"Urgh," I crooked out of my overly dry throat. My eyes felt like they were glued closed, but it was just my body being a dried-up husk. Letting the other side take over that much put my body into a dried-up state, but I was far from helpless.
"So, this is what it looks like when you have a good time?" the familiar voice of my beautiful maid.
"Fiona... I wish I could gaze on that pretty face... that I have been taking for granted," I said slowly, my words grating on my throat as I slowly lifted my arm.
"I am here, my king," Fiona said, and I felt her hand take mine. "Do not worry; I am your faithful servant in body and mind. I will always be by your side, but it is time for you to feed, my king."
With Fiona's help, I slowly sat up, getting more of my movement back. My maid let go of my hand, and I felt her move away from me.
Slowly, I reached up with my dried hands and pried my eyes open to a blinding light that burned my eyes, but it felt so good. For the first few seconds, all I could see was the blinding light, but soon, I could make out the room, and Fiona walked back with a large tray of food.
"How long was I asleep for? Are the girls fine?" I asked, my tongue feeling slightly better as my muscles started to writhe with excitement. I took all I had to keep them from bursting off my body.
"Everyone is safe, and they are waiting for you," she said, placing the food in front of me and then backing up. "You have been asleep for only one day."
Once she was far enough back, I let out a sigh as my muscles partially ripped from my body and attacked the food. They tore through my paper skin, but very quickly, my body started to heal up. If anything but one of my girls tried to touch me when I was like this, my body would attack and devour them. Human, monster, demon, it didn't matter; the other side only cared about the revel and would do anything to enjoy it.
"Lachlan is in town and saw you come in with the girls. He came to collect what was owed, and I paid him some, but I told him that he could go collect the bounty for the Yagtharoth you killed to make us even. He told me that it was between you and him and that he would see you when you awoke," Fiona explained as I finished eating, and my muscles reattached themselves to my body.
I let out a long yawn that made my cheeks tear, but then they healed right away, as was the rest of my body. I handed the tray to Fiona, and she took it from me and placed it on the far table as I got out of bed.
"I will help you get dressed," Fiona said, but I shook my head.
"You can prepare my clothing, but you will only dress me after my visit with the Queens," I said and then walked to the mirror. I looked over myself, and the shell was an impressive one, but it still needed more meat. I would have to find something bigger to eat later.
"Are you sure that is a good idea? She does not wish for you to see her in this state yet," Fiona said as she walked up behind me.
I turned and took her blue face in my hands and looked into her beautiful emerald eyes that sparkled with worry. She was very pretty, and I was going to create a beautiful weapon out of her, but my Queens needed me.
"The Queen you know has been carrying my long-dead lover, Zephilia. She will yearn to see me now that I have awoken, and I need to reward Melodious," I said and then kissed Fiona.
When I pulled back from her, Fiona still had a worried look on her face. "Are you sure that is a good idea? You know that you are still not strong enough to Forge with her, right?" She asked, and I nodded.
"Don't worry, I know what I can and can't do with my girls. You and I have some bonding to do after this anyways, right?" I asked, and for the first time, Fiona blushed purple. Even in my fogged moments, she had never done that, but it made her look adorable.
"Yes, my king. I will have your clothing ready for you, and I will inform everyone that you are awake now," she said, her voice suddenly shy and filled with anticipation. She quickly gathered my clothes and left the room, leaving me to prepare myself for the upcoming encounters with my Queens.
I took a few moments to stretch and fully regain control over my body, feeling my strength returning after my ordeal with Yagtharoth. I knew that seeing Zephilia – or Melodious, as she was now known – would be an emotional event for both of us, but it was something we needed to face together.
As I walked out of the room naked and followed my nose to the upper level of my castle, I scowled at the pictures on the walls. They were all humans, and I had to resist the urge to destroy every one of them. I only help myself back because it would be much more satisfying to do with Lachlan present. That fellow and I were due for a long talk.
Once I was on the fourth floor, the scent of arousal hit me like a brick wall. It was a familiar blend of scents that belonged to my Queens – Zephilia and Melodious. I hesitated for only a moment, feeling both anticipation and concern bubbling up within me.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I pushed open the door to reveal both of my queens waiting for me. Melodious's eyes widened at my naked form, but there was no time for embarrassment or modesty now.