Eidolon

He looked to Anhuset first. “Guard with your life that which is most precious to me.”

The eidolon paused. Ildiko shuddered as its cold gaze caressed her. “Peace, sweet wife. I mean no harm.”

She squeaked when he lifted her off her feet, arms tight around her back, and buried his face in her neck. He said nothing, simply inhaled and exhaled slow, deep breaths while she stroked his hair. He finally put her down, bowed low over her hand and kissed her fingers. “Woman of day, you have made me formidable again,” he said.

“The Mollusk Queen who married the Eel King.” A mismatch if there ever was one, but for them, somehow, it worked.

“The Mollusk Queen who married the Eel King.” A mismatch if there ever was one, but for them, somehow, it worked.

“I would have been content to live my life as just Brishen,” he whispered into her hair. “Who was loved by Ildiko.”

I’m not desperate for a child, Ildiko. I’m desperate for my wife. That’s it. No matter what you believe, you aren’t lesser. Not to me. You are all.”

Why not share your home with her?”

The other man scowled, as if such an idea was too preposterous to seriously consider. “Only the women own hazatas, along with the livestock, the blankets and the pots. Men own the ponies and weapons.”

It was an interesting concept. While the men ruled the clans, it was the women who claimed ownership to most everything. And if it took something this monumental to woo a potential mate,

His soul ached at the sight of her. Ached for her. She had emasculated him in their chamber, human tears streaming down her cheeks as she did it. Brishen wielded knives that could never be as cutting as the words she uttered then.

“...this isn’t lovemaking. It’s breeding…”

husband was generous with his affection toward her and unafraid to display it in front of others.