Duron watched from the rooftop as the courtiers and wealthy entered the Imperial Manse. Tonight was the Thousand Scales Ball. He had been watching for days seeing how the guards come and go. His best bet was to penetrate the walls of the immense building as a guard. The ball was starting and the guards would change in twenty minutes. Until then he would watch and wait.

Cala had gotten to the window without being seen. The princess was just inside. Tonight was the night. Every Dragon-Blooded and House member was here in the manse. Now was the night to exact her revenge, all she needed was a disguise. Princess O'na of the House Ragara would do nicely. Cala looked exactly like her, same muscle tone and hair. Cala's skin was darker, but in the ill-lighted ballroom who would notice. The princess left the main room and headed for the bath now was her chance. Without a sound or flutter Cala entered the room. She undressed and immediately found suitable attire lying on the bed. Not much of an outfit. Two pieces of dense, fine linen for a skirt that draped down from an ornate belt that tied at her hips. The top tunic was tight on Cala but hung just below her chest. Gold and jeweled anklets, bracelets and necklaces made he look like a flittering peacock but she had to play the part. The final piece was a royal head band with the markings of the House. Now she looked like a princess.

Duron snuck down from the roof with some difficulty, his two daiklaves didn't help much either. Five minutes. Across the way and under the tall tree outside the wall. Three minutes. He climbed the tree with great accuracy and vaulted the wall. He landed with a thud on the ground. Two minutes. He darted pass the gardens and pressed himself against the building wall. There, his entrance, two meters to his left. Seizing the opportunity he made a break for it. Fifteen seconds. He closed the door behind him and released his breath. Well done he said to himself now to find the armory and a place to stow his swords till all was completed.

The princess walked back in to the room. Cala had barely enough time to hide herself behind the door. Well so much for stealth. A little blood goes a long way. Cala sprang and seized the princess' head. The small bones cracked at the quick twist and her last breath escaped her lips. A pity, the princess would have made a great bargaining chip if needed. Cala donned the one necklace, headband, bracelets and anklets. She opened the door with as much dignity as she could muster, walked down the hall to the great ballroom.

He slunk down the hall garbed in officers' dressage. Blue armor with tassels, ornate sword used more for show than a fight, white tunic underlay. The things he had to do in the name of righteousness. The door to the ballroom had been left open. Not being one to blend well, he stuck out like all the other guards, blue spot in a sea of red and white. The lay of the room swirled around him. Music, entertainers, people dancing and laughing, wine it was enough to make any normal man dizzy, but Duron was here on a mission. Destroy the building that stood on the manse and liberate the city and the Realm of all dragon-blooded. That was why he had penetrated this building, trained for so long, and honed his skills¦wait what was that? He had been standing at attention trying to look like the other guards. He looked and saw her. Black hair braided to her head and down her back. Imperial markings all over her and she seemed not to fit in. He turned his eyes back to the front for only a fraction of a second but when he looked again she had vanished.

Cala had been seen, she was sure of it. She had mingled with the crowd matching step for stance, the exact mirror of the imperial family, and yet the guard had watched her. Maybe he was checking out the action of the night. No such luck, buddy. He'd sooner have one of her arrows in his heart than her in his bed. Besides the dagger she had concealed was for a soldier higher up the food chain than his peon of a sentry. There he was standing like a man with no conscience, the snake, the villain, MURDER! Cala could feel her rage swelling. She needed to calm down. There wasn't enough room her to perfectly aim the dagger and run. She would have to get close to her target. Very close. Oh father, forgive me, but this is the only way to put your spirit to rest.

He saw her again; the clothes, the hair, definitely a princess. She would be his target. If she lived here than he knew where the room to the furnaces were, if not then there was one less dragon-blooded to worry about. She was leaving! He had to catch her. But he couldn't leave; it would cause too much commotion. Suddenly the crowd surged to the walls pushing Duron back against the door. He spilled out into the hall. There she was, walking briskly but not hurriedly. This was almost too easy.

