More Raz and Zalim stuff; mostly him admiring her in her sleep. ;) Enjoy and please leave a review!

Raz drifted in and out of consciousness all night. She'd wake at random times, glassy eyes focusing on nothing. For a few minutes, she'd stare into the flickering fire place, watching the scarlet flames. She remained held tightly in Zalim's arms; awake, but not really awake.

After she'd watched the flames awhile, she'd look up at him for a split second and before falling back into sleep with a shudder, head falling against his chest. He made sure to consciously generate a heartbeat, to keep her soothed. As an immortal, he naturally had no pulse or need for such. That was the precise reason he was so cold. But, he supposed, his Raz seemed to like warmth and had seemed very worried when she couldn't find his heartbeat. So, he'd decided to try it again; it felt strange, to be warm again. It had been so long since he'd been warm, but admittedly, it felt… good. Refreshing.

It seemed to calm Raz as well; now that he'd attained a stable body temperature, she'd relaxed even further into sleep, laid comfortably against his chest. Every so often, she'd shift and snuggle the soft blanket he'd tucked around her, subconsciously nuzzling her organic pillow- but that was all. Otherwise, the to-be queenly peaceful in a slightly feverish sleep.

A faint knock on the door interrupted Zalim's thoughts, while contently stroking her ears affectionately, and the sound of shuffling footsteps could be heard. "Who is there?" he demanded, irked to be disturbed. Honestly, were these servants good for anything?

"U- Um… its me." Squeaked a tiny voice. "O-Opal. Permission to enter, sir?"

He was about to send her away, but thought twice. Raz was quite fond of the little girl, he knew, so he figured he may as well be nice to her. Perhaps it would help him get on his bride's good side. "Come in then."

The door slowly slid open, revealing little Opal standing there, wringing her paws nervously. Instantly she gave a sweeping bow in respect to her ruler. "H- How is Lady Raz? Is she alright?"

"She is… waterlogged. I have removed much of the moisture from her body, but she is weak. The healer predicted she will remain unconscious for most of the following seven days."

"Oh..." the bunnies ears lowered, and she fidgeted. "May I approach?" he nodded. She tentatively scurried forward, before standing before him and her unconscious Lady's form.

"Child, what brings you here?"

"I- um… see, I was-"

He held up at hand. "At ease, girl. I have no intent to herm you."

She swallowed audibly. "A- Alright. But I have come bearing news."

"Oh?" he quirked a brow. She nodded. "And what might this news be?"

"The Thunder Riders sent a representative; they will be arriving tomorrow at misday sharp."

"And just why might they be coming?"

Opal was getting flustered. "They claim to come bearing gifts, in congratulations on your joyous engagement."

"Is that all there is to tell?"

"Not entirely."

"Well by all means, child, continue."

"Lord Sun will be sending a creature of some sort; they want information."

"What on earth for?"

"He runs the news of all the magic world, Milord." She said. "And, as quoted, your engagement to Lady Raz is 'the biggest and juiciest story since the murder of the Twin Queens'. He wants the story and 'juicy details'."

He cursed the presses aloud, and the young girl winced at his colorful language. "I really do hate the press." He mused to himself. His attention turned back to her. "Well, child, tell them that tomorrow won't do. My Lady is ill and weak; she needn't be stressed by petty gossip seekers. Tell them to return in a months' time. Or never." He'd already been bothered plenty by those nosy workers of Sun; wanting to know about that something Raz had stubbed. It troubled him. The last time that had been conscious in the world, he'd been but a mortal child himself, and he could still remember how it had set the ice age in motion, and how he'd been cursed…

"S-Sir, um… there's already an Autumn Sprite waiting in the sitting room. She refuses to leave without a set date."

"Oh for the love of all things magic…" he reached up one hand to massage his forehead, annoyed. Of course, this distracted him from his affectionate petting, which resulted in Raz instantly shifting around, groaning in displeasure. The fact was, she was actually quite used to that sort of gentle touch, courtesy of her siblings; it helped her sleep. With a whine of discontentment, her eyes fluttered open.

Instantly Zalim knew she was awake, really awake this time. She blinked a few times, focusing on him, becoming aware of her situation. Her eyes lazily roved the room for a moment, and he instantly began to explain. "My dear, I-"

Sloppily, she pressed her hand over his mouth. "Shut it." She ordered, promptly closing her eyes and snuggling back into her comfortable bed. "Jus' shut it- don' make me hit you." Her words began to slur. Hey, she'd nearly drowned. In her eyes, she had right to sleep where she wanted at the moment. "Jus… keep…" hesitantly, he began to stroke her head again, and a sleepy grin managed to slide onto her face. "Ah, thas… good…"

"Ah…" he sighed, relieved not to be bruising, and continued his gentle petting. "There you are, darling." He murmured fondly. "Just you rest. You deserve it."

"Uh… My Lord?"

He sighed. "Yes, Opal?"

"My apologies sir, but what should I tell the representative."

"Oh dear…" he sighed. "Just… next month?"

She gave a bow. "Of course, sir." Just as she'd reached the door, she turned back. "Sir?"

He'd begun rocking Raz gently, as one would perhaps hold a baby to soothe it. He didn't bother to look up as he answered. "Yes?"

"I… thank you."

"What for?"

"For bringing her here. Lady Raz is… much loved. She will be a most wonderful queen and beautiful bride."

His smile was uncharacteristically soft. "I'm quite aware." She left without another word, and he watched Raz's sleeping face awhile longer. "I'm quite, aware…"

There you go! Again just more fluffies, but the plot gets good here pretty soon! Anyone else want tickets aboard my ship for these two? Anyone? I have a limited supply of free boarding passes, so grab 'em while you can! XD