“Oooh, just what I’ve always wanted. A man whose job title had the word ass in it not once, but two times.”

Trik tossed her some clothes as he muttered under his breath.

Once she was dressed Trik took her hand and led her to the mirror. He looked down at the ring still on her finger, the ring he had given her and smiled. “You kept it.”

Cassie frowned. “Of course I kept it.”

“Because you love me,” he grinned triumphantly.

She held her hand up with her forefinger and thumb separated slightly. “Just a little.”

This time he rolled his eyes at her. “Whatever, you are totally in love with me.”

He heard her snort as she turned and stepped through the mirror and he used his mind to push her where she needed to go. He was right behind her. When they emerged in the light elf castle Trik wrapped an arm around Cassie and pulled her close. His face lost its playfulness as he looked into her eyes.

“You are not allowed to get yourself killed,” he told her sternly.

She let out an exasperated breath but a smile played on her lips and her eyes, so bright and full of life, sparkled. “I’m getting orders from the guy whose job title is essentially ass squared. How seriously am I supposed to take that?”

Trik growled at her and pulled her into a firm kiss. She pulled back, breathless. Even under the circumstances she wanted to shout from the highest mountain the joy that she felt in her heart.

“No worries, love,” she winked at him. “I can’t die. Then who would remind you thatyou’re too cocky for your own good?”

“You’re right; I have nothing to worry about. You would never allow me to live in such ignorant bliss, nor rob me of the opportunity to spend eternity being called ass squared.”

Cassie laughed for the first time in a very long, dark time. “Damn straight,” she murmured just as she saw Syndra come around the corner.

The Light Elf Queen stopped and put her hands on her hips. She narrowed her eyes and met Cassie’s.

“Took you long enough.”

Cassie shook her head at the snarky she-elf. “I do apologize, your majesty, for not getting over the whole dying from adrug addiction thing a little more quickly.”

“I’ll think about accepting your apology. In the meantime, get your butts in gear. We have friends to rescue, an enemy to crush, and the human population to save.”

“Oh, is that all?” Cassie retorted nonchalantly.

“Piece of cake, babe. Piece. Of. Cake.”

“I’m going to tell you where you can shove that piece of cake if you don’t get a move on,” Syndra growled over her shoulder.

“Take notes my love,” Trik pointed at Syndra’s retreating form. “That is why she is Queen.”

Cassie nodded. “Got it. Note to self: Successful Queen equals bitch.”

“I heard that,” Syndra yelled.

Cassie gave Trik a high five. “You’re well on your way, beautiful,” he told her with a wink.