Cala had to get out, a side entrance, secret passage, something. There at the far end of the wall, a small door. Concentrating on concealing her anima she enveloped herself in her wings. Hurriedly she made her way to the door past the royal guards. Once in the hall she let her cloak fall and she padded of quickly down the hall. No one was supposed to be in the halls, then why did she have the distinct feeling of being followed. She stopped, looked down as if checking her shirt. She pulled the dagger out from the hidden sheath under her shirt, three, two, one¦

Duron saw his chance. He had tailed her to the end of the hallway, he pulled the short sword from its scabbard, it may not have been for fighting, but it would frighten any pampered princess. She stopped. Quickly and as quietly as he could he crept up on her. His hand reached for her shoulder¦

Cala felt him extend his hand before it touched her shoulder. She grabbed it and threw her assailant against the wall. A loud CRACK echoed down the hall just as thunderous applause erupted from the ballroom so no one bothered to investigate.

Duron felt the shock wave hit his body through the armor. It shocked him for only a few seconds. The sword he wielded was pressed against her slender bare stomach. Her dagger was pressed against his now exposed throat. His helmet lay a few feet from him. A princess that could defend herself, that wasn't something he counted on. She stepped closer and he slid the sword deeper against her soft abdomen.

I wouldn't if I were you. The woman's voice was pure silk laced with poison, an almost hypnotic look in her pale lavender eyes. He had heard the voice before, he was sure of it.

And why not? came the deep baritone from the man, more mocking her than in fear. Where had she heard that voice?

Because I will slit your throat so fast you won't know you are dead until you see the underworld. His milky-blue eyes studied Cala's face for a moment, he smiled.

Why are you smiling? The question was more out of annoyance than shock. Had he gone delirious at the realization that he would die in a pool of his own blood? Men, who knew.

Duron smiled, this was too easy, and this pampered kitten hadn't the gall to follow in on her threat. Without hesitation his hand shot forth grabbing and wrenching her around he dislodged the blade from her hand.

Now, now little princess, lets not be so hasty, the voice held more warning this time and sounded mean. He meant to scare her.

Little PRINCESS!? Cala was insulted. She may have dressed the part but she was no pampered palace pet. He stole a kiss on her cheek. Infuriated she twisted a piece of his flesh with her free hand. He tried not to scream in pain but he let her go. Cala grabbed her dagger from where it had fallen and pointed at the would-be killer.

Don't follow me, she said carefully weighing each word, wanting to them to sound as acidic as possible. With out a backwards glance she tore down the hall at breakneck speed.

Don't follow? Of course he would. He took off running. Damn she was fast and the skirt did not hide the taut muscles in her legs. He heard behind him the ballroom doors open. He swore beneath his breath and continued to follow. He saw her duck into a room and sped up to grab the door before she locked it.

Cala ran as fast as a deer, vaulting over chairs and rugs. She had been caught. Damnit, now she was never get her chance. The room lay ahead, she wouldn't bother changing, and she could steal clothes if she needed it. She closed the door behind her only to have it burst open, the guard had followed her. She fell to the floor but rolled to stay out of his reach. Her bow would do her no good in a close combat situation; she would have to rely on her blade and martial arts charms. The question tugged at her mind, how had he stayed on her trail? No mortal man could catch her.

Duron fell over himself as he burst through the door, catching himself he spun around before she had a chance to stick him. He locked the door but as he turned he saw the real princess on the ground dead.

Who are you? he asked. He was amazed at her skills and abilities. She fascinated him. The woman looked ready to kill him at all costs.

The question startled Cala. Why was he asking, did he not care that his death lay not more than ten feet from him?

I am no one to be trifled with. Let me go and I swear I won't kill you or any family you have.

You clearly are not the princess, SHE is lying there. You are an assassin. Who and why you are trying to kill is beyond me, but you are very skilled that is obvious. He tried to get her off base, falter if need be. Duron pulled a chair out from under a table and sat.

Sit, he said motioning to the bed, but Cala wouldn't sit with an enemy in the room.

Or don't it's all the same, Duron said it mockingly; the woman was clearly not trusting of anyone.

Why are you talking to me, Cala asked. The seeds of her anger died in her. This man meant her no harm, but why was he trying to be her¦friend!? Cala finally sat.

Good now we can talk. My name is Duron. He waited for her to answer. It was almost comical to see the dumbfounded look on the young woman's face.

Uh¦My name is¦uh¦O'na. Cala finally recovered to say a name but why did it have to be the one of the dead princess. What was it about this man that seemed so familiar and why did he make her question her senses?

No its not, ˜O'na' is her name, Duron said motioning to the body lying on the floor. It was half scolding half playful, he needed to find out who or what this woman was and how she had become so strong.

