"Well, that will be new and exciting and completely unwelcome."

"Really? Well, darn, I guess you'd better break up, huh?"

"Oh, I was thinking I'd become a bitter henpecking nag."

"That works! If you let Darren wear wizard robes and a fake beard, I bet he'd let you."

"But if I go around letting him do things then my bitter henpecking nag status will be called into serious question!"

"Oh, of course, we can't have that. You'd have to wear the robes and beard, then."

"Pass. Well, you could sell me on robes, but not a beard."

"The robes might not be enough. I'm not sure. How do you feel about pointy hats?"

"Pointy hats are okay by me."

"I deem your relationship all right. You'll be fine."

"What a relief."

"I know you were concerned. It's okay, I'm here to tell you it's all okay."

"I was waiting with bated breath for your assurances. Without them I would surely have been lost."

"Yeah, that's how most people are about me. It's a wonder the world hasn't collapsed upon itself yet."

"Well, now there are several of you and you can pick up each other's slack!"

"Hmmm. Eeeeh, too much work. Can't I just leave it to you and my brother?"

"Yes, I suppose you can."

"Okay, consider it done. Do my bidding, peon."

"Whoa there. My alts include a queen and an empress and a goddess's right hand and all you have is one prince and some proles, cool the 'peon' talk."

"Awwww. You make me sad."

"At least I'm not calling you a peon. As far as you know. To your face."

"Are you calling me one behind my back?"

"You'll never know for sure."

"Pffff. Okay."

And with that, Ice comes back, unaccompanied by any Lynns or four-year-olds. "Hi, you must be Savannah. Hi, Phix. I didn't spot Prime while I was in his world. I can get my husband, though, and he can scry for whoever's after you."