Kai ran a hand through his hair, grimacing at the dirt that fell out with the action. Living in the desert meant putting up with its sandstorms but that didn't make them enjoyable. And having a room without window panes meant waking up to the wind and covered in sand. With a sigh Kai stepped away from Jay's apartment, making his way to the docks. Normally he and the others didn't crash at Jay's for longer than one night, but in the couple days since Princess Skylor's ball an odd mood had descended over the city.

People were jumpy and Kai had seen several fights start randomly in the markets. It had gotten to the point that Kai secretly feared leaving Nya and Cade home alone. Not that he would ever tell Nya that, but, after speaking privately with Jay (who agreed with Kai), neither Nya or Cade objected to the offer of an extended stay at the inventor's.

However, four people in the small space was almost enough to make Kai scream. So this morning he'd slipped out at dawn and headed for the docks. Hopefully any newcomers to port wouldn't be as uptight as the city inhabitants. Kai hadn't been able to flinch anything the day before since people were so on guard.

He wove through the growing throng of people. In the whispered comments around him Kai heard the newest gossip: Sir Bolobo didn't seem to have made it home. Shuddering internally at the thought of something- or someone- strong enough to take out an Elemental Master Kai stepped up his pace. Soon he arrived near the docks. He kept his head low, trying to avoid being seen. However when a group of four guards came his way, Kai slipped down a side street and began to double back the way he'd come. Glancing over his shoulder to see if the guards had turned, Kai plowed into someone.

"I'm sor-" The words died in his throat and were replaced with a glare. "What in the world are you doing here?"

Cade grinned sheepishly up at him "Surprise?"

Kai grabbed him by the arm and all but dragged him away from the bustling main street. "Cade I've told you a million times you are not to come here!"

"But I've been stuck in the house for three days! And I didn't know you were coming here."

"You were following me without asking! Of course you didn't know where I was going!" Cade didn't have a comeback for that one. Kai inhaled a sharp breath. "Okay, we're leaving now."

"But we just got here! We can't go back empty handed."

"Cade it is too dangerous here-"

"He's right you know." Both boys jumped and whipped around.

A weasley looking man with greasy brown hair stood between them and the entrance back to the main street. Kai glanced behind them to see two more large men closing in quickly. Fighting against the panic rising in his chest Kai tried to keep his outward appearance calm.

"What do you want? We're not looking for trouble."

The small man laughed. "Oh really?" He stepped forward, his face no longer obscured by shadows.

Cade suddenly squeaked and clung tighter to Kai. Kai didn't think much of it until the man pushed up his sleeves. The early morning light caught on a blue tattoo wrapped around his forearm. A blue cobra.

'Oh no.' Kai shifted slightly to keep himself between the man and Cade. A sinking feeling in his gut warned him this wasn't going to end well. The three men pressed closer.

"What do you want?" Kai tried again.

"What do you want?" The man's voice cut like glass on the pavement as he mocked Kai's question. "You come inta 'r streets and ask what we want?" He laughed and stepped closer. Kai felt cade move behind and Weasel Face froze.

"Well what have we here? Iffin' I didn't know no better I'd say he looks an awful lot like Skandar's missin' kid. Course it's been awhile."

The sudden nails digging into Kai's back told him Cade understood Weasel's reference. Though Kai didn't need Cade's reaction to know this had just gone from bad to worse.

"Get 'em."

Kai didn't have time to think before the two goons jumped him. He twisted to the side, but Cade's weight made his reaction slower. Ugly Number One managed to clip Kai's side. Kai stumbled, Cade still hanging on to him. The weight of the younger boy threw the both of them to the ground. Before Kai could get up one of the guys grabbed his neck. The next instant had Kai choking in a headlock.

"Let me go. Let me go!" Cade screamed.

Kai couldn't see what was happening, but the terror in Cade's voice made him thrash harder.

"Well whaddya know. He is the missin' brat! Ooo Skandar was angrier than an adder when saw you'd done disappeared on him. He's gonna be so excited to see you again. Said no one's been as fun to play with as you were."

"No! Please-" Cade's plea was cut off with a sharp crack. A cry of pain immediately followed.

Cade's cry of pain.

Something inside Kai snapped. In the red hot haze of anger Kai didn't stop to think, he just reacted. In a blink of an eye the man who'd been holding him was screaming in pain on the ground. Kai didn't even notice, but whirled on the man holding Cade. Ugly Number Two had Cade's arms twisted behind his back while Weasel was yanking Cade's head back by his hair. Pain and fear shone in Cade's eyes and a red mark, in the shape of a hand, could be seen on his cheek.