Your name has spirit behind it, so are we going to be truthful or do we have to sit here till the real guards come and find us?

REAL guards, so he wasn't a guard. The question almost made Cala laugh but instead of she smirked. No harm in revealing herself to this man. If he wanted to talk to death, let him.

Cala, my name is Cala, she said in her soft voice that sounded like a purr more than a human voice.

Good now I know your name and you know mine.

By the gods, she was beautiful. Those pale lavender-gray eyes that glowed like the moon, that brilliant small smile on her pretty lips, her long, silky black hair. Beautiful but deadly. An elegant predator sat before him and her clothing did little to hide the power her body contained. Her gaze made him aware of himself and he cleared his throat hoping to ease the rising heat in his body. What was happening?

OK, so do you mind explaining how you kept up with me in the hall? I am faster than any man alive. She had him. He was after all human. His gaze flickered up her form. He was almost drooling. Cala smiled inwardly.

Duron stood and turned around, this was hard. He felt his cast mark burn through the headband. He felt his heart skip a beat as he heard her shift off the bed. This had never happened before. He had seen beautiful women but none like this, he had to know, a part of him had to know. Turning he found her almost at the window.

STOP, Duron said, a little louder than expected.

Cala turned and faced him. Well she almost made it. Yes? The purr again this time it was soft and vibrant.

Duron controlled himself enough to walk over to her. He ripped the headband from her forehead. There beneath the royal fabric lay the mark he was hoping to find.

Cala jumped the bed, grabbed her bow and arrows from their hiding spot. How dare him and now he would pay with his life. Her body infused with essence, she laced the arrow making it sharp and sure. She turned and aimed right for his evil heart. But the look on his face and the way he stood caused her to stop. Her eyes traveled up to his brow. Duron had pulled back his hair revealing the golden disk that burned like the sun. His body ignited in a blue flame and his eyes shown through the light.

Cala was speechless; her weapons fell from her hands. Another Chosen, it couldn't be but it was. Her exalted soul rejoiced at the sight of him not knowing why.

Without a word she ran to him and he engulfed her in his arms. He felt like he had found a long lost friend. The joy overwhelmed them both.

We have to leave, now, Cala said urgently. Duron nodded. He also had to get his swords and get out of this monkey suit. She collected her quiver and bow when she stood; Duron had a puzzled look on his face.

You aren't going to change out of those, he said pointing to her clothing.

No, I stole them, I stole the ones I had on and I'll steal another pair if I need it.

Her carefree attitude amazed him. He went to the door and looked out into the hall. No one, good this would be quick. He started to inch his way down the hall he turned to see if Cala was following him. She was right there at his side matching his speed with her own quite steps. The armory was one floor down so they needed to find the stairs. The stairs were big and open not a good place to hide a big guy like himself. Cala saw his hesitation and asked what was wrong.

My daiklaves and clothes are in that room but it's to open, someone will notice me, he whispered.

Now it was her turn to show her anima. With careful concentration she felt her body become light as the wind. Her body was washed in silver light. Her anima wings unfolded at her back. With equal amazement Duron watched her become invisible and almost fly down the stairs not a sound could be heard even when the heavy wooden door was opened.

Cala looked and saw the two big swords in the back. When she picked them up they were weighty but felt secure in her small palm. Pulling the scabbards over her head she found his clothes. Tempted she breathed in his scent. He smelled earthy and warm. Her head spun at the pleasing smell. Cala made her way back to the door, checking right and left no one in sight. She hauled herself and the weapons up the stairs still making no sound not even to breathe. When she reached Duron he lifted the swords off her shoulders and took the clothes from her.

Now we can leave. Duron left the armor in the hall and dressed as he ran. There was a window open and Cala looked out. It wasn't far to the ground. She vaulted to the earth landing close to the wall. Duron landed with a loud thud a few feet from her. They scaled the wall and jumped to the ground below. Once in the street Cala led him to where she was staying, a large room with windows which were easy to get in and out of.

Do you ever use the door? he asked as they clambered into the lamp lit room

If it is daytime, Cala said laughing. It's not much but it's fine for now.

For now, he echoed in his mind. He watched her place the jewelry in a bag and then sit down in a chair. The fabric did little to conceal her legs.

