One

"I don't wanna lose you now. I'm lookin' right at the other half of me"

-Justin Timberlake

Caesar found Nakaba standing at one of the many windows out in the hall, her hand held against the glass, worry pulling down her brows. Her lips were moving, but he couldn't hear the words. He made his way over to her, standing beside her, gazing through a window of his own. Below them was the courtyard he'd walked a thousand times.

"Waiting for your dog?" he asked, smirking. "Hoping he'll come home?"

Nakaba didn't respond, her lips continuing their wordless murmuring. Her red hair was a flame in the hall, the setting sun creating golden streaks to flash in those crimson locks. Her green eyes were narrowed, scanning over the courtyard.

"He won't come back." Caesar said, shrugging. "He'd be stupid to return. Baring steel before the king? He'll be killed on the spot for treason."

At that Nakaba shivered.

But then she squared her shoulders, her face turning toward him, her green eyes glaring up at him. "You don't know Loki. Not like I do." She returned her gaze to the window. She lightly caressed the glass, a small smile touching her lips. She looked as if she recalling some sort of fond memory. "He'll return."

Caesar quirked a brow. "Care to wager on it?"

"Wager?" Nakaba asked, confused.

He nodded, turning away from the window, pressing his back up against the cool glass and folding his arms over his chest. He smirked, gazing at her sideways. "If he doesn't return by dawn," he began, and her emerald gaze met his, cold anticipation in her face. "I'll kill you."

At his threat, Nakaba sputtered, at a complete loss for words. Good. He'd stumped her. It was obvious that her ego had taken a considerable hit tonight. But the fear he'd seen in her eyes was quickly erased, replaced with something he didn't quite recognize. She lifted her chin defiantly, her red braid falling from her shoulder, waving at her waist. "And if you lose?"

Caesar looked down at his nails, disinterested. "I don't intend to lose."

Nakaba shook her head, frustrated. "If you lose, will you die instead?" she demanded, sounding excited over the thought. She would be. How happy thought of killing her husband would make her. "Do I get to kill you?"

"I won't be dying tonight," he explained. He cut her off before she could say anything more. "But if your dog does so happen to make an appearance before dawn breaks, I shall pardon him. He will not be executed for his crimes. He will have my protection."

Just like that, hope filled her eyes. And just like that, Caesar wished he could take it back. He disliked Ajin to begin with, but the animosity he felt for Loki was more than just because he was unnatural. It was impossible to describe. Not even Caesar knew how he felt.

But he remained cool. Straightening his shoulders, he turned his back on his new wife, walking down the hall. "We can wait in my room until then."

He smirked, knowing she wouldn't follow. And she didn't. Instead, she returned to her station at the window, back to murmuring wordlessly, her forehead now pressed up against the glass, her breath fogging it.

"You'll return for me, Loki, won't you?" he thought he heard whisper.

Nakaba walked down the hall to Caesar's room, her long braid swinging back and forth behind her. Between her fingers, she twirled her dog whistle. Loki had given it to her to use in case of extreme emergencies. If she blew it, he would know she was in trouble, and would come right away. This was a perilous time, but she knew Loki would come to her. Wager or no wager, Loki would come.

She had a secret weapon.

She walked into Caesar's room after knocking lightly. She knew he wouldn't be sleeping. He would be waiting for Loki's return just like she would be. For the wager's sake, of course. She found Caesar sitting on a chaise, appearing to be totally relaxed. His dark gaze found hers as a smirk played at his lips. Even though he appeared relaxed, his sword still sat at his hip, his hand never straying very far from the beautifully crafted hilt. An assassin for a husband. Go figure.

Remember, this is a political marriage, her grandfather had told her the night before she was sent to Belquat. Your nuptials will be a symbol of peace between us.

She rolled her eyes. Yeah, peace. Right.

Caesar's grin grew larger as he looked out the window. The moon had set, and already the sky was beginning to lighten. "Not much longer until dawn now." His gaze returned to hers. "Afraid?"

Nakaba shrugged. "Not particularly."

She brought the dog whistle to her lips, blowing into it. It was the first time she'd ever had to use it. She wasn't afraid for her life. She'd meant what she'd said earlier. Belquat was just a new place for her to die. To her, Belquat equaled death. No, she wasn't in danger, but it was true she felt uneasy. She wanted Loki by her side. Never were they apart this long.

Caesar's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing?" he demanded, rising to his feet, to his full height. "What is that?"

Nakaba shrugged, blowing into the whistle once more. "You wouldn't understand."

Quicker than a snake, Caesar was standing before her, her hair coiled around his fist. With a decisive yank, Caesar pulled her head back, his dark eyes burning her. He looked at the whistle, comprehension alight in his face. With one hand wrapped around her hair, he used the other one to grip the wrist of the hand holding the whistle. She was no match for his strength. He squeezed her wrist until she whimpered, dropping the thing.

"You are my wife," he announced. He released his grip on her hair, only to use that hand to capture her other wrist, forcing her hands to his chest. "Don't look to other men to help you."

"Then why do you mock me?" Nakaba demanded, trying to pull free from his grasp, but his grip was like iron.

Caesar's lips twisted into a smirk. "Gotta keep up with appearances."

Then with a hard tug on her arms, Nakaba came flailing forward, crashing into his chest. Caesar dipped his head, and his lips met hers. Though his hands still gripped her hard, his kiss was surprisingly gentle, his lips soft against hers. Nakaba squeezed her eyes shut and forced her face away, biting down hard on her bottom lip. She refused to acknowledge how warm they were now from his kiss. My first kiss... She wanted to feel disgust, but somehow…she couldn't. Not completely.

