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CAPSULE TWELVE
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Iason removes spectacles. Rises from chair. "Raoul, my good friend."
Lord Am kisses proffered hand. "Come now." Wink. "We both know I am much more than that."
Blue eyes dance. "Please, take a seat."
Raoul fans cloak, settles on plush couch. Gazes at kneeling mongrel.
Iason taps Riki's head. "Where are your manners, pet? Greet our guest."
Flinch. Mandatory bow. "Good afternoon, Lord Am."
Dismissive nod. "I have something for you, Iason." Raoul gives Blondie rectangular box.
Elegant fingers untie ribbon, rip decorative paper.
"A little keepsake from my stay in Apatia."
Iason opens box, lifts out rose quartz vase. "Dear Jupiter. It's breathtaking."
Arrogant toss of white-gold hair. "I knew you would like it."
Riki scowls.
Iason raises vase to window. Quartz crystals glitter in sunlight. "I cannot possibly accept this."
"I insist."
"What do you think of it, pet?"
Cough. "Oh, I think it's splendid."
Lord Mink ignores pet's sarcastic tone. "I shall fill it with pink alstroemeria and white spray chrysanthemums." Carefully places vase on mahogany table. "My earnest benediction, Raoul."
Roguish grin. "The pleasure is mine."
Riki rolls eyes. "Dickhead."
Leer. "It seems I have a smudge on my boot." Blondie extends muscular leg.
Iason glances mildly. "So you do."
Lord Am signals to mongrel. "Come lick my boot."
Silence.
Riki turns to Master. Pleading eyes.
"Be hospitable to our guest, pet."
Chagrin. Mongrel crawls forward. Darts tongue against handsome boot.
Raoul adjusts crotch. "Again."
Pause.
Riki closes eyes. Glides tongue slowly across smooth white leather.
Sigh. "Such an obedient dog." Smirk. "I am impressed, Iason. You have trained him well."
Imperceptible nod.
Riki wipes lips. Crawls back to Master's side.
Silence.
Daryl enters, presents silver tray.
Iason claps hands. "Ah, refreshments."
Furniture arranges pastry platter. Pours jasmine tea.
Lord Am bites into butterscotch bun. "Delightful." Tears pastry. Tosses to mongrel. "Your reward, dog."
Riki hangs head in shame.
"That is enough, Raoul."
Hand on chest. "I am being kind. The pup looks scrawny. Have you put him on a diet?"
Iason sips tea thoughtfully. "He has his usual gluttonous appetite. It must be the changing seasons."
Haughty laugh. "Well, mutts do malt after all."
Riki blinks back tears. Daryl shoots sympathetic look.
Raoul lights cigar. "Speaking of seasons, it is most generous of you to host this year's Autumn Ball."
Blondie dabs lips with napkin. "Everything is in hand. The Eos Orchestra, emerald chandeliers, hibiscus garlands."
"And the colour scheme?"
"Teal and turquoise."
Languid smoke ring. "Magnificent."
Iason caresses mongrel's cheek. "My pet will be the Belle of the Ball. I am designing him a very special collar and leash."
Prick of jealousy. "Oh, really?"
Proud nod. "A thousand eyes will be upon him."
Riki shivers.
Ghastly glutton! Lumbering brute! Graceless mutt!
Raoul clears throat. "Have you decoded the beta logs?"
"All but one." Iason stands. "Shall we adjourn to the library?"
"Lead the way."
Lord Mink snaps fingers. "Bring the refreshments, Daryl."
Blondies leave Great Hall. Furniture follows with tray.
Alone, Riki stands. Shakes with rage.
Turns to mahogany table.
Pulls out penis.
Pisses in quartz vase.
