Franziska Woodworth

Confusion of destinies

I watched my happy sister dance the wedding waltz with her husband, and emptiness crept into my heart. Today is the last day we are together. She will begin her own life, where I will no longer occupy the first place. Before, I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Her presence seemed eternal and unshakable. Raya replaced my mother and father, and was always there, ready to listen, help, support.

“Don’t be selfish!” I told myself. “She deserves happiness like no one else.”

How changeable everything is. After a strange accident, Raya was replaced. Her amnesia deprived me of my sister and my normal life. Now I took care of her and helped her adapt to the world around her. I had to become the wall she could lean on. The clashes with doctors alone are worth it. These farriers almost sent her to a madhouse, convincing me that it was for her own good.

I winced at the unpleasant memories. It was very scary to lose my sister, because she is the only relative after my mother. And I had to become strong. Help Raya and take over all matters. But no matter how much I convinced myself that everything was fine now, a nasty inner voice told me the opposite. There is no former Paradise. There is a new girl who speaks, moves, laughs differently. Take her table manners, or even now... She dances the waltz, as if she had been dancing all her life. Posture, confident, polished movements. Where does all this come from?

After amnesia, I spent hours telling her about us, showing her photographs, remembering my childhood. Will she never remember this?

Shall we dance? Reluctantly, I extended my hand to him and allowed myself to be drawn towards the dancers. Here is another confirmation that Raya has changed. If she were the same, she would never have invited her father to her wedding. Her decision was a shock to me. No matter how I tried to dissuade her that there was no point, she stubbornly insisted that he was the father and this was not discussed. For some reason, at these words, her eyes became very sad.

It means a lot to me that you contacted me and invited me.

“It was Raya’s decision,” I answered in an indifferent tone. For me, this handsome, well-groomed man was in no way associated with my father. He abandoned us and was not involved in our lives for many years.

You are very similar to me.

I looked at his features with a distant look. Indeed, I have the same strangely colored eyes. The pupil is light brown, and then the color is closer to marsh. I wonder if they also turn green when he’s angry? The pattern of the lips is similar, my nose is still more elegant, and his hair is dark brown, while mine is a chocolate shade, with a slight reddish tint, which is noticeable in the sun.

It's a pity that I only found out many years later. I said it and immediately got angry with myself. Why this conversation? We will not become close people, and I have no complaints against him.

Are you still angry? he looked at me carefully.

No, I answered sincerely.

Then would you mind showing the city to the son of my business partner?

I almost tripped in surprise at this proposal. Why else is this?! Wants to set me up? Well, yes, in his second marriage he has a son who disappointed his father and decided to become an artist instead of studying business. A creative guy, although I don’t know him, I respect him for one decision. So he remembered his daughters now? One has already been ringed and there is hope for me? Thoughts raced through my head.

I don't think this is a good idea. Raya flies away, Artyom and the work are left to me. Why shouldn't he use the services of a guide?

I heard that Artyom is staying with his grandmother, and you will only help her. I think he won’t refuse to go to the zoo or the park. Do me this favor.

“We’ll see,” I answered vaguely, not wanting to agree and internally glad that the dance was over and I could step away.

I'll give him your phone number.

His persistence was annoying. I had to squeeze my teeth tighter to avoid saying something nasty. The only thing that calmed me down was the thought that even if he called, you could always politely refer to being busy and refuse. So I nodded and hurried away before he came up with something else.

Tasya, who is the witness? Zinaida Ivanovna, our distant relative, approached me sideways. Without taking her envious eyes off the girl’s figure, she hurried to satisfy her curiosity.

Vesta, friend,” I answered briefly.

Another oddity for Rai's collection. She appeared immediately after amnesia, and began to visit us often. I didn’t know her, which was strange, but based on the little things she told me about her sister’s life, she convinced me that they had been friends for a long time. We met while crossing paths at work. When asked why Raya didn’t mention her before, she just shrugged. Somehow, unnoticed, she entered our circle of friends, but she was more of a friend of her sister. In the first time after amnesia, she was very supportive of me. She often called precisely at those moments when it was difficult and offered help. It was she who advised me to go to the clinic where Anton worked. You could say it was thanks to her that they met.

“She has a boyfriend,” I nodded at the handsome, broad-shouldered guy.

The guy is not a husband,” she shrugged it off, but everyone wants to get married. Such a viper will fit into the family

Why are you alone today? No groom? she asked unexpectedly.

We broke up. Smiling, I slipped away from her, avoiding unnecessary questions. I didn’t want to remember Vadim. We dated for about six months, but then an accident happened to my sister, and too often I found myself busy. I wasn’t even surprised when I accidentally saw him in the city with another girl. After that, he called several times, offering to meet, but I referred to being busy and the relationship quietly faded away.

I looked at the eyes with which Anton looked at Raya and my soul warmed. Still, she was lucky to have him. And the point is not that today is a wedding. From the first meeting, when his gaze settled on her, it was as if a small sun had lit up in his eyes. Or rather, she became the sun for him. His features soften, and a smile appears on his lips as soon as she is nearby.

“I want that too!” - a treacherous thought slipped through. I dreamed of love. Or rather about LOVE. The same one when, for your sake, through fire and water. When a man protects and protects you, when in his arms you feel protected and just a weak woman. Ugh! Clearly the absence of a father in life takes its toll.

Song of the golden-haired siren. The mystery of water

I couldn’t even imagine that studying at the Academy would be so difficult.

It turns out that passing exams as an external student is not enough: I still need to take part in the Battle Magician Games. Do I need to tell you that the best of the best meet there?

Every free minute I have to train and... try to avoid enemy traps and numerous assassination attempts.

It would be nice to save the prince and expose the insidious plans of the priest Moros.

Song of the golden-haired siren. Earth Power

I always thought that I knew everything about my own past and my family...
But my whole calm and serene life collapsed overnight: I was betrayed by the closest, dearest person.

Now I am forced to go into hiding to avoid a fate worse than death itself. And then, in me, a simple orphan girl, magic awoke: strong, powerful, unusual...

You need to deal with your past in order to build a happy future.

And may fate continue to throw me difficult trials!

Song of the golden-haired siren. Breath of wind

I didn’t think that my fate had prepared for me to meet the prince and study at the best academy in the empire.

But I’m forced to pretend to be a guy, hide from werewolves and learn to control magic, which becomes stronger than myself...

But I can handle it! I can handle everything! I will never be the toy of dark magicians!

Fifty Shades of Magic

The scent of innocence. Breath of Life

In an imposed marriage, you must submit to circumstances. Accepting life according to new rules is difficult, but possible.

Mila will have to face all her fears, feel betrayal and trust, love and hatred with her skin again... The masks are dropped and everything turned out to be different from what it was in the beginning.

There remains hope that the heart will make the right choice on the path to happiness.

The scent of innocence. Gift

To everyone around her, she is an ordinary student, the daughter of wealthy parents, living for her own pleasure. And she…

She hides her past and decorates dishes for alien aesthetes in order to earn money and finally go in search of a friend.

The girl - always careful, always prudent - suddenly becomes a gift of life for the high-born Deigass. And now fate forces you to reconsider all your principles and beliefs. The confrontation begins and its outcome is not predetermined.

