Harem House Chapter 43 (Patreon)

The sun had risen during their two-hour drive, but it had yet to warm the air to its daily potential. They'd made good time on the trip, but the bus moved more slowly than typical traffic since it had to obey speed limits more strictly. Arthur and Kelly’s one-on-one time had delayed their departure, but they still arrived before the opening ceremonies began. 

Arthur shivered at the sudden temperature difference between the bus’s heated interior and the outdoors. He made a note that when planning his next outdoor costume for a day, he’d check both the low and the high. The loincloth wasn’t very much material, but the chill made the briefs more comfortable. 

The parking attendants placed them at the far edge of a long field. The Faire entrance stood far enough away to appear small from the bus parking. Even now, cars pulled into spaces in long rows like invaders forming ranks for a siege. People stood outside their vehicles, dressing, putting the finishing touches on their costumes, smothering themselves in sunscreen, spraying bug spray, and completing their preparation for the day ahead. 

Arthur and his friends were no different, standing outside the bus, adjusting to the slight breeze that swept a few skirts, and prepping until they felt ready. Selene and Kelly had too much fun spreading sunscreen on Arthur’s torso, but he didn’t protest the massage as they rubbed it in.

“I want to take pictures!” Rani announced. The camera bag hanging on her left hip emptied in a second as she pulled her professional camera from its casing. 

“Who carries a camera anymore?” Mark asked, teasing her. 

“People who treat photography like an art form,” Rani answered just as cheekily. “Now shush, and no more expressing your opinion on progress unless you want to change those glasses out for contacts.” 

Maria laughed and patted Mark on his back. “Ha! She got you.” 

“Joke’s on her, I like my glasses,” Mark said, feigning hurt. “They make me look sophisticated.” 

“Eh,” Maria shrugged. “I met you with them, so it looks weird to me when you take them off. Your face isn’t the same without them.” 

“The shaved-beard effect.” Katelyn nodded sagely. “My dad shaved his beard once, and I freaked out. He looked so wrong without it.” 

“I did that too! He shaved it off when I was three, and I cried until the stubble grew back.” 

“Heh, yeah,” Katelyn said, stepping aside so that Kelly could pose against the bus. 

“And how old were you?” Kelly whispered. 

“It was last year,” Katelyn answered in a whisper that only Kelly and Arthur heard. They shared a laugh over it, and Katelyn stepped away to let Kelly pose before the bus. 

With Rani pointing the camera and gesturing for her models, she took individual shots of everyone without their bags and burdens. Arthur posed in his loincloth first. He put his hands on his hips and smiled at the camera. 

Kelly went second. She posed in her off-the-shoulder pirate costume, giving the camera a sultry expression as she swept her asymmetrical skirt aside to show off her boots.

Kat posed with an awkward smile, wanting to step away even as Rani raised the camera. She lowered it and pushed Kat into a more confident stance. Shoulders back, back straight, chin up, arms crossed below her breasts, one leg forward, and Kat became a confident barbarian woman in her tattered jungle bra and mini skirt combo. 

“Wow,” Jen said, looking between Kat and Rani as Rani took the picture. “You’re good at this.” 

“Thanks!” Rani said, taking another one for good measure and showing Kat the results on her camera’s screen. “I’ve studied.” 

Kat raised her eyebrows. “Wow! I look great in this!” 

“You look great,” Rani said, bumping Kat with her hip. “Full stop.” 

Kat blushed and stepped away, standing beside Arthur as Selene took her place. The reflective black bus served as a backdrop, showing the faint reflection of the model’s back as they faced the camera. Selene emphasized the lewdness of her chainmail bikini, silver hip scarves, and white silk wrappings. She raised her hands, bent one leg, and struck a belly dancer pose as if she were mid-step. 

“Gorgeous, Slut.” Rani said, taking the photo. 

“We shouldn’t call her that outside, right?” Brad asked, looking at Selene for approval. “We can call you Selene, right?” 

Selene looked at Arthur as if it were his decision. 

“What’s the Hindi word for slut?” Arthur asked Rani. 

Rani mused over the question as Selene and Katelyn changed places. Katelyn had added pink body glitter to her face, collarbones, and costume since they left the bus. It complemented her pink pixie dress and fake wings. She posed with one leg raised, her hands behind her, as if landing on the ground with one foot. The pose highlighted her long, bare legs, making Rani lick her lips. 

“Uh, there’s a few that might work. Maybe Paturiya?” Rani shrugged as Katelyn and Mindy swapped places. 

“What about Korean?” Arthur asked. 

“Amkae,” Mindy said as she posed. Her black witch outfit was in danger of fading into the bus behind her, but Rani shifted the angle, and it stood out better with the lighting. Mindy’s double-slit skirt cleaved her thighs and exposed her fishnets to her boots, but her corset and the breasts it pushed up stole the show. Rani seemed especially appreciative of the photo. 

“Amkae sounds easier to say,” Arthur said. He stroked his chin in contemplation. 

“Amkae,” Mindy said, saying the word slower to pronounce it clearer. Arthur couldn’t tell if he had mispronounced it before, but assumed he had. 

“Amkae,” he repeated, and Mindy nodded in approval. He heard a subtle difference, if any. His hopes of learning Korean and Hindi would have to wait until next semester, when he could enroll in the classes. Unfortunately, he was meeting Mindy’s parents on Monday, long before he’d learn any conversational Korean. He didn’t know when he’d meet Rani’s parents, though. That was nerve-wracking for different reasons. He could only imagine the types of people it would take to produce someone as strong and lovely as Rani. 

Maria took Mindy’s place, posing in a curtsy with a smile in her peasant outfit. The dip emphasized her long cleavage in the billowy peasant top. Her under-bust corset cinched her waist to accentuate her curvy hips. She raised her long skirt on either side, as if at a royal ball. 

Mark modeled next, sliding his glasses up his nose before he posed. With his hair, glasses, and costume, he looked like an unarmed pirate or commoner. The billowy white shirt, vest, pants, and boots had a typical, nondescript appearance. 

“What are you supposed to be?” Rani asked as she took his photo. “Medieval Harry Potter?” 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Mark asked, smiling for his photo. “I’m an NPC.” 

Rani chuckled as she showed him the photo, and he nodded his approval. Brad modeled next, adjusting the cuffs of his pirate coat as he stood, turned to the side, as if gazing out at sea. The aesthetic was pirate, but the colors and the blue domino mask he wore evoked the comic book character Nightwing. 

Jen posed next, showing off her purple leotard, black corset, and mask as her Renaissance-era Huntress. Her outfit complemented Brad’s, though Arthur still wondered why she hadn’t gone as Batgirl. Maybe black corsets were easier to find than purple ones? And the last time he’d seen a Batgirl comic, she’d been blonde, so Jen’s natural black hair color might’ve driven her to pick Huntress instead. 

After Jen, Rani passed the camera to Manasa, who seemed scared of it. She did her duty, though. She followed Rani’s explicit instructions and pressed the button once Rani took her pose. Rani swept her arms to the side and turned her hip to present her red veils, dark skin, and ruby-laden gold jewelry in its decadence.

“Seriously, that costume jewelry is amazing,” Maria said again. “The way the glass rubies catch the light, they’re almost dark enough to be real.” 

“Uh,” Manasa hesitated as Rani checked her work. 

“Okay!” Rani said. “These look good, thank you, Manasa. I might need you to take more. Couple’s photos!” 

Kat sighed, but didn’t protest as people paired together. Jen and Brad’s photo was easy enough. Same with Mark and Maria. Then came the harem. 

Arthur and Kat posed together first, then Arthur and Kelly, and so on. Each girl stood beside him, then Kelly and Katelyn took one together. Then Arthur and Rani, with Manasa taking the photo. 

Manasa took one of Rani and Mindy, Rani and Selene, Rani and Kelly, Rani and Katelyn, and Rani and Kat after Rani told her to stop whining and have fun. Selene and Kat took a picture together to commemorate the occasion. 

A picture of all the girls was necessary by popular demand. A photo of the guys was less demanded, but much easier to arrange. Then they took a picture of the harem members posing together. 

Arthur stood in the center. Rani, Mindy, and Selene stood on his right with Selene under his arm. Kat, Katelyn, and Kelly stood on his left, under his left arm. Manasa shot a few takes for safety. 

Then everyone squeezed together for a large group photo, and Manasa took it with less skill but as much centering as possible. Eleven people in the same photo prompted them to shift into rows, with the shorter people—Maria, Kat, Mindy, and Mark—in front. 

Rani appeared pleased with the outcomes when she checked Manasa’s work. 

“Fuck yeah, we’re hot,” Rani said, smiling as she pressed a few buttons on the camera. 

“Okay,” Kelly said. She rubbed her hands together as Rani packed the camera back into its bag. “Let’s get in line.”

Rani left her camera on the bus with Manasa, and the group did their final check. Most of the girls carried clutch purses to keep the modern bags small. Kelly had a larger bag, which contained everything the clutches couldn’t. 

The eleven-person group joined the queue. Throughout the parking lot, people in various costumes or casual clothing prepared for the fun. A trio of young women in mushroom costumes, a Satyr, a Halloween-store Frodo, and a man in shiny steel armor stood ahead of them in line. Behind them, a mid-thirties blonde in a Rapunzel costume, and a busty woman in garters and a Gandalf costume (complete with fake beard and hat), complimented Selene’s hair. 

The others surrounded Arthur, with Mark, Maria, Brad, and Jen ahead of him, and his girls around and behind him, with Selene squeezing to stand beside him. Katelyn stood toward the back of the group, complimenting Sexy Gandalf on her outfit. 

Ahead of them, the gates to the Faire remained closed. One line was for those who’d purchased their tickets in advance (which the harem and co. had). The other line was for those who still needed to pay. Banners of various knights and noble houses decorated the walls and the faux-castle structure ahead. People atop the gates tossed flowers to those below, and bantered with them, but Arthur was too far away to hear their conversation. 

“Master,” Selene whispered. 

“Yes, Amkae?” Arthur asked. 

“Your phone keeps buzzing. Do you want it?” 

Arthur checked his wrist, only to find that his Fitbit wasn’t there. He wanted to tell her to put the phone on silent, but held out his hand to receive it. She fished it out of her small white purse and handed it to him. 