"Let. My. Brother. GO!" Screaming, Kai launched himself at the men.

Again he wasn't quite sure what happened but in a matter of moments both men lay rolling on the ground screaming obscenities at him. Kai didn't stop to try and figure out what happened- though it looked like two of the men's shirts were smoking?- but he grabbed Cade and the two sprinted from the alley.

They didn't slow until they had reached Jay's. Stumbling inside Kai slammed the door behind them and both boys collapsed, breathing heavily.

"What- what- what?" Cade couldn't get his sentence out.

Kai shook his head. "I don't know. I don't-" He broke off and shook his head. "Are you okay?"

"I-I-" Cade started shaking. Tears pooled in his eyes and spilled down his cheeks.

"Cade?" Hurrying to his side, Kai looked over the younger boy.

Heart wrenching sobs burst from Cade and he latched himself to Kai's waist. "I don't want to go back! Don't let them take me back!"

"I know Cade, I know." Kai wrapped his arms around Cade, resting his chin on the top of Cade's head. "They won't, I promise."

It was moments like this when he remembered how young Cade actually was. Even without knowing his exact age, the kid couldn't be more than ten. And to have to face some of the people who'd made the first few years of his life a literal hell...

Kai held Cade until the younger boy slowly stopped shaking. "You're my brother Cade. Nya and I are going to make sure you stay safe."

Cade surprised Kai with, "How'd you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Get Mezimon off me? I don't remember what happened, but all of a sudden it got really hot and Mezimon's jerkface let go of me."

"I don't- I don't know. All I knew is that they were going to leave you alone if it was the last thing I did."

"The heat felt... safe I guess. I knew you were going to take care of everything."

A lump grew in Kai's throat and he coughed trying to clear it. "Of course I'm gonna take care of you- and Nya. Speaking of, how about we go see what Jay and Nya are up to, eh?"

Gently Kai helped Cade to his feet. Since neither Jay or Nya had come into the main room Kai doubted they were in the apartment. A quick glance in Jay's adjacent workroom showed they weren't there either. 'I wouldn't be surprised if they went out looking for Cade.' Which complicated matters since Kai was not about to leave Cade alone- because that boy was not going to leave the house for the rest of the day if Kai had anything to say about it- but they definitely needed to restock their stores. Kai internally debated what to do when the front door opened again.

Jay and Nya's pinched faces immediately relaxed at the sight of Kai and Cade, but just as quickly Nya scowled.

"Where did you go? We were worried sick!"

"Nya," Kai's tone was unusually sharp. He could see her gearing up to snap back but Kai subtly nodded toward Cade.

Her gaze followed Kai's action and she saw the tear tracks and bruises on Cade's face. Though she had no idea the whole story she immediately snapped her mouth shut. There'd be time for a lecture later.

"I think there's a little bit of soup left. Come on Cade, I'll heat it up for you." Nya took Cade's hand and led him into the kitchen.

"What did happen?" Jay asked in a voice barely above a whisper.

"Hypnobrai." Ignoring the wide-eyed look Jay gave him, Kai continued, "They cornered us, probably for being in their turf, then recognized Cade."

"This is not good."

"You're telling me." Kai ran a hand through his sweaty hair. "We've got to be extra careful now that they know he's still in the city. Even after five years the main guy figured out who Cade is. They didn't get my name but I won't be surprised if there's a mark put out for both of us."

"And they have eyes everywhere..."

"We'll head back to our place tonight and I'll figure something out. In the meantime he doesn't leave the house except to use the privy. I have to get back out there."

"Kai! You just said you have a target on your back!"

"Uh no, I said it's a maybe." Jay glared at Kai. "Look, we need to eat. I'd rather risk my neck and have you all safe than to waste away because we're too hungry to do anything else."

A scowl broke over Jay's face. "If I could just catch a break with my inventions we wouldn't need you 'risking your neck.'"

Sighing, Kai didn't disagree. "Keep at it. It's only a matter of time right?" Empty words but it was all he had at the moment. "I'm going to tell Cade that I'm heading out. See you later."

He walked toward the kitchen.

"-but if dragons aren't real why do we have so many legends about them?" Well it sounded like Cade had started to bounce back to normal.

"And there's legends of tiny rock trolls stealing socks. I highly doubt those are real-"

The conversation stopped when Kai poked his head in. "Cade, I have to make another errand. You and Nya will head back to our place before dusk okay?" He looked pointedly at Nya. She rolled her eyes but gave him a thumbs up.

