The city waited to celebrate the triumph of the returning army. March Shadowgate stood upon a balcony overseeing a large square, prepared to greet the army. Bleachers were erected below the balcony for the nobles of the city and those whose families had contributed officers. Elderwoods had pride of place, having supplied Lady Bringer and a number of soldiers of their own.

  Beyond the square, the city finished preparations for a festival. Citizens lined parade route. Food and drink, supplied by the coffers of the City Lords and March Shadowgate, awaited the day-long feasting. In the evening would come mourning and remembrance, for those who did not return.

  The army had camped the night outside the city. Those requiring urgent medical care were sent ahead to the Healer Guilds. Those requiring time to recuperate, well but unfit to march, were already seated in the square. A few scowled at being ordered to sit when they were well enough stand at attention with their fellows.

  Anya's family had been informed which of the Immortal Army had fallen. Even the talents of the guardian spirits were not enough to prevent losses to Goblin blood. Reparations were parceled out to send back to their family, as tradition dictated. Pay for the fallen was a sacred duty, a tribute to Vraa or one of the many lesser gods who held the same role. Letters of honors and condolences were being written, Allie and herself splitting the work. They also prepared certificates of death, which would serve as an effigy for a memorial service. Some of the Immortal Legion would be sent as an honor guard to deliver the letters and pay in person.

  Cheers in this distance announced the beginning of the triumph, followed by trumpets as they entered the city gates. The rumble of cheers swelled and dulled as the army made its circuit. When it rose once more, runners came barreling down the street, waving their arms to inform the nobles that the army's arrival was imminent. All who were able rose from their seats, to greet the soldiers with respect. The mortals headed the army. They stopped outside the square, waiting for their commander to call them to enter the square and receive the praise of March Shadowgate.

  Division by division the armies were called forth. It took hours. Their commander would take his place on the balcony. From there, he would address the square, offering his own praise and comments. When his speech was done, he would bow and offer March Shadowgate the roll of the meritorious. March Shadowgate then greeted the division, called the roll and honors, and finished with his own words of praise. Dismissed soldiers were free to join the celebrations already begun in the city.

  Criers and scribes were dispatched with copies of the rolls. Any who wished could have them read. Copies were provided to the Treasure Hunters, the Imperial government, and even in March Shadowgate's own records.

  The Immortal Legion was the last of the mortal ranks, coming before the Knight Orders. Lady Bringer stood upon the balcony as their commander, while May lead them. The soldiers marched in stoic silence, professionals as they took their place below March Shadowgate.

  Anya felt Sir Bridgette relax at the sight of May and Lady Bringer. Anya agreed. Even though they heard news both were well, it was relieving to see them with her own eyes. Allie fidgeted with barely contained excitement. It was obvious she wanted to wave and cheer like the commoners.

  March Shadowgate greeted the commander, Lady Bringer, with proper deference. He praised her personally for her contributions to routing the ambush by the undead horde before allowing her to speak. Lady Bringer praised her soldiers, after which they raised a fist to heart one and all, and declared "We are immortal!" loudly. Lady Bringer returned the salute and the cheer.

  March Shadowgate chuckled with good humor at their pride in their duty. He praised the Immortal Legion, and read their roll. Being the Immortal Legion, they had lost very few soldiers despite grievous injuries. His final words of honor were not on the roll, but a heartfelt thanks for their Captains, who had preserved many of the wounded who sat in attendance.

  There were some who did not cheer for the Legion. Some were nobles, others were the soldiers who sat among the wounded, or among the few score commoners fortunate enough to find a place near the square. They scowled or wore expressions of disgust. Those who saw the Empire's acceptance of a 'death god' as blaspheme. The angry crowd behind those who had attempted to assassinate Allie and her family.

  The dismissed Immortal Legion left a contingent with her family, filling the bleachers, while the rest withdrew to their barracks. A separate celebration was arranged for them provided by Defender Elderwoods and March Shadowgate. After the attempted assassination, leave for the army to enjoy the city was revoked.

