Sunlight

Characters:
Caelsuna
Rider





Rider looked around the throne room as he slowly advanced to where his Emperor sat. Despite the fact that he had been summoned here before, the place was still a marvel to him. He smiled when his gaze found the Emperor's and he inclined his head in a small bow before making a full bow, his right arm across his chest, covering his heart, when he got close enough. "You summoned me, your majesty?" He kept his eyes at the man's feet, one did not look upon the face of the Emperor without his permission.

"Yes... Rider." The King was leafing through some papers on his lap before he looked up to see the knight. "I'm sure you have heard... that our neighboring kingdom's prince has found a suitable bride. Due to our treaty, it would look bad if I didn't send a gift of quite importance unto the newlyweds." He smiled, then held out a small parcel in front of him, "I'd like you to deliver this. Unfortunately, it has an odd way of making servants want to put the necklace on, and it has come down to a matter of trust. And I trust you to deliver this package."

"I am to be a delivery boy, sir?" Rider asked him, almost dumbfounded. It took everything in him not to simply stare at the man upon the throne. It seemed like a waste of his abilities to him. The king had mentioned it was a matter of trust, so at the very least there was that to quell his conscience. His mind was desperately trying to wrap itself around what the package could be that he would be needed to deliver it.

"The desert that lies between us and our allies is dangerous, and in combined with this amulet's...annoying ability to sway the weak minded, I need my most trusted knight to take this assignment." He glanced down at his papers again before adding, "Humbly."

Rider bowed his head, hand over his heart again. "It will be as you command, my liege." He still could not believe what he was hearing. How could an amulet sway someone into putting it on? He was honored by the King's trust in him to carry this out, however much he wanted to know what it all had in store.

"Good. You may leave as soon as you are ready. Their marriage is in two weeks, which gives you plenty of time to get there. You can take one of the Khal'haled war horses, just in case you run into any... trouble in the desert." Brutish but smart, they have been known to fend off small dragons by themselves, and provide an exceptional ally if a whiptail attacked him.

"As you wish." He told the king, then turned and left the chamber. It took him only a few moments to gather the necessary equipment before heading to the stables to choose a mount. Once he had his horse saddled and all the gear settled, he swung himself up and looked at the package for the first time. It was just a simple little box, the king had told him of its contents, but still he couldn't believe he was ordered to deliver a box. He sighed and placed it inside of his cloak. Pulling his hood down over his face, he left the stable and the palace behind, venturing out into the hot sandy wasteland.

A few hours into the desert, the box began to vibrate ever so slightly within his pocket. It was almost as if it were trying to contact him.

Rider reigned the horse in to a slower trot. They had been riding at an increased speed for those first few hours in; slowing down now would help him to bring the horse to a stop in a little while for the first rest. Sure he could ride the whole way on one of these beasts at such a speed, though the poor creature would be lame or dead by the end of the ride. Once the horse came to a slow pace, he let the reigns slack enough to give his hands some freedom. He let out a sigh as he flexed his neck, rolling his shoulders until his neck gave a resounding pop. Feeling the box's vibrations, he pulled it from his coat and looked at it curiously.

The box increased in movement, literally bouncing in his hand. It stilled after a moment, still humming while it numbed parts of his palm. Abruptly it fell silent.

He looked at the box curiously as his hand went numb. He remembered what the king had told him, that others had tried to put it on and that was why he was to deliver it. He could be trusted. But still... a little look wouldn't hurt, would it? He bit his lip and opened the box slowly.

Instantly, the medallion flung itself free, forcing itself around his neck. The horse spooked under him, and began to bolt at full speed into the desert, with Rider holding on for dear life. He slowly began to grow, and got bigger and bigger until the horse couldn't run any further and the neck looked so inviting to snack on...

Rider was appalled by the sudden desire to eat his horse. He looked down at it in wonder, especially since it had appeared to shrink beneath him now. But the didn't make any sense. He looked down at his hands and make a quick back-pedaling motion, his hind claws digging deep into the sand. Hind claws?! He whipped his head around and sure enough, his claws were digging into the sand, his tail gently flowed back and forth across the surface of the hot sands as if it had every business being there. And why shouldn't it? he thought and then shook his head. Maybe because it wasn't there a minute ago?! he shouted to his own mind. His breathing was getting rough as he started to panic. Somehow he had just been turned into a massive dragon

Free at last! Shouted a foreign voice in his head, as his head raised itself and let out a throaty roar. The echo surrounded them and exploded out onto the desert, making the horse shrill in pain and spook again, bolting away from the dragon in fear.

He heard the voice and watched as his horse abandoned him, though he certainly could understand it, given his appearance. He took a deep breath and closed his new reptilian eyes. What have you done to me? he asked within his mind, not really expecting an answer but kind of hoping for the best.

You, human, have a strong enough soul to successfully provide me with a place to survive. In turn, I will allow you to be a powerful reckoning force. The dragon bugled again, this time slightly less in power as he began to lope in an entirely new direction than Rider was going previously.

Where are you taking me? I have a job to do, why do you deter me from it?! Rider screamed within his head, desperately wanting answers. Whatever this presence was, it was being rather cryptic about its answers so far.

The dragon laughed, then almost wistfully said, I feel my mate, we are going to her. He sped them past dunes, along cliffs, and finally to a long stretch of dried mud. Can you feel her...? It had taken them merely an hour to travel half way across the desert, into the very heart of it. In the distance, a figure was walking, a human. The dragon pealed out an announcing song.

Turning, the figure spotted them, then the form grew to mirror Rider. Unlike him however, this one was black and blue, and a good foot larger then him.

Your mate? Rider asked as the figured transformed before his eyes. Is that what had just happened to him? He looked through the dragon's eyes, suddenly feeling more complacent with his predicament. He wasn't alone, here was another just like him.

The other dragoness was a good six feet at the shoulder, and these kinds of dragons tended to keep their heads lower then their shoulders. In this case however, the female lifted her head and unleashed a loud bellow in his direction, opening a mouth that could bite a man in half and displayed a brilliant blue inside and an orange tongue. She snorted, sniffing at the air and letting him approach.

Timid, the male approached her submissively. My mate... I have waited so long. He leaned forward and nuzzled the scales of her neck, which she ignored for the most part and was keeping her sharp gaze on the horizon. The dragon held an undying love for her, and Rider could feel it. Then, the female turned her head slightly to rub her horns against his shoulder. And I have waited so long for you. Whispered a feminine voice within his mind.

Rider was nearly overwhelmed by the love he felt between these two great beasts. He wondered if the woman who turned into this was feeling the same way.

On the dragoness' right claw was a golden bangle, along the edges were old runes that represented their ancestors and covered in green precious stones. It began to hum, and the female looked down at it, as it dropped from her black scales. Rider's necklace repeated the same thing, and fell to the sand. We are whole again, She murmured, sidling up against his length and cooing.

