Kyra groaned as she awoke to something stabbing her in the throat. Feeling around, she found that it was her circlet. It clattered to the floor when she threw it away violently.

That was when she noticed the arms around her waist and under her head. Not to mention the warm air she could feel on the back of her neck or the strong, lazy heartbeat against her back. She knew that, because of her avian reserve, she should want to get away from her former enemy, but having Zane hold her like this was too comfortable.

Resolving to pay no mind to her own culture, Kyra rolled over so that she was facing the cobra price. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled her head into the hollow at the base of his throat. Had she been able to see his face, she would have seen the ruby eye crack open and the soft smile on his face as Zane rested his chin on top of her head.

Both enjoyed the other's company for a few minutes before Zane spoke up. "We should probably get up soon."

Kyra's only response was a grunt.

"I'm glad that you're comfortable with this." The feared cobra hesitated after that sentence before adding, "With me."

Shad shrugged. "I was already an outcast from avian culture anyway. Besides, you're a lot different than the rumor at the Keep describes."

"How so?"

"You were described as evil, untrustworthy, and—well—hideous to be quite honest." She replied, looking up at him. "To hell with perfectly emotionless avian standards. You're hot."

Zane smirked. "Oh? Why thank you." Kyra didn't even blush like he expected. "You aren't exactly how rumor depicted you, either."

"Do tell." The eagle prompted.

"Well, you were blind, for one." They shared a chuckle at that. "And you were cold, heartless, and pampered. I'm not going to lie, though; the rumors always said that you were beautiful, even by our standards."

Kyra raised her eyebrows. "'Even by your standards'?"

"Especially by our standards." He amended with a smile. Kyra matched his smile with a cheesy grin. "Can I ask you something?" he asked seriously. She nodded. "May I kiss you?"

There was a pause where the couple just stared into each other's eyes. Scarlet meeting garnet.

"Yes." Kyra replied, leaning closer to him—even though they were stilled cuddled up together.

Of course, that was when there was an impatient knock at the door.

"Sir," Adelina's voice drifted through the door, "your mother asked me to tell the two of you to start preparing for the ceremony." The viper's voice was cold even when muffled by the sturdy door. "You only have three hours."

Kyra groaned. "You know, one advantage to being the outcast was that no one cared where I was and when. I never had to be anywhere . . . except for the meeting with the Disa."

Zane chuckled. "Then that's one more thing that you're going to have to get used to."

"Well, I've already discovered one thing I like about being here," she hinted.

"And what might that be?"

"I don't have nightmares when I'm with you. I've been plagued with them every night since I was a child, but last night . . . nothing."

The cobra took one look at the relieved content expression on her face and couldn't resist; he pulled her forward into a kiss with a hand on the back of her neck. Kyra allowed it without hesitation.

While their tongues danced together, Zane found his hands carding through her hair. He froze when his fingers grazed the feathers hidden at the nape of her neck.

"Sorry," he whispered, breaking the kiss. "It's just—"

"It's weird compared to what you're used to." Kyra nodded, seemingly unfazed by his reaction.

"Still," Zane argued, meeting her gaze, "I haven't judged you for any of your secrets yet, but I freeze at a trait that all avians have."

Kyra laughed, a clear, honest sound. "That's one of the main reasons that it doesn't bother me. You would have done that no matter what avian it was kissing you. Relax, Zane. One small reaction isn't going to make me hate you or anything."

The cobra stared, once more stunned into silence by the amazing creature that he was sharing a bed with. Kyra snapped him out of it a few moments later by drumming her fingers on his sternum.

"Come on, snake boy. We have to get up." She teased. "And don't hate me, but I'm going to fall back to my people's customs while in the public eye for a bit. Just until we know exactly how your people are going to react to me. I'll drop it when I drop the blind thing."

Zane sighed in defeat. He didn't particularly like the idea of the eagle he was quickly falling for—not that he would admit it aloud yet—hiding herself away from him.

"Would it be too forward of me to ask that you keep being yourself when it's just us?" he asked quietly.

Kyra paused. "Of course not. But I will remind you once more that there is only so much I'm willing to show so soon. We've just about reached my limit as it is."

"Dually noted," he smiled. "The only thing is, during the ceremony, we will be expected to show a degree of . . . intimacy before our people."

Kyra immediately caught the use of the word "our" A small wave of happiness washed over her at that usually insignificant word. Pushing the feeling aside for now, Kyra questioned him, "What do you mean . . . 'intimacy'?" She was fine with t in private for now, but in fronto of the entire Serpiente court . . . ?

"Don't worry." Zane assured her. "A small kiss and some hand-holding should suffice. I will keep te crowd away from you; normally they would want to touch and hug their new Naga. I'm sure they will understand that these are unusual circumstances.

Another hesitation. "Okay. Whatever it takes to end this blasted war."

"You are incredible." He breathed, kissing her chastely one last time before climbing out of the luxurious bed.