A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 24: Day 38
The following morning, while Robert and Miri were eating breakfast in their quarters, a chambermaid came to change the linens on the bed. When she finished, she opened the double doors to the balcony and hung the bloodstained sheet over the railing, proclaiming that Duchess Miri had indeed been a maiden, giving the public confidence that any child she bore would be the Duke's.
Miri and Duke Robert had coupled three times, with Miri being mostly passive at first, but by the end of the third time, she matched the Duke's powerful thrusts with her own. It had been extremely pleasurable, and Miri decided to introduce Lisette's special potion on the fourth day, when it would not arouse Robert's suspicion.
As pleasurable as the ploughing had been, Miri had a much more pressing concern — finding an opportunity to introduce her explosive device into King Ludwig's personal privy chamber. She'd gain valuable information when they had their mid-day meal with the Queen, but before that planned mid-day meal, she was sure she and Robert would spend more time in bed.
🎲🎲🎲
After breakfast, Matthias summoned Miri's cousin Tyra — a capable-looking girl with voluminous wavy auburn hair and blue eyes — who had attended the wedding with the rest of Miri's family, to have tea and cakes. Lilia was shopping with her mother to procure things they would need for the Manor, which were not available in Fulham, and that provided an opportunity for Matthias to discuss Tyra joining the band of adventurers.
"Miri spoke to me yesterday," Tyra said. "I'm excited by the possibility!"
"Then all you need do is move to Newtown. There is room for you in the Manor House."
"I do have one condition," Tyra said.
"What is that?" Matthias asked.
"The same thing you did with Miri just after she completed her fifteenth year! Promise me that, and I'll return to Newtown with you immediately!"
Matthias paused to consider her request. He certainly had the freedom to fulfill it, based on Nystrian traditions and conventions, and it would in no way be abusive. That said, he didn't want to disrespect or embarrass Lilia.
"If I agree, you have to be patient, as I prefer to keep it private between us. It would not be right to rub my new wife's face in such a thing, even though I am free to do it."
"I would trust your word if you gave it."
"Then, Tyra of Chatham, I accept your condition."
"I promise not to disappoint in either endeavor!"
🎲🎲🎲
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.