"I know there is a way to transform both of us into Raki," Rigel paced the marble floor of Starlex's bedchamber, trying to recreate the spell Flenn had taught him. "Tell me about Kadaar while it comes to me."

"But I don't want to distract you," she said.

"It keeps my mind off my limitations." He stopped pacing for a moment, looked her squarely in the eye, and said, "Darling, are you really in love?"

"Yes," Starlex gazed dreamily at the starry sky. "He's the most wonderful man I've ever known. Good and strong and..."

"Lustful?" Rigel raised one eyebrow naughtily.

"I was going to say handsome," Starlex countered with a sweet smile. " And Kadaar is a wonderful place, except for the Thrades. They are horrible and vicious. Monsters!"

"I always suspected the Thrades were real. Once I figure out this damn spell, we'll fly to the Tower for Flenn's help. If it's not too late . . ." Rigel gazed wistfully out to sea where a silver line of moonlight rippled on the surface.

Starlex joined him at the balcony railing. Gently touching his arm, she asked. "What do you mean ' if it's not too late'?"

Rigel looked at her sadly. "Flenn Illyminum is fading."

Only certain Illymiums were chosen to be Illymatars, one of the twinkling stars of the Or Galaxy. Now Starlex understood, Flenn was training Rigel to take over their role. Still, it saddened her to think her old magician friend was fading into the next realm. She needed to see Flenn right away, to get their good counsel, and also to say goodbye.

"Any luck remembering the spell?" Starlex blurted.

"No," he said, biting his lip in frustration. "If only I'd brought that damn book with me."

"You'll remember. Keep trying, Rigel," she implored.

* * *

"Come to bed," said Scipio Davadas to his wife within the dimly-lit bedchamber.

Clinging modestly to the shadows, the Queen quickly changed into her sleeping gown.

"I'm waiting," Scipio rumbled impatiently.

"Yes, my dearest." She floated to his bedside, pausing to extinguish the burning candle.

"But I want to see you," he said.

"It's more exciting for me this way."

Deciding he would take it any way he could get it, Scipio drew her to him. "Take this off!" He tugged at her sleeping gown, nearly tearing it.

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"You're in such a hurry," she teased, sliding the top of the gown now to expose her full breasts in the cool violet moonlight spilling in through the sheer silk draperies.

He groaned his approval and reached out to touch them.

Hyperia's head fell back. It had been months since she had felt a man's touch and now she was on fire. But she knew she must be cautious. She couldn't risk him knowing her secret, especially when victory was so close, only a month away.

"Take off the rest of your gown," he said, nuzzling her breasts.

"I don't want to risk our child," Hyperia panted.

The king grumbled. "Well, at least let me look at you."

"I have a better idea, my precious lord." She eased him flat on his back and ran her lips down his chest to his belly.

His groans told her he would offer no objection.

* * *

Hyperia listened to the sounds of Scipio's satisfied snores, but her own lust remained unquenched. Suddenly, it occurred to her where she could go to assuage her desire.

Careful not to disturb the sleeping king, she slipped out of bed. She put a black velvet robe over her gown, stepped into her slippers, and crept quietly from the king's bedchamber.

Her feet trod lightly through pools of cool moonlight streaming in from high windows in the wide central hall. She passed through a series of doors and then carefully traversed the suspension bridge. A gust of cold air, blowing across the sea from Kadaar, stimulated her tender skin, readying it for rough caresses she desired. Her lust burgeoning with each step, she picked up a flaming torch at the arched doorway and followed the curved stone staircase into the palace's lower depths.

"You there," she called.

"Yes, my Grace?" A sleepy guard jumped to attention

"Take me to the Skaards' cell."

"Right away," he answered.

She followed the guard's tunicked back down a dark, narrow corridor, lined on either side with dank, straw-lined cells. Hyperia removed a perfumed handkerchief from the pocket of her robe and pressed it to her nose to ward off the foulness within.

When they reached the last cell, the guard unsheathed his sword and ran it along the bars.

Bonn and Leiffen stirred from within.

"Take the small one with you," Hyperia ordered the guard as he unlocked the door and swung it open with a loud clang.

"Don't rub it in, your Grace," retorted Leiffen, sitting up, and rubbing his head.

"Put him in the lower cell."

"Ah, your Grace. Not with all the rats."

"If you don't mind your tongue, you'll be eating those rats."

"It wouldn't be the first time," Leiffen mumbled as he pulled himself off the floor, shaking the straw from his hat. He cast anxious eyes back at Bonn Skaard who sat on a straw-covered cot in one corner of the cell.

When Leiffen hesitated at the door, the guard shoved him ahead.

"Speak with you later, mate," Leiffen called back to Bonn.

When the footsteps had faded, Hyperia moved into the cell and placed the flaming torch into a wall holder. The flickering light threw shadows around the grim stone walls, reeking of mold and decay.

"Now, we are alone," Hyperia said to Bonn Skaard.

Bonn took a deep breath but said nothing.

She took a step forward, entering the torchlight. The hood of her robe fell back, releasing her hair which fell to her waist in ebony waves. Slowly, she undid the belt on her robe.

Bonn's ice-blue eyes locked onto her gaze, never straying.

"You may look if you like, Bonn Skaard," she said.

"I usually prefer a drumbeat," Bonn said, wryly.

"Stand!" she commanded.

He did so slowly and grudgingly. With a sarcastic bow, he said, "What is your wish, Milady."

"My wish is you, Bonn Skaard. Right here. Right now." With panting breaths, her fingers undid the pearl buttons of her gown until her breasts were fully exposed.

"Isn't that the King's job? I wouldn't want to tread on anyone's toes."

"Don't be a fool. There's no one here to see."

Bonn looked down at the pile of dirty straw. "I prefer perfumed sheets myself."

Moonlight through the tiny cell window bathed the queen, making her pale skin shimmer. Her bare breasts heaved, pointing at Bonn like spears on the battlefield.

He ran his eyes up and down her body, and she responded with a quick intake of breath. "Whatever the lady wants," he said and moved toward her.