He had a few missed texts. Several were from his mom. 

Mom: Your father told me what happened last night. 

Mom: I’m around if you need to talk. 

Mom: No pressure. 

Mom: I love you. 

He texted his mom back right away. 

Arthur: I love you, too. I’m out with the girls today at the Renaissance Faire. Last night was crazy, but I feel so much better now that everything is behind us. Thank you for talking to Gabe and Mari. I know it’s your busy season, but after fall break, the girls mentioned taking you out for coffee? Is that something you’d enjoy? And we should have dinner together soon. 

Mom: <3 Of course! 

Mom: Have fun at the Ren Faire! Take lots of pictures!

Arthur: Don’t worry, Rani’s on it. She’ll have an album for you. 

And probably one that his mother could never, under any circumstances, see. 

Mom: Have fun! Tell the girls I said hi! 

Arthur appreciated the exclamation marks. He knew his mother was grieving, but he hoped his father was right, and seeing him being okay would help her recover. He didn’t assume her enthusiasm was genuine, but after a few days, she might feel better. 

The next text was from Gabriel, Lynn’s father. 

Uncle Gabe: Just giving you a warning that I’m coming over to pack Lynn’s things today. I should be there at about 10. Not trying to walk in on anything, but I’ll be in the basement if you or your girlfriends use the pool. 

Arthur chose not to respond. Communication with Lynn’s parents would be awkward for a while. He wasn’t sure what to say to Uncle Gabe. He’d think of something later. 

The next text came from Caleb. 

Caleb: We’re here! Probably ahead of you in line. At least I didn’t see you, and we’re pretty close to the gates. Yvonne insisted we leave super-duper early. 

Arthur: We’ll see you in there! We’re in line now, but not near the entrance. 

And the last one was from Rani, with a zip file attached to a group chat she’d started that included the harem, and Mark, Maria, Brad, and Jen. 

Queenie: Here’s a million pics!

“Did you text us the pictures already?” Arthur asked her, just to be sure. 

“Oh yeah, the camera can send them to my phone, and so I just sent them to everyone at once,” Rani said, looking up. “I hope it’s okay that I added y’all to yet another group chat, but I figured we’d need it this weekend.” 

Arthur nodded. “Thanks.” 

“You got it, my King.” Rani curtsied, earning her several looks from strangers in line who noticed the way her skirts shifted, and jewelry jingled. The bells on her anklets, bracelets, and nose-to-ear chain made soft but cacophonous noises as so many tiny bells rang together. 

“Oh, I look amazing in these,” Maria said. “Damn. We can post these, right?” 

“I’m okay with that,” Arthur said, looking to the group. “Any objections?” 

The girls looked at each other. Their costumes were risque, but Arthur considered the photos safe for work. It didn’t differ from Halloween. Any family members following their socials would just think they were out with friends. 

“Maybe don’t mention the polycule in the captions until we’ve talked to our families, but I don’t see why not,” Katelyn said, looking at the photos. “I look super cute!” 

The girls chatted over the photos, comparing them. Arthur posted the picture of everyone, his solo pic, and the pictures of himself and the harem girls to Instagram as a slideshow. He tagged everyone and added a musical clip from The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Caption: Ren Faire Day!!! 

Then he set his phone to do not disturb, turning off notifications, and passed it back to Selene. She put it in her purse. Arthur put his arm around her, hugging her to his side as they waited in line. 

“I love you,” Selene said, unprompted. 

“I love you, too,” Arthur said, appreciating that she didn’t tack Master onto the end, even though it sounded like she’d considered it. 

He turned his eyes ahead, looking for Caleb, Logan, or Yvonne in the line, but he didn’t spot them. There were too many costumes, props, cloaks, hoods, tall people, and painted faces to discern anyone more than a few paces away. People who came to the Faire this early were true revelers. They were ready to have a good time without concern for what their coworkers might think on Monday. This was the Ren Faire, a genuine Wonderland where what was normal here was strange elsewhere, and what was normal elsewhere became alien and out of place past the gates. 

A performer danced past them, a jester in a full harlequin costume, their bells jangling from their cap and slowing as they reached Jen and Brad. “Oh, what a lovely masked couple. The Masquerade isn’t until tonight, you know.” He winked at them. “Fools only! Of course!” He cartwheeled away before Brad managed a response. 

A woman selling roses in a basket stopped in front of Mark, but Maria shook her head. “No, thank you.” 

“I’ll take six,” Arthur said, surprising the woman selling them, but she didn’t protest the sale. Selene handed him his wallet before he asked, and he pulled out the cash, then returned it to her. 

“Ye should visit the tailor’s shop in our lands, mi’Lord! Get yerself a pair of trousers with fancy new inventions called pockets!” The Flower Lady quipped. 

“He doesn’t need pockets,” Selene said. “Not when he has an elven slave to carry his things.” 

The woman raised her eyebrows, but played along well enough as she gave Arthur the six roses. “Enjoy the roses, young master.” She winked at Selene as she walked on to the next group. She stopped at Rani and Mindy, who stood arm-in-arm, but they shook their heads and pointed at Arthur, who gave each of them a rose. 

The flower lady continued her quest, moving along the line. 

Arthur gave each of his girlfriends a red rose. It wasn’t until Selene put hers in her hair that the others realized what they could do with them. Kelly stuck hers behind her ear. Katelyn added it to her bun. Kat wore hers on her top’s shoulder strap like a flower in a lapel. Rani added hers to her waist chain, wrapping it around on her left side. Mindy placed hers with its stem under the band of her pointed witch’s hat, adding a splash of blood-red color to her black ensemble. 

Another performer passed them, their eyes never leaving Arthur, as each woman kissed him on the cheek in thanks for their flowers. 

“So you’re even weird by Ren Faire standards,” Maria said, chuckling. “Good to know some things never change.” 

Arthur shrugged. “Could be worse. At least Selene hasn’t called me Master in public.” 

Maria laughed. “You mean since we left the bus? She would if you’d let her, though.” She glanced at Selene’s ears. “Wait, what’s elvish for Master?” 

Selene glanced at Arthur, her eyes asking permission without words. He nodded, and she produced her phone to search for the answer. “Herdir?” Selene tasted the word to determine how it felt in her mouth. “That can be your Barbarian name?” 

Arthur shrugged. “Sure. Though you could get away with ‘sir’ here.” 

“I’ll still use the harem names if you want,” Rani said, “but Brat might not enjoy it.” 

“I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy it,” Kat said. “But it might be more appropriate to use real names, since we’re in public, and there are kids around and stuff.” She pointed to a few people ahead of them, where several small children argued, carrying wooden swords they clearly intended to misuse the moment their supervisors looked away. 

“She has a point,” Arthur said. “Just use our real names. We’ll know what you mean.” 

“Yes, Arthur,” Selene said, frowning as she tried it out. “Is it okay if I stick with Sir?” 

“Yes, that’s okay.” Arthur nodded. “I’ll stick with Amkae for you.” 

“Thank you, Sir,” Selene said, hugging his side again. Arthur draped his arm over her, and Kelly took his other hand in hers. It earned them a strange expression from one of the mushroom girls ahead of them. 

“Caleb said he, Logan, and Yvonne are in line, but I think they’re ahead of us,” Arthur said, gesturing toward the gates. 

“Ugh,” Maria said, her smile evaporating. “Let’s just pretend Yvonne’s not here, okay?” 

Arthur grimaced. It made sense that things might be tense between Yvonne and the other club members. She and Arthur had worked things out, but as far as Arthur knew, the last time Yvonne and Maria talked was when Yvonne rage-quit. 

“Don’t worry, today is drama-free,” Rani said, asserting her will over the universe. “I’m calling it now. Anyone starts shit, and I’ll knee them in the ovaries.” 

“Is that the same as kicking someone in the balls?” Brad asked, confused. 

“Genitals vary,” Rani shrugged. “I focus on results.” 

Laughter rippled through the group until a loud trumpet call from the gates announced the queen’s arrival with her court to welcome the Faire’s visitors. The show they put on made Arthur miss being on stage again. There was something about live theater, hearing the crowd laugh at jokes, feeding the energy back to the performers who danced, sang, and acted their hearts out. 

“When are auditions for the spring show?” Arthur asked no one in particular. 

Selene squeezed him. “Next month, Sir.” 

He squeezed her in return. He hadn’t auditioned for the fall show because it was one-act plays he had no genuine interest in doing. Of course, Lori’s departure from his life affected his decision. With his mood so low, he couldn’t even consider performing. 

Somehow, it seemed pointless to mourn her leaving him when he received the harem in exchange. He put his other arm around Kelly’s waist and hugged her to his side. She slipped her arm behind him, crossing Selene’s arm, and squeezed him. 

Queen Elizabeth departed the gates, but the minstrels lingered, leading the crowd in songs Arthur didn’t know but caught on enough to fake it. The call-and-response kept people engaged and entertained as they waited, and the time passed. The Faire performers flawlessly worked the Halloween theme into their acts, playing up the spooky pumpkins they brought out to decorate the gates. They warned children and adults to beware of the ghosts around the shire and to keep an eye out for anyone stealing their candy. 

Soon enough, the trumpets blew again, and the gates opened. The crowd trudged forward, one step at a time. Arthur held Selene and Kelly’s hands as they walked. Kelly held Mindy’s hand, who held Rani’s, who held Katelyn’s, who held Kat’s, who held Selene’s, closing the loop. They walked with the crowd in a circle that refused to keep its shape, shifting like a rubber band as the crowd moved and slowed. 

They released their hands at the gate because they had to show ID if they wanted to do any drinking today. Security stamped the hands of everyone over 21. Mindy didn’t ask. She’d confirmed the after-hours events were 18 and up, not 21 and up, so she hadn’t bothered with a fake ID. 

Many people stopped just inside the gate, unsure where to go first, despite the performers’ periodic shouts not to do so while the crowd waited in line. Rolled maps in baskets waited by the entrance, and many grabbed one as they passed. Kelly had hers in hand, plucking it from her belt as though it were a treasure map. 

