During the first day of their exploration of the ancient ruins to find Ryukana’s gift artifact, Daniel and Doephluev are taking a break. No sooner do they finish eating does Doephluev start to come onto Daniel, exposing his penis and licking him to get ready. He tries to stop her, but she insists that they need to ‘get the poison out’.

  She happily notices that she is the first one to get to him today, and she lovingly licks and kisses his member to get him aroused, though it takes a little longer than usual. Daniel’s mind is heavy with thoughts of everything that has happened recently, and it would be fair to say he isn’t in the mood.

  But, Doephluev climbs onto his lap regardless, lining herself up to take him inside of her. He is a little exasperated, but he hasn’t told her to stop yet, hoping she’ll get the hint soon enough.

  When she tries to line him up to penetrate, he’s already too soft, and she tries to grind her vagina lips on his human breeding tool to get him aroused again, hugging his neck affectionately.

  Daniel says softly, “You see? I’m not in the mood right now.”

  “But, Master, you really do need to relax. If you don’t, you’ll lose focus when you need it most.”

  “I think this is losing focus, Doephluev. Now, if you please…”

  “Master Daniel,” insists Doephluev as she leans back just far enough to look into his eyes. “Please forgive me for speaking bluntly, but it’s not just about you and me. And, it’s not just about me wanting sex. I do, I won’t lie, but you are an emperor. I know you’re carrying a heavy weight with the losses, and you feel guilty still. But, you are the Emperor of the Fievegal. You won’t be able to stop everything that might happen. Your duty is to the future, to show confidence and strength even when you are feeling weak. Your enemies won’t show you mercy. You should realize this more than anyone.”

  Daniel becomes even more disappointed, looking distantly ‘through’ her shoulder as he stares off into the distance.

  She cups his cheeks, forcing him to look at her. “You have a duty to your mistresses -to your wives-. If they can’t help you focus and relax so that you can make the best decisions as emperor, they will blame themselves. Even if you can’t shed your feelings entirely, if you can at least boost the confidence of your empresses, then they will help you appear strong and confident. So, even if you think you can’t, you have a duty to show everyone that you are the emperor. To show them that no matter what, you won’t give up. And, that you love them even in the hardest of times. Show them. There is no better way to show a woman that you love her than to be able to be aroused by her no matter what.”

  She slides her hips again, trying to arouse him again, but it isn’t working just yet. She adds tenderly, “You can practice on me… I won’t speak of it to anyone. I won’t make you look weak. I want you to be strong like I believe you can be. And, as you know, I selfishly want you all to myself.”

  Daniel is lost in thought for a moment, and he closes his eyes.

  She’s right. If I let myself mope instead of picking myself back up, I’ll be no better than I was on Earth, closing myself off and sinking deeper and deeper into despair and apathy. But… is it right? Is it fair that I get to survive? To enjoy myself?

  “You don’t have to feel guilty,” murmurs Doephluev tenderly, now hugging his neck and trying to show him as much intimacy as possible. “The best revenge is to live happily. Well, the best example you can set for others is the same. You don’t have to forget the fallen, but you must continue your duties for the living. I know you know this, but please believe it.”

  That’s… She’s definitely right. Even if I might not feel it, I need to show strength so others don’t lose hope. And, if I can’t make myself happy, I can’t show strength.

  Daniel closes his eyes for a moment, and he takes her hips with his hands. She shifts a little, her chin still on his shoulder, and he breathes deeply as he focuses. He kisses her collar, shifting in their position to lick her nipple, and she hums softly, letting him take the lead.

  He can feel the familiar feeling as his arousal increases, and his penis begins to stiffen between their pelvic regions. He uses his grip on her hips to lift her just a little, bouncing his own hips in small thrusts to prod her lips with his sensitive head. And then, with one steady motion, he slides her down onto his mating tool, feeling the warmth as her welcoming vagina easily accepts him. Because of their agreement and her seemingly insatiable appetite, Daniel has probably made love to Doephluev more times than anyone else, though the dragons aren’t far behind if at all. He doesn’t have the same love for her, but he is able to do what she said.

  He is able to shut out everything else and focus on the moment with her.

  To help himself, he shifts to hugging her torso to his, thrusting in and out of her deeply as she hugs his head, and his arousal solidifies his penis into a fully erect state, though he’s still not quite in the right headspace.

  Daniel stands up with both of them from his seated position, and she hums with mild surprise, though she lets him lead. He carefully kneels, never losing connection, and he lays her down on her back. She’s already pregnant, so they’re simply making love, and the thought of ‘love’ makes him want to take her even more.

