anderbilt IV lounged on his throne. His long, platinum-blond hair spilled ove

uded with a mixture of ago

te tailcoat, his posture one of unwavering deference. Walter held a datapad d

ands against his temples, a gesture of utter futility against the storm raging

all flickered erratically, dimming and

al storms are growing more frequent. The physicians warned t

ss snort. "Those fools are

lips curled in a sneer of pure contempt. "And now the imb

t arrogance of his dragon lineage. "Is this their ide

wer. "My lord, perhaps..

arrowed to icy sl

treme care, "a female's spiritual field is the only thing known

e to touch a low-born Terran?" He was an isolationist. He loathed an

sensing a slight opening. "The trial period is three months. You

has improved, and the three months are over, you can provide her with a gene

word hang in the air. "She would be

the word, a flicker of cold

reconsider. The idea was repulsive, but the alternative-the complete

a 'tool' for a few months seemed a bearable p

his body. He leaned back into

here," he commanded, his

lling stare, "make her understand her position. She is a temporary sol

s offered, you will ensure she understan

"It will be done, my lord. I will m

ught of pain. In his mind, her fate was sealed. She was to be a tool, valu