Wow, the sexual tension is just getting more and more. And you know what that means . . . give me some feedback!! Or Xellos and Filia will NEVER hit the sack together, I can guarantee it!! Bwaa haaa haaa! . . . ahem.
Ukchana
Chapter 15
Wolfpack Island
June 5th, 2002
When they returned to Xellos' bedroom, Xellos gestured to the closet grandly. "I believe you have a surprise there!"
Filia blinked and stepped forward, then opened the closet door.
Hanging up in the center, separated from the men's outfits by lengths of space, draped a long swath of emerald fabric, glistening softly in the light. Though rather simple from what she could see, the fabric was gentle and silken.
The blonde took the hanger from the closet, then reddened as she saw what was slung around the neck of the hook. She quickly snatched the black undergarments from the hanger and put them on the bed, blushing heavily. "What is this, Xellos?" she demanded. "And what's with the garter belt?" she demanded, her flush deepening.
He held up a pair of black heels and a balled up piece of fabric, tossing the latter to her. "Just a few gifts I ordered some of my underlings to look for in Zelas' hanger bays full of apparel. And as for the garter belt . . ." Brows arching, he winked and held out something to her. "I had placed a calling spell on this before we left for Ejypt."
Filia stared at him as she accepted her heavy mace with one hand and caught the ball of fabric in the other, then reddened further as she realized it was a set of flesh-toned stockings. "Wow. Um, that's great that you got these, but the clothing won't fit. Women's clothes are very finicky."
The priest shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. "Why don't you find out? I can leave the room, too, if you really want me to," he smiled lasciviously.
"Out!" she growled. "And while you're gone, go find some manners!"
Once he'd left, Filia took a quick shower, then examined the clothing further. She found, to her embarrassment, that the undergarments fit and weren't uncomfortable. They were just as she preferred, actually. No lace, the panties cotton and the bra satin with soft thread at the hems. How could they know so much about my tastes? she asked herself, disturbed.
The dark green dress flowed from her shoulders, the long sleeves tight yet comfortable around her arms. The neckline wasn't too atrocious, but it still fell close to her breasts and the fabric clung to every curve of her body heavily.
"Hurry up," came Xellos' voice as she put on the stockings and shoes. "You always take such a long time to get dressed."
"Shut up," she answered, distracted by her hair. "I can't figure out what to do with my hair, it's wet!"
His voice spoke in her ear, "So?" and she elbowed him, but he dodged.
"Jerk. How did you know I was decent, hm?"
Xellos grinned, unmindful of her glare, and held the back of his neck. "Eh, I figured it was a good likelihood that you were clothed if you were worried about your hair. Just dry it."
"How?" she replied testily, tapping her heeled foot. "There isn't a hair dryer in your bathroom!"
"With magic," he answered, and reached over to put his hand on her head. She didn't struggle, and within seconds, her long hair had dried. Xellos beamed at her. "See?"
"Show off," she grumbled, running her fingers through her wavy locks. "It looks bad, it's just hanging there."
"Enough complaining about your hair, Filia," Xellos drawled. "It looks fine down, and, no, I won't let you put it up in a pony-tail. This will be a nice dinner. Anyway, I think this will possibly solve your problems." He held out a small mahogany box in one gloved hand, a hand that a second ago had been empty.
Taken by surprise, Filia peered down at it. "What is it?"
"It's a gift," Xellos murmured, amethyst eyes resting upon her heavily. "And there are more things inside, if you'd just open it."
Filia did as she was told, trying to not be nervous. I hope this isn't a practical joke. Xellos has been so different lately. I don't want to be disappointed now.
The little polished box opened easily. Sitting upon the red velvet were two large pearlescent green hair combs, shaped as fern fronds and inlaid with sparkling gems. Filia narrowed her eyes and looked closer at the clear crystals. "Wait a minute. Those . . ." she paled slightly. "Those are real diamonds."
"How could you tell?" he asked, hand on the back of his head again and expression slightly embarrassed. "Heh, I wasn't sure you'd notice right away."
Dazed, Filia took them from the box and turned to the mirror, shakily brushing her blonde hair back on either side and positioning the combs. He . . . he got me something nice . . . just because he . . . he WANTED to?
"You look very nice," he spoke in her ear, and she flinched, blushing again.
"Thank you. Why do you always have to sneak up on me like that?"
"Because," his amused voice replied. "Look in the box again."
