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The Tower
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"These people barely have enough food to feed themselves, and as for technology, this about sums it up," McKay complained holding up a scythe and waving it around dramatically.

Teyla exchanged a withering look with Kai before turning back to McKay. "Establishing good relations with our neighbors is more than just trade," she reminded the scientist patiently.

"Yes, but do we have to make friends with every primitive agrarian society in the Pegasus?" McKay whined. He swatted away the flies that were buzzing obnoxiously around his head.

"All right, that's enough," Sheppard said stepping out of the cottage. "They can't all be technologically advanced societies with open minded women," he said cutting off a piece of the fruit he had been eating.

Kai rolled her eyes, sharing a disgruntled look with Teyla. She still didn't know what possessed her to agree to accompany AR-1 on this mission. The ancient database had suggested this particular planet might have technology and she had hoped to find something she could use to finish the changes to the sensors. McKay had offered to look for her, but she needed to do something.

Every day she sat around Atlantis was another day she left her friends in danger. So when Weir announced they would be going to the planet she had flagged she had eagerly volunteered for the mission. Unfortunately, she had first thought it was Major Lourne's team who would be going, but McKay had jumped at the chance to explore the planet and potential technology and Kai found herself roped into going with the Colonel's team.

Things hadn't gotten better between them, if anything they had gotten worse. Everyone but McKay seemed to notice the tension, but both Teyla and Ronon were too polite to ask.

"Greetings," a man said stepping up to their group. "I am Eldred," he introduced himself.

"I'm Sheppard," John said nodding his head in greeting. "This is Ronon, Teyla, McKay and Kai."

Eldred nodded respectfully to each of them. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but it's harvest time and we must prepare our tribute for the tower," he said distractedly. His eyes trailed over them to the woods beyond as though he were afraid of being caught not working.

"The tower?" John asked raising his eyebrows questioningly. He had immediately picked up on the man's unease.

Eldred turned back to him, his face screwed up in confusion. "You must come from a distant land indeed if you have never heard of the tower. I don't know of anyone who is not under it's protection," he said wringing his hands together.

Kai frowned glancing around the sleepy looking village. "Protection from what?" It was John's show so to speak, and she had made a point of staying quiet and following along, but so far she hadn't witnessed anything someone would need protection from on this planet. 

"The wraith," he said as though she were stupid for asking.

Kai nodded and stepped back to stand beside Ronon, leaving the rest of the questioning for Sheppard.

"Is this tower close by?" John asked suspiciously. He was getting a bad vibe off Eldred and he wanted to see what they were dealing with. If this tower could fight the Wraith it would have to have some serious firepower.

"Surely," Eldred agreed. "Come," he led the way out of the village and through the woods. "There," he said pointing across a massive valley.

Sheppard stiffened. "Is it just me or does that look like-"

"The central tower of Atlantis?" Kai finished for him a little breathlessly. She glanced around them, but all that could be seen was forest and undergrowth.

John glanced back at her. "Yeah," he said grimly.

There was vegetation all over it, and no other evidence of further buildings, but it certainly looked like the architecture of Atlantis. Or at least something produced by the Ancients. Kai wondered if this was the civilization that was in the database. It looked ancient and her hope deflated. This trip had been a waste. There was no way these people had access to technology advanced enough to crack to Mortii's network.

She shifted her weight restlessly and Ronon glanced down at her. The Satedan had noticed her impatience with this trip, but wisely hadn't brought it up. Something was going on with Kai, but he wasn't going to bring it up until she was ready to talk about it. She was a private person and talking about it in front of the others was a sure way to piss her off.

"So how exactly does this tower protect your people from the Wraith?" John asked carefully as they walked back into the village. He didn't want to spook Eldred but this was exactly the type of civilization they needed as an ally.

"They have a great weapon that destroys the wraith ships that descend from the sky," Eldred explained leading the way back into the village.

"What kind of a weapon?" McKay asked impatiently. He was practically vibrating with the desire to learn more. He didn't want to hear anything else about the harvest, to him The Tower had clearly been constructed by Ancients and that was all that mattered.

Eldred seemed a little put off by McKay's intensity but he graciously answered the question. "Thousands of bright lights rise up from the ground at the base of the tower. They swarm the ships and destroy them."