“Okay, Artisan’s Boulevard is this way,” Kelly said, pointing to their right. “If we don’t get distracted, we can make it there, buy Selene a collar, and get to the Royal Pavilion for the ceremonies in half an hour.” 

“Can we get a little distracted?” Mindy asked, following Kelly as she started walking. “There’s so much to see! Look! Pickles!” She giggled at the giant green pickle sign tacked to the front of a faux-Tudor shop. The courtyard by the gates was a battleground of food vendors calling out to hungry visitors. 

Arthur suspected it was to draw them away from the gate, but it didn’t hurt their business either. Every festival food was present, from turkey legs to funnel cakes, but there was no time to dawdle. Kelly led the charge, and their group followed, striding after her through the less-populated sections of the Faire as guests split up to go to different attractions. 

The typical Medieval/Renaissance decor was everywhere. Performers and patrons in garb filled the lanes, mingled with modern conveniences—strollers, cell phones, and people not in costume. 

Still, as this was the weekend before the holiday, Halloween crept into the decor. Fake spiderwebs adorned the trees, suggesting Mirkwood spiders might lurk somewhere in their branches, unseen, but waiting. Jack-o’-lanterns decorated the lanes, their dark, hollow eyes watching everything as their wide, gap-toothed grins signaled their amusement. 

Signs posted at various businesses suggested children could trick-or-treat there in exchange for fun-sized candy of every variety. Scarecrows stood sentinel, with empty brains and fake ravens on their shoulders, overlooking the crossroads. 

The spooky decorations were amusing, not terrifying, to Arthur and those with him. It was early in the morning, and the sun was bright in the sky, causing any ghostly apparitions to flee. Arthur wondered if everything would become spookier after dark. 

“Wait, they sell lightsabers here?” Brad asked, pointing at a weapons stall where several artisanal lightsabers hung on corkboard walls. 

“The anachronism is baked in,” Mark said. “Plus, history people enjoy sci-fi. The stories have similar themes.” 

Kat laughed. “You’re not wrong.”

Arthur smiled at her, and she smiled at him. As the group reformed, he took Kat’s hand in his right and kept Selene in his left. Mindy and Rani walked ahead, offering a fantastic, if somewhat distracting, view. Mark, Maria, Brad, and Jen walked ahead of Mindy and Rani. Kelly took the lead, and Katelyn hovered between her and the four friends. 

Seeing everything pass in a blur, they crossed stalls, booths, and fake buildings until they came to a corner of the realm with a somewhat circular ring of vendors on the outside. The storefronts surrounded a humongous gazebo with sound equipment. Signs pointed in every direction to different amusements. Living Mermaids caught Mindy’s eye, and she pointed with excitement. Fairy Tea Shoppe made Katelyn diverge from the group until Mark asked her where she was going. 

It was the signs for blacksmiths (with live demonstrations!), glassblowers, and tanners that led him here. 

“What do you think, Amkae? Leather or metal?” Arthur asked. 

“Well, my first collar was leather, right? And it was comfortable,” Selene said. 

“Sure, but it was a training collar. Leather will degrade over time. Especially if you wear it twenty-four hours a day, every day,” Arthur said, pointing out the flaws in leather. He expected she’d have as much difficulty removing this one as she did the last one, so they needed something durable. “It would be similar to your old one, though.” 

“Hm,” Selene said, contemplating how well the dark brown went or clashed with everything she wore, or didn’t wear. “What are the downsides of a metal collar?” 

“Well, stainless steel might be tough to find here. If they have it, it would be more rigid and difficult to pass off as a choker,” Arthur said. “You might have to swap it out sometimes for a necklace if you’re going about your typical vanilla day.” 

“Hm.” Selene continued to contemplate. 

“Either way, we can ask them to engrave or emboss it, though we might have to pick it up later if we do that,” Arthur said. 

“Tough choices,” Mindy said, thinking about it. “What are you going to do?” 

Selene pondered her options and then smiled. “I’ll wear whatever Master decides I should wear.” 

“Ha!” Rani patted Arthur’s back. “Oh, damn, even your back is all muscle.” She got distracted, poking his shoulder blade. “Mm.” 

“Behave, Queenie,” Arthur said, glancing around them. They’d beaten the crowds to this part of the Faire, so there wasn’t anyone to overhear them except the workers in their booths, who were, hopefully, too distant. “Let’s shop. Everyone meet back here in twenty minutes?” 

“Last one back gets a spanking!” Mindy said, grabbing Rani’s hand and running toward the mermaids. 

Arthur blushed, looking around. “And, uh, maybe don’t shout things like that in public.” He sighed, retaking Selene’s hand as they walked toward the leather shop. 

Kat and Katelyn split off toward the Fairy Tea Shoppe. After a moment’s indecision, Kelly trailed after Mindy and Rani. Brad and Jen split off toward a blacksmith shop displaying a variety of weapons. Mark and Maria split off to wander through the lane. 

~~~

Katelyn ducked through the green-beaded entrance first. The plastic ivy leaves twisted into the beads scraped gently over the skin on her arm. “Oh my God, Kat! Look how cute this is!” 

The Fairy Tea Shoppe was impossibly adorable, tucked between a stall that sold leather boots and another selling felt hats. Its almost-hidden entrance on the green tent’s facade was a secret the Faire intentionally didn't keep. The signs pointing the way helped, as did the colorful quartz stepping stones leading to its door from the main path. 

Inside, everything shimmered from the mismatched lanterns hanging from the ceiling at different heights. Their colorful stained glass coated everything in shafts and specks of colored light. The air smelled of jasmine, honey, mint, and something Katelyn didn’t recognize. 

Behind the log counter, a young woman in a flower crown and billowing yellow sleeves poured a cup of black tea through a strainer, with clawed hooks along the mug’s edges. 

“This is ridiculous,” Kat said as she entered behind Katelyn. Her smile belied any discouragement in her words. Her eyes combed the rows of teacups on the shelves against the wall. A handmade sign told her they were hand-crafted, each one with a different ornate pattern reflecting the natural world. Tiny wings, paw-prints, dragonflies, butterflies, dragons, unicorns, and many other creatures, natural and fantastic, decorated each mug no bigger than her fist. “These are adorable. I hate how much I want one.” 

“Welcome, travelers!” The lady behind the counter said with an excited smile. “You’re my first guests this morning, please accept this token of welcome!” She left the counter behind and pressed an acorn into Katelyn’s palm. 

Katelyn kept a straight face, accepting the acorn with a smile, but that effort failed when she and Kat made eye contact. They both laughed in quiet, shoulder-shaking giggles, as Katelyn passed her the acorn. 

“We’re not making fun, I promise,” Katelyn assured the shopkeeper. “We’re just—this is so cute.” 

“Cute is what we fairies do, but you know that,” the woman said. She gestured to Katelyn’s wings. “Now, judging by your dress and the flower in your bun, I’m going to guess you’re a rose fairy?” She led Katelyn and Kat to a corner table big enough for two teacups and a plate of shortbread shaped into maple leaves. The chairs, saucers, and even the tiny spoons were mismatched as if taken by a fairy from their rightful homes, yet they somehow fit. Each jigsaw piece Katelyn’s eyes fell onto matched everything else in energy, if not in any other discernible quality. 

“We only have twenty minutes,” Kat reminded Katelyn. 

“I know, but we can sit and have tea, can’t we?” Katelyn asked. “Look, it’s fairy tea!” 

The menu above the board listed types, names, and prices, each with ye olde spelling, and fairy-based names. Puck-ermint Tea, Sugarplum, Unseelie Spice, and more. Each one piqued Katelyn’s interest until she read the next, and the process began again. 

Kat chuckled. “You and Arthur with the tea. I’ll stick to coffee, thank you.” 

Two more guests entered the oversized tent, which was more like a canvas building from the inside. The couple that entered murmured in hushed tones, as if speaking too loudly might break the spell the tea shoppe cast over them. They were both in full costume. The man wore a tunic, and the woman holding his hand wore a gown. Behind them, a girl who couldn’t be over ten was studying a pamphlet from the shelf about reading tea leaves. 

“Remember when you threw that tea party your freshman year?” Kat asked. “With that old tea set you brought from home?” 

“The one with the roses.” Katelyn grinned at the memory. “You insisted on using the cup with the chip in it because you said it had character.” 

“I was correct,” Kat said, chuckling. 

“You were the only person to stay,” Katelyn said. “My suitemates laughed at me for hosting a ‘Girls Only Tea Party’. I’m lucky they didn’t report me for sneaking in that hot plate.” 

Kat’s smile lingered, forming a dimple on one cheek. “Yeah, but hey, we had fun.” 

Katelyn nodded. “I used to throw tea parties as a kid. People bought me fancy tea sets, and I’d host out of my play kitchen. My stuffed animals probably were tired of it, but my dad would always have some.” 

Kat shrugged. “I enjoyed your tea party. I never got to have them as a kid. We didn’t have a fancy tea set or a play kitchen, and Selene always ruined them when I tried.”

“She what?” Katelyn asked. 

“She’d play wrong,” Kat said. “It was a major source of conflict in our house between the ages of three and eleven.” 

Katelyn giggled, falling quiet as the shopkeeper brought them a small teapot and a tray of tea to choose from. 

“Okay, fine,” Kat said after Katelyn gave her the pleading puppy eyes. “I’ll have the tea if you put that pouting lip away before it falls off.” 

Katelyn giggled as she picked a Mother Ginger (gingerbread) tea for herself. Kat chose the Redcap’s Brew (apple cinnamon tea). They sat in comfortable silence as they strained their tea. The couple bought their daughter the book on tea leaves and left, thanking the woman behind the counter. Kat watched the exchange. Vicarious happiness at the child’s joy over her new book made Kat smile. Outside, chatter filled the path, and distant notes of music floated through the air. Dust motes danced to its melody on shafts of slanted, jeweled light from the lanterns. 

“We should do this more,” Katelyn said, letting her tea steep. 

“The Ren Faire?” Kat asked, confused. 

“Not the Faire, just this. Going to new places, trying new things, together.” Katelyn said. 

“Last weekend wasn’t enough new things for you?” Kat asked, but her tone made it a rhetorical question. She tried one of the shortbread cookies on the table. “I mean, we—oh, these are good—yeah, we should try new things more often.” 

Katelyn chuckled. 

The woman in the flower crown smiled at them as she passed, straightening the mugs on her shelves. 

Other people came in as they drank their tea, and the woman helped them, served them, explained the teas, and sold them her wares. Everything in the tent was for sale, from the lanterns above to the teacups in their hands. They sipped their tea, blowing on it between drinks to help it cool. 

“We’d better get going,” Kat said after a few minutes. Time had a way of hanging in suspension here. She didn’t know whether it had been twenty minutes or an hour. She pulled her phone from her purse to check and winced. They were a minute overdue. Hopefully, the others were just as late. 

“Can we come back later?” Katelyn asked. “I like it here.” 

“Sure,” Kat said, shrugging. “But if we throw off Captain Kelly’s schedule, she might make us walk the plank,” Kat said. She set her teacup on its saucer, stood up, and adjusted her mini skirt before anyone looked her way. 

Katelyn giggled. “Knowing Captain Kelly, she’d make us do planks.” 

“Oh, that’s so much worse. I’d take my chances in the sea,” Kat said, swiping another cookie for the road. 

Katelyn followed her example, wincing as she shifted. Her still-red ass from her spanking didn’t appreciate the sudden lift off the cushion. “Are you okay if I use that later? The Captain Kelly nickname? It works on a few levels, right?” 

“If she likes it, it was my idea. If she hates it, it’s yours.” Kat said, moving to the counter to withdraw her card and pay. 

“I can cover my half,” Katelyn said on reflex.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I can handle tea and cookies at least,” Kat insisted. 

The young woman charged her card with a small iPad, and Kat chose the email receipt option. 

“Thank you!” Katelyn said, hugging Kat. “This was nice.” 

Kat chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, come on. Let’s go, Pet.” She took Katelyn’s hand. Kat had to make sure Katelyn left the store with her and had to set the pace. They hustled back to meet the others at Artisan’s Boulevard.