  She huffs breathlessly, “Yes! My Emperor! I am yours! Make love to me to your heart’s content. I love you more than anything in this world!”

  Daniel passionately thrusts into her, holding his torso up by his elbows as Doephluev affectionately holds his neck with her hands, smiling up at him with flushed cheeks and a happy smile.

  For some reason, seeing her like that sets a fire in Daniel as the warmth of her inner depths wholly makes him feel comfortable, and it feels like almost all of his worries melt away as he gives in to her most intimate embrace.

  He feels like she sincerely does love him. There is a true, genuine attraction in her eyes. The only thing on her mind right now is Daniel.

  He kisses her, and he can feel her twitch in surprise, but she doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around his head and her legs around his waist, hooking her heels behind him. She passionately kisses him in return, and they make love tenderly on the floor of the ruins, their bodies pressed together intimately as his penis is pressed deep into her vagina, withdrawing only briefly before plunging back in.

  As he makes love to her, he holds his lips close to her ear as he thrusts into her. The words he whispers into her ear send a spark through her whole body, and now she begins to heat up with passion.

  “I love you, my beautiful Empress.”

  Doephluev’s eyes water, and she whimpers and moans as her body suddenly races to the edge of climax, floating there as she falls deeper and deeper in love with Daniel.

  “Th-That isn’t fair,” whimpers the archoneldwyn mother-to-be through moans and huffs. “How-How can you say that so c-casually now?”

  Daniel answers her with another kiss, and she melts in his embrace, giving in without receiving a proper answer, since, in a way, his continued passionate lovemaking is an answer.

  Thanks to her fertility rune, she has it set to climax in sync with Daniel, so even though she is right at the edge, she is stuck in blissful limbo until Daniel buries his human love making tool deep inside of her.

  They cry out together in ecstasy as they reach climax as one, and Doephluev and Daniel are both tumbled through waves of bliss that spark through their bodies in unison. Daniel knows about the rune’s magic effects -most of them, anyways-, and it still baffles Doephluev how he can still bother to go to any of his other mistresses when he has the perfect always-willing partner in Doephluev. While she does want to become Empress for selfish reasons, that doesn’t mean she won’t love him, since she is already deeply in love with him.

  She holds him for a long time, letting his warmer body soak his heat into her, and for his seed to rest deeply in her belly.

  Daniel finally relaxes, laying down on his back beside her to rest for a moment. She scoots closer to him and drapes her head on his collar and her arm across his chest.

  “That was wonderful, my Emperor. You always make me feel so happy.”

  “No more ‘master’?” asks Daniel dryly.

  She looks at his face, smiling dopily. “Not unless you command it, my beloved. After all, you called me your beautiful empress. I didn't realize it would be so wonderful.”

  “That?” asks Daniel. “It was the heat of the moment. Rather, I was just role-playing to be able to get into the mood.”

  She shakes her head indignantly, retorting, “Mm-mm. You're lying. You said you loved me.”

  “Still part of the role play.”

  “If I have to love the truth out of you, I will.” She hooks her leg over his thigh, pressing her pelvic region against his hip. She whispers lasciviously, “We could get married in secret. And, I would happily stand alongside you on any battlefield as your beloved wife and empress.”

  “You and Hekate. You’re more alike than you think.” He rolls to lean over her, and she lies on her back, looking up at him with a cute and effeminate expression.

  But, Daniel disappoints her when he states, “We can still make some progress today. Let’s go.”

  She huffs as he climbs to his feet, fixing his clothes. She sits up on her elbow, asking dryly, “You would take me in these ruins on the hard floor and then make me fight while dripping with your seed?”

  “You want to head back to the shuttle? I’ll keep exploring.”

  She frowns at him, finally climbing to her feet to join him. She straightens her clothes, using a rag to clean her exterior skin so that she’s not too messy. “Treating your Empress like a common brothel harlot. I was certain you were more of a gentleman.”

  Daniel cups her chin with his right hand, replying with a smirk, “A real gentleman knows when to treat a queen like a harlot. You can always say no.”

  She blushes, feeling more dainty all of a sudden. She replies, “N-No.”

  And, as if to rub it in that he’s teasing her, Daniel keeps his hold on her chin as he kisses her lips. “Don’t read into it. Your lips looked kissable.”

  Daniel starts walking down the hallway of the ruins to continue their journey, and it takes a second for Doephluev to snap out of her trance and catch up.