Sheppard perked up as Eldred clearly explained drones. "Really?" he asked with interest. "Thousands of bright lights?" he clarified.

"And you have seen this?" Teyla asked.

"I have not seen a Wraith ship," Eldred said. "They have not come for many generations. But there are times when the Lord Protector sees fit to demonstrate this power to his people."

Every one of them but McKay stiffened at his words. It was clear to them the underlying message of the Lord Protectors need to demonstrate his power. Sheppard's voice had taken on the careful tone he often used when he was aggravated. "I would really like to meet this Lord Protector." he said casually.

"That may prove difficult. Only members of the royal court are allowed in the tower," Eldred hedged and it was clear to Kai that the man was afraid of their line of questions.

"Perhaps he would consider making an exception," Teyla prompted gently, also noticing and stepping in before McKay or Sheppard pushed too hard. "Just this once," she added with a reassuring smile.

Eldred looked doubtful. "I'll do what I can," he said and he walked off.

"Thank you," Sheppard called after him.

"You know this weapon he's talking about?" Ronon asked.

Kai had forgotten that Ronon hadn't been with them when they still had the drones. "On Atlantis they are called drones," she explained. "They are used to defend Earth and Atlantis but their supply has dwindled."

"Not only that," McKay interjected. "If these people have working drones it means they also have a working ZPM," he was practically vibrating with excitement now.

"Eldred said the wraith have not come in a long time. Perhaps this technology is no longer operational," Teyla said.

"I'll know more if I can get a little closer and take some readings," McKay said.

Sheppard nodded. "Why don't you get some readings. I'll head back to the jumper for a check in."

Kai stayed in the village with Teyla and Ronon. The three of them sat on old barrels, keeping an eye on the villagers and waiting for the others to return.

Ronon glanced towards her after only a couple of minutes. "So, you want to tell us what's going on with you and Sheppard?" he asked, slicing off a piece of fruit with his knife and taking a bite.

Kai glanced towards Ronon sharply. He was already looking back at his piece of fruit. "Don't bother lying," he said taking another bite. "It's obvious you are at each others throats."

Teyla blew out a breath and shot Ronon a severe look. Ronon only shrugged. "What he means," Teyla soothed. "Is that it is clear there is undo tension between the two of you. Is there anything we can do?"

"No, everything's fine," Kai replied tightly.

"Right..." Ronon dragged off.

"It won't inferfere with the mission if that's what you're worried about," Kair replied. She wasn't going to discuss this, not even with her friends. She felt closer to Ronon and Teyla than just about anyone on Atlantis, but they would only try and talk her out of going. She couldn't let them do that. She was already wavering.

"We were not worried about that, I assure you," Teyla soothed. "It's just rare for you and Colonel Sheppard to not...get along," she said.

"Well," Kai replied a little sharper than she intended. "Things change."

"Did something happen between you?" Ronon asked.

Kai pulled back, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "No," she said and that was the end of it. She wasn't about to discuss her personal feelings with them.

"I am sorry if we offended you," Teyla said quickly shooting Ronon another look, like a disapproving mother. He only shrugged. "You're our friend Kai, we only wish to see you happy."

Kai swallowed and looked down at the gun in her hands. She had never had friends before Atlantis, never had anyone who cared for her beyond her abilities and what she could for them. She shouldn't have come, it just made her feel more guilty.

"Hey," Ronon said a minute later, jerking his chin over her shoulder. "Check it out."

Kai turned to see a group of soldiers in uniform step out into the village. They formed a half circle around Eldred. Kai felt bad that their question had brought Eldred to have to face men like this.

She heard John step up behind her. His quiet movement hadn't been heard by the other two who startled a little when he spoke. Who are these guys?" he asked.

"Soldiers from the tower," Ronon replied tightly.

The lead soldier backhanded Eldred sending him crumbling into the dirt. "Whoa whoa whoa," John called, springing into action. The four of them stalked across the village square towards them.

"Take it easy." John said as they approached.

"Who are you?" The leader asked.

"Colonel John Sheppard, who are you?"

"I am Constable of the Lord Protectors guard. And this village scum, dared to defy me. It's clear we're going to have to make an example," he said pulled a whip off his belt.

The four of them drew their weapons as one. "I don't think so," Sheppard growled pointing his handgun at the constables chest.