~~~

Mindy led the charge through the lane, pulling Rani with her as Kelly walked behind them. The narrow strip of Mindy’s skirt in the front of her costume swished against her thighs, catching on the fishnets, which kept it from blowing away. 

“Come on!” Mindy said, quickening her pace. 

“We have all day, Min, relax.” That was Rani, unhurried, but with her hand on Mindy’s back as they walked together. She did her best to keep pace.

Kelly brought up the rear, laughing. “I love how excited you are about the mermaids. It’s adorable.” 

“I love mermaids!” Mindy said, still excited. 

“We know you do.” Rani glanced back at Kelly with a slow smile that made Kelly’s stomach flutter. The eye makeup around Rani’s eyes became a gut-striking feature when her veils and jewelry obscured her face. “Imagine if we went to a beach? You’d turn the entire trip into a mermaid hunt.” 

Mindy giggled, which made Rani and Kelly grin. “I would not.”

“You’d turn it into a photo shoot in our bikinis,” Kelly said, teasing Rani. 

“Fuck yeah!” Rani said, laughing. “I’d do a bikini shoot with you in the dead of winter if you wanted.” 

Kelly blushed. 

“You’d turn a beach trip into a shell hunt, or something active. I can’t imagine you lying out on a beach doing nothing for an entire day.” Rani’s voice turned wistful by the end of her sentence. “It’d be nice to try, though.” 

Mindy giggled, pulling Rani along, who reached back and pulled Kelly with her. 

The mermaid pool sat at the interior border of the Faire, which ringed the lake and campground where the workers lived, along with other staff-only sections. They rushed past the falconry coops and the children’s playground. Kelly wondered if those should be next to each other. They passed a small theater stage, which stood by a small clump of willow trees on the lake’s edge, when they came to the humongous tank. A large wooden canopy sheltered it from the worst of the sun, standing on wooden beams carved in various Celtic designs that gave the structure an impossible age. 

Despite the early hour, they weren’t the first ones there. A small crowd gathered on the wooden bench seats. Children pressed their noses to the glass of the imposing circular tank. It was big enough to swim in, and tall enough to make the children feel as though they were underwater themselves. 

Sunlight struck the water as the morning sun slid beneath the canopy, creating shafts of crystal sunlight that shone within the pool. Three mermaids with long tails starting at their waists peered over the edge of the tank. They waved to the people on the benches below them. Netting and strategically placed seashells comprised their tops, leaving little to the imagination but preserving the mermaids’ modesty. Still, a few of the fathers at the canopy’s outskirts returned the waves and caught the blown kisses the sirens threw them. 

The silent pantomime of greeting was enticing and somewhat eerie. Their wet hair clung to their heads outside the tank and draped over their shoulders. Their shimmering tails kicked beneath the surface, each scale a work of prismatic art in the sunlight. Occasionally, one dipped into the water to say hello to the children, waving and showing them shells from the tank’s pebbled bottom. 

Mindy, Rani, and Kelly found a spot on a bench halfway down the canopy. They sat close enough to see everything, but far enough away not to disturb the children gathered there. Kelly settled in first, with Mindy beside her, and Rani on her other side. Kelly’s bare arm tingled against Mindy’s, their fingers laced together as Kelly took her left hand and Rani her right. Mindy squeezed them, venting her joy through the easy intimacy of small touches. The way their hands fit together made Kelly smile, and her happiness only increased as she saw Rani and Mindy smiling too. 

A woman with aquamarine netting and pink seashells in her hair, layered turquoise skirts, and a billowing white top stepped onto the stage. She carried a lute and tuned the strings as she spoke to the children. 

The mermaids sank into the water, their hair billowing up and behind them as they swam and turned in circles. 

Mindy forgot to breathe. 

“Gorgeous,” Kelly murmured. 

One of the mermaids’ tails broke the surface with a splash that sent tiny droplets of water cascading over the children nearest the tank. Not enough to soak or even wet them, but enough to surprise and scatter them to their seats as the lute player urged them to sit. Underwater, she twisted and spun, her hair fanning around her like a web of dark silk. 

When they emerged again, Kelly, Mindy, and Rani locked eyes with them. Mindy tightened her grip on Kelly and Rani’s hands. 

“They’re incredible,” Rani said. The low, quiet admiration in her voice sounded genuine to Kelly, prompting her to pay closer attention to the mermaids. 

One dived, performing as though she were more at home in the water, arching, diving, her body a study in controlled grace and abdominal control. The second mermaid joined her, this one with a copper tail and blonde hair. They moved together playfully. They circled each other, arms almost embracing each other, surfacing with their faces inches apart before diving again. 

Kelly shifted, crossing her legs. “Is it just me, or was that hot?” 

“It’s not just you,” Mindy said, her voice coming out softer than Kelly expected. 

Rani’s thumb traced small circles on Mindy’s thigh, just above her knee, steady and intimate. Mindy did the same to Kelly, and Kelly’s breathing shifted without her conscious thought. Her chest rose and fell faster. 

The mermaids surfaced together, laughing, and the blonde one flipped her tail, sending a spray that deliberately misted over the audience. Mindy gasped as droplets hit her arms, her pointed witch’s hat protecting her hair and face from the rest. Kelly and Rani likewise received a few drops, enough to refresh and catch their attention. 

“You okay there, Min?” Rani asked. 

“I’m, uh, I’m fine,” she insisted. “That just surprised me, is all, and I, uh, don’t want my outfit to get wet.” 

Rani slid her hand along Mindy’s thigh, stopping well before she reached anything too bold because Mindy pinned her hand in place over her thigh. 

“Too late. We should get you out of that outfit as soon as possible,” Rani suggested. 

“Rani, we’re in public!” Mindy hissed. 

Kelly chuckled. 

“For now,” Rani gave Kelly a wink. 

The pre-show tune-up and practice continued. The mermaids dove, rose, and swam in their synchronized pieces, performing an underwater ballet that mesmerized their audience as if they were sirens. 

Kelly became hyperaware of Mindy’s hand on her leg, her fingers curling over her muscle and clinging to the soft flesh of Kelly’s inner thigh. Rani’s breath quickened, and Mindy sucked in deep breaths because she kept holding hers whenever the mermaids dove under the surface. They pressed closer together as they watched, thigh to thigh, the heat between them building like a forge’s furnace. 

The minstrel finally stowed her lute, and the mermaids surfaced to wave goodbye. 

“Our show starts at ten o’clock!” the minstrel said. “You’re welcome to wait, or to visit our many other attractions here at the Faire! The Queen’s Court will be gathering soon! So head to the Royal Pavilion for this year’s news and announcements as our day begins! We hope you enjoy your time here at our lovely Faire!” 

“So,” Kelly said as the crowd dissipated. “How fast can we get back to the bus?” 

Mindy giggled. 

Rani chuckled. “We have to meet the others. There’s plenty of time for watching sexy mermaids or running off to the bus after Selene gets her collar.” 

“Mermaids, huh?” Kelly mused as they stood and made their way out from under the canopy. “I never would have guessed they were so…” 

“Sexy?” Mindy asked, giggling. “Honestly, I don’t think it was the mermaids.” She hesitated, looping her arm through Rani’s on one side and Kelly’s on the other. “Okay, it’s partially the mermaids, but mostly it’s you two. Watching them with you.” 

Rani patted Mindy’s arm, and they walked that way, connected, moving as one unit through the ever-shifting crowd. The Faire was just beginning, and Kelly had already learned something new about herself, Mindy, and Rani. Sharing one boyfriend with multiple women was one thing, but having multiple girlfriends on top of it? It felt like she’d figured out a loophole in the universe. A way to be who she was, and enjoy her sexuality, without sacrifice. She only hoped it continued to prove true. 

The trio headed back to rendezvous with their friends. They’d return to watch the mermaids later, for sure. This shared moment—sun-warm and full of desire, heading to meet their boyfriend and the rest of the harem—was something the surrounding people couldn’t fathom. 