  ***

  That night, after they inform the others that the mission is safe and that Daniel needs them to hold down the Citadel, though he barely manages to convince everyone, Daniel and Doephluev are taking a break in a secure spot reinforced by her magic, and Doephluev lays with her back to Daniel, doing her best to entice him once more. “My beloved Emperor, please make use of me once more so you can relax. We have a long day ahead.”

  “Weren’t you tired of dripping semen down your thighs all afternoon?”

  “What? Of course not, my beloved. Each time I felt some drip down my legs, it sent a chill up my spine and made it hard to resist pouncing you once more.”

  “Yeah? Well, we should sleep. Long day ahead. Go to sleep.”

  She insistently keeps spooning with him, sliding her hips back and forth to ensure that he is unable to sleep. After a little while, he grunts in frustration. He suddenly takes her by the waist. “Doephluev…”

  Doephluev squeaks, quickly saying lasciviously, “Make love to me, my Emperor. You will sleep better afterwards.”

  Daniel sighs, giving in to her incessant invitation. He withdraws his member, sliding it across her labia several times to lubricate himself as she begins to drip with her natural lubricant. She is giddy at the thought of having had him all to herself for so long, and that the only scent on him is her own this time.

  Daniel lines his tip up from behind, and Doephluev ensures to angle her hips to accept him wholly.

  He slides his breeding tool into her, and she huffs happily, bouncing her hips in time with him to accept her emperor and lover once more. It makes her profoundly happy that he is using her, since he doesn’t care that she’s already pregnant, which means he is very close to accepting her as a true lover.

  And, that goes without mentioning that, earlier in the day, he called her his empress, though he insists he was ‘practicing’, implying that he was envisioning someone else. Of course, Doephluev is skeptical -or at least, wishful-, and she gets him to make love to her once more before they go to sleep, still in each other’s arms.

  Daniel thrusts his hips from behind her, and she bounces in time with him for a long time, leaning her head back and looking over her shoulder longingly. Daniel grants her unspoken desire, leaning his head over to kiss her tenderly. His hands cup her breasts, kneading them possessively. She moans through their lips as he kisses her, making love to her tenderly and passionately as he would a wife.

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  The archoneldwyn mother-to-be huffs as she breaks lip contact with Daniel to catch her breath and relax her neck as she feels her body creeping closer to climax. She breathlessly moans out, “Daniel… my love… Yes! Give it to me! Give me your love!”

  Daniel decides that he’s wasting energy trying to awkwardly angle his weight as he thrusts sideways, and he gently cups her belly, rolling them gently so that he’s on top of her from behind, and she hums. “Oooh… Daniel… my Emperor.”

  Daniel sprawls out her hands, sliding his own up her arms to interlock their fingers together, and he kisses her neck and cheek as he passionately thrusts deep into her from above, doing his best to keep his weight from crushing her. He nibbles her ear, and she mumbles and hums lustfully, squeezing his fingers with hers as her warm folds welcome him. She tenses her muscles, squeezing her vaginal walls on Daniel’s penis, increasing their friction. “Daniel… I'm close… please, finish in me. Give me your essence…” She mewls as she tenses again.

  Daniel approaches his climax, and just as he tenses to press his hips firmly against hers to bury his shaft deep in her lady parts, sending his seed all the way inside once more. Just as their climax begins, Doephluev cries, “Marry me!”

  They both tense together as their bodies answer their biological imperative intended to create new life, were Doephluev not already pregnant with Daniel’s offspring. She moans and pants, and Daniel catches his breath, kissing her ear and cheek intermittently as she rests with color-filled cheeks. Daniel rolls off of her to take his weight off of her, and he continues to relax and catch his breath.

  Doephluev wearily shifts to crawl over and lean over Daniel. She brushes her hair aside with her hand, smiling down at him. She kisses Daniel once more, and he doesn’t resist. She whispers, “I love you, my Beloved.”

  Daniel asks facetiously, “What was that you said right at the end?”

  “Obviously, I told you to marry me. You know, in archoneldwyn culture, you’re required to marry a girl after filling her with your seed ten times.”

  “We’re only on ten?” asks Daniel.

  She blushes, looking aside as she pouts. “I didn’t think you were counting.”

  “I wouldn’t think you’ve lost count.”

  She snuggles against him firmly, expressing her frustration by holding him tightly as she wraps her legs around his right leg again. “It’s time to sleep, my Love. Let’s rest and make love again tomorrow.”

