Piers left his conversation with Caprice feeling a little uneasy. He hadn't meant to imply his valet was a loner. That was shading things a bit much! But it was true that Bunter didn't always share the full details of his adventures, even to Piers. Ah well, at least Caprice had agreed to remain at the manor with his old friend.
Piers and Hera finished their last minute preparations and soon left on their honeymoon. They were excited about the destination Bunter had chosen for them. (More on the honeymoon in an upcoming chapter.)
_____
Bunter was surprised when Caprice knocked on his bedroom door. He'd known she was staying at the house while His Lordship and Lady were away. That had relieved his mind. But he'd expected to spend some time smoothing over the damage Emad had created in their relationship. Ok, he guessed it was really his own fault, but Emad certainly hadn't helped matters.
Caprice: You know, Marvin, your brother is almost as good as you at storytelling. He came up with a very lively tale about a sultan's harem and two brothers sneaking into the, um, single ladies' section. But I've been thinking about that story, and I'm not so sure something like that could really happen.
Bunter: I wouldn't put too much stock in what Emad says. He's a Natural Born Performer.
Caprice: Yes, well, still. Whatever happened with you two--and I'm sure something did--it's all in the past, right? Anyway, we're living in Ireland, not Persia. No harems here. At all.
Bunter: None whatsoever.
Caprice: I don't know very much about Djinn ladies, Marvin, but Fae females are pretty independent. We don't go in for that sheltered living stuff. You should understand that about me.
Bunter: Never crossed my mind, luv.
_____
Despite Walsh's assurance that there wouldn't be any Woeful Brethren assignments for Bunter in the near future, the man called him. Bunter reluctantly answered the phone.
Bunter: Rats, sir? Couldn't we just send for an exterminator?
Walsh: These are rather unusual rats, I'm told. Large. Aggressive.
Bunter: Monster rats?
Walsh: Well, not so much monsters, but we definitely need a strong hand out there by the lighthouse.
Bunter: The lighthouse? ...(sighs) I'll see what I can do.
_____
After Bunter dashed off to take care of the "rat problem," Caprice played awhile with the dogs and then checked on the aquarium fish. She gave them a little more food, humming to herself. That was when she noticed a new addition to the tank.
It was a cephalopod of some sort. And Caprice sensed he was very, VERY unhappy.
The aura about the creature was muddy, pulsing wildly. It was almost as if he were trying to get her attention. Caprice's Nurturing instincts kicked in. The poor thing needed help, probably missed his home in the ocean.
She couldn't leave him in there. She had to get him back to the sea. Caprice decided she'd just have to explain to whoever had put the little guy in the tank that he'd been traumatized. She'd get him out and carry him down to the harbor in a fish bowl.
Caprice stuck her arm down into the water, gently telling the small beast she meant him no harm.
Caprice: There, there, little fellow. Don't be afraid. I'll have you free again in no time.
The animal moved quickly to her hand and latched on tightly with its tentacles. Caprice jumped at this aggressive move, but relaxed again when she realized she wasn't hurt. She raised her arm out of the water and ...
...almost screamed when the creature shook himself loose, stretched his tentacles, and became a man. A man she knew. Marvin's brother. Emad!
Emad: You are an angel of mercy, my dear. I was afraid I'd be trapped in that infernal tank forever!
Emad: Now then, how can I show you the true depth of my gratitude, sweet Caprice?