He felt the sudden relief wash through him as the necklace fell to the sands. It was an odd sensation, but so far his day seemed full of those. He looked at the dragoness with wonder.

Her long tail draped over his hindquarters, a deep purr starting within her thick throat. Without a moments warning she suddenly leapt in place and bolted forward, literally flying across the sands.

He took after her, eager to catch her as he had done lifetimes ago. His feet surged across the desert floor. Rider didn't understand what all had happened, but he could figure where this was headed for sure. He had seen it many times, the male chasing after the female meant only one thing was on this creature's mind.

Their claws pounded the ground, sending the sand flying in a cloud behind him, an obvious sign to other animals aware enough. Any animal caught in their way would be killed and shared between them. It has been said that once a mating run by two whiptails had lasted three days. Her tail danced lazily in the air behind her, her legs fresh and lean with muscle. She was quite the dragoness in fact, a pure specimen of beauty and might... and her mate was just as worthy. She led the chase, letting him get close, and then snapping at him and renewing the passion. Pausing, she turned in place, churning the sand up and flicking her tongue at the air. She had caught the scent of something.

Rider paused behind her, scenting the air, not certain of what she was smelling. In the back of his mind, he knew he had to go back to where the necklace had fallen, he had to retrieve it. But right now, all his focus was on his mate. His mate... he thought to himself with a smile, and he didn't even know her.

The sound of honking to their right made their heads whip towards the sound. Wild camels. Bellowing, the dragoness bolted after them, bowling one over easily. She clamped her jaws over its head and neck, viciously snapping its neck and decapitating it.

Rider couldn't help himself as he pounced on one of his own, rendering its head from it's neck easily.

They ate quickly, getting blood all over each other. When she was finished, she fondly began licking his neck, but not cleaning him.

He growled softly as her tongue slid across his neck, the sound coming out a bit like a purr. His body shifted and rubbed up against her.

Stop! Yelled a new voice, this one sounding like it came from a human. I'm not ready for this... The dragoness rolled her eyes, then sighed and resting her head over her mates shoulder. I guess she's right... the human within me will prevent us from enjoying this moment.

The male dragon seemed to chuckle, The human within me seems to have accepted this already. A wave of anger flushed through the dragon's mind as Rider retorted with himself, Accepted is hardly what I'd call it beast.

She crooned in reply, almost in laughter. The human within her was pushed back within her mind, her crying fading into nothingness. It wasn't that the female was cruel... but it had been over 500 years since she had been with her mate. Moving beside him, she rubbed up against him, slightly crouched with her tail to the side.

Rider's voice rose to the front. I won't allow this. If she is not willing, I will have no part of this. Either of us! He declared, pushing at his dragon's mind.

The female scoffed and threw her head, Fine. We will wait. Unleashing her tongue, this time to clean him of the blood from their meal, she crooned to him. This loving song was so quiet even to the dragons keen hearing it was barely audible.

It took a tremendous amount of his will, but with the chance to mate again no longer an option, the dragon eventually receded and allowed the man to take shape once more. Rider collapsed to his knees with wavering breath. He couldn't believe he had managed to take back control!

The dragonness standing above him did not change back however, but looked over the human, slight disapproval in her eyes. Then, her form shrunk. A young woman in a skirt and coat appeared, short hair bleached almost white from the sun and brilliant pupilless eyes. Dark blue scales marked her cheeks.

The dragon within him raged at the unthinkable will power this man possessed. To think he was subdued by such a weak creature. Rider looked up and saw the girl before him, "Hello." He said softly.

"Hi..." She whispered, ducking her head and using her toe to move a rock next to her foot. By her coloration she was from the North, one of the civilizations that tried to produce very meek and weak willed women. She was shy, blushing and not making eye contact.

"They call me Rider." He told her, taking a slow step forward. If their dragon halves were mated, at the very least he should know who this woman was.

"My name is Caelsuna." She replied, still not looking up at him. Instead she took in his image through her peripheral vision. It was in her nature not to look directly at a man, so was she raised.

"Caelsuna...a beautiful name." He told her softly. He looked around and then sat himself down in the sand before her. "You said that you were not ready. I will not have a...'mate' who is not ready for it. Is there anything you wish to know about me?"

She tilted her head and looked to the right so she would avoid seeing him directly, but curiosity caused her to glance to him, then slowly meet his eyes. Quickly she looked away and shook her head. "It's... rude for a woman to ask a man a question."

"Even if the man should ask her to do so?" He asked her curiously. Culture was one of the subjects he had always found most entertaining, as well as frustrating.

Caelsuna fidgeted and finally asked, "Are you... married?"

He shook his head, "Never could find the right girl. Always wanted one who could keep up with me." He tapped his temple softly, "I'm sort of an egghead some would say."

This made Caelsuna a little more confident, for in her culture they believed in one man, one woman, that was it. If one died, the other was expected to live a solitary life after. She glanced to him again, this time her gaze lingering on his arm. "Do you... find me attractive?" Such a question was taboo, a woman was only there to please her man, and it didn't matter if the man was young or old and ugly. Caelsuna however had been away from her culture for a while and wanted to be needed, to be liked. The dragon within her rolled her eyes.

Rider looked at her, his eyes moving slowly along her form. The scales were intriguing, but apparently he had them now as well. What would have once been an exotic flavor to him, no longer applied. He smiled softly, "Dear lady I find you more beautiful than my words can describe." He held his arms out before himself, "Do you approve of my appearance?"

A small smile on her lips appeared and she nodded, blushing. Unlike the one she had been promised to, he was young... and fit. Caelsuna blushed again and looked away.

He smiled to himself, he had his answer even before she nodded. "Well that's good I suppose. Where do you come from, dear lady?"

"The North," She replied in a small voice, "Kalien. Where the Oasis' are." Caelsuna looked to him again, or near him, "You?"

"East." He replied, pointing his thumb over his shoulder to indicate such. "Nareem. Where the Imperial Palace is. I was an Imperial Knight."

Caelsuna looked up at him with wide eyes, then remembered her place and returned her gaze to her hands. He was a warrior! She blushed again. Only the elite women in her society were allowed to marry warriors... and she was one of the lowest castes. The dragon inside her growled at that, Elite my ass. Besides, those laws no longer apply to you. Unbeknownst to Caelsuna that message was not just privately told to her.

"I take it by that statement, that you don't find yourself an elite?" Rider asked her curiously, revealing that the dragoness had said it to him as well. "You hold within you the spirit of a mighty dragon, that to me is pretty elite."

"No... you don't understand." Caelsuna sighed. She told him that their society has four levels of a caste system, where her's was near the bottom. She was only allowed to couple with merchants from her same caste and other similar men. "Warriors are... tier three."

