John rode up to the castle, trotting in a circle to stop his horse's furious pace. He shouted up at the guards, voice slightly hoarse from the long ride. "Open the gate, I have a message for Lord Moran."

One of the guards glanced down lazily, calling down and sounding decidedly bored. "Who from?"

"King Holmes of Bakerdom. Let me in!"

One guard looked over at the other, who shrugged. The first guard shrugged back and motioned over the other side of the wall for the men to open the gate. John was trotting though before it was completely open, rushing down the streets to the center of the city. He dismounted in front of Lord Moran's grand house and marched inside, past the sentries, up to the door just outside the Lord's throne room. He nodded to the guard and handed the paper over the king sent him with. The man inspected it and nodded back, pushing open the doors and stepping inside with John at his side.

"Lord Moran, a messenger from Bakerdom."

John's eyes drifted to a grand throne, a bit flashy for a Lord, and the woman who sat sprawled sideways across it in crimson robes. She scrutinized the messenger before her before speaking. "Yes, what do you want?"

John swallowed. "I have a message for Lord Moran."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, that's me. What is it? And come closer so you aren't shouting."

John stepped up to the throne, bending in a curt bow. "My apologies. It's just, you're…"

"A woman? Yes, I am. Now out with the message before I get bored and feed you to the lions."

He swallowed, willing himself to stay calm. "Bakerdom wishes to invite the Lord Moran to a feast to celebrate the kingdoms."

A smile crept across her face, but it was too predatory to be comforting. "Accepted. Are you to escort me?"

John simply nodded.

"I'll pack my things." She stood without another word and sashayed out, dragging a hand along his chest as she passed.

John sighed. It was going to be a long ride back.