“Do you ever feel like we’re being punished for something?”

Ethaniel turned to the patch of shadows that hid his friend. They’d been working to infiltrate a compound in the Majestix city and had had to retreat three times already. At least they hadn’t been caught yet. Right now they were circling for another angle into the compound.

“Vincent, any time we’re being punished is usually your fault.”

A soft chuckle was the only response for a moment. The shadow stirred then cleared, revealing the shadow mage. “Now that is downright unfair. Besides, this time is clearly Ty’s fault.” Vincent peered in the direction of the compound.

“I swear, these people are better than the instructors back at the Academy. Far better, considering that we’d been running rings around those instructors for years. I still can’t find a hole in their perimeter.”

“That’s right kind of you to say so, youngin’.”

Ethaniel and Vincent both gave a start and whirled to stare behind them at what was probably the oldest Panthra they had ever seen. The two friends turned to each other for a moment then back to stare at the Panthra.

“How?” Ethaniel tried to wrap his mind around being snuck up on a Panthra that practically glowed in the moon light. When was the last time someone had been able to surprise the two of them?

The old Panthra chuckled. “Forgive an old cat his quirks. I’ve got quite a few years of experience over the two of you. It has been enjoyable watching you work. You really are talented. Some of the best I’ve seen in all my years.”

Motioning the two to follow him, the Panthra turned and headed towards the compound. “Come. The exercise is over. It was never to find your way, but to see how long you could go undetected while doing so. None of our watchers or searchers could discover you. So well done.”

Ethaniel followed the old Panthra, Vincent a couple steps behind. “Why stop us now then? Especially if you’ve been watching us this whole time?” His eyes discontinued to scan the night, picking out sentries as they neared the compound. The Panthra Shadow Dancers really were skilled. Only their previous approaches gave him the experience to spot all the watchers.

“There has been a change. The Khan will explain.”

The old Panthra stopped them at the entrance to the compound. “You are about to enter a place no one outside our clan has ever set foot in. Our Khan has judged you worthy, both for your skills and for the way you have handled yourselves in bringing news to help save the Shartha, a people not your own.”

Ethaniel nodded, then offered a bow. “We thank you for the honor and privilege.” Following the Panthra into the compound, he tried to pay attention to everything. There was a lot going on, especially compared to the area of the Academy that dealt with the Shadow Dancers.

Eventually they entered a room with Shaka and a pair of Panthra who appeared to be Shadow Dancers, at least from their outfits. Ethaniel sized them up for a moment then turned his attention to the cloak cloud Khan. He heard Vincent muttered around secret passageways.

The Khan nodded a greeting, her green eyes seeming to gleam within her hood. “Thank you for coming and thank you for your cooperation in these exercises. Your teacher speaks highly of the two of you.” She patted the communication sphere which sat on a cushion on the table before her.

Shaka waved a hand at the two Panthra with her. “These two are Bageera and Theron. Until recently they were looking for a way to discreetly assassinate Feron the Unmaker at his compound.”

Ethaniel blinked. That was a blunt admission. Not that he didn’t agree with the sentiment. There were times when he’d been tempted to ask Ty for the same mission. “Did they get him?”

Shaka shook her head. “Sadly, no. Worse, the security of his compound has been increased, in part due to the efforts of these two to be subtle.” Behind her, the two winced as she continued, “They have returned because the two are insufficient to the task.”

Ethaniel nodded slowly. “And that’s where we come in? More people to put on the mission?”

“In part. They also brought some information that proved useful to your teacher. It seems that we have found some people that were missing, including a great number of young. We have talked it over and decided upon a joint venture.

“You two will join these two with the exclusive goal of slaying the Unmaker. Typhonus will supply a team that will facilitate the release of the captives. While important, that mission is there to serve as a distraction for the assassination.”

Those green eyes seemed to bore into him. “It is imperative that Majestix involvement not be discovered at this time. While we foresee conflict with your Empire in the future, we would rather wait until we can support your own efforts to take care of things back home. Your teacher agrees.”

Ethaniel felt his blood go cold. This was a huge escalation of things. Actual armed conflict with Imperial forces. There was no coming back from this. After a deep breath, he said, “I’ll need to confirm all this with Ty.”

Shaka waved a hand at the communication sphere. “Of course. There should be doubts with an action of this importance.”

***

“Alaina, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Annamarie has told me much about you. She is lucky to have a friend like you and we are grateful for the services you have done for us all.”

Dallon reached out and clasped forearms with the tall, willow, well dressed woman. Her silk dress was a conservative cut, a shade of green that matched the strand of emeralds at her neck.