"You are right, fair lady, I do not." Rider told her, after she had explained. "I still do not. In my culture, marriages are often arranged, but there are times when they are not. Either of the couple are permitted to ask for the others hand. It is a matter for the heart, not the head."

She nodded that she understood and blushed again. By force of will she lifted her head, her eyes locking with his. "Our dragons are together... it's logical for us to be as well."

"That may be true, Caelsuna, but I have no wish to force this upon you. I have forced my dragon back in the midst of things so not to bring this on you." He told her, looking her in the eyes.

"I know..." She said airily, admiring his will. "Its just... I've been this dragons vessel for a few years... and her yearning for her mate has always been a great weight upon both our hearts." One of her hands rubbed her arm and Caelsuna looked away.

"I can understand where she is coming from. The heart is powerful, urgent with its wants..." This time, it was his turn to look away. He could feel the dragon's desire to be with his mate once more. It fueled the desperate fire within Rider's own heart. Here before him sat a beautiful young woman, who's own inner self wanted him just as much as he wanted her. It would not be much longer, he felt, before the call of the dragons would be impossible for them to heed.

"Come." She said suddenly, a strange moment of her taking charge. "I felt you had a connection with the dragon amulet you carried, you... need it." Caelsuna stood and the dragon form took over. She lowered her shoulder so he could climb on. The dragoness held a respect for Rider now and moved her large head back in the direction they had came.

Rider climbed atop the dragoness' shoulder and settled at the base of her neck. "I was charged with delivering the amulet to the kingdom across the desert. My Emperor found me to be the only suitable man for the job."

Probably due to my mate. Should be harmless now. She told him, taking off at a light trot in the direction they came. It took a few hours, but they arrived, the two pieces of jewelry laying untouched in the glinting sun.

"Hard to believe they aren't even buried in the sand by now." Rider said as he slid from her neck. He had lost all sense of time since the dragon spirit had taken over his body. He moved over to the jewelry and picked them up. He carefully put the amulet back into its box and then placed the box within his cloak again. He picked up Caelsuna's bracelet and turned to the dragon. "Shall I hold this for you until you are back in her form?"

She in reply turned her nose up at the piece of jewelry. We can sell it when we reach civilization, Caelsuna said quietly. Also... He could feel her suddenly become uncomfortable. The dragoness snorted, You will most likely need to find a hood, so that the humans do not become alerted to us. Hide your eyes, and your face as much as possible.

"I have a hood, it's to protect me from the wind, but I suppose it would work for that as well." Rider stated, pulling his hood up over his head.

Come. I will get us to within a few miles of any habitation. You will find the heat is now barely noticeable now that you are a vessel of a great dragon. She lowered her shoulder again so he could mount.

"I never did quite notice it to begin with." He told her with a smile as he mounted her elongated neck. He rubbed her scales affectionately as he settled into place. "I do hope you'll be changing back out of sight of the village."

The dragon snorted, but sighed, Yes, of course. She took off at a gentle trot towards the kingdom he wanted to go to. Neither the dragon nor Caelsuna understand why this was so important to him.

"I am a man of duty, sworn to deliver this to the neighboring kingdom, Caelsuna. I am sorry that I simply cannot leave everything behind. I have my duty, and when it is done, I will have to return to my king." He told her, explaining the importance of this as best as he could.

Caelsuna shook her head, I... I cannot. The dragon will not allow me to live in the kingdom. She deserves to be free.

"I did not say I would remain there." He told her softly, running his hand along her scales. "Only that I must return. I will have to tell him of the successful delivery and then bid him farewell. No doubt, my lord will be disappointed to see me go, but I know full well that I must."

After a moment she nodded, and bent her head to increase her speed. Within an hour they could see the dark stain of a city on the horizon. She slowed to a walk. She wanted to get as close as possible without turning back, as the dragon was reluctant to let her have her human form.

He on the other hand was reluctant to let his dragon have his own form. He wanted to keep his wits about him, it was what made him such a valuable warrior. The dragon was instinct, plain and simple. He knew that as soon as he became bonded with the creature. It was an ancient being, that much he could tell, but it mattered not to him. He was sure that given time they would find a comprise, but for now he needed to remain as he was, for Caelsuna. If he were the dragon, nothing would stop the two from mating.

The sun was beginning to dim, casting hues of purple and pink across the sky. The dragoness was tiring. Shrugging him gently from her back, Caelsuna took form and stumbled. She recovered and stood, then turned back to him. "Will... we have lodgings for the night?" She asked him, blushing and twirling a stray thread in her fingers.

He looked at her and couldn't help but smile. He nodded slowly, "Certainly. I am an emissary of the king. I have no doubt that they will give us the greatest of accommodations." He had been on missions like this before, well not exactly like this one. He had never been used as a delivery boy prior to this. However, he had been to this kingdom before and was certain that they would give him a decent enough room to lodge in for the evening.

She didn't respond directly, instead lifted her hood over her hair, covering her eyes. Glancing back at him, she waited for him to do the same.

He pulled his hood up and looked at her curiously. "Were you not wanting a place to stay the night, Caelsuna?"

"Ah..." She stuttered, wringing her hands. "It is not that... just... I have no money." Caelsuna looked away, her blush apparent even in the fading light.

Rider took her chin softly in his hand and turned her back to look at him. His thumb rubbed her cheek delicately, "I wouldn't be much of a mate, if I could not provide." He smiled and kissed her cheek. "This is official business, there's usually no charge on such matters."

Her blush deepened and spread to her neck, and she stuttered a few times again but couldn't say anything audible. Finally she sighed, then, "Let us go then." and started walking towards the city.

He smirked a little and walked alongside her. "Tell me more about yourself, please. If I'm to be with you, I would like to know you."

Caelsuna was quiet for a few minutes before she began speaking, the crunching of the pebbles beneath them comforting her. "I was born in a family of seven, all sisters. I was the middle child. I was deemed a normal child with a normal life, and I was destined to be wedded to a normal merchant. We were engaged for a year, and during that year he was very lucky with his sales, and he became very wealthy. He received a gift, the dragon bracelet for our wedding, and the night before I was allowed to put it on. I transformed. Luckily my family wasn't there." She sighed. "I ran away. I was scared."

"That's only natural, given what happened." He told her thoughtfully. He enjoyed hearing her speak, her voice was utterly delightful to him.

"What... about you?" She asked, looking at him, then looking away. Caelsuna was making progress as she didn't instantly turn her gaze.

"I'm an only child. My father was a member of the Royal guard and I was trained just about from birth to join the guard alongside him. Started weapons training when I was seven." Rider told her and then sighed. "It was not an easy life, but I was quite glad that my father saw reason behind his madness. He didn't want a mindless soldier for a son." He smiled at that thought and couldn't help but chuckle. "If only he could see me now...He made sure that I read in the library every day, and eventually I grew addicted to learning. Strange isn't it?"