“Come on, I don’t want to be the last ones there!” Mindy said, pulling their arms to urge them to walk faster. Kelly and Rani laughed, walking with her just as quickly as they returned to Artisan Boulevard.

~~~

Arthur led Selene to the shops by her hand. She walked behind him, squeezing his hand in hers. He slowed his walk once they cleared their dispersing friends, and they drew closer to the leather shop. The smell of unfinished leather was distinct, turning Selene’s stomach. She knew the animals used to make these crafts were humanely slaughtered, or she hoped, but it still hurt to contemplate their sacrifice. 

“Do you think they have vegan leather?” Selene asked. 

Arthur stopped, looking at Selene as it clicked behind his eyes. “Oh, my God. I’m an asshole.” 

Their entire relationship beyond ‘just friends’ had involved Selene wearing a leather collar. Yet she ate vegan for personal reasons. Her wardrobe didn’t contain any genuine leather beyond the collar he’d given her when they started being dom and sub, master and slave. She had plenty of faux-leather, though, and was well aware of its varieties. 

“Maybe we should stick with metal, then,” Arthur said, turning aside. 

“It’s okay, Sir,” Selene said. “I just thought I’d voice a preference for fake leather if they have it.” 

“Of course,” Arthur said. “Why did you even wear the leather one, then?” 

She gave him a look that said he was being silly. The fake tips of her Elven ears, chainmail bikini, matching chainmail anklets and bracelets, and silk scarves over her hips undercut the expression. 

“Because I gave it to you?” Arthur asked, answering his question. 

“Yes, Sir,” Selene said. “And I know it was leather, but you had it, and you gave it to me. It was so special that I–” tears pressed against the edge of her eyes unbidden. The memory of Lynn clawing it away from her and breaking the clasp was too fresh. Her fingertips brushed her throat, and she swallowed, keeping the tears at bay. “I miss it.” 

Arthur hugged her, but it didn’t help her overcome her urge to cry. She held it back, holding him. Her arms wrapped around his bare torso, the muscles in his sides firm beneath her arms. His abs and pecs were rigid against her, and she ached for him to do something about the lust building in her. The chastity belt beneath her silk wrappings and chainmail bikini made that impossible. 

She deserved her punishment; she knew that, but her arousal from watching him with Katelyn earlier still hadn’t faded. It lingered in her as she played the Elven slave girl to his barbarian, piquing with the slightest touch, glance, or innuendo. She wished his hand would glide lower, sliding beneath her bikini and pleasuring her with his dextrous fingers. 

“Let’s find you a new one, Amkae.” Arthur released her from the hug and retook her hand after checking her eyes. She hadn’t cried. Her arousal had chased away the tears. 

“Yes, Sir.” 

The open wooden stall resembled a barn, with leather doublets hanging outside, coats and jackets hanging along the wall, and belts and straps dangling from the ceiling. The atmosphere was thick with the aroma of warm, rich, tanned hide—a woodsy scent that belied the tree bark tannins. It mingled with the stall’s cedar scent, creating an overwhelming atmosphere. 

Arthur stepped into the stall, wearing his loincloth and strapped sandals. Selene followed more hesitantly, stepping carefully as she examined the works of art around her. Although she detested the idea of this much leather in one place and the animals it harmed, she couldn’t help it; the artistry impressed her. Each piece bore the stylized artwork of a master craftsman, embossing them with symbols and motifs to create entire outfits of leather that must cost a fortune. 

Doublets with leaf patterns, in red, green, brown, and black leather, evoked the autumn season surrounding them. Leather trousers with leather laces up the sides and along the front reminded her of the movie Labyrinth with no effort. The coats were especially impressive, with embossed Celtic knotwork being the most common pattern on the longer coats. Still others had antlers and deer heads on the backs, or other symbols. She only recognized some of them.  

Behind the counter, a short man in his forties watched them. His open shirt billowed around him. The red leather vest he wore over it remained unclasped, but had hooks and latches with skull-shaped designs. The black leather trousers he wore were lower on him than necessary, but the man’s stomach stuck out in front of him as if he were pregnant. His hair was on his face; his head was a shiny bald dome with patches of black on the sides of his otherwise gray beard. 

Walking through the rows of garments and items was a woman his age, or perhaps older, with gray streaks in her long black hair. She wore one of the leather coats, a jacket whose sleeves and bottom ended at her delicate high waist before her leather trousers began. She gave Arthur multiple lookovers before spotting Selene and giving her a small, apologetic smile. The pieces around them distracted Arthur, so he didn’t notice. Not that he would have noticed anyway. Selene loved the man, but he had no idea when women were into him. 

“Good mornin’, good sir, kind lady, what might I help you find today?” She asked, addressing both of them. 

“We’re looking for chokers,” Arthur answered. “And collars.” 

“For you?” The woman asked, letting her eyes wander his body once more. 

“No, though I could do with a pair of bracers or boots,” Arthur said. 

“You’ll have better luck with boots at the stall across the way, sir. They specialize in them over there. But we have bracers toward the register on the wall there.” She gestured to the wall beside the counter. Dozens of bracers in different sizes, styles, and colors hung in pairs with laces between them like boxing gloves.  

“Thanks!” Arthur said, eyeing the bracers. “And do you have any chokers?” 

“Of course, sir! For a friend?” 

“My girlfriend,” Arthur said, gesturing toward Selene. “She wants something in fake leather, if you have it.” 

“Of course! We have plenty of vegan leather items,” the older woman addressed Selene now. “We have a few here, and more at the jewelry stall a few doors over, which might be prettier or more to your liking.” 

Selene followed her finger to a display two rows over, against a barn wall, where wood-grain mannequin heads filled the shelves, each bearing leather decorations, from crowns to collars. At first, the number was overwhelming, but her eye dropped to the more BDSM-themed works, with stainless steel rings worked into the leather. 

“Do you do personalizations?” Arthur asked, looking over the racks. The woman looked at the man behind the counter. He nodded. 

“Yeah, depends on how complicated you want it,” the man said. “Basic patterns are easy, specific words or laser engraving, and we might have to mail it to you.” 

Arthur nodded, signaling his understanding. Selene returned her attention to the pieces before her. 

“This entire shelf is vegan leather,” the woman said, gesturing to the left bookshelf. Half of the leather collars were vegan, then.

Selene perused the options before her, flicking through the unique designs and colors. As fun as a colored collar sounded, it might clash with her outfits. A lovely green collar with Celtic knotwork caught her eye. It had leather spikes in the center, one pointed toward the chin and the other toward the sternum. The rigid leather would serve as a posture corrector. The ring in the center was held in place by metal studs on either side. The collar was beautiful, but impractical for everyday use. 

Most of the collars were specifically Ren Faire chokers. They varied in elegance, embossing, padding, and linings, but each was intricate, elaborate, and expensive. Selene knew Arthur wouldn’t let her buy the collar, but she didn’t want him to spend too much money on her, either. After all, it was her fault the collar he gave her broke. She should pay to replace it, even if her purse and his generosity wouldn’t hear of it. 

Her eyes fell on a narrow strip of black leather, much like the one she’d had. It had two straps that buckled in the back, with a metal heart-shaped ring in its center. Selene’s eyes lingered on it, drawn to the darker colors surrounding the symbol of love. 

“Feel free to try anything on. There’s a mirror over here.” The lady gestured behind them, where a standing mirror allowed customers to check their appearance. “I love your costume, by the way. Is it a specific character?” 

“No, just an elf costume I pulled together,” Selene said as she plucked the heart-ring collar from its mannequin and tried it on. The lady helped her, fastening the buckle for her before she stepped toward the mirror. 

“Oh,” the lady said, smiling. “Well, you look amazing. I wish I still had your figure.” 

The man behind the counter grunted. The woman ignored him. They had an entire conversation in one grunt, and it made Selene smile. Arthur made similar noises whenever she or one of the others disparaged themselves.

“You look amazing,” Selene said, repaying the compliment. “I’m not big on leather, but it looks great on you.” 

Arthur picked a pair of brown leather bracers from the wall; they fit the shade of his loincloth and bore matching etchings. Each etching depicted a pair of scaled dragons on either side of an elaborate sword with Nordic runes along its blade. It didn’t fit the ‘Tarzan’ the loincloth came from, but it fit the barbarian motif well enough. 

He tried them on as Selene checked her reflection in the mirror. She liked the collar, but it didn’t fit her outfit, nor did she think it’d make a good everyday collar. It wasn’t her decision anyway. 

Arthur tried on his bracers and approached the mirror to check how they looked with the rest of his costume. He posed with them, and Selene smiled. 

“Looking good, Sir,” Selene said. “Do you like them?” 

Arthur flexed, and Selene gulped. 

“Those are vegan leather as well,” the woman said. 

It didn’t matter as much for Arthur, but Selene appreciated the information.

“What do you think, Sir?” Selene asked, showing him the collar on her neck. She lifted her chin, baring her throat to him. 

Arthur looked at it and tilted his head. “It looks cute, though I’d worry that the pointed end of the heart might poke your neck if you bowed your head. How does it feel?” He hooked his finger behind it and tugged, testing its fit and strength. 

Selene felt her core liquefy at his touch, and she clutched his arm out of instinct. Her hand met the stiff leather bracer, and she clenched her fingers around the grooves of the engravings. 

“Hm,” Arthur said, releasing her and checking the shelves for himself. 

“Are there any you’d like me to try on?” Selene asked. 

“This is the vegan one?” Arthur gestured at the shelf she’d plucked the collar from. 

“Yes,” the woman answered for Selene. “I’m afraid that’s all we have in stock at this location, but we have the jewelry booth down the lane, and more online if none of them suit your fancy.” 

Arthur looked at Selene and unfastened the collar around her neck. She almost reached for it as he removed it, but held her hands at her side. She didn’t like the collar that much, but she missed the comfort of something around her neck.

“We’ll keep shopping,” Arthur said, putting the collar on the mannequin. “But I’m going to buy these.” He showed his forearm bracers. 

“Excellent choice, sir.” The woman gestured toward the counter. “Hank can ring you up if you take him the tag, but feel free to wear them out.” 

“Thanks,” Arthur said. He took Selene’s hand, bringing her with him to the counter. She pulled his wallet from her purse when he released her, earning them a look from Hank. “No pockets,” Arthur patted his thighs. 

Hank laughed. “We have sporrans if you’d like, mi’lord, but I know it’s not a kilt you’re wearing.” 

Arthur glanced at the wall Hank pointed at and nodded. Fur-and-leather pouches hung like ancient fanny packs, rounder but identical in function. “Thanks, we’ll check them out later. We have to get back to our friends.” 

Hank nodded, not protesting as Arthur held his phone against the sensor to pay and selected his receipt option. Selene’s eyes bulged at the cost, but she remained silent. Arthur had his savings, and he knew what he was doing. Plus, it wasn’t as if he had to spend much more on his costume.

“Ready?” Arthur asked Selene. “Or was there a collar you liked?” 

“No, I’m ready when you are,” Selene said, nodding as she put his wallet away and retook his hand. 

Arthur squeezed her hand, gave another thank-you to the shop owners, and started walking toward the rendezvous point. They could see Mindy, Rani, and Kelly gathered there waiting for them. “We’ll shop more after the opening show, is that okay? Or do you want to skip it?” 

“Let’s go to the opening show, Sir. You enjoy it, and collar or not, I’m still your slave.” Selene whispered the last part to him as they walked to avoid anyone overhearing them. “I love you, Sir.” 

“I love you too, Amkae.” Arthur put his arm around her as they walked, hugging her to him. 

Selene closed her eyes, breathing him in and putting her arm behind him around his waist. She might not have a collar yet, but shopping with Master had been fun. Spending time with him, no matter what they were doing, made her want him. As much fun as the Faire was, she couldn’t wait until the day ended, and they were free to fuck in their hotel.

