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Afterwards, I felt her revert to her more accustomed shape as we lay entwined together, enjoying the feeling of simply touching and being touched as we enjoyed each other’s company. “Hast thou an entertainment planned for Queen Veronia’s salon?” she asked.
“I hadn’t planned on one. You had told me you wanted to provide a contribution, and since most couples include but one wizard, I had not thought it necessary.”
“Is my lord husband concerned I shall be angry if his entertainment is superior?”
“The thought had crossed my mind, milady, but the real item of concern is I am not of Migurd as yet. My last entertainment drew admiration from the other wizards for technical ability, but little applause from the crowd for pleasing their tastes. I am certain they shall enjoy your contribution more.”
“You’re still worrying the concern we discussed earlier.”
“Aye, and a hundred others as well. If ever an ultsi focuses upon a single task, milady, then you should be concerned.”
She laughed, a musical sound I loved to hear. “That is obvious to all who have met you. The only thing I’ve seen you focus on completely was the diligar invasion.”
It was my turn to laugh, “Milady, I solved the nature of Eternals while facing Klikitit, and several other problems besides. It would take more than that to cause me to focus all of my resources. A hostile ultsi or pentsi would be the least of such concerns as could claim my undivided attention, not least because of the damage they could wreak in passing did I not do so.”
“And what problem are you worrying now?”
“The largest such cluster not banned from discussion by your edict earlier is the nature of monads.”
“And what have you learned?”
“Mostly, how little information I possess. The obvious conclusion is I must devise a means for locating them and studying them directly.”
“You intend to capture a monad?” She was horrified.
“I did not say that, milady, merely that I intend to locate and study them. I would never begin an inquiry with an action likely to draw ire.”
“I notice you haven’t ruled it out, either.”
“I haven’t ruled out burning down all of creation, O Jewel of My Heart, yet you do not seem concerned over the likelihood I should do so.”
“You’re obsessed, not insane,” she began, then realized the implications, “Oh,” and smiled. She stretched and wriggled her backside against me suggestively by way of apology. If that’s an indication of interest in round two, I’m up for it! I told her directly.
“Not yet,” she said aloud. She still preferred human style speech when she could arrange it, with one exception. “Our dalliance was most satisfying while I was in the other shape, yet now that I have restored myself to this one, I find myself less completely sated.”
I carefully did not propose the obvious solution; that wasn’t what she wanted. “I found it most enjoyable as well. If you decide yourself desiring more, I shall happily oblige.” Teasingly, “It may be a sacrifice, but it’s one I’m willing to make.”
“Now that we’re discussing one of your projects, I find my curiosity engaged. How are you planning to study monads?” But she also placed one of my hands strategically despite the fact the breast was swollen, indicating she wasn’t closed to the prospect either. Ten thousand years as a seductress had taught her many things about men, and even if she had changed her nature, she remembered the lessons of the time before.
“As with all else, find them and observe them. Godshome would seem to be the logical place to start.”
“I told you it is dangerous to spend overmuch time in Godshome, milord.”
“A warning I have taken to heart, and it matches my thinking. And yet I need not spend extensive time there myself in order to observe. You’ve seen me use homunculi more than once to observe in my stead.”
She subsided, “Good then. I spent ten thousand years in search of someone who would help me lift my curse. I would be distressed did you sacrifice yourself needlessly so soon thereafter.”
“I have no intention of sacrificing myself at all, milady. Not unless it’s the only way out of a worse situation, and I would be distressed to cause you distress.”
“Just so we are clear on that, my love. I spent too long as what I was, and not nearly long enough enjoying what I am now, which includes being your wife. You do not have my leave to damage yourself in any way.”
Deadpan I replied, “I’m glad that’s settled.”
She twisted enough to poke me in the ribs. “Beast.”
“But I’m a good beast.”
“That you are. After ten thousand years cursed, I never thought I’d enjoy the congress of men so well.” She nestled back against me, wriggling her shapely backside. As if that wasn’t enough of a hint, I find myself wanting to enjoy it again.
This time, she stayed in her heavily pregnant form. If it made our enjoyment any less than the previous round, I didn’t notice it.
Copyright 2020 Dan Melson. All Rights Reserved.
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