"I... I guess." She flushed. She was never taught how to read.

"I must have read every book in the library, some I know I've read twice." He told her with a smile. "I remember every word I've ever read, so I cannot explain why I would re-read a book, but I do anyway."

Caelsuna couldn't help but smile a little bit, as his was infectious. She suddenly grew bold and reached for his hand, but stopped herself and began to pull back, muttering an apology.

He turned and looked at her curiously. "Pardon?" He asked her, wondering what it was that she was apologizing for.

"N-nothing!" She tucked her hands to her body and folded them, looking away from him and to the city they were near instead.

"Caelsuna? You don't have to be shy with me." He told her softly.

"I... I know it's just..." She sighed, "I'm not like you... I'm not supposed to engage a man in conversation. It's not... appropriate." Caelsuna sighed again, having trouble with fighting what she had been taught as a child, as a lifestyle.

"I understand, but still...silence tends to make me a little bit uncomfortable. Now, don't get me wrong, it does have it's place." He told her with a smile. "When I'm reading, the last thing I want is for someone to be standing there trying to talk to me."

"Well, yes." Caelsuna shrugged. He still didn't understand, at least she didn't think he did.

"So in your culture, it is improper for a female to speak to a male, even if he were to be asking her questions?" Rider asked her curiously, trying to grasp the concept.

"It is... improper to..." She suddenly shook her head. "I, just... just forget about it. I have to keep reminding myself I am not apart of that anymore." Her eyes looked to him, then she smiled a little.

He smiled back, just wanting for her to feel comfortable. "As you wish it, dear one."

Caelsuna coughed, but laughed lightly. It would take a ton of getting used to how he talked to her, but she was beginning to like it.

"I must warn you though, where we are headed, there will be those who wish to speak with you." He cautioned her gently, "Some will undoubtedly be other men."

"Well you can speak on my behalf!" She said, her eyes seeming to plea with him. "You... well you're now my mate. For the dragons... she is alpha, but for us, you are." She shrugged, looking away. "I trust you."

He smiled, he was quite glad to have won her trust, especially so quickly. "I will speak for you as often as I must. But I must insist that you not stay quiet the entire time, alright? Can we compromise that much?"

"I... I will try." They were entering the outskirts now, passing through a wall into the actual city. Two stationed guards watched them enter, but did not stop or question them.

Rider smiled and offered his arm to her. It was a standard embrace between 'mates' of his own people. He was glad that they were compromising. She had such a lovely voice, it was a shame not to hear it.

Caelsuna blushed again, and was hesitant, but she ever so softly placed her hand in his elbow, then pressed herself to him to avoid a drunken man who had stumbled in their path.

He smiled and linked his arm with her's. He saw the drunken man and would try to repay the man for his drunken stumble. He had done him a favor after all.

This wasn't so bad. Caelsuna tried to ignore the heat in her navel and the moistness of her underclothes. She had never touched a man this long. She almost began to look forward to what the night could bring, then flushing and remembering what the old women used to tell her. Pain, domination. That's what the night would bring, the man would take what he wanted.

He lead her towards the castle. With any luck they would be done with this business quickly enough. He was to deliver this as a wedding present, then they should be given a room for the night. He felt the dragon's need to be with his mate, and understood it entirely. It had been a very long time for him as well. He knew the dragon's desire to be with her and he wanted it as well, but he would not force himself on her. He simply couldn't do that to her...

Caelsuna was oblivious to his thoughts, and the dragoness kept her yearning to herself for once. They spent the next hour walking to the castle, and when they reached the gates Caelsuna took a step behind him, looking over his shoulder.

He looked over his shoulder at her and found himself smiling again. He sighed happily and pulled the chain that would ring the bell positioned on the opposite side of the gate. Oh the wonders of technology! A gatebell! Will wonders never cease? After pulling on the cable, he patiently awaited the response from the gate's guardian.

The guards pulled open a small window to speak to Rider, them uttering some words Caelsuna could not hear. They opened the gate a moment later, guiding them through several corridors till they reached the head of the guard's office. He was inside, a dark skinned, serious man filing paperwork. He looked up as they entered, "Yes?"

"I come bearing a gift for the wedding, from the Emperor of the Golden Sands." Rider announced formerly, sweeping his right leg out before him, his arms out wide, and his head bowing down. It was the traditional formal bow of the Golden Sands, he knew it looked ridiculous sometimes, but in the right clothing and setting it was a breathtaking pose.

His bow made it so the head of the guard could see Caelsuna, and she made a soft sound of surprise and tried to do a bow of her own before blushing and looking away. The man before them raised an eyebrow, but asked to see the box, and examined the pendant. "This is a generous gift. You must be taxed from your journey here, see my man outside for sleeping arrangements."

"The Empire thanks you for your hospitality." Rider exclaimed as he stood. "And I thank you as well, good sir." He bowed a far simpler bow for the captain of the guard. He felt the urge to leave the man's presence, but at the same time, the compulsion not to without permission.

He nodded them away, then went back to his paperwork.

A man outside showed them to a room, that with a bathroom connected two bedrooms. One for each of them.

Well that was certainly a surprise to him. He looked at Caelsuna as their escort left. "Separate rooms, are you alright with that?" He asked her curiously. He was expecting a single room for the both of them, but being given a double?

"Umm.." She looked away, "Yeah, I guess."

He couldn't help but smile at her. Having separate bedrooms would certainly take the pressure off of their recent mate bonding. Though at the same time, he couldn't stop himself from feeling sympathetic to the urges of his newly formed other half.

Caelsuna looked away and rubbed her arm, the dragoness pleading with her. "Maybe... another night." She said quietly, then dismissed herself into the second bedroom.

Rider stood there, watching her go. Wishing, hoping, urging silently that she turn around and return to him. The dragon was restless, his mate was walking away! How could this human just stand here and let her go?! He kept clenching and unclenching his fists, willing himself not to run after her. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her off and he knew full well that running after her would do just that. He couldn't stop his eyes from watering as he saw the door close and he felt as if there was no air left in the chamber. He meandered mindlessly to the bed and discovered he was sitting, still staring at the door.

The dragon within her felt just as helpless as he did, unable to change the human's mind. Caelsuna dropped to her knees against the door that separated, feeling bad, feeling like she had let them down. A few hours passed, and she had slipped into the bed, but could not sleep. Finally, she stood, dressed only in her shirt, which was quite long and reached down to her mid thigh. Caelsuna swallowed. her hand reached for the door separating them, and froze.

Would you have willing gone to Ashker's bed? The dragon asked her quietly. That would have been my duty, he was my betrothed. She whispered back.