  The Knight Orders followed the mortals. Instead of being praised by their commanders, they were congratulated by Marshals or senior members of their Orders. This took less time than the mortals, the rolls of the Knights far shorter. The Army healers were congratulated as a group, mortal and Awakened standing together with no resentment from the Awakened for the ritualists. The penultimate to stand before March Shadowgate was the command staff, whom Marshal Kenneth congratulated and awarded alongside March Shadowgate. The last to be commended was Marshal Kenneth himself. March Shadowgate greeted him formally with a hug. High praise, to be greeted like family by the lord of the entirety of Shadowgate.

  The ceremony completed, Lady Bringer left the square with an escort of her Immortal Legion, those who had volunteered, along with Knights hand selected by March Shadowgate, to be present at the memorials for the fallen. She performed the Calling of the Deceased herself, having no Priests in the city. Some gave her coin for her service, while others could afford no more than to give her thanks. Some refused her, but her Divinity made the Call of the Deceased without them. It was her duty, not something for them to accept or refuse. Those who accepted her were allowed to see those they had lost one last time. Lady Bringer's Guides brought the called souls to their memorials. All the Lost Souls had been collected after the battle. Once the Lighting of the Pyre was performed, the Guides would bring them to Judgment.

  As Lady Bringer saw to her duties, Anya accompanied her family back to their rooms. The returned Immortal Legion supplemented the Knights assigned to guard them. A few men and women had been accepted into the Order of Sweepers following the tournament, inspired by the Elf Marshal's sense of duty. Each was thoroughly vetted, with dossiers bought from the Treasure Hunters. Those found to be the least bit suspicious were politely declined, but most had no records to speak of.

  Anya spent the evening finishing the letters of condolence with Allie. Lady Claudia attended them, proofing the letters for them.

  In the morning, Anya found Lady Bringer sitting on the side of their bed. The woman looked tired, something Anya was not used to.

  "Anya, will you attend me this evening?" Lady Bringer asked.

  "Of course, Biyu. Is something the matter?"

  "No. It has just been a while since we spent time alone together."

  They went to breakfast together. The family normally gathered to eat and plan their day.

  "May we have Clio's services this evening?" Lady Bringer asked Allie.

  Allie sighed, slumping slightly. "Very well, Da. But it gets a bit chilly in the evening. I should arrange for a maid."

  "Do not bother the maids, Lady Alison. I would be more than happy to keep you warm," Lady Claudia replied to the surprise of no one.

  Allie stared at the other woman, who smiled serenely back, before acceding with a sigh.

  Evening came. Lady Bringer met her in a private room to dine. Clio alone served them. Their food was delivered to the door, where Clio retrieved it to serve them. As they ate, Lady Bringer told her stories from her time with the Elves. Lady Bringer had never shared them with her before. The picture she painted of her time with the Elves irritated Anya. It was still strange, no longer feeling that instinctual disgust towards Elves. Yet, she felt disgusted with the traitors for wholly different reasons. They could have been kinder to a god's disciple.

  When the food was done, they rested together while Clio played and sang for them. Lady Bringer brushed Anya's hair, something she rarely did. Anya returned the favor, luxuriating in the woman's smooth and silky hair. Anya liked her natural waves, but it was hard not envy such fine hair.

  When it came time for bed, Clio took the servant's room in case they had need of her during the night. They shared a bed, as usual. It would not do to give the servants reason to gossip in a city where many nobles would be happy to provide a more agreeable spouse. Lady Bringer already griped about the various entreaties made to her to take a second spouse.

  In the dark of their room, only illuminated by a dull light stone, Lady Bringer whispered, "Forgive my selfishness today. I will not bother you again."

  Anya felt her heart hitch. "What are you saying?"

  There was a hitch in Lady Bringer's breathing. Anya thought it was a sigh. "I have told you I love you. I have done the things books and my tutors say to do to show affection. Sharing the things I enjoy. Showing interest in the things you enjoy. When I offer you gifts, you refuse them. Reminding you that we may do more than sleep when sharing a bed. I do not know if you are trying to be kind by politely ignoring my entreaties, or if you do not understand my intent. I suppose it does not matter. Either way, I know I should…" Anya's stomach fluttered as Lady Bringer trailed off, searching for the words. "Give up."