She turned to face him and his expectant gaze, frowning. "Alright. Now what?"
In the box sat a necklace. The necklace.
Stunned, Filia lifted the emerald and diamond encrusted circlet, its weight heavy in her hand. "But . . but . . . this was . . ."
"Cursed." Xellos shrugged, unconcerned, and bent over the chest of drawers to rest his elbow on it and hold his chin in his hand. "Well, that wasn't really a big problem," he continued nonchalantly. "So. Put it on, already."
Filia couldn't think straight, so she faced the dresser and leaned one plam against it, golden hair brushing the surface. "I . . ."
Rising in a fluid motion, Xellos stepped up to her and took the necklace from her limp hand, unclasping it easily. "Here, let me."
From his spot behind her Xellos brushed her hair out of the way, then put the necklace around her neck and fastened it before gently adjusting it so that the clusters of jewels were centered beneath her chin. His fingers veered very close to her breasts, but never touched, and Filia found herself becoming faint as she stared down at the polished cherry-wood. "Xellos . . ."
He gently turned her to face him, then took her hands and looked down at them, expression contrite. "I hope you can take this as a token of my apology for everything that's gone wrong lately."
"It's not your fault," she started, but he chuckled.
"That doesn't matter, it's my duty to take responsibility for the mistakes and misunderstandings. I like arguing with you, Filia," he continued, violet eyes gazing deeply into her own. "But I . . . I don't like hurting you, and it's hard for someone like me to avoid that."
She nodded and swallowed. This is really bad, we shouldn't be getting this close . . . "I forgive you," she tried to laugh, and it came out staccato. "And thank you for the gifts. They are . . . amazing," she said truthfully.
"Good," he gave her a little smile. "Let's go to dinner then."
(-(-o-)-)
Filia sat very still at the long, gleaming redwood dining table, the moonlight shining through the enormous stained glass wall at her far left.
I still wish I knew how Xellos got my measurements, she grumbled to herself, adjusting the slinky green dress. I know he must have told the servants or something.
She glanced to her right, where Xellos was smiling at her. Gods, when did he change so much? Have I just not been paying attention? Now that she thought back on the past, she could see how affectionate he'd behaved. He showed it in inappropriate ways, annoying ways that had angered her and embarrassed her . . . but it was not unlike the way a young boy pestered the girl he fancied.
Now that's ridiculous, she hotly reacted to the revelation, upset with herself. Xellos and I could never be more than friends. We're too different, and we already drive each other insane. She looked up as Zelas and Valgaav entered, chatting amiably and dressed nicely as well. Not to mention that I don't think Zelas would approve whatsoever. I'm a lesser species, his "pet". Not someone suitable to be with a Greater Beastmaster.
A small, insignificant part of her felt saddened by this, but she crushed it into bits and stood up as Xellos did. They curtsied and bowed to Zelas respectively, then sat as she sat.
No reason to be surprised that I feel this way, Filia told herself as she forced a smile. I just need to find a mate soon, and then my loneliness will disappear.
0
Valgaav sat down across from his mother and sighed at her slightly melancholy expression. "You look very beautiful, Mom. Did your day get better? I'm sorry we left . . ." he stopped, uncomfortable.
She looked up and smiled, sapphire eyes kind. "It's alright, Val. I had a nice time. Xellos took me to Lady Zelas' spa." She reached out her hand and Valgaav grasped it happily. "Did you find anything in your search?"
Zelas was the one who turned to gaze at her with amused golden eyes. "Yes, actually, my dear. But let's save business for a little later. How did you like my spa?"
The scarlet and black-clad Ancient Dragon leaned back and watched his mother blush demurely. "It was very enjoyable, and everyone was very polite."
Val caught the quick glance the Hellmaster threw to her second in command, and the tiny smile. "So," Zelas continued, "I should assume, then, that the two of you got along fairly well for a change."
"Like two peas in a pod," Xellos beamed, "isn't that right, Filia?"
She nodded, blushing darker and gaze lowered, hands clutched in her lap.
Zelas leaned back in her chair, silver iridescent dress showering sparkles as it reflected off the candlelight. "That's a breathtaking necklace you have on, Filia. Where ever did you get it?"
Val blinked and peered at the aforementioned jewelry. That looks awfully familiar . . . Is that the necklace Mom was looking at in the tomb?
Intervening on behalf of the very embarrassed dragoness, Xellos bowed his head slightly and said, "If you'll pardon me, Mistress. It was a gift I gave her to apologize for some unfortunate misunderstandings we had recently."