And Rider isn't?

The woman sighed, "But he's so... so..." A ghostly form of the dragon appeared next to her, and Caelsuna leaned against her and hid her face. "He's perfect, and that scares you." She uttered, nudging her away gently. "Go to him."

Caelsuna sniffed, then, with a new understanding, she opened the door...

Rider was laying down on the bed. He couldn't bring himself to cover up with the covers. His clothing lay in a neatly folded mass on the trunk at the foot of the bed. He was curled into a fetal position, his back facing the door. His body wanted sleep, but his minds were restless. Though the body took what it needed, he gained no rest.

The small woman took a few steps into the room, and froze when she saw him, bare before her. She almost backed out.

As if feeling her presence in the room, he let out a quite sigh of contentment and began to relax out of the fetal position he was presently curled up in. A whimper escaped his lips as she almost backed out, again as if sensing her.

The dragoness took over out of protecting her counterpart. She was curious, as she had never seen a human male naked before and moved to the bed, then reached out a hand and touched his shoulder. His skin was mottled with scaring and muscle.

The whimpering ceased as soon as she touched him. A light sigh eased from him as she did so and he rolled towards her, opening his eyes slowly. "You came..." he whispered, a smile upon his face. To him, it was incredible just how much of a difference her very presence made. He wasn't sleeping well at all, he felt the change as soon as she came in. It was so abrupt a change, it startled him awake. The smile was genuine and he couldn't help but reach an arm out as well. "Did I wake you?"

"...No." Caelsuna moved to the side and sat on the bed, her eyes not straying from his face. There wasn't much light, other then the moon's rays but she didn't want to chance seeing anything she shouldn't. "You are... indecent." To her credit she did not blush.

"I was sleeping..." He offered as an excuse for it. He grabbed the cover and pulled it up over his waist. He smiled softly, "Better?"

She smiled as well and nodded, then looked away. "It's strange, throughout the day I wondered if it would have been easier if we had just... mated in dragon form."

He chuckled softly and shook his head. "I think that would have made it awkward between us. Don't you?" He smiled at her and reached out his hand to take hers. "You said you were not ready."

Caelsuna looked away again, "I had no idea who you were, or what you were like." Fear flickered across her face as she drew her arms around her knees, bringing them to her chest. "I have never lain with a man."

He sat up in the bed and placed his hand on her shoulder softly. "And now that you know me, how do you feel?" He asked her curiously, wondering if now she found him acceptable.

Her head leaned towards his hand, enough to feel the heat. "If there was such a man to protect me, and understand me," She began after a few minutes, her eyes closing. "-the dragon has found the most suitable soul." A tear slid down her cheek, as she had admitted it to herself.

He turned his hand over and cupped her face softly. "Why don't you lay down, Caelsuna?" He asked her in proposition. He had no intention of doing anything without her direct permission, but they could at least take it slow for now.

Caelsuna blushed, but scooted backward across the bed, taking her place at his right. The bed was soft and cool, inviting after the heat of the desert air. She was quite scantily clad, and him not clothed at all. Blushing again, Caelsuna wondered what her mother would think of this, if she ever saw her again.

He couldn't help but smile when she joined him in the bed. He had to do a little adjustment of his meager coverings in order to hide his excitement from her. The last thing he wanted was for her to notice that... especially right now. He rolled onto his side and looked at her. "Tha... that's a nice outfit."

"...thanks." She was puzzled why he would comment, but smiled none the less. My this is awkward. Caelsuna thought to herself.

Tentatively, Rider reached a hand out and ran his fingers lightly along her arm. "I am glad you came...I..I missed you." There was something different in his voice there, it sounded almost as if the phrase were spoken, not by one voice, but by two.

"I know." She responded, but the dragon remained silent.

"Will..will you stay?" He asked her softly, not wanting to startle her. The last thing he wanted right now was for her to leave again. He'd never felt this way towards anyone before. He'd been in relationships in the past, and he had barely even met this woman...but the thought of her staying the night in a separate room...it unnerved him and left him feeling empty.

Caelsuna swallowed. She had been afraid he was going to ask that of her. However, Rider had only asked her to stay, not to bed with him. That was okay. She nodded in reply.

Again, he felt himself sigh in bitter sweet relief. She would stay...he felt as if he could breathe again, and then realized he had been holding his breath, waiting for her response. He felt himself blush and he looked down, a little ashamed of himself. What was happening to him?

"What is wrong?" She asked him, a little bit of her curious nature seeping through her shy outer core. She thought he would be happy from her answer.

He looked at her and smiled, "I just realized I was holding my breath...waiting to see what you would say." His face was flushed again, but this time he did not look away from her.

"I.. see." She blinked, then found herself moving slightly toward him. It was only a few inches however it startled her that she had done that naturally that she stopped. Caelsuna blinked again. His hand on her arm was giving her butterflies.

His hand slid down the length of her arm and his fingers sought the spaces between her own as he laid there looking at her. He couldn't help but smile, though he still couldn't comprehend what this woman had done to him.

"You're not tired?" She yawned after that. Surely he was, after all, wasn't everyday one turned into a drake.

"Exhausted." He told her softly, her yawn had triggered his own. He readjusted and moved himself closer to her, hoping the movement didn't startle her away. He just wanted to hold her while he slept, make sure she was safe, make sure she was really there...

Caelsuna let out a small sound of surprise. She didn't move away however, instead sat there half upright, confused a little and slightly embarrassed. Very aware they were both barely clothed, she fought to calm her breathing and her fluttering heart.

"Will you stay and sleep here, beside me?" He asked her sleepily. He didn't want her to leave. He truthfully didn't think he would be able to sleep if she were to return to her own room.

"Okay." She whispered after a minute and settled back, trying to get comfortable. Caelsuna moved her hand out of his and moved, so that her back was to him. Her back touched his chest ever so slightly.

Cautiously, he held his hand out above her, and in a shaky voice asked, "C-could I put my arm around you?" He couldn't believe he was being so nervous! Never before had his confidence been stolen from him like this.

Caelsuna swallowed for the uncounted time, closed her eyes, then let out a small squeaky, "Yes..."

He smiled and carefully slid his arm over her. He sighed contently as soon as his arm had settled. He wasn't planning on doing anything, not until she was ready and never would he force her, no matter how badly the dragon wanted it. It understood that this had to be done right.

Her heart fluttered, she was so nervous. When he didn't move any further she relaxed a little, then surprisingly edged ever so slowly closer to him, until she mirrored his form. It was comfortable, and Caelsuna echoed his sigh, shock and embarrassment dissipating. She soon fell asleep.

Several hours later, with the sun sneaking in through the stained glass windows, Rider woke with a smile on his face. He'd never slept so well in all his life, or at least it seemed that way to him.