"We just had the wedding of the century, and this is our first night together." Caesar reminded. "You really think we were going to spend it waiting for your dog?"

He didn't give her a chance to respond. Instead his lips crashed into hers.

This was their first kiss as husband and wife, and of course she was fighting. He inwardly grinned at her fight. She was no match for him. He was in this until the end. He released her wrists, only to grip her waist, dragging her closer to him. She tried to pull back, but he held her firm. He had to hand it to her. Nakaba was fighting him with all she had in her, her fists beat his chest and arms, her nails biting into her shoulders. But it was no use.

Lightly, gently, Caesar bit her bottom lip. Immediately, all fighting ceased, and a gasp escaped. A shiver coursed through her, bringing her closer. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her firmly against him. Just a bit harder this time, he bit her lip again, causing her to gasp again. He took advantage of her surprise, and swept his tongue into her mouth, brushing against her own.

At the contact, Nakaba softened, sagging against him. Her nails dug into his biceps, and he had to admit that he liked it. He brushed her tongue with his again, flicking it, and she moaned into his mouth. He swallowed the sound as he mastered her mouth. This kiss was so sensual, so provocative. So wet, so hot. He couldn't stop. He wanted more.

Caesar pulled back, smirking when she reached forward, trying to reconnect with him. His lips found the skin of her neck. He needed more. He had to have more. His lips parted on the skin of her throat, his tongue seeking to taste her. With just one lick, he had her shivering in his arms. Her hand snaked up to the back of his head, pressing him closer. He bit her neck, light enough not to break skin, but hard enough to leave a mark. She gasped, so he bit her again, then he licked her skin to soothe her. Lust burned in his veins, taking him to that place where he could hardly think.

This may be a marriage of convenience, he thought as he pulled back from her once again, but I don't want this ever to end.

"Nakaba." he murmured.

With her small hands holding on to his shoulders, Caesar looked at Nakaba's throat. I marked her. Seeing the slightly red and purple mark on her neck―made by him―caused the lust in him to spike. Want more.

Caesar kissed at her neck again, loving it as she gasped and moaned softly, turning her head to give him more access. When he licked the sensitive spot below her ear, she shivered wildly, clutching him close. His fingers skimmed down her back, caressing her sides, then stopped at the hem of her shirt. He teased it up, his fingertips stroking the skin of her hips.

It was like he poured ice water down her back. Instantly the spell was broken.

Nakaba managed to pull free from his grasp, rolling away from him. She came back up on her knees, a golden hilted dagger held at her throat, the blade pointed toward him. She held it like she truly knew how to wield it. The Ajin must have taught her how.

"Understand one thing, husband." Nakaba bit out, her lips red and swollen from their kiss. Anger burned in her emerald eyes. "I might be your wife, but you will never have me."

Caesar quirked a brow. "Is that so?"

"Yes."

He shrugged. "Have it your way."

He unsheathed his sword, and struck, obviously surprising her with the speed of his attack. But she recovered just as fast. She blocked his blow, twisting away. She had a graceful fighting style. It was almost like they were dancing. He swung his sword, aiming to take her head, but she ducked. She then whipped her foot out, kicking his legs out from beneath him.

Caesar fell onto his back, the wind rushing out of him in a whoosh. Nakaba scrambled on top of him, straddling his hips, her dagger poised high above her head, aimed for his heart. They were both breathing hard, anticipating her blow, but it never came. Caesar smirked, abandoning his sword as he flipped her over onto her back. He pinned her wrists above her head, twisting the one that held the dagger until she released it.

He grinned down at her. "What happened, wife?" he demanded, breathing harder. "Couldn't kill me? Why?"

Nakaba didn't respond, but simply turned her face away. The mark on her neck was red and wet from his lips, his tongue and teeth. Caesar smirked, leaning down to nuzzle her neck.

The he felt cold steel on his throat.

"What do you think you're doing with my princess?" the Ajin demanded from behind him.

Nakaba's gaze whipped forward at the sound of his voice. "Loki?"

Caesar felt the dagger bite into his throat, cold yet so very hot. "I wait for my lady's orders to kill him." he said softly. "I need only the word."

Nakaba's eyes met Caesar's, her gaze searching. Searching for what? Better do it now, princess, Caesar thought. You won't get another chance like this. Her lips parted on a breath. To give the order? But she didn't. Nakaba shook her head. "Let my husband go Loki." she commanded gently. "I might need him someday."

Caesar frowned at that, but then felt the absence of the cold dagger. Loki grabbed the back of Caesar's collar, pulling him off his princess. He pushed him aside, and rushed toward Nakaba, helping her to her feet. She sighed in relief, jumping up to wrap her arms around his neck. Caesar watched as the Ajin pulled her closer, his gaze meeting Caesar's over her shoulder. Loki smirked and Nakaba hugged him tightly.

"I'm so happy you're back." she exclaimed. She pulled back, looking him over. Caesar thought he would vomit when she saw her thumb lightly caress the tattoo at the corner of the Ajin's eye.

How pleasant she is with her servant, and yet just moments ago, she was trying to kill me. Figures. What else could you really expect from a red headed Senan princess?

He heard Nakaba gasp. "Your arm, Loki."

Blood soaked the Ajin's shirt from the wound, and now that Nakaba was poking at it, Loki winced in pain. How tough he was trying to ask for her. "I'm fine, princess."

Nakaba shook her head. "You need to be healed, or it will get infected." She glanced back at Caesar, her gaze imploring. "Help him."