The other soldiers belatedly noticed their weapons and reached for their own knives.

"Please Colonel," Eldred called from the ground. He pushed himself up on his hands and knees coughing. "It's my fault."

John's voice was cold. "You think I'm going to sit here and let you whip an innocent man? You're sorely mistaken."

"Constable," a man's voice came from behind them. In a smooth move John and Kai shifted so their backs were to one another at the same moment Ronon and Teyla did the same. Ronon and Kai were left staring at the group of soldiers while Teyla and John faced the new comer.

"You may stand down," the man said soothingly. "You are the strangers who requested an audience are you not?" he asked. His accent was purely upper crust and he was well spoken. His clothes were clean and he stood fearlessly among the villagers and soldiers without a weapon. It was clear he was someone with authority.

"That's us," John agreed but his tone was still harsh.

"My name is Otho," the man greeted as he approached the group.

Kai glanced back at Otho to see him lift something off his belt. He held it up for them to see that it was a scanner, not a weapon. He stepped up to Teyla first, running it over her. The scanner made a small noise.

"I have the honor of being chamberlain to the Lord Protecter," he said turning to Ronon. Whatever he was trying to find on the scanner the two of them had come up negative.

"And you would never be allowed in his presence so armed," Otho said turning the scanner to Kai.

"Well," John said casually, though Kai could practically feel his tension. "Guess we'll have to be on our way then."

The scanner beeped brightly. He glanced down at it and looked back at Kai in wonder. He ran the scanner over her again as her grip tightened on the blade in her hand.

"I'm afraid," he said almost in shock. "It's too late for that." Otho turned to the soldiers. "Take this one," he ordered gesturing to Kai.

They swung their weapons around, prepared to fight before letting them take Kai. As if by magic Kai's second Blade appeared in her hand and she rolled them through her fingers as she stared at the constable.

"Please don't resist!" Eldred begged from behind us. "The Lord Protector sees all."

"He does you know," Otho agreed, still holding his scanner. "Though I suppose you'll need a demonstration?" he asked raising a perfectly arched eyebrow. "And here it comes," he said with a smirk.

A single drone slammed into a building in the village. The explosion send firy debree raining into the air. The fire and straw went up immediately. Villagers ran to begin fighting the fire before it could spread to the nearby buildings.

Otho turned back to them. "Now please, turn over your weapons. Some of these people may not survive the next strike," he warned, but it was clear by his tone that he didn't care on way or another if they lived or died.

They all glanced around at the people hiding.

"Colonel," Eldred begged.

"She isn't going anywhere," John growled, taking another step closer to Otho.

Kai looked sharply at him. "I can take care of myself," She assured him stepping forward, though she could feel his simmering anger behind her.

"John?" Teyla asked uncertainly.

John finally nodded and the others lowered their weapons. The counstable walked up and took Kai's blades from her. "I'm going to want those back," She told him dangerously.

He laughed and grabbed her arm. His grip was bruising and when she grunted in pain John shoved himself forward. Otho's scanner beaped brightly once more. Otho looked down at it in surprise . He ran it over Sheppard.

"Bring both of them!" he said excitedly.

Kai shot John a disgruntled look, if he could only have stayed level headed then he would have been free to mount a rescue. Now they were both being dragged to the tower. Once they were inside the soldiers stepped back, leaving them standing in the main audience chamber.

John reached up and touched his comm. "This is Sheppard, are you reading me?"

"Colonel!" Teyla exclaimed in relief. "Are you all right?"

"Zian and I are fine. Is McKay with you?"

"I'm here," McKay came back.

"Did you find anything with your scans?" he asked, he was working to keep his voice low so they didn't directly notice that he wasn't just speaking with Kai. While they may have had some technology they hadn't even considered taking their radios.

"As a matter a fact I did. There's definately an active ZPM but its barely registering so it's hard to say if its depleted or just not active right now."

"Anything else?" John asked turning in a small circle as he took in the whole room. Kai was doing the same beside him, though he noticed she was making a point of keeping space between them.

McKay continued. "The really interesting part, it seems to be coming form under ground. Now when I realized that I started scanning for subteranian structures. The Tower is just the tip of the iceburg, there is a massive structure buried beneath it. Now it's hard to say without a more detailed scan but it may be comprible in size to Atlantis itself."