What, she asked, amused at the color that reddened his cheeks. He was embarrassed how cute. Cala knew fully how she was dressed and how she looked to him. But knowing that did not make it easier for her to not notice the muscles underneath his shirt. It was all she could do to not rip his shirt off or for that matter his pants. It was all she could do to keep her own color from reddening.

Duron sat on the bed and began to tell his story. Maybe if he talked he could get the image of her body out of his mind. But looking into those watchful eyes, knowing they saw every muscle and minute expression that passed across his face, did not make them any less seductive or any less inviting. How was it that she made him feel uneasy and comfortable at the same time? He searched his soul only to come up blank. As his story ended he looked and watched the laughter and smile dance in her eyes. When she smiled, his mind was floored.

Cala could feel the heat rise in her face as he looked at her intently. His long dark messy hair, his strong arms and body, her own body ached to feel it against her again. His eyes, oh those beautiful light blue eyes, she felt as if he could see to her very soul. She turned her head and reached for the locket in the drawer of the table.

Now it's my turn, she said playfully watching as his hands brushed back his hair and then lay firmly on the bed. He was all ears to her. He laughed at the funny parts, his laugh was brilliant. It radiated through her soul like nothing ever had before. His face saddened at the murder and brightened at how she became exalted. When she finished she held his gaze, wanting to linger in those pools of blue peace. His face was alive with light and passion.

Duron watched her face, expressive and beautiful. He longed to touch it, to feel the softness beneath his fingers. He longed to kiss her, to breathe in the sweet scent he knew lingered on her skin. He was entranced. Before he could stop himself, he was standing over her, his hand cupped her cheek. She nuzzled her face to it feeling the warmth of his skin on her cool face. Her skin was silk beneath his calloused hand. She placed her hand over his and kissed his palm. Duron couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy for his hand. He brought his face down to hers and found her lips full and welcoming.

He tasted incredible, the energy and power. The passion, in a simple lingered kiss. Cala placed her arms around his neck and he pulled her up and hugged her close to him. She traced his face and neck kissing him where her fingers touched. He felt amazing, so much strength and fervor in his arms. She laced his shoulders, the force that she sensed in those muscles. She felt fragile and small in his embrace. He held her as if she were a priceless piece of glass, strong and delicate. She kissed him again but more fiercely and deliberately. He returned her kiss with equal passion savoring every inch of her mouth with his tongue. His hands made a path down her back mapping every subtle curve. Holding her with one arm he traced her leg with his finger tips. Her hands went beneath his tunic tracing every crease and muscle on his abdomen and chest. He moaned softly at her touch. She pulled at his shirt violently throwing it across the room till it met the wall. He saw in her eyes a wild passion, which he could not deny that he felt himself. He wanted her and she wanted him just as much. He pulled her to the bed holding her beneath him. Cala smiled and laughed at the rush of emotions, she wanted him alright and would do anything to make him just as crazy as she was. She kissed him intensely and moved to the head of the bed. Smilingly slyly she waved her finger at him in a come-and-get-me gesture and Duron was more than happy to oblige her. He was on top of her in an instant and she laughed at the wildfire in his eyes.

You're laughing at me, he said, trying to sound as hurt as possible.

No, never, she said stretching her hands above her head, knowing that he was getting a full view of what was to come. I'm laughing because you may not want to leave after this.

Who says I was going to? Duron pulled her close to him feeling every curve of her body with his. He heard her moan as he deepened the kiss, his body pleading to be next to hers. He laid a breathless Cala back to the bed. He showered her face with kisses, moving to her neck where his tongue pressed against her sweet pulse. Her hands etched his back and her sighs of pleasure fueled his exploration. His hands traveled down her sides moving to the front of her shirt. His fingers untied the string that held the shirt and drew her into kiss as he shed the offending article. He was not disappointed. Two full, firm mounds greeted his gaze and Cala giggled at the look.

