"Zander, I need to use your mirror to report to our Queen," I state in a tone which is possibly a tad brusque. I have no particular issue with him, yet there is an unspoken rivalry between us.

He nods his head and bids me to follow him. My inner fire is unsettled. I think it must be the strain of being in another lord's domain. Once the door is closed and I am alone, I command the mirror to link me through to Babylon.

The surface liquifies and my reflection is swallowed in silver. When it settles, I am faced with the more appealing image of Seraphina, the Queen of the Dragonites. She is reclined on a chaise and wearing an exceptionally flimsy dress, which does little to cover her voluptuous body.

She kindled my fire once and although we both agreed that it was not to be, we are occasional lovers. Often, the sight of her stirs something in me, yet tonight, I feel nought but duty.

"Well done, Kai. I knew that my favourite warrior would not fail me."

"My Queen." With a fist against my chest, I bow.

She pouts and teases, "So formal tonight. Worry not. Bring the princess to Babylon and your duty will be done. I will have to see that you are suitably rewarded," she purrs out.

It is a relief that this mission will soon be over, or at least it should be a relief, if not for the nagging doubt that refuses to be silenced. "Seraphina, why did you want the princess captured?"

"Lucifer requested it of me." She shrugs as if it is nothing, yet there is a tightness in those bare shoulders.

I feel my face scrunching. I find it hard to trust him. My loyalty to Seraphina is born as much from affection and respect, as that of a lord serving his queen. I was there to pick up the pieces when her affair with the so-called High King turned sour and he betrayed her.

My unmasked distain for him must be showing because she goes on to justify, "He was worried for his niece and did not wish her to fall into Nero's hands again. Apparently that foul miscreant has an unhealthy interest in the poor girl."

Dark elves are an unwelcome remnant from the Great War and Nero is the worst of them. I have an overriding desire to fly out to find him and exact revenge.

"See you in two days hence, my darling." Seraphina flutters a hand and once more I face my reflection.

I return to my room to dress for dinner, though I can only muster sparse enthusiasm for being sociable. I cannot help mull over the princess, for each new piece of information about her slices into me like a blade, cutting away my misconceptions and leaving me feeling raw.

......

When I stride into the dining hall, everyone is already seated, and all eyes turn to me. This is probably in part due to my tardiness and in part due to my reputation as a warrior. Zander beckons me over to the high table. Cain and Cade are on one of the tables just below the dais and are already flirting with all the females around them.

Elissa is sat between Zane and Zander. She looks different tonight, radiant somehow, although perhaps it is just that she is smiling for once. My flames surge beneath my skin. Aggravated, I rein them in and take a seat between two Dragonite females.

The female on my right is exceedingly buxom with dark glossy hair, inviting cinnamon eyes and has a disregard for personal space. The female on my left keeps praising me about my bravery and exploits, however, rather than be flattered, I merely find it irritating.

Meanwhile, Elissa is effervescent and engaged in animated conversation with our hosts. Each time she laughs, which is often, my spine tingles.

A warm hand slides up my right thigh and its owner leans in so close that I am almost overpowered by her musky perfume. "Lord Kai, you must be tired after your travels. Why not let me come and warm your bed?"

She is just the sort of woman I should consort with and yet she does not even raise a flicker from my flames. I am on a mission and do not have the time for frivolous distractions.

You keep telling yourself that, Kai. The sound of Antares sniggering in the back of my head does not improve my mood.

Do you have anything constructive to say? I fire back at the dragon.

Listen to your inner fire, is Antares's enigmatic response.

My fire is defective. I think I may be coming down with a malady.

I have heard love described as a sickness. The amusement is thick in Antares's thoughts.

During our conversation, the woman's hand moves a little too high for my liking and I snap, "Desist."

Just as the ordeal of dinner finally seems over, Zane rises and puts out his arm to Elissa. "Roth would very much like a song if you are willing to indulge."

"Of course, anything for Roth."

She glides across the room on Zane's arm looking every inch a princess. There is no sensible riding dress tonight and instead she wears a regal confection in white silk and glittering gems. I find myself rising and would follow them if not for the hand on my arm. I swivel, expecting to have to turn down another advance and instead I am faced by my host.

"A private word, if you will." Zander does not release his grip until I nod in agreement.

We enter a room with fine carved wooden latticework, although I am in no frame of mind to appreciate the architecture. The sound of voices and laughter carries through the open window and I recognise them as belonging to Elissa and Zane. For some reason, violent thoughts skitter across my mind.

I am given little time to brood, for Zander hands me a glass of liquor with a smoky blue tinge and remarks, "I have not heard him this happy in solars."

The thought of Zane, who's reputation precedes him, with innocent Elissa leaves a sour taste in my mouth and I bluntly respond, "He must choose another conquest."

"You mistake his intent. She is like a sister to him. I would be pleased to give her a home here."

"We must depart on the morrow. Our queen has bid that I bring the princess to Babylon."

Zander smiles, one full of teeth and no hint of warmth, and threatens, "Should any harm come to Elissa while in your charge, I will hunt you down."

He has a sizeable army as his lands border those of the elves, so his threat is not without basis. However, I am offended by the insinuation that I cannot defend her and bite out, "I am more than able to protect my princess."

This time his smile is more natural and belatedly, I realise what I just said.

.......

After a fitful night I abandon the quest of finding any more sleep and rise despite the early hour. My skin feels too tight and I have too much pent-up energy. Grabbing a towel, I leave my room to go in search of the lake we flew over yesterday.

A short way down the corridor, the sound of Zane's voice saying 'go back to sleep, darling' comes from one of the bedrooms. I hurry my step, not wishing an encounter with him.

Once outside, it is a short jog down to the lake and then I am diving into its cool embrace. Swimming helps to clear my mind while the water helps to ease my heated body.

It is hunger that finally drives me to return to the fort. I spot Zane on the terrace above me with a companion. He slips from the bed of one woman to break his fast with another?

I am about to pass on unnoticed when a familiar laugh rings out and I decide to linger a short while under the shade of a tree. I can feel amusement vibrating through the bond from Antares and snap, I do not trust that Dragonite with her.

Zane's voice carries to my hiding place. "Little one, I do not like the idea of you going to Babylon on your own and Roth agrees. We would like to go with you."

"Zane! I would love that. Are you sure?" She sounds really happy and I wonder if I can put up with having that lothario travelling with us.

"We both insist. Actually, you would be helping me out too, for I long to travel again. Plus, it will allow me to keep an eye on Kai. I do not trust him."

I stiffen at the sound of my name.

"He's a grumpy so-and-so, but I sense a noble soul." Elissa laughs. "I've missed you, Zane."

There is a silence and then Zane's voice rises in volume. "Little one! Please answer me. Elissa please."

I can hear the panic in it and abandoning any attempt at keeping cover, I dash up the stairs to find him cradling Elissa's limp body in his arms.

"What did you do with her?" I growl, unable to keep the accusation from my tone.

He looks up at me, despair swirling in his eyes. "She kissed my cheek and then just collapsed."

Suddenly, Elissa sits bolt upright and calls out, "Darish!"

....................