Walking back to the hostelry, I felt pleased and puzzled both. She warmed me in all the right places and scared the Infinite out of me too.
The next day I endured more endless hours of waiting for the Emperor"s summons. That afternoon I found the gardens again about the same time of day, hoping to meet her there.
Within minutes the Lady"s personal servant appeared with two different guards. “You"re not welcome here, Peasant. Please leave.”
“Eh? I don"t understand. Just yesterday—”
“Has the Infinite addled your brains? I said you"re not welcome here.” Suddenly, she guffawed and pounded her knee with her fist, then looked at me blankly. “Begone, I said.” The two warriors glanced askance at her, looking unsure of her sanity.
“Forgive me, I must not have heard you. I"ll leave immediately.
