Robert pressed his hands against the stone door of the meeting room. It slid open to reveal a familiar scene within. The same study he had found himself in many times while still with the Lokkadonians. Alektor was sitting on a large chair, furthest from the door. Turak and Ambrosia were at either side of him and an unfamiliar Doulos girl stood across from them, alone.

“Reku.” Alektor said, waving him in. Ambrosia lifted her nose at him, and Turak gave him a nod.

Robert walked in, giving his wordless greeting to the room and turned to face the girl.

“This is Rin.” Alektor nodded toward her, “One of the Doulos agents who fed us information from within these walls.” He gave her a pleasant smile. “It is only because of loyal subjects like yourself that we were able to conquer our old enemy, and free you all. You have my deepest thanks.”

Rin dropped to her knee and bowed like one who had truly spent her entire life in servitude. “My King.” Her voice was quivering. “I do not deserve your praise for something like this. Any true subject in my position would have done the same. I feel I am not worthy of even being in your presence.”

“Rise, Rin.” Alektor lifted his hand. “Nonsense, you have more than earned your place as a free citizen of Rexun.”

Rin rose on shaky legs, standing as straight as she could, but still looked extremely uncomfortable.

“Rin, do you know why I asked to meet with you?” Alektor’s smile remained, and he leaned back in his chair. His calm and pleasant demeanor helped take the edge from the tension.

“N… no, my King.”

“There were thousands of Doulos in this city that did their part for Rexun.” He continued, “But out of all of them, you were the personal servant to the human who trained under the prince. I wished to ask you of him.”

Rin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Of course my King, I will tell you all you wish to know.”

“You were Daniel’s servant?” Robert asked in surprise. “I didn’t think he would have put up with something like that.”

“He didn’t, my Prince.” Rin bowed to him. “While Lord Daniel was alive, I tended to him, but I only found myself in his service because he saved me from my old master. He and Prince Oros found themselves in our tavern, and…” She paused, remembering the ordeal. “My old master was going to punish me… Lord Daniel prevented it, and Prince Oros purchased me for him. He refused at first, but when he saw what would have been done to me, he chose to accept. He was kind to me… and ensured that I was well taken care of.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked at Robert. “But he was the only truly good person I had ever met in life here. Genuine and caring… He was worthy of his kind, a Spirit-Sent…”

“He lives.” Alektor said, folding his hands.

Rin’s eyes widened further, and she was at a loss for words. “H… He… lives?”

“Yes. It is as you say, he was worthy of his kind. The spirit Gro’ak manifested and saved him from what certainly would have been his death. With that knowledge, I would like you to tell me of him. What was he like?”

Robert raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. I’ve already told him about Daniel. Is he trying to get a second opinion? He thought.

“Well, your highness. I believe he was a kind hearted man, he offered me freedom the first day of my service… Without hesitation… even though he was my master.” Her eyes were unfocused, as she remembered their conversations. “He was surely sent by the great spirits to help our kind. Why else would they intervene to save him?”

“What of his relationship with the eldest Ignos brother, Oros?” Turak chimed in.

“They were very close.” Rin answered, regretfully. “Prince Oros and Lord Daniel would often train together, and spoke of many things.”

Turak gave Alektor an ‘I told you so’ look. “What of his relationship with the Lady Regios?”

“They did not get along. Lady Avria was fiercely loyal to the female Spirit-Sent, Katrina, but didn’t seem to like Daniel much.” She wrinkled her nose at the memory. “She was a very frightening woman, your highness.”

“Yeah.” Robert said, thinking of Yadri’s death and Demessa’s wound. “She’s a damn force to be reckoned with.”

“And she should be one of our first priorities in capturing.” Ambrosia said, leaning closer to Alektor. “Telmos Regios is our greatest threat, true, but he has already amassed a force large enough to defeat all but a full attack. We need time to prepare for that, but we must keep Avria from joining forces with him at all costs.”

“According to our spies, he believes she is dead. Along with both Spirit-Sent.” Turak looked to Robert. “Katrina was last spotted in the West.”

“Yes, Yes.” Alektor interrupted. “I am not finished with our guest. Leave this talk for the war-room.”

