can keep up with her. I promise your highness, I’ll be sure to keep a closer watch on her. I wasn’t expecting her to sneak away so early in the day"

Tina’s father held out his hands and shook his head, "You’re doing a fine job. Thank you for everything, now get some rest. We’ll discuss the events of today, tomorrow morning"

Bette bowed in front of Tina’s father, "My Lord"

As she walked into the palace, she bowed her head at Tina’s mother and disappeared behind the stone walls.

*****

Tina was fast asleep in her bed chamber, laying on her stomach with her face comfortably resting on plush pillows. The wooden door to her bed chamber made a very slight creak that any untrained person wouldn’t have heard. Lucky for Tina, she had been well trained.

Tina kept her eyes closed and very discreetly reached for a small knife she had under her pillow when she felt a weight on her back, pressing her deeper into the mattress. Soft hands slid up her arms and pinned her wrists in place over her head, the touch instantly calming her as she felt a someone bury their face into her blonde hair and inhale deeply.

"Thought you were funny teasing me like that huh?"

Tina had to press her lips together to fight off a moan as she exhaled but said nothing. She felt the hands above her shifting, expertly holding onto Tina’s wrists with one hand while the other slowly ran soft fingers through Tina’s blonde wavy locks and moved the hair that was covering her neck.

The next moan escaped easily as Tina felt soft lips press against the delicate flesh on her neck. Tina shut her eyes tightly as she felt a warm tongue trace along her neck, all over her favorite spot. She instinctively arched her lower body, backing it into the warm body on top of her and moaned softly again. Tina heard a soft feminine chuckle coming from the one on top of her.