  "I thought you were just doing your duty."

  "Duty and responsibility. These things are easy. Convincing you I mean it when I say I love you? When I try to show affection? It is so much easier with Iris. She tells me how to love her."

  Anya snorted at that. "Not to mention she comes with reference books."

  "That is true." There was a hint of amusement in Lady Bringer's voice. It was short-lived, as Anya saw tears glistening on the smaller woman's cheeks in the dim light.

  Anya hesitated before taking the smaller woman in her arms. Lady Bringer flinched at her touch, and she almost released her. That would have been the mistake, Anya knew. She held Lady Bringer, and the smaller woman buried her face into Anya's chest.

  The silence stretched, as she heard Lady Bringer quietly sob. For want of something to say, Anya admitted, "I thought it was obligation."

  "It is my fault. I let you believe I rejected you. That you are here only because Iris recommended it."

  "You did reject me. I remember you rejecting me."

  "I did not. You came to a conclusion. I did not refute it. I was a noble in exile. I did not believe I could protect you. I also did not know if I could bed you. It was convenient for me to let you think you were rejected. I could not bring myself to reject you." There was a pause punctuated with a shuddering breathe. "I am a coward."

  The idea that Lady Bringer was a coward was difficult for Anya to accept. "You're a coward?"

  "I did not accept Indu when she was alive. I could have. I should have. With you, I had another opportunity to do what I thought was right. I did not."

  "It's not like you were in love with me like you were with her."

  "I was not. In fact, I was afraid of you. But, the more I came to know you, the more I liked you. After my injuries, when you took care of me, you did what no one else I can remember has done. You saw my true face, and you treated me well." Lady Bringer was quiet a moment, and Anya wondered if she was searching for words or hesitating. She wanted to see the smaller woman's face, but she would not release her hold on her. "You earned my respect. My trust. I only felt guiltier for letting you believe I had rejected you. Despite that, I could not bring myself to accept you."

  "I see. Then, why were you so quick to bed Iris?"

  "There was no commitment. She desired to hide in plain sight. Our time together was to be a game. It was a chance to see if I could do those things with someone I would not mind disappointing. Someone who reminded me of Indu. I wanted to know if I could have given her what she wanted. I was surprised I could."

  "It's a little different with Iris, though, isn't it? I mean, aren't you the one doing things to her?"

  "Iris enjoys it when I have her do things to me. Things like what we did when we married." Another pause. "Did I seem reluctant then?"

  "It was your duty to lay with me," Anya replied. She was feeling a little defensive. "You even told me that."

  "You were reluctant. I was giving you an excuse. I have always said you could ask those things of me."

  "And that you could say no."

  "It was meant to show you would not be forcing me."

  "That's that noble thing of speaking around a subject, isn't it?"

  "It was how I was raised."

  Anya struggled to put words to her thoughts. This felt wrong. The crux of the matter was that Lady Bringer did not desire her. Did she respect that dislike? Did she desire to be desired by her partner? Was there something else? She struggled for words.

  "Why is this so important to you? You don't like that kind of thing, do you?"

  "It is not like or dislike. It is disinterest. What I want is for you to desire me." A pause as Lady Bringer searched for words. She could feel Lady Bringer's hands writhing as she tried to clutch them. "You have no desire to lay with men, but you take pride when they acknowledge your beauty, do you not?"

  "I did," Anya acknowledged. "Are you saying that you don't desire me, but you desire my desire?"

  "Yes!" Lady Bringer agreed.

  "Why? If it's not duty and obligation, then why would you want me at all?"

  "After you were hurt, I realized you no longer smiled as you once did. I missed it. I wanted to make you smile. Nothing I did made you smile. At least you smile for Indu."

  "Are you jealous?"

  "Yes."

  Anya was startled. Feeling like a coward, she changed the topic. "What about Iris?"

  "She left me."

  "She didn't leave you. She went to Elderwoods to take care of family affairs."