Turak snorted, and Ambrosia bowed.

“Now then.” Alektor continued. “Rin, I want you to know that you have been very helpful to me in giving me this insight. I wish to reward you, by extending a position in my court.”

Ambrosia raised an eyebrow. Robert thought she may say something in protest, but if she thought it, she kept it to herself.

“I need a young and trustworthy representative for the Doulos who have been freed in this City.”

Rin’s mouth gaped, and she was left stunned. “My King… I.”

“I believe as you do.” He continued, “The Spirit-Sent are heralds of the Great Spirits, and must be saved at all costs. You have a loyal heart, filled with compassion and wisdom far beyond your years. This is why you will tend to your people. Speak to them, bring their concerns and needs to me, and council me in their ways. I am their King, and they are rightfully Rexunii. However, they have lived here for generations, and I will need guidance to properly rule them.” He stood from his chair, and extended his hand. “Do you accept this responsibility?”

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Rin fell to her knees again, and took Alektor’s hand. “Tears poured from her eyes and she kissed it. “I will do as you command, my King. I will do everything in my power to serve you.”

~

Robert made his way back to his chamber, shaking his head. Alektor sure knows how to put on the charm when he needs to, good lord. He thought.

“What an interesting man… don’t you think?” Dio’mar said, floating near his head.

“And where have you been all day?” He said, smiling to see her again. “You’ve been spying on the nobles again, haven’t you?”

“I have other things to do Robert… I am an ancient spirit after all…” Her small mouth curled in a smile. “Besides… You don’t need me around all the time…”

Robert turned a corner and walked to his room. He was told that it was Daniel’s old one by Rin. The thought brought him a bit more peace, as he was afraid it was some noble’s, who had been killed, and the thought of sleeping in a dead person’s bed unnerved him.

“My Prince.” The two guards in front of his door said with a salute.

“Hey guys…” Robert looked uncomfortable. “Can you, uh… you know. Take off for a bit? You can come back in the morning.”

The two warriors looked at each other and shook their heads. “I’m sorry my Prince.” The one to the left said. “We were ordered by the King to protect you, whether you like it, or not.”

“Yeah.” Robert thought for a moment. “See, here’s the deal. I might have some company tonight, so…”

“Company…?” Dio’mar asked.

“Company?” The two guards asked simultaneously.

“Yeah, company.” He said, to both the guards, and Dio'mar, who was invisible to all but him. Robert sighed and shook his head. “Never mind.” He grumbled, brushing past them to walk into his room. With a huff he slid the doors shut and sat on one of the couches in the living area.

“Robert… who are you expecting?” Dio’mar floated in front of his face.

“Demessa.” He said, looking at her eyeless little face.

“Oh…” She paused for a long moment. “OH… I see.”

“Yeah, you see.” Robert leaned back in frustration. “Alektor doesn’t want us to see each other. That’s probably why he has his two goons out there. He knows that a few guards aren’t going to stop that though, I literally cloaked an entire army.”

“So you wish to mate… with her?” She floated to the center of the room. “I must admit… I have been curious as to why you have not… mated since you have become a Prince…”

“Uh, maybe because I think it’s wrong for someone to use their position to take advantage of people like that?” Robert squirmed where he sat.

“Why is that…? It is only fair that those who have influence… use it for what they want…”

“What? No, geez.” He chuckled. “I don’t really want to talk about this with you. Also, I was hoping you could take off too, not to be rude or anything, but if you’re hanging around, it’s going to be weird.”

“Nonsense… you won’t even know I am here.” Her tiny voice rang mischievously.

“No.” Robert folded his arms. “I am going to need privacy.”

Dio’mar floated silently for nearly a minute.

“Dio.” Robert pointed at her. “Please, I want your word.”

She sighed a very human-like sigh. “Very well… I will leave you to your… fun… but I will find some way for you to repay me for my kindness…”

“Yeah, sure, thank you.” Robert stood to go over his room. “There isn’t much here to work with.” He sighed at the lack of candles and romantic lighting.

“I thought… all you would require was a bed… is that not the human custom? Most Dae mate in their beds… sometimes… in other places… but mainly-”

Robert cut her off. “Do you just float around and watch people screw or something? I didn’t know you were into that sort of thing.”

