THREE SEPARATE PUNCTURE WOUNDS, A shattered eye socket, numerous bruises, and fractured bones.The muscles in Alek's face ached with the force he held over them to keep his thoughts from showing.What could have caused such a reaction from her?The briefest glance up revealed Leseach sitting a meter or so from Rashid, her large eyes fixed on the man's face.Turning his attention back to the Lieutenant, Alek felt it as Cat made another pass with their merged energies, seeking out the last couple of contusions. He lifted his hand from hers at the all clear.Before Cat could remove her hands, Rashid's closed tight around the one against his palm.'Please!'The urgent whisper came out so quiet and quick Alek strained to make sense of it at all. Cat sat stiff, her forehead creased and lips drawn. Making a brief nod to the man she stood and brushed her dress down as Alek stepped forward to help Rashid stand.'Okay?' he asked in a measured tone.The Lieutenant returned the steady gaz

WHAT HAD BEEN A CHAOTIC mess of exotic gowns that ended up looking like the prom section of a second-hand clothing store had exploded, now looked like I'd walked into the most expensive clothing boutique.I stood with a hand to my breast, breaths coming in astonished gasps as I turned slowly.Gone were the heavy-duty exposed rails littered with an array of colours and fabrics, instead built against the outer walls were wide dark wardrobes interspersed by drawers and cubbies out of which peeked the numerous shoes my mother had possessed. I spotted narrow high cubbies with my favourite boots and squat long cubbies with the elaborate hats I hadn't been forced to wear (yet).With all the clothes tucked within the dark polished wood wardrobes, silver handles bright from the overhead lights with the connecting crystals, the room felt as big as it should. But not overwhelming. Weirdly enough, it almost felt relaxing. Several comfortable but elegant stools were scattered about the place.I

SIAN BURST INTO LAUGHTER AT Cat's giggles, the wide-eyed expression of shock ridiculously comical with the striking make-up she wore.People rushed left and right around them, carrying all manner of items while Sian and Kassie gathered Cat's beautiful, but excessive, train up between them. With Loi holding Cat's hand, the four of them moved cautiously down the hallway then into the crushing space of the turret.'Geeze, I always thought there was lots of space in these,' Sian said to Kassie as they edged down the stairs.'Focus girls,' called Elena from behind, while Kassie nodded in agreement to Sian.With slow mincing steps they made it to the bottom of the turret, all breathing a sigh of relief.The sound of many voices crying out in excitement made Sian and Kassie twist, looking around in surprise.Held back by lines of Cavalry soldiers, all decked out in armour that had been polished to a dazzling shine, ecstatic denizens shouted out at the sight of Cat.'Your Majesty!''Co

THE PLUSH CARPET SLOWED MY pace on the wide corner and it took a moment of concentrated effort to guide the skirt around. It made me awfully grateful for the mesh top, the lace coverings preserved all modesty and that mesh allowed the air currents Kassie coaxed to cool my skin.Keeping my shoulders square, I dipped an arm slightly to swing the hoop skirts around, a vivid image of Scarlett O'Hara swanning around Tara in her summer gown strong in my mind, making my lips tremble with laughter for a moment.The red carpet led the way up to the enormous gleaming white arches of the formal entrance to the castle, covering the stair case.Perched on the second step, two griffons rose from their seated positions. My eyes fixed on the wide spread, heavy-taloned paws that sunk silently into the deep carpet. Heart racing properly now, I lowered myself in a curtsey which in actuality meant bowing low on both knees in an almost Japanese manner. But as no one could see beneath the layers of skirt

I COULD HEAR THE HUM of the guests in the opened throne room and ballrooms. Kassie's energy hummed rather loud in my mind too, making me inwardly shake my head.Tiny, feisty, and horny. Constantly.I really needed to work on my shielding my mind better.'Can you bend your shoulders back a little, your Majesty?''Of course,' I exclaimed, mind back to the moment. Arching my back slightly, I pulled my shoulders back, allowing enough slack for Ada to zip my dress up.For this formal, private, ceremony Elena had ordered an entirely different gown. About as opposite as you could get really.A beautiful soft antique gold shade, Ada had woven the fabric in such a way that certain sections looked like satin, while others a sheer silk. With embroidered cut-outs this dress bordered on unintentionally scandalous, or so futuristic it deserved a place in a sci-fi convention. Again, not a gown I would have chosen, but certainly beautiful.The heavily embroidered under-dress had cut-outs that