An angry and proud woman, joined by two beaten helpers, was cooking tirelessly.
"You don't feel bad for making them like this?" I was next to his chair as Anna and Ciren claimed my spot.
"My love, God made her like this. And I meant what I said; I was forced to eat dog food for the day—"
"Like Sir Dog's?" Anna didn't look but listened all the same.
"Well, yes, but it's different because—"
"He only eats my food," she added.
"Yeah, tha... that's fine. Never mind, Princess."
He was too tired. Well, even if you pass out tonight, you won't escape me.
Carlos was doing his best to taste everything, and Mother called Eli, and her future daughter-in-law, to help. Soon, the aromatic smell of roast filled the air. They were only cooked for two, but a lot of food soon filled the tables, brought by the others raiding our pantry.
"You look... calm. It kind of creeps me out."
He kept his eyes on me, probably waiting for my further disapproval.
"I actually feel relieved. Now, it's not out of our hands. It's something firmly controlled by you." I felt tired but happy he was fine and working tirelessly for his family and village. "...Maybe that way we can avoid a lot of headaches when it comes to the King's inevitable reaction."
A proud and entitled man like the King won't stand for something stolen from him while away. Thankfully, Tetra was away towards the south of the country.
"We'll see, my love. Now, I just wanted to enjoy my family... but I received brand new people." He tickled the girls, both with very different colors and styles of hair.
I slid my hand through my frizzy locks, twisting and turning them. They still distracted me, but whether they stay or go will depend on his true reaction later tonight.
I'm a strong, intelligent woman, but that was a shocking attack against something I knew he loved. Worst of all, I let our daughter do the same thing. It was like if he cut off all his hair one day, or changed it to black or worse, some off-put brown like five out of ten normal people, and didn't tell me and let our future son do the same. It would be unacceptable, and if it happened, I would be mad. But he handled it better than I thought.
Well, I'm not going to stress about it since Nifa is now a permanent resident, so I can always change it back to black... or red.
~
Late, late dinner was soon ready, joined by half a dozen plates filled with fruits, cheeses, breads, and sweets. We enjoyed Mother's efforts and even opened a few bottles.
Not long after we started, the little ones fell asleep, and we heard some more details from Carlos.
"...I walked in, and they're singing, hugging, drinking. I was away maybe an hour!" He was busy with my neck while others enjoyed his exploits in Dharma.
"So your Grandmother, she sounds different, down-to-earth, and kinder." Mother caressed Carlos's arm.
I was able to enjoy his tongue to the fullest while still paying attention. Talk about multi-tasking.
"Gilly is one of two I wouldn't mind her moving here for good. The rest are... self-serving as they ever were." He looked grim talking about them. "My sister is money and fame hungry as ever. My parents still don't care about their youngest daughter whatsoever."
His bitter voice stopped even my husband's advances.
"Their world view is twisted, Em, but there is still time." He did his best to cheer him up. "I spent time with both of them, and there were flashes of good there, at the very least, more open to change than they looked."
"You are kind, Zeph, but those flashes? They are like a candle flame. It will never last longer than a day. I long accepted that. There is no saving them. Can you imagine them living here?"
Zephyr had nothing to say, probably despite what he said, he wouldn't want them around every day.
"See? It's fine, Zeph. I've got a family." He raised his glass and kissed my happy mother.
""" Hear, Hear..."""
We all joined them with some wine, except Petra and her husband, who enjoyed themselves using the rocking chair instead of a normal one.
"Whose the other? The second one you mentioned besides your Grandmother?" asked Eli.
It took him a little time. "Oh, Heimy Luis Em. My little cousin from the branch family. He is untainted by their greed and the church doctrine. We could not meet him. We got busy and... frankly... wanted to see you." He and Mom were all lovely-dovey and adorable.
"You bring him when you go for the wedding/reunification. He might as well stay. Speaking of staying..." Zephyr looked at the Revel brothers, who were in deep conversation with Lucian and Alexander.
"Oh, yes. We were lucky enough to receive Lady Demelza and Alexander's old house."
Zephyr threw a piece of trash he called chocolate at them with bad accuracy. He was never a good shot.
"Finally, lost your pretenses. Speaking of which..."
He picked me up with nimble steps. God, that armor made him sexy.
"I'm going now. Those living here... almost half, and those not, goodnight. We talk in a day."
"Did he just say a day or..."
"Yeah, I suppose he did..."
"Cinti, darling, you're transparent..."
"Nifa, help me take the kids to bed..."
"Put Ciren with Anna. I think we sleep at..."
"Yes, we will."
With my mother's enthusiastic response to Carlos, it sounded like everyone had their plans.
Mine was to change silently and stay silent, or at least do my very best.
~
Once inside, he took me without any warning.
"What... a-about the—"
"You can wear a potato sack right now for all I care."
Our first reunion was quick but passionate, so it left plenty of time for dress-up.
"So, how is it?" I asked. I turned around, showing off my figure and, most importantly, my hair. "Be honest. I don't want you to want me less."
He was naked on our bed except for the half-blue cape, which was used as a towel and would need serious cleaning.
"I'm telling you, I like your original color, so did Anna's, but... I know about your little..." He seemed to think of a way not to offend me. "...quirk, and understand why you done it. So, I'm fine."
I lay across him, making sure. "Well, you sure feel like it. Did anyone want this?"
He was moving his hips a little and enjoyed my touch.
"I'm supposed to feign modesty... yeah, they did. Ohohohoh, but... nothing happened. Obviously."
I didn't. It was obvious.
"Hmm. Servants, nobles, princesses, queens, and saints. Tchtch." I clicked my tongue.
"Why are you talking like there's more than one of each?"
"That's not the point." I shook my head.
He was impatient and pushed me under him.
"You are my only one... my little slutty nun."
He pushed the fabric just enough and filled me up.
"Let's forget about all others... and just make sure to make it up to me."
"All night long, it is."