Page 35 of Poisoned Empire

“It is done,” mumbled the elderly mage. “I hesitate to say this, but a kiss is required to undo the curse in its entirety, otherwise it will reassert itself in a few days.”

Before anyone could reply, Domina Opal shoved Selene forward without anyone being the wiser. Her only reprimand was her older brother’s narrowing eyes.

“How sweet of you, Domina Amethyst. No need to be shy, please step forward.”

Vindictive bitch!

Still, it was no great burden to kiss the beak of the creature that had let her feel what it was like to fly. All quiet chatter ceased when she approached the griffin.

“Don’t look so hard done by, I’m hardly going to bite.”

“I seem to recall threats about faces being rearranged.”

“Bah, you lot aren’t as bad as I’d expected. I mean, you’re still a bunch of weird prudes, but some of you have your charms.”

“Good to know.”

Selene put her hands up and pulled down the griffin’s head so that her lips could reach his beak. Once they had, his form imploded into smoke, reforming into the shape of a man. Selene stepped back. He was not just a tall man, but a very naked, very lovingly sculpted man. Renfreid had slightly pointed ears and his hair resembled a lion’s mane of red-gold feathers, his skin a warm copper tone. His wicked grin was just a little infectious. He burst out laughing, picked her up by the waist and twirled her around before kissing her passionately on the lips. Selene pushed him away.

“You taste like burnt hair.”

“And you taste like freedom, little mage.”

He placed her down on the floor. Selene revelled in the stunned looks of those gathered. The first to speak was the emperor himself.

“Please accept my apologies for your troubles in my realm, Lord Renfreid.”

“No apologies necessary, Emperor Bloodstone. But perhaps you would avail me of some hospitality before I return to my people?”

“It would be my pleasure to show you all the charms my empire has to offer.” The emperor nodded, turned on his heel and walked to the door. “Starting with clothes. Please, follow me.”

Renfreid smiled, patted Selene on her head and paused before a very ashen-faced Domina Opal. When he leaned down and whispered in her ear, she seemed to regain some colour in her cheeks. Satisfied, the griffin-turned-man all but skipped after the emperor.

“Please forgive us, Your Royal Highness. If we’d had any idea-” The admiral knelt before Belisarius, his head down, dragging the domina to kneel beside him.

“Rise, Admiral Opal, Domina Opal. This was an entirely unprecedented affair, and one which turned out to have a great many silver linings. Had it not been for Lord Renfreid, I’m certain I would be a dead man. Know that I bear neither you nor Domina Opal any ill will.”

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”

Both siblings bowed deeply before excusing themselves. Nicephorus led the elderly curse mage to the door, thanked him for his service, and inquired how his students were progressing before the door closed on their conversation. Iliana turned to Selene and pulled her up in a fierce hug of her own.

“You really are loved by some strange god, Selene.”

“I know. He might have lint for brains, but gods, did you see the size of his-”

Marduk cleared his throat before she could finish. Selene stuck out her tongue at him.

“What? Was I not supposed to notice the godly appendage on display? Bad domina, bad!”

Iliana snorted with laughter, failing to keep it concealed.

“If—if you’ll excuse me.” Iliana curtsied, trying not to let the giggling escape. Before the prince could even nod, she’d dashed out of the room, no doubt so that she could snort and chortle without this serious, boring lot of gentlemen.

“Your Royal Highness.” Marduk bowed and left the room.

Only Selene and the prince remained.

“Thank you,” Belisarius said, his voice soft.

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