Caelsuna stirred a little, making a sound of annoyance at the sun and snuggled back into the sheets, unknowingly snuggling back against Rider. She didn't wake.

Rider looked over at her when she snuggled up against him. He smiled warmly and tightened his arm around her waist, holding her against him. He sighed and closed his eyes, not wanting the morning to have come at all...

Suddenly Caelsuna was instantly awake and aware, but didn't move. Her eyes were very wide as she realized she was in bed with a man... no not any man, Rider. The dragon within her snickered. She sat up quickly, then put an arm over the front of her shirt and stared down at Rider, her face unreadable.

"Is something wrong?" He asked her softly. He hadn't done anything, at least to his knowledge, while they slept. All that he could remember doing was sleep, surely he'd have remembered something if they did something else, right? I respected your wishes, human. It has been far too long since I have been with my mate, but I have withheld myself at your request. The dragon within explained, there was much disdain in his voice as he spoke to Rider. Rider reached out and touched her elbow. "Please, Caelsuna. Don't leave."

Caelsuna flinched, but hesitated. "I'm... I am afraid of you." The look on his face made her rephrase, "I am afraid of what might come between us." She was being very straightforward but if she stopped now, she would never be able to succumb to him. "My society has taught that men can take anything they want. We are to expect it, being born as a woman to be a vessel for the man, so that he may take pleasure... or pain from us." Caelsuna swallowed. In a very quiet voice, "I don't want to suffer, I don't want to feel pain."

Tears were in her eyes, "Will you protect me?" And will you love me...? That thought came unbidden.

"Always." He told her simply, gently sliding his hand down her elbow and interlacing his fingers with hers. He looked into her eyes and smiled softly. "I would never harm you, Caelsuna..." His eyebrows knitted together in worry that she could even suspect him of something like that.

The female dragon crooned to her mate, unable to stop herself from being affected by her human's emotions. "I was told to expect pain, and that my husband would take me against my will." Caelsuna whispered, her eyes closed but not moving away from him. "But this... is not your way?" She asked carefully, glancing sideways at him, the scales on her cheek glinting in the morning sun. Now that it was day he could see the other blue and gray glittering scales that marked her body in swirls of color.

"No, dear heart. It most certainly is not my way, nor shall it ever be. We were taught never to take without permission unless it was severely necessary." Rider told her confidently. He gently took her chin in his hand and tilted her face to look at him. "I would only take should my life depend upon it. If you are not willing, then I shall wait. No matter how long that should take."

Her pupil-less eyes looked into his own, an understanding forming in her mind and that delicate trust she held in him grew. Caelsuna wiped away the premature tears and sniffed, "But the dragons..." She sighed, "They deserve to be together." She was still nervous about being this close to him, but she couldn't ignore the signs from her body. The wetness of her core, the blush on her cheeks... and the throbbing of desire. "Do you want me, Rider?" The woman asked suddenly, unashamed at this moment for being so forward.

Rider felt his face grow warm and flush when she asked him that. He looked down from her face, finding it difficult to look into those eyes when he answered her. "Dear lady, never before have I wanted a woman as badly as I want you." He swallowed hard and chanced a look at her face. "The dragon soul that is now fused to my own, only stands to fan the flame of my desire."

The power that the female had over the male washed over Caelsuna. She held sway over him, she knew this now. Bolder then ever before, Caelsuna swung her leg over his, the sheets separating their flesh as she straddled his hips and her hands balancing on his chest. The girl didn't know what the pulsating between her legs was but the dragon assured her everything was fine. She paused, licking her lips and breathing lightly through them, "Take me Rider."

His body trembled as the dragon's lust surged to respond to his mate's desire. He clenched his teeth and held himself in check as she suddenly mounted his waist. "C..Caelsuna...are you certain?" He stammered out, looking down at her. There was no possible way to hide his arousal from her, not while she sat there...he throbbed beneath her slender form and his body twitched in several places as he held himself still. The dragon screamed within his mind at being denied, yet again, the embrace of his mate...

She hesitated and did not respond. It wasn't his question that made her pause however, it was the decision she was about to make. Caelsuna blushed, gripping the edges of her long shirt in a nervous grasp before slowly lifting it above and over her head. The girl tossed it to the side, entirely bare before him except for a pair of panties, the blush deepening as she smiled and glanced shyly away.

He looked at her and his breathing slowed. He reached forward and cupped her cheek softly in his hand. "We move...only at your speed." He told her confidently and leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers. His entire body roared with boundless joy as finally the ancient dragon soul was reunited with his long lost mate.

Caelsuna shivered against him, her hands gliding up his scar mottled chest to his shoulders and entangling them into his hair. So this was what it was like to be elite. Her lips were tentative at first, not sure what exactly she was doing, or if she was doing it right. Eventually she became more bold and pressed herself to him, surprisingly elated at the contact and wanting more of him. He was so warm that it felt like fire was licking across her body. Her hips ground against his, the moisture from her core making the silk sheets glisten and slick. All at once her body shivered moreso and shuddered, a first orgasm breaking its way through her being. The dragon let out a peel of ecstasy as she slumped forward, breathing heavily.

Rider wrapped his arms around her, crushing her to his chest as she moved against him. The subtle touch of her lips against his, coupled with the grinding of their hips, sent a moan through his body. His hands roamed down the slender curve of her back, feeling every bare inch of her skin. Familiarizing himself with her form, he broke from her lips and softly moved his kisses down the slenderness of her neck, gently pulling the flesh inside and sucking on it as his hands moved down to affectionately cup her.

Moaning, she was a little embarrassed she was making the noises that were emanating from her throat. Caelsuna couldn't help it. Everything he did sent feelings of complete and utter pleasure through her body.

He lifted her up and hoisted her atop his hips. He throbbed beneath her as he kissed and sucked on her neck. He moaned into her flesh as he held her against him, wanting to feel every bit of her silky smooth flesh. He wanted to drink her in, experience every facet of her.

"Ah... Rider.." Both the dragon and Caelsuna whispered his name, their eyes rolling into the back of her head.

"Caelsuna..." He whispered as he moved his seeking mouth up her smooth flat belly and took her breast. He pressed his lips to her flesh and kissed softly, tentatively, as he steadily moved to her pert nipple. His hands glided along her sides, feeling every precious inch of her, holding her to him, smoothing her colorful scales and seeking more of her.

She let out a gasp, her thighs trembling around his hips, surely he could feel it through the silken sheets. Throwing back her head, the dragon exposed her neck, a sudden show of her submission to Rider that held an undertone of a growl. Caelsuna's blue, pupil less eyes opened, they were glowing.