They're definitely getting close, Val mused, one brow rising. He was rather certain that he saw Xellos' arm move so that his hand would be on her thigh, no doubt holding one of her hands. And Filia didn't seem to mind at all. Maybe it's because Mother is still afraid of Zelas. I guess I can understand why she would be. Still, he told himself, and smiled slightly, I hope they really have been getting along better. But maybe I should change the subject before Zelas embarrasses her even more.
Hoping to deflect any more teasing, he adjusted the ruffles at his wrists and began, "What treatments did you receive at the spa?"
0
--Mistress,-- Xellos glanced at her uneasily, --if you don't mind me asking, are you intending on embarrassing Filia?--
--More or less,-- she answered snidely. --She's a charming thing, and so very afraid of me! I think she might even consider me so protective of you that if I discovered how you two act when alone, I'd banish her from the island,-- she chuckled with amusement.
--What do you mean, "how we act when alone", my Hellmaster?-- Xellos asked carefully as Filia replied to Valgaav's question.
"I got an oil massage and a mud bath," the dragoness told him shyly.
"But you hate mud," her son chuckled.
--Why, just when no one is around, you are so very close, aren't you? You tease her and she gets angry, and she teases you and you get angry. Almost like two Mazoku youths dancing around sex,-- she taunted lovingly. –-But you were quite more gentlemanly of lately. Is that really only because you're afraid she'll zap you with the fragment of the Staff?--
He hadn't heard her refer to the stone as what it truly was in a while, and he blinked, smiling at what Valgaav was saying to keep up appearances. –-They do not know that it really was from L-sama's Staff. No one knew but you, My Lady. Do you wish for me to tell them?--
--I will tomorrow. Filia slept so often today that she'll have trouble sleeping tonight, no doubt. What will you do then?-- Zelas smiled darkly at him, then returned her gaze to the two dragons.
--I'll just put her to sleep,-- he answered, trying to not be too irritated by her change of topic.
--I only changed the subject because you did. So answer me, my servant.--
Xellos nodded his violet head once. -–My apologies, Mistress Zelas. It's a tender subject.--
--And why is that?--
The Mazoku General and Priest took a deep breath and released it, Filia's hand cool in his gloved fingers. –-As you are no doubt fully aware, both of us are having difficulty not feeling alone and in need of intimate companionship right now. It's common in stressful situations for people to pair up and tell themselves that they've found romance, when it was just a distraction from the fear and uncertainty they were feeling.--
--And that is what the both of you think is happening right now?--
--Yes, my Lady.--
Zelas responded to Filia's comment with a light chuckle. "There are many more rooms and interesting diversions in this castle than just the places you have been. I'm sure you'll get to see practically everything before you go."
--She feels threatened by that,-- Xellos glanced at his mistress.
--I know, but I meant nothing undue by it. She'll learn soon enough that, at my heart, I'm quite insane. But not such a bad creature for all that.--
--Mistress, I will never be convinced that you are truly insane. My apologies.--
--Oh well, Xellos; you lose some, you win some. But, back to the topic at hand. If that is the case, then the two of you need to be apart for a little while. I've decided that, in the honor of your return after your very long list of little missions I gave you four hundred years ago, I want to hold a ball. Only my little dears will be invited, of course; your two dragons will be the guests of honor with you, as part of your last mission.--
--I suppose you could look at it that way. My mission was to stop Telgaln, and I couldn't find anyone willing to do it with me but them.--
--Talk to some of the other Mazoku under you at the ball. Some of their feelings might have changed. Hmm . . . I think I'll have it after you return with the last fragment, that way we will be more secure.--
--So, is that why you sent Iyzeka to the spa?-- Xellos pointedly asked. –-Because she may have changed her mind on whether she wanted to help?--
--Possibly. Or perhaps it's because of the other reason . . . that maybe you need a love affair, Xellos, with someone who will live as long as you do . . . though Iyzeka may be a bit too naïve for you, I'd wager, and far too immature. Anyhow, I've noticed that you've been pretty withdrawn when it comes to women, almost as if you lost something,-- Zelas teased. -–I know you haven't, so when did you become so chaste?--
--When I realized that I could not accomplish my missions accurately if I followed my desires.--
--Mazoku are always available, and usually willing. Human companions are boring at best, anyway.--
--I dislike not agreeing with you, Mistress, but I don't believe the former is true. Few Mazoku females were interested in me. Though I am powerful, they are usually scared of that power, and are disturbed by my larger range of emotions.--
--Perhaps they just disturb you and you want to hide it?-- Zelas offered.