  Daniel chuckles, but he doesn’t need or want to refute. He simply does his best to relax as he covers them both with a blanket, drifting off to sleep soon after.

  ***

  After retrieving the scarf in the depths of the ancient ruins, Doephluev points out gently, “Could be our last chance to be alone…”

  Daniel sighs.

  He looks at Arachne, and then Luceniel. They both provide no obvious opinions.

  Daniel then looks at Doephluev, and she smiles cutely at him, swaying her chest back and forth to entice him.

  He smirks, and he lightly spanks her on her butt. She squeaks and bounces towards him, blushing from the girly sound that came out of her.

  Daniel requests, “Arachne, do you mind guarding the next room? We’re going to take a break. I think I’m going to ‘punish’ Doephluev.”

  “Is that a euphemism?” asks Arachne mercilessly.

  Daniel is caught off-guard, but he replies, “Y-... Yeah. It is. Though, if you want to watch, I do intend to spank her a little.”

  Doephluev blushes. “M-My love?”

  Daniel asks her as he puts her face close to hers, “Do you want to say no? We can probably make it to the entrance now that I can see and Arachne’s with us.”

  She bites her lip, nodding quietly. “P-Please… h-have mercy.”

  Daniel lightly smacks her butt again, and she squeaks again. “How’s that? Too hard?”

  She shakes her head. “I-I’ll survive.”

  “Good. Arachne?”

  “I will guard the entrance, Father.”

  “A-Arachne,” starts Doephluev as she jumps a couple of steps to follow the large summoned warrior.

  “Yes?”

  “P-Please… D-Don’t… Please tell them Daniel is insatiable.”

  Arachne looks at Daniel, and he rolls his eyes. “Just tell them we’re taking a break, please. They know, but I don’t like to rub it in.”

  “It’s alright, Father. Mother says you will be confined to the Citadel for the next full week and will

  be busy with your most important duties.”

  Daniel chuckles. “Of course… Thanks.”

  She nods and walks on her tall spider-like legs towards the entrance to the room.

  Daniel then asks Luceniel, “Luceniel, would you mind if I take off the scarf and…”

  The dark elemental immediately darts to his right hand, hugging his wrist firmly. She shakes her head.

  “But…”

  She glares up at him.

  Daniel sighs once more. He has made love to two of his three dragon lovers at a time on several occasions, as well as all three. He also has been in bed with Shek and Skloe, and he always has a low-level knowledge that Xyreko is always watching. So, he doesn’t feel particularly off-put by being watched, though it’s not particularly an interest of his.

  That said, Luceniel seems to be deviously happy with the idea of watching. She cackles at Doephluev, rubbing her hands together.

  Daniel shrugs. “Alright. Suit yourself. Keep an eye out for us as well, if you would.”

  She nods happily, hovering around Daniel. He then faces Doephluev, who watched the exchange quietly.

  “You sure?” asks Daniel.

  Doephluev resumes smiling. She nods. “Yes, my beloved Emperor. I wish to bond with you every chance I get.”

  “Good.” Daniel spins her around by the shoulders and presses her against the pedestal that the scarf came from. He takes his gloves off as he pins her to the pedestal with his hips. She doesn’t fight, supporting her weight as she lets him lead. He hikes her skirt up, exposing her buttocks. He kneads her skin a little, smacking her lightly. She tenses a little, but her hum is a little more lascivious.

  “You’ve been a bad girl, Doephluev. Constantly distracting me.” He smacks her, and she gasps a little. “Stalking me.” He smacks her butt again, and she gasps, “Hnng!” “Deciding things on your own.” He spanks her one more time, and she moans lasciviously.

  Daniel pulls her hair gently, and she obediently arches her back to follow his gentle pull. He teases, “That didn’t sound like you’re being punished.”

  “I-I am. I’ve been a bad girl. And, I’m not sorry. You’re my emperor, and I’m your empress, and nothing you can do will change my mind.” She grins defiantly as she looks back at him from the side of her eye, unable to turn her head fully to face him.

  Daniel grips her neck gently from under her left shoulder, supporting her weight on his forearm. He leans her back so that his mouth is right next to her ear. He whispers, “Why would I make you change your mind on that?”

  She squirms a little, caught off guard. Daniel opens his fly and slides his erection across her vagina. He can already feel her wetness, and he asks, “Did you enjoy that?” He smacks her buttcheek once more, and she squeaks. She bites her lip, nodding as much as she can with Daniel holding her neck. He’s really just trying to experiment with even more masculine behavior, and Doephluev reacts positively. He has no real interest in getting any more aggressive than he is at the moment.