  "She left me, and sent another woman to replace her."

  That was right in the details, but Anya was certain it was wrong in the implication. "You think she sent Indu to replace her?" Something about the conversation niggled in the back of her mind. "No, I don't believe it. She sent Indu to try and make you happy. I mean, you've mentioned regretting how things turned out."

  "My relationship with Iris is physical. I am a woman, and myself. What if she tires of our games, and desires a man? What if a new man rescues her and becomes her hero? What if one day she decides she wants to bear children? She is a concubine. She can ask to leave any time she wishes. I would not deny either of you, if you made the request."

  Anya could not find words for a moment. "You doubt her that much?"

  "Lady Vanessa and Miss Clarice were quite close, yet she never considered a relationship with a woman until she met me. It was a game she asked me to play to salve her hurt when she lost her family. How could I not be wary?"

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  "I don't think they were that close. Sisters from different ways of life, maybe? Putting that aside, you are Iris's hero. Maybe it started as a game, but you destroyed her enemy. You are her hero. I don't think she'll leave you that easily."

  The more Anya thought about it, the more the niggling bothered her. She suddenly realized Lady Bringer herself had admitted to her what the problem was. A repeat of something she had said about herself, and now applied to Iris. "You're being a coward!"

  Lady Bringer squirmed. She had hit the mark.

  "Biyu, have you talked to her since she left? Communed with her?"

  "She has not prayed to me since leaving."

  "You don't need her to pray to commune with her."

  Lady Bringer's squirming was her only answer.

  Sighing, Anya stroked her hair. "Promise me you'll talk to her."

  "I have much work to do that cannot wait. Inspecting Lady Melinda's body chief among them. I intend to begin tomorrow."

  "Very well. Make an Oath to talk to Iris once you're done with that."

  "I will," Lady Bringer said in a small voice, like a child being scolded.

  "The Oath?"

  Lady Bringer leaned back, her eyes looking into Anya's. "I make this Oath, upon myself, that I will speak to Iris after I have had time to deal with Lady Melinda, or within the week, whichever comes first."

  "Does an Oath to yourself count?" Anya asked.

  "I am currently split between my divine and mortal self."

  Anya frowned. "Is that how it's supposed to work?"

  "If I answer that, you cannot reach godhood."

  "Isn't the Path to godhood a secret?"

  "Yes and no. It is because the Path to becoming a god is one you cannot walk with foreknowledge that it is not discussed. Discovery is part of the Path of Ascension."

  "I'll never be a god. There's nothing to ruin."

  For some reason, Lady Bringer looked hurt. Anya wasn't used to her spouse being so expressive, even if her expressions were muted. "I will tell you of the most common Path then. First comes magic. The ability to change the world using techniques and rituals."

  Anya gave a nod. This much everyone knew. The first Step was always attaining magic.

  "As one becomes proficient in magic, they must do two things. They must infuse their body with magic, and grow in skill and ability.

  "Next, one must excel and earn renown. That is important. More important still, one must embody an idea. It can be any idea, but the better it aligns with one's magic and deeds the better."

  "Like how Lady Chelsea's grandfather embodies defensive walls, and their magic is all about defense and fortifications?"

  "Yes. After that is a difficult and crucial step. Attaining an aura technique. Aura's are special, in that the one using it must learn to apply their will to it. In learning to work the will, one begins to develop their domain. The domain expresses the idea they have come to embody. Once they cross from manipulating their aura to express their will, they will have made the leap into godhood.

  "It sounds easy, but no one who has pursued godhood knowing this has achieved it. The philosophers believe it is because those who attempt to decide their domains choose wrongly. That the domain is something one must discover.

  "Once a domain is achieved, one creates from it a realm. In essence, they carve a piece of the world into a kingdom for themselves.

  "The final step is Apotheosis. One must take body, mind, soul, domain, and realm, and make of them one thing. That is not to say they may not be discreet. A Sacred Beast's domain is the land they rule. Their realm is a hidden place within their domain that is for them and those they invite in. Their body is the domain, but they may also have an avatar. Their avatar will have a mortal mind, but… my true mind is not within this body. It is within my realm, where my divine self rules."