He softly ran his tongue around her pert nipple and pulled the sensitive flesh into his mouth, sucking on it softly. He ran his hands along her sides. He held onto her hips and slowly, gently, rolled them both over, setting her onto her back. He still tenderly kissed the warm flesh of her chest. He looked up at her, hoping he wasn't going to fast for the girl.

Caelsuna just watched him breathlessly, the glow overpowering the warm sunlight and bathed them in icy powder blue. Her chest however was saturated with blood red. "Rider... your eyes..." Her hand fluttered over his cheek where his matching ruby and black scales were. Her other hand touched her own cheek where her most prominent scales were. "It's hard to believe I am finally with my mate... and we are the same."

He pressed his face into her soft hand and smiled, looking down at her. "What were you saying about my eyes?" He asked her curiously. He was pleased that she at the very least sounded happy about their pairing. He braced his legs on either side of hers, waiting for her to offer him some signal to proceed. He promised her that it would be at her pace, and not his that they did this. Despite the urge of his body, he was a man of his word and held himself at bay.

She took the hand on his face and touched a breast, where the red glow lingered. "Here... see?" The dragon within her rumbled. "It is the mating process, our inner fires are showing through, it means we are ready to mate and are wanting." Caelsuna smiled a little and then became surprised when she noticed the sheet that now laid against her, covering her but revealing him. Her mouth formed a small line, confused. She had never seen a man bare before her and she blushed heavily. "Is that...?"

He blushed as she finally got a good look at him. "The mating process..." He said softly, looking down and looking at the glow of their bodies. He had hardly even noticed where all the scales had appeared on his own body, let alone where he was glowing either... He chewed on his lower lip, knowing her eyes were upon his throbbing manhood. He looked down at her face and swallowed, "...Do you approve of what you see?"

"I'm not really sure what I see." In a rare case of curiosity, Caelsuna reached down and took a hold of him. The heat was intense and she almost dropped him. Her hand couldn't quite wrap around his thickness and the skin was smooth and molten hot. She touched the tip where he was dripping and in a mimic of movement she reached her other hand and touched her own sex, looking at the liquid that was quite similar between them. An understanding flashed across her face. She had never really been schooled or taught and she didn't have a word for what she finally understood. "This is happening... because we want to mate."

He gasped as he felt her grasp him. It was such a light, inquisitive touch, but it set his skin a blaze. He nodded in answer to her statement and gently cupped her face with his hand. "As I said, I will take nothing from you that you will not willingly give." He swallowed and had a sharp intake of breath as he felt himself respond to the touch on his tip, the most sensitive part. He trembled slightly in her hand and his breathing increased. "If we are to mate, beautiful Caelsuna...it must be soon..."

A sudden empowerment flooded through her. He reacted because she was touching him and the woman flushed darkly at the thought her controlling him like this. Her hand gripped him then slid down the length, her eyes half lidded as she watched his reaction. "I think it's been long enough..." Drawled the dragoness. Take me Rider. She repeated her earlier request, I am ready.

His entire body trembled as her hand slid along his length. He felt a growl of pleasure rubble through his chest and his cheeks flushed. He swallowed hard and looked at the woman beneath him, so tiny, so frail...so beautiful beyond words...He bent over her and claimed her mouth, pressing his lips to hers and kissing her. His hands slid down her sides and parted her slender legs, giving him access to her gentle folds. He maneuvered himself up against her and gently pressed his tip to her moist entrance. She had given her consent, she was willing, not just the dragon, but the woman herself. Slowly, carefully, he guided himself inside, pushing past the resistance of her body and then pausing, allowing her to adjust to him.

Caelsuna's body went rigid. Pain exploded within her abdomen, but the dragon within her soothed with a soft purr. The pain ebbed. He was stretching her from within and although it hurt at first Rider had been smart in the fact that he had paused. She let out a small sigh, her hands fluttering to her stomach before drifting up to his chest. "I'm okay... I'm okay."

Rider softly moaned when her hands touched his chest. He nodded and looked into her eyes as he pushed himself deeper. He held her slender legs under his arms as he moved into her, gently making his way. He had paused multiple times, wanting to give her every opportunity to adjust to him. The very last thing he wanted in the world was for this beautiful treasure beneath him to be hurt. His progress was slow, but loving as he moved his lips to kiss her neck.

Her legs naturally spread wider and wider to make room for him, her breath coming in short breaths. He filled her to the brink yet she still felt him pushing further inside. A tide of emotions flooded through her, heat moving over her in the form of Rider and the dragon soul within her. Instinctively, her hips began to angle so that he enter her deeper.

His hands slid down her legs and softly held onto her hips. When she moved to an angled position, he moaned and slid himself deeper. When their hips met one another, he was panting. He held himself there, fully inside of her, and looked at her face, wanting to be sure she saw the significance of it. They were one now...He felt the dragonsoul's pleasure burning through his body as finally he was reunited with his long lost mate.

Caelsuna blinked, the blue light interrupted by her lids. She had already peaked once, and this second time would be easier. Caelsuna's hands tangled themselves into his hair, her breathless moans filling their large room.

He felt the intense heat of his inner fire building more and more with each thrust he made into her. He kissed down along her neck, following the lines of scales as they glowed before his eyes. He kissed across her chest, suckling the tender white flesh of her breast as again and again their hips met one another. He felt the fire burning hotter deep in his heart, spreading through his entire being as he slowly made love to his mate.

The dragons were mentally intertwined as their human counterparts were, the light glowing from them both beginning to pulse. As were Caelsuna's inner muscles around Rider's manhood. She sighed, gasped, shrieking as her cries escalated. Her nails scratched down his back, not having the strength to hurt him but the pressure was a conduit of the pleasure he was giving her. She couldn't take it any longer. The light pulsed then held.

He was made keenly aware of how glad he was that the sun had risen before they coupled like this. The glow from their bodies surely would have light the room in the night and someone would have been sent to investigate. However, with the sun shining through the window, no one would think anything of there being light in a well-lit chamber. He held her hips in his hands as he brought himself to meet her, his kisses slowly traveling back up to her precious lips as he sought her mouth once more. He felt the fire of the mating bond through his entire body, her every touch sending sparks across him, whether it was figuratively or realistically mattered not to him. All that matter to him was bringing his beautiful mate the greatest amounts of pleasure his body could achieve before allowing himself to succumb to the pleasures of hers.

A soft keen exited her throat as her muscles clenched around him, tightening to the point of him almost not being able to move. She came a second time to him, calling his name and arching her back as she pushed against him, naturally opening herself further to him so that he could touch the deepest part of her core. Caelsuna let out a gasp of exertion and collapsed to the sheets, a sheen coating her pale skin.

He wrapped his arms about her when she collapsed to the bed. "Caelsuna..." He whispered breathlessly, burying his face in the crook of her neck. He pushed himself passed all of his limits, thrusting his body into hers, up into her core and cried out in passion. He held her tightly in his arms as his body reacted to her pleasures, erupting within her and flooding her body with his primal seed. "My Caelsuna..." He moaned softly as his body succumbed and he collapsed atop of her frail form.