How to Tame a Centaur, or My Dream Diary

Cleaning the house turned out to be an incredible adventure for Raya. She fell, accidentally hit her head and... woke up in another world. Moreover, not in the own body of a thirty-year-old woman, but in the body of a young girl, who is also the wife of a centaur.

But the husband turned out to be incredibly handsome, and he liked his wife’s renewed character. Raya, without thinking for a long time, dispersed the entire harem and introduced the handsome man to the character of a simple Russian woman, breaking a couple of vases on his head. Now you can live and be happy.

But daddy's intrigue is in full swing, and the Irlings have their own plans. But where did ours not disappear? The modern woman can handle anything!

Bride of the Lord of the Irlings. My Dream Diary

After winning the war, you just want to live and love, enjoying quiet family happiness. But... How could I live without this notorious “but” in my story?

I am drawn into a whirlpool of intrigue, walking on the edge of a knife and dreaming of one thing: to preserve the love of my husband.

I hope I have enough strength...

Love and Magic

Attention! The Magician Husband, or Where Dreams May Come

Everyone dreams of using the abilities of Victoria’s Nayarits: kings, magicians, and even ordinary people. Incredible passion!

To keep the woman whom you deceived as yours, you need to make every effort and call on magic to help.

But after Victoria’s betrayal and intrigue, it’s hard to believe in love. She is, first of all, a mother and is ready to fight only for the right to be with her son.

The snow leopard starts the game...

Carefully! The husband is a magician, or Love without rules

Beloved husband and son remained in another world...

The accident instantly ruined her happiness and now Victoria is in the position of a slave - powerless, speechless, in a completely alien world.

You need to find your family and at the same time not make the slightest mistake, because here you are only a valuable prize and any miscalculation of yours could cost your life...

Extraterrestrial Love (AST)

Pair dance

Even dancing at a charity event can lead to marriage...

But how could Elya know about this? Of course not!

But now her photo is flashing on all TV channels, printed in all newspapers, because the prince is looking for his Cinderella! We need to explain to this handsome alien that her hearts belonged to someone else a long time ago and he was too hasty with his feelings...

A girl with no room for error. Humorous fantasy stars

The only one for the werewolf and mother-in-law in the load

Even the lord of werewolves can have surprises... But the only thing he wanted was to find his true love!

And now he has almost a child as his bride, who is looked after by a mother with a very quarrelsome and unpleasant character. It seems like I didn’t have time to get married, but my mother-in-law is driving me to white heat and mercilessly exhausting all my nerves...

I should have listened to the witch's advice after all!

Did Raya, when starting to clean the house, think that she would hit her head and wake up in another world? And there she, a free thirty-year-old woman, will find herself in the body of a seventeen-year-old girl, who is also married to a centaur. True, the husband turned out to be handsome, he was only happy with the changes in his wife, and he liked his wife’s new character. Raya was not at a loss, dispersed a harem of three hundred concubines, introduced her husband to the character of a Russian woman, breaking several vases on his head in order to better understand, live and be happy... But daddy is weaving intrigues, and even the Irish have started their own game. It’s okay, modern women are still not able to cope with this, if only a cute one were nearby! Reasoning in this way, Raya throws herself into a whirlpool of intrigue...

A series: Fifty Shades of Magic

* * *

by liters company.

You should have seen the faces of Sherry’s people when we swam out together for dinner and I held my husband’s arm. Even the conversations died down for a moment. This is what a spectacular appearance means!

The table was long, and, as I understood, before that we had eaten at different ends. And now Sherry wanted to take me to my previous place, but I stopped him.

“Aren’t we sitting together?” – I was surprised, and he hesitated.

– You preferred the chair at the opposite end.

“Sherry, I don’t remember anything, and you’re the only one I know.” Let's make an exception and sit next to each other?

Everyone pricked up their ears, wanting to know how our conversation would end. When I called my husband “Sherry,” the faces of those around me fell.

He liked the idea. I wouldn’t have liked it when I looked with a touching, trusting gaze, stroking the bend of his elbow with my fingers. We took a place at the table.

I liked his presence. What a spectacular man, a real ruler! This was manifested in his imperious gaze, the aura of power surrounding him, and his confident movements. I even know what I want for dessert... or rather, who. Whipped cream would go great with this. So white and airy on tanned skin. I even licked my fork dreamily, not taking my eyes off him.

– Riya, what are you thinking about? – his question sounded slightly hoarse.

- About dessert...

– What would you like for dessert? – he didn’t take his eyes off me.

I almost said, “You,” but bit my tongue just in time.

– Airy whipped cream that just melts when you taste it. – I wonder if the pictures flashing through my imagination were reflected in my eyes? Judging by the whiteness of his fingers gripping the cutlery, he definitely caught something.

I felt sorry for him and lowered my eyelashes. We aroused keen interest, and everyone stared at us. At the opposite end of the table, my duenna was choking on her poison. This is probably how snakes dine.

“Sherry,” I touched his hand, drawing his attention. Maybe it was an unnecessary gesture, but it felt nice to touch my centaur. He bowed his head towards me. -Will you introduce me to your people? I don’t remember anyone, and I wouldn’t want to be impolite and ignore people I know.

Something strange flashed in his gaze, and it caused my alarm.

“I’ll introduce you,” he promised, but that didn’t reassure me.

“Show me who is who and with whom I preferred to communicate,” I insisted, without removing my hands.

– You see... you preferred to communicate only with your chaperone.

Wow!

- Four months?! “I looked at him in shock. He even covered my hand with his, calming me down. At least one plus is that, unnoticed by himself, he began to touch me.

- Although, if you yourself ignore me for four months, then how else should the courtiers treat me? – I said sadly and tried to pull my hand away. But that was not the case. He squeezed it and started kissing my fingers in front of everyone. I looked at him in fascination.

“I promise I won’t make that mistake again,” he promised.

After lunch he really introduced me to everyone. Then we got rid of the duenna's company and went for a walk. I asked how we met, how I lived here all this time, what the relationship was between us. You never know, maybe we spend some special evenings with him, and I forgot about it.

Unfortunately, there was nothing to tell: for all four months I didn’t even raise my eyes to him, I was afraid to talk and communicated only with the duenna.

- Why do I need a duenna? Why did you agree to her presence? – I was perplexed.

– Your father insisted on this, saying that you are very attached to her, and I thought that it would be okay if a familiar person was next to you.

“With such a friend, you don’t need strangers,” I muttered quietly, but he heard and smiled.

– Is it possible to send her home now? – I asked hopefully. “After all, I don’t remember her at all, and the need for her presence has disappeared.

– What if your memory returns?

I didn't have an answer to this. How can I know how long this dream will last? I was worried about something else - the information that this Donna shared with me. But just how to present it?

It's impossible to say directly. He will go to war against my supposed father, and it’s good if he doesn’t divorce me. The man is hot, you never know...

Even if he doesn’t get divorced? Sit and wait for him to return?! I was somehow hoping to have a more pleasant time, let’s say.