  "That's not how you reached godhood, is it?"

  "No. Demons begin with a realm imposed on the world, and often operate in reverse. Master's territory as an animal was her swamp. When she became a Sacred Beast, her territory became her domain. There are other paths to becoming a god. Philosophers have long debated that the most numerous of gods are poets, despite never having magic."

  Anya blinked. "How does that work?"

  "They say enough renown is all one needs. That is why the Emperor is a de facto god."

  "I see. Is that why you're still a petty god? Because you lack renown?"

  "I do not need it. The souls within my realm feed my power like they do a demon. I could become a god without ever being known. I am stalling."

  "Why would you stall?"

  "My domain, my realm, is not the sun, the wind, or a place in the world. It is not a mortal ideal. It is the netherworld. I am afraid that if I reach Apotheosis I will not be able to bring an avatar into the world." A few beats of silence followed, as Anya contemplated Lady Bringer leaving. "What do you think I want?"

  "To become a god?"

  "No! I never wanted to be a god. I wanted power so I could live. That was all I sought. I killed because it was right and just. I accepted the souls of those I slew because the moment I became a demon the Heavens were denied me. A little power, so that I could live a life worth living.

  "'Life's meaning is found in a man's family, friends, convictions, piety, accomplishments, and passions.' I have a family. I want to watch Allie and Bert grow into their own. I want to be there to congratulate them on their accomplishments. I want to offer them advice and guide them. I am looking forward to holding my grandchildren. I want to hold my wife and tell her I love her. I want to give my pampered concubine the things she wants. If I become a god, if all that I am is bound in the netherworld, can I do any of it? I have grown too quickly. I do not want to die only having lived a mere five damn years!"

  Anya stared at the little woman. How long had she been keeping all this to herself? "Is it safe for you not to Ascend? I remember how your body broke when you fought the demons."

  "I have plans. I wish to make my Master a member of my pantheon. I could send some Lost Souls from my realm to her City in the Sky, so that the strain on my body will lessen without making the changes it needs to properly hold my power. I want… I wanted to stay until you and Iris passed."

  That brought the tangent back to their original conversation. Anya swallowed, thinking about it. "I enjoy pleasuring my partner. Being the one who does things."

  "I am not what you want," Lady Bringer concluded. "I suspected as much."

  "Aren't love and lust two sides of the same coin?"

  "I had a tutor. She told me that her husband loved his friends and fucked her. Could we do this?"

  "You mean, me taking a lover? To be… to cuckold you?" Lady Bringer nodded. "I… didn't think I deserved something like that. Wouldn't that hurt you?"

  "I would be jealous. However, I have always told you that you may take a lover. We have reserved a stipend for that purpose. This way I can tell myself your lover is something I gave you. I would also like to help you pick one if I may."

  "Isn't that why you introduced me to Indu?"

  Lady Bringer shifted. "I have wondered if that was a good idea. Indu is dead. I am not sure you and Iris understand what that means when she is so lively."

  "Well, why don't you tell me, then?"

  "Life is about living and growing. The soul is the motive force that gives us desire. It is the heart of any want not physical. The place emotion stems from. The soul is also the record of one's life. That is where Arliss pulls the Litanies of Vice and Virtue when you stand before his throne. Final death, the death that cannot be recovered from, brings that record to an end. Undeath adds to the record, but it is corruption. No Lost Soul that has inhabited dead flesh is allowed entry into the Heavens. Thus, I know when I bring them to be judged, that they will enter my service to be redeemed.

  "Indu is not undead. I grant her the semblance of life, but she is but a shade. It is like— You do not know the literary tradition of continuations, do you?"

  Anya shook her head, content to listen to Lady Bringer talk about something other than their relationship. Despite that her mind continued to churn on the revelation that her spouse loved her.

  "It became fashionable to write an after story of popular works in the author's original style. Something noble men and woman with few prospects indulged in to while their idle time. Eventually more prominent— that is not important. This is what the Indu you know is like. I am writing a new story of her life, in her voice, but it is not her."