The first course of salad arrived, along with wine, water and tea, and Xellos ended the conversation. -–Perhaps, my Queen. There are many things about myself that are still a secret . . . especially to me.--
0
Filia looked up from finishing her salad and sipped at her tea. Xellos still held her hand in her lap under the table. Pervert Mazoku, she told herself, but felt relief at his attempt to comfort her in her nervousness.
"So, Hellmaster," Valgaav spoke up, "which Mazoku Lord was unlucky enough to have Telgaln under him?"
Zelas blinked and sipped her wine. "Ah, well that would be Deep Sea, actually. Telgaln was at a rank equal to Xellos' at the time, though of course, far weaker in real power and intellect."
Xellos seemed to ignore the compliment as he carefully placed his fork back on the table, but he gave Filia's hand a gentle squeeze and turned his head to the left to glance at her.
"So," her green-haired son pushed on, "he assassinated his own mistress? Isn't that impossible, since Mazoku are created from their master's power?"
"Technically," the fierce blonde grinned as she leaned back. "However, it had never been done before. It was an assumption that if one killed one's creator, one would die as well. That hypothesis doesn't seem to hold true, though."
Their salad bowls were cleared away and the main course was set before them by the servants, all moving with silent grace.
Filia studied the elaborately arranged food on the large plate in front of her with curiosity. An amber-colored sauce covered a good-sized piece of meat that was unrecognizable, possibly fish. Sitting on top of the meat was a square of something that almost looked like brown styrofoam with bits of crushed things mixed into it. Soaking in the sauce around the odd meat was a bed of pale yellow couscous. The dish was quite fragrant, with the scent of nuts and oranges, sweet and tart.
"I instructed that the portions should be large," Zelas interrupted her study of the dish. "I know Valgaav missed lunch, and I thought you two might have as well. Time passes quickly at the spa." Her golden eyes met Filia's, and the dragoness looked down hastily.
Xellos released her hand, leaving her with a growing sense of dread. Filia refused to ask what the food really was, and instead followed her companion and began to eat.
Once again, to Filia's annoyance, the Greater Beastmaster proved that he had excellent table manners. Why do immortals always seem to be so perfect? she complained as she tried her first bite of dinner.
It was fish, and relief flooded through her. Filia began eating with more gusto, but took pains to remain polite. I'm practically immortal as well, but I don't act like I'm so wonderful. Can't he act normal . . . maybe even flawed?
Unfortunately, the man next to her seemed far too perfect; his immaculate black and gold priest's robes and graceful movements did not help her feelings of inadequacy.
"Hm," Zelas interrupted her introspection, "conversation seems to be dying. Maybe I should tell some embarrassing stories about Xellos, well?" She smiled and leaned her elbow on the table, wine glass dangling between her fingers as she glanced at the two of them.
"If you must," Xellos sighed, unperturbed.
Annoyed at his lack of concern and uncomfortable with Zelas' eyes, Filia took another bite of her dinner, then stopped as she felt Xellos' foot touch hers. What is he . . . oh, wait, he can feel my emotions. She blushed ever so slightly and sipped her tea. I guess he's trying to tell me to relax.
Valgaav's eyes sparkled at Zelas' suggestion. "That would probably be interesting," he chuckled. Her son didn't seem to be having too much difficulty with his manners, which was a consolation; though perhaps he was paying more attention because he wore the gaudy suit he had borrowed from Xellos.
"Now," Zelas mused, candlelight glistening off the crystal wine glass, "what could I tell you . . ." Her brows furrowed and she shook her head. "I can't seem to recall too many embarrassing things. Xellos," she commanded, a sharp glare falling upon him, "what things have you done that were embarrassing?"
The violet-haired man sipped his wine carefully before answering, expression neutral. "Well, it would have to be something that wouldn't reveal too many secrets," he chuckled as he gave Filia a side-long glance, "but still be interesting."
Filia bowed her head and continued to eat, hiding her eyes with her bangs. Great. I wish we could hurry this up. Every second I spend with Zelas here makes me nervous. And after she saw my explosion this morning! Filia was ashamed of herself, but even more afraid that she'd offended the Hellmaster beyond repair. I must have a death-wish, she mused sorrowfully.
