Part 73 (2/2)
”I'd say so,” Degas agreed. ”Maybe a little extra since Keith's happy with it?”
Cortin grinned. ”Triple, then. And get back as soon as you can.”
”Yes, ma'am.” Degas returned the grin, then escorted the artist out of the common-room.
As soon as they were gone, Keith got his first experience of Family informality; within minutes, he was the only one in the room with clothes on, and he seemed to sense his thakur's desire that he also be nude. That wasn't what she said when she smiled at him, though. ”If you'd rather not join us, Keith, we'll all understand; you're free to do what you wish. I don't want you to be uncomfortable.”
”I'm not, Thakur.” To his gratified surprise, that was true; his only discomfort was being dressed when she wasn't, and that was easy enough to correct. When he did so, he could feel her approval--and her arousal, as she looked at his genitals. ”Thakur . . .”
Cortin smiled at him. ”Take it easy, Keith. You're a beautiful man, and I'd like to have s.e.x with you--but I don't want to get you in just because you feel obligated from having sworn to me. Is that clear?”
”Perfectly, Thakur.” Keith smiled. She seemed to be projecting the idea that s.e.x in any consenting form was good, but she also didn't want him doing anything he considered wrong. That was simple, since by definition nothing she wanted of him could be wrong for him, and her words confirmed what he seemed to be feeling from her. ”Now?”
”We have a family religious ceremony first. I know you're not a Catholic, and this is an extension of the Catholicism practiced elsewhere, so if you'd rather not attend, I don't want you to. The choice is entirely yours.”
”I appreciate that, Thakur. I don't think I'd be comfortable partic.i.p.ating, at least not yet; may I simply watch?”
”Of course. If it makes you uncomfortable, and you want to leave, go ahead.”
”I will, Thakur, but I don't expect to.”
Cortin smiled. ”Somehow I don't expect you to, either. Right now I'm the object of that ceremony, as acting Protector, but I've been promised the true one will appear soon, so don't be upset when someone else takes over. I sure won't be; I'm looking forward to it.” She grimaced. ”I don't mind being the Herald, but I have to admit I don't like being Protector. It's more of a burden that I feel capable of carrying, even as long as I have.”
Keith knelt, looking up at her. ”If it is a burden I may free you of, Thakur, I would do so gladly.”
Cortin studied him for a moment. If she'd known this might happen, she wouldn't have accepted his fealty--while she wasn't fond of being Protector, she wasn't fond of pa.s.sing the burden along to anyone else, either.
Keith was fully aware of her thought this time, and he smiled up at her. Freeing his chosen lady of an unwanted burden would be a joy, not an imposition! ”You wouldn't be, Thakur--as Ranger Medart said, in accepting my oath you made me your other self. Let this part take over and rejoice in what that one finds intolerable.”
”Oh, dear G.o.d.” Cortin felt a sudden surge of power, her hands going to his head on what felt like their own accord. ”You better mean that, because it's happening.”
”I mean it with all my heart, Thakur.”
Odeon watched as the two began to glow, and went slowly to his knees.
So Keith was the permanent Protector! That would be a relief for Joanie, but the Sandeman's apotheosis meant the confrontation--what Shayan called the decision point--was imminent, and that frightened him. It meant the war or ma.s.sacre she had to make some decision about was also imminent, and with Shayan afraid enough of that to promote devotions to his Adversary and His saints . . .
He was never sure how long the apotheosis took, but when it ended, there was no doubt of either Joanie's relief or Keith's new power.
What was going to happen now?
Keith rose, turning and smiling at him. ”You please me, Michael, but there is much you must learn yet. It might be wise for you to visit Ranger Medart, this evening; I will conduct my own service.”
”As you wish, Lord.” Odeon rose and bowed, then left the common-room, grabbing a robe on the way out.
Return to main storyline: 33. Discussion 2
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