“I'm sorry.” The knight stepped over to our table and bowed. “But I thought I heard you say that you fight fire, Duke Demetrius. Did I misunderstand?”
I wasn't sure what was going on, so I went with the truth. “Yeah, I said that, and no, you didn't misunderstand. I don't think so, at least. We don't have Dragons to put out fires on my planet. Only humans. We have to fight them or they can get out of control—burn down entire forests or even cities.”
“You only have humans on your planet?!”
The entire restaurant went quiet.
Kaspian cocked his head at his knight.
“My apologies,” Sir Fenvor stammered. “But . . . Sire, is it true? You saw this?”
“Yes, I did. A world populated by humans alone. And although they had no magic, they created a type of magic called science. I have to admit that they impressed me. They are no match for Dragons, but they have done surprisingly well without us.”
“Science,” Fenvor murmured. “It sounds like sorcery.”
“I cannot speak of it. I believe the Goddess wishes for me to leave the wonders of that world upon it.”
Fenvor bowed immediately. “Yes, Sire.” He hurried back to his post.
I cracked my neck. Even stronger than any other human, I was still weak compared to the other races of Serai. I had come to a world where humans were at the bottom of the totem pole. Sure, we were still above animals—at least, I hoped we were—but that was it. And it didn't sound as if that got us much respect. Immortality—that was what mattered here. Immortality and the strength to preserve it. Magic.
That's when I remembered the whole “if I die, he dies” thing. Love had nothing to do with it. It was a magical bond forged by a goddess. Kaspian's desire to protect me suddenly became clear. It was about him, not me. Nothing romantic to it. Simple self-preservation. It made sense, but it still stung.
“I don't just know how to fight fire—I know fire. How it moves, spreads, and what it thrives on. I may understand the element that fuels your magic better than you do.”
Sir Fenvor gasped.
“Sir Fenvor!” Kaspian snapped.
“I'm sorry, Your Majesty.”
“Trade positions with one of the men outside. Now!”
“Yes, Sire.” Fenvor, looking like a chastised dog, left the restaurant, head low.
“You didn't have to do that,” I said.
In between the changeover, Kas leaned in and hissed, “Youdidn't have to do that! You knew we were being overheard and you still said that.”
“Whoa. Said what? What's got your panties in a twist?”
“You never tell a Dragon that you know his magic better than he does.”
“You said that I'm a Dragon now too!”
“You are but you aren't.”
“Uh-huh. Then I am but I'm not your mate.”
The look that came over Kaspian's face was one of such horror and betrayal that I instantly felt terrible.
“Hey, I'm sorry. That just came out. I . . . fuck. Are you all right? I didn't mean that. We're together. I know we're together. I'm your mate. I know.”
Kaspian drew in a breath slowly and when he let it out, his torso trembled with it. “You are not of my world. Not of my culture. I am trying to remember that.”
I sighed. “What happens if this doesn't work out, Kas?”
“What?!” he roared.