Cade frowned at Kai's words before nodding reluctantly. Kai gave a- somewhat strained- smile to both his siblings and hurried out of the apartment. Returning to the eastern docks was a hard no-go, so Kai headed toward the western market. 'The more space the better.' He thought grimly.

Drifting through the crowd, Kai's hands worked by themselves to relieve passersby of their purses. However his thoughts kept running back to the altercation earlier. It didn't make sense. How had he bested three of the gang members? And what was that heat? Now that Kai had a moment to think he realized how powerful he'd felt in that moment. It had been like nothing could stop him. But what was it?

Kai shook his head. Food first, and sorting out these weird emotions later. Maybe never. That was an option too. Beyond the hypervigilant need to keep Cade safe, a part of Kai wanted to forget the whole thing. The other part he squashed down to a tiny box in his head. The questions there were too dangerous to dwell on.

Kai's hand brushed someone's and he suddenly felt fatigued, like he'd just run from one end of the market to the other. Confused he drifted back from the crowd toward the row of merchant shops. He pretended to browse the jewelry displayed when a loud thump came from nearby. Jumping he looked up to see a young woman leaning heavily against the side of the booth. The merchant stepped forward and started snapping at her, his back now to Kai.

Grinning at his luck Kai grabbed two bracelets and a necklace, sliding them up his sleeve. He hurriedly stepped back melting into the crowd and was about to move on when he heard,

"Stop! Thief!"

Kai ducked down a side alley but the shouting didn't get any closer. Puzzled, he looked back into the street. Dread rolled over him as he saw the man grabbing the girl who had almost fainted. While it was possible that she was also a thief, Kai figured the man noticed the missing jewelry. Now the woman was paying for his choices.

'You could still get away scott free...' A little voice whispered in his mind. Kai almost listened, but he looked back once more and saw the woman standing frozen. The man was holding her with one meaty hand and raising his other in a fist.

Kai made his decision. He hurried back to the table, deftly sliding the stolen goods back to their original position on the table.

"Clara there you are!" Both the merchant and woman looked at him, the woman with confusion and the man with anger.

"This woman belongs to you?"

Before Kai could answer, the woman snapped out of her stupor. Her face turned red and with a quick twist of her arm she broke the man's hold on her wrist.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't speak about me as if I weren't here. And that you would have proof before daring to accuse me of theft."

"You accused my sister of what?" Kai really hoped the woman would play along so they both could get the heck out of there. She shot him a sideways glance but didn't contradict his words.

"She," the man spat, "pretended to have a fainting spell and stole several pieces of-" the man turned back to the table and his jaw visibly dropped. Everything was where it was supposed to be. "I don't- but she-" He broke off and studied Kai. "Don't I know you-?"

"You better watch your accusations." The woman interrupted and glared at the merchant before spinning on her heel, stalking towards Kai. "Come brother, our presence is not wanted here." She dragged Kai back toward the ally and Kai couldn't help be surprised at the strength at which she pulled him.

Away from prying eyes she let go of Kai and crossed her arms. This close Kai could see she was younger than he'd initially thought, probably around his own age. She also had the most captivating amber eyes he'd ever seen.

"I would say thank you for intervening but why do I have a feeling you were the cause of it in the first place?"

Kai snapped out of his thoughts. Direct and to the point. Okay. He could roll with this. "Because I used your dizzy spell as a distraction?" Oops. That didn't come out right.

But the young woman only rolled her eyes. "I figured as much. Thank you for your honesty. Now if you'll excuse me I really must be going."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to get you in trouble."

"Thank you. And I really do need to go. I'm on a time sensitive errand."

"Anything I could help with?" The offer was out of Kai's mouth before he registered what he was saying. The woman raised an eyebrow at him and Kai shrugged. "It's the least I could do to make up for, uh, that." Kai gestured in the direction of the formally irate merchant.

She studied him for a long moment. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. But I will warn you if you try to take my purse I won't hesitate to have you turned over to the authorities."

"Understood. I'm Kai by the way."

A ghost of a smile appeared on her face and she extended a hand. "You can call me Sky."

Kai didn't miss the phrasing of her introduction, but he didn't push the point. After all, Tynan didn't know his real name- theoretically anyway. "What is it you're here for?"

"Information primarily."

"On what?"

Sky hesitated. "The guests of the palace."

Red flags rose within Kai. He might be a lot of things, but a potential risk to national security was not one of them. "For what purpose?"

