Deathstalker 06 - Deathstalker Legacy

much what you get. Just... be yourself, and let him be himself, and you'll get on fine. I think you'll make a great team."
    There was a knock at the door, and Anne got up to answer it. She gave Jesamine one last stern look.
    "And Jes; do try to let him get a word or two in edgeways, just now and again."
    She unlocked the door, and let in Douglas Campbell. He was still wearing his Paragon's armor and purple cloak. Anne sniffed, but Jesamine felt her heart flutter just a little as she got to her feet. He did look very impressive. She bobbed him an impish curtsey, and he bowed solemnly in return. And then they both just stood there and looked at each other.
    "Oh hell" said Anne. "I swear, it's easier breeding dogs. Look, just sit down and talk, the pair of you.
    Neither of you is going to bite. Actually, you can't sit down here, I've got work to do. But there's a very nice room next door, utterly secure, with nothing in it to distract you. Follow me."
    She led them next door, and sat them down facing each other. They still hadn't said anything. Anne sighed, loudly. "Try not to be too impressed with each other. Trust me; neither of you is worth it."
    And with that she was gone, not quite slamming the door behind her. Douglas looked after her, and then back at Jesamine. "Some days, I can't help wondering which of us is really in charge around here."
    "I used to feel the same way, when I thought she was working for me," said Jesamine.
    Douglas smiled for the first time. "Hello, Jesamine. You look great. I'm Douglas."
    Jesamine smiled back at him, and Douglas had to brace himself. Having Jesamine Flowers turn the full force of her sexuality on you was like being hit point blank by a disrupter. Just sitting there, Jesamine was more woman than anyone he'd ever met. Douglas tried to remind himself he'd faced ELFs and devils and
    terrorists in his time and hadn't flinched. Strangely, it didn't help.
    "I passed your entourage, on the way in," he said, just to be saying something. "They didn't seem too happy."
    "It's not their business to be happy," said Jesamine. "It's their business to keep me happy. God knows I pay them enough. They're just mad because I'm doing something without them. It makes them feel insecure.
    After all, if I can have a good time without them, what do I need them for? I'm going to enjoy firing them, once I'm Queen, just to see the look on their faces."
    "If you don't like them," said Douglas, "why put up with them?" "Because it's expected of me," said Jesamine. "And because I need a barrier between me and the fans, or I'd never get a moment's peace. I got rid of them here because ... I wanted you to meet me, as I am; not as a star, surrounded by hangers-on. The real me is ... somewhat smaller, but hopefully more interesting. More human."
    Douglas had to smile. "I'm not sure who I am, when I'm not being a Paragon, or a Prince. There's precious little time in my life when I'm not being called to be one or the other, these days. I take my responsibilities seriously, Jesamine. Because someone has to. But sometimes ... I do wonder who the real me is, or even if there is a real me anymore." "Perhaps I could help you find him," said Jesamine. "That. . .
    sounds like it could be a lot of fun," said Douglas. Jesamine flashed him her devastating smile again. "Fun is what I do best, sweetie."
    They laughed quietly together, studying each other openly. It wasn't often they got to meet someone with as famous a face as their own. There was an attraction between them, equal parts curiosity, respect, and sexual chemistry. And they liked each other immediately, which helped. But they were both used to captivating people just through sheer presence, and so neither of them let it overwhelm.
    "We would make a good political match," said Douglas. "Oh yes," said Jesamine. "Anne knows her business. The leading diva of her generation and the most famous Paragon of his? The media will eat it up with spoons, and the public will go out of their minds."
    "I'm not the greatest Paragon," Douglas said immediately. "That would be Finn Durandal. Or possibly Lewis Deathstalker. I might make third, on a good day . . ."
    "We're going to have to do something about this modesty problem of yours," Jesamine said firmly.
    "Kings aren't allowed to be modest. We will be walking the biggest stage in history, and we have to be equally big. Our subjects will expect it of us."
    "I don't know," said Douglas. He leaned back in his chair, apparently