I grunt.
“Manticore blood has done more than enhance my magic, and prolong my life and beauty. Any man who comes near mebegsfor access to my cunt.” She laughs. “While fucking me, men absorb small traces of manticore blood through my essence.”
“Your offer is enticing.” I step back from her. “But first, I’m curious. What clever trick did you use to trap me and my people in the Light?” I smile, hoping my expression implies admiration and masks my deep seeded fury.
Her eyes narrow slightly. “Do you agree to be my king, or not?”
I nod. “Before we take our vows, I must understand the secrets of the world you’ve built here.” I haven’t said yes, but I’ve implied that I will.
A smug grin soils her beauty. “You have made a wise decision, Zogar. I’ll summon a klerick to perform the ceremony immediately. I’m sure you’re eager to consummate our union.”
She smiles lasciviously. “Then, at today’s audience with Othrix, I can formally introduce you to Our subjects as their King.”
“Why not let the people bear witness to our wedding?” I smile. “Would that spectacle not help to solidify your power?”
Her head tips to the side.
“You said you were meant to marry a human king today. Instead, you can publicly spurn him and show the people how you claimed the King of the Dragons.”
Her expression shifts. She’s considering this and likes the idea.
“How big is the temple’s altar?” I ask. “Big enough for me to shift forms? If the people understand that a dragon has declared his devotion to you, no one will ever question your power again.”
From all I’ve seen, no one questions her power now, but this mage understands that if anyone might bring her down, it’s me and my people. She needs me on her side.
“We shall wed in front of the people.” She beckons toward me. “Come. Let’s get you bathed and outfitted in clothing suitable for a king.”
I smile. “First, my future queen, you must tell me the clever plan you used to entrap me.”
CHAPTER 66
Tynan
Last night, I stayed with Rosomon as long as I could, but those horrible women kept urging me to be rougher, claiming she was showing signs of enjoying our encounter, but not yet full subjugation.
Apparently, enjoying sex is something Wives of Othrix are not allowed to experience until after their so-called weddings. According to Glorya, when they’re forced to fuck strangers and members of the klericy, the wives are expected to show pleasure and gratitude, no matter what horrible things the men do to them.
My reasons for wanting to topple both this religion and my father’s rule have expanded. I now better understand why the dragons are so upset about the current state of affairs in the Light.
As promised, Ovren and Ham met me early this morning, and once they brought me inside and showed me the workings, I gave them the coin that I promised. We’re now atop scaffolding built at the side of a massive stage the men call the altar. Othermen are scattered everywhere, on scaffolding above, below and beside us.
Ovren gave me a cloak and hood to wear over my princely clothes as a disguise, but to Ovren’s great distress, I chatted with some of their coworkers before we were all hustled up to our posts.
Ham apparently told some of them I’m a prince and that I managed to fuck a princess, who’s meant to be a bride. Awe-filled eyes turned toward me as the news spread amongst the men, and I feel sure I’ve gained more potential allies should I need them.
From the outside, this domed temple building is huge and windowless, but I didn’t truly appreciate its grandeur until I was inside. The altar itself is as big as the largest courtyard in my father’s castle, and the space for the audience is five times that size. Based on the escalating volume of voices, many people have already been herded into the temple.
I can’t see the crowd from here but it’s clear they’re in near darkness. A massive curtain hangs between us and the audience. The men told me that the curtain will drop, instantly vanishing into a long opening in the floor. And when it disappears, it will reveal the largest, most animated image of Othrix I have ever seen. Reflective glass will direct bright lights toward the crowd and toward the structure, enhancing the illusion.
The effigy is a statue of sorts, but it’s made of thousands of articulated pieces of shiny gold and brass. And when the right levers and ropes are pulled behind the scenes, from the perspective of the audience, the fierce metallic manticore image comes alive.
Its eyes are formed from faceted panels of green and blue glass, with oil lights behind them, and the entire spectacle, when unveiled, will be lit strategically and surrounded by smoke, blown from dozens of boxes where it’s been collecting from smoldering fires all night.
Ovren and Ham say that the audience members will believe they’re in the presence of Othrix when viewing this effigy. It’s hard to believe from this angle, but it’s impressive.
Ham also said that, even though he knows most of the spectacle is trickery, some things that happen on stage remain a mystery. Sparks and bright flashes oft appear, for which he has no explanation, and images emerge that no worker creates. Even with his view from backstage, Ham clearly still believes in Othrix.
I suppose the trickery doesn’t completely disprove the existence of an all-powerful being who protects the Light from the Darkness. But even if Othrix does exist as some ethereal and powerful being, today’s show will definitely be fakery, meant to instill fear and awe in those gathered.