– Sherry, I still can’t understand why wait for my birthday? It would be nice if I was fourteen years old, then this act would still be understandable. Why did you agree? Are you planning to invalidate our marriage? - Well, the best defense is attack. Now he himself will wonder if my dad is planning something like this.

And so it happened. He even stopped and fixed his indignant gaze on me.

– Remember, I will never dissolve our marriage! – he declared furiously and with pressure.

- Do you promise? “I looked with hope, demanding that he dispel my fears.

- I promise! - he swore.

That's good. Now you can relax and think about how to avoid your father's traps.

“By the way, it’s your father who’s raising an army,” he noted.

“Whoaaah! Think about this fact!” – I mentally appealed.

– I don’t remember my father. Tell me, can he declare our marriage invalid? Did you verbally agree that you shouldn’t touch me or did you sign an agreement? – I asked with concern.

- Orally! – he muttered thoughtfully. “And I will keep my word, but if he breaks his, then even your relationship will not stop me!” – he added threateningly.

“You know,” I took him by the arm, stroking him soothingly, “I heard somewhere an interesting saying: “If you want peace, prepare for war!” If your father is gathering an army, maybe you too will gather one and organize some exercises? So, for demonstration purposes?

Sherridan was more and more surprised. Can a person change so dramatically? This new Aueria did not leave his thoughts for a moment.

At least take lunch. Previously, she was happy to stay away from him, and he had nothing against it. Today she was amazed by this fact, and he was pleased to sit next to her. Yes, she has lost her memory, but her reasoning is sound.

“Sherry, I don't remember anything, and you're the only one I know. Let's make an exception and sit next to each other? - Could he refuse her?

It was just the look she gave him while talking about dessert that completely took away his appetite. No, appetites have awakened, but of a different order.

Then she showed interest in his people and wanted to get to know everyone again. And how could she explain that all this time she had been shying away from everyone and, except for her duenna, had not exchanged a word with anyone. Previously, this angered him, but then he was glad that his wife practically did not remind him of her existence.

She is smart, she understood everything right away. The hint that people ignore her because their master behaves the same way made pangs of conscience stir in her soul. There was a grain of truth in this. Well, now everything will change and he has clearly expressed his interest in his wife in front of everyone.

The walk brought even more surprises. Aueria asked precise questions and quickly learned that before her injury they had virtually no contact. Yes, somehow he had no desire to talk to the trembling creature, unable to connect even two words. The new Aueria turned out to be capable of not only this. She was not afraid to anger him and asked why he agreed to abstinence and whether he planned to dissolve the marriage!

He was outraged that she suspected him of such dishonor. How could she even think?! But his anger was quickly cooled by the fact that she was clearly relieved when he assured her otherwise.

She clearly did not remember her father, and the threats against Egnus did not bother her much. The saying “If you want peace, prepare for war!” he was captivated, as was the advice to conduct exercises.

“Well, for demonstration purposes...” He grinned, remembering these words. And you’re right! He will conduct such exercises on the border of the lands with Egnus that he will think twice about whether to get involved.

He couldn’t resist asking whose side she was on. Riya’s answer stuck in his heart: “I don’t remember anything, and you are my husband. At the moment, for me, you are the only close and dear person.”

Sherridan would give a lot to keep it that way. This new girl Riya intrigued him more and more and liked him much more than the old one.

“What will happen if her memory returns?” – a question arose that made something clench in my chest.

He was so frightened today by her chaperone when she came running screaming that the girl wanted to commit suicide.

He believed this, because from the old Aueria, had she come to her senses, this could have been expected. Luckily, his baby was just being naughty. He imagined her naked and completely lost his peace.

Sherridan himself did not notice how for the first time in all time he warmly called Aueria his own, experiencing a pleasant feeling of ownership.

Sherry had some errands planned, and after the walk I returned to my place. I did this in vain, since a poisonous infection was waiting for me there, in the person of my duenna. Somehow I didn’t like her at first sight.

- Aueria! – she began to scold me as soon as she saw me. -Are you completely crazy? What do you allow yourself to do, how do you behave?

- Donna, you are forgetting yourself! – I gave her an icy look. “I don’t know what kind of relationship existed between us before, but I want to remind you that I am a princess and your mistress.” Your familiarity is unacceptable! Stop poking me! I demand respect and behavior appropriate to my status. If I want to know your opinion on any issue, I will ask you. Now leave me and don’t enter my room without knocking in the future!

She froze, lost in mid-sentence, and just blinked her eyes. With the words: “I will inform your father about everything!” – the scoundrel flew out the door.

“I wonder how often she writes to him?” – I thought.

Deciding not to waste time, I called the maid and asked to introduce me to the manager.

He turned out to be a man of about fifty who politely greeted me, but looked wary.

“I’m sorry, but after the fall I don’t remember your name,” I apologized.

“We didn’t know each other before,” he answered.

- Why? – I jumped up. - Who runs the house?

“Before the Lord’s wedding, his mother was in charge of everything, but she left, and now everything is on me.

Somehow the news made my head swell. It’s strange, what did Aueria do all day long?! Although, what am I talking about? This is a dream! But I was bored sitting in the room, and I decided to delve into the life of the palace.

Smiling charmingly at the manager, I asked him to introduce me to the house and tell me how things were going.

The manager's name was Samuelson. I had to ask with a smile whether he would be offended if I shortened his name and called him Sam. In return, I asked them to leave the title “Madam” and just call me Riya.

Flattered, he took me to introduce me to the palace. As we walked, he introduced me to the people who live and work here. Sam made a good impression on me. He was calm, explained everything in detail and intelligently.

– Why did Sherridan’s mother leave the palace after our wedding? – I became curious.

- This is the custom. After the wedding, the wife takes the reins of government.

- Why didn’t I take them? - It’s all strange. But I liked the custom. There was no struggle for power: the new mistress came, and the old one immediately disappeared.

“You weren’t interested,” he sighed. “I came to you, but your duenna turned me away, she never allowed us to meet.”

“It seems like she, like Cerberus, drove everyone away from me,” I chuckled.

Then we retired to his office, where I looked through the accounting books. I was amazed by the amount of purchases and expenses. How many people live here?!

– Why do we buy so much fabric? – I asked. “Here you can dress hundreds of people.”

“So...” he hesitated, “there are more than one hundred.”

- Women...

– Do we constantly change our workers’ uniforms?! - I did not understand.

- This is for concubines.

- Whose? – it hasn’t dawned on me yet.

- Gentlemen.

Wow! I was so taken aback. What kind of confusion and vacillation is this in our kingdom?

- How many are there? – I asked in a deceptively calm tone.

“About three hundred,” he answered carefully, watching my reaction.

And the reaction I had was healthy, though inside, but it boiled so much that steam almost came out of my ears. What a stallion! Of course, why not avoid your spouse for six months when he has so many women.

– They, I suspect, are in that wing that we did not inspect today?

Sam nodded.

Soooo! For some reason I was no longer interested in sitting behind books.

“Sam, take me to my husband,” I asked.

- The gentleman has a Council now! – he hesitated, looking at me with sympathy. “Madam, you don’t need to talk to him now.” Listen to a person who has seen a lot - cool down.

