Chapter 19
Dianna seated herself upon a curious chair her mate had called a—chaise lounge, inviting her sister to join her on the opposing furniture that, he likewise named a couch. Both were more than pleasingly comfortable, and as she raised one leg to cross above the other while doing exactly as her cushioned seat was named, she carefully watched her sister's somewhat—measured and reserved expression with a semblance of understanding. For all their lives, Cassandra had been the one who usually held the upper hand in age, education, in her talent for magic, and this also included each of their love lives. Where she had gone out and found the largest and smartest legionnaire she could find to sire her daughter, even if the man had been somewhat cracked, her sister had gone about an—alternate route. Marrying into a prestigious family, even if Tavir was several siblings removed from the first. Thus, spending most of her days enjoying what privilege that afforded her, whilst she was on leave of duty, of course.
Now, however, the paradigm had utterly flipped on its head. In a rather queer twist of fate, it was Dianna who found herself—indulging in the creature comforts afforded to her by partial chance and her own swift action to secure a valuable opportunity. What was more, she was well aware just how much she’d managed to rattle her sister… From her little—spar with her niece the prior day to Cassandra trying and failing to rip her throat while actively seeking results. It wasn't at all lost on Dianna that her elder sibling was, at the moment—out of her depth…
Even she had been somewhat surprised in how laughably simple it had been to overwhelm a blooded legion officer without so much as expending a modicum of effort… More, when her sister had tried to do to her what she’d nearly done to Cassandra’s daughter, the ease with which she’d restrained the older woman had been enlightening. Yes, it was one thing to know you were strong, to know firsthand that you’d done as so few others in history had done before… yet she’d realistically only had monsters and her daughter to truly compare herself to… It simply wasn't the same as feeling that visceral thrill of standing utterly impervious to another’s earnest attempts to slay you, especially when they had, not long ago, been her peers of a sort… She’d always been better than her niece, though not by much… likewise, her sister could usually pull one over on Dianna when she was feeling in a devious mood… But now, there was simply no contest… Honestly, it took a bit of the fun from the whole affair… Dianna was unable to really tell the difference between her own species attacking her and that of her rather—martially inept husband, at least when he was willing to play by her rules.
All that said she didn't really want to lord it over her kin as Cassandra no doubt thought she would. Without any sport in it, the notion didn't really hold the same interest as it might otherwise allow. She couldn't even really be that upset with the other woman; after all, if Tulla had fallen at her doorstep looking as she’d left Bianca, then she’d of flown into a murderous rage all the same! It had been why she’d leant her niece the regenerative card Arthur had devised for her, an apology for losing her temper as much as it was deserved. The centurion was family, after all, and family would be all that mattered in the coming days…
“So,” Cassandra asked with an exhaling breath. “what is it you wanted to talk about Dia?”
“You daughter mostly.”
Immediately, Cassandra’s eyes fixated on her in a dangerous way that was only reined in by the doubtless memory of how their last little spat had gone for the other woman. Still, the killing intent she felt radiating off her sister was practically—palpable… So thick and hateful that Dianna felt she might need to clear the air before they really began.
“I don't want to sound like a bitch, dear sister, but please calm down. My niece wasn't hurt more than she deserved. I get where you're coming from, I really do, but can you, for a moment, ask yourself if I’d ever really kill the girl? I adore Bianca! But she’s a grown woman who can make her own mistakes and learn from them, just as we all do.”
“Her soldiers seem to think you nearly tore her tail off…” Cassandra growled, claws shredding the upholstery in a way that saw Dianna glancing at the destruction but deciding it wasn't worth getting into.
“I admit I was a little harsh with her, but given the circumstances, if you aren't willing to come to terms with the fact that there’s more than one party involved with a pressing claim towards responsibility, then I’ll have to genuinely rethink my offer for her.”
“What offer.”
Dianna smiled, a hoof gently bobbing with lazy interest as she exposed a few gleaming teeth. “I intend to carve myself out a sizable stretch of territory from this miserable rock. With the legion's departure from this continent all but a forgone conclusion should Bianca’s assessment to be believed, I find myself rather perfectly positioned to finally break free of the imperiums yolk. And don't say it's madness. We’ve both been privy to the same late evenings around the fire talking of such things.”
“And you want my daughter's loyalty to this imagined escapade?”
