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“It is not fine if you start a fever.”
“Sure it is, Claudette. We have Folia. She’ll heal me.”
Lolta dips a towel into cold water and dabs my cheek. The cool fabric soothes me, and I bite back a moan.
“Milady, magic doesn’t work on heat.”
I nudge her hand. “The cold towel does.”
She locks eyes with my sister.
I roll mine. “Just tell me what kind of scheme you two have come up with.”
“Seven of your suitors will be at the dinner tonight,” Claudette says.
Annoyed, I huff. “Who invited them?”
“You did when you opened the season a cycle ago.”
“I’ve avoided most of their courting meals. Haven’t they found someone else by now?”
“One cannot court the queen and another female at the same time. These males committed their entire season to you. They’re honorable and powerful. It’s time you pick one.”
“Actually,” Lolta says, playfully tapping her lip. “Why should she pick just one?”
Claudette shakes her head and starts fastening my corset. “Don’t put inappropriate fantasies into her head.”
“Do,” I say, nodding earnestly. “Do put fantasies into my head. Ouch!”
Claudette releases my corset. “Sorry.”
I doubt she’s sorry.
Lolta continues. “After Queen Enselpe took the throne, she took no less than four lovers during her heats. She never remarried and lived her life in an excess of pleasure and good cocks.”
“Lolta,” Claudette warns.
Lolta winks. “The history of the court is interesting. I sneak read Enselpe’s journals from the library.” She picks up the fan and spreads it out, playfully hiding behind it. “She was a great writer. Very descriptive when they all got into the bedroom. Or gardens. Even the stables once.”
“That’s enough,” Claudette says, clearly disapproving of Lolta’s reading choices.
“Hmmmmm.” I pretend like I’m considering it. “Seven lovers. I wonder how that would play out?”
Claudette puts her hands on her hips. “Enough.”
“A queen does what she wants,” Lolta whispers.
Claudette yanks Lolta’s braid. “Out with you.”
Lolta giggles and leaves the room, and Claudette closes the door behind her.
The door reopens, and Lolta pokes her head inside. “Why choose!” She slams the door before my sister throws something at her.
I start laughing, then hitch a breath as the corset pinches me, not allowing my lungs to expand. “The corset is too tight, Claudette.”
“That’ll teach you manners.”
“Oh, come on, we were just joking.”