“Sam,” I smiled, “if I cool down, it won’t be so exciting.” Lead!

Sighing, he didn’t argue, and we left.

Two guards stood at the door in front of the meeting room. When they saw us, they crossed their spears, blocking the entrance.

- The gentleman is busy and asked not to disturb.

They don’t want to let ME in?! Well, hold on!

“It looks like I’m not the only one who has memory problems.” Have you forgotten who I am?!

The guys were embarrassed, but did not flinch.

I approached one and muttered threateningly:

- Boy, I am your mistress! Put your toothpick away or I'll shove it up your ass! This applies to you too! – I threw it to the other. Unable to withstand the dissonance between my fragile appearance and the meaning of the words, the guards became embarrassed and removed the spears.

In a rage, I pushed the doors and they swung open with a loud bang, revealing me as Nemesis.

In the hall, stern men sat at a large oval table. Cards were laid out in front of them, and my husband spoke. At my spectacular intrusion, he stood up, and the heads of those present turned in my direction.

– THREE HUNDRED concubines?! – I asked furiously.

- Riya, I'm busy!

- Not surprising! With so many lovers, how can you still walk? – I asked venomously.

He towered, overwhelming in height and size. With my fragility, I was like a pug in front of an elephant. In such a situation, shouting is tactically disadvantageous. No problem, we'll fix it! Walking up to the table, I motioned for one of the men to stand up.

- Give me your hand! – without taking my eyes off my husband, I ordered. He obediently extended his limb, and I gracefully climbed first onto the chair, and then onto the tabletop. Knocking my heels, I walked towards my husband and looked down at him with pleasure.

– You are not a stallion, but a lustful male! – I said.

There were chuckles.

- Everybody's Free! – he barked. The sound of doors closing soon announced that we were left alone. We spent all this time glaring at each other.

– It’s not surprising that you agreed to six months of abstinence. Why do you need a wife when there is a harem!

– Riya, these are our traditions.

- Yeah, who cover up your promiscuity so well!

– What can you know about a man’s needs?

“Because of your concubines, I won’t find out about them soon!” When else will you have time for your wife? Should I join the queue? – I hissed in rage. – I wonder if I’m entitled to a harem?

– Riya!!! – he soared.

- Why should I sleep in a cold bed when my husband is having fun with courtesans?

- This is the custom of our people.

- Sherry, you are my husband. And if you want to be the only man in my life, then I will be the only one for you! – I said, looking into his eyes.

– What do you mean by the only one?

“And that means: either you are my man, and I don’t share mine, or I will have as many lovers as you have concubines!”

– Do you want me to lock you within four walls?

– Would you like some ice in bed?

“I have a harem,” he reminded mockingly.

– Then know what you are losing! – I got furious and, taking his face with both hands, captured a passionate kiss. I didn't care if he answered or not. I claimed my husband. I have the appearance of a girl, but I am a thirty-year-old woman, and I know how to kiss.

He couldn’t resist, and our tongues intertwined in a hot fight. He moaned, and my legs were weak with desire. I have never wanted anyone in my life as much as I wanted this man. It made my head spin! The kiss became endless, and I pulled away with difficulty while I still had the strength, biting my lower lip a little at the last. Sherridan growled and wanted to pull me back, but I quickly jumped away. We were both breathing heavily and my knees were shaking.

– Decide with the harem! – I said and, clicking my heels, walked to the other end of the table and jumped onto the floor. Without looking back, she left.

There was a crowd of people in front of the doors, in no hurry to leave.

“Ay-ay-ay,” I shook my head. “Didn’t they tell you that eavesdropping is bad?”

They looked at me with all their eyes and cautiously glanced at the open doors.

“Yes, he’s alive,” I chuckled. - Yes, she beat me up a little! – And she winked at those gathered. If before this phrase they held on, then after that they simply fell into a precipitate.

I glanced at Sam, who had not left yet either.

- Oh, Sam! It’s good that you waited for me,” I was happy, approaching him and ignoring those gathered. “Come on, I’m in the mood to do some more work.”

I took his arm, and we sedately walked away.

- Madam, I have no words! – he said, chuckling. “After you called the spears toothpicks and intimidated the guards, I decided to stick around and I don’t regret it.” It's been a long time since I've seen such shocked faces on our soldiers.

“Oh, they were discussing military exercises,” I guessed. – Sherry and I talked about this today after lunch.

Sam gave me a sharp look.

– Madam, I want to say that you have changed dramatically. Sorry, but your memory loss has done you good.

- Sorry! – I smiled. – It’s curious, many only found out about my existence today, as if it wasn’t me who lost my memory, but all of them!.. – Let’s look at the expenses for the harem? – I was in a fighting mood. We need to calculate how much it costs to maintain this whole crowd of women. Maybe it's strange, but I wasn't jealous. You can be jealous of one or two mistresses, but when there are three hundred of them, it’s already funny. I can imagine how funny it is when Sherridan comes to the harem, and starved women rush at him. Yes, he really is wow!

“Or is it more correct to say yoke-go?” – I giggled to myself.

- Excuse me, did you hurt your leg? – I was wary.

“An old wound,” he explained. – Don’t pay attention, it starts to hurt when I walk a lot.

- Why didn’t you say anything?! – I clasped my hands. “And I dragged you all over the palace.”

“Madam, it’s okay,” he reassured me. – I enjoyed our walk.

But I scolded myself for being inattentive to this person. I think that on the female side there should be a good massage therapist.

“We should arrange for him to be sent to Sam,” I made a note to myself.

We settled down in Sam's office and I started going over the expenses. I have two flower shops and a sister who is an accountant, so I’m good with numbers.

Sam and I worked out all the expenses, and the amount turned out to be decent. With this money it was possible to support a small army - with weapons, uniforms and food. I wrote out all these amounts separately for clarity. I had a great desire to rub my nose into this piece of paper for my beloved, otherwise I’d get scammed, you know...

“Sam, remove your personal maids from the harem,” I ordered.

- But how...

- Blame it all on me. Leave only the cooks and laundresses! – I smiled slyly. “And we’ll start a general cleaning of the palace, so you’ll keep the girls occupied for a oh-so-long time.”

Sam looked at me and his eyes sparkled with laughter. Despite the age difference, we quickly found a common language. And after he appreciated my ability to work with numbers, he completely respected me.

– Why do I see a young girl in front of me, but I feel like I’m talking to an experienced woman? – he asked me.

“Youth is a disadvantage that goes away over the years, the main thing is to have a head on your shoulders,” I winked.

Satisfied with each other, we parted. A fair amount of time passed, and I went to get ready for dinner.

They were waiting for me, and my appearance did not go unnoticed. Still would! The girls did their best and rid my old dress of unnecessary frills and bows, deepening the neckline. I pinned my hair up, revealing my face and swan neck.

With dignity, I approached my husband, who was eating me with his eyes. I enjoyed the impression it made. I wonder how long his endurance and patience will last? As I approached, I took a deep breath, causing my chest to rise. His gaze was lost in the neckline of the dress. I was tempted to say that my eyes are higher.

- You are beautiful! – he breathed out, kissing my hand. - New dress?

