Master I was in the throne room as I waited for everyone to join me there. Only a few knew what was about to happen. Sadragon and Ashur were well aware of what was going to happen to Pierre. I could tell that my ruling had bothered Sadragon but he was quick to mask it before anyone could tell. The second Pierre entered the woods, Sadragon was quick to mutter mate. I knew what Pierre meant to him. Pierre was destined to be Sadragon’s spouse. This was the one reason why I chose not to sell Pierre; the second was his nature as a killer. However, this alone would not excuse Pierre from his punishment. When I give an order, it is to be obeyed without question. Pierre was brought in without any struggle. So much so that Sadragon and Ashur did not have to drag him in like so many others. His facial expression told me he knew what he had done and he was ready for his punishment. Pierre was directed to the centre of the room. As my youngest son readied the whip. Dipping the whole whip up to the handle in a special blended oil. The oil placed on the skin has a warm sensation that spreads across the body, harmless by itself. Yet if the oil enters an open wound it stings and intensifies spreading across the body and causing more pain. Normally the first offence of disobedience that comes from a trainee is only fifteen lashes, yet between Sadragon’s and my jealousy of Pierre’s and Merna’s relationship, I have decided that he will be whipped until he passes out from the pain. Sadragon knew of my plans. In the beginning, I knew he wanted to object, but then he was quick to shut his mouth once he saw Merna strolling into my throne room. ‘Pierre needs to learn!’ These were the thoughts I could hear in Sadragon’s mind. His jealousy was clear. His last lover decided to betray him. For that, he ripped his head off with such animosity that even Ashur was impressed. All of the mages, serfs, hunters and pleasures were piled into the throne room with the exclusion of those still in the cells. I glanced around the room to ensure that all eyes were on me. “I am the only one who commands here no other!” My words were bouncing off the walls with power and command. I could not help but notice many dropping their heads. Except for one female, Merna glanced around the area observing everything. She was nervous. I did not have to tell her why everyone was there. Nor did I have to tell her what was going to happen. The whip on the table was visible for all to see. ‘Please do not do this!’ I could hear Merna repeating like it was her new mentor. “One thousand, two hundred and twenty-two … you know why you are here?” I directed my question to Pierre. Pierre showed no hint of fear, “Yes Master!” “Kudiya ready the whip!” I glanced at my youngest son. I glanced at Pierre, “you will be whipped until you pass out.” I happened to look at Merna, fear and shock spread across her face. I saw what was playing in her mind. Even though she knew beforehand what was going to happen, she still responded with shock. Or was this her determination to lose all common sense for one individual? All common sense that this woman had slipped away as she ran out in front of Pierre who was already on his knees preparing himself for his punishment. “It is not Pierre’s fault, if it was not for me he would not have disobeyed.” Merna declared to everyone in the room. “You are claiming you were the one who instigated the interactions that transpired?” I questioned her. Giving Merna the chance to back out of what she was implying. “Yes!” She boldly lied. ‘Your playing a dangerous game little hybrid!’ I used my mind to speak to Merna. ‘This is not a game, I will not allow you to harm my brother.’ She held her head high. The love she held for Pierre sparked my jealousy. ‘He is not your brother!’ I reminded her. ‘Not by blood but he is the brother I should have had. Loyal, honest and trustful. That makes him my brother!’I spotted the pendant around Merna’s neck, my sister's words echoing in my mind. “You would take one thousand two hundred and twenty-two’s punishment?” “Yes!” Merna’s head was held high. She was behaving like a brat, stubborn and defiant. “Merna … shut the fuck up! I know what I am doing!” Pierre hissed at Merna. Merna glanced at Pierre, giving him a silent message. Her attention was quickly brought back to me, “yes I am willing to take the punishment.” She held her head even higher. ‘He was there for me when no one else was. When I was ready to die, he showed me that the hardest thing was not death but living. Now it is my turn to protect him … from you!’ She sent a mental message to me. Her eyes were determined. Loyalty being her strong suit, I knew she would not back down. “Get the paddle!” I directed my order to Kudiya. “The paddle?” Kudiya repeated what I had said but in a questionable way. ‘do not question me boy!’ I sent a link to my son. My jealousy was building. Their relationship was something I would not stand for. I stared at Sadragon, understanding his thoughts. Dragons are fearlessly protective of what is theirs, jealousy brings out the worst in our beings. Merna and Pierre were about to learn this lesson. Merna thought that she could take his punishment, which she did not realize as that now the punishment would be harsher than it would have been if she had not interfered. “Hands on the table!” I ordered Merna. I was careful not to utter her name. Unlike the other human borns, I did not give her a number. Yet if I used her name that would show favouritism. This could be devastating to me if my enemies found out I found my favourite of all species. “Merna … You fool, you have no idea what you are doing!” Pierre yelled as he was being dragged away from Merna. As Kudiya came back with the paddle, Merna prepared herself for her punishment. Pierre was held back by Sadragon and two other hunters. He screamed at Merna to recant her claims. While Puabi strolled in with her mate.