I had all but given up on my training for today until Tigra had shown up I gazed at her as she ran over. “Tigra.” I quickly held Arata up, infusing Mila’s power within seconds without even thinking about it. I wanted to show off what I could do. “Check it out.” I put on a smile. “Been mastering fusion.”

“Awesome.” Tigra examined the twin lion swords infused with their supporting element. “You are getting so much stronger; it can take years to master such an advance technique.”

“I know right,” I grinned. I got a weird look from Master Lance as he glanced between Tigra and I.

“What brings you your highness,” asked Master Lance bowing respectfully. I think I was the only one who didn’t bow and call her, her highness.

“I came to give this to Fang.” She held out a green gemstone, round in shape and about two inches, not as useful as crystals. Gemstones were mainly used as decorative items like jewellery. “I thought it could be used as a conduit for that technique of scent disturbance.”

“I don’t know.” I wasn’t convinced.

Larana flew over, investigating the green gemstone. “Master, this is perfect.” Her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Huh.” I didn’t know how to respond.

“Touch it master,” smiled Larana.

“Alright.” I sheathed the twin lions before reaching out to touch the gemstone. I felt an instant spark with it, containing a small amount of wind energy, this was a rare find. “Whoa.”

“Well.” Tigra wanted to know my opinion.

“It’s…” I could feel it synchronising with Larana. “Perfect.”

“Really.” Tigra held her hands together, pleased with herself; her expression was so cute I thought my heart was about to stop.

“Yeah, I can infuse a small portion of Larana’s wind to create the scent disturbance, just like you thought.” I could barely get my words out. I just wanted to take her by the hand and tell her how I felt.

“Great,” she smiled. “You should test it at my birthday ball tomorrow, on your mask.”

“Good idea,” I nodded.

“I have a few things to do, so I’ll see you there then,” she stepped back ready to leave.

“Yeah,” I nodded again. Tigra swayed a little with her hands behind her back before taking off.

“Tigra.” I gasped her name silently under my breath in admiration of her beauty, the way she walked captivated me, she was kind and gifted.

“So.” Loki was suddenly next to me. “You have the hots for my big sis.”

“What?” I fumbled with the gemstone in my hands almost dropping it. “We’re best friends that’s all.”

“Sure,” he nudged me. “What do you think Master Lance.”

“Seeing as you infused the swords quicker than I expected, considering how much difficulty you had to start with.” Master Lance showed a small grin. “There may be some merit to Prince Loki’s words.”

“No.” I denied it in front of them, my heart pounding in a panic.

“Do not be too hasty in your feelings Fang,” said Master Lance. “These emotions you hold so strong may be taken advantage of by other feles, perhaps even using it as an approach to dealing with you.”

“You mean Dumah,” I snarled at his name. “Her so called Betrothal; jerk is still broadcasting it even after the king had words with him.”

“Do not forget he has yet to receive the royal betrothal sword, so he is not, no matter how much he chimes it around the city” responded Master Lance.

“Royal betrothal sword,” I repeated, remembering Tigra had said it was hidden where only queens could go.

“It is a sword embedded with beautiful crystals, intoned to each elemental property, handed down the generation. The crowned heir gives the sword to the one they wish to marry, a betrothal gift,” said Loki.

“This particular sword can only be given, accepting the one chosen to be the heirs other half, if it is not given, it is meaningless and they will not be accepted as a king or queen of Cathopia,” continued Master Lance.

“Every family or clan has a betrothal gift,” mentioned Loki. “What’s yours?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “A betrothal gift.” That gave me an idea. I would give Tigra my clan’s betrothal gift as a birthday present, coming up with some cool line, until it was time to actually tell her what it truly meant. A symbol of my unyielding protection.

“Fang.” Master Lance had said my name as I had spaced out, imaging Tigra and I trading betrothal gifts. “Fang!”

“Sorry,” I smiled nervously.

“Are you even listening anymore?” he snarled at me.

“Too busy thinking about my sister,” grinned Loki. “I wouldn’t object you to being king.”

“Me a king, no chance,” I shook my head. “I only wish to protect Tigra.” I didn’t want to admit my feelings in front of them, I couldn’t. “I will become her Guardian and walk beside her.”

“Noble like your father,” commented Master Lance.

“I best be off, I’ve got a few more preparations to make before tomorrow, including this.” I held up the gemstone proudly. “Later Loki, Master Lance.”

“Remember what I said Fang,” said Master Lance.

“I’ve heard it from Brendan already.” I turned to leave. “It’ll be fine.” I rushed off without a second thought, straight for home.