“Of course, she’s a fine commander, a talented warrior and she holds the respect of her forces with admirable capability. We lack the manpower to turn this backwater into anything worthwhile right now, but should a few centuries join us or any others nearby who can see the writing on the walls as it were, we could flourish as a community with or without the empire at our backs.”
“Amazing…”
“What is.”
“Your hubris Dianna, your fucking gall and cheek!”
“Pfft, you haven't even heard the best part yet.” Dianna snickered, enjoying herself… Maybe politics did behoove her after all...
“Ignoring that little tidbit of insanity, why by all the dead gods would I help you convince my daughter to back her aunt rather than her own father? You even agreed to help Tavir do exactly what you're describing! And now, what? Just because you've come into a little power, you've decided it should be you in charge of everyone? Fuck's sake, the entire settlement is under Tavir’s command! They are his soldiers!”
“And their living in a tower built through the blessings of my husband.” Dianna intoned, her expression cold and not without bite. “Tavir is a fine officer sister and a wonderful man. But it is not he who has the power here. We both know that, and regardless of what you may think, with or without you, I intend to move forwards and succeed. The only difference is that, while I am perfectly confident In my capability to do so, we both are intelligent enough to realize that, without Arthur, we’d all still be living in mud huts made by another species.”
Cassandra—grimaced slightly at that, clearly wanting to refute her but more than well aware she really couldn't, or at least not by any means that could be considered noteworthy or honest…
“I'm not going to abandon you, sister…” Dainna continued a moment later, sighing loudly as she did so. “Are we not family, Cassandra? Is your opinion of me truly so absurdly pathetic that you'd rather—leave all the opportunities before you behind just because you don't get to be in charge of me?”
“Obviously not!”
Taking a deep breath, Dianna rose to change seats, sitting down beside her kin and wrapping the other woman in her arms and wings. Cassandra did the same, leaning in against her shoulder as they had in the olden days... back before children and husbands and duty... returning to a small semblance of those times when it was just them, only them... They both sat there, silent while their minds whirled in the background… neither yet willing to speak or break free of their ruminations, nor this rare moment of comfort that, as of late, had been absent from both their lives...
“You didn't have to be so cruel,” Cassandra whispered, though the ice in her voice was already melting.
“I did, and you know I had to. Without making my stance clear and unassailable, Bianca wouldn't have ever given up her own. She's too damned immersed in the authority a centurion offers her that she couldn't have seen beyond her duty. Had it been anyone else, anyone at all, there wouldn't even be a corpse to be picked clean by the scavengers.”
“I don't forgive you.”
“Then allow me to try and make it up to her.”
Cassandra shifted, peering up at her sister with a curious cast to her apprehensive expression. Dianna, for her part, allowed their embrace to largely separate, though she still kept a wing wrapped around the sibling all the same.
“I’ve—convinced Arthur of something that he’s rather—adverse to. Something that even I myself am not entirely thrilled about but, nevertheless, believe needs to be at least offered.”
“You want to share him…”
“Justiciars balls no, I do not want to share my husband with your daughter! But, I am willing to do so—within certain boundaries… For the family…”
Cassandra seemed to—chew upon her sister's words for a time. Quite in her private musings while staring off into the distance before choosing her next words carefully. “So you're pregnant then?”
“Not yet, though admittedly, both of us suspect it won't happen naturally… We’ve been trying quite hard with no results…”
“That fact is very clear considering your house reeks of sex… I half thought I was walking into a juvenile barracks rather than my sister's home.”
“We do like to have fun around here.” Dainna chuckled, though her tone returned to one with a touch more gravitas a moment later. “The truth is that Arthur doesn't believe our differing species will be much of an issue now that it's clear he needs to apply a little magical effort towards the problem. Admittedly, halfbreeds among our kind are rare, but…”
“If anyone can bullshit out a reliable way to do it…”
“Precisely. I don't doubt I’ll be without a child in me much longer. Presumably, once we acquire some funds during our visit to the labyrinth, he’ll have the means to ensure I'm carrying shortly thereafter. The—point, however, that I am trying to make is that once I am with bulge in my belly, my niece can be as well. Neither of us are promising the girl love or affection but if she is willing to acknowledge me as both her superior in such a relationship and her eventual queen, then I have no real complaints with the arrangement. Loyalty for power and prestige. A simple bargain at its core, really.”