“Old,” I answered modestly, melting under his touch, “I just removed unnecessary details.”

He pulled out a chair for me and we sat down.

“Darling,” he leaned towards me and said quietly so that only I could hear: “For the future, I don’t like it when others admire what belongs only to me.”

“Darling,” I answered him in the same tone, “I got the impression that you didn’t even know that all this,” I took a deep breath again, showing off my breasts, “belongs to you.” For a zealous owner, you showed criminal inattention to your possessions,” I finished off with a sweet smile.

I loved teasing my husband, and the fact that he couldn't touch me made the situation even more spicy.

– How was the Council?

– After your unforgettable appearance, we decided to postpone it until tomorrow.

I made an innocent expression on my face, saying that I had nothing to do with it, and shared that I met Samuelson and began to delve into the management of the palace, which incredibly surprised my husband.

And then I felt someone’s heavy gaze on me. As it turned out, it was Donna who was glaring at me from the other end of the table. She reminded me of something.

– Sherry, how is mail delivered? – I asked.

- Do you want to write to your father? – he immediately asked.

“What should I write about if I don’t even remember him,” I waved him off. “But my chaperone is going to send him a detailed report.” I wonder what she's scribbling for him?

He glanced sideways at the spy and replied:

– Sealed letters are given to sorcerers, who magically forward them. I will request that her correspondence be brought to me first for review.

- Magically? Do you have magic? – I immediately perked up.

- What do you mean with us? – he was surprised. – It exists everywhere.

“I don’t remember about this,” I explained my ignorance.

The dinner was drawing to a close when an excited servant appeared and conveyed a message to Sherridan. Having read the dispatch, he darkened his face and cast a heavy glance at me. Eh, my instinct told me that Sam did not waste time and began to carry out my orders.

I wasn’t frightened by my husband’s glare, and I sent him a sugary smile. I was ready for the collision. We didn't exchange another word until dinner was over. Sherridan lost his appetite, but I had an excellent one.

After the meal with the words: “Honey, we need to talk!” – Sherry took me to his chambers.

Curious, why here? They were huge, and my entire apartment could easily fit in them.

“Did you really want to spank, but it’s not very convenient to do it in the office?” – I giggled to myself.

– Explain to me what’s happening! – he demanded.

Oh, how evil we are! And why am I not scared?

- Explain this to me! – I demanded and handed over the piece of paper, which I had prudently taken with me.

- What is this? – he frowned, running his eyes over the numbers.

– I told you that I sat with Sam and delved into the management of the palace. This is how much it costs us to maintain a harem. Monthly.

- Of course I can! The main thing is that you can do it too. Opposite the “harem” are the approximate costs of maintaining the army that you could have for this money.

– What do you mean by this? – he said dumbfounded.

– Sherry, a harem is not economically viable! For this money, you could have an army that would keep your enemies at bay and ensure peace in the state. Or hospitals and schools could be built for the common people. What do we have? I'll break through the women who have nothing to do and who need to be looked after. But they have nowhere to put themselves, all they do is squabble among themselves and weave intrigues.

- How do you know that? – he jumped up.

– I beg you, I know women’s nature!

- Why did you take the maids from them? – he asked in a different tone. My arguments impressed him, and sparkles of laughter lit up in his eyes.

“The maids are needed here too, to put the palace in order, otherwise they are neglected, there’s nowhere else to go.” The ruler's palace should shine! And let the young ladies learn to take care of themselves, there will be less time for squabbles.

– How can I explain this to them?

– Sherry, I don’t advise you to interfere with them today. Of course, you are a man for me, but three hundred angry aunts with you alone is still too much.

He looked at me in amazement, and then couldn’t stand it and burst out laughing.

Seeing that the storm had passed, I sat down in a chair, looking around. Of course, what caught my attention was the truly king-sized bed. Eh, will I really never end up there? My dream should have already come to an end, which is a pity.

- Sherry, why did I fall yesterday? – I decided to clarify. I wonder what explanation my subconscious will offer.

He stopped laughing and looked away. I mentally caressed his figure. A slightly wild and incredibly handsome man stood freely in front of me, legs spread wide apart.

“You spilled wine on me and fainted when I began to take off my soiled shirt.”

My eyes widened in surprise, and then I giggled, imagining this picture.

- Nooooooooooooo, that’s not fair! – I said, making myself more comfortable in the chair, tucking my legs under me. Now I’ll die of curiosity, imagining what I saw there! - Take off your shirt! – I demanded.

Surprised, he raised his eyebrows, and then a spark of passion lit up in his pupils.

- Are you sure? – he asked seductively.

- And how! Don't languish! “I was all burning with anticipation.” If not a passionate night, then at least I’ll treat myself to a male striptease.

Sherry slowly began to unbutton the buttons of his shirt, glaring at my face and watching my reaction. I definitely wasn’t going to faint, but something was missing.

"Music!" - I understood. Now, if he did this in dance, it would be even more interesting.

“Sherry, it’s so boring how you undress,” I said capriciously. – Could you dance? You have such muscles, so play with them, or something!

– Do you want me to dance in front of you?! – he was stunned.

- Why not? Aren't the dancers dancing in front of you?

- Riya, I am a ruler, not a comfort boy! – he jumped up woundedly.

- What are you really saying?! I don’t have them, and, as far as I understand, you are against their appearance, so you’ll have to entertain your wife.

Sherridan seemed to be more and more amazed by me. Suddenly he grinned wickedly.

“Show me how it’s done,” he suggested.

– Do you want me to expose myself in front of you?! – it was my turn to be surprised. – Are the tricks of the concubines not enough for you?

“But you set out to kill the refugees,” he urged me, “so show that you can move just as well.”

We crossed our gazes, and I understood that there was nowhere to retreat. On the other hand, what should I be afraid of? I will do it! Yes, I will do it this way, so hold on!

“Okay,” I said, standing up, and smiled promisingly. I don’t know if my husband expected this from me, but under his gaze I felt hot.

After moving a few meters away, I began to hum a melody and moved my hips. My hands reached into my hair, removing the pins. My hair is gorgeous, and it should have been shown in all its glory. I spun around, letting my curls loose. Sherridan stood as if struck by thunder.

I approached him with a dancing gait, turned my back, and asked him to unlace the dress. Sherry didn't move, but I felt the heat emanating from his strong body. Then he ran his hand through my hair and threw it over my shoulder, holding it slightly in his fingers. I myself liked to touch his hair, so I deliberately did not remove mine so that he would do it.

Slowly, he began to unlace the dress, and I danced on the spot, making his task a little more difficult, but he didn’t mind. I hummed a melody and was sure that it excited him. As soon as Sherry finished, I pressed myself against him for a moment, sensing his arousal, and then twirled away. Having met my husband’s gaze, I could no longer look away.

I enjoyed the desire in his pupils and how it flared up brighter and brighter with every move I made. Rolling my shoulders, I lowered the bodice of the dress, exposing my undershirt, with my breasts and already erect nipples visible through it.

