The days passed and the safe return of Syrelia to her brother's residence was completed without incident. Litralia had received her with open arms and eyes full of tears. It was truly the best possible ending to a dangerous incident.
As the sun rose on the third day since her return Lanthim lay alone in a room that had been prepared for him. Having built this residence for his wives to live in peace, they had taken to the idea that all he had was theirs within reason so when so had no right to sleep with them without consent. That also meant that he could not just sleep anywhere in the residence without approval.
While some may see such a way of living as counterproductive. In truth, it helped Lanthim a great deal. With the kidnapping incident now out of the way, nothing would keep Leinea or Mynrea from getting into bed with him at some point.
Neither seemed willing to advance their relationships with him at the present time. Or at least, Mynrea was waiting on Leinea to move things along since the younger was the first wife and it would be proper for her to have some confidence in her position. While an heir to the clan was important.
When a man took two wives as quickly as lanthim did then there was alway a chance of friction between the two mothers. After what had transpired with herself and Nedral Mynrea was content to wait. She was still young enough to have children so waiting a few years for the younger two was not going to be too devastating to her.
The wind off the mountains blew through the trees of the gardens creating a natural music that he enjoyed. Long had his days become since returning home almost three months ago. The engagement which due to the academy tournament had been postponed. Leading to Syrelia being kidnapped by Haldrathin subordinates. Of some woman he was unable to get any information. About due to orders he had given to the templar that had found them.
Walking the open walkways that lead throughout the residence. Lanthim looked down to see Leinea preparing to eat her morning meal. Today was an off day from the academy so she would be home all day. Taking advantage of the opportunity to have a proper conversation with her which he had not had since his return home.
Walking down to the balcony that Leinea was having everything prepared. Lanthim stopped just out of her rooms summoning one of the maids that were about to him.
"Yes, master?"
The girl was human but like all of the other maids, Lanthim did not take the time to remember all of their names.
"I have seen that your mistress is preparing to have her morning meal. Please inform her that I would very much like to join her this morning." [Lanthim]
His tone projected his position that none would question. No servant would ever cross him mostly because he paid them so well.
"I shall inform my lady please wait here."
Making her way in a quick but professional manner, the made entered the apartments.
Inside Leinea had just gotten changed out of her bedclothes into something more comfortable. a simple one piece gown that highlighted her curves very well.
"It is too bad that the master will not be here to see you wear that. From what I hear he likes women that are confident in their figure." [Seflyn]
Seflyn Ogtrum was the head maid that saw to all of Leinea's needs in the residence. Being over three hundred years old her time in this occupation had been long. As she looked to her young mistress who laughed a the idea of Lanthim seeing her dressed as she was. A young maid entered the room.
"My lady the master is here, and desires to partake in your morning meal he is just outside now may I have him come in?"
Feeling all the humor rush out of her Leinea was now confronted by something she had not been before. Her husband was here, he would see her dressed in a way he would likely find attractive, and they would be together for a time. In truth, she could only remember three times since his return from the forest. They had never had the opportunity to have a serious conversation about anything that was not in some way tied to someone else.
"This is a great opportunity to learn more about him, my lady. While it may be somewhat embarrassing for you to have him look at you. It is not like you are dressed immodestly." [Seflyn]
What the older woman said was true. It would like be insulting to her husband if she did not invite him in when he went to all the trouble to request entry.
"Have him come in Seflyn. I will not have time to change even if I wanted to so bring him in." [Leinea]
Being seen was not so much the problem. It was being with Lanthim who she barely knew even all, this time. Living with him she still knew almost nothing about him. Maybe she would be able to get some little insights from his visit today.
Arriving at the balcony, Lanthim looked about to find his wife. Doing so he could see her sitting at the table prepared for the two of them. She looked stunning to his eyes a beauty that he was most pleased to see.
"My wife, I am thankful you would allow me to enjoy this meal with you this morning." [Lanthim]
Taking her hand, Lanthim kissed it taking the chair beside her. Smiling as he performed the entire motion with such skill. Leinea gave a slight nod showing her approval.
"We have not had the opportunity to eat together like this. Since your return husband, I am pleased that you have decided not to hide in seclusion." [Leinea]
An immediate chastisement for his lack of responsibility towards her since she had come to her new home. Either continually meditating or training it did not matter. He was here now and she would voice her displeasure for his abandoning her.
"I have been in error. I must apologize for my arrogance, that has shown itself to me these last few days." [Lanthim]
Referring to the incident in the bath house Leinea blushed slightly remembering what happened. Being seen completely naked would have happened eventually between them, however, his attitude towards her that day was not acceptable.
"My grandmother and I may be dragons But you will remember that we are your wives, and that affords us some protection from your attitude towards others of our race." [Leinea]
While he would dispute this with his wife. Lanthim was not about to change how he treated someone. If they decided they all of the sudden had the right to place themselves.
Higher than him solely because of social standing.
"I understand, I shall be more considerate in my attitudes from this point on." [Lanthim]
This promise would suffice for a time, at least, Leinea would not be compelled to act extremely. As the two sat together starting to eat the food that was brought to them Leinea asked Lanthim an important question.
"Lanthim How many children would you hope to have before you die?" [Leinea]
Caught off guard by the question Lanthim dropped a piece of pastry that he had been enjoying.
'Ah, so we come to it at last.' {Lanthim}
He thought to himself. It was not a question that he could escape without disastrous consequences.
"I have long thought of what you ask. I would think it is more a thing for yourself to decide. It is your body that will have to bear them into the world. [Lanthim]
Leinea smiled hearing his answer.
'So he will not force the issue if I only want three or less.'
It was comforting to think that she would not be forced into a childbearing state time and time again. she had heard stories about her grandmother's first marriage. All the children she had in the first years was frighteningly astounding.
"I spent a great deal of time in this forest you know, and during that time I learned. That ones capacity to choose for themselves, is something that should not be taken away." [Lanthim]
"What else did you learn in these woods that kept you here for so long? That it took you ten years to come home?" [Leinea]
The questions rolled from her lips like nectar pulls a bee to its sweet scent every time she asked he desired to tell her.
"I found the truth about my enemies. Where they came from what they were like. How far they tried to stretch the laws of magic to achieve their goals." [Lanthim]
"And who are your enemies, my husband?" [Lienea]
"They broke the world four thousand years ago, and destroyed what could have been a beautiful end for their own gain. My enemy Leinea, is the Forsaken or the True Magi." [Lanthim]