"That doesn't really surprise me," John said. "I'm in The Tower right now, and I got to say it does kinda look familiar."

The doors opened and John and Kai turned together as a heavy weight old man came in. He was wearing ornate silk clothing and was followed by a group of men and women who followed respectfully. Every one of them was wearing enough expensive clothing to feed that entire village for a year.

Kai's fists tightened at her side as it quickly became apparent to her what it was that was happening here. A beautiful young blonde sat beside the old man and a young man who looked similar enough like her to be her brother stood at his right side.

The old man sat down in what looked like the control chair but they had it set on a raised dias like a throne. He settled himself slowly, taking all the time he wished before he raised his eyes to take in Sheppard and Kai. He studied each of them in turn. His eyes focusing on Sheppard's tac vest and the scarf Kai wore wrapped around her head.

"You there," he called to them imperiously. "Approach."

They glanced towards one another for a second and then stepped forward. "Lietenant Colonel John Sheppard and this-" John began.

"I know who you are." The Lord Protector interrupted. "I saw you in the village."

"You did?" John asked in surprise.

"I see all that I need to see within my domain," he said and he rocked back the chair, activating it. Above them a screen descended from the ceiling and satellite footage of the village appeared. He zoomed in on Teyla, Ronon and McKay who were standing in the village square talking.

"Your friends," he said. "They are concerned about you."

"Well, to be perfectly honest," John said flashing one of his charming smiles. "I'm a little concerned about us too. I mean, we're prisoners here right?"

The Lord Protector sat back up, the chair deactivating. "The show of force was necessary for the villagers. It keeps them form getting ideas, but for the moment I would prefer if you both considered yourselves to be my guests."

The young man cleared his throat. "Father," he said in a simpering tone. "I must object, this man should be punished. He challenged one of our constables." Then he turned his gaze to me. "And this woman-" he started but he was cut off by his father.

"One of our constables?" The Lord Protector asked sharply.

"Forgive me," the young man said with a disingenuous bow. "One of your counstables."

"Lietenant Colonel, Kai Zian, it would be my pleasure that your dine with us this evening," The Lord Protector proclaimed. "We have much to discuss."

John glanced at Kai once but her face was its usual emotionless mask. He looked back at the Lord Protector. He nodded, because what else were they going to do. Despite his use of the word guest it was clear we didn't have the option to leave.

"Please allow my people to show you to your rooms," The Lord Protector said with a dismissive wave of his fingers at the servants lining the back wall.

"Wait no, we'll stay together," John quickly interjected.

"Are you married?" The Lord Protector asked looking back and forth between them as though it were something he had not considered.

"NO!" Kai responded immediately. Her face flushed immediately. She wasn't about to share a room overnight with The Colonel.

John shot her a disgruntled look. Now they would be separated for sure and if they were separated he couldn't protect her. His jaw tightened, but he couldn't argue with her now.

The Lord Protector looked pleased for some reason about the news and glanced at his two children. The servants stepped forward, bowing low to Kai and Sheppard and led them from the throne room. The soldiers trailed behind them as they followed the servants through the halls of the palace.

"This is your room," the maid said curtseying to John. John glanced back at Kai but she wouldn't look at him. He understood he had been an ass, but now wasn't the time. They led her away and his door slid closed behind him before he could see where they took her. He blew out a frustrated breath.

He glanced around the room and flopped back against the ornate pillows and blankets that made the room look like the inside of a tent.

He activated his comm. "Zian, are you still reading me."

"Yes Colonel," she replied briskly. "I'm fine. I'm in the room next to yours."

John blew out a sigh of relief. "McKay you there?"

"Yes, and from what I can tell from these readings the underground structures aren't just roughly the same size and shape as Atlantis, it's identical," Rodney said excitedly.

"Yeah it's pretty much the same way on the inside too, although, it's been redecorated." Sheppard replied.

"If it's a city like Atlantis where are the other towers?" Teyla asked.

"Probably fell a long time ago," McKay supplied. "Maybe they were destroyed in a wraith attack who knows. Look in ten thousand years the whole thing may have been overgrown by the forest."

"Well one things for sure," Sheppard said. "These people are no ancients."