Turning my back and wriggling like a snake, I got rid of my dress and looked around. Oh, his reaction was a worthy reward! I turned away and ran my hands along the curves of my body, and then put my palms on my chest, lifting it and tracing the contour. The nipples tightened and I caressed them. He may not see them, but he can fantasize. I closed my eyes, imagining that it was him touching me. He finds them under the fabric of his shirt, pulls them, and then his lips cover the nipple, and he sharply pulls it into his mouth, bites it a little, and after I groan, he sucks.

I imagined all this so clearly while caressing myself that I arched with desire and instantly became wet. A long groan escaped his lips.

My husband’s convulsive, hoarse sigh, as if he was short of air, forced me to open my eyes.

I was mistaken in thinking that he didn’t see this: our gazes crossed in the mirror, and time stood still. Both in my eyes and in his, the flame of desire burned. I saw how the material of his trousers stretched in the groin. I wanted to touch it, run my fingers through it and... squeeze it. The tension has reached its limit. Well, teasingly, I put my hand on his shoulder and began to pull down his shirt, exposing him. Everything inside was begging for the need for my husband to press against me, and the fabric was unnecessary. I wanted to feel greedy male hands on my naked body, lips giving scorching kisses...

- Who are you?! – I heard a hoarse question.

A few words, and the obsession dissipated. I suddenly felt cold, and, putting my shirt back in place, I hugged myself by the shoulders. Suddenly I felt unbearable sadness. Really, who am I and what am I doing here? How long will this world and I exist in it? I looked dejectedly at myself in the body of a young girl, so beautiful and so different from me.

“I don’t know...” she answered him sadly. “I opened my eyes in the morning and saw unknown people. You are my husband, but I don't know you. Everything is foreign. I feel like Cinderella who will disappear at midnight...

-Who is Cinderella? – he immediately asked with concern.

- There is such a fairy tale. With the help of magic, the girl got to the ball and met the prince, and at twelve o’clock at night the spell dissipated.

- And then what? – he asked, approaching.

“She disappeared, and the prince searched for her for a long time. While running away, she dropped her shoe... And if I disappear, I’m afraid I won’t leave this behind, and I’m not sure if you’ll want to look for me.

“Tell me this tale,” my beloved asked.

“I’m cold,” I shivered.

“Go to bed,” he nodded towards the bed.

I didn’t argue and, stepping over the dress lying on the floor, climbed onto the bed and wrapped myself in a blanket.

He himself also lay down, but only on top of the blanket at arm's length. I closed my eyes, feeling amazingly vulnerable, and began to tell the story. At that moment I didn’t want to see him. The emotional uplift and desire that suddenly flared up during the dance replaced the decline and devastation. Gradually my speech began to slow down, and somewhere in the middle of the story I fell asleep.

Sherridan looked at the girl sleeping in his bed and didn’t know what to think. His wife lost her memory, but it seemed that in return she had found herself. Aueria did more in one day than in all four months of her stay here. He could not understand whether all this time she had been under the influence of the spell, and now she had come to her senses, or whether the spell had been placed on her just now. Yesterday's Aueria and today's Riya were two completely different girls.

The old Aueria couldn’t take a step without her chaperone, this same hooligan can’t stand her. She was unsure of herself and timid, but this one was decisive and courageous. What is her appearance at the Council worth today!

She was approaching, knocking her heels on the table, and something was squeezing in his chest. She is not afraid to provoke his anger, and she growls at him without fear of anything. Remembering her kiss, he groaned dully. Where could she learn this?! This was the kiss of an experienced woman who knew what she wanted and took it. It was as if she had burned a brand on his lips!

“Is she innocent?” – he asked himself a question. And you can’t ask, because she doesn’t remember anything.

Afterwards he heard her say that he was alive and she only patted him slightly. She's his! Everyone expected that he would deal with his wife and rein her in, but this little devil publicly declared that she had given the ruler a beating!

Oh Gods! His people did not know where to turn their eyes as they cautiously entered the office. We had to dismiss everyone, since there was no question of further work.

And now she has reached his concubines! Remembering how she argued how economically unprofitable it was, he didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry...

I wanted something completely different, to kiss my wife the way she did him today, so that she would forget about everything except him. In addition to the desire that she evoked in him, Riya made him admire herself. This bright girl was a fire that she so wanted to tame.

He thought about the story she told. What if she really disappears? He will open his eyes in the morning, and it will be the old Aueria, who will squeal in horror when she sees him...

For the first time in his life, he, not afraid of anyone or anything, experienced a panic attack and began to wake up the girl.

* * *

The given introductory fragment of the book How to Train a Centaur, or My Dream Diary (Francis Woodworth, 2015) provided by our book partner -

I watched my happy sister dance the wedding waltz with her husband, and emptiness crept into my heart. Today is the last day we are together. She will begin her own life, where I will no longer occupy the first place. Before, I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Her presence seemed eternal and unshakable. Raya replaced my mother and father, and was always there, ready to listen, help, support.

“Don’t be selfish!” I told myself. - “She deserves happiness like no one else.”

How changeable everything is. After a strange accident, Raya was replaced. Her amnesia deprived me of my sister and my normal life. Now I took care of her and helped her adapt to the world around her. I had to become the wall she could lean on. The clashes with doctors alone are worth it. These farriers almost sent her to a madhouse, convincing me that it was for her own good.

I winced at the unpleasant memories. It was very scary to lose my sister, because she is the only relative after my mother. And I had to become strong. Help Raya and take over all matters. But no matter how much I convinced myself that everything was fine now, a nasty inner voice told me the opposite. There is no former Paradise. There is a new girl who speaks, moves, laughs differently. Take her table manners, or even now... She dances the waltz, as if she had been dancing all her life. Posture, confident, polished movements. Where does all this come from?

After amnesia, I spent hours telling her about us, showing her photographs, remembering my childhood. Will she never remember this?

Shall we dance? - Reluctantly, I extended my hand to him and allowed myself to be drawn towards the dancers. Here is another confirmation that Raya has changed. If she were the same, she would never have invited her father to her wedding. Her decision was a shock to me. No matter how I tried to dissuade her that there was no point, she stubbornly insisted that he was the father and this was not discussed. For some reason, hearing these words, her eyes became very sad.

It means a lot to me that you contacted me and invited me.

“It was Raya’s decision,” I answered in an indifferent tone. For me, this handsome, well-groomed man was in no way associated with my father. He abandoned us and was not involved in our lives for many years.

You are very similar to me.

I looked at his features with a distant look. Indeed, I have the same strangely colored eyes. The pupil is light brown, and then the color is closer to marsh. I wonder if they also turn green when he’s angry? The lip pattern is similar, my nose is still more graceful, and his hair is dark brown, while mine is a chocolate shade, with a slight reddish tint, which is noticeable in the sun.

It's a pity that I only found out many years later. - I said and immediately got angry with myself. Why this conversation? We will not become close people, and I have no complaints against him.

Are you still angry? - He looked at me carefully.

No, I answered sincerely.

Then would you mind showing the city to the son of my business partner?

I almost tripped in surprise at this proposal. Why else is this?! Wants to set me up? Well, yes, in his second marriage he has a son who disappointed his father and decided to become an artist instead of studying business. A creative guy, although I don’t know him, I respect him for one decision. So he remembered his daughters now? One has already been ringed and there is hope for me? Thoughts raced through my head.