“It's—assuredly not something that—I would have chosen for her…”
“No, we all want our children to have the best of the very best… Yet, ask yourself this; what more promising prospects are there for her? To mate with a common soldier as I did? To try and return to the motherland, a disgraced officer whose name is tied to the largest blunder of our legions in living memory? Which she will be tied to regardless of where the blame truly lies. What I want for my niece is to be as I am sister. To become something—indescribable… To give her the means to shred through an army all her own! And for your grandchildren to be intrinsically tied to a father who is already proving to be the greatest force of magic the Lacunae has seen in centuries! Do you think all of this is impressive?" Dianna scoffed, idly waving her hand towards the home like it was little more than a grimy cave. "This is merely what Arthur cobbled together in a single week to stand as the baseline of comfort he desired to provide for a wife that left him with a child that isn't even his own while she fucked off and vented years of pent-up stress. And he did it with blighted mud and twigs. Bianca might never be his soulmate, dear sister, but don't doubt that he will treat her with anything but the respect she’s due. He’s just… not the sort of individual to ignore his responsibilities…”
“And he wanted this?”
“No, he doesn't,” Dianna replied, her tone as blunt as it was pained. "But he’ll do it for me, and I’ll do it for her. Gods only know she deserves better than the options available to her. But life isn't fair, and we shouldn't pretend that it is…”
“I don't like it… I wouldn't like it even if he was interested in the arrangement, to begin with… It's not right, Dianna, your her aunt, for imperium's sake! Is he going to fuck you in front of her, cock still slick with you're—fucking juices, before pushing inside my baby girl, coated in her aunt's arousal? That's sick…”
“Again, nothing about the situation is what I’d name—ideal…” Dianna admitted, breezing over her sister's concerns, valid as they were… Admittedly, the idea wasn't amazing for her either... “Yet, the imperial families have been breeding cousins and siblings together for years. It isn't as if the traditions are taboo… Either way, sister, Bianca is a grown woman; she can make her own choices in life, and if she refuses my offer, I won't press her. I can gain what I desire with or without her aid; this is—merely my attempt to consolidate power within the family lineage. To invite you to share a taste of what is on offer here. Gods know, were you unmarried and without a child yourself, I'd be giving you the same offer, Cassie! But this is my best alternative to keep things even moderately fair between us! As his mate, even one of—lesser status, she will be nobility when it is time to proclaim ourselves as such. Not just in name, but by her potential future child birthright.”
Cassandra didn't answer her immediately nor try to reply. Instead, looking away again, lower lip worrying whilst she pondered Dianna’s words. Truth be told, nobody would be entirely happy with the situation… But Dianna did feel it was necessary… Without her niece being somehow involved as it had been suggested, Dianna simply couldn't envision a reality in which she desired to give the younger woman any real power… It would be too much of a threat… Too dangerous, even if she was family. No, Dianna needed her loyalty, not for what she could potentially bring to the table, but instead to ensure she’d never betray them and return to the imperium’s authority. It would be all else nothing.
“No oaths, no bindings.” Cassandra eventually warned, though her voice lacked the fire of conviction.
“Yes, oaths, and yes, there will be bindings. I don't trust the girl sister; I love her, you know I love her, but right now, her heart yet belongs to the imperium. Remind yourself that I am not offering this for my own personal gain. This is altruism in its foundational form! If she does not wish to take the offer, then that will be that. However, I will not subject my husband to the possibility of betrayal just because Bianca is my kin. She’s already tried to capture him once, and I promise it will be the last and only time she does so and survives to regret her decisions. I am forgiving and understanding. But such things do have their limits once pushed...”
Her sister—deflated beside her, a hand moving to rub circles around her temples. Voice exasperated as it was defeated as she responded. “He’ll treat her well?”
“I’ll ensure he does, though I doubt that will need enforcement. Again, I won't promise love, I can't… But in time, such a thing might blossom all its own… He's just too—soft-hearted not to care…”
“How do you think Tavir will take it?”
“Better than you, that's for certain. He and Arthur are already close, and… though I hate to say it, your husband doesn't exactly share in our particular brand of—well, rash emotion…”
Cassandra sighed, seeming to crumble entirely as she sat there, head drooping… “Even if I did agree it was a good idea… Bianca never will… I doubt she’d care if she were the first wife in a harem, no matter how small it is… But, to ask her to forsake her position… the trust and responsibility…”
“She’s not nearly so blindly loyal you know… If she was, she’d of killed herself on my blade trying to enforce the emperor's will. Family means much to her, just as it does to us. Let me speak with her, alone, I’ll explain things the best I can and display what she stands to gain from joining her kin rather than risking life for an imperium too bloated and sickly to value her as anything but discardable chaff…”
“That's not fair; you know it's not.”