"From what you're saying the Lord Protector must have the gene required to activate the advanced technology," McKay pointed out.

"So it would seem," Sheppard agreed.

"Well are they using any of the other technology?" McKay pushed. He wasn't as ready as the others were to abandon the idea that these people weren't Ancients.

"Not that I can see," Sheppard said. "They turned the control room into a gallery for royal audiences," he said with disgust clear in his tone.

Kai spoke up. "There are some systems that seem to be operational but I believe they are just running on automatic. I believe I might be able to access a control panel if I can get a moment alone and tell you more."

"Don't do anything that will get yourselves in any more trouble," Ronon said in a low tone.

"Are you certain the two of you are in no immediate danger?" Teyla asked, her voice rising slightly in concern.

"I don't think so," Sheppard replied. "They don't have me under guard and they've even given me my own room. Zian?"

"There doesn't appear to be any guard around me either."

"I don't like it," Ronon replied. "I say we call the troops in and get you both out of there."

McKay cleared his throat. "I don't think it would work even if we tried. Between the hologram technology and the drones they'd pick us off pretty easily."

"Look," Sheppard interrupted. "For the moment I don't want anybody to do anything, just keep a low profile."

The door slid open and he turned to it. "Gotta go," he whispered and he deactivated his comm.

Two of the servants who had brought them to their rooms were standing in the doorway. They bowed to John. "Please sir," they said bowing low. "This way."

John nodded and followed. He hesitated when they didn't move to get Kai from her room. "What about-" he started to ask.

"Lady Zian has already been escorted down to dinner," one of them reported, bowing low. They seemed almost frightened of delivering news he might not like.

When John entered the main gallery Kai was already seated at the large banquet table that had been brought in. His eyes locked on hers, but she hadn't looked up when he came in. The room was noisy with chatter but he didn't think it was too loud for her to hear him. The servant showed him to his seat across the table from Kai who was seated next to The Lord Protector's Son.

He sneered down at her. "Kai isn't it?" he greeted.

He rested his hand on the back of her chair and leaned close to her. He watched Kai tense, but she didn't pull away, "I'm sure you know. I'm Tavius," he said with a simpering smile.

Without considering the possible ramifications John snatched up the large goblet of wine in front of his dinner plate and knocked back a few long swigs as he watched Tavius drooling all over Kai.

The feast was disgusting as the servants brought course after course after course out and the lords and ladies of the court gorged themselves on the food that had been taken from the villagers. It made John sick to his stomach watching it. Kai was equally revolted and quietly nibbled on a few cubes of cheese and fresh veggies while Tavius threw himself at her, trying to charm her.

Kai met Sheppard's gaze and shot him a severe glare, her eyes flickering to the goblet of wine in his hand. He realized belatedly he had drank most of it while trying to keep his temper while the young Lord slobbered all over her. John purposefully set down his glass and the beautiful young blonde to his right smiled at him brightly.

"I've never known anyone called Lietenant Colonel before, what does it mean?" The Lord Protector's daughter, Amara, asked leaning into John.

Tavius didn't turn away from Kai when he answered. "It's not his name you simpleton. It's his rank," he said putting extra emphasis on the K. He picked up the tail end of Kai scarf that hung over her shoulder, running his fingers over the midnight colored silk.

Kai went ramrod stiff and John's eyes narrowed.

Amara looked down. "My apologies," she said in a meek voice drawing John's attention to her.

John turned his hard eyes back to Tavius. His gaze landed on where his fingers were still stroking the silk and he fought not to react. Kai reached forward and snatched up her own goblet of wine, taking a long drink from it. Had they been in any other situation he knew she would have thrown the impertenant young man to the floor and kicked his ass. BUt as it stood she was fighting to keep control.

"It's okay," John said brightly. "I don't usually stand on ceremony anyway, you can call me John," John flinched as someone grabbed his thigh beneath the table.

"All right John," Amara said with a nervous giggle.

"This is such a lovely scarf," Tavius complimented. "Where did you get it?" he asked.

Kai swallowed. She was forcing her entire body into lockdown when all she wanted to do was get out of here. But she could see the Colonel was barely holding it together himself. Sheppard's protective instincts were prickling and she knew that if she reacted at all in a way that made him think she was in danger he was going to start a fight they could not win.

