Page 46 of Rubbing One Out

Chapter 17

Dae awoke to the sound of tinkling bells, the scent of warm spices and sandalwood, and warmed air against his cheeks. He blinked sleepily then smiled, turning to snuggle up to Ben in the bed.

“Babe, have we overslept and we’re in summer already? I think that’s a good idea, hibernating through the cold winter—”

His eyes flicked wider open when he found nothing but space. He was alone on a bed of reeds covered with soft, fragrant moss. Covering him was a soft blanket made of fine wool. Apprehension tickled him with feather-light caresses and he sat up, now wide awake.

He knew this place. Knew it well. It had been the place he’d been sent to in despair when he’d learned he was about to be exiled from the Kingdom, sent to Calado’r away from everything he knew and loved.

The Lady Mage had comforted him back then and told him she was sorry she hadn’t been able to help more. He’d cried until he was exhausted and she’d settled him on the reed mat with a promise to make his transition into the lamp as comfortable as she could. She’d been true to her promise even though his heart had been broken.

“Good, you’re awake.” The soft lilting tones of Lady Mage Elicia spun through his brain like strands of silk. “Welcome back, Daeliel Jadu Alario. My home is your home. May you find comfort and solace here.”

She sat on a stool by the open window, through which sunlight streamed. Her dress of pale white lace and silver swirled around her as if a gentle breeze caressed her like a lover. Her pale blue eyes regarded him in sympathy, no doubt understanding his writhing thoughts. During their last conversation, she’d seemed to understand his feelings for Ben and the world he’d found himself in.

Dae sat up wildly, clutching the blanket to him like a life jacket. “My Lady. Thank you for your blessing.” Manners were bred into young Quimarians, and even while Dae wanted to scream in anguish, his parents’ teaching came to the fore.

Comfort and solace, however, wasn’t what he wanted right now. Now he wanted answers. He wanted to be back with Ben, who was no doubt going into a full panic.

He cleared his throat and inclined his head graciously. “May I ask what my…erm…situation is?”

Please let Ben’s wishes have worked. Sweet silver sands and by the beard of Beza, please let mebe able togo home.

The Lady Mage’s eyes gleamed both with amusement and compassion. “My child, did you think your Ben’s wishes would be an easy task to grant? There is much to be discussed before they are fulfilled. Such wishes have never been made before and the Lord and Lady are in quite the turmoil about it.”

Dae threw the blanket aside and stood up angrily. “I know one thing about the Accords, even though I may not have read it all, and that is all wishes must be granted. That is absolute. Would you renege on a sacred deal and the wishes of the Elders and Nemesia herself?” He stamped his foot and glared at her.

The Lady Mage laughed softly. “You are unique, Daliel. You fear no one and have no filter in that pretty mouth of yours. I am indeed heartened to see the passion you have for your life on earth.” Her mouth thinned. “However, do I need to remind you that I am not to be challenged on the Accords or the will of Nemesia herself?”

Dae swallowed. He had rather had a meltdown and challenged someone who could turn him into an earthworm if she so fancied. Perhaps he should apologise. He opened his mouth to, and she held up a slender hand at him imperiously, indicating he should stay quiet.

“I am her mouthpiece here in Quimaria and respect is something I have earned. Don’t you think so?” Her blue eyes sparkled with what Dae thought was anger. His heart sunk. He’d pissed off a powerful sorcerer and his only hope of getting back to Ben. Bane of Beza’s Blight, why couldn’t he have held his damned tongue?

He noticed the Lady’s shoulders shaking. Ye Gods, had he made her that irritated she was about to summon up a tornado to cast him out into the Mire of Marlgamau, where people wore rags and lived in mud huts? The only mud Dae wanted to see was in his face mask.

“My Lady, my effusive apologies, I—”

She raised her head and Dae was dumbstruck—he was proud to admit that happened never—by the sight of her face creased in wrinkled laughter, tears streaming down her face.

“My boy, you are the most precious person ever. Did you think I was upset by your challenge? Your face, oh by Beza’s Beard, it was a sight to see.”

Dae’s heartbeat slowed, but he couldn’t deny feeling rather peevish. Honestly, this was all nothing but a joke?

“My Lady,” he bit out darkly. “I am so glad I amused you. I was ready to prostrate myself on the floor to gain back your good graces. I’m so pleased now that isn’t a thing because as clean as the floor is, I’m not convinced my beautiful form on your floor would do any favours to my clothing.” He sniffed regally.

His snootiness made the Lady Mage laugh even more. He waited, beginning to see the humour in the situation, and his lips curled up unwillingly.

“Oh Daliel,” she finally gasped. “Never change. You are a treasure to us all. Does the man you desire find you to be as adorable?”

Dae preened. “Well, yes, he does.” He took a deep breath. “It’s why I’m anxious to get back to him as soon as possible.”

Her face grew serious. “That is what I wish for you too. But these things must be carefully handled.” She turned and poured them both a glass of lemon-scented water from a jug on the side table. She handed him his drink and regarded him shrewdly. “You are quite correct saying that the wishes must be granted. But as you know, there are trickeries around the wording of wishes. Think back. Did your beloved ever ask for you to be permanently bonded to him in the other world, or was there perhaps a loophole to be exploited by those who would wish to do so?”

Dae realised with a sinking heart that perhaps there had been a loophole despite all their careful planning. Ben hadn’t ever said that he wanted the transition to be permanent that he could recall. It had simply been a heartfelt plea for Dae to become human and remain with him. Length hadn’t been mentioned.

“I…I’m not sure. I don’t believe the word permanent was used, no.”

She nodded wisely. “Then leave it with me. I will need to visit the Lord and Lady and put the case to them to grant the wish in the spirit in which it was meant. As for the second wish,” she hesitated, “that will be more difficult. I am guessing you know that?”