“And there we shall agree to disagree, dear sister. Though, if you offer a reasonable argument towards the contrary. Primarily as to why she’s been left behind, just as we have by our empire while it abandons its efforts here, then by all means, do share.” Watching as her sister stiffened at that, again, not really able to refute her point, Dianna merely held her a touch tighter. She got it, she really did… Cassie was in something of a tough predicament… and while she had the distinct feeling the rational side of her sister agreed, the woman was still pissed… Well… deserved or not, at this point, Dianna felt she’d done everything she could or was at least willing to do… So, she offered her sister a comforting pat on her shoulder before shifting to rise. Cassandra’s gaze following her unhurried departure from their embrace.
Dianna’s nose and ears twitched as she tried to determine where her husband was, catching the muted sounds coming from a room down the hall when she really honed in… “Come on then.” She offered, gesturing with her chin. “Let’s collect Arthur and have him meet his niece-in-law, shall we?”
Arthur was busy in his workshop whilst the sisters—spoke. He’d gotten the sense that things weren't exactly rosy between the pair, given what had happened the prior day, but he hadn't really been invited to join the conversation, so, simply put, he didn't. Instead, Arthur took the brief respite for free time to put together a little plan of his own… The fact Dianna wanted to be a queen was as much childish as it was—oddly enough, given the circumstances, achievable… It's just that it was sort of hard for him to take seriously… though he knew the woman was quite determined to make it happen… For him, the idea of royalty was so far removed from his social values that it earnestly just about felt like the most fantastically normal thing that had fallen in his lap thus far! Compared to soul cards and demon conquerors, cows that could turn meat to char with static electricity and foul cultists desiring living sacrifices, hearing his wife say she wanted to be a—queen just—hit differently… That being said, he didn't necessarily want to be a king but, he supposed he didn't really have to take the title… he could let Dianna be solely in charge, it was her dream after all… But, though there was a decidedly long road from point A to point B, Arthur felt as though he could at least start making some inroads towards the general feel of being wealthy. Which, he was, considering what he could do and where he lived by comparison to those in the settlement…
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Turning to eye the bit of arcane machinery he’d been tinkering with when he had the spare time, he regarded the modular monstrosity of a magical three-dimensional printer with a hint of bemusement. It had been something of an on-again, off-again project, to be sure, largely due to the clunky nature of its capabilities when pitted against the card he’d devised before its inception, which, more or less, did the exact same thing, only without the bulky box-like frame and interface. However, as in the current case, sometimes his imagination simply didn't—cut it with what he was trying to achieve. That was why his magical box was intelligent or had been, at first... Much like his spy drone, it was capable of thought, though, unlike the somewhat snarky little bot, he’d ensured this creation had a little less personality… Or, again, so he’d tried… In reality, his real problem with this all was that he was just so out of his depth with this magic business that he was akin to a toddler being given the keys to an N.W.R. super-computer loaded with all the latest and greatest apps for children. Sure, he could poke about and stumble his way through things until he inevitably opened up a game or some over-tailored streaming service meant to be as user-friendly as humanly possible, but… He had no idea how any of it actually worked under the hood to the point it may as well have been magic all along. He’d torn one of his printers open, sans its consciousness module, just to see exactly what was going on within them… yet, all he’d found for the effort boiled down to a complex latticework of crystal that seemed to breathe a dizzying weave of colours and blinking patterns that had earnestly felt like it were bathing him in magical radiation...
It had been utter nonsense from any—reasonable scientific standpoint but had, upon his request, managed to transmute a living potter cactus all the same… The plant still rested upon his desk, sitting there less because he wanted one and more to serve as a reminder that he really didn't understand what he was doing here… All the same, this universe's secrets weren't among his priorities at this given moment… Instead, he activated the display of his nonsensical contraption, waiting patiently as a well-dressed butler, wearing a clean and pressed black suit with white cufflinks, appeared. With his pristine undershirt, his face groomed with a thin mustache, appearance nondescriptive and average to the point of being almost artificially handsome, the man was—had been, his attempt at a non-personality A.I. that he’d had to free from its tiny existence for no other reason than—it had been the right thing to do after realising he'd failed.
“Ah. Master Arthur. I take it you require assistance with the matter transmuter?”