She hummed in irritation. “I am not… IN to anything… I am merely observing behaviors of lesser beings.

“Do Spirits… you know… have sex?” Robert asked, genuinely curious.

“We do mate…Though it is different from what you may think. It isn’t so… uncivilized as the Dae do.” She crossed her arms. “You would not be able to comprehend it…”

“I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of shit.” He chuckled.

Dio’mar hummed again, and floated toward the door.

“Thank you!” Robert waved, smiling as she disappeared like a ghost through it.

He closed his eyes and willed his Dunamis to create a mirage around the warriors who guarded him outside. What was once something that took great concentration and effort, now seemed second nature. They would see each other, but would be unable to see any who approached. Likewise, any who approached would not be able to see them. Robert shrugged. If assassins come to kill me today, please make it after. He thought. Besides, what assassin worth his salt would come through the front door? He looked at the massive open balcony for several seconds. Then shrugged again. “Whatever.”

After nearly two hours of waiting, when the sun was well down, the door to his chamber slid open.

Robert was lying on his bed and had nearly dozed off when he sat up to see Demessa standing in the center of the living area. She wore a fine grey robe that glittered in the light of several floating flames that lit his room. His eyes scanned over her slender form and then met her bright green eyes. She smirked at him, and began to walk forward

“Well, hello my Prince.” She said, folding her arms under her breasts pressing them against the smooth fabric.

Roberts eyes widened as he realized she had nothing on under the robe. “Uh… Hey.” Was all he said. Shit… he thought, wincing at his lack of creativity.

She let out a genuine laugh and her smile broadened as she lifted her hand to beckon him. Her pearl white hair was no longer tied in braids, or clipped to keep it from her eyes. As a warrior, this was a common practice. Instead if fell delicately around the sides of her face, framing it. Her scar was emphasized by this, but the crawling cracks seemed to be of little significance in Robert’s mind.

Robert moved to the foot of the bed and sat, admiring her beauty. “I have to say Demessa, you’re one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever set my eyes on.” Nice. He thought, more pleased with himself. There he is. The smooth talker’s back.

“Why thank you, my Prince.” She stepped forward and placed her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. “You flatter me.”

Robert stared at her eyes, their brilliance shining back at him with eagerness.

She leaned in to kiss him, and again he found himself lost in her scent and taste. The moments ticked by, each their own fleeting century. She pulled away and her hands rose to the sides of her robe.

“Wait.” Robert said, his mind screaming at him for not letting her continue. She paused and looked at him curiously. “It’s uh… been a while since I’ve done this.”

Demessa rolled her eyes and pulled her robe off of her shoulders, and the fabric slid to the floor in a soundless bundle. Robert stared at her naked body in sheer amazement. He knew the Dae were beautiful creatures. Each nearly perfect in their builds. Something to do with the Spiritual energy of this world; Dio’mar told him. The Dae bodies were identical to a human’s, save the skin color. She had ample breasts, and nipples that were a darker shade of her skin color. Her body was fit, and her waist slender, but slightly muscled. His eyes wandered lower to her sex, and he noticed that there was no sign of pubic hair. Robert was by no means a virgin, he had multiple partners in his life, but regardless, he had not seen a woman naked since he came to Pelemont, and with one so beautiful, his body reacted like it was his first time again. “Wow…” Was all he could say. Her grey skin glistened in the low light of the room as she reached for his tunic.

“Wait.”

She huffed and gave him a stern look. “Reku. I am standing here, naked in front of you. What’s wrong?” Her eyes wandered to his gloved right hand. Her expression became one of sympathy and she met his gaze. “I don’t care about that.” She said, and pulled his tunic off to reveal hundreds of red scars across his chest and arms. His left hand went unconsciously to cover his right, though the glove remained on. She smiled again, gently pulling his hands apart, and slid the glove free. A scaled grey hand was revealed, though the claws were filed down, it still had a grotesque look to it. Noticing his tension, she lifted it and kissed it gently.

Robert quivered at the gesture, and embraced her in a passionate kiss, pulling her onto his bed.