  “I see. I guess I’ll just have to keep going then.” He smacks her buttocks a few more times, and Luceniel snickers as she hovers around near Daniel’s hand, staying out of his way. She claps happily, watching as Daniel ‘punishes’ Doephluev, which only actually serves to cause her to become dripping wet as Daniel lubricates himself by sliding his human mating rod against her waiting vaginal lips.

  Daniel releases Doephluev’s neck, and she flops forward to lean on her hands on the pedestal, panting as she squirms her hips against his, trying to change his alignment so that he penetrates her.

  “Hmm…” hums Daniel. “Trying to take control? That’s not a privilege of a naughty girl.” He spanks her again, this time a little harder, and she yelps, tensing her body. A particularly cool drip of natural lubricant dribbles across his shaft.

  Daniel uses his hand to massage her pinkened buttcheek, and she wiggles her hips a little under his caress. He dips his finger into her soaking wet lovebox, prodding her several times and stirring his finger around in her insides. She hums and moans softly.

  With his finger inside of her, he spanks her gently, and she clenches on his finger. “You know, you’ve been enjoying this all by yourself, Doephluev.”

  She moans softly, bucking back and forth slowly against him. She nods in agreement, focusing on trying to get him to penetrate her.

  Daniel slides his hand up and down her back before spanking her once more. She clenches on his penetrating finger in time with the smack. “Well then, let’s fix that.”

  Daniel uses his hand toying with her to line his penis up with her, and she bucks backwards as soon as she knows his tip is in position, taking him in one swift motion as she moans happily.

  Daniel swiftly smacks her butt on the left side, and she gasps. She starts to move her hips on her own, and Daniel pins her against the pedestal, resting deep inside her for a moment as he pinches her left buttock. She hums, looking over her shoulder. “What are you going to do to me? You don’t scare me.”

  Daniel smirks. “You’re clearly better at this than me.”

  She grins deviously, leaning up close to him so she can rest her back against his chest and turn her cheek to face him as much as she can. Daniel takes the invite and leans over to kiss her, and she passionately dances her tongue with his, using her left hand to hold his head and grip his hair as much as the short length will allow. Daniel uses his left hand to hold her, sliding it up her abdomen to her breasts, and he can feel her smiling even more through their kiss.

  When they part, she pants a little, closing her eyes dreamily. She doesn’t release his head just yet, keeping his cheek pressed to hers as she relaxes her neck.

  Daniel thrusts a couple of times, spanking her once more, and she simply wiggles her hips and moans happily.

  Daniel nibbles her ear, biting a little forcefully, but not enough to actually hurt her. She giggles, still moaning and grinding her hips, bucking back into him when he withdraws.

  The mechanic whispers into her ear, “Doephluev… What do you feel like right now? A harlot or an empress?”

  She giggles, squeezing her hand a little and raking her fingers through his hair. “Aren’t I both, my Love?”

  Daniel rubs her abdomen, outside of her dress, but over top of the magic rune she used to ensure pregnancy. She feels a little softer already. He whispers into her ear as he holds her close. “I’ll let you choose. Are you an empress, or a harlot who needs punished?”

  Doephluev shifts, and she slides her cheek against his to nuzzle him affectionately. “I am, and will forever more be your empress, my beloved emperor.”

  Daniel withdraws from her to turn her around, and she is a little surprised, but she stares up into his eyes. “You aren’t tired of that dress yet?”

  She smiles, cocking her head. “It’s efficient.”

  Daniel lifts her leg, lowering himself enough to penetrate her again, and she huffs, supporting her balance against the pedestal while Daniel lifts her other leg. She wraps her arms around his neck. He thrusts in and out of her while holding her against the pedestal, and she kisses him, spending a long time alternating between intimate kissing and breathing. She moans and hums.

  Daniel can feel the building surge in his body, which is enticed further by the warm sensation produced by the magic rune on her abdomen. He’d be lying if he ever tried to say she wasn’t addictive to be with. Doephluev is surprisingly friendly and affectionate compared to when they met. And, her envy for Daniel’s other companions makes her even more passionate. He does wonder what happens if she gets what she wants, but as usual, he’s just in the moment with her.