Alaina smiled as she gripped his forearm. “Funny, she doesn’t say much about you other than your talent for sword and shield. Oh, and something about being skilled with your hands.” There was definitely a wicked amusement in those eyes.

Forcing down a blush, Dallon nodded. “I see why you and my wife are friends.” Turning a mock glare at his wife only got him a look of mock innocence in return. Sighing, he added, “It is fortunate that our children are not here, or by the end of this meeting they will have lost all respect for me.”

That got him a chuckle from his wife, the throaty laugh that he’d always enjoyed. She leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek before saying, “Only until you got them in the training grounds again, Dallon. Everyone respects you there. You don’t let your leg slow you down either.”

“Perhaps.” Dallon waved a hand at one of the comfortable chairs in the study, inviting Alaina to sit, which she did with poise and style. He could see her past training in the way she carried herself, though it was also clear that the time was years in the past.

“I know that Annamarie normally meets with you to discuss these matters. However, there has been a development that warrants us all meeting together.” At her curious look, he continued.

“It seems our mutual shadowy friends have been presented with an opportunity that requires much more active participation on our part. Typhonus says his little group of mages are willing to move forward but they need more men. Men who would be led by my son, Palcon, acting out of a friendly estate.

“While none of this directly involves you or us here in Terrace, it has the potential to spill over into the city.”

Alaina leaned back in her chair, hands resting on her crossed knees. “You’re talking about something with direct action against the Empire. Open Rebellion. What could be worth that at this point?”

Annamarie cut in. “The death of the Unmaker and the rescue of all your orphans and every other person taken by the Empire thus far. They’re all in one spot! Feron has been using the people in his experiments. According to the report, hundreds have already been killed!”

Dallon reached over and took one of his wife’s hands in his own, gently caressing it with his thumb. There was so much passion in her, so much love and caring. Rare in someone so skilled in combat and just one of many reasons for his fierce love of her.

“Were they really so foolish as to put everyone in one place? That seems extra foolish. Fortuitous, but foolish. I knew my orphans were at Feron’s compound, but not those taken from the settlements.” Alaina frowned. “It does match with some fragments I’ve been gleaning from the galas.”

Dallon gave Annamarie’s hand a squeeze before returning his attention to Alaina. “We agree. And with so many lives in the balance, we feel this is an opportunity we must take. No one deserves the type of death that Feron gives his subjects.”

Alaina nodded. “I understand that. Are we even in a position to affect this kind of rescue? Where would we even put everyone? Certainly not here in the Capital.”

Annamarie grunted. “Hardly. Right now the plan is to split those we rescue into several groups. Some of the more able bodied who are willing to fight will return with my son. Other groups will be integrated into sympathetic settlements. The bulk, however, will be sent on to the Majestix.”

“Well now. That is quite a departure for our furry friends. They’ve been very hands off in regards to the Empire. I’m surprised, frankly, given the Accords.”

Dallon nodded. “True, though there is the point that the Majestix presence on Ryode is a fraction of that of the Empire, even before everyone was consolidated. They would never have been able to enforce the Accords.”

“I wonder how that prickled their pride? Well, no matter. I still don’t see how this directly affects me, though I do appreciate your informing me, especially about my orphans.” Alaina cocked her head to the side at Dallon.

Annamarie spoke up before Dallon could. “We’re worried you might get in trouble if our involvement were to become known, especially given how much time you and I have been spending together.”

Alaina gave Annamarie a gentle smile. “I can handle anything they can throw at me. I am not without resources.”

“With all due respect, we disagree.” At Alaina’s frown he continued. “Annamarie tells me you aren’t allowed weapons in your own home. Your guards were all replaced by those loyal to your cousin. You’re not even allowed to practice the bow.”

A blush seemed to brush Alaina’s cheeks. “You think me some helpless damsel in need of rescue?” She crossed her arms beneath her breasts, leveling a glare at him.

Dallon gazed back levelly. “Not at all. What we think is that you are in need of other resources. We want to provide those resources. A place you can practice the bow again in secret.” He paused to glance at his wife, who grinned back at him and urged him to continue. He felt a blush of his own try to stain his cheek.

“It was also suggested that some of our armsmen could pay you visits.” He coughed. “As suitors. That would give an excuse for armed men to be around you and be another reason for you to visit us here.”

Alaina sat there in silence, gazing at him with an unreadable look. She slid that look to Annamarie, who smiled in reply.