To his surprise Sky let out a lilting laugh. "Nothing nefarious I assure you. There have been some strange goings on that I want to get to the bottom of." Her voice grew serious. "I- I want to ensure there's no budding danger within our borders."

She said it with such conviction that Kai's instincts believed her. "What about the guests?" Just because part of him started to trust her didn't mean he was a complete idiot. Though the weird fluttering in his stomach when she looked at him might say otherwise.

"I'm mostly wondering what routes home they took and if there's been news of their safe arrival home."

Kai still felt uneasy with the topic but slowly nodded. "Funny you should mention it, because there's been... rumors... that Sir Bolobo didn't make it home."

Sky jumped like she'd been shocked. "What?!"

"Nothing's been confirmed but a couple people claimed that his carriage up and disappeared between here and the Northern Pass. His home is two days from here so there's been no confirmation from the estate that he didn't make it, but it's spreading like a sandstorm anyway."

"This is so much worse than I feared." Sky's whisper didn't seem aimed at Kai so he waited. After a moment her eyes flicked back to Kai. "What of the foreign prince. Has he been sent on his way as well?"

"Uh maybe? If he did he didn't come this way. The market would be abuzz since it's not everyday we get royalty down here." Sky flushed and looked away, puzzling Kai since he didn't see anything to be overly upset about in what he'd just said.

"Even if it had been last night?"

Kai snorted. "No one goes out on the streets at night if they can help it 'round here. But even if it had been in the middle of the night everyone here would have known this morning."

"So you're sure the prince didn't come this way?"

"Uh, yeah."

"This is the fastest route back to Trerian if he didn't come this way could he have taken a longer route? But that wouldn't make sense..." Sky trailed off, her eyes glazed in thought. Kai stood there awkwardly, wondering if she was all there upstairs. Her amber eyes locked on to Kai again and he felt his breath catch. "You said you would help me. Can you think of likely routes that a party heading for the Sea of Sand would take?"

"Suuuuuure. Though I don't know why anyone would since the areas of town just get more shady from here."

Sky threw her arms up exasperated. "Exactly my thought. But I have to check them out anyway."

"Did you not hear a word I just said? Those areas are dangerous."

Sky drew herself upright. "I understand there is risk but for me it is well worth it. I won't ask you to come if you aren't comfortable doing so."

It took Kai a few seconds to answer. No, he really didn't want to overly risk his neck for someone he just met... but at the same time he'd never met anyone quite like Sky. And he couldn't let her go alone to places he knew would be dangerous- especially for a young woman. Although the dagger hanging from her belt didn't look ornamental.

"I know these streets better than anyone. I can get you there and back safely."

She gave him a brisk nod. "Then let's be off."

The next several hours brought nothing but more unanswered questions. Those who were willing to talk to Kai and Sky had nothing helpful to say. With each response Kai could see a heaviness weight Sky down further and further. After the fourth route had been struck down Kai cleared his throat.

"We're not too far from where I have some supplies stashed. There's not much but I have water and a little food if you want to take a break."

Sky sighed and wiped at the sweat gathering on her forehead. "I wouldn't say no to some water. I'm sorry this has turned out to be a wild goose chase."

"Believe me when I say I've had worse trips in the city."

'Like this morning for example...' Shaking his head to force that thought away Kai started toward home. Sky seemed to have a lot on her mind so Kai didn't try to engage her in conversation. Her eyes came back into focus when Kai announced their arrival.

She looked up warily at the ramshackle, two-story building. Kai flushed slightly but knew she didn't know him and probably was going to remain on guard.

"I know it doesn't look like much but it's not going to collapse on us." Kai led the way inside.

Grabbing their water pitcher Kai filled two cups and offered one to Sky. She nodded in thanks, but Kai noticed she waited to drink until after he had taken a few sips from his cup. Once she finished her water Sky set down the cup and drifted to the windows.

"I'm sorry we couldn't find what you were looking for."

Sky stared out at the city. Fewer people filled the streets as the evening had grown long. The brownstone buildings glowed in the sunlight, and the keening of a falcon could be heard over the people below. She suddenly gripped the windowsill so hard her knuckles turned white.

"Sky?"

Sky jolted and let go of the windowsill. "I apologize. There is much I have to puzzle through and so far no one has been able to give me answers I need."

"If you don't mind my asking, why do you care so much? It seems like you're wasting your time. The nobles and royal house hardly care about us."

Sky's eyes narrowed, but she looked more confused than angry. "What do you mean by that?"

