"Xane, please," he says with a smile. "I am one of your loyal subjects."
"Demon Overlord?" I say, trying to play catch-up as Constantine comes to stand next to me, intrigued.
"Constantine D'Arcangelo, I presume," Xane says to my sire who nods briefly. "Seems I interrupted."
"Yes, in fact, you did. We were trying to have a pleasant date which was about to be interrupted by that," I point to a frozen Cade, "and then you suddenly show up."
"A date? You date outside of your marriage?" he asks, surprised.
I pull myself up to my not-so-great height, affronted. What's with all the judgment today?
"What's it to you?" I say haughtily.
Xane looks back at me after giving Cade a sweeping once-over. "Oh, I'm not judging, I’m just surprised. Dragons usually remain faithful to one. Clearly, your Vampire self is strong." He slides his eyes over to CK, who glares back at him. "But then it would be, considering. You are a most unusual creature, My Lady. A human-born Dragon that was turned into a Vampire. Makes for quite the tale. I am sure your mother must be pleased to have you in your rightful place."
"You know my mother?" I ask suspiciously.
"Oh, yes, Tiamat is old family. We are closely linked, you and I, by your Dragon heritage."
"We are?" I ask, now intrigued.
He chuckles now that he has my undivided attention. "Indeed. I like your dress by the way. Very pretty," he says, changing the subject.
Narrowing my eyes at his comment, I put my hands on my hips and say, "Well, I think you are a bit overdressed for the Upper East Side."
He looks down at himself, clad in a long black cape complete with a shining sword at his hip and laughs again, "Yes, we can be a bit over the top down there."
"Down there?"
He points down and my eyes go wide as he says, "The Underworld. The actual Underworld. You know, the Domain of Hades." He shrugs and in the blink of an eye, he is standing before me in a casual black t-shirt and combat pants with biker boots, and no sword in sight.
"You live in The Underworld?" I croak out. Shit, I need to catch up on my Queenly duties. This guy has thrown me completely off balance.
"No, but I do live in Sin City. You know, Vegas," he says offhandedly. "The Underworld is my kingdom. Well, actually, I suppose technically it is yours now, although that brings me to my visit. We need to discuss terms."
"Terms?"
"Yes, terms. Don't think for a second that I am going to let you barge into my world and take over," he says, taking a step forward although without threat, just fact.
CK steps forward now to protect me, having thus far been silent, no doubt taking it all in and processing better than I could.
Xane holds his hands up. "I'm just saying. This is why we need to talk."
"Fine, but can it wait until later? I still would like to finish the first date I have had with my sire in over two years and I also have that to deal with." I say, pointing again at Cade.
"Of course. I’m flexible. Do you need help with that?" He, too, points over at Cade.
"No, thank you. I can take care of it myself."
"Hm, yes, I have heard the stories. I trust the sword has been good to you?" he says slyly.
"It's yours?" I ask incredulously.
"Not exactly. It is mine to watch over and keep safe."
"Then why am I allowed access to it?"
"For the greater good," he says as if it is obvious. "What's mine is now yours, ValamAtrux," he says and bows.