I stare into my tankard; the ale tastes sour on my tongue. My thoughts lie elsewhere; with the girl with hair like moonlight. Conall elbows me in the side, interrupting my reverie.

Leo flops down into the seat beside me, looking thoroughly dejected. "Gawain has given me a thorough lecture." He runs his fingers through his hair. "Aren, I am truly sorry for my behaviour."

"It is not me that you need to apologise to. Nero took a particular interest in her. It was sickening." My hands clench to fists, then relax as I am caught in wistful thought. "Despite her suffering, she was so kind."

"Well, she certainly has a cheeky tongue on her."

I grab Leo's arm. "Brother, she does not know who we are. I do not wish to lose that. I wish to be looked upon for who I am, not the title."

Leo scoffs, "How can she not know?"

When I explain how Elissa grew up in another world, he buries his head in his hands and groans.

"I recall father remarking on a unicorn appearing with a girl. Such an unusual occurrence! It was just after you were captured and it slipped my mind. Do you think that she will forgive me?"

"You could try going down on your knees," Conall pipes in cheekily.

We both turn and give him a disapproving look.

Leo frowns. "Aren, I will not say anything during our travels, however, once we get to Arcadia, you will have to address this."

A serving girl bustles around our table, diligently wiping the table under my drink. I look away as her ample bosom gets a bit too close.

"You have it bad, cousin." Conall shakes his head. "That lass was making eyes at you. It is not like you not to notice. Mind you, that Elissa is a fine young thing. I would not mind chancing my luck, if it is not serious."

"Touch her and ..."

Conall bursts out laughing. "Relax, cousin. I am only jesting."

"Aren, just how serious is this?" Leo asks.

"I feel like I am falling and I cannot stop, but neither do I wish to."

.....

Our capital city of Arcadia is spread out in the lush green valley before us; widely spaced homes interspersed with gardens and parks. On the far hill sits a large honey coloured castle, surrounded by woodland.

Home. My spirits are lifted by the sight; one I dreamt of night after night as a captive.

Standing beside me, admiring the view, Elissa sighs. "It is so beautiful. Can you see your house from here?"

I feel my cheeks warming. "Actually, we live in the castle." I try to shrug nonchalantly.

"You live in the castle?" she repeats in astonishment.

"All the young men from noble families come to court for a time."

Although I cannot see Leo, I can feel the disapproval radiating off of him. Despite their disastrous first meeting, my brother and Elissa have really hit it off over the past few days. Even Gawain, who is normally reserved, seems to have taken a protective shine to her.

She made the first move with Leo, apologising then consuming an enormous breakfast, which had us all laughing because we could not fathom where she put it all.

"So, what do you do at court?" she asks.

Before I can reply, Leo interjects, "Not much."

I ignore my brother. "I guess that you could say that we are in training to serve king and country. We study combat, strategy, history, politics, etiquette and even the arts."

"It sounds a little bit like knights in my old world."

A carriage draws up pulled by two horses and bearing the royal crest; a lion and a bear stood rampant.

I help Elissa inside and sink into the plush seat beside her, grateful to Gawain for making the arrangements. It will certainly afford us a more comfortable journey and a more discrete arrival. I do not care for a big fuss.

Avoiding Leo's eyes, I turn to Elissa and say, "I have spoken with the king and he will grant you sanctuary. We are to dine at his table tonight."

She blanches slightly. "Tonight? Whatever am I to wear?" Her voice holds an edge of panic.

Leo leans forward, placing a hand on her knee and reassures, "Do not concern yourself. I have known King Torbjorn all my life. He is a good man."

Though I am irked by the sight of my brother's hand on Elissa, I still do not dare to meet his eyes. Really, I should be pleased that they get on, only I cannot help wishing that they were not quite so friendly.

Last night in the inn, we were discussing our animal forms and Leo transformed into his lion. It took all my control to stop the tiger from breaking free when she ran her fingers through his mane.

I fidget, uncomfortable in my seat. The interior of the carriage feels claustrophobic, so I gaze out of the window in an attempt to distract myself and stare absentmindedly at the boutique shops lining the wide boulevard.

Then a brilliant idea strikes me and I order the coachman to stop. Helping Elissa out, I guide her into a double fronted shop displaying fine gowns and evening wear. An assistant immediately approaches, but I wave her away and confidently walk over to an ivory ball gown embroidered with claret and gold flowers.

"Yes, I think this is the one."

Elissa whispers, "That looks expensive."

I give her a disarming smile. "Fret not, for my credit is good."

While I am waiting for Elissa to try on the dress, I order a waistcoat to be made in the same material, confident that it is the right choice for her.

I am proven right when she appears wearing the dress and does a twirl; she looks positively radiant. My heart leaps and I stand there speechless.

Leo chooses that moment to stride into the shop. "What is taking so ..." Whatever he meant to say is cast aside and he smiles. "Elissa you look absolutely enchanting."

"Thank you, Leo." She beams up at him.

I clench my jaw and the voice of the tiger complains in my head. He should not be the one to compliment my female.

.......

As the carriage draws to a halt outside the castle, I feel my stomach churning with nerves.

I help Elissa down and find myself reluctant to let go of her hand. "I would show you to your room, but I really should see my parents."

She places her other hand over mine. Kindness and empathy shine from her eyes. "Of course, you must go to your parents at once. They must have been worried sick for you. I can find my way, well, I may need a guide."

Gawain steps in. "I will escort lady Elissa to her chambers and make sure that she is comfortably settled."

"Thank you, Gawain. If you are sure that it is not too much trouble." She smiles sweetly at Arcadia's captain of the guard. I have witnessed men quake before him, but she seems to have brought out his softer side.

I watch for a moment as they go in the opposite direction, then Leo puts an arm around my shoulder and walks with me to our parents' chambers. I am mindless to the guards and servants scurrying to get out of our way.

As soon as I walk through the door, I am almost bowled over by mother. She sobs on my shoulder and I think for the most part that they are tears of joy, or at least relief. I myself am close to tears too and take a deep breath to regain my composure.

"At long last my home is complete. The past few moons have been intolerable," she laments and I hug her tightly. I hate that I have brought her such anguish.

"That was a damned foolish thing you did, Aren. You need to consider your position," father half growls, his bear close to the surface.

I hang my head. I was a fool.

"Darling, please," mother beseeches him. "This is a day to rejoice, not stir up old wounds. What is done cannot be undone. Has he not suffered enough?"

Father nods and envelopes me in a crushing hug. "And you say your freedom is all due to this girl you were imprisoned with?"

The thought of Elissa causes me to beam and I belatedly notice father's expression, particularly his knowing look and the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Hastily, I school my features. "Yes, father. Elissa grew up without any knowledge of magic and yet was able to defeat Nero's enchantments. If not for her, I would still be languishing in that wretched cage."

"You may be interested to know that the Watcher insisted that she be given protection, even before you asked for it."

It is rare for one of the Watchers to intervene like that. Mind you, it is even rarer for a unicorn to consort with one of us.

My female is unique, the tiger insists and for once I do not argue with him.

.......