  Daniel holds her off the ground, making love to her passionately as she continues to hold him and knead his skin with her nails. Daniel still has light scars where Gwenesphia bit him, and he can feel Doephluev lick his neck in the same spot. She kisses him as well, while he can feel her depths accepting him welcomingly. Daniel keeps her weight supported, shifting his palms to her buttocks, and he prods her anus with his middle finger, causing her to clench on him again. He uses his left hand to spank her lightly, not leaving her weight unsupported long. She gasps.

  “I-I thought I was your empress, my love.”

  “An empress who likes a light bit of spanking it seems, hmm?” teases Daniel.

  She grins, biting his lip gently when he lingers too close to hers.

  Daniel picks up the pace, working himself closer and closer to their shared finish. He presses Doephluev against the pedestal, mindful enough not to press her too hard against it. She moans and begins kissing him again, gasping out, “I love you, Daniel… I love you…”

  This puts Daniel over the edge, and he thrusts deep into her a few more times, pressing and holding as Doephluev cries out, hugging him tightly.

  Daniel whispers, “I’m starting to as well, Doephluev.” He kisses her and holds her for a little longer as their bodies wind down from their climax.

  Doephluev smiles, and she kisses him tenderly. “My Emperor.”

  “You haven’t been teaching me much magic, you know.”

  She pouts. “You never ask. You know I can’t disobey you. Order me, your empress, and I shall obey.” She grins, kissing his chin. Daniel, still holding her off of the ground, studies her dress, which is hiked up enough for him to make love to her. “I have some ideas for dresses. And, we’re also going to put underwear on you.”

  She cocks her head. “Why? Don’t you like being able to take your empress any time you desire?”

  “More like every time you desire. And, I’m more worried about people who aren’t me taking a peek.”

  She stares at him, blushing a little. “Are you… jealous?”

  “If I’m going to be foolish enough to keep the company of multiple women, then I should probably do what I can to make sure you’re safe.” She stares at him expectantly, and he adds as he looks away from her. “Yeah… I’m a little jealous.”

  “Now you know how I feel.”

  Daniel looks down. He gently sets her on her feet, and he makes eye contact with her again, adding softly, “Yeah…”

  She smiles sympathetically. “Would you be jealous if I had another lover in addition to you?”

  Daniel shakes his head, replying softly, “Maybe for a time, but I would get out of that situation. I know how it sounds…”

  Doephluev looks to the side. “It’s not practical for me to have a harem. I have you. Even if I have to share.”

  “I won’t hold you prisoner…”

  She straightens her dress, smirking at him. “I’m not your prisoner. I’m your empress. I love you, and I just have to win you over. Even if I never get past number eleven, or I make it to number one.” She straightens Daniel’s collar, asking, “So… who accompanied you on this dangerous mission again?”

  Daniel gives her a light scowl, retorting, “You know the Hekate game, Doephluev?”

  She pauses, thinking for a moment. She then looks at the entrance in horror, and she looks at Daniel again. “Y-Yes, but I’m…”

  “Don’t play a losing game, Doephluev.” He kisses her, halting her thought in progress. He then flicks her forehead, and she whines, “Ow! Why’d you do that!?”

  He chuckles. “I’m only a man, Doephluev. A very lucky man, but only a man.”

  She smiles, swaying cutely back and forth in front of him. “So? Can I be promoted to number two at least?”

  “Nice try.” Daniel starts to turn away, but she adds, “My Love?”

  Daniel faces her again, and she asks gently, “Can I request a pretty dress? Something that will make me look good to you?”

  He chuckles. “You’ll get no argument from me.”

  She grins, taking his arm as they head for the entrance. Luceniel floats in front of them, her arms crossed with a frown. She looks at Daniel and gestures at Doephluev.

  “What? Are you angry at her?”

  Luceniel glares at Daniel, and he asks, “Wait. Me?”

  The dark elemental nods, gesturing her hand in a swinging motion.

  Daniel cocks his head, and Doephluev gasps. “She wants me spanked more?”

  Luceniel nods condescendingly.

  Daniel chuckles again. “Looks like we have a little masochist.”

  Luceniel throws a small, ineffectual tantrum. Daniel gently catches her with his hand, causing her to plop down into a seated position on his hand, surprised. “What do you care? It was just play.”

  She huffs, crossing her arms and looking away from him.

  Doephluev teases playfully, “Uh oh… Is she jealous?”

  Luceniel glares at her fiercely, sticking her tongue out at her.

  Daniel scoffs, and the three rejoin Arachne to exit the dungeon and return to the Citadel with one more of the many things Daniel means to collect in the world of Zenkon.

  ***