The room served as yet another insight into the life of this enchanting woman. Sebastian led Krista to a sofa and had her sit down and then he sat down beside her.
Taking one of her hands in his he asked, with evident concern in his tone of voice, "What is the meaning of this behavior Krista? Who is that man to you and why were you going to kill him?"
Krista's head was hanging down and her countenance was downcast as she responded softly, "I'm sorry Sebastian! I didn't mean to cause a scene and lose control like that. It won't happen again Sebastian I promise!"
"I know it won't, but you still haven't answered my question. Who is that man to you?"
There was a moment of silence and I saw big tears coursing down her cheeks as she answered, "His name is Count Sarn Nivaron. He is an important magistrate under the governor of Capeacal. When I was very young he saw my mother in the market place and desired her for his own. He tried to buy her from my father, but my father refused so he had my father killed and brought me and my mother to live on his estate as slaves. We were there for a couple of years. My mother was one of his many whores. When he got tired of her he sold us at the slave market."
"I see my dear." Sebastian said patting her hand gently.
"I'll take care of the problem, but this changes our relationship I'm afraid."
Krista looked up at him and said, "I'm sorry!"
Sebastian leaned forward and kissed her on the brow as a father would. "It was going to have to change anyway soon enough."
Sebastian stood up stiffly. "I need to get back to the ball."
Sebastian turned to look at me for a long moment and I wondered what he was thinking. I knew what I was thinking. I'd like to take the confiscated knife in my hand and go back to the ball and shove it in between the ribs of the Count, where a heart should have been located and then snap it off at the hilt.
"Roric, I've noticed that you've shown a marked interest in my companion slave. I assure you this is not a common request on my part, but I need her occupied for the duration of the night and as I am needed elsewhere I give her to you to enjoy however you may wish to."
Krista gasped loudly and cried out, "Sebastian!" in an outraged voice. I was just as shocked and stared mutely at Sebastian, as he walked out the door past me and closed it.