“Because that is what I prefer,” I answered promptly, impressed with myself for keeping up. “But it’s reassuring to know even at the bottom of the ocean they debate my legitimacy.”
“Terras are abhorrent gossips and my realm is filled with them.” Serfie scowled. “In the sea, we do not believe in such things as bastards, and titles are not easily given then taken.”
Serenous nodded in agreement. “I hardly knew Siggy’s father. We mated only once, a night filled with such fierce and all-enveloping passion. The man could do wonders with his tongue. I surely orgasmed at least four times.”
I coughed, nearly choking on the wine.
“Mother!” Siggy cried.
Serenous continued, “Siggy is no bastard. She is clearly of my blood. Her coloring tells of her origin. Starwyrt Circle, audacious and true.”
Audacious and true were definitely accurate descriptors for Serenous.
“A lovely sentiment.” I cleared my throat. “I wish my father felt the same way.”
Raylik grunted a bit of warning. Oh, now I was the one oversharing in this conversation?
“Seek nothing from men who murder their wives and abandon their children.” The words hit hard. The truth of it all. But Serenous held my stare firmly, even though the blow had me gasping for air. “But I suppose it matters far more what you think of your father than I.”
Because she believed that would determine what side I would stand on in this looming war. But it didn’t matter how I felt for my father. It was my country I would stand beside.
“Anyway, we like to tell riddles at the symposion; would you care to join us?” Serenous said.
“Sure,” I answered.
“Siggy, you go first,” Serenous said to her daughter, who snapped an annoyed look at her mother.
“Do I have to?”
Her mother just looked on and smiled, not giving her a choice.
“Fine.” She looked at the chalice within her hand then started, “I loosen tongues and warm souls. I make the brave cry, and the fearful bold.” She paused, bringing a thoughtful finger to her pink lips. “I’m present at both the start and end of life. But in excess, I’ll ruin a good time. What am I?”
“Drink,” Raylik answered.
Siggy frowned with a huff that fluttered her heavy yellow fringe. “Yes, that is correct.”
“That was a good one, darling.” Serenous patronized her.
“Now you go, Serfie and Raylik.” She gave him a bold smile. “You may only answer if you sit with us and have a drink.”
Raylik didn’t budge.
“Fine,” Serfie said, as if she had played this game far too many times before. “I’m a symphony of sighs.”
Serenous’s smile smoldered. “Oh, this one shall be good.”
Serfie continued, “In the darkest of night, I’m clear as daylight, a dance as old as time, and ifgood,” she lingered on the word, forcing a diabolical smile from her sister, “too much of me can lead to a sleepless night. What am I?”
“Well, Siggy won’t know this one,” Serenous jeered.
“Mother,” Siggy whined again.
“Well, do you, dear?” she asked.
“You’re soembarrassing!” Siggy rose to her feet and marched off.
“She’s always been a sensitive child.” Serenous rolled her large eyes. “I know Raylik unquestionably knows the answer, isn’t that right?” She looked up at Raylik, who only nodded a terse yes.