I don't think this is a good idea. Raya flies away, Artyom and the work are left to me. Why shouldn't he use the services of a guide?

I heard that Artyom is staying with his grandmother, and you will only help her. I think he won’t refuse to go to the zoo or the park. Do me this favor.

“We’ll see,” I answered vaguely, not wanting to agree and internally glad that the dance was over and I could step away.

I'll give him your phone number.

His persistence was annoying. I had to squeeze my teeth tighter to avoid saying something nasty. The only thing that calmed me down was the thought that even if he called, you could always politely refer to being busy and refuse. So I nodded and hurried away before he came up with something else.

Tasya, who is the witness? - Zinaida Ivanovna, our distant relative, approached me sideways. Without taking her envious eyes off the girl’s figure, she hurried to satisfy her curiosity.

Vesta, friend,” I answered briefly.

Another oddity for Rai's collection. She appeared immediately after amnesia, and began to visit us often. I didn’t know her, which was strange, but based on the little things she told me about her sister’s life, she convinced me that they had been friends for a long time. We met while crossing paths at work. When asked why Raya didn’t mention her before, she just shrugged. Somehow, unnoticed, she entered our circle of friends, but she was more of a friend of her sister. In the first time after amnesia, she was very supportive of me. She often called precisely at those moments when it was difficult and offered help. It was she who advised me to go to the clinic where Anton worked. You could say it was thanks to her that they met.

“She has a boyfriend,” I nodded at the handsome, broad-shouldered guy.

The guy is not a husband,” she waved it off, “but everyone wants to get married.” Such a viper will fit into the family...

Why are you alone today? No groom? - she asked unexpectedly.

We broke up. - Smiling, I slipped away from her, avoiding unnecessary questions. I didn’t want to remember Vadim. We dated for about six months, but then an accident happened to my sister, and too often I found myself busy. I wasn’t even surprised when I accidentally saw him in the city with another girl. After that, he called several times, offering to meet, but I referred to being busy and the relationship quietly faded away.

I looked at the eyes with which Anton looked at Raya and my soul warmed. Still, she was lucky to have him. And the point is not that today is a wedding. From the first meeting, when his gaze settled on her, it was as if a small sun had lit up in his eyes. Or rather, she became the sun for him. His features soften, and a smile appears on his lips as soon as she is nearby.

“I want that too!” - a treacherous thought slipped through. I dreamed of love. Or rather about LOVE. The same one when, for your sake, through fire and water. When a man protects and protects you, when in his arms you feel protected and just a weak woman... Ugh! Clearly the absence of a father in life takes its toll.

Raya always laughed good-naturedly and called me a dreamer, saying that such men became extinct like dinosaurs and I should have been born two hundred years ago. Who would have known that she would be the first to meet such love.

Tasya, you're not married, come over! Now they will throw the bouquet,” Vesta called me, gathering the girls.

I reluctantly approached everyone. There was no desire to receive the coveted bouquet. Why do I need it? I did not suffer from the hope of getting married as soon as possible. I'm 25, and this is not yet the most critical age to worry about this. Moreover, this is just a tradition that does not guarantee marriage or a happy family life. The same cannot be said about Zinaida Ivanovna. She had her own opinion on this matter, and like a leader, she pushed all the girls aside and stood in front, with the expression “the enemy will not pass” on her face. Well, she's not married either. The girls were a little depressed from such a neighborhood. I felt so funny that I quietly moved away from everyone and sat down on a chair.

The presenter played out the situation beautifully and made jokes. The X moment has arrived, the drum roll and the bouquet flies. I watched all this from the side with a half-smile. Imagine my surprise when he slipped out of Zinaida Ivanovna’s hands as if alive, flying between them, and slightly changing the trajectory of his movement, fell onto my lap. In a frozen state, I noticed how Vesta turned to me and winked. She? But how?!

The presenter approached me. Automatically, I took the bouquet and waved it, putting a smile on my face, and I myself was impressed by the fact that the flight of the bouquet violated all the laws of physics.

That night I had a strange dream. Vesta sat down on my bed and looked at me thoughtfully. I woke up from her gaze, and looked at her in surprise for some time. When she noticed this, she said:

You understand that Raya is not your sister?

This phrase sounded more like a statement and I froze, not knowing what to answer. The cheerful and charming Vesta, with whom I have been communicating for several days, has turned into a distant stranger with a mysterious look.

What do you know about this? “I was proud of the way I formulated the question.” It seems that I am not denying anything, but I am not confirming anything either.

All. - There was a short answer.

Will you tell me?

If you answer me a few questions.

A slight smile crossed Vesta’s lips, and she relaxed and stretched out on the bed. Then she turned on her side and put her hand under her head, standing up slightly and looking down at me.

Would you like to be in a world where there are dragons, vampires, centaurs... bird people? Where you are familiar with magic firsthand.

I let out a laugh and also stood up, putting my hand under my head, and our faces were on the same level. In the gloom of the room we resembled two girlfriends keeping secrets.

That would be interesting. Just what is waiting for me there?

There you will meet the man destined for you.

Do you want to say that he doesn’t sleep there at night and waits for me? - I burst out laughing.

I want to say that he is there.” Vesta did not support my fun.

And who is he? - I asked, trying to hold back my laughter. - A vampire? Mage?

He's Irish.

Bird Man. Only I don't see him. I feel that he is there,” she said, frowning slightly, as if listening to herself.

And how will I recognize him then?

Fate will bring you together once you get there.

I collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Interesting. Have you dreamed of love? Receive and sign. Looking sideways at Vesta, she asked:

Did you play tricks with the bouquet? - Waving her hand, she smiled mischievously.

Well, so how?

Thinking for a moment, I answered:

You see, I once dreamed of a vampire. A sort of dark-haired, brutal brunette, with the body of a warrior. Or a muscular barbarian like Conan. And the birds... Not my type. I am calm towards birds.

I am not kidding! - She looked at me sternly. I made a face, expressing my attitude towards her proposal.

What if I say that your sister is there?

I will never believe this! I was reading fantasy, and if you had offered this to Raya, she would have twisted it at her temple and sent you off into the forest.

“I didn’t offer it to her,” she chuckled, and I nodded my head, as if to confirm the correctness of my words. You won’t get into heaven with these offers. Of the two of us, I'm the dreamer. Was. Over the years, I began to look at life more realistically. Sometimes I like to read a good novel, immersing myself in a magical world, but without my past passion.

Vesta’s next words stuck with me: “I moved it without asking. It was necessary". I sat up abruptly in bed and looked down at her, glaring at her.

What have you done?!

She is married. Happy. So there’s no point in killing me with your eyes,” Vesta winced, also sitting down.

Of course she's married. “She married Anton today,” I reminded.

Aueria married Anton, and Raya married Sherridan. He is the ruler of the centaurs.

And who is Aueria? - I asked, trying to remain calm. It seemed like I was like Alice talking to the Mad Hatter.

The princess was Sherridan's wife. I transferred her to Raya’s body.

And why did she leave her husband?! “I wanted to ask how it got into my sister’s body, but for some reason it came out.”