~~~

Kelly, Mindy, and Rani were the first to arrive at the rendezvous spot, near the gazebo on Artisan Boulevard. Traffic had grown heavier in their absence, with more people bustling past them. Very few looked where they were going. In their defense, there was too much to see, with signage, buildings, decorations, performers, and costumed customers competing for everyone’s attention. 

Without realizing it, Kelly, Rani, and Mindy entered that competition as the three gorgeous college women stood off to the side. Rani’s bright red veils and shining gold costume drew people's attention, who then noticed Mindy with her arm hooked through Rani’s, and Kelly on her other side. 

The sexy young women noticed the occasional gawker, but didn’t mind the admiring gazes. Respectful admiration outnumbered creepy leers, so Kelly didn’t tell anyone off. She was more on edge than the others. Rani feared nothing and no one. Mindy seemed to enjoy being sexy instead of cute. Most of the crowd took the sexy costumes in stride with everyone else’s. They weren’t the only ones in sexy getups, and they became one of many other attractions. 

Kelly pulled her phone from her purse as impatience drove her to check the time. 

“Where is everyone?” Mindy asked, looking around. 

“Cool your tits, they’ll be here,” Rani said. 

“Do we have time to run to the bus after all?” Mindy asked. 

“No,” Kelly said. She put her phone away and waved as she spotted Katelyn’s rose-pinned bun above a couple in Zelda and Link cosplay. Kat waved back for her, since she was holding Katelyn’s good hand as they crossed the lane to join them. 

“That’s two more,” Kelly said. “Where’s everyone else? If the schedule gets thrown off this early—” 

“So you’re THAT person on vacation,” Rani said, amused more than accusatory. 

“Chill, Kels.” Katelyn kissed her cheek as she reached her, releasing Kat’s hand. “Don’t have a heart attack over the schedule. Take a deep breath. Look, there’s Arthur and Selene.”  

“Still no collar?” Kat asked as Arthur and Selene approached. 

“Look at those bracers, though! They’re so cool!” Mindy said, grabbing Arthur’s forearm and showing it to Rani. 

“Aw, they hide his forearms, though,” Rani said, frowning as she looked them over. 

“You can still admire the rest of him.” Kat gestured to his otherwise bare torso. “Besides, his upper arms are hotter than his forearms.” 

“Oh no,” Rani said. She abandoned her perusal of Arthur’s body to turn toward Kat and press her hand against Kat’s forehead as if checking for fever. “Someone struck Kat on the head while she and Katelyn were away. She’s talking crazy-talk. Everyone knows a man’s forearms are hotter.”  

Kat released Katelyn’s hand to push Rani’s away and smacked it. “Only when they’re wearing long sleeves, which they roll to the elbow. Without a shirt? Upper arms win,” Kat protested. “You can’t name a hotter body part.”  

“Shoulders,” Selene said. 

“Abs,” Kelly said.

“Have you seen the man’s butt?” Katelyn asked. 

“I’m partial to his dick, personally,” Mindy whispered loud enough for the group to hear. 

“I’m feeling objectified here,” Arthur said, clearing his throat with a cough. 

“Oh no, being treated like a sex object? What a tragedy for you. That’s disgusting. Who would even treat their partner that way?” Kat asked, her voice deadpan and flat as she stared up at Arthur with her chin lifted in defiance. 

“Okay, Brat, point taken,” Arthur shrugged. “Carry on.” 

The girls laughed, waving to Mark and Maria as they approached. A few passing Vikings with drinking horns waved back, astounded that the sexy women were waving at them, until they realized they weren’t. Mark and Maria waved back as they passed them and joined the small group. 

“Where are Brad and Jen? If we don’t leave for the pavilion soon, we’ll miss the Queen’s Court,” Kelly said, searching the passing crowd of cosplayers for two kit-bashed Renaissance heroes. 

“I think they’re still shopping for weapons,” Mark said, gesturing to the weapons store. 

“Should we head to the pavilion? Text them. They know the plan, right?” Rani asked. “I’m worried that if we don’t keep to the schedule, Kelly will explode, and we’ll have to use the mermaid tank or the lake to wash it off.” 

Kelly sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Sorry, I’m just trying to make sure we see everything that everyone wanted. But if Arthur would rather keep shopping until he and Selene find a collar, we can–” 

Arthur put his arm around Kelly and kissed her cheek. “Hey, I got this. Let me take it from here, okay?” 

Kelly met his gaze, melted against him, and closed her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Yes, Sir.” 

“Amkae, put a message in the group chat for Brad and Jen. Tell them we’ll save them seats. We wanted to see the storyline, right? So, let’s go to the pavilion. We can shop more afterwards.” 

“You heard the man! Let’s move out!” Rani hooked her arm through Mindy’s again, put her other arm through Kat’s, and started walking. Kat reached for whoever was nearest to her and grabbed Arthur’s hand as he laughed, then grabbed Kelly’s, who grabbed Selene’s. Katelyn trotted to catch up, taking Selene’s hand when she offered it. 

They snaked their way through the fairgrounds, retracing their steps toward the gates. Mindy pulled out her map, double-checking their path, but Kelly had a decent sense of direction and knew where they were. Besides, the crowd was heading in the same direction, though the Queen’s Court didn’t seem to have the same pull for every visitor.

They followed the flow of travelers into the square, where a high, canopied stage stood partially surrounded by low wooden benches. Where they entered from the direction of the gates, the queen and her party entered from the opposite direction, as if coming from the heart of the Faire. 

Rani chose a bench toward the back since it was one of the few empty ones. She was careful not to sit on her head veil and kept her legs together. Mindy filed in after her. Kat, Arthur, Kelly, Selene, and Katelyn followed. Mark and Maria left a gap between them and Katelyn for Jen and Brad’s impending arrival. They had to defend the seats twice, despite Mark’s map and Katelyn’s purse trying to save them. 

Kat and Kelly each held Arthur’s arms in theirs, hugging his upper arms. The thick muscles there warmed Kelly’s core, and she squeezed him. He flexed to return to the squeeze, and she licked her lips as she glanced at his grin. 

The royal court’s cast members filed onto the stage as the audience filled their seats. Nobles of all shapes, sizes, and manners of dress spread themselves to the wings. Music announced the queen’s entrance—a graceful woman in her thirties with vibrant red hair, adorned with gold and pearls. Her makeup made her appear even paler than a typical redhead. The grandiose dress she wore outshone her ladies-in-waiting, a black-and-gold gown with a stiff bodice and white ruffs extending from every seam. Her court bowed to her as she ascended to the large wooden chair, upstage center. 

“I didn’t think it was possible to look paler than Kelly,” Rani said, chuckling. 

Kelly frowned. “I’m not that pale!”

“You’re pretty pale,” Rani argued. 

“Welcome, good subjects, to our lovely Faire on this fine October morning!” The queen’s greeting silenced the murmuring through the crowd. Kelly noticed the sound system only after she’d spoken, with the speakers cleverly hidden, and the queen’s mic not even noticeable amid her hair and makeup.

“We, Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, queen of these lands, defender of the faith, do most heartily hope thou enjoy thy time with us at the Royal Faire! Come, come! Let the bells ring, and banners fly!” 

Several musicians in her troupe rang bells, and her yeomen waved their flags. 

“Thou hast traveled from far-off places and times to grace our realm with thy presence, and for this, we are most exceedingly glad. Whether thou art lord, lady, noble, merchant, minstrel, rogue, or peasant, thou art welcome this day!” 

Cheers from her court prompted the audience to cheer, and Kelly smiled as Arthur joined in. He applauded the queen, and Kelly grinned to see him enjoying himself and the show. The contrast between his hardened features last night and his soft smile this morning was night and day. He smiled at her, and she kissed him, surprising him, but she couldn’t restrain the impulse of a quick peck on his lips. 

Arthur returned the kiss and kissed her nose, which made her blush as he returned his attention to the stage. 

Kat cleared her throat, and Arthur kissed her forehead, making her lean against his arm. 

“Hear ye! Hear ye!” A man in crimson tights, an elaborate doublet, and puffy shorts unfurled a scroll. “For the reading of the laws on this fine day. A reminder foremost: Keep thine hands to thyself! Thou shalt not touch the performers, the artisans, their wares, nor thy fellow visitors, without permission. We are a civilized people, after all.” 

“Huzzah!” the court cried. 

“Second: The jousters, knights, and swordsmen are skilled in their arts, or so they claim. Stay behind the ropes, fences, and barriers as they ply their craft, lest thou be trampled by their horses or slain by their steel!” 

“Huzzah!” the court cried again. 

Kelly chuckled. She appreciated the no-touching rule, though she felt it was common sense. Still, there must be a reason they reviewed these rules. Much like the ‘do not use on roof’ labels on snowblowers, she could only imagine the stories of fatal consequence that made them necessary. 