'Do you not see what goes on out there?'

"The king's guards spend more time bullying the people than protecting them. Tariffs and taxes have raised the cost of goods so that many of us can't afford to actually purchase anything. Much of what we produce goes to fund the lesser nobles extravagant lifestyles."

"What work options are available besides that for the merchants?"

Kai scoffed. "You're definitely not from around here." He waved his hand toward the dusty streets. "Trades run in families. If you don't have a family trade," Kai gestured vaguely around the room, "you're screwed. Even then, most people barely made enough to feed themselves, let alone pay someone else. And even if they could, thosearen't the type to dirty themselves by interacting with street rats." Kai's face darkened. "At least for anything other than entertainment or slave labor."

A green hue came over Sky's face. "I'm sorry."

Kai shrugged. "I've made do for myself and my siblings. If you don't know where you want to go, then it doesn't matter what path you take."

"Do you truly not know where you want to go from here?"

Kai opened his mouth, but promptly snapped it shut. She had him there. Even if in reality all he wanted to do was move up in the world- for Nya and Cade's sake.

"I'm sorry that was rather insensitive and it's not my business to pry into your personal affairs. Though I do hope the best for you and your siblings."

Speaking of siblings... Kai frowned and looked out the window again. Dusk was fast approaching and they weren't back yet. "They were supposed to be back by now. I'm not sure what's keeping them."

"Should we go look for them?"

Though he appreciated the 'we' in her question more than he'd ever admit, Kai emphatically shook his head. "As I said earlier, the streets here are not safe at night. And with you not knowing them or the way things work down here it would be more dangerous than helpful if you came with me."

Sky frowned, but didn't deny Kai's words. "Okay so what then?"

Kai began to pace between the window to the door. "They know to get to agreed places on time so something might have happened." He looked back outside to the rapidly darkening sky. "I'll give them a couple more minutes before I start looking for them."

A sharp screech came from the door hinges on the first floor followed quickly by the heavy thuds of rapidly moving feet. Kai's eyes widened in alarm and he ran back to the window.

"Oi there 'e is!" A rough shout rang through the night.

Kai stumbled back to Sky. "It's the palace guards!"

"What?! Oh no, this is bad."

"No time for words. Come on," Kai grabbed Sky's arm and rushed back to the window. He jumped onto the windowsill, attempting to pull Sky with him. She dug her heeling into the ground to hold herself back.

"Are you crazy?"

Kai glanced down at the road before looking earnestly into her eyes. "I need you to trust me."

She hesitated and studied Kai hard. The small, rapidly decreasing, logical portion of Kai's brain knew asking her to climb out of a second story window was not a normal request for first encounters, but if she was found with him the guards would take her into custody without asking any questions. She didn't deserve that.

After what seemed like an eternity Sky nodded resolutely.

"Alright, then jump!"

The fall didn't seem as rushed as Kai would have expected, but he didn't have time to wonder about that before they landed on a pile of hay strewn between the houses. Kai pulled Sky toward the back of the house while trying to calm his anxious heart rate. The guards jumping out of the shadows didn't help in that endeavor.

Kai turned back the way they'd come, but it was too late. Six guards surrounded the pair, effectively boxing them in. Shoving Sky behind him Kai faced the guards. His eyes caught on the purple insignia on the leader's chest and his heart thudded harder. Each captain had their own color designation but everyone in the city knew to fear the purple snake of Captain Pyth.

"Seems we finally cornered some of the vermin polluting our streets." Pyth sounded almost bored. "Given the number of complaints I had expected a more exciting chase. Pity." He raised his sword at the pair. "Get them."

Just because they were cornered didn't mean Kai would let the guards off easily. He ducked under the first guard's punch and quickly swept the man's legs out from under him. Kai turned to the next guard, barely dodging to the side in time to avoid being skewered by an outstretched sword. Stepping in close he aimed a kick at the man's hand. His sword flew to the ground. Sky grabbed it and ran into the fight.

"What," Panted Kai, "are you doing?"

"Saving your hide!"

And doing a fairly good job of it too. Kai didn't hide his amazement as she disarmed two more guards' weapons before round kicking one in the head and the other in the chest. Both were down for the count. Mesmerized as he was he momentarily forgot his own peril... until a sword point dug into the small of his back. With a surprised yelp Kai attempted to run but strong hands grabbed his arms and threw him backwards. He landed on his back with a sword inches from his chest.

"Hold!"

Pyth's voice rang with such authority that Sky hesitated in her swing. The remaining guards jumped at the advantage. Sky was on her knees with a blade at her throat in a matter of seconds.

