Deathstalker 06 - Deathstalker Legacy

eavesdropped on. She wasn't taking any chances. Lewis was impressed by her thoroughness.
    They went straight to the bedroom, and stayed there.
    Finally they sat up together, their backs pressed against the bare bedroom wall, still naked, eating Death By Chocolate ice cream straight from the same tub, with two spoons. (Lewis remembered to wash both the spoons first, at the last moment.) Every now and again they'd flick some of the ice cream at each other, and squeal and laugh and tussle playfully. Lewis had never been happier. But even so ...
    "We can't stay here much longer," he said regretfully. "The day's Session in the House must have started by now. You have to be there, and I really ought to be. Can't have the House thinking there's a divide between the King and his Queen-to-be. They'd be sure to try and take advantage. And I ought to be there for this Session, because Douglas is going to put forward his proposal for a Parade of Paragons through the city. I'm supposed to lead it."
    "And so you should," said Jesamine, licking ice cream from the back of her spoon. "Douglas told me about it. Good idea. Excellent theater. Just what the Paragons need; and the city, come to that. Everyone loves a Parade!"
    "Surprisingly enough, it was Finn's idea originally. Took it to the King in person, with most of the details already worked out. Chose the best route and everything. Good to see him getting involved in things again. He's far too valuable to be wasted in an extended sulk. Perhaps having a new partner in Emma Steel is bringing him out of himself again."
    "Ah," said Jesamine. "The infamous Emma Steel! Possibly the only woman in the Empire almost as famous as I am. What's she really like?"
    Lewis thought for a moment, idly stirring his spoon around the bottom of the now-empty ice cream tub.
    "Impressive. Even intimidating. Good at her job, and doesn't suffer fools gladly. Just what this city needs."
    "Everyone should get what they need," Jesamine said demurely.
    Lewis laughed, put aside the ice cream tub, and cuddled her to him. They leaned happily together, not feeling the need to do anything or go anywhere just yet. They felt comfortable, at ease, relaxed in a way they never were as Champion and Queen-to-be. Jesamine looked around the bare and empty bedroom.
    "Darling, I have to say; this is a bit . . . minimalist, even for you. No vidscreen, no furniture, no carpet . . .
    not even a bidet, or a chair to pile your clothes on. I hate to think of you living like this. It's not right; not for the Champion of the Empire."
    "It's only temporary," said Lewis. "Things will sort themselves out, you'll see. And then I'll get the best chair money can buy."
    Jesamine sighed, and kissed him on the cheek. "I wish I had your faith, dear."
    "Do you feel guilty?" Lewis said suddenly.
    "Of course I do! I'm not entirely unfeeling, sweetie. I'm very fond of Douglas. I don't want to see him hurt."
    "Neither do I. He was always my closest friend. Ever since I came to Logres, he was always right there with me, backing me up. All the times we went into combat together, fighting side by side or back to back; trusting each other implicitly. I never thought I'd fail in my duty to him; as a King, and a friend."
    Jesamine took his chin in her hand, and turned his face to hers. "Are you sorry, Lewis? Sorry about this, about us?"
    "No! No. I know this is wrong, but I don't care. How can something that makes us both so happy be wrong?"
    "That sounds like something I would say, darling. I've always been able to find really good excuses for my little peccadillos."
    Lewis considered that. "I won't ask."
    "Best not to, dear. You're different. I care about you."
    Lewis sighed. "Where do we go from here, Jes? What do we do about this?"
    "Damned if I know, Lewis."
    "Should we tell Douglas?"
    "I can't see any way where that would turn out for the best, sweetie. He loves me, you see."
    "Oh Jesus ... do you love him?"
    "No. I admire him, I'm fond of him . . . but that's all. Oh Lewis ... 1
    waited so long for my first real love; I should have known it would be complicated. People like us aren't allowed to have normal, everyday lives."
    And that was when the emergency alarm went off in Lewis's ear, blasting out of his Paragon comm channel like the wrath of God. He sat bolt upright on the mattress, almost shoving Jesamine away from him so he could concentrate on Douglas's voice crashing through his head with harsh authority.
    "Lewis! Where the hell are