Peels of silvery laughter suddenly filled the room. “Oh Dallon, you really are the treasure Annamarie describes you as.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

He felt his ears begin to warm as the two women began going over further details of the shared deception. As the discussion grew more graphic, he began looking for an excuse to escape. His wife sliding into his lap amidst the ribald discourse effectively trapped him.

The smokey look she gave him at least assured him she would make it up to him later.

***

“I’m going with you.”

Marcus startled and turned to see Hanna standing in his doorway, arms crossed beneath her breasts, braid fairly bristling, and a determined look on her face. He couldn’t help but be moved by the sight of her and felt a smile cross his lips. Her frown at his smile only served to please him more.

“Of course you’re going with me!” Waving her inside, he went to take a seat, smiling gently at the perplexed look on Hanna’s face as she joined him.

“Um, I thought you might try to leave me behind on this.” Hanna drew her braid over her shoulder, toying with the end. “Why aren’t you leaving me? I had this whole speech prepared.”

Marcus reached over and took Hanna’s hands, smiling at her flustered look. It wasn’t often that he got the better of her. “We are a team, you and I. I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.” His smile grew a little crooked. “Besides, you are by far the better combat mage.”

A faint blush was his reward and he drew her hands to his lips. Releasing her hands, he leaned back in his chair. “When I agreed to court you, I embraced that decision. That means that you are a part of my life, one I can no longer picture myself without.”

Taking a deep breath, he stretched out his hands. Blue light engulfed his hands, hiding them from view for a moment. When the light cleared he was holding an exquisite sapphire necklace, with an elaborate silver lattice.

Marcus knelt at Hanna’s feet, who looked at him with wide eyes the same shade of blue as the gemstones of the necklace. “I had thought to wait until we returned, but now felt right. Hanna, will you honor me by becoming my wife?”

A squeal and a tackle was his answer, Hanna raining kisses all over his face. He wrapped his arms around her and captured her lips with his own.

It was several minutes before the two separated. Marcus took the moment to lean up and secure the necklace around Hanna’s neck. Smiling up at her, he leaned up and pressed his forehead to hers.

“I know I haven’t been the most expressive of suitors, or the most aggressive…” He trailed off a moment, distracted by a giggle. “I’ve never really known how to tell you my feelings. And though you asked me to court you, I felt like you were really the driving force in this courtship.”

Seeing her about to reply, he interrupted her with a brief kiss and a smile. “I needed to learn what to do and I can’t think of anyone better to have taught me. More than anything else, you’ve taught me what love is.”

Marcus tried to sit up when Hanna slid down slightly to rest her head on his chest. He sat there, heart racing, and felt his arms tighten around her. Glancing down at her head, he smiled and tilted his head enough to kiss the crown of her head.

“Well, aren’t you two cozy.”

Marcus whipped his head over to look at the doorway, finding Typhonus standing there with an amused smile on his face and waggling eyebrows. Marcus tried to get up only to find himself trapped. Hanna murmured into his chest, “comfy.” Resigning himself to his position, he settled back down.

“Actually, yes we are. You’re interrupting.”

“Now who’s being cheeky?” Typhonus chuckled and leaned against the door frame. “Anyway, the Majestix want to go over our combined plans. I’ve got a communication sphere on its way to Dallon’s son to bring them fully into the planning. Should get there soon after Dallon’s letter.”

A crooked smile came to Typhonus’s face. “I’m sure I can delay your appearance for a bit.” Turning away, he added over his shoulder, “You’ve got half an hour.” The door closed behind him.

Marcus looked at the door, a fond smile on his lips. Relaxing, he luxuriated in feeling the weight of Hanna’s body settled over his. For several moments there was only contented silence.

Eventually, things had to move on. Reaching up, he caressed Hanna’s cheek. “We need to get up, love. I’ve some things to explain before we go.”

Pushing herself up on her arms, Hanna looked down at him with those shimmering sapphire eyes. “That’s the first time you’ve ever used that word.”

Marcus blinked, then smiled. “I suppose it is. I plan on using it more often then. I love you, Hanna.” Trying to sit up, though perhaps flat on my back is not the best place for me to be saying it.”

There was a heat in Hanna’s eyes that he hadn’t seen before. “Oh, I can think of some times when that may be appropriate.”

The heat that bloomed in his cheeks could have set him alight. His brain fuzzed for a moment trying to parse that sentence, long enough for Hanna to clamber to her feet and seat herself. Marcus was a bit slower recovering.

