Page 21 of Sugar & Dragon Act I: Temptation

“Even better, because now you have to let me in.”

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t solve my riddle.”

“But you were supposed to not solve mine.”

“Then why couldn’t you solve mine?”

The imp giggled. Then he stood and briskly started toward the gate.

She looked up.

“Welcome back,” Dago said, giving her a predatory smile.

Hera smiled too. Before, she hadn’t been entirely convinced that she’d be able to find her way in his world, but now she had a point of reference to lean on if she felt lost. Even if Dago tried to hide something from her, she had a tool that could help her predict his next move.

A game shouldn’t be boring.

She could understand such a rule.

***

Twelve hours later, Hera had to reconsider her views.

She understoodnothing.

After she crossed the gate, Dago activated a levitation spell that caused the castle to glide gently through the air. Then he invited her to eat breakfast together, during which he told her about the book he was reading and came up with several theories worth devoting time to in the future. After the meal, he showed her an elegant room where she could leave her luggage and took her to the library, where they spent several hours reading the volumes he’d found and exchanging observations until it was time to eat again. He then asked her if she would rather wait in the library while he prepared dinner, or if she wanted to take a break and help him. She decided a break was a good idea and went with him to the kitchen, where they divided the tasks and prepared a vegetable bake together.

After this experience, which strangely reminded her of when Master Homer had asked them to prepare a potion together, they went to the library again. At the end of the day, they ate a simple dinner, after which Dago announced that he was going to take a bath in the bathroom upstairs, encouraged her to use the one downstairs, wished her good night, and finally disappeared into the depths of the house, leaving her alone. Since she had nothing better to do, Hera took a bath in his fountain-like tub, changed into her night robes, and retired to the room he’d shown her earlier, straining every brain fiber in an attempt to understand. But the result was the same.

She understood nothing.

She especially didn’t understand Dago. Not in general, nor in details. Not at all.

Worse yet, she didn’t understand herself.

The day had passed peacefully. She might even go so far as to say it was nice. Books, good food, nice views, unintrusive company… all of that wasreallynice. She hadn’t any reason to complain. She should be glad. Then why did she feel so…unsatiated?

As the word touched the edge of her mind, Hera opened her eyes wider, staring at the ceiling studded with star-like fluorescent stones. That was impossible…

It was too early…

Why should she feel disappointed that Dago didn’t…?

Hera swallowed. Midais treated her kindly. He shared valuable books with her and provided comfortable travel conditions. He didn’t speak without reason, and when he did open his mouth, he had adequate observations. She’d watched him closely all day, but not once had he done anything that would encroach on her comfort zone. He hadn’t eventried. Considering who she was dealing with, it might be considered suspicious, but…

What could she suspect him of if he had made no secret of his purpose from the very beginning?

He wanted them to marry. Was it really so strange that he was trying to show her that he could be a good partner for her?

Wasn’tshethe strange one, obsessing over his touch afteronefrivolous encounter?

If she’d had an orgasm then, it would’ve been more understandable, but colorful drops, the only positive thing that had happened was that she got wet. This had happened before. Where did this impatience come from?

Hera squirmed on the bed, frustrated. She was alternately hot and cold, so she kept throwing off the blanket and covering herself with it. Her thoughts raced in circles like a cat chasing its tail until her head hurt. The more she wanted to sleep, the more she couldn’t.

Finally, she gave up. She got up and approached the window, opening it wide to let in the cool air. She guessed from its salty scent that the castle had already reached the coast. She watched the floating clouds, illuminated by the round moon, until a need burning beneath her skin prompted her to join them.

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