"A very good friend," she said in a low tone, but John heard her.

"Such an interesting style to wear it wrapped around your head like you have no hair," Tavius said, though it was clear he did not approve.

"Everyone's cultures are different," John said his voice had a harder edge to it than he wanted. He didn't like the other man touching the gift he had given Kai.

Tavius turned to look at John his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, crossing his hands together. "It's obvious with eyes to see that you're a military man, which makes me wonder, why do you question the actions of my fathers soldiers. Do you not agree that discipline is necessary?"

John took another swallow of wine, glad Tavius's attention was on him now and not Kai. "I guess I just don't think whipping people is a good motivator," he said, knowing it was controversial and would prompt conversation. He wanted to glance at Kai to make sure she was okay, but doing so might bring Tavius's attention back to her and he wasn't willing to risk it.

Tavius smiled indulgently. "The villagers are mindless brutes. They understand nothing else."

"Maybe because they've never known anything else," John said his tone harder than he had intended.

The Lord Protector cleared his throat from his place at the end of the table. "I think we can all agree the lives of the villagers can be difficult, but how much more difficult would they be if they fell victim to the wraith?" he challenged.

"You protect them with these lights from the village earlier?" John asked, playing stupid about the drones.

"Yes," The Lord Protector replied.

John forced himself to look impressed. "But where do they come from?" he asked.

Tavius leaned forward into Kai's space once more, leering down at her. "The Lord Protector calls them forth with his mind," he said without looking away from her.

"Yeah," John agreed. "But from where? I mean they rise up from the ground but has anyone ever gone down there to check it out?"

"You mean the catacombs?" Amara squeaked.

"Well, whatever you call them," John agreed.

Amara shook her head, her dainty curls moving around her face. "They're dark and filthy, why would anyone want to go down there?" she asked innocently.

The Lord Protector began wheezing. He leaned forward coughing, knocking his plate to the side. He shoved himself to his feet. "Leave me be!" he cried as his guards rushed to his side. Everyone at the table shot to their feet, their eyes wide with concern over their beloved leader.

"Take him to his chambers!" Otho ordered, appearing out of no where and taking charge of the situation.

John was on his feet in an instant. "What's wrong with him?" he asked stepping up so he was standing beside Otho.

"He'll be all right," Otho assured him. "It's happened before."

Tavius however sat back, and didn't look at all concerned about his father's health. Kai glanced at John who met her gaze steadily. They both agreed that there was something going on here.

Once the meal was done the servants escorted them back to their rooms. Tavius however insisted on escorting Kai personally. He held out his arm gallantly and rather than risk insulting him she rested the tips of her fingers against the silk that covered his forearm. She was thankful John was just behind them. She was willing to tolerate a little flirting at dinner but that was as far as she was willing to go.

The servants stopped at John's door first. He hesitated, his eyes flying to Kai who was still standing with Tavius.

"Good night Lieutenant Colonel," Tavius called flippantly.

John opened his mouth to argue but there was nothing to say. His eyes locked on Kai's. She nodded once so he would know she would be okay and that he didn't need to push the point. He stepped into the room and the door slid shut. He leaned forward, banging his head against the metal.

Kai watched as John stared at her helplessly before moving into his room. It left her alone in the hallway with the prince and two servants. She somehow doubted the prince considered them people and her mind was racing as she tried to figure out a way to get herself out of this situation.

"-so than I asked him if he thought I was a fool. I could tell the difference between silk and satin with my eyes shut," Tavius threw back his head and laughed as though his story was the funniest thing in the word.

Kai forced herself to chuckle as though she were charmed. She decided that brain instead of brawn was going to be the best way to get herself out of this. The prince had been drinking most of the night and she just might be able to steer him away.

"Thank you for escorting me to my rooms, your highness," she said respectfully. "It was very kind of you," she added, although she could tell by the gleam in his eye it had been anything but kind. "It has been so overwhelming," she said, tripping over the word, but he was intoxicated enough he didn't notice. "Seeing your grand...palace," she added. "I am very weary tonight, but look forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Perhaps you could give me a private tour?" she asked.

