"Yes, ma'am." Degas returned the grin, then escorted the artist out of
the common-room.
As soon as they were gone, Keith got his first experience of Family
informality; within minutes, he was the only one in the room with
clothes on, and he seemed to sense his thakur's desire that he also be
nude. That wasn't what she said when she smiled at him, though. "If
you'd rather not join us, Keith, we'll all understand; you're free to
do what you wish. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"I'm not, Thakur." To his gratified surprise, that was true; his only
discomfort was being dressed when she wasn't, and that was easy enough
to correct. When he did so, he could feel her approval--and her
arousal, as she looked at his genitals. "Thakur . . ."
Cortin smiled at him. "Take it easy, Keith. You're a beautiful man,
and I'd like to have sex with you--but I don't want to get you in just
because you feel obligated from having sworn to me. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly, Thakur." Keith smiled. She seemed to be projecting the
idea that sex in any consenting form was good, but she also didn't want
him doing anything he considered wrong. That was simple, since by
definition nothing she wanted of him could be wrong for him, and her
words confirmed what he seemed to be feeling from her. "Now?"
"We have a family religious ceremony first. I know you're not a
Catholic, and this is an extension of the Catholicism practiced
elsewhere, so if you'd rather not attend, I don't want you to. The
choice is entirely yours."
"I appreciate that, Thakur. I don't think I'd be comfortable
participating, at least not yet; may I simply watch?"
"Of course. If it makes you uncomfortable, and you want to leave, go
ahead."
"I will, Thakur, but I don't expect to."
Cortin smiled. "Somehow I don't expect you to, either. Right now I'm
the object of that ceremony, as acting Protector, but I've been
promised the true one will appear soon, so don't be upset when someone
else takes over. I sure won't be; I'm looking forward to it." She
grimaced. "I don't mind being the Herald, but I have to admit I don't
like being Protector. It's more of a burden that I feel capable of
carrying, even as long as I have."
Keith knelt, looking up at her. "If it is a burden I may free you of,
Thakur, I would do so gladly."
Cortin studied him for a moment. If she'd known this might happen, she
wouldn't have accepted his fealty--while she wasn't fond of being
Protector, she wasn't fond of passing the burden along to anyone else,
either.
Keith was fully aware of her thought this time, and he smiled up at
her. Freeing his chosen lady of an unwanted burden would be a joy, not
an imposition! "You wouldn't be, Thakur--as Ranger Medart said, in
accepting my oath you made me your other self. Let this part take over
and rejoice in what that one finds intolerable."
"Oh, dear God." Cortin felt a sudden surge of power, her hands going
to his head on what felt like their own accord. "You better mean that,
because it's happening."
"I mean it with all my heart, Thakur."
Odeon watched as the two began to glow, and went slowly to his knees.
So Keith was the permanent Protector! That would be a relief for
Joanie, but the Sandeman's apotheosis meant the confrontation--what
Shayan called the decision point--was imminent, and that frightened
him. It meant the war or massacre she had to make some decision about
was also imminent, and with Shayan afraid enough of that to promote
devotions to his Adversary and His saints . . .
He was never sure how long the apotheosis took, but when it ended,
there was no doubt of either Joanie's relief or Keith's new power.
What was going to happen now?
Keith rose, turning and smiling at him. "You please me, Michael, but
there is much you must learn yet. It might be wise for you to visit
Ranger Medart, this evening; I will conduct my own service."
"As you wish, Lord." Odeon rose and bowed, then left the common-room,
grabbing a robe on the way out.