“Thirdly: Mind thy children and thine pets, for there are wells, hazards, and dangers about! We do not want to injure or lose any of our subjects to mischief!” 

The crier’s rules seemed standard, even as he mixed in the comedy. 

“And lastly: waste not, want not! Use the proper receptacles for thy refuse, and respect our merchants and performers, for they have traveled far to delight thee!” 

The crier bowed to the applause of the court and the audience. 

“Thank thee, Lord Arundel, for that concise, if somewhat loud, reminder.” The queen twisted her pinky in her ear, as if he’d been too loud. The audience chuckled, a polite ripple of mirth spreading outward from the stage. “Now, who has been kind enough to assemble at court today? Wilt thou be so kind as to introduce our lords and ladies to our visitors?”

“It would be my honor, thy Majesty,” Lord Arundel said. He stood as he rolled his scroll. “It is with great pleasure that I introduce to thee, the finest nobles in all the land! First, I must present Sir Christopher Hatton, our queen’s most trusted advisor and lord high chancellor! A man whose wisdom and justice have rid our realm of many ne’er-do-wells and foes!”

The production amused Kelly. The William Shakespeare impersonator waiting in the wings with a troop of players was the only historical figure she recognized besides the queen, but the others seemed entertaining. 

That was until she felt Selene grip her hand and squeeze it, pointing at the stage. 

“What is it?” Kelly asked, concerned. 

“Not what, who?” Selene said, nudging her. “It’s Dave!” 

Arthur and the others realized it after Selene pointed it out, but Kelly had never met whomever Selene was referring to, though the name sounded familiar. Her memory supplied the missing context in a moment: Selene’s ex-boyfriend, the unimaginative one. 

He looked young enough to be a recent graduate, but even if Kelly had seen him on campus before, she wouldn’t have recognized him with his beard and Elizabethan garb. He wore a royal blue doublet, with dark hose and poofy shorts. Gold patterns embroidered his costume, with white ruffs at his cuffs and collar. He looked noble and regal, standing taller than the people beside him. 

Brad and Jen slid in beside Mark and Katelyn. “What’d we miss?” 

“The usual announcements,” Katelyn said. “Oh, and the introductions. Apparently, Selene used to date the guy playing Sir Hatton.” 

Brad raised his eyes to the stage in surprise. “Oh, shit, yeah, that’s Dave! I didn’t know he worked here.”

Kelly missed the next couple of announcements and introductions as Arthur and Selene leaned over her. 

“Are you okay that he’s here?” Arthur asked Selene. “You guys ended on good terms, right?” 

Selene shrugged. “I think so? He wasn’t super-happy that I dumped him, but he didn’t get mad or try to stalk me or anything. He sulked, we kept our distance, and then he graduated. I haven’t seen him since.” 

“Want me to search him on Socials?” Kelly asked. “He may have blocked you, but I could find his info.” 

“I think I’m still friends with him on Instagram,” Arthur said. “Unless he blocked me, and I didn’t notice. I haven’t seen any posts from him in a while.” 

“No, it’s okay; it’s just funny seeing him here!” Selene said, chuckling to herself. “I almost didn’t recognize him with the beard.” 

“I think Arthur would look hotter with a beard,” Katelyn said. Having heard the word, she took the opportunity to make the suggestion. 

“He looks hot with stubble,” Selene agreed. “And shaving him was hot.” 

“You shaved him?” Katelyn asked, surprised. 

Selene nodded. “He sat me on the counter, spread my legs, and let me use the razor.” 

“Hot,” Rani said from down the line. 

The people in front of them glanced at them, making Kelly elbow Selene in the ribs. 

“Sorry,” Selene said. “But it was hot.” 

“I think he looks better clean-shaven,” Kelly said, tracing her fingers against his sharp jaw. 

“To be fair, we haven’t seen him with a beard. He might look hot.” Mindy squinted with the effort of imagination as she studied his face. 

Kat scrunched her face in consideration, examining his face. “No, he’s a clean-cut gentleman through and through.” 

Arthur chuckled. “Maybe I’ll get a fake beard to keep everyone happy.” 

The girls giggled, amused at the idea as much as the mental image.

The show continued while they chatted, with Lord Arundel introducing the Earl of Leicester, Sir Francis Walsingham, Lady Catherine Carey, and other lords and ladies. He introduced the commoners there to entertain the court next. The famous playwright William Shakespeare professed that his new play, a romantic comedy involving the queen of fairies, was nearly complete. 

As if on cue, a pair of horns sounded in the distance behind the audience. The low, steady notes caused most of them to turn in their seats. 

“What devilry is this?” Queen Elizabeth demanded. 

Fog machines spewed their mist upon the ground from several discreet boulders that Kelly never would have guessed were fake until the fog began. It coated the ground as more performers arrived. Several woodsy folk stepped into the aisles from the back of the pavilion. They approached the stage in a fairy dance. Each wore dark clothing and wreaths of barren twigs in their hair. Some wore decorations of bones and antlers, enhancing the creepy nature of their dark costumes. 

One, a tall, spindly fellow with a Jack-o’-lantern over his head, accompanied the dark queen. She wore her white hair in a long, straight curtain behind her. Her pale face and dark eyeshadow gave her a ghostly, evil countenance. Her black velvet gown clung to her, and the snow-white sleeves beneath it matched her hair, as if midnight and spider-silk formed her costume. A crown of black thorns and silver crystals like frozen moonlight adorned her head. She walked tall and graceful as she approached the stage, announcing the arrival and invasion of the unseelie fae. 

A knight, Sir Ambrose, and the unseelie queen’s attendant, Pumpkin Jack, had a brief dialogue. They clashed swords, but their queens called them back before a genuine combat broke out. 

One of the fae dancing along the aisle hissed at Katelyn. She flinched and then laughed. She was wearing a pixie costume, after all.  

“Elizabeth, queen of mortals and their fleeting kingdoms, how quaint.” The unseelie queen looked down her nose at the seated Elizabeth. 

“Who dares interrupt our royal Faire?” Queen Elizabeth stamped her foot. “State thy name and business, intruder!” 

Kelly chuckled. On the one hand, she appreciated the effort and the performance they put into their presentation and craft. On the other hand, it was strange to see immersive acting rather than on a stage or screen. She had to accept that it was a different medium with different rules than a play, a musical, or a movie. They had to project their performance through the fairgrounds, after all. So they lacked the subtlety other media encouraged, so what? Everyone was still having fun. No musical score accompanied the dialogue or the action, which she didn’t realize she missed until she noticed its absence. 

The unseelie queen laughed. “Intruder? This land was OURS before thy kind built their first hovel upon it. I am Nicnevin, queen of air and darkness, sovereign of the unseelie court. I come to observe thy gathering, while my folk gather souls for the tithe.” 

One of her courtiers, a young lady in a pointed red gnome cap, pulled a dagger and brandished it at the knight who’d stepped forward to protect Elizabeth. 

“This is a Faire of mortals, O fairy queen, and we rule here!” Queen Elizabeth rose to her feet. “Thou shall find no souls for thy tithe in these lands.” 

“Oh, sweet child, thou art but a candle flame, and I am endless night. Fear not, I come not for thy soul this day, but for seven souls among thy subjects.” Nicnevin turned her attention to the crowd, examining them. She grinned as her eyes fell on Arthur. “I see several… delicious-looking candidates among thy gathered peasants.” Then she faced the court and pointed at Sir Hatton. “But noble souls are best.” 

Elizabeth put herself between Hatton and Nicnevin. “If thou seek any souls among our Faire today, thou shalt find disappointment, for thou hast no power here.” 

“I remind thee, and thy subjects, that there are older powers in this world than crowns and kingdoms.” Nicnevin stepped back as every member of the court with a weapon drew it to hold the fae at bay. “Come, let us put away our steel. Instead of war, I propose a game. A contest between thy court and mine. Games, riddles, performances, and yes, combat. Thy mortals do so love a show. If we should win, thou must allow us to select seven souls from among thy court, or thy people, for the tithe. If thou shouldst win, we will depart, and leave thy people unharmed.”

“Ooo, spooky Halloween theme,” Rani said, chuckling as Mindy shushed her. 

“Thou hast a bargain,” Queen Elizabeth agreed, sending her court into a frenzy of debate. 

Nicnevin laughed, cackling as she left with her courtiers and the fading fog. Thus began the day’s storyline at the Faire, with unseelie guests wandering amid the grounds. 

“Good people! Be not dismayed at this turn of events, for we are sure our noble court shall prevail against the forces of evil! But thou must do thy part! Gather as much candy as thee can from our noble vendors, but do not let the unseelie fairies have any! Our noble knights shall do the same, and that shall be one contest between our court and theirs!” 

Kelly found her smile lingering as she imagined what small challenges the courts might play against one another. It made the upcoming events in the storyline make more sense. The chess match, for example, and no doubt the final joust, would be full of drama.

“Take care, good people! And we shall see thee again soon!” The queen waved farewell as she and her ladies-in-waiting departed.

Lord Arundel stepped forward, clearing his throat for a final announcement. “The chess match shall begin at half-past noon on the chess field. Wander the Faire in the meantime, my good people, and beware the tricks of the Unseelie Queen!” 

Kelly chuckled, hugging Arthur’s arm as the court and audience dispersed. “That was cute,” Kelly said. “Is that the storyline every weekend?” 

“I think that’s the storyline this weekend because of Halloween,” Arthur explained. 

“Oh, that makes sense.” Kelly nodded. 

“What was that about a tithe?” Mindy asked, confused. “I know the term from church. What does it have to do with dark spirits?” 

“It’s from medieval mythology,” Kat answered. “Well, the Ballad of Tam Lin. According to the stories and poems, the fairy queen sacrificed souls to hell every seven years to prevent a war between the devils and the fey.” 

Everyone stared at Kat. 

“What?” she asked. “I can’t be the only one who knew that.” 

Mark raised his hand. “I knew that, but I’m a fantasy nerd.” 

“Kat’s a literary nerd,” Selene said, smiling at her. “But we love her for it.” 

Kat rolled her eyes. 

“It’s one of the many adorable things about her,” Rani said as the group waited for most of the crowd to disperse. “So what’s next on the agenda, Miss Kelly?” 

