The early rays of Sunlight entered the room, the steady glow breaking me away from slumber. It took me minutes to fully come to, trying to suppress waking up completely. I sprawled on the bed, my arms touching Cerolus, who was barely awake as well.

"Hey," I whispered as I slowly nudged closer towards him, my nude body coming in contact with his. I smiled as I recollected every detail of last night's activities.

Cerolus hugged me with his huge arms, the heat of his body flowing into my own. His grasp was the safest place I knew now, as his arms went around my body. We kissed briefly, and he nuzzled his nose into my neck. "Morning, beautiful."

I realised what day it was, and a part of me became anxious and dejected. I knew we talked about this at great length, but the actual realisation was still to set in. "Do you have to go?"

His brow furrowed a bit, as he sighed. "I really do. The Elder Circle convenes about every five years, and it's vital that every race's representative is present. It's how most of our diplomacy had worked."

"Can't I come with you?" I stroked his horns. Cerolus thoroughly enjoyed that for some reason. "You said you're allowed to bring someone if needed. So bring me."

"Sophia." Cerolus' tone became stern. "I already had invited a certain someone to join me on this occasion. And you're..." he lingered for a brief moment.

I had to concede, he made his points stellar. "...a Human. Yes, fine, the rest of the races don't like Humans. I got that."

It was something extremely hard to accept, that people out there just hated us for various reasons. 'But then again, weren't we the ones who did the same to Demons?'

"Nobody hates you. But no other races are allowed at the Circle. We'd have to make an official stance about the other races regarding their status with the Circle. I already know that you Humans have something called a High Council with the Elves. It's similar to that. Would they allow me to be there?"

'Probably not.' I could see his reasoning. It was, after all, something I've been taught rather thoroughly in the Palace. I was unlikely to inherit the throne or hold a great title, but the education I considered to have received was similar to that of Renald's or Magdalene's. It was, begrudgingly, one of the few good things I considered to have gained from Father. He still decided to not answer my letters, even though I sent a few ones to all of them.

"But..." Cerolus' frown turned into a smirk, "that doesn't mean I have to leave right this moment."

His face slowly disappeared from view as he kissed along my body, while all I could do is enjoy.

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My usual morning approach to Lord Cerolus' chambers was off. He would've usually been gone by this time, leaving only Hiratun at the doors to wait for Lady Sophia. Seeing Nerephil here was a surprise. A pleasant one, but a surprise nonetheless.

"Phil, what are you still doing here. Is everything alright?" I came to his side and received a small peck on the lips. His brown eyes shone brightly and he went to reach for my bottom. I shoved his hand away with my own, as we were on duty and this was not a part of it. His hand reached for my hip instead, which I minded less.

I realised he liked to show off a bit in front of the other men, but that wasn't really necessary.

"Why don't you hear for yourself?" He nodded towards the shut doors. I approached the heavy, and ornately engraved, wood and leant in.

Moans, groans and sudden shoutouts made me jump back and slap Phil then and there. "You could've just said it, you idiot!"

"What, it's not like we don't know what's going on in there. It's been practically the same every night since they came back from the Human country. Gotta admire the old man, he still has it in him." Nerephil struck out a fist and Hiratun did the same as they bumped and smiled. "It seems they went for a morning routine as well this time."

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"Probably because the Lord is leaving for the Capital today," Hiratun added, a usually stern face under his helmet replaced with a bright smile as he nodded.

I remembered what is going on, and realised the implications. I clasped my hands around Phil, trying to ignore proper manners and etiquette. "Don't you have to go, too?"

"Yes." Phil's answer was slightly solemn. "I'm gonna miss you."

I kissed him again. "I'm going to miss you too."

Hiratun groaned audibly. "Oh get a room. I know I have to stand here and listen to that guy doing it," he pointed towards the doors, "but I sure don't have to watch you two in front of me."

Phil and I sneered at him in unison and in that same moment the doors opened. I tried to regain my composure and straighten my shirt, partly in panic.

Lord Cerolus came out, panting lightly, but soon regained his usual stern composure. "Oh good, you're here Tiana."

I immediately curtsied at the mention of my name, trying to not show my rapidly searing face. It was hard at times to contain emotions when your face could burst into flames at any time.

"Just stay there for a bit. I think Sophia will call for you when she's ready. Nerephil, let's move. I hope you packed," he made an offhand remark as he already started strutting along the hallways, Phil rushing to get to his side.

I sighed, relieved at the Lord's lack of reaction. But then he turned his head back to me. "Don't worry, I'll get this guy back to you in one piece." He patted Phil's shoulder piece, as the person wearing it tried to sink into the floor, and winked at me mischievously.

I could only nod and try to make myself invisible, something that isn't a Firebearer's forte.

'Of course, he knows.'

When the two of them were out of sight I sighed while Hiratun was snickering at my side.

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I tossed around on the sheets, trying to delay the inevitability of getting up. 'It wouldn't do if I didn't at least see him off. That's what wives do, no?'

I leapt from the bed and put on the sleeping gown I was supposed to be wearing to bed. The silken dress saw little use in the previous days, as the feel of Cerolus' skin is much more comfortable than fabric.

I traced my hands along my body, trying to remember if there was something I forgot. But nothing of the sort came to my mind in the moment. I shrugged off the worries. 'There shouldn't be anything wrong anyway. I'm feeling the best I've ever been.'

I called for Tiana, but she already seemed to have been standing at the doors. It's a bit embarrassing if I were honest with myself. Her faced seem a bit redder than usual. And it showed. Her skin colour was coal black, so any redness was a stark contrast to the norm. It was like an inverse of Cerolus' eyes if I were to make a comparison.

"Are you alright, Tiana?" She simply nodded and shrugged the question off with a brief yes, then started to fit me inside the dress I was usually wearing. It was a bit tighter fit than usual. 'I guess I could've been eating a bit more these past months.'

The room was in silence as Tiana worked her usual magic in making me presentable, at least until I get to my training for the day. I switched up the routine a bit, the combat training was now a few hours after breakfast, after which I'd take a small meal, then proceed with the magical lessons. Although, I had to rethink that plan now that Cerolus was leaving. He didn't even bother specifying how long he'd be gone. ' "I don't know what they'll want," he said. Well at least tell me an approximation, so I don't have to worry.'

The morning routine was a bit rushed as the three of us strode along the hallways, the silent guard's armour clanking as he moved. I was queasy along the way but didn't think much of it, instead relegating it to fatigue. It was a blissful tiredness if I were to add.

We exited the castle to see Cerolus already directing the convoy. I ran up to him and hugged him from behind, losing myself in his broad back. He turned towards me and smiled brightly, the smile that always filled me with glee.

"I'm going to miss you," tears welled in my eyes slowly as I realised that for the first time since we've met I actually won't get to see him the next day. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

"Not as much as I'll miss you," his lips pressed against mine and I could feel the warmth spreading around me. I would have to remember this and treasure it in the coming days.

The hug ended, and Cerolus quickly readied the guards that would be escorting the carriage on their Triforce Drakes. I noticed one guard that is usually in front of our chambers nodding to Tiana as she blushed vigorously and shied away. My eyes bulged as the wheels in my head turned to come to a resounding realisation of what was going on.

Cerolus waved at me, and I waved back as he stepped into the carriage and disappeared from view, the wheels starting to turn as the Firemanes neighed furiously, flames seeping around.

He really did leave me alone in the castle. Yet somehow I felt confident I'd manage. I turned to the coal-skinned woman with reddened cheeks.

"Now then, Tiana. Tell me... everything!"