Chapter 472: A Candid Moment

Jadis was always one for just ripping the bandage right off. No need to prolong an uncomfortable experience when decisive action would bring an end to the discomfort more quickly. That said, she had not been expecting Vraekae to just lay it all out on the table and ask her to impregnate her.

“I—I don’t know what to say,” Eir stumbled over her words. “I… I did not even suspect that you harbor feelings for our dear Jadis…”

“Allow me to clarify,” Vraekae interjected before the stunned oracle could continue. “I do not feel the same way about Jadis as you or any of her other companions presumably do. I am not in love. I do not have any desire to marry Jadis, nor become a part of her growing harem of women. To further clarify, I am not passing any judgement on the practice of polygamy, I simply have no interest in it.

“What I am proposing is that Jadis and I have sex for the sole purpose of reproduction. I offer no additional relationship between us beyond what is already established and what may become necessary after the child is born. I have every intent to raise the child on my own, however, I would not bar Jadis from being involved in the child’s upbringing. In fact, considering what I know of Jadis’ personality, I do expect and welcome some level of involvement beyond the initial impregnation. Nevertheless, that initial act is all I am requesting. Nothing more.”

Both Jadis and Eir stared at the calm and composed figure seated before them. The way Vraekae explained herself was in the exact same tone and manner that she would have used when going over some legal dispute between lords or delivering instructions to her subordinates concerning a military maneuver she was planning. Vraekae looked every bit the stoic, icy magistrate that Jadis had first met on her arrival in Far Felsen; her visage of steely control was almost intimidating.

Of course, the fact that Vraekae was talking about having sex with Jadis spoiled the effect somewhat. The elf’s air of lofty regality was further harmed by the fact that they were sitting in a room decorated with lacy pillows colored in purples, pinks, and pastel shades that could not have come across as less threatening if they tried. In fact, the multiple paintings depicting tastefully concealed acts of romance on the wall behind Vraekae made it hard for Jadis to take the situation seriously at all. Still, being propositioned by the cousin of one’s lover did help center Jadis’ focus somewhat.

“Oh,” Eir finally said after a long silence. “That’s okay then.”

“What?” Jadis’s selves twisted in their seats on the barely large enough couches to look at her lover. “What do you mean that it’s okay?”

“That… is what I mean,” Eir replied, looking far more composed than she had a short while ago. “Vraekae’s request is far less concerning than I had originally thought. I do not believe I can think of any particular objection at the moment.”

“Okay, hold on a moment,” Syd said as she held up one finger towards Vraekae. “Just—hold tight.”

“Eir,” Jay leaned down to speak with her lover more intimately. Not that the proximity would prevent the other elf in the room from overhearing, but it was the thought that counted. “Eir, she’s your cousin. Are you seriously okay with me sleeping with one of your family members?”

Eir hesitated for a moment, her purple eyes lost in thought, before she seemed to find the words she was searching for.

“If Vraekae was confessing her love to you, then yes, I would have a problem with that. I can share your love with many others, for you have more to give then I think even I could handle, but I do not think I could share such intimacy with Vraekae. I would be… uncomfortable with the idea of being in the same bed as her.”

“Yeah, that’s reasonable,” Jay agreed, then followed up with a frown. “But even if you weren’t physically there, I’d still be sleeping with your cousin. That doesn’t bother you?”

“I presume that you would not be participating in any of our communal activities?” Eir directed her question at her cousin.

“Certainly not,” Vraekae made a face. “I have no interest in that, nor do I have any attraction towards the rest of Jadis’ bedmates. Should we proceed, our encounter would be a one-on-one affair.”

After a second, the blue elf amended her statement.

“Three-on-one.”

Jay turned her attention away from Vraekae and back to Eir, her worry creasing her brow. Leaning forward even closer to her kindhearted lover, she held one of her hands in hers with a tight grip.

“Look, putting all the sex stuff aside, what about, you know, me having another child with someone else? Before you? I know how much it means to you and—”

“Jadis, please believe me, I am not concerned about that right now. I truly don’t want you to be, either.”

“Okay, yeah, but—”

“Jadis, my love,” Eir stopped Jay from speaking by putting a finger to her lips. “My heart glows from the concern you are showing me right now. However, I am not offended by the idea of you having children with other women. If I were, we wouldn’t be in the relationship that we are in right now.”