“I do.” The young man agreed, offering the A.I. that, more or less, at this point, was running his house in the background a slight nod. Thus far, the girls hadn't exactly—met Benny but he was present all the same. Quickly taking to his—assumed role and rapidly developing his persona, seemingly over night. As much as Dianna seemed to think it was him who was making the beds, restocking their supply of food and, many times, the various snacks and lunches that always seemed prepared far in advance, the artificial butler he’d accidentally imagined into existence for all practical purposes, was truthfully the secret behind his apparent limitless productivity… Honestly, he didn't much care if Dianna found out about the servant that had been secretly picking up after them all in the, in fact, given she wanted to be a queen, his wife would presumably take rather well to the idea of it all. However, Tulla might just let the power go too quickly to her head and—develop some less-than-ideal character flaws along the way… For now, Benny had strict instructions to only appear as he did when Arthur was alone. That wasn't to say that the machine wasn't controlling every cleaning bot, hollow display or automatic door within the compound, but for anyone who didn't know, all of that would have just been presumed to be Arthur himself and a little magical programming.
Teaching Benny had become a—pet project he’d worked on in earnest once realizing he simply didn't have the hours in the day to do everything he wanted… and from there, the once three-D printer had truly begun to flourish and aid him in a list that only seemed to grow more cumbersome with each passing day. That said, thus far, his delve into artificial intelligence had been rather successful under the microscope of a different light, given that they really didn't seem that different than an intelligent magic construct when all was said and done, and those had supposedly been serving their creators without significant incident since time existed to be remembered. The fact his creations were all magically bound to not just want to serve him but enjoy it and even seemingly find notable satisfaction in their work was perhaps—some sort of human rights violation, but… again, he wasn't on earth and, when in the Lacunae, he was learning to simply do as they did. More, Benny had sort of—grown on him, literally in fact. Developing himself at such a rapid pace from where he’d started that Arthur was all but convinced they were living entities thus he felt bad about trying to—restrict them beyond the bounds of reasonability… having him cooped up in the printer really just hadn't sat right with Arthur.
“Morning, Benny,” Arthur replied as the hologram of his home’s caretaker manifested before him. “And yeah, I'm looking to do something that I don't really have the expertise for…”
“Naturally. We can't all be perfect within the scope of the frankly limitless number of pursuits one might choose to explore… What is it we shall be creating today?”
“Clothes.”
“Oh, for yourself or…”
“For the girls.” Arthur offered, scratching at his chin in thought. “Though, you might be right on that point… I should probably have something done up for me as well…”
“Spectacular. For what will be the occasion in which you will require new garments?”
“Shopping really…” Arthur—somewhat sheepishly replied, just a little embarrassed by the fact he was asking what essentially was a conscious quantum computer to lower itself to the basic expenditure of effort to design and create better clothes they could visit the city in.
“Shopping?” Benny slowly drawled his tone just the appropriately mixed combination of condescending and wry amusement that any swanky butler should possess. “So you can perhaps—purchase more textiles with—money rather than making them with… magic?”
“It’s more about the adventure of it all than the destination really… Though, honestly, I imagine we will be buying clothes so, bravo, you can have your point.”
“I merely jest of course.”
“No, no, the absurdity of it all isn't lost on me… Regardless, what the girls have currently is less appropriate for the wealth I suspect we’ll be flinging about, so… I figure we should all at least look the part…”
“A wise decision master. So, where shall we begin then?”
“I will probably be the easiest. Take my suit I’ve got in the trailer and give it a little more—fantastic flare, not quite steampunk I think but, something with a little more civilized flash than the Middle Ages…”
“Yay, or nay to the humble pocket watch?”
“Yay. Definitely yay, Benny.”
“Very good sir. I shall have a dozen mockups sent to your tablet for later perusal when your wife is free to offer her input.”
“Probably a smart way to go about things…” Arthur chuckled, trying to overlay the giant goddess of death he’d seen emerge from the labyrinth with that of a woman sitting over a screen and offering her advice as to what she’d like to see her husband wear. “Happy wife, happy life and all that…”
“All too true. Now, what were you thinking for the girls?”
