Page 29 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

Soon, a young girl appeared, holding a hanger with a simple black dress. “Thank you. Here” –the Queen pushed Baron’s leash into the girl’s hand– “take this naughty boy to the Educator. He still lacks some basic table manners.”

The Chosen gently tugged on the leash, coaxing the human to rise from the table, which he did with apparent eagerness. Kathrine had heard rumours about the Educator’s special psychological techniques for human brainwashing. According to rumours, he created an illusion of divine authority while stripping the brain of its most precious faculties, effectively reducing it to the cognitive level of a pet. No wonder Baron seemed so eager to return to his subdued state. Kathrine knew these methods were supposedly effective only on humans, but recent doubts had begun to cloud her certainty.

When Baron departed, she was gripped by the fear of one day being reduced to a similar fate. But she was already performing her duties with obedience, so why would the Queen ever need to resort to brainwashing her?

“Shall we return to our previous conversation?” The Queen slipped out of the dirty dress. The fine fabric slid down her hips and gathered around her bare feet in a little pool of silk. She began fiddling with the zipper of her new dress, unbothered by her nakedness. “Marriage requires not only loyalty to your partner, but also trust in his loyalty to you.” She stepped into the new dress.

“I have never doubted Sevar’s loyalty to me.” Kathrine braced herself for yet another lecture on relationships and love. Since the death of the King of Antambazi, the Queen had never taken another consort, yet she relished giving advice on romantic matters.

“And you mustn’t, Kathrine. After all, only an unfaithful partner expects unfaithfulness, right? But remember this, daughter. Intrigue births jealousy, and jealousy… In that regard, it’s much like monarchs and their people. Take me, for example. Sure, I inherited the title of Queen from my now-deceased husband. But it’s not a position I take for granted. Which is why it’s important I keep everyone on their toes and provide for their needs.” The Queen relaxed in her chair. “But, back to what I was saying about partners. Jealousy, Kathrine, is fire! Maintain a man’s jealousy and you will maintain the passion in the marriage. This is the secret to a good marital game. Set your husband’s blood on fire regularly, but stay forever loyal to him.”

“I’ve always thought that marriage is based mainly on an honest and faithful relationship,” Kathrine said.

“Of course, dear. Be honest, but provoke. Be a temptress. An actress!”

“Mother, you know I am neither of those things. I am a soldier.”

“A soldier on the battlefield. In a family home, there is no place for war.” The Queen’s laughter echoed through the room.

Kathrine threw a worried glance at the door. Where was Sevar?

The Queen pursed her lips. “What did I tell you just now about trust, daughter? Have faith in your fiancé. He will be here shortly.”

Kathrine lifted the glass of raspberry juice to her lips out of habit. “Have you received word of him, Mother?”

“Yes, I know he is on his way back.”

As if summoned by the Queen’s voice, Sevar barged into the room.

Kathrine nearly spilt the juice all over her clothes. Sevar’s suit was hanging around his torso, torn to bits. He had one trouser leg missing, and the remaining one was in shreds past his knee.

With a few furious strides, he crossed the room and collapsed onto an empty chair. “Damned manticore!” He gritted through his teeth, reaching for Kathrine’s glass.

“Have I not taught you that such rude behaviour is unbecoming in front of ladies?” The Queen scrutinised Sevar with narrowed eyes.

“I had no idea the manticore and the Oracle were together! As a couple!” Sevar slammed his glass onto the table. The porcelain shattered into dozens of small pieces.

The Queen’s gaze remained fixed on his. “What would have changed if you had known?”

“I would have been more careful. I could have…”

The Queen raised her hand to cut him off. “Your trip to Earth had no consequences, besides you barely scratching the manticore. A reliable source informed me that he is recovering already from the emergency surgery.”

“He fought as if it were his last battle…”

“Next time, parade less, and act more.”

“With a damn source like that, why weren’t you informed thatthe manticore is in love with the Oracle? Or did you know but chose not to tell me?”

“Sevar, please, calm down.” Kathrine tried to grasp his hand, but he pushed her away.

His eyes locked fiercely onto the Queen’s. “You knew, did you not?”

The Queen laughed. “The manticore, in love with the Oracle? The manticore in his essence is an animal! He does not feel love, only primal needs.”

Kathrine made another attempt to calm her fiancé. “Sevar, you need a rest.”

The Queen turned to her. “Dear, would you leave us for a moment?”