Shiloh grinned.“I guess a triad would work.”
“Even better,” Niran said.
Lynx frowned.“How does this work?Do they need to be in the same room?”
“No.We are not peepers or voyeurs, but we are aware when lovers are active.We can absorb the energy from the room next door or a corridor.The lovers who feed us never know of our presence.We do not require feeding every cycle and can stockpile the energy.We can also share the energy, which is how we feed our youngsters until they’re mature enough to collect their sustenance.”
“Shiloh and I are mated to Jannike.We have another mated couple who live in the castle, plus several other friends who sometimes bring partners back to their suites—as long as the partners can pass security checks.My brother and his mate also reside here at times.If that is acceptable, we can offer Leeam and Sheera a suite of rooms within the castle for their accommodation.”
“You would do that?”Niran asked.
Lynx nodded.“The castle was a lonely place during my childhood.I like having more inhabitants.If you are unsure, you are welcome to stay on a trial basis.”
“Your charges?”Niran asked.
“All we ask of our friends is that they help with anything that requires aid.For example, Gweneth had the idea of holding a festival.We have split the tasks and are all helping to make it a success.”
“Ellard, you haven’t told your king of our powers,” Niran said.
“No, I thought it best to keep it quiet.Not that they would spread the news or take advantage, but—” Ellard shrugged.“I didn’t want to endanger you by telling your secrets.”
Niran beamed.“I knew Viros would be a good place.”He turned to Lynx.“The Incorporeal people feed on the sexual energy, but we are also able to conjure physical things from the same source.”He waved his hand, and a drink appeared.He handed it to Lynx and conjured three more, plus a float table to place them on.He lifted one in a toast.“To your good health.”
Lynx and Shiloh eyed the drinks suspiciously, but Ellard sipped his without hesitation.
“We can conjure anything, even spaceships.The items we conjure last for as long as the recipient requires them.Once they are no longer required, they will vanish.For example, if someone stole your clothes, leaving you naked, I could conjure you a suit of clothes.The clothes would remain until you reached your accommodation and took them off to replace them with another set of your own clothing.A spaceship will remain until the destination is reached.The food and drink we conjure nourishes.”
“What happens if the Incorporeal dies or is killed suddenly?”Shiloh asked.
“The item remains until it is no longer needed.We offer useful gifts in exchange for sexual energy, but we are not bottomless pits of riches,” Niran said, his tone becoming somber.“We reserve the right to conjure items as we see fit.No one may demand or order.It does not work that way.”
Lynx took a sip of his drink, then another, his shoulders relaxing.“Leeam and Sheera are welcome to stay at the castle.I suggest a short stay—maybe seven or ten cycles—first to see if they enjoy it here.We do not require anything in return.If Leeam and Sheera want to help us organize the festival, they may do that.”
Niran stood.“Leeam.Sheera.”
The couple turned with broad smiles and approached.
“King Lynx has invited you to visit,” Niran said.
“With a view to see if you would like to live at the castle full-time,” Lynx said.
Sheera clapped her hands together.“We would like that very much.We have missed Ellard and Gweneth.”
“Ellard and Gweneth will give you a city tour,” Lynx said.“Is there any reason the stay cannot start immediately?”
“Leeam?”Niran asked.
“We would like that,” Leeam said.
“Very well,” Niran said.“May I return in ten cycles?”
“Come at the same time to this room,” Lynx said.“We will await your arrival.”
Niran inclined his head.“Thank you.In ten cycles.”
“Can we do the tour now?”Leeam asked, beaming with excitement.
Ellard glanced at Gweneth and away, a tight band of emotion forcing him to struggle for breath.“Of course,” he said.The sooner they did the tour, the sooner he could lose himself in work.It was time to check the fitness of his soldiers and guards.That would help keep his mind off Gweneth.
