Kael remains seated upon Bliss’s throne in star-sprinkled black armor. A powerful prayer forces him to pay close attention to a mortal woman in a hidden grove beneath moonlit branches.
The young witch named Sinthia lies upon the grass and removes her cloak and robes. She closes her eyes and begins.
Her discarded black garments rest nearby, outside the vision’s narrow frame. What she performs is more than ritualistic and the profane implications settle heavily over Kael.
No road, doorway, or physical passage connects the grove to Bliss. Just the sheer desire and perversion that connects the young witch to her god. The young witch gives no sign that she knows she is being observed.
Gabriella
Now she is truly devoted, My lord. Her perversion is note worthy. She is surely a willing vessel for the God of Lust and War.
Gabriella remains beside the throne, white wings folded. General Raye stands behind her at a respectful distance, watching Kael and he views the beautiful act of lust.
When Sinthia finishes her act of devotion and retrieves her clothes she sees that Kael has left a black spade mark on the grass next to her. She gasps and is overjoyed at the knowledge that she was watched by her god the entire time.
“Kael finishes watching Sinthia in the throne room and leaves. He returns to his lavish bedroom to find Maisie and Sophie waiting in his bed for him on top of black bedsheets and black pillows.”
Kael leaves the throne room with the sensation of the young witch still with him. The palace settles into evening quiet as he enters his private chambers.
His lavish bedroom waits beyond carved doors, lit by low golden lamps. Maisie and Sophie sit together atop black bedsheets and black pillows, their attention turning toward him at once.
Maisie
There you are, my lord. We thought someone else had claimed you for the entire night.
Maisie shifts nearer the center of the bed, leaving room without ceremony. Sophie watches Kael with a warm, knowing smile, her red hair catching the lamplight.
Sophie
The universe can survive a few hours without its ruler. Come and lie down with us, Kael.
Kael begins to remove his armor and clothes. Sophie and Maisie quickly discard their clothes. together they crawl into the softness of the bed’s silken covers.
“Kael, Maisie and Sophie all lie under the black sheets of Kael's bed. All without shirts. They laugh and talk about old times.”
Beneath the black sheets, the three of them settle into the warmth of Kael’s bed. Golden lamplight softens the carved chamber, and the palace beyond grows quiet.
Maisie turns onto her side, one arm tucked beneath her head, while Sophie rests near Kael’s shoulder. Their laughter rises easily, unguarded and bright.
Maisie
Do you remember when we first left the Star Streak? I was certain the whole voyage would end with us lost among the stars.
Sophie
You were pretending to be calm while secretly redrawing the same route three times. I saw every mark you made.
Maisie laughs and nudges Sophie beneath the covers. Sophie answers with a playful shove, and their shared amusement fills the room more gently than any courtly music.
Maisie
We have crossed impossible darkness, survived battles, and helped build a kingdom. Somehow, this is still my favorite sort of evening.
Sophie
Then let the court wait until morning. Tonight, we remember the people we were, and enjoy the ones we became.
“Gabriella joins the three of them in bed.”
There is a knock at the door. Kael goes to open it. Gabriella enters with her white wings carefully folded, her silver sword peace-bound at her side, and pauses beside the bed.
Gabriella
I heard laughter and thought perhaps this household had room for one more companion tonight.
Maisie lifts the covers at once, making space between herself and Sophie. Sophie’s welcoming smile brightens as Gabriella sets aside her sword and steps closer.
Maisie
There is always room for you. Come on over, my love.
Sophie
You'll be fine next to me.
Gabriella laughs quietly and climbs beneath the sheets. Her folded wings settle safely behind her as she nestles among them, close enough to share the warmth.
Gabriella
Come. Let us share the warmth of Kael together.
Kael slides back into bed and the four companions settle into an easy circle beneath the black sheets. Laughter returns, softer now, while the golden lamps keep watch over their peaceful rest.