We returned to Cathopia with no problems, mind I had to warn off Edge as he had tried to get Reira’s guards interested in him. I warned if he said one more word to them, I would beat him to a pulp, quickly shut up considering the beating I gave him during the last training session, a part of me didn’t mean to but I needed to let loose.

On arrival within the city, there were more knights on duty, acknowledging my return, none of them were inflicted with dark energy. King Alton or Queen Daz perhaps not taking any chances, mum most probably checked them.

“Reira.” I pulled out the two bags of nectar. “Give these to King Alton.”

“What is it?” She took then but still asked.

“Nectar from the Goddess Plume,” I answered. “He asked me to get it for him, now it’s a gift from you.”

“Understood,” she nodded, putting them in her pouch. I noticed her tail begin to flicker with anticipation as we reached the castle. “Quite the beautiful city, Cathopia first city of the light.” She’d heard of the stories too.

We escorted Reira right up to the throne room, my mission was almost complete. “Here we are.” I spoke. “Through those doors is the king.”

“Thank you.” She bowed gratefully.

My nose twitched as I picked up a scent. “Hunter.” I looked over to one of the pillars, to see him leaning against it casually.

“Prince Hunter.” Reira walked towards him as his gaze fell upon her. “So, your Hunter.” She went straight up to him, so close inches away.

“Reira,” he said her name.

Reira pushed forward kissing him, leaning completely into him. Hunter seemed surprised at first but then kissed back, resting his hands at her sides, she then wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her in even more.

This was kind of embarrassing as we were all looking in different direction, seriously why couldn’t she wait till they were alone.

Reira gently pulled away, licking her lips. “Lightning natural ability, power of a protector.” She touched her lips. “Ops, did I steal your first kiss.” Hunter said nothing his eyes fixed on her. “I look forward to our time together.” She stepped back and headed for the closed doors of the throne room. “Thanks again Fang for the escort.”

I looked at Hunter, who’s eyes stayed on her until she entered the throne room, he shrugged his shoulders and walked off.

“What the hell,” moaned Edge.

Lin jabbed him. “Stop it.”

“Fang your orders?” asked Finn.

“We’re finished for today,” I answered. “Home for some rest and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”

“Understood.” They all headed off, apart from Ibiki.

“Huh…what’s up?” I enquired.

“Seemed a little too comfortable with each other, considering they just met and the way the other females acted in the village.”

“You think they already know each other,” I verified.

“I am only saying what I see,” answered Ibiki.

“I don’t know how; she was brought up in the wilds.” I thought about it. “Mind, you don’t just kiss a stranger like that.”

“I could be wrong,” he shrugged. “Wilds have been known to kidnap males from the roads just to mate during heat.”

“I thought that was just a rumour.” I glanced towards the door.

“All true, almost happened to Uncle Lance,” mentioned Ibiki.

“Really.” I was shocked.

“Master.” I heard Larana. “You’re meant to meet up with Tigra.”

“Oh right,” I nodded. “See you later Ibiki.”

I ran off, after my little outing with Tigra the other day I had decided to build up more on our friendship, perhaps I could help her feelings grow for me.

I headed to a little private restaurant on the edge of the city, right next to the lake. Tigra liked it there as she was not pestered by anyone, being the princess brought a lot of attention.

“Tigra.” I went straight over to her table.

“Alex, you made it,” she smiled. “Did the escort mission go smoothly?”

“Smoothly, yes but ended most strange,” I said sitting down.

“Do tell.” So, I told her what happened between Hunter and Reira. “He kissed back.”

“Yes. Ibiki thinks there is a possibility they might know each other.”

“More like impossible. Remember royalty aren’t allowed to leave the city without an escort of some kind and this kind of stuff would spread like wildfire,” responded Tigra.

“True,” I agreed. “I won’t lie, a part of me would like to hear Hunter’s thoughts.”

“No thank you, always surrounded by females.” Tigra shook her head.

“Reira said she’d taken his first kiss,” I mentioned.

“You’ll most probably hear about it soon, if something is happening, the servants are rumour machines,” said Tigra. “But for now, don’t even think about it. I love my brother but what he does in his time is up to him.”

“Alright, I get it,” I laughed. “Oh, how is Loki?”

“Still hopelessly bad,” answered Tigra.

“Weird how you and Hunter are geniuses and Loki was born hopelessly hopeless.”

“Well not every Animalia is born gifted,” she smiled. “You know that.”

“True.” I wanted to order some food, but they had stopped serving by the time I had arrived, I felt my stomach rumbling, I would just have to wait till I went home.