While Ro was at combat practice, Ky went to see the Chancellor. He was still fuming over the note and the message. He planned to do whatever was necessary to stop this trip from happening. When Ky got to the Chancellor's office the secretary wasn't at her desk. It probably wasn't a good time to interrupt but he didn't care. He strode right up to the door and knocked with force.
"Go away." The Chancellor's voice barely penetrated the thick wood. Ky snarled and tested the door. It was magically sealed with shadow. Ky summoned a powerful blast of air and threw it at the seal. The seal split in two and the doors flung open with such force that they twisted on their hinges.
"Hello, uncle."
The Chancellor smiled angrily as he gazed at Ky, "I assume you're here about the trip." He said, his eyes flicking to Ky, "It's like I told the girl to tell you: it has been over a month and you haven't even marked her. If you had then we would have had some reason not to send her but as it stands, she is going." Ky glowered.
"Why?"
"The crow's parents sent a very generous donation along with the invitation."
"This is about money."
The Chancellor smiled wryly, "It's always about money." Ky clenched his hands into fists in frustration. "What is taking you so long anyway? When the family gives an order, they expect it to be carried out."
"It's complicated."
"How complicated can it be. You like her. You are close to her. You ask to see her after class, and you mark her."
"She's not one of us. She doesn't understand our ways."
"Who cares? You are a dragon. You don't ask for what you want, you take it."
"I care."
"Well while you delay, the chances that you will have to fight for her increase. What is the total at now? Four competitors?"
Ky growled softly, "It will be of no use if I force her into this too fast."
"Of course, it will be. You claim her, and the family gets her and is satisfied."
"And if she hates me because of it?" The Chancellor shrugged.
"Again, who cares? She's just a human." Ky narrowed his eyes in anger. "Anyway, she is going on the trip. If you don't like it, you know what you have to do."
***
Ro was alone in Momo and Aerie's room after combat training. Momo, Aerie, and Brawn had all decided to do some extra sparring today. They had left her a ham sandwich and chips to eat alongside the note telling her where they were. Ro had just finished her shower and was beginning to work on the advanced fire magic exercises from her library book when the door burst open. Alarmed, she turned and stared as Ky sauntered in with a dark look on his face. Although he wasn't in demon form his eyes were glowing bright red. She hid the book behind her back.
"I'm not doing anything." She hurriedly lied, afraid that, somehow, he'd found out she was practicing advanced magics. She couldn't understand his anger otherwise. With his eyes never leaving hers, he slammed the door shut. Ro jumped as he clicked the deadbolt into place. "Ky?" she asked feeling uneasy. He took a step towards her. She backed up. It felt like menace was rolling off him in waves.
"I spoke with the Chancellor about the trip." He took another step forward.
"Uhuh." Ro glanced behind her to see how much room she had. There wasn't a lot of space between her and Aerie's bed. "Ky, could we maybe have this conversation outside or with the door open?" A ghost of a smile played on his lips as he took another step. He ignored her question.
"The Chancellor said I could prevent you going." Ro looked at him in confusion. That wasn't what the he had told her. Ky forced her back another step as he moved towards her again.
"Oh really? That's a relief." Ro said with a forced smile. "Then please do whatever it is that he wants." Ky smiled darkly as he took another step forward. Ro stepped back, and her legs hit the bed. She could go no farther. She hastily dropped the book to the floor.
"I was hoping you'd say that." Ky told her stalking forward like a predator. Ro felt very uncomfortable. He stopped just in front of her.
"W-what does he want you to do?" Still smiling, Ky pushed her backwards. Ro's legs hit the bed again and she fell on it. She looked up at Ky completely alarmed as she scooted back to try to put distance between them. Ky gracefully climbed onto the bed after her.
"He wants me to mark you." Ro felt the blood drain from her face. She tried to move back farther but Ky grabbed her ankle and pulled her under him.
"Stop this." She snapped forcefully in fear. Her eyes widened as she saw magic pooling around his fingers. She pushed at his chest trying to dislodge him, but he caught her hands in his and forced them over her head. She struggled futilely.
"Now, where to put it." Ky mused as he raked over her with his eyes. His eyes came to rest on her forehead. His hand twitched and began to move. Ro felt tears of anger and frustration well up in her eyes.
"Please," she begged softly, "don't." Uncertainty passed over Ky's face at her words and his hand stopped moving. As he gazed down at her, his eyes widened as he took in her unshed tears and the fear that was plain on her face. He realized she'd never forgive him if he went through with it. With a snarl he pushed himself off her and turned his back on her. He placed his head in his hands as fought roiling waves of possessiveness, anger, and frustration. Ro scooted away from him until her back hit the wall. She drew her legs protectively into her chest. After long minutes, he looked back at her and met her eyes. His were still glowing brightly.
"Fine. You're going but if the crow so much as lays a finger on you, I will kill him." Ky growled. Standing, he swiftly crossed the room and let himself out. Ro was left alone to contemplate her very confused feelings. Eventually, she returned to her magic practice.