I didn't ask her consent.

Why do you need mine then?

I like you, and Riya and I became friends.

That’s what Raya calls herself now,” she waved it off. - Don't get distracted! Agree?

To my sister - yes! - without hesitation, I answered.

Then sleep.

I wanted to say that I was already asleep, but the last thing I remember was Vesta’s smile and wise look, which did not at all fit with her young face.

His heavy gaze sent a shiver through my body. It won't be easy, it won't be easy at all. The cold of the cave penetrated me, and I was only in a thin shirt and barefoot. Closing my eyes for a moment, I imagined a scarlet velvet dress and, to hell with it, fur-lined boots. After some thought, she added a cloak with an ermine collar to the dress. I won’t say that it became warmer, but it gave me more confidence. Having difficulty restraining herself from a heavy sigh, she raised her head proudly, and gracefully lifting her dress, began to climb the steps to Kron. He himself sat motionless and was in no hurry to come down to me.

Inwardly fearful of the upcoming conversation, she rose slowly. Various thoughts came into my head. Where I am? The cave itself resembled a secret temple. Why secret? So the space was closed. The entrance was not visible, and my intuition told me that the only way to get here was through the portal.

The throne itself was worthy of special attention. It protruded from the rock and was decorated with bas-reliefs. It was 6–7 meters high and ended in a dome, like in churches, but instead of a cross it was crowned with an image of a deity with the head of a bird.

“Tsirbis!” I decided gloomily. The last thing I wanted was to end up in this freak’s temple. Why did Kron choose this place for the meeting?

No matter how I delayed this moment, the steps ended and I found myself in front of the Irling. He was silent, but I didn’t know how to start a conversation. I noticed that his hands lay on the armrests of the throne, which ended in black glossy hemispheres. Kron's palms rested right on them. Not only was the irling tall, but the throne was on a dais and he looked down at me. The face seemed to be carved from marble, and there was no more life in it than in stone. The silence dragged on.

Probably, the program of the evening included not only contemplation of my person, since he was the first to break it.

Has the princess deigned to visit me? Despite the impassive face, the words were saturated with poison.

You don't have to be a genius to guess that he's angry as hell. Of course, it was not worth starting the meeting with a quarrel, but I did not intend to tolerate such treatment.

Why do you have such a tone as if we agreed to meet with you and I didn’t show up?

I don't like it when I don't understand what's going on.

“Actually, many people don’t like this,” I noted. Being in this temple had a depressing effect on me.

Explain yourself.

Why couldn't I reach you? Even using the resources of this place, I ran into a wall.

Yeah, that's what I said. Hallelujah! The amulet really works! The grip of tension that was squeezing me was weakened by this news, and my soul felt lighter. Now I can really protect myself from his visits in my sleep. It took me great effort to hide my glee.

I don't even understand how we meet in a dream. Why are you waiting for an answer to this question from me? I feigned slight surprise and immediately asked: “What kind of place is this, actually?”

Sacred Temple. The secret place of power of my people.

And why did you choose him for our meeting?

Maybe because I had to transport myself here to immerse myself in meditation and try to reach my Kyari? he noted wearily.

How long have you been here?

Second day.

He meditated for two days, trying to reach me?! It is not surprising that at the time of our meeting he was in a somewhat brutal state.

Have you tried writing a magic letter? seeing the confusion in his eyes, she explained: “If you wanted to see me urgently, and it wasn’t possible to meet me in a dream, then you could write me a letter and tell me why you needed me so urgently.” Indeed, there was an agreement to meet in a dream once a week for flights. We saw him two nights ago. So why the hell did he impudently try to get into my dreams ahead of time? In my heart, I was once again glad that I had the amulet.

Kron's face trembled, and his features softened, no longer resembling a stone mask; the shadow of a smile touched his lips. Apparently such a simple solution never even occurred to him. Taking advantage of this, I decided to consolidate my success:

Kron, let’s leave this place,” I shrugged my shoulders chillily.

I'm afraid I can't. Now I am not in a dream and tied to this place.

Somehow, the circumstances of our meeting were not very favorable. He is in a trance, the atmosphere in the temple is oppressive. It’s somehow difficult to start a serious conversation. I was even a little confused, not knowing what to do now.

Are you also attached to the throne? I asked ironically. I'm tired of feeling like a schoolgirl on the principal's carpet.

The darkness began to leave his eyes, making his face more human. The fingers on the spheres moved slightly. Leaning on them, he stood up heavily. I wonder how long he sat without moving? If it’s two days, then the whole body is numb. He should move. Without thinking that this was just a projection of his body, as soon as he descended from the throne and approached me, I blurted out:

Let's race to see who's first down! Without giving him the opportunity to answer and seeing the expression of extreme amazement on his face, I turned around sharply and, picking up my skirts, rushed downstairs. Communication with Asya definitely had an impact!

When I was about halfway through, a black shadow flashed over me, and Kron was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs. I picked up a decent amount of speed, and the inertia of the movement did not allow me to slow down. Without even understanding how it happened, I flew full speed into Kron’s open arms.

Kyari! He exhaled happily, squeezing me in his arms.

“Damn!” I thought, burying my face in his shirt.

You cheated! I was indignant, raising my head. Just as a drowning man grabs a life preserver, so I decided to be indignant. Anything is better than the feeling of embarrassment that flooded me. Seeing his gaze, I immediately returned to my original position and buried my face in my shirt. It's safer this way. I understand that he probably hadn’t eaten for two days, but in his eyes it was not the desire to eat a steak that prevailed.

A couple of seconds was enough for me to catch my breath, and I leaned into his chest, wanting to pull away. But that was not the case. He only pressed me tighter to himself, and even hugged me with his wings so that I would definitely not escape. Listening to the frantic beating of his heart, I realized that all my plans were falling into the abyss.

Let me go! I demanded without raising my head, but he didn’t hear me.

Kyari, only you could have thought of running a race in this place! I didn’t know where to go from the tenderness in his voice.

What surprises you so much? “You came up with the idea to fly,” I grumbled.

The oppressive silence of this place was broken by Kron's laughter. Looking up cautiously, I saw his head thrown back. As soon as he laughed it off and looked at me, I immediately returned my gaze to the shirt.

Let go! I said firmly.

Don't ask me for this. Kyari, I went crazy for two days, unable to contact you!

And why did you search for me with such persistence? I asked, trying to distract him from this fact.

Your last visit raised many questions.

Having recalled in detail the circumstances of this very visit, and everything that I had said, I groaned dully. Take me away from here! What a shame.

Regret! I found the strength to squeeze it out of myself and felt how his muscles turned to stone.

Do you regret your words? he asked carefully.

Did I have any regrets? No. It is true what they say: “What is on a sober man’s mind is on the tongue of a drunken man.” So I gave him everything that was in my heart.

No. Only about the form in which she said it. It’s also a shame that you saw me in this form. He was silent, and I felt uncomfortable being in his arms, and I rested my hands on him, trying to increase the distance between us. Let go! We need to talk.

This time he heard me and pulled away. Having found the long-awaited freedom, I took a relieved breath. With an unreadable expression on his face, Kron looked at me.