Eir’s point did give Jadis some pause. She and Eir were in a dedicated relationship, but Jadis also shared the same kind of relationship with eight other women. Eir had never objected to the idea of being in a communal relationship with Jadis and the rest of her lovers. In fact, she had been nothing but accepting and supportive. Further, even though having children was Eir’s most heartfelt dream, she was constantly cooing in delight at even the prospect of the other women becoming pregnant. Any envy she might have felt was massively superseded by the joy she held at the idea of more children. When she thought about it, Jadis was pretty sure that Eir was so happy about Alex and everyone else having babies because the elf saw those babies as her own children, just as much as she would a child born from her own womb.

“What is more important than my comfort right now is your comfort,” Eir said as she kissed the tip of Jay’s nose. “Vraekae is asking you to perform an extraordinarily intimate act. Does the idea displease you? If so, we can stop the conversation right now.”

“Ah, well, not exactly displease…” Jay said after she reflexively gave Eir a kiss back. “Just… confuses me? I honestly wasn’t expecting this.”

No, displease definitely wasn’t the word. In fact, if Jadis was honest with herself, she was at the very least physically attracted to the cold, experienced elf. She was a beautiful woman, no doubt. While Jadis couldn’t say that she even had Vraekae on her radar for potential lovers, that didn’t mean she couldn’t think the lady was hot. Part of her willingness to admit as much came from the fact that her feelings for the obstinate, controlling politician had thawed over the past few months. She really didn’t dislike the elf anymore. In fact, she found that, under the right circumstances, she could even enjoy her company. She wasn’t going to entertain any thought of being with Vraekae, even for the sole purpose of reproduction, unless she got the answer to a question or two, though.

Jadis turned her full attention back onto Vraekae, who was waiting patiently on the frilly couch opposite them. In fact, Jadis had never taken her attention off of the magistrate to begin with. Having multiple bodies afforded her that luxury.

“What brought this on, anyway?” Dys asked the other woman. “Why do you want to have a child with me? I didn’t even know you were thinking about having children.”

Vraekae took a moment to consider her answer, which Jadis took to be a good sign. The magistrate was always cool and calculated when it came to her words, but the fact that she was actually taking the time to think about her answer in the moment meant that she hadn’t planned the whole conversation out ahead of time. Jadis was certain that Vraekae usually did just that, considering her ability to maneuver discussions towards the ends that she wanted.

When she did eventually speak, she met Dys’ gaze directly and without any sign of deceit.

“I am unlikely to ever have a spouse,” Vraekae admitted. “I have always rejected those who have sought to court me, as spending time on such affairs has always felt like a waste. I have considered marrying another noble for the political gain it would give, however, I value my impartiality. If I were to marry, I would be pressed to exert my influence in the favor of my new family attachment.

“Despite the fact that I have no desire to have a husband or wife, I still wish to have an heir. Someone who will carry on my legacy. I have considered adoption, and I likely would have taken that route if I had found the right child. However, Jadis, you present me with a unique opportunity.”

Holding up her right hand, Vraekae began ticking off her points with her fingers.

“First, you are as apolitical as a person of great power and influence can be. I would never have to worry about you pushing your own political agenda onto me. Second, I know you have a skill that will practically guarantee that I will be impregnated, so long as I am fertile. Thanks to your… other unique skill, I now know that I am. Third, you are beautiful and strong and while not a scholar, you are certainly not an idiot. I am certain that any child that we have will inherit the best of both of us. Fourth, you are in need of someone who will bear your child but will not leave the city. Considering my new position, I am not likely to leave Eldingholt at any time in the near future. If you were to impregnate me, two purposes would be served that would benefit us both.”

When Vraekae held up her pinky finger to announce her last point, her expression changed slightly. The difference in her mouth and eyes was subtle, but Jadis had always been good at reading people and had only gotten better with constant practice around individuals like Severina who regularly hid their emotions. Vraekae was, at least for a brief moment, vulnerable.

“Fifth and finally, I trust you. I know that you would never use this request against me. Even if you reject my proposal right now, I have no doubt that you will respect my privacy and never bring this up as a means of exerting control over me. You are simply a much better person than I am.”

“Are you saying that you would use something like this to exert control over someone else?” Dys asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Potentially, yes,” Vraekae stated candidly. “If I felt it was necessary. However, I find that I am… reluctant to consider that as a possible course of action when it comes to you. Perhaps I would have thought differently several months ago. Not now. Certainly not when I know you have Eir by your side.”