Harsh chuckles filled the ally as Pyth looked at his downed prey. "So the street rat's found another mouse to keep him company. Did you tire of the other ones?"

Kai snarled at the captain, though it was more to hide the fear welling within him. Had Pyth or the guards done something with Cade and Nya? Kai had tried so hard to keep them from being associated with himself in case something like this were to ever happen. Apparently it hadn't been enough. He'd failed them, and Sky.

From his vantage point he could just see her face in the waning light. To his surprise she didn't look scared. If anything she seemed livid. Pyth noticed as well.

"What have we here? The start of a new cohort of thieves? Or something else?" Pyth made a lewd gesture. Kai writhed on the ground wanting to punch his smug face. Pyth turned to face him. "Didn't like that, huh? Well I'll tell you what I don't like, having to waste my time and deal with riffraff. But don't worry I'll teach you a lesson you won't soon forget."

He raised his sword and motioned for the guards to lift Kai. Roughly they jerked him to his feet, simultaneously twisting his arms behind his back. Pyth stalked forward with an evil glint in his eye. Kai clenched his jaw ,trying to steel his nerves for what was about to come.

"Enough Captain, release him at once!"

Both Kai and Pyth snapped their attention back to Sky. She had somehow managed to floor her guard and stood almost regally.

"Who do you think you are?" Pyth shouted as he took a step towards her.

"You heard me Captain." Her words boomed. "Release him, by order of the princess." With a flourish she pulled the scarf off her head allowing the guards to get a good look at her for the first time. There was a collective gasp and almost as one the guards bent in a deep bow, the brutes holding Kai forcing him down with them.

"Y-your Majesty, fo-forgive me!"

Kai didn't know if anyone had ever heard Pyth's voice so fearful before. He might have enjoyed the scene more if his own feeling of shock wasn't so potent. Sky, Skylor. Man, he was an idiot. To be fair he wasn't ever expecting to run into the princess, but still...

"Is this how you deal with the citizens of Ouroboros you are sworn to protect?"

"He's a known criminal Highness. We've had orders for his arrest for a long time now."

Sky- Princess Skylor- raised an unimpressed eyebrow and Kai's heart clenched. Why wouldn't she take the guard's side? He internally winced when he thought of their earlier conversation. He'd practically insulated her family and then just made her jump out of a window. Whatever punishment the guards had been planning was going to be so much worse now...

"Even if that's so there's no need for the display of violence I just saw- and had to defend myself from."

Kai could tell he wasn't the only one surprised by her words. Though a healthy dose of fear also showed on Pyth's face. He had just, inadvertently, ordered an attack on the Crown Princess and insulted her.

"I beg your forgiveness, Highness. Because of his slippery nature we were told to use whatever force necessary. This vermin," he grabbed Kai's neck and shook him roughly, "has been well known to avoid the law of the land."

"Oh because you're so much better." Kai muttered, not particularly quietly.

Pyth released his grip on Kai's neck only to jerk his head up by his hair. "You will regret those words."

"Captain!"

Pyth quickly let go of Kai.

Princess Skylor glared at him. "It seems you need to spend more time with your regulations handbook. Any physical attack implemented after a suspect has been apprehended is strictly forbidden. And it is the commanding officer's responsibility to positively identify the suspect in custody so as not to perform an inaccurate arrest of anyone caught in the crossfire." Princess Skylor spoke almost in rhythm, as if she was reciting the law word for word. "Additionally I order that you release Kai and turn him over to my custody. It's already been shown you are not impartial in his case."

"With all due respect, Your Highness, I can't."

"You dare refuse a direct order from the royal family?"

Pyth visibly swallowed. "Only when it conflicts with that of another."

"Explain." Princess's Skylor's word lashed like a whip.

"Master Clouse, by proxy order of the King, personally commanded his arrest."

Kais blood ran cold. His less than legal exploits had made it to the king's ears? He was so dead. Though what hurt most was the fact Nya and Cade wouldn't know what happened to him...

The princess's eyes narrowed. "I will be speaking with my father and his proxy about this, but you will not harm him in the meantime."

"Of course, Your Highness." Pyth bowed again.

Glaring at all the guards, Princess Skylor made an impatient motion with her head. "Lets get home and get this sorted."

The group fell into formation but the captain's eyes, glittering with anger, locked on Kai's restrained form. Despite what the princess said, Kai suspected the captain's barely restrained wrath would land on him before the night was over...