Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 13

It was a particularly warm morning.

The sun was out and the usual shade from clouds was nowhere to be seen. Leaves were beginning to change colors as spring was ending, signaling the beginning of autumn.

Aldous was quite busy as usual. Chief Minister Arthur was nagging his ears off on things he should do and negotiations he had to fulfill. Of course, he appreciated being guided so he could be familiar with state affairs as soon as possible but other times, he just missed some quiet.

"The emissary from the Glorion Kingdom will be arriving in five days to discuss the trade," Chief Minister began as they walk towards the main office. "They'll try to veer it so they'll profit more but you shall not succumb to their tricks--"

Aldous nodded politely, appearing to be paying attention.

His mind wandered to the forest and the lake. He hadn't seen his people again after the wedding gift fiasco, something he couldn't help but be embarassed about. Especially since it was supposed to be Audwin's present to Signy.

"--spare your time so they won't be scared."

Aldous shook his head as he tried to focus on the task at hand. "I'm sorry, what is it again?"

Arthur sighed, his face that of a teacher talking to a child who kept on daydreaming during class. "I was telling you that the palace mage requested for a spare afternoon on the day of your choosing so she can meet the transformed swans."

"Why, what does she need from them?" he frowned, feeling like a protective cob to his cygnets.

"Something about research? I didn't ask for the details-- Where are you going?" Arthur asked when Aldous stomped ahead of him.

"To the east wing."

***

The Royal Library lived up to its name.

From children's fairytales to ancient manuscipts, almost everything could be found in this exclusive archive.

Seven-storey high, floor to ceiling bookshelves lined the walls of this majestic room. No direct sunlight was allowed inside. Artificial illumination emitting low heat was being used to avoid drastic changes in temperature. Humidity was also being controlled through magic. These were the reasons access was given to the head mage of the palace besides the royal family.

The huge double doors were suddenly shoved open.

Aldous didn't need to search long for his purpose was easily visible. He approached the braided blonde mage absorbed on a tome. Wearing a robe as dark as the night sky, her pale skin stood out as she wrote furiously with her quill.

Announcing his presence, Aldous cleared his throat. "Miss Odette."

Sighing like she was being disturbed, Odette put down her quill and stood up. She was in the middle of recording all the magical events that happened in the kingdom and this had been the only chance she got because the palace just settled down after the wedding.

She slightly curtsied, "Yes, Your Highness?"

"What is this I hear about a research on my people?" he stared intently on her bowed head.

Straightening up, Odette explained. "I would like to talk to them about the experience of being cursed into swans for decades and also examine them for any residual magic."

Aldous raised a brow, "Examine how?"

Understanding his concern, she quickly clarified, "I won't poke at their bodies like rats. I'll just-- scan them for any after-effects of the curse. And since they are wary of any mage or sorcerer, I reckon I shall ask for Your Highness help in the matter."

Nodding to himself, Aldous was relieved after hearing that his people were not in any danger of harm. Remembering a thought, he curiously asked, "How come I wasn't scanned? I was cursed too."

"You were, Your Highness."

He paused to think, then shook his head. "I don't remember any of that happening."

Odette answered sheepishly, "It was that day you got too drunk, Your Highness. Thought I might as well do it then." She bowed again, "I sincerely apologize, Your Highness. I overstepped."

Aldous' eyes widened, remembering that day Signy told him she was choosing Audwin then getting so drunk he passed out. He had no idea how he got to his room the next day.

Wincing like he was in physical pain, he blurted, "This scanning for residual magic. How is it done?" He didn't think he could tolerate any more embarassment.

"Oh, I just hold up my hand like this--" showing him her palms up facing him, "--and let my mana surround you."

Sighing in relief that THE scan didn't involve further mortification on his behalf, Aldous pulled out a chair to discuss the research details.

***

Signy was sore.

It was a cool afternoon and her face felt like burning whenever she thought of the previous night. Audwin's stamina might as well be the death of her.

It would be a happy death, but still.

Groaning, she tried not to move too much as she reclined on the loveseat. Aside from soreness in those particular spots, her entire body was aching like she swam for miles without any proper stretching beforehand.

After doing the deed three times, they had a short nap then Audwin woke her up by kissing and fondling her sensitive areas. By then, she lost count and just let him do her in all positions conceivable.

Damn those positions.

She didn't even know one could do the act in that many variations. Signy fanned her face. Thinking about it made her miss her husband who was rummaging in the other room.

She recalled Audwin asking which one she liked best but she's undecided. Giggling, she figured they'd need more research for her to reach a conclusion.

Carrying a towel and an oil, Audwin sauntered towards her and kissed her forehead. Gently lifting Signy's legs, he sat and placed them on his lap. Then he angled himself slightly facing her for easier access.

Rubbing his hands slick with aromatic oil, he glanced at her exhausted state and smirked. "I'm sorry," referring to the vigorous night activities. His face not looking apologetic at all. "I will try to hold back next time."

Signy laughed and threw a pillow which stopped midair in front of his face, "Oh shut it." Besides, she wasn't even sure if she want him to. Last night was spectacular.

Chuckling, he shook his head and floated the pillow back. He began gently massaging her aching muscles.

Sighing in pleasure, Signy muttered tentatively, "So, can I ask now?"

Judging by her tone, it was about his past. Audwin quickly sobered up.

He couldn't stall anymore.

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Chapter art by @drlee2535 / banana (discord); check out her IG @banana_pajamas_ ★