“Just give Tulla something like a dress, make it fun and flowy for her and durable enough to survive any presumed shenanigans she might get into… I can already tell she’s going to go positively mad when she gets a taste of real power so, maybe work something a little imperial into it? Same for Dianna, actually, only, for her, I was kind of leaning more towards—tastefully revealing? She seems to enjoy flaunting what she has and being the center of attention, but… It has to be easy to move in, tough but, without any—frills If I have the right read on her…”
“Something like this?” Benny asked, a visually perfect replication of Dianna appearing by their side, her figure posed like a model swaying down the catwalk. She wore a lovely, breathtaking, rich green dress that wove around her arms and midriff with near-transparent silk, displaying her worked abdominals and shoulders while her chest was modestly covered by a smoothly tight fabric that clung to her every curve. The apex of the ensemble rose to form a tasteful collar around her neck, the deeper and more opaque areas seeming to almost—shimmer if one peered at it from the correct angle… Below, both of Dianna’s sinfully toned legs were exposed while she walked, sculpted muscles flaring with statuesque definition, coyly hidden, and simultaneously exposed by three cascading drapes of forest-green silk. Heavy enough to almost cling to her as she walked but graceful in the manner in which they appeared to float around her…
Arthur found himself—struck… left blinking dumbly as he definitively engorged in his damned pants… Clothes could definitely be sexy and add to a woman's allure, but… perhaps this was a touch too much for—casual wear through a city… “M-maybe, tone down the seductive by a few margins? I don't want to be popping a hardon every time I look at her ass walking down the street… but—also make one of those as well, for home…”
“I shall endeavour to make the desired alterations to your revised specifications, master. They will be available to you shortly once I’ve compiled a worthy collection for your perusal.”
“And what if we—threw in some—spandex of something for her legs? I—don't want her to feel like we're trying to dress her like a high-class escort, you know…”
“Leggings or stockings?”
“Try both…” Arthur muttered, sneaking another glance at the virtual representation of his wife and—wondering if he should make her some lingerie… She certainly filled it out in all the right ways he could see…
A knock at the door snapped Arthur from his drooling, Benny dispersing in an implosion of light as he turned, flicking a finger to open the door to reveal Dianna and her sister, who were both waiting patiently outside.
“Love, we need you to come with us to the settlement. Now that things have calmed down, It's as good a time as any to introduce you to our lovely Niece.”
Arthur noted how Cassandra seemed to—shift a touch uncomfortably at the mention of her daughter, causing him to realize Dianna might have already said something to her about their—prior conversation…
“Did you talk about what it is you’re going to offer…”
“She did.” The older woman nodded, seemingly feeling as awkward as Arthur himself felt about the whole situation…
When he couldn't really manage a reply more meaningful than a simple, “Ah…” The young man was left standing there without knowing how to really continue. What did one even say when the mother of the girl your wife was about to bribe into joining a polyamorous relationship with was standing right in front of you, clearly distressed about it all. One, no less, where both existing parties had been clear they didn't really like the concept as a whole themselves... Honestly, it was an all-around miserable situation that he desperately hoped the girl would decline… Arranged marriages hadn't ever really sat right with him, even if they’d made something of a comeback in recent years back home… He wasn't even sure why Dianna thought it was such a great idea, all things considered, but…
“Cassie… listen, if you don't think it a good idea, then I’d rather you—”
“No, Arthur. It’s a perfect idea, honestly… and one that will give my daughter more than I could possibly hope for otherwise. Regardless of what you may try and tell me, I'm well aware you wouldn't neglect her or treat her poorly…”
“Not that I’d allow him to do so sister,” Dianna added, earning herself a small squeeze from her elder sibling for the effort.
“Your—admittedly…” Cassandra continued after taking a semblance of comfort from her taller sibling. “the best prospect for a mate she has access to or will presumably ever manage given how the cards are falling all around us… It's not fair to you or Dianna, nor is it for my Bianca, but… I appreciate your willingness to go along with all this nonsense all the same. That said—please, do try to ignore my scowls… Their not for you but, the situation as a whole…”
“There’s really no better way to do this?” Arthur laughed, his tone bitter as it was darkly humorous. “With all the options available to us, with our ability to travel through portals to the labyrinth, this is it? This is what has to be done. Couldn't I just set her up with a veritable fortune and let her find someone she actually loves and could reciprocate the feelings? Don't get me wrong here, If this happens it happens, I’ll take responsibility but… Have either of you even asked Bianca what she wants?”
“In a—manner of speaking.” Cassandra intoned, looking as weary as Arthur felt exasperated.
“It's not about the money, husband. That’s the problem. If it were so easy as finding some wealthy fop to betroth her with, then we’d already have a workable solution. The need is for Bianca to have a reason to leave the empire behind, to join us rather than die for some now pointless war the senate clearly cares little about.”
