The Elephant Gate

Kevin didn't dare move. If this was indeed an assassin, then female or not he had to stop them no matter what…

His hesitation cost him as a knee jammed into his abdomen, robbing him of breath. At the same time she pushed at his c.h.e.s.t. Wheezing, he rolled to the side as the figure scrambled to their feet and stepped away.

"What do you think you are doing?!" Oh, boy. He knew that voice!

"P…p…princess." Kevin managed to make out between breaths. By now, he had gotten to his knees. She said nothing until he finally staggered to his feet.

She looked adorable, dressed in close-fitting khaki pants and a loose top in drab gray. But those colors did nothing to veil her glowing skin and eyes. Her right hand rested on her leather knife sheath. He remembered when she brandished it previously.

"What are you doing here, Princess?" Kevin was careful to keep things a little formal. After all, last time they met, she was clearly unhappy with him.

Surikiyia's thoughts were in a whirl. This man didn't look anything like her childhood friend, and yet, she could see traces of that boy. When she was pinned underneath him, the hard planes of his body caused an unexpected rush of heat and a tingling sensation in her stomach. It was sheer reflex that caused her to push him off my any means necessary.

Their previous short conversation drove home the vast differences that happened over the last fifteen years. Indeed, she could barely understand what his life was like in that other place. Add that to his physical presence, and she felt a little off-kilter.

Was it even possible to find any common ground anymore? Would he truly be able to help her family and her country? There was only one way to find out. She cleared her throat.

"I want to come with you to the meeting."

The man protested. "According to Dad, you have to stay undercover and safe. You and your family are too important to risk exposure and possible capture. There's no reason for you to be there, since it's a routine meeting."

"Exactly!" she said. "Since it's routine, there won't be much danger for me. So why can't I accompany you? I'm not some weak female to sit around and watch my people use their skills and their lives to protect me. I want to know what is happening!"

Kevin was unmoved. "No. And I think everyone would agree with me. Besides, I know you are updated on a regular basis from the commanders." He paused. "Why don't you tell me the real reason you want to come with us?"

Suri was quiet for a moment. Maybe it was the need to see some remnant of the boy she used to know. Maybe deep inside, she was more than a little curious about the man he now was. As she stared at him, her face warmed, and she knew she was blushing.

How annoying!

Without another word, she turned and left the paddock. Kevin dropped the last of the hose, and hurried after her. He was sure she was up to something.