Xellos gave her a bemused glance, then began to speak again, tone light. "Well, what about the time that you had a guest, and I made an unexpected entrance?" He smiled slightly, amused.
"I meant something embarrassing to just you," Zelas corrected dryly, "not to me also. But I suppose that would do." Drinking deeply from her wine, the blonde began. "Well, back when Xellos was first becoming acquainted with Miss Lina Inverse, my closest friend happened to be Luna Inverse." She paused.
Filia dropped her fork unceremoniously. "The knight of Cepheid?" Whoops, I spoke. Crap!
"Why, yes," Zelas smiled at her, and Filia flushed and picked up her fork slowly. "Anyhow, Luna's first introduction to Xellos wasn't the most conventional."
Blinking, Filia glanced over at Xellos, who simply continued eating.
"I was chatting with Luna," Zelas went on, "and, it being quite a few centuries ago, our visits to each other would not have been looked upon well by either side. So none of my servants were aware that anyone was with me in my chambers. I had ordered Xellos to make use of his creativity and to create a spell for me."
Filia forced herself to swallow her tea normally, then set down her cup. "Create a spell for you?" Whatever spell she could want would have to be impossible to create . . . the creation of spells is difficult at best!
"Well," Zelas smiled fondly at her Beastmaster, "he is very ingenious." Xellos, of course, was unfazed and simply nodded and returned the smile. "Anyhow, one great problem I was having was in my lesser Mazoku. They couldn't spy very well because they didn't have the power to reside between the astral plane and this one. That really is the only way someone can be invisible."
Valgaav, who was listening closely as he ate, seemed about to speak, but at the last moment stopped.
"So I wanted Xellos to make an invisibility spell, a spell that had not previously existed. It would have to work on not only the person casting it, but their clothing and belongings."
Filia finished her delicious yet unidentified meal and set down her fork, ready for the embarrassing part.
"Well, as he had been instructed, Xellos entered my chambers immediately after his first casting of the spell upon himself." Zelas grinned and looked at her two dragon guests. "There Luna and I were, drinking and talking, and Xellos teleports in, completely naked!"
Unable to suppress herself, Filia began to giggle, glancing quickly to her right. Xellos sipped his wine and rolled his eyes, giving her shoe a light kick. Across from her, Valgaav was already laughing uproariously.
"Luna was shocked, but it didn't phase her at all," Zelas chuckled. "Poor Xellos bowed and apologized for his interruption, and I think he actually blushed," she giggled, ignoring the slight shake of Xellos' head. "So he announces that the experiment only seems to work so far on clothing, and this is the reason for his state of disarray. Of course," the Hellmaster took a gulp of wine, "he was mortified, and I just had to take advantage of it. So I introduced them right then and there, with Xellos in the buff."
Filia was flushed, even if Xellos remained unaffected, and she drained her tea cup to cover her embarrassment.
"Luna was always, ALWAYS so cordial," Zelas cackled, "but she couldn't resist making a comment. She said to him after they were introduced, 'I hope your experiment doesn't suffer such shortcomings in the future.'"
Xellos glared darkly into his wineglass as they all laughed, but Filia made herself stop, guilt overriding her impropriety. Ashamed, Filia gave Xellos a regretful glance, the sound of Zelas' and Valgaav's hysterics in the background. He sipped his wine, but paused when she put her hand on his thigh and patted it. Though he didn't respond outright, his shoulders relaxed very slightly.
Zelas' laughter slowly came to an end, and she smiled as she held up her wine glass for a refill. A servant dutifully appeared as she began again. "Well, let's see. What's another good one . . ."
This is cruel! Filia thought angrily, feeling Xellos release a tired sigh. She patted his leg again and narrowed her eyes, then took a deep breath. "Well," she began, voice firm, "there are a lot of embarrassing things that Xellos has done to me. I'm sure he wouldn't mind relating some of the pranks he's gotten away with." Xellos looked at her sharply, purple eyes confused. "Or Valgaav could, because I know," she smiled and looked across the table, "my son's been in on many of them."
Val blushed and grinned shyly. "That's true."
Hopeful, Filia gazed back to Xellos. The Beastmaster set down his utensils and casually dropped a hand to his lap, eyes on his slowly dwindling glass of wine. His hand covered her own, and Filia wrapped her fingers around it gratefully.
Even though they couldn't share a glance because he refused to look at her, Filia felt warmed. I can take this. A woman's ego isn't as fragile as a man's.