“Well, that’s actually kind of reassuring to know,” Dys murmured.

Jadis found that it truly was. Vraekae was being honest with her. She wasn’t pretending to be someone she wasn’t; she was clear and open with her nature. Even if that nature wasn’t exactly the kind of person Jadis could see herself being in a true relationship with, she could respect Vraekae for her open honesty. More than that, she could actually see herself having a sort of… surrogate child, if that was the right word, with the elf because of that honesty. Where she wouldn’t be able to do so with just the random candidates that had been put in her path by people like Aurea or Sholto, or even Severina, she felt she could with Vraekae. Not because she loved her, but because she found that she now reciprocated that trust that Vraekae held for her.

After a full moment of consideration, Jadis’ expressions lightened.

“So… you just want the one child?” Syd asked curiously.

“One would be sufficient. In the future, perhaps a second child, if you are amenable to the possibility. I believe children do best when they are raised around siblings. Or at least, that is what I have been advised. I have no practical experience in the matter.”

“You wouldn’t need to worry about that,” Eir interjected with an amused smile. “If you and Jadis do have a child, they will be surrounded by quite a large number of half-siblings.”

“As this would be my child, I would not expect Jadis or you to perform the child-rearing obligations,” Vraekae shook her head. “That would be unfair.”

“Oh?” Jay leaned back, causing an unfortunate creak in the furniture. “You plan on handling all the baby stuff by yourself? Won’t you be busy with your magisterial duties?”

“I will hire the best wet nurses and caretakers that are available to—”

“No.”

Vraekae paused, an expression of surprise on her face at Eir’s firm denial.

“Any child of yours will be taken care of by your family, Vraekae,” Eir insisted with a serious look on her face. “None of that farming off the responsibilities onto servants that far too many noble houses do. You know my mother would twist your ears if she even heard you suggesting such a thing.”

“You and Jadis lead busy lives, Eir,” the magistrate countered. “I could hardly expect you to aid in nursing or changing diapers while you are off on an expedition to demon-infested lands.”

“Then Svana will help you,” Eir pushed back. “Or Vera. Or Gerta, or Senta, or any other of the many experienced mothers and fathers who now share a home with Jadis and me. In fact, I would rather Grand Da Morley watch over your babe than whichever coldly logical and dispassionate servant you would pick to do the job.”

“…I am perfectly capable of choosing an adequate nursemaid.”

“I have met all of your maids, your butler, and your cook,” Eir sighed as she made a face. “No. Family will help you, and that is final. Or we can simply call the whole thing off.”

Vraekae’s eyes narrowed as she regarded her cousin dourly. As meticulous and controlling as the blue elf could be, Jadis imagined she probably didn’t like that Eir had called into question her ability to choose a good caretaker for her future children. Despite how intelligent and capable Vraekae was, Jadis had to admit that she agreed with Eir. Whoever the magistrate picked, they probably wouldn’t be very maternal. In fact, they’d probably be teaching the baby how to stand up straight and walk like a soldier before they were even two years old.

Jadis shuddered at the thought.

“And what is your opinion?” Vraekae asked in a cool voice as she directed her attention onto Jay.

“I’m going to have to side with Eir on this one,” Jay answered, not fearing the icy woman’s wrath. “If we’re doing this, I want to be involved in the life of my child. That means they’re going to be spending time with the rest of my children, and their families. I’m not trying to take away your right to raise your child how you see fit, but they would be my child, too. I can’t see a scenario where we wouldn’t want to help you raise our child instead of having some servants do it.”

Vraekae was quiet for a stretched-out moment. Jadis couldn’t tell what she was thinking at all, since the elf’s expression was completely sealed off. However, after a while, Vraekae briefly closed her eyes while simultaneously bowing her head.

“I accede to your will in this matter,” Vraekae told Eir. “I may be decades older than you, but I have no experience at all when it comes to raising children.”

Turning to look at Jay, Vraekae inclined her head in agreement.

“Shall we discuss the details of how a child born between us will be raised? I have no pressing appointment for the rest of the day.”

“I… Yeah. I guess we can,” Jay answered with only a lingering bit of hesitation. “I mean, I’m open to the idea.”

“Actually, considering Aurea has been trying to get me to breed half the priestesses in the temple, I like this option a lot better. I much prefer you to women I don’t know as well,” Syd confided.

“Truly?” Vraekae raised a slender eyebrow. “You would prefer me to the beauties who walk these halls?”

