“Yes, Adon,” Rosslyn said, a question in her tone. “We recorded most of our knowledge of the particular disciplines we have a grasp on in a book. I had actually been wondering about how you learned magic. Whether you were born with it, or found a book somewhere…”

She allowed her voice to trail off doubtfully.

No, Adon sent. I guess monsters have a different method available. A way that doesn’t involve studying, exactly. I went to a dark place and sort of connected with some statues that seemed to represent .

Rosslyn’s eyes widened as she listened.

Did I do something wrong…? Adon transmitted.

The Princess processed what he had said and took her time answering.

“I have heard of another, more dangerous method of acquiring magical affinities,” she said slowly. “A forbidden method that no one allows ordinary mages to attempt anymore. Archmages sometimes attempt it, because no one has the power to stop them or punish them, but it is frowned upon.”

So I did something I shouldn’t have, Adon thought.

Rosslyn seemed almost to read his mind, although that thought had not been transmitted. Perhaps there was something in his body language.

“You should not take that to mean that your method was—or is—wrong, Adon.” Her expression turned to what appeared to be one of admiration. “People believe it is the way that all magic originated. The statues are thought to represent a specific way of channeling and thinking about Mana, which humans interpreted with words, ideas, and descriptions of physical sensations in books. All of which was to imitate the effects of certain statues without requiring the wielder to make contact with them.

“If you knew the risk you were taking, you might think it was mad to try what you successfully attempted. But the forbidden method is the only way that anyone discovers a new affinity or acquires an affinity they have no books or instructors in. It is the way of the scholar. The one who is willing to risk madness, death—or worse! Potentially a path to great power, for those willing to take the risk…”

Her voice trailed off at the intriguing thought.

The room was quiet for a few minutes as each of those present considered Rosslyn and Adon’s words.

Adon wondered, What sort of fate worse than death does she mean? His mind naturally jumped to the idea of an end to the cycle of reincarnation, which he had almost fully made himself accept weeks ago.

He felt a little leery about the idea of bringing this question up, but he recognized that he needed to. Adon still wanted to expand his magical powers. He was not content with having healing and mental magic only. He wanted to be more than a support player. From what Rosslyn was saying, the black void was one of the most effective ways for him to acquire unique powers.

What fate worse than death have people suffered? Adon finally asked.

Everyone looked at him, but he told himself he would not feel uncomfortable for getting their attention. Only Rosslyn and the spiders were here, after all. And this was a completely legitimate question. He would not look lazy, dumb, or cowardly for asking it.

“There have been a few,” Rosslyn said. She spoke in tones of reluctance. “Are you certain you want to hear about this? I listen to you talk, and I hear inner conflict. I did not mean to discourage you from pursuing what you have done successfully in the past.”

I appreciate that, Adon sent, nodding. Tell me anyway. Please.

“Some have ended up possessed by things from that realm, so that they became monsters that attacked their own loved ones. And we believe that some experience the shattering of the soul.”

The end of the cycle of reincarnation, then, Adon replied. That was what I expected.

Rosslyn shook her head. “Our understanding is that the soul is eternal, but it can be broken into fragments for a time. You might lose the identity that you, in particular, have struggled so hard to retain. Your progress as a soul over multiple incarnations would be lost.”

Adon nodded silently. That’s better than I thought, he told himself. I won’t let fear stop me from going back to that place sometime in the future.

“Well, as I was saying, I think now is a good time for all of us to have some lunch,” Rosslyn said. “We requested some special meals prepared for our guests, so I hope you will all enjoy.”

She got up and stepped out of the room, and Adon was left wondering what the special food would be.

A minute later, two male servants entered the room. Each held a plush pillow, one in red and one in a brilliant shade of blue.

The servant holding the blue pillow approached Adon and stood between where he and the spiders were, while the other servant moved to the opposite side of the bed, closer to where Goldie stood.

“The Crown Princess of Claustria requests the honor of your company at lunch, noble creatures,” pronounced the servant standing in between Adon and Goldie.

He lowered the pillow, and Adon realized he was meant to hop on and be carried through the palace. His mind conjured up images of royalty being carried through the streets on a litter, and he felt slightly embarrassed.

I know it’s me that they mean, but…

He felt a lingering sense of unworthiness, and his mind brought up the memory of his dragon self encountering the villagers and then fleeing in the opposite direction in a previous incarnation. Though he still did not understand the exact meaning behind that encounter, he knew he felt that he had failed those people in some way. Would he fail Claustria too?

Remember that you’re a butterfly now, he told himself unconvincingly. You’re their national animal, and you’re magically talented. Why wouldn’t they like you? How can you fail? They’re not even expecting you to do anything. At least not yet…

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He hopped onto the pillow before he could talk himself out of it. At least that way, he would not have to talk much to the servants.

Thank you, he sent.

The man holding him bowed his head reverently. “It is my honor,” he said simply.

Goldie secured her children on her back—she would not be leaving them behind for any reason, and certainly not when a free meal was being offered—and then stepped onto the other pillow.

Then they were carried into the hallway. Since Adon did not have to engage the servants in conversation, he simply absorbed the surroundings. The palace looked as opulent as anything Adon had seen or heard of in representations of royal medieval living.

Expensive oil paintings and tapestries were the main wall decorations. There was hand-carved wooden furniture in every room he passed that had an open door; it looked expensive to him, because Adon’s most recent world was one in which virtually all furniture was cheaply prefabricated.