The prince looked ready to argue, but the prospect of a chance for future time together seemed to appease him. He smiled down at her. "But of course my lady Kai," he said as though he were charming. "I will have the ladies maids sent up tomorrow to help you dress in a manner so you will fit in here," he added as though he were granting her some great priviledge. Before she could react he darted in and kissed her, pressing his sticky, pillowy lips against hers. She tried to jerk back but his hand came up and grabbed her scarf.

He broke the kiss and then tugged the scarf off her head. She scrambled to catch it before it fell to the ground. Her hair spilled free in dark waves around her face. She shook them out of her way angrily and had to take a deep breath before she looked back at the prince so he wouldn't see the murderous expression on her face.

"There, I knew you were beautiful beneath that rag," he said with a charming smile. "Sleep well my lady," and he bowed gallantly, snatching up her empty hand to press a kiss against it. Then he swept off down the hall, no doubt thinking he was wooing her.

Kai opened her door and when it slid shut behind her she leaned back against it breathing out a relieved sigh. Not wanting him to get any ideas she moved to the panel and pulled out one of the crystals, disabling the door until she fixed it. No surprise visitors would be coming through her door overnight.

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John sat on his bed restlessly. It had been impossible to notice the young asshole had followed Kai to her room. He paced agitatedly, wishing once again she hadn't come with on this stupid mission. If she had just stayed behind on Atlantis they wouldn't be in this mess.

Finally unable to stand it he reached up and activated his radio turning it to a private channel between him and Kai. "Zian?" he asked tentatively.

The silence that hung afterward was actually painful. "I'm here," she finally said but she didn't sound like herself.

John closed his eyes resting his forehead against his hands. He wanted to storm next door and check on her himself. "Are you okay?" he asked. In that moment it didn't matter if they were mad at one another, or that she was leaving. All that mattered to him was that she was okay.

"I'm safe," she promised him in a low tone.

He swallowed, unsure what to say now. The relief made him nearly light headed. "Good," he said.

There was another long pause between them. "Good night Colonel," she said.

He felt that warmth in his chest that told him that she was there. Whatever it was from, the Bond or her telepathy, it didn't matter, it reassured him that she was in fact okay. "Good night Kai," he said, his voice low and gravely and he flopped back on his bed, turning off his comm. He felt like such an idiot.

He lay there for twenty minutes, contemplating how exactly they had gotten themselves into this mess when his door slid open. John sat up fast, scowling as Amara walked into his room as though she owned it. In a way he supposed she did.

"Am I disturbing you?" Amara asked innocently. She was wearing what looked like a victorian style dressing gown and her long blonde hair was loose down her back.

"Amara," he said in surprise. "No, ah how's your father?" he asked, wondering what the princess would possibly be doing in his room in the middle of the night.

"He's resting, thank you for your concern," she said with a demure smile.

"Look," John said, "Maybe it would be best if I just came back another day to talk to your father."

"No!" Amara exclaimed. "You can't leave! Please! There's a matter of great importance my father wishes to discuss with you. Perhaps in the morning. If these chambers aren't to your liking..." she dragged off looking around with a small wrinkle of her nose. "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?" she asked.

"No, no," John responded quickly. "I don't think so," he added, not noticing the seductive look in her eyes.

"Are you sure?" Amara asked reaching for her belt.

John's eyes widened and he grabbed for her hands, stopping her from opening her robe.

"You don't find me pleasing?" She asked offended.

"No no, it's not that it's just that I-"John tried to explain but she grabbed the back of his neck and dragged his lips down towards hers.

He pulled back at the last minute. "Listen Amara, you're great but I-"

She stopped and looked up at him with wide blue eyes. "What you said at dinner, did you mean it?" she asked hopefully.

"What did I say again?" he asked, frozen, unsure how to get himself out of this situation. How did he even get himself into this situation? He didn't think he gave her any signals. At least nothing that would be considered a signal in his own culture.

"About this villagers," she reminded him brightly. "My brother believes it is a sign of weakness, but I know you will make a great ruler one day."

"Ruler?" John asked in shock, taking a measured step away from her and scrubbing his hands through his already disheveled hair. "What are you talking about?"

Amara smiled up at him as though she had just given him the best news of his life. "My father has promised that if you and I marry and produce an heir before my brother and Kai, succession will fall to me!"

"Married?" John asked and he jerked back from her as the words processed in his head. "Wait, what about Kai?!"

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