Dri shut the door behind Drake, curious as to why he was keeping so silent. She waited patiently for his search of the room to be complete before she spoke. "Drake?"

"Yes, Master?"

"Is everything alright? You've been quiet since my story."

"I am fine, Master. I was lost in thought."

"About what? You don't have to tell me, but I am curious."

Drake hesitated, then continued, "Onyx told me that a certain thing was forbidden between humans and pawns. Krystal has further explained that this thing accompanies marriage, which is also forbidden between humans and pawns."

"Why is this on your mind?" Dri felt her face heat up. Was she really going to have this conversation?

"I figured that this thing is mating."

"It is. Why is this on your mind?" Dri repeated.

"You had talked about getting married and having kids. I felt…angry…about that. About you being with another man."

He's jealous!? "Why were you angry?"

"I do not know. I just was."

"Perhaps you should know something. That sort of union, one with a human and a pawn, is not usually done. Many people would not be comfortable with it. It is forbidden because it is not the social norm. I have been wondering if just because it is not 'normal,' if it should be wrong."

"What do you mean?"

Dri looked at Drake, and summoned her courage. She walked over to him, until she was scant inches away from his face. "I mean, this," she said as she kissed him. At once, she felt her body begin to melt. Her thoughts vanished, her breath stopped, and her heart began to pound so hard she was sure Drake could hear it. Dri pulled away, hoping her body would go back to normal.

Drake was looking at her, his face caught between glee and intrigue. "Why did you stop?"

Dri smiled. "That was the first kiss I've ever had."

Drake placed his arms around her waist, a little awkwardly at first. "That makes the two of us." This time, Drake started the kiss. Dri felt a rush go through her body, making her feel like she was liquefying in Drake's arms. Dri wrapped her arms around Drake's neck as he pulled her closer. Is this really happening? Are we…Then her thoughts stopped entirely. Their tongues were dancing around each other, revealing their mutual desire. Dri's hands slid down Drake's chest, feeling the muscles underneath his shirt before finding the ties to his breeches. She had just gotten them undone…when a knock was at her door. Drake pulled away, much to Dri's regret. She groaned softly and began straightening her dress.

"This had better be good," she muttered. As soon as she was sure that both she and Drake looked decent, she opened the door.

"Are you Adreahnna of Cassardis?" A young lad, maybe about ten, asked her.

"Yes."

"Then this is for you. It's from the duke himself." He handed her an envelope and ran off.

Dri closed the door, opening the envelope. She read the letter, and grinned.

"What is it?" Drake asked.

Dri looked at him lying on the bed. "The duke is summoning me at last."