The servants turned into what appeared to be a small dining room for just the family. Although it was small, there were multiple paintings and large mirrors hanging from the walls and a crystal chandelier above the table. The silverware’s distinctive sheen gave Adon the strong impression that it was made of actual silver, which had been valuable in most of his past lives, even in the more high tech universes he had inhabited.

Rosslyn and her father sat near the head of the table, with a woman Adon guessed was the Queen sitting opposite the King. Beside the Queen, four children sat. The oldest and closest to Adon was a ten or eleven year old boy. Beside Rosslyn, there were two empty places that were clearly intended for Adon and Goldie. At one seat, instead of a plate, there were a half-dozen goblets filled with a variety of different liquids—clearly in consideration of Adon’s proboscis. At the next seat, there was a plate containing several small, plucked but uncooked birds.

We’re really eating with the Royal Family, Adon thought. Not even just Rosslyn and her father. His head swiveled to look at the children, who were muttering excitedly to themselves while pointing at him.

I guess I’m really going to find out how the other half lives.

Adon felt a nervousness that he had not experienced much in this life bubbling in his stomach. He had to deal with people now. There was no getting around it.

This is when we see if I have what it takes to become a social butterfly, he thought, fighting his desire to fly away from the dinner table.

If they had to coax Adon down from the chandelier, he knew the Royal Family’s dinner would be ruined.

He tried to place his fears in context. This was vaguely like he was in the company of a foreign country’s celebrities. He lacked the context to be truly awed by their status. But he knew these people were important.

As the servant placed Adon’s pillow on the table beside Rosslyn, he worried that if he tried to speak, he would place his foot firmly into his mouth and forever destroy both Rosslyn’s view of him and the reputation of butterflies in this country.

Just have to take it one word at a time, he told himself. Just one word at a time.

This looks wonderful! Adon jumped as Goldie’s telepathic voice chirped from beside him. As Adon looked at her, she turned to face the King and Queen and continued, Adon, my family, and I are all most grateful for your hospitality!

Then Goldie performed a little spider bow, folding her right forelimb and middle limb so that she dipped her body slightly.

So now Goldie has better manners and communication skills than me, Adon thought.

He felt sort of happy for his friend, while thinking that this made him look like a total loser.

Then he turned and bowed to the King and Queen as well, and it seemed to satisfy them without Adon actually needing to speak.

“We are honored to have two wise and distinguished mystic beasts in our home,” said the Queen.

She had a rich, mellifluous voice, as if she had pursued a singing career or at least taken voice lessons at some point in her life.

“Yes,” agreed the King. “Some light has come back into our land with your return.”

The children gave their own greetings, less courtly than their parents’, from youngest to oldest.

“Thank you for coming to Claustria,” said the littlest one, a girl around the age of four or five who was missing one of her front teeth. “My name is Ailsa!”

“Please take good care of us, blessed beasts,” said the next oldest in a serious tone. The speaker must have been around six years old. “My name is Cormac.”

“Thank you for coming here,” said a girl around eight or nine years old. “I am Oliva. In Claustria, we love butterflies.” She looked at Goldie and added, “We are also fond of spiders!”

There were smiles around the table at Oliva’s tactful words.

“You can count on our sincere friendship and our fullest support,” said a boy around ten or eleven years old. The boy had a mirthful face that looked like it ought to be smiling and laughing all the time, but Adon found him surprisingly serious. “My name is Baltazar.”

“We honor our ancient covenant with the mystic butterflies,” said Rosslyn, speaking last. She turned to Goldie. “We are privileged to host you as well, noble spider.” Then she smiled. “I believe both of you already know my name.”

What does that bit about the ancient covenant with the mystic butterflies mean? Adon thought. It sounded strangely familiar, but he could not instantly place where he had heard it before.

All heads turned to look at Adon.

Oh, I need to say something to acknowledge what they’ve all said, of course!

My name is Adon, he transmitted, keeping his inner voice as steady as he could. It is a pleasure and honor to eat all of you.

For a moment, he thought he had nailed it.

Then Goldie chimed in. I am called Goldie. My friend Adon gave me the name. I am also happy to meet all of you. On my back are my children, who I am trying to shape into magical beasts as well. The oldest one is Samson. The others are still waiting to be named.

The emphasis the spider placed on the word “meet,” and a few quiet titters from the children before their mother raised a single sculpted eyebrow at them, brought home to Adon what he had said.

Oh, Goddess damn it! he thought as quietly as he could. This is why I don’t talk to people.

Then he began transmitting a quick explanation. I didn’t mean—

But Rosslyn shook her head and cut him off.

“We know you will not eat us, Adon,” she said quietly. Then she smiled a little mischievously. “Because we made certain to prepare enough food for you!” The Princess winked.

Now the two youngest children could not help laughing.

The Queen shook her head in an attempt to show disapproval, but Adon saw the beginnings of a smile pulling at the edges of her lips.

And the butterfly relaxed a bit.

Just be yourself, Goldie sent to Adon alone. Awkward and insecure and all. Rosslyn likes you. You know I like you. The rest of them cannot help but accept you.

A warm feeling blossomed in the middle of his thorax.

That’s right, Adon told himself. I don’t know why I go into survival mode every time I have to talk to someone new. Nothing life or death about this. It will be fine.