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He couldn’t blame her for the poor impression his mother left. “He admired her strength of will and how she rode a horse. He always said she won him over with her vice-like thighs.” Only as he said it did it occur to him for the first time how his father meant it.
His horror must have shown because Fionna smirked. “You look like a man who just realized his parents had sex.”
“Of course they did, or I wouldn’t be here,” he stated, feeling an odd heat in his cheeks.
“Ah, but it’s different to imagine them doing their duty versus…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Didn’t need to.
“Is that how you see sex, as duty?” He tried to flip his embarrassment around.
“I don’t see it at all. I’ve chosen to remain celibate.”
With that pert reply, she left with Airiok’s journal tucked to her chest.
Left him with the knowledge she abstained from the most carnal of pleasures. Why? Had she simply not had the right partner to teach her what she was missing out on?
For some reason, the thought made him even harder.
He exited the hidden room, and a tug of the book closed it. Fionna hadn’t gone far, waylaid in the hall outside by his mother.
He emerged to grumble, “I thought you left.”
“And leave you alone to entertain the envoy from Acca?” his mother stated much too sweetly. “I actually spoke to the cook about preparing a traditional meal for her to enjoy. Invited some of the local nobility to join as well.”
Nobility. A lofty name for ranchers and farmers who’d done well for themselves. “This better not be some new attempt to marry me off to Horace’s daughter. I’ve already told you I’m not interested.”
“But she’s a lovely girl with excellent hips,” his mother protested.
“With absolutely nothing intelligent to say.”
“Who says you need to talk to her?” his mother guilelessly stated.
Fionna coughed.
“Don’t tell me you’re getting ill. Must be all that fresh air. Such a change from the smelly swamp.” His mother sounded nice saying it, but the insult remained.
“Actually, Acca is almost bog-free. Turned out there was a blockage that wasn’t allowing the water to drain. Now that it’s been removed, the ground is drying up, and we’re looking at planting our own crops in the spring.”
“Oh.” The reply stumped his mother, but only for a moment. “How different it must be to have to see and deal with men. I hear Mystic Keep only allows women.”
“The keep is primarily female, but the towns and hamlets are a mixture. You should visit. We could give you a tour.”
His mother recoiled. “Visit the witches? Never.”
“But I thought magic didn’t exist,” Fionna said looking quite innocent if you ignored the spark of mischief in her eyes.
Mother’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a sly one.”
“Why thank you. That’s the nicest thing you’ve said thus far. Now about this dinner. When do you think it will be ready? I’m famished.”
“I’ll go check on it.” Mother stomped off, muttering, and Kormac couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Now you’ve done it,” he warned.
“I don’t think your mother likes me,” she impishly replied.
“Fear not, you have company as she doesn’t like many people.”
“I should put this in my room before the repast.” She waved the book.
