He chuckled. “It is an ancient adaptation that works very well for my people. Just as the giants had males who were only slightly taller than humans but could grow to three times the size. They were the most successful at finding partners.”
“Is that a tiny giant?”
He laughed. “No, but it is an adaptation that lets me hold down an ogress so she can’t bite. Don’t worry, they are willing, but they get excited and violent.”
“Well, you can just call one, and I will get out of here.”
“I have not had a lover that wasn’t you in half a decade. I just wanted to explain what it was for.” He stroked her back. “I am hoping you will let me demonstrate later.”
Wylda leaned her head against him. “You have a lot of muscles for a guy who wears fancy bathrobes.”
He laughed. “I work out, I believe is the phrase. It is also the kijin default metabolism. I also spend time at my day job.”
“What is that?”
“I draw manga. Historical and fantasy. It is quite popular. I use my human seeming to attend conventions.”
Wylda giggled. “That has to be the most endearing thing I have heard from you.”
He sighed. “And finally, you relax. I must thank my hobby.”
She sat in the warm water, wrapped in his arms, and she began to breathe slowly.
* * * *
Lord Rez smiled softly as all of his dreams of caressing her until she moaned and sighed went away as her breathing evened, and she slumped against him. His songstress was asleep, but she had trusted him just to hold her.
His phone buzzed quietly, and some magic lifted it to his hand. “Hello, Arthur. My best to the family.”
“Lord Rez? There are a number of people here at the party who want to know where you took their friend.”
“We are at my home. She’s taking a nap in the hot pool. I am keeping her head above water.”
“Nothing untoward has occurred?”
“I was planning it, but no. She’s exhausted. She has a winding tale to tell, and I will get to it eventually. In the meantime, this will be a place of peace for her.”
“I think you are making Stiila cry.”
“Interesting. I am also seeking a home for her in the city. Since I can portal, I want her close to her friend Delphine.”
“Would you like me to look?”
“Please. Somewhere that I can renovate to look like my private home here.”
“So, twenty acres or more.”
“Yes.”
“I will get on it, Lord Rez. Is she enough for you?”
“She is perfect. I now have to be enough for her.”
Arthur murmured, “It’s like that, is it?”
“Definitely, and I have hopes for a very long future with her.”
“Maybe you can have a little boy to match with Riida. Someone sturdy.”
