I am not in the best of moods after several days hard flying. My dislike for elves is known and yet I could not refuse my queen's bidding to travel into the elven kingdom.

Many rave about the beauty of elves. Personally, I cannot see it. The men are far too effeminate and the women, well there is nothing to hold on to. Worst of all their magic is cold, not fire and passion like a Dragonite's.

I find it hard to believe this slip of a girl is really the mysterious elven princess, who has sent all the political cogs whirring. I really have no interest in idle gossip, unless it pertains to Babylon's security.

Normally strangers tremble and cower before me, yet this ice maiden's poise is resolute and her gaze does not falter from mine. Everything about her screams that she is going to be trouble. However, I will take her by force if need be.

"Princess Elissa?" I query.

"I am she .... and you are?" The cool and haughty edge to her voice grates on my nerves.

I can feel Antares's amusement vibrating through our bond and I snap. You were supposed to be intimidating, not let her pet you like some dragonlet.

I like her! the dragon replies, completely unabashed.

Ignoring him, I respond to the girl, "Lord Kai. Queen Seraphina of the Dragonites requests your presence at the Red Palace of Babylon. I have been sent to personally escort you there."

"And if I do not wish to accept her invitation?" she retorts in a falsely sweet voice.

I am not amused. "I do not believe you foolish enough to decline."

My lip curls into a sneer and I look to the heavens where two dark shapes are circling in the sky. I would not have taken a mission to the elven lands without my right-hand men. The twin brothers are fearsome warriors and with our dragons we could take out an army.

"Let us depart, princess." I emphasise the word 'princess' as if it is an insult.

I find elves soulless and emotionless, yet there seems to be a fire brewing in her eyes.

"Lord Kai." She pauses, commanding my attention. "What if I do not wish to submit to you?"

An image of our bodies engulfed in flames inexplicably flashes in my mind and her submitting in an altogether different way. I have no attraction to this irksome female and quickly quash the absurd thought. Antares's laughter echoes in my head.

Cease that noise. Tell Cain and Cade to join me.

I hold out my hand, whilst my voice lowers, somewhere between a threat and a dark promise. "It really would be in your best interest to come without resistance."

The girl's dress and silvery hair billows around her as the dragons land behind her. There are several thuds as my men jump down and together we form a loose but lethal circle around her. There is no escape.

Rather than appearing intimidated, she graciously says, "As the invitation is from your queen, I suppose it would be rude not to accept it. First, I will say farewell to my travelling companion. I would not want some political upset if my family thought that I was not going with you willingly."

She looks expectantly at me. I do not want to give ground to this female, however, her reasoning is sound. Gritting my teeth, I reluctantly move to one side and watch her walk towards the building. There is a low sniggering from behind and I spin around and level my men with a burning stare before marching in pursuit.

I catch the door just as it is swinging shut and place my other hand on the doorframe, stooping in order to enter the hostelry. Cain and Cade follow immediately behind me. I scan the room to assess any threats and escape routes.

This place has the scent of money with well-heeled clientele sat in richly brocaded armchairs. I am rewarded with several cool stares. Elves think themselves so refined and intellectual. Unperturbed, I cross my arms and glower back at them until they look away.

With the exception of the brown-haired elf standing protectively in front of the princess, everyone here is a light elf. The pair walk over to meet us.

"May I introduce you to my good friend, Darish?" The princess indicates to the elf beside her. "Darish, may I introduce you to Lord Kai, emissary of Queen Seraphina of the Dragonites. I'm afraid that I do not know his companions."

I simply nod, not bothering with introductions as we are not here to make friends.

"Right." Her gaze flits about the place. "Look, you guys seem to be garnering attention. Why don't you sit down and have a drink while I retrieve my bag?"

Once we are seated, she turns swiftly, causing a slit in her skirt to swish open and reveal black leather trousers. This is not normal attire for an elf. Could a spy be at work?

I grab her wrist before she can escape and glare at her ankles. "Were you expecting us?"

"What? Oh, these." She cocks a slender, leather-clad leg. "A gift from a Dragonite friend of mine. You know, earlier I was just thinking what a beautiful night it would be for a dragon ride. Then lucky me, you came along."

The quip almost has me smiling. "Well, I will have to see that I do not disappoint you then."

She gently places her hand over mine, reminding me that I still have her wrist in my grasp. A jolt travels up my arm and causes flames to flicker excitedly beneath my skin, begging to be let out.

I slowly un-peel my fingers and watch like a hawk as she moves with graceful steps across the room to the bar. An impressive array of bottles lines the shelves behind a highly polished counter. The barman is edgy, yet his shoulders start to relax as they converse.

She returns and places a tray on our table, containing a bottle of amber liquid and four glasses. "Zane drank firewater, so I asked for the strongest that they have."

Zane? I wonder, could it be? I push that thought aside and eye the vessel, wondering whether it could be poisoned. I cannot detect any evidence of deception in her eyes, a hint of humour perhaps.

Gesturing to the tray, I point out, "There do not seem to be enough glasses."

"I am afraid that I do not have your stamina for liquor."

Still suspicious, I fill the glasses and indicate for her companion to drink first. He takes a draught and seems fine, so I down a glass. Begrudgingly, I have to concede that it is actually not bad.

"Darish," she places her hand on the elf's shoulder, "I'm just going to pop up to your room."

Cain is just picking up his glass when I give a slight shake of my head and motion towards the retreating figure of the princess. Wordlessly, Cain nods in response and follows her.

"Lord Kai, I entreat you to protect Princess Elissa while she is in your care, " Darish requests earnestly. "She may seem strong, but she is still so tender of age and there are those that might wish her harm."

I bristle. "I have been commanded by my queen to ensure her safe passage. I can assure you that I am more than capable of defending her. How old is she anyway? You people all look the same to me."

"She is a mere twenty solars."

"Does not that make her a child by your standards?" I frown. "Why was she allowed to leave the protection of the elven court?"

He does not speak, but the elf's sardonic smile gives me the answer nevertheless. Just what I do not need, a spoilt runaway child. I pour another drink and down it. "Ishtar give me strength. I just knew that she would be trouble!"

"I promise that she is worth the trouble. I would lay down my life for her."

"I am sure that can be arranged." My derisive remark earns me a raised eyebrow. There is something almost likeable about him, so I concede, "How about if I agree to lay down the lives of those that would seek to harm the princess?"

"That would be agreeable." He nods, then his eyes soften as his gaze is drawn to something behind me.

I look over my shoulder and there is the princess wrapped in a cloak and holding an odd-looking bag. I want gone from this place and rising, I bark out harsher than I mean to, "We leave now!"