44

In the time of Count Qiang Ling...

Kathy and Thomas had been avoiding each other, also Mei To never left Thomas alone.

Inevitably they met in the wide hallway to the ceremonial dining room, Kathy tried to continue and Thomas blocked her way.

-- It is necessary that you understand," he began to say in anguish.

-- Of course I understand," Kathy said angrily, "You want me to accept the role you have set for me. A coin flip -- Heads is wife, tails is concubine.

-- Don't be stubborn. You know it's not like that. Circumstances. I'm clear that Mei To has an emotional dependency on me.

-- that you have as a healing procedure long and depraved therapeutic sessions of wild sex; as part of the process you're planning a threesome. Count me out. I'm not very adept at polyamory.

Thomas hurt and overwhelmed made to turn away.