  "I think I understand."

  "If Indu loses my blessing, then all that she has known since her death will be forgotten. You will be forgotten. The child she raises will be forgotten. I am afraid it may be a cruelty to the child that Iris has promised to Indu."

  "Why didn't you tell her?"

  "I was angry. Upset. I wanted to cry. My divine self is still a person. Still me."

  "You should have talked to her."

  "Yes I should have."

  Lady Bringer shifted, putting space between them. "Do you wish to pursue a relationship with Indu? I will not dissuade you. I only want you to understand that one day she may look at you and not know who you are."

  "Like some of the diseases of the mind that are hard to treat. I understand." There was a moment of silence as they ran out of words.

  Anya found some that surprised her. "Are you choosing me?"

  "Do I want you to be my beloved wife? I do."

  "Above Iris?"

  "I do love Iris," Lady Bringer admitted. "I am afraid she will not love me. She is very comfortable. An easy person for me to love. But, there are reasons for her to leave us. You could have left, but you stayed. That made me happy for a while."

  "I'm starting to feel sorry for Iris," Anya grumbled. "What do you want from me?"

  "I want you to let me make you happy. If that means blessing your relationship with Indu, so long as you understand what she is, then I will do so. I want you to let me buy you the things you want. I want to hug and kiss you. I enjoy that. I want you to smile at me."

  Anya did smile, in the dark, where Lady Bringer could not see it. A genuine smile, and Anya felt a warmth for the small woman in her arms. It wasn't the relationship she had dreamed of as a child. It wasn't the relationship she would wish for now. Yet, it was a relationship where a woman chose her.

  "What about Iris?" she asked.

  "She has often intimated that she wants me to give her to you. While I watch. I think that is one of the reasons she teases you. So you will desire revenge."

  Anya's mind went blank. That was a surprise, and she couldn't help imagining the scenario. Her cheeks burned as she said, "That's not what I meant! What do you want to happen with her? Are you planning to toss her out and focus on me?"

  "No. I have made her promises, and I will keep them. I am angry with her, but I do not hate her. I would like to keep my relationship with her. Is that selfish?"

  "No. I like your dutifulness. It makes me feel safe." She hummed. "And, despite the way she treats me, I like Iris. I couldn't do the things she does. And I do not mean the things you do in bed with her. She's a much better wife than me." She snorted. "Would you like to give her to me?"

  "If it would make you two happy."

  "Forget that for now. Would you like that?"

  Another pause, and this time Anya looked into Lady Bringer's face. She saw the hesitation.

  "I would… if you both loved and did it for me." There was shame in her expression. "Watching the people I love happy, and sharing that happiness with me… I would be jealous if it were not done for me. I would swallow my jealousy either way, but I would be more comfortable if you both wanted me there."

  "I was jealous when you started bedding Iris. And flattered when you were pushy about bedding me."

  "Lust is part of your love. I do not feel lust, so you cannot give me your love. It is as I feared it would be. I am not surprised."

  "I've always assumed they went together."

  "You have lain with many women you did not love."

  "I did love them. Maybe not deeply, but I always cared. And I do care about you. I was relieved when I saw you return with the army, even though I knew you were well."

  The silence after that statement grew until it was awkward. Anya realized Lady Bringer wanted her to say something, but she didn't know what. Finally, Lady Bringer spoke up, voicing the question she was awaiting the answer for. "What do you want to do?"

  Anya didn't know. Not completely. She only knew where she wanted to start. "I want to try again, now that we understand each other."

  "Do you wish to stay with Indu?"

  "Do you mean, I have Indu on the side, and you have Iris?"

  Lady Bringer scowled. "You are teasing me?"

  "Ah, yes. Sorry."

  Lady Bringer shook her head. "I am not used to it. Let me become used to it."

  "Ah. I don't want to leave Indu alone. I know she's not 'real', but she still feels things, doesn't she?"

  "Yes."

  "Then, I want to at least stay friends with her. She doesn't really have anyone else right now, does she?" She frowned. "Should you really be keeping yourself so distant from her?"

