Aodh awoke to find someone looking down over him. He reached for his knife but all too quick he felt a hand over his mouth and on his arm. He looked up to find Leniseh staring down at him motioning to be quiet.

“I came to visit.” She whispered, “I heard you were taken by dragonflame. I want to know what it was like.”

Aodh moved her hands away. “This is what Princesses call a visit?”

“Well yes actually, seeing as you were asleep before it was even second moon.” She put a hand across his face.

“Fascinating.”

“My face? Is it that handsome?”

“Relax Foxling, I was referring to the illusion you now bear.”

Aodh sat up a little. “What does it look like?”

She shrugged, “Exactly like a Burned man should look like. If I do not look closely then I see a human, perfectly half scorched.

She threw back his covers and frowned at his clothes, “It covers the entirety of your body?”

“It is supposed to. Though if you wish to examine mine, then it is only fair I get to examine yours.”

“You did plenty of that last night.”

“And I wish to do plenty more of it this night.”

Leniseh was wearing a thin dress, elegant and light, the sight of her in it had quickly put Aodh awake.

“One night is not enough?”

“A thousand is not enough.”

She laughed and frowned at him, “What would happen at a thousand and one?”

“I would grow bored and need to find someone else.”

She went to slap him, though playfully, which gave him time to catch it.

“Is that how you like it?”

“You are ridiculous.” She shook her head but didn’t resist when Aodh pulled her in close to him.

They kissed, Aodh wrapped his hand around her neck drawing her in closer.

She pulled away and licked her lips, “I fear I am starting to get a taste for you.”

Aodh raised a brow, “So long as it is only a taste. I need my blood still.”

“I know, I was good last night wasn’t I?”

Aodh couldn’t help smiling at her expression, “Good? I do not think that word has ever been used to describe you Princess. Though admittedly you are good at some things.”

She kissed him, “You also, I find you… acceptable.”

“Acceptable?” He opened his mouth in horror, “You offend me.”

She laughed even as she kissed and then traced a finger across his neck.

He sighed, “Is it really so important for you? Does it add so much.”

“I have already told you that it does. It makes me desire you. Crave you. All of you within me. Without it I feel nothing.”

Aodh knew well enough Leniseh was manipulating him, her hand descending down his chest and body confirmed as much.

Her emphasis on desire and crave had inspired just the same feelings in him.

For what comes after, he reassured himself. For what came after was certainly worth it.

She moved her lips slowly across his neck, teasing both him and herself. Her hands continued to search for him. Aodh turned slightly to take a hold of her body as she was him.

She only stayed on his neck a moment before withdrawing and wiping the blood from her mouth.

When she bit there was the same momentary jolt of pain, and, though he wouldn’t admit it, there was pleasure for him too as she sucked on his neck. But it was best she did not know the fact. Likely she already does, Aodh realised. He ceased to think after that. What physical pain he had earlier experienced was quickly being replaced with physical pleasure. The fact consoled him.

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When Aodh next awoke it was still dark, though the first moon was starting to make its presence felt. He looked over to see the space beside him empty. But he saw Leniseh at the side of the bed fumbling with her dress. She was looking intently at him, from her stare Aodh guessed she had not meant for him to wake.

“You are leaving.” He stated.

“Yes, it is better I am not seen here. I told you.”

“You did. You know I am leaving this evening. For the Coast.”

“I am aware, yes.”

Aodh nodded. There was a silence.

“Will you be there to say goodbye? Or is that what this is?”

“To say goodbye?” Leniseh raised a brow, she laughed.

“Goodbye to what? Two nights of lying with each other. Is it so precious to you?”

“I was merely being polite. I thought it best to bid you farewell properly. Obviously I was mistaken. As for thinking it precious,”

Aodh turned back over, “I consider laying with a Vampir Princess precious, the who does not matter.”

Though Aodh did not see, by the sound of her departure, he supposed she’d stormed off. Usually silent, her steps echoed as she left the bedroom.

He immediately regretted his words. He had wanted to lash out at her for her apparent disregard, he did not mean the words. He knew why she didn’t wish to be seen with him, it made sense. Yet still he had let his pride rule him. Aodh sighed and placed his hands under his head.

I should apologise for that. He thought. Though, she evidently did not care for the two nights all that much. She did start it with that laugh. It was the laugh made me lash out.

Likely she wouldn’t care either way if he apologised or not. Aodh rubbed at his neck.

He turned over again. Why did I wake up?

Aodh did not sleep after that, the moon was already casting its light, and he had fallen asleep early. His time with Leniseh had left his body feeling content, though perhaps not his mind.

Breakfast was hastily put out by his thralls. They were only beginning to set the table when he arrived and seemed distraught by him awakening ahead of time.

He tried to place a comforting hand on one, and was about to explain that there was no rush. But the thrall instantly drew back, as if the touch had burned him. Aodh decided it best to leave them to it, evidently they were not for speaking.

He did not eat much, it was too early and he had not the appetite for more than a few slices of bacon and bread. A single glass of wine and he was fully satisfied.

He was called upon just before noon. Six guards were outside. This time they led him back towards the Platform Tower he had arrived in the city through. He alone took the lift back down to the lower city. It was not near so bad now that he was prepared.

Apparently there was not to be much fanfare for his departure.

Three Princes and several Households guards were waiting at the outer Gates for him. Behind them were ten half bloods all mounted, along with twenty thrall soldiers. All looked eager to be off.

The three Princes Feergar, Azareel and Mezal. Three of those most in favour of his task. Aodh was surprised when all three of the Princes came forward to shake his hand and bid him luck on his journey. One by one they looked at him with only sincerity. He nodded and uttered his thanks, ensuring he would do all in his power to uncover as much as he could about the Dragonkin.

“Vayne will be joining you at the Coast along with my own son Yoven and Feergar’s son Fendar.” Azareel explained as Aodh went to join his escort, “They naturally will be making their way later, they are currently engaged in another matter along their route. Do not worry, you will not be delayed, they’ll be there before you more than likely.” Azareel smiled, “We are quite adept when it comes to speed.”

“I’ve noticed.”

Aodh took a moment to steady himself before he transformed into his Beast form. He was glad the Vampirii had not pressed him onto horseback. In his fox form he was just as fast and a hundred times more comfortable.

None of the Princes seemed surprised by the transformation. Though it was true that all three had played major roles in the Land Wars. No doubt Beastlings, in whatever form, were not all that strange to them. There was nothing else to say, nor do. A low growl was all the indication the guards needed to know he was ready. With that they were off.

Aodh padded along as the Half bloods and thralls horses cantered out of the great Gates. They moved at a fast pace, if a steady one. Aodh felt a surge of energy flow through him as he moved, it had been too long since he’d been in the form, he could not wait to be outside the city and to break out into a gallop.

He would have liked to say goodbye to Leniseh, a final kiss would have been sweet. But after how they had departed, he was not surprised that she had not appeared. It was only two nights after all, she had been right about that. Still, Aodh’s mind was full of ways he could have perhaps acted better.

He was glad to be finally back out in the open. Once they were outside the time for thinking ceased. As soon as they were freed his escort urged their mounts on and were soon charging out down the main roadway. Aodh let go of his worries as he followed suit. He was in the middle of their numbers, but they were moving at a good speed. He would not have to think on anything else until they stopped. To be a fox would be enough.