“I agree.” I shiver at the thought of what might happen to any of the new female riders if they go to the Darkness. Many of the riders and candidates were former concubines, or Wives of Othrix, and I don’t want any of them reminded of how they were forced to perform sexual favors.
I love how protective you are of your riders,Zogar says.You will be a fine mother. Someday.
I’m warming to the idea of having Zogar’s children, but not while life in the Light remains so unstable.
You assume they would bemychildren?Zogar has a question in his voice, but I also sense his pride and joy.
“You are my husband.”
He grunts. Then, with a long exhale, he parts the veil.
CHAPTER 73
Rosomon
On the plateau in Lymbo, Saxon and Tynan hold me closely between them, and Zogar strides away to shift into his true form.
Surath and Xendus take flight, leaving us behind. So far, my only surprise is that there was no illusion waiting for us here, only bleak, flat greyness.
Zogar’s impressive male form rises from a crouch, and clothes appear to cover his body as he strides toward us. Tynan pulls a long black scarf from his pocket.
“What’s that for?” I ask.
“To cover your eyes.” He winks.
“Obviously. But why.”
“That’s for us to know and you to find out.” Tynan squeezes my bottom and Saxon smiles. “Let us surprise you.”
I shake my head, but I let them put on the blindfold.
“Okay,” I turn between the three men. “What’s the surprise.” I can’t see them, but feel their close presence, even with their warmth and scents dulled in Lymbo.
“Be patient, my love.” Zogar’s voice increases my anticipation, but my patience is definitely waning.
My clothing changes, and I run my hands over my body, trying to figure out what I’m wearing. The garment is clearly a gown, soft and comfortable, and it leaves my upper chest and arms exposed.
The men have moved away from me, and I’m starting to feel very alone.
“You may remove your blindfold,” Zogar says.
I do so quickly and then blink against the brightness and utter beauty of what’s revealed. Zogar has outdone himself. Butterflies abound, flying over vast gardens of colorful flowers, and a small brook babbles over rocks in the near distance.
But the best part of my view is the three men. They’re standing together under an arch, Tynan and Saxon on the sides, with Zogar in the center. The arch itself is covered by even more flowers, and it’s similar, but much wider and even more splendid than the one Zogar created on our wedding day. It easily accommodates all three men, with room for me too.
“What’s this all about?” I walk forward, and my shimmering silver gown flows with each step. The men are also dressed formally and have never looked this good to me.
“You don’t like it?” Zogar feigns hurt feelings, but there’s humor in his tone.
“It’s beautiful, but?—”
Saxon, dressed in a leather and velvet suit that hugs his strong form, shifts his hands behind his back as I draw near. “We need to speak to you. About something important.”
“What’s so important we must discuss it in Lymbo?” Nerves invade the happiness swirling through me.
“The location was my idea.” Zogar’s chin rises. A butterfly lands atop his head, and the sight of its delicate orange and yellow wings, against the deep purple hair of my huge husband makes me smile. I still don’t fully understand how closely he controls these illusions.
“The big guy also chose the…decor,” Tynan adds, gesturing around and grinning ear to ear. “But I approve. It reminds me of the time we spent here.” He sends me a lusty grin, then glances toward Saxon.