  "She is a literal ghost of my failures. It is hard. Also, I know what she is."

  Anya let out a sigh. "Listening to you speak about the women who love you, I'm already regretting trying."

  Lady Bringer stiffened at her words, and Anya gave an exasperated sigh with a smile. "I was teasing you again."

  They laid down, neither in the mood to consummate their relationship. Sleep took a while to find Anya, but praise to Lady Dreams they were happy dreams.

  Allie woke up to the scent of flowers. Lady Claudia slept pressed against her back, an arm wrapped around her waist. The woman always smelled nice, thanks to the scented oils she spent too much money on.

  Allie eased herself out of Lady Claudia's arms. Turning up the light in the room, she sat looking into the older girl's sleeping face. Without her makeup, the woman was a lot more plain. Her eyebrows were still shaped. Her hair was well cared for, if currently mussed. Lady Claudia also had lovely skin. Allie held herself back from caressing the other woman's cheek. Not a poke, to test its elasticity. She wondered, and wanted to know if she would feel affection when she did. Lady Claudia had been getting pushier about formalizing an engagement lately. Not desperate or demanding, but she made a point of reminding Allie of her interest several times a day.

  There had been men Allie was attracted to. Her time on the streets had curtailed her desire to get close to the objects of her adoration, but she knew the feeling of desire. The question was, did she desire this woman? She wanted to give her an honest answer soon. They had weeks of winter before they left the city, even if they took advantage of the mild winter to leave early. Allie wanted Lady Claudia to have time to find new suitors. She supposed Lady Claudia already was. If not for her own prospects, then suitable men for having children with. Da had mentioned those conversations to her, gently probing to see if Lady Claudia had brought it up to Allie yet. She had not.

  Honestly, Allie thought she should be seeking eligible men while pursuing her. Why Lady Claudia put it off was beyond her, other than her family's request.

  Allie wondered why nobles pursued marriage so young. With magic, the weakest of nobles could live to well over a hundred. Powerful Wizards and Knights, not yet petty gods, could live for nine hundred years. Or so said the stories. Women in the stories remained fertile into their fifties, while those powerful Wizards and Knights were said to remain fertile their entire lives. Lady Claudia had come of age. She could be Awakened anytime now. Allie had no doubts she herself would be Awakened in two or three years when she came of age. They had time, but it wasn't how it was done.

  Allie had talked with Iris before she left. Da had talked to her more recently. Iris was ambivalent. She favored a wife for her for the same practical reasons she had pressed Da to marry Auntie. Da had said it was her choice. They needn't have a conventional relationship. Da stressed that the most important thing for her to worry about was if she trusted Lady Claudia.

  The truth was, while Lady Claudia could be frustrating to deal with, she liked the woman. She trusted her. Without a doubt, she believed Lady Claudia would make a wonderful wife to whomever she married.

  That's what made it so easy for Allie to make excuses to reject her. Elderwoods didn't need an excellent woman. It was a bucolic pauper hold only notable for having birthed a god. And, she supposed, for the Human sacrifices.

  Now that Allie was scheduled to become Crossroads Elderwoods, that argument no longer held true. She wanted to cuss out March Lostlakes when she met the man. She giggled at the thought.

  The next argument she had was Lady Claudia's own desires to raise a proper heir. It was the woman's only goal so far as Allie knew. Lady Claudia's only other known passion was for her instrument. And trying to convince Allie to marry her. Allie didn't entirely believe Lady Claudia's claim that raising Allie's child was close enough to birthing an heir of her own. The idea that Lady Claudia would consider any child Allie bore as her own, regardless of paternity, was just another strange noble thing she could not understand. She couldn't trust it.

  Allie supposed whether they would do certain things was something she should consider, but of all the issues she could raise, that one felt frivolous. They could not have children, so the question of physical intimacy was all but moot. Lady Claudia had confided that while she greatly preferred men, she was certain she could enjoy women. That had been an uncomfortable bath. Lady Claudia had rejected her request that they not bathe together afterwards. Which only went to show how pushy the woman could be.