I'm glad that you like, she said huskily with the same deep purr as before. He smiled and kissed her fervently. She slid her hands down his chest reaching for the belt around his waist. She felt his hand at her wrist bringing her hands above her head. Cala looked at him in surprise but he shook his head and pressed his mouth to her trim neck. He heard her gasp in delight as he pressed his free palm against her breast. His mouth moved from her neck to the other firm mound and he sucked and pressed his tongue in turn on her already hard nipples. Her moans and sighs beneath his mouth made him want her even more, so bad that his body could barely stand it. He moved to her stomach savoring each kiss as her hands combed through his hair. His fingers found the tie of her skirt and slowly untied it as he pressed a hand slowly to her hip. She cried out in uninhibited passion as the skirt found the floor. He looked up and gazed upon her body drinking in the beautiful woman who lay before him. Cala could feel his tender eyes on her, her mind swirled in a sea of desire. She looked at him biting her bottom lip, wanting so much for him to take her now. Duron sat up, gods he was hard. He wanted to feel her around him, in him, coursing through his veins.

She sat up and moved to him, her long black hair brushing his skin. She kissed his shoulders and neck running her hands down his bare chest.

I'm all yours, she whispered softly to him. Her hands moved to his pants searching for a way to remove them.

Duron pulled her to him, kissing her soundly. He laid her back and stood. He blew out the lamp, leaving only the stars and moon to illuminate the room. He removed his boots and pants. He could feel her watchful eyes on him studying, tracing his body in the moonlight, taking in every muscle and curve. When he finally turned he heard her breath catch. Cala had never seen a man like Duron before, powerful and strong in all the right ways. He moved to the empty side of the bed and lay down next to her pulling her close. He kissed her letting his hand explore her body once more. Her hand came to rest below his face on his neck pulling his face close extending the kiss. Down the subtle curve of her neck, across her slender shoulders, stroking the valley between her breasts feeling each tenderly, lightly touching her stomach, caressing over her beautiful hips. His fingertips lingered at her legs, slowly moving over her calf and thigh, in between her legs. As each cry and moan of passion escaped her lips, his own desire was fueled and he could feel the intense heat that radiated through him. His hand found her sweet spot, his fingers playing with her lips, feeling the warm moisture emit from her body.

Cala's body and mind reeled in the bliss. Never before had something made her body quake and convulse. Her fingers played on his muscles, making their way to his groin. He called out in ecstasy as her fingers traced his manhood, feeling every rock hard inch. She could stand it no longer, Take me, she moaned in half-plea, half-command. Duron chuckled Not yet, he whispered lustily in her ear.

His lips traveled down to the inner part of her thigh; there he explored her innermost being with his tongue, slowly torturing her. She called out his name in contentment. He tasted the passion of her body, how it came so sweetly in his mouth. She was ready, her body so wanting. He wiped his mouth and moved her legs slowly apart. Cala moaned loudly as this small movement increased the electricity coursing through her body. He set down on his knees in the gap between her legs. He placed a hand at her back. Ever so slowly he traced her with his head, his mind reeling at the new sensation. Unhurriedly he inserted himself into her. She gasped and moaned at the feel of him inside her. Warm and swollen his member found its home. Gradually he went in the rest of the way, watching her face contort in pleasure and pain. Her eyes rolled back and she called his name again and again. Her hands raked through his hair pulling his head down in an impassioned kiss. In and out, in and out, his thrusts were slow and got faster. Burning with desire, their bodies matched in perfect rhythm, his hips fitting like a puzzle piece in the curve of hers. Duron thought his body would explode from the electrifying surges that racked his body. Sweat poured off of them and glistened in the moonlight as their hips matched in rythymic movments. Cala could hold back no longer. She cried his name and moaned, feeling her orgasm inside her swell. She grasped his shoulders as the climax hit and pulsed against her body. He could not resist her call and let go, feeling the rush of his passion meld with her body. He fell to his elbows on the bed hearing her gasp for air. He encased her mouth with his, tracing her lips with his. His body quaked and shook form the exertion of energy and ecstasyof being inide her. Cala wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Gently he pulled himself out feeling a last wave hit from her body. He looked at her and smiled with shear joy. There were no words to describe how he felt at that moment. She looked at him with the same unbridled happiness feeling as if the last years of her life had finally become complete. He pulled the blanket around them, he held her close. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him one final kiss. Her body was exhausted, but she felt safe. Duron nestled her against him and laid his head on the pillow. He could feel Cala's soft breath as she slumbered. His own eyes became heavy and started to close. In the night he was sure he could see their spirits dancing on the cool breeze. Two Chosen lovers, long separated by war and time only to be reunited once again. A love, Duron thought as he watched his beloved sleep, that transcended not only time but death as well