0
Valgaav finished the main course and leaned back, watching his mother and Xellos. This will be very interesting. "Okay, I'll go first. I think I have one that will embarrass both of you," he told them with a grin.
"Oh, great," Filia groaned, but smiled slightly.
Blinking, Val shrugged, then began. "Well, since as early as I can remember, Mother was receiving gifts for Saint Valentine's Day from a 'secret admirer'."
The blonde dragoness' mouth opened, and she narrowed her eyes at him. Xellos just sipped from his wine and looked at the chandelier.
"So," Val grinned and went on, smiling even more when a plate of chocolate drizzled dessert was placed before him, "on the card, it was always written, 'from your secret admirer . . .' and in parenthesis, 'not Xellos.' Even though Xellos never used his real name unless we were all alone . . ."
Filia blushed deeply and drank from her refilled cup of tea. Ignoring her dessert, Zelas leaned in closer to Val and waited, quite interested.
"Well, it was obvious to Mom every year that it really was Xellos, who wouldn't give her any gift outright and would pretend, badly, that he had no reason to give her anything. One year, however, after we had just moved to Amerika, I decided to play a prank. I switched her Valentine's Day present that Xellos gave her with a box of lingerie."
Zelas burst into laughter, and Valgaav hung his head as his mother glared at him, then sighed. Val began to chuckle as well, adding, "Mom got really mad at Xellos, and he let it slip that it wasn't the gift he'd bought for her . . . admitting that he really was the secret admirer. So, of course," he pouted, "they got mad at me and grounded me."
The young dragon looked up to see his mother and Xellos trying to ignore him as they began eating their desserts. "So," he tried nervously as Zelas giggled, "how about you, Xellos?"
0
Taking a bite of his chocolate dessert, Xellos looked over to Filia and gave her a small smile. "Okay, I think I've got one." Filia . . . why are you sacrificing yourself like this? I won't tell anything too embarrassing if I can help it.
Valgaav and Zelas both ate as they waited expectantly.
"One Christmas, I decided to play a prank on Filia. She was always calling me a fruitcake, as had Lina. So," he shrugged, "I decided some poetic justice was in order." Filia rolled her eyes, but let him continue. "Well, I gave Filia a gift of fruitcake. But as soon as she opened it, it exploded all over, covering her with pieces of it."
The young dragon smiled at the short tale, but Zelas scowled and glared at her servant. "That wasn't nearly embarrassing enough. Xellos, I asked for embarrassing stories," her voice became hard. "Surely you can come up with something better; I know you, you have a devious mind."
Xellos winced, So much for that idea; sorry, Filia. "Well, let's see, then," he stalled. Stories, stories . . . He took another bite of the chocolate, mulling over its cheesecake-like consistency, and thought. Well, that won't be too bad . . .
"Alright," Xellos said firmly, "I thought of one really embarrassing." He could feel Filia's suppressed dread and Val's interest. Don't get really upset, please . . . "Well, one day, about fifteen years ago, Filia was invited onto a talk show, 'Opal', to discuss psychological traumas. When she arrived, Filia was brought onto the stage . . ."
He saw Val begin to grin, and Xellos was unable to suppress his own smile even through his guilt. ". . . and she was informed that they hadn't been completely honest with her. She had really been brought on because of someone she knew very well . . . and then," he beamed, "they brought me out onto the stage!"
The General-Priest watched as Zelas chuckled and Filia ate her dessert while blushing. "I told Opal about how difficult our relationship was," he said, sounding saddened, "and basically insinuated that we were dating!" Oh, Lady Nightmare, she'll surely kill me now, he told himself, holding the back of his neck and chuckling dryly. "And of course, Opal tried to steer the conversation towards sex, and I obliged her."
Zelas guffawed into her wine, jostling a splash upon her dessert. "That's hilarious! So, Filia, did you argue the validity of his claim?"
The dragoness looked down at her dessert, cheeks scarlet. "How could I, on live television? It would have just made me look crazy."
"Yes," Xellos intoned, a huge grin on his face, "I'm afraid poor Filia had to discuss the two of us as if we really were lovers. It was quite humiliating." I wonder if she'll ever speak to me again, he mused sadly.
"So," his mistress asked, leaning her elbow on the table and cradling her head in her hand, "what did the host ask you about?"
"Well, eh-heh-heh," Xellos smiled and took another bite of his confection before answering. This is going to be a long night . . .