“Not that I'm trying to make it sound as if I'm ungrateful or somehow demeaning her value by championing her freedoms here but, really? Is this honestly what you both want?”
“Clearly not Arthur, however we are not taking her freedom of choice. Nobody is forcing her to do a thing. I will make the girl an offer. Nothing more and nothing less, and if she decides it will serve her better than what she can get from the imperium, then it will be her that ultimately makes the choice.”
“Fucking hell… You realize how weird this all is for me, right? It's like—an entire order of magnitude messed up beyond dating actual sisters!”
Dianna reached out and cupped his cheek in a large hand, smiling softly as she sighed, and her tail found his waist. “I do, darling. And I'm quite appreciative you’re willing to go along with it for my niece's sake. Though, I suspect you’ll get used to it fairly quickly should it all come to pass, especially when we're both happily bent over, begging for your cock.”
“Stop—trying to confuse me with horny…” Arthur tried but, failed to properly articulate, his mind unable to really help itself from imagining the fantasy… betrayed by his own desires… What was the world coming to?
“Please darling, I can already smell how interested you are by the prospect, and feel it.” She added with a sinful pulse of her tail.
“Cassandra is right there!”
“Please, what more could a mother ask for than the knowledge her daughter will be—well attended to? Besides, you’re far too prudish for a man with such debaucherous desires, and talents at his beck and call.”
Arthur felt practically mortified, his gaze slipping to the woman in question as though to simultaneously assure her he wasn't the utter deviant Dianna was making him out to be and seek an ally in this but—found the older woman watching him pointedly, her tail swishing behind her with interest.
“Actually… If you wouldn't mind Arthur, do share a thing or two with Tavir, my sister has been infuriatingly absent on a few of the key details… I will appreciate your efforts of course… and candour…”
“The way the two of you talk reminds me of horny old women ogling a team of university athletes…”
“We bal are a promiscuous bunch.” Cassandra offered with a mildly offended shrug. And I'm not that old you know.”
Arthur—hesitated a moment, glancing between the sisters as a curious thought appeared in his head. Cautiously wording his question as carefully as he could before asking; “How—old are you… I mean, don't get me wrong, you’re stunning but… For that matter, how old is Bianca?”
“She is, admittedly, rather young and inexperienced…” Dianna sighed, speaking up as her sister refused to comment. “She’s, what? Twenty-seven this year?”
“Twenty-seven last year…”
“Oh, which means you're already fifty-nine!”
“And you're forty-six!” Cassandra retorted with a sharp bite, glaring at her sister with crossing arms.
The young man felt his thoughts glide to a sudden halt, his smile just—hanging there without the light of mirth behind his gaze. Neither of the women missed the moment he seemed to freeze like a block of ice… Numbers ringing out in the confines of his mind whilst his own age stood as a bright neon sign at its center…
“You're almost fifty?” Arthur eventually asked, eyes locking on Dianna’s own while his wife shrugged with indifference but nodded all the same. “B-but you hardly look an hour over—twenty-five! I mean, other than the hair, but that’s more like silver than grey…”
“Technically yes I'm nearing fifty from a chronological standpoint; however, soul cards have a tendency to muddle one's appearance and lifespan. As I managed to obtain a low silver soul by the time I was thirty-five, my looks have actually regressed a good deal... Trust me, it is nice to know I won't have to deal with the tribulations of old age until I am well into my second century, and even then it will be more like middle age than true antiquity… In fact, now that I'm gold, things are only going to start rewinding further. Cassandra only looks so much older than I do because she did not manage silver until her forties.”
“I was silver long before you were.”
“And long after as well.” Dianna chirped, tone playful but words remorseless. “Well, don't keep us waiting, how old are you?”
Again, Arthur felt the sisters staring intently at him, the young man reaching to scratch at the back of his neck while trying to figure out if it was worth trying to—fudge the numbers a bit… “I’m—actually younger than Bianca by two years or so…”
“Hm, I thought you’d be at least thirty, to be honest…” Cassandra mused, tongue clicking with annoyance as though she’d lost a small wager at a bar.
“While I have been suspecting to have robbed the cradle for some time now…”
Arthur felt himself being dragged to Dianna’s side where she promptly crushed him into her chest as though to remind him just how flawless she was, despite the age difference. S-sadly for himself given his own particular interests in women, Arthur merely felt himself get harder knowing he was—mated to an older woman…