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has already been made clear that my people are interested in the nearest partner until they choose their mate.” From under the covers, Priina mumbled. “What happens after that?”
    He peeled back the covers and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “They are faithful unto death.” She looked up at him and blinked at the dark shadow of his features. “So, are we…”
    “Early stages, but yes, we are. I knew it all those years ago. Your blood called to me.” She shivered. “That sounds creepy, but I understand.”
    She inhaled deeply and rolled over in the sheets to watch him bustling about. He carried armloads of fabric into his chamber and meticulously hung her clothing in his wardrobe. Apparently, she was moving in.
    * * * *
    He was awake and perky the next morning, his side of the bed already cold. He shook her gently awake. “Come on, sleepy head. Time to let me chase you through the woods.”
    She groaned and pulled the covers back over her head. “I am not in the mood for foreplay.” He laughed and yanked the covers off her.
    “Come on. Breakfast by the window while I make the bed.”

    She took the light robe he handed her and stalked over to the small table for two by the window. She sat and ate while he made the bed and fluffed the pillows. It was such peculiar behaviour from a large predator that she couldn’t help but smile.
    She sipped at her tea while he finished his rounds. When he was done, he sat next to her and had his own cup of tea. “How was your first night’s sleep?”
    Priina knew what he was referring to. “It was fine. I don’t think that I am adapting to Balen’s hours. It seems to have much more daylight than Thoola.”
    Rhanos nodded. “It does. Balen has increased the growing season to let the new plants get a better start. The forest has been transplanted, but the rest of the world is slowly growing from seed and sapling.”
    She nodded and yawned. “So, when do we have to start today’s exercise?” He sighed. “Now. Are you ready to evade me?” Priina cocked her head. “Am I restricted by any rules or regulations?”
    He shook his head. “No. Let’s get down to the forest, and five minutes from your shift, I will come after you.”
    She nodded and fingered the robe. “Where did this come from?”
    He smiled. “The folk of Citadel Thoola sent you off with a care package. There are more clothes in the closet aside from your standard robes.” Priina got to her feet and exited his quarters with him on her heels. The route down to the stairs off the plateau was becoming something she could probably do in her sleep. At the forest edge, she slipped off the robe and shifted. She looked at Rhanos, and he raised the timer, starting it with a shrill beep.
    Priina took off into the woods. She found the stream and ran downstream for half a mile, shifted her form a few times as she made her way to confuse him.
    Her senses reached out to see him before he saw her, and she crafted a few snares to confound him along the way. Being slapped by branches tied delicately with their own bark was painful but not deadly. It was a shame they would all strike near his hips.
    The terrain became sparse as she continued, so she switched her terrain to the trees. She had no idea whether or not Rhanos could make it in the trees, but she had no trouble jumping from one part of the canopy to the next.
    Priina sensed him before she saw him. She was forty feet up in a tree, invisible among the branches with only her emerald eyes to give her away. If she squinted, he wouldn’t even see that much.
    He bolted down her trail, and he was scenting the air frantically. It had been two hours since the timer was set, and he hadn’t caught her yet.
    He let out a peculiar howl, and it struck something inside her. She clamped her claws over her muzzle to keep her from responding. Sneaky bastard.
    She had no idea why she wanted to respond, but when he called out again, the urge to answer him became more urgent.
    He