“Hey, don’t sell yourself short,” Syd smirked at the elf. “You’re very attractive. In a scary kind of way.”

“Scary.”

“Yup, just like that,” Syd pointed at Vraekae’s face. “That glare combined with your personality and those blood red eyes… Very scary, in a sexy way.”

“How do you put up with this on a daily basis?” Vraekae asked her cousin.

“I don’t have to,” Eir shrugged. “Jadis rarely teases me. I am more often the recipient of her tender affection than her playful wit.”

“True,” Jay said as she kissed the top of her lover’s forehead. “You’re my good girl. I love you.”

“And you’re a, let’s face it, icy bitch,” Dys shrugged at Vraekae. “But you’re a bitch I’ve come to like and respect.”

“Don’t call me a bitch in public,” Vraekae commanded tonelessly.

“Ah, so it’s okay in private?” Syd grinned.

While Vraekae didn’t open her mouth, the red ball of doom that began spinning over her shoulder spoke volumes.

“Anyway,” Jay hurriedly continued. “Let’s talk all this stuff out. I need to explain my new skill details in full, too. You said you have time?”

Indeed, the magistrate did have the time. For the next hour, Jadis, Eir, and Vraekae discussed the particulars of their agreement. In the end, they agreed that Jadis would attempt to impregnate Vraekae whenever her Breeding Time skill indicated that the elf was most fertile, until Vraekae had at least two children. The door had been left open for more, though, I both of them wanted. Vraekae would hold full custody of the children, but all child rearing decisions would be discussed with Jadis and further, the kids would spend a certain number of non-schooling hours with the rest of Jadis’ children every week.

Jadis wasn’t surprised that the icy elf went into such incredible detail on the particulars of how their relationship and the raising of their children would be handled. Vraekae was basically a judge, after all. Legal minutia was her thing. While Jadis normally would have found such excruciating detail a bit boring, she found that in this case, she was comforted. Vraekae’s deep attention to the matter assured Jadis that not only was the woman trying her best to make sure that any children they had led good lives, but also that she respected Jadis enough to think about what would make her comfortable with the unusual arrangement.

“You know, we should probably check and see if Aurea is back by now,” Jay commented during a slight lull in the discussion. “We were going to ask her to give us some leniency on the whole baby-making contract thing, but maybe that won’t be as necessary if we, uh, are successful tonight.”

“You should still speak with her,” Vraekae said as she switched how her legs were crossed. “Even with the power of your Skills, we may not succeed. It would be best to have the conversation with the High Priestess now, rather than later. Also, I do believe you visited the temple today for another matter.”

“Oh! Bertha!” Eir exclaimed. “We’ve left her waiting this whole time! I hope she isn’t cross. I should go—”

“I’ll get her,” Dys said as she rose from her seat. “You wait here.”

It didn’t take long to find the matronly priestess. Bertha was still in the ritual room, holding what looked like an impromptu lesson on good health practices for expecting mothers for a small group of acolytes. While family care and such things tended to be more in the realm of Ulya and her priests, there was definitely some overlap with Lyssandria since sex was her thing.

When Bertha saw Dys, she quickly excused herself from the gathering and followed Dys back to the sitting room. It only took the priestess a touch and a second of concentration for her to check and see if Eir was pregnant. When she gave the oracle a kind but consoling smile, they all knew the answer.

“No worries, dear,” Bertha patted Eir’s hand softly. “You’re very young yet. You’ve plenty of time to have many, many babes.”

“Thank you,” Eir smiled graciously at the plump older woman. “I have absolute confidence that we will have many, many children. Ten, at least.”

“Ten?” Syd laughed. “Where’d that number come from?”

“My love for you,” Eir replied sweetly.

“Well, damn. We’ve got some work to do,” Dys remarked as she took Bertha’s hand to lead her to the door. “But before that; Bertha, do you know if Aurea has returned to the temple yet?”

“I don’t know,” Bertha shook her head as she closed her eyes for a moment. “But I can send word and—Lady Jadis!”

“Hm?” Dys turned to look down at the woman who had stopped dead in her tracks. “What’s wrong?”

Bertha stared up at Dys, a gleam in her eyes as her face lit up in excited joy. Clapping her hands together and squealing like a girl fifty years younger, the priestess barely managed to get her next words out.

“Jadis, you’re with child! You have a Nephilim babe within you!”

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