Caelsuna let out a soft squeak at his weight squishing her into the bed without mercy.

He slowly, carefully rolled them over, not wanting to squish the poor girl. He held her to his chest and laid his head back on the pillow. "Dear lady...you are spectacular..." He complimented her between great gasping breaths.

She blushed. Caelsuna was still struggling with her inner conflict of culture, however, laying against his chest made her feel safe and comfortable. She could hear his heartbeat slow and the adrenaline ebb. "Rider... where will you go now? I... I know you must return to your king... but it is important you stay away from civilization. If they find out what we are... they will try to kill us."

"If it troubles you that much...I could send a messenger to report for me." Rider offered her, looking down at the little woman and running his hand through her hair. "I would prefer to tell him in person why I am leaving his service, but it could just as easily be explained in a message...If you would prefer."

"He... he wouldn't question your new appearance?" She was of course speaking of his new eyes, and the scales that marked his body of which her hand was lazily tracing. She was able to be more bold with him then ever before, at least for now, while they were still intertwined. "Human's trapped the drakes before, they won't hesitate to kill us."

"He would ask about it yes, however his majesty would be more inquisitive as to the identification of the woman who was making me leave his service." He told her with a smirk. Never once had he thought that he would be leaving his King for the sake of a woman, but he could not deny her anything she asked.

Caelsuna raised her eyes, trying to convey that she was serious. "It's just... in the past there were another mated pair of drakes that had been released. The female told me this. The kingdom they were in killed them, for they felt they threatened their society." She lowered her head and closed her eyes. "I don't want such a thing to happen to us..." the woman whispered.

He cupped her face gently and softly rubbed her cheek. "Dear lady, I would never allow anything to happen to you. My King is a just man, and I am his most trusted knight. He would only wish to hear the reason why I was leaving his service." He smiled reassuringly at her and chuckled a little bit. "When I tell him I am retiring for a woman, he will demand to meet you. To be certain I did not suffer from heat delirium from my trip across the desert."

"I'll follow you there... but I'd rather not. It would make me nervous to have another man inspect me to be sure I was suitable for you." She sighed and changed the subject, "There is a solitary oasis I'd like to show you..." She murmured, a little tired from their lovemaking. "It has a small pool of clear water, surrounded by trees that bear delicious fruit. I've made my home in the caves nearby." Caelsuna drifted off after that, her breathing soft.

Rider lay there and watched her sleep atop his chest. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to discover such a treasure...this tiny little woman had done the impossible; she walked into his life and stole it all away, and he couldn't be happier about it. He chuckled softly and ran his hand up to the small of her back and softly stroked up and down her spine as he let the exhaustion from their love making overcome him.

Two hours later found them unchanged, until there was a heavy knocking on the door. Caelsuna awoke with a jerk. "Aww hell just break the door down." Said the gruff voice of a soldier.

When she awoke, her jerking motion startled Rider into consciousness as well. "Wha..What is it Caelsuna?" He hadn't heard the knocking nor the soldier's voice. He ran his hand up her back and cupped her shoulder carefully, "Something wrong?"

She flinched when the weight of a heavy man rammed up against the door, the wood splintering but not caving immediately.

"What in the name of?" Rider asked as the door splintered. He sat up and carefully rolled her to his side, moving between her and the door. He reached for his sword, hanging, in its scabbard, on the bedpost. The fact that they weren't asking for entrance did not bode well. He stood from the bed, very much in the nude, not caring for the scales that now traversed his flesh. He unsheathed his sword and commanded a challenge to the man on the other side. "Knock and the door shall be opened. You are either the bravest man I know, or the most foolish, to seek an audience with me uninvited." He gestured with his free hand for Caelsuna to cover herself. He did not wish for someone other than himself to witness his mate in such a state.

Caelsuna glanced to the door, her face pale and she hurriedly took the sheet and clutched it to her chest.

"You're under arrest!" Shouted the voice behind the door before he hit the door a final time, causing it to shatter inwards. Two men, soldiers by their garb entered, both pausing as they saw the mated pair, eyes lingering on their eyes and scales. "The.. the prince wants you two arrested. The item you were carrying, he says you tampered with it." The second guard remained quiet, letting the more muscled of the two to talk.

"He is mistaken." Rider told them both, holding his sword before him. "I am an Imperial Knight for the Emperor of the Golden Sands. Your prince insults me and my Emperor with his accusations." He slashed the air before him with his long slender blade. "And you insult my mate with your unrequested intrusion. Apologize, or I will have your heads."

"M-mate..?" Sputtered the first soldier. The second soldier who looked the smarter of the two stepped forward. "He demands your presence. Insult or not, you are under arrest, by order of the Prince of the Endless Sea. You are in his kingdom and you must obey his orders." Both men had their scimitars out and ready, completely ignoring the scantily clad woman on the bed. Caelsuna was frozen in fear.

"Put your swords away then. You have no need to use force." Rider told them both, still standing between them and Caelsuna. He was on the defensive, despite the formalities of his speech. "There was no need to break in our door." He told them and lifted his blade, pointing it at the two of them. "You have one minute to apologize to my lady before I kill you where you stand. Under arrest or not, I will not accept this blatant disregard for her basic rights to privacy."

"Rider..." Caelsuna murdered. The drake within her roared silently. They had seen them, they know something is amiss. If the prince saw them, if the guards told... their cover was blown. They would be hunted and killed. Her eyes pleaded with him, hopefully telling him what she knew would happen.

"We banged on the door and received no answer, we are under direct orders to use any force necessary, privacy or not." It was then that one of the guards gaze lingered a little too long on the girl. "She's under arrest too."

That man's lingering eye would trouble him no longer. Rider stretched his arm out and jammed the tip of his sword into the man's socket. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the orb skittering across the floor of the room. With the speed ingrained after years of experience, his rolled on the balls of his feet and pressed the bloodied sword to the other man's neck. "Last chance. Apologize to my lady for your intrusion. Your friend has already lost his eye, don't make me kill you as well."

The guard reeled back, one gauntlet covered hand covering his now bleeding empty cavity, murder in his other enraged eye. "How dare you! The Prince will kill you for this! You'll hang, and your whore will weep while your feet dangle..." He took a step back, his laughter masking his pain. The other guard raised his hands and backed away. "The Prince wanted your capture kept a secret. Now the entire royal guard will be after you...It is obvious you tampered with the drake amulet, the evidence is all over your skin." With that they both retreated into the hallway and were gone.

Caelsuna shuddered, tears beginning to slide down her cheeks, "Rider!" She squeaked.

Sunlight