Once seated, he settled a serious gaze on Hanna. “There are some special features to the necklace. First, while it is around your neck, no one else can touch the necklace except for you. Not even me. They’ll pass right through it. Second, the sapphires are reusable teleportation crystals, tuned to different locations. The large one in the center connects to the teleportation grounds here in Terrace. The first on the left brings you here, to my study. The one on the other side goes to a hidden cave outside the city that I can show you on our way to meet up with Palcon.”

Hanna reached up to caress the necklace, a smile on her lips. Marcus reached over himself to guide her hand to another sapphire. “This last one was the hardest to make, but I think the most important.” With his other hand, he drew a silver chain set with a single sapphire from the neck of his robes.

“You’re connected to me. At any time, if you need it, you can teleport to me. I’ve linked your sapphire to this one.”

Hanna looked from her necklace to his, a thoughtful look on her face. “And can yours do the same? Can you steal into my room in the middle of the night?”

Marcus coughed. “I didn’t think it would be appropriate to have that capability.”

“Oh Marcus.” Hanna leaned forward to kiss his forehead. “You are a wonderful man. My wonderful man.”

***

“Those sneaky cowards are up to something.”

Sasha looked over at Kubla, who glared down at the reports on the table. His claws were dug into the hard wood and a sub-vocal growl rumbled in his chest.

“Of course they are. They’re Panthra. Intrigue is in their blood.” She reached over and poked his paw with a claw. “Stop destroying the table. It’s expensive and older than you and I put together.”

Kubla growled though he did sheath his claws. “As if I care about a table.”

“Obviously. However, your people do. Appearance is important to us. That’s why you have a groomer as well as someone who decorates your public spaces.” Sasha barked a laugh at his next growl before shaking her head.

“Now, why don’t you tell me what new plot has your fur all ruffled.”

Kubla stabbed a claw at the report on the table. “That cloaked shadow skulker has been meeting with those two humans extensively the last few days. My agents can’t get anywhere near them. They seem to be preparing to leave as well.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he growled, “I haven’t been able to instigate a confrontation. They’re always surrounded by Panthras. At least the Tigra don’t seem to have gotten their claws into things.”

Sasha frowned. “I wouldn’t bet on it. What Shaka knows, Xhere does shortly after. Were they not from different clans I would think they were lovers with how closely they work.” A quick shudder passed over her. “Besides, it was always a long shot of getting hold of the humans. They’re still Shadow Dancers, even if only human. Their kind are always slippery prey.”

“Bah, cowards. The whole lot.”

Sasha managed to avoid admitting that the Shadow Dancer tactics made sense. Not an opinion enjoyed among the Lyonin. Instead, she moved the topic back, “Since we can’t get at the humans in the city, set a group to follow them when they leave. You’ll get your incident away from prying eyes where the only witnesses will be ours.”

Kubla uncrossed his arms, golden gaze gleaming. “Your plan has merit.” Suddenly he gave her a toothy grin. “I think it’s time we announced the official ceremony joining us together.”

Sasha’s eyes glowed just as brightly. “Wonderful.”

***

“That’s the plan. Our involvement will be kept small.”

Khan Xhere leaned back in his chair, paws steepled before him. “And you think this wise, cooperating with the humans at this time?”

Khana Shaka nodded, her ear flicked forward. “The original plan of discretion was, unfortunately, unable to be realized. Not only does this satisfy our original objective, it allows the humans to begin dealing with their own issues. It is possible they may resolve things short of a confrontation with us.”

“Hmm. I can see your points. A quite calculated decision. One with no more investment of resources than originally allocated.” Xhere tapped his pointed claws together. “If only we were in a better position. While all are armed and armored, I am unsatisfied in the quality of our equipment, given recent reports out of the Empire. Our new Shartha residents are slowly converting our metallurgy efforts and we will soon be issuing superior armor to replace those already issued.

“It is truly daunting to realize how much of our trade was dependent on the humans.”

Shaka scowled. Xhere raised an eyebrow. It was rare to see her express her emotions.

“The Empire also drove out every other people this side of the Silverspines. Only we and the elven citadel remain, and they trade with no one.”

Xhere nodded acknowledgement of her point. “I am confident that the Shartha survived their encounter with the Empire, though there is no telling how long it will be before they choose to interact with the world again.”

After getting her nod, he continued, “However, we have diverted from the original thrust of our conversation. The mission in concert with the human rebels.” He paused again, gazing into Shaka’s eyes for a moment. “I agree that this is our best opportunity at this point.”

There was a flash of something that could be mistaken for a smile on the Panthra’s face, her ears flicking slightly. “Of course. I would not have done it otherwise.”

“Indeed.”