  Allie questioned if she might be attracted to women. Until she met Malice Selene, she could never think of a time she felt desire for a woman. That hadn't led to a revelation about her own sexuality so much as lead to Allie wondering if you could be attracted to someone despite your preferences. It felt like exception, not a rule. She hadn't felt that way about Anya and Iris, and they were pretty women. On the other hand, they were curvy women with filled out figures.

  Like Lady Claudia.

  Allie wished she was physically attracted to Lady Claudia. Without a doubt, Allie would miss the woman if she left. If she married someone else, it would feel like she had let her down. Another thing Da had told her was that it was okay if love came later. Marriage, for a noble, began with practicalities.

  "Not going to kiss me awake, Defender Elderwoods?" asked Lady Claudia. She had a teasing look as she peered up at Allie.

  "Good morning, Lady Claudia. Would you like me to comb your hair this morning?"

  The other woman sat up, giving a long stretch before turning her back to Allie.

  Allie worked on her hair, enjoying the ritual. Usually Clio did this for her. She assumed Lady Claudia had a maid do hers. "You should find suitors while you await my reply."

  Lady Claudia took a while to respond. "I'll admit I've been putting it off. I… well, I've never been keen on arranging my own marriage. I know I'm a fairly unimportant branch member. Someone who can choose their own spouse, within reason, because I'm not important enough to matter. But, when I think about my future, it just has children and a husband. I've never looked for anything specific. Would you care to guess what my perfect day would be?"

  "Sitting in a garden, playing music for the family while they look on in… well, I want to say joy, but I suppose you'd prefer admiration."

  "You know me very well, Lady Alison. Yes, I would prefer admiration."

  They sat in silence while Allie worked.

  "I think I should kiss you."

  That was met with more silence before Lady Claudia asked, "You're considering it?"

  "I've always considered it. Well, except the first few weeks. It felt strange to be courted by a noble lady when I was a merchant brat. Although, if Father was still around, I imagine he would have attached me to a good family. I'm sure Viscount Lonelyknoll would have helped find a fine match."

  "I was beginning to despair that you'd try to find another stick like that Malice."

  Allie blushed. "I don't think there's many like her."

  "She's too scrawny. Hips that narrow, I bet she'd break her pelvis trying to give birth." After a beat, while Allie tried to decide how to reply to those baffling statements, Lady Claudia asked in a small voice, "That's the type you like?"

  "I think it might just be her. You never saw her dance in a skimpy outfit."

  "I don't think I want to."

  "You know she just likes to tease me, don't you?"

  "What if she figures out your worth pursing?"

  "I doubt she'd find Elderwoods all that enticing."

  Lady Claudia looked over her shoulder, so Allie could see her raised eyebrow. "You're a future Wizard. You'll build a Wizard's tower and very likely take your own apprentices. You're smart, and Elderwoods is going to grow if March Lostlakes has his way."

  "I'm still a child," Allie sighed. "And who knows how old she is."

  "She's thirty-seven. A bit young, for a Malice."

  "How do you know that?"

  "Obviously—" She paused, when Allie gave her the brush, so Lady Claudia could work on her hair. "Obviously because I went and paid the Treasure Hunters for a public dossier on her."

  Allie blinked. She would never get used to the idea of buying information on people. She probably should. Or she could just marry someone who knew better. Another point in Lady Claudia's favor.

  "I wouldn't worry about it," Allie said after a moment. "I'd let you be first wife before anything happened with her."

  Her pronouncement was met with silence, and a lack of brushing. She turned to look at the other woman.

  There was a knock at the door.

  "Defender Elderwoods? Lady Claudia? It's time to wake up. May I come in?" asked Allie's maid.

  "Just a moment, please," Allie called. "Is there something wrong, Lady Claudia?"

  Lady Claudia licked her lips. "Is that a provisional engagement proposal?"

  Allie blinked. She considered. "I have to talk to the elders, but I suppose it is."

  Lady Claudia leaned in, and pressed a kiss to Allie's cheek. "That will have to do until you're a little older," she said.