"And you're still unmarried, which just proves my point, doesn't it?"

"For the moment. Jackis Leroung isn't bad, though."

"I heard he was top of his class in the school of law, but I assumed there was some nepotism involved."

"Well, I'm better. But he's very capable... yet, it's true, predictable."

"I'm sure he's competent to outfox most of his competition. Just not you."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Why would I want to 'get' anywhere?", he asked, with a look of mock innocence.

He gestured to the drinks, the closed door, Tessane herself.

"...Seems to me that I've already arrived."

"Hah. I... have missed this."

"Me too. Some people were good debate partners... but delicious, dangerous ones? None half as good as you."

"...Maybe flattery will get you somewhere."

Theo had a bright gleam in his eye. "Well, milady Archcountess... where would you like to go?"

She grinned back, stood, and stepped slowly around the small table. He pulled his chair out a little, turning to keep facing her directly.

She looked down at him...

And dropped to straddle him, face to face.

"How about... here."

He pulled her into a kiss and threaded his other hand inside her cloak, down her back.

Quite a while later, they were twined around each other, Theo massaging Tess's bad leg.

"Mmm. A little lower... Ahhh."

"You know, I really expected you to have paid for this to be fixed by now."

"Oh, it can't be. A deal for power my family made once; magic comes easily to most of us, but deformities come with the talent."

"Hmm. Like a lot of seers."

"Oh?"

"Seers and soothsayers were Erecura's first responsibility when she ascended. She was one herself, once. They have a curse, but it comes with gifts. And divine spells, without a god directly involved. Most never know where their power comes from."

"Our deal was with a devil, but we have no record of which."

"Of course. No point in trying to verify it, that would be hopeless. I'm sure you were ahead of the curve, before even House Thrune."

"Naturally. Always pioneers in power, are House Jeggare."

"The one lame seer I met swore that the curse came with the gift that she never got tired, even serious exhaustion never slowed her down. I... see some resemblance."