Kelly checked her phone. “Uh, more shopping? Kat wanted to tour the dungeon. I need to buy a hat to complete my costume. Katelyn wanted to visit the petting zoo. There were a few musical acts people wanted to see. Mindy wanted to see the mermaids—their proper show, that is. Rani wanted to see the fire dancers and go to the belly dancing show. And there’s the chess match of course, then–” 

“That’s a lot of options,” Arthur said, cutting her off. “Why don’t we pick one? Or do we want to split up and shop? Selene still needs her collar.” 

“Unless we wanted to start the tournament?” Rani asked. 

“Selene still hasn’t found a collar?” Maria asked, checking Selene’s neck. 

“Not yet,” Selene said, gesturing between her and Arthur. “But it can wait.” 

“What tournament is this?” Arthur asked, eyeing Rani with confusion. 

“Well, we have to decide, um,” Kelly glanced around them, then leaned close to Arthur and whispered in his ear. “We decided to have a tournament amongst ourselves to decide who gets to share your bed tonight at the hotel.” 

“Oh, I see,” Arthur said, nodding. “Sure, right, makes sense.” 

“We figured that way it’d avoid hurt feelings instead of having you just pick one of us,” Mindy said. “And it’ll be fun!” 

“So what challenges are you facing?” Arthur asked. “And how are you doing a tournament with only six of you? Don’t you need eight?” 

“Can Maria and Jen join the running? If they want to, of course,” Selene suggested. 

“I’ll join,” Maria said. “If that’s okay with Arthur.” 

Arthur hesitated, glancing at Mark. Mark gave him two thumbs up. 

“I’m not interested in sharing Arthur’s bed, but I wouldn’t mind competing against everyone for fun. Maybe if I win, Arthur gets to pick one of the others? Sort of like a wild card or something?” Jen offered. “Or,” she eyed Mark, “we roll the dice and decide the winner that way if I win?” 

“A true wildcard, I like it,” Rani said. 

“I’m okay with that, but,” Arthur glanced at Maria, “are you two sure? I don’t want things to get weird.”  

Maria glanced at Mark, who nodded. Then she looked at Arthur, studying his face. She sighed. “Look, Arthur, I won’t push you if you’re not into me. I’ll respect your boundaries, but I’ll join the tournament, and you can do the dice thing if I win, unless you change your mind. Okay?” 

Arthur checked his girlfriends’ expressions. Katelyn shrugged with one shoulder. Selene nodded her approval. Kelly nodded as well. She didn’t know Maria well, but she trusted her, especially after last night. 

“It’d just be a one-night, onetime thing, right? Not a recurring thing? And one of us would have to be there, I guess Selene, since she’s in full sl–” Kat cut herself off as she glanced around them. “Or whoever you pick with dice or whatever.” 

“I’ll take what I can get,” Maria said. 

Mindy giggled. “I’m fine with it.” 

“The more the merrier. I’d only be sad to miss it,” Rani said, wiggling her fingers in a wave at Maria. 

“And you won’t be disappointed if you win and it falls to the dice?” Arthur asked Maria. 

“No,” Maria said, though Kelly wondered if she was being honest with herself. She was more interested in sleeping with Arthur than Arthur was with her. It might make things awkward if she kept pressing. 

Kelly resolved to discuss the matter with Maria before the end of the day. She wouldn’t let Maria pressure her boyfriend. Nor was she going to get in Arthur’s way if he wanted to have a good time with someone he trusted. 

“Okay,” Arthur said. “So two wild cards, six contestants. May the best wench win.” 

“Let’s do it!” Mindy clapped and hip-bumped Rani, who jingled with her many bells. She laughed and hip-bumped Mindy in return, sending her stumbling forward. Kat caught her and helped her right herself. 

“Let’s keep the melee to a minimum,” Arthur said.

Kelly pulled her phone out of her purse and checked her notes. “Okay, first up in the tournament is me versus Katelyn.” 

“Oh, shit.” Katelyn frowned, then covered her mouth with her hand. 

“That’s five more,” Arthur said, failing to restrain his grin. 

“And we’ll be having our competition with… knife throwing.” Kelly glanced at Katelyn and frowned. “I can re-roll.” 

“No, that’s okay. Knife throwing is one-handed, and I still have my good arm.” Katelyn raised her right hand. “Besides, it doesn’t rely on strength or stamina, so I might defeat you.” 

Kelly grinned. “Big talk from a pixie.” 

Katelyn chuckled. “Come on, I’ll turn your ass to fairy dust.” 

“We can shop along the way,” Arthur said, taking Selene’s hand in his once more. “If we see something we like, obviously.” 

Selene nodded. 

“Where is the knife throwing?” Mark asked, checking his map. 

“There’s a whole game section in the back. I think it’s for kids, but they have knife throwing, so…” Kelly shrugged. 

“Let’s go!” Katelyn slid her hand into Kelly’s and pulled her along, laughing as she struggled with Kelly as her anchor, holding her back from running ahead. 

Katelyn and Kelly led the way with Arthur and Selene behind them. Kat, Mindy, and Rani followed, with Mark, Maria, Brad, and Jen behind them. Countless feet ahead of them had stamped the packed earth smooth, making for easy walking. The path forked ahead of them, with a central rank of tents where merchants sold their wares, creating a divider.

Kelly couldn’t help but peruse the wares as they walked. They took the right-hand path, between more food stalls, and they lost Kat, Rani, and Mindy as the trio joined the line for the cafe. 

“We’ll catch up. Don’t wait for us!” Rani called, as the wind brought Kelly a whiff of cinnamon, spices, and roasted coffee. The chalkboard outside advertised a variety of flavors, but Kelly had drunk enough coffee this morning. She wondered if the Unseelie Spice Latte was Pumpkin Spice, but she supposed she could ask Rani later. 

Mark and Maria split off next, distracted by a booth advertising live-action roleplaying at the Faire. Kelly’s familiarity with roleplay was in the bedroom. Arthur and Selene had theater, and Rani, Mark, and the others enjoyed D&D, but she’d never played. It sounded interesting, but she wasn’t sure she’d be any good at it. As fun as one-on-one role plays were with Arthur, she didn’t know how she’d do sitting at a table and rolling dice. The two scenarios were very different. 

The food stalls on their right beckoned to Kelly’s stomach as they walked. She wasn’t even hungry. Yet the pervasive smell of food in the air and the delightful pictures made her think that everything would taste good. A gentle breeze crossed between the food stalls and the canvas tents, with their colorful pennants swaying overhead. Thick, heady wood smoke, roasting meat, baking pastries, fluffy waffles, and sugary berries floated past them. 

They lost Brad and Jen to The Cottage Bakery, a cute cottage-shaped building with windows full of pies, donuts, and danishes. The front door looked like gingerbread with fake icing, matching the roof’s curved tiles for a winter holiday aesthetic. The permanent decorations clashed with the fake bats hanging from its gutters to celebrate Halloween.  

Kelly nearly lost Katelyn next, at The Candy Shoppe, but she pulled Katelyn along. “The last thing you need is a sugar rush.” 

Katelyn laughed, squeezing Kelly’s hand in hers. “Yeah, okay.” 

Selene stopped walking, holding Arthur back, and Kelly and Katelyn stopped ahead of them. She turned to see what had caught Selene’s interest, spotting a tent advertising henna tattoos and designs. Selene looked at Arthur, pleading with her eyes. 

“Yeah, we can check it out. You want to get a tattoo?” Arthur asked, surprised. 

“They’re temporary,” Selene assured him. “They last a week or two.” 

Two weeks wasn’t what Kelly considered a temporary tattoo, but she’d seen henna before, and the designs caught her eye. In particular, there was one of a lady’s hand gripping a sword, with the woman’s wrist billowing into curling waves of water. The sword was Arthurian, meant to evoke the Lady of the Lake in thin black lines. 

“We can catch up,” Arthur said to Kelly.

Kelly looked at Katelyn, who was examining a floral tattoo of a vine of roses. Her roommate was easily distracted, and with everyone else gone, they needed a witness for their knife-throwing match. “We can stop. These look interesting.” 

The light brown-skinned woman in the tent smiled at them. Ink adorned her hands in the shape of beaded jewelry. She wore a modest but intricate costume with an embroidered brown bodice over her green peasant shirt and heavy, floor-length skirts. She had thick brown hair tied back in a bun with a gold hairpin. 

Her tattoo designs hung in framed white paper on every wall of her tent. Several mirrors, four chairs, a table against the back wall, a curtained section, and a small counter with a tablet at the front filled the space.

“It’s safe, right?” Arthur asked. 

The woman chuckled and answered the question she received a million times a day. “Safe and painless,” she assured him, showing her hands and forearms. “It’s drawn onto the skin, or brushed, not sewn.” 

“Can you do custom work as well?” Selene asked. “Or slight modifications to your designs?” 

“Of course!” The woman said, gesturing to her designs behind her. “Which caught your eye?” 

Kelly expected Selene to say the Lady of the Lake tattoo she’d been staring at. Instead, Selene shook her head and gestured to her neck. 

“Could you do a henna tattoo of a choker? A thin band around my neck?” 

Kelly looked at Arthur, who looked just as surprised as Kelly. 

“Yes,” she said. “I can even do more intricate designs. I’ve done a woven choker before, or a tattooed necklace with sweeping arcs?” 

Selene seemed intrigued by the idea. “Could you do an Elvish script along the band?” 

“I can write the band in Elvish script, or do an absence where the letters would be, letting your natural skin color fill in the letters along the choker.” 

“Yes!” Selene said, excited now. She turned toward Arthur, grabbing one of his hands with both of hers. “Is that okay? Can I do that? Would you like it?” 

The woman glanced between them, but said nothing. Between the tattoo and Selene’s asking Arthur’s permission, she either knew something kinky was between them or was more innocent than Kelly. 

“Are you sure?” Arthur asked. “It’s going to last longer than Fall Break, right? You wouldn’t be able to remove it afterward until it faded on its own.” 

“Oh.” Selene deflated. 

“Let her get it.” Kelly placed her hand on the small of Arthur’s back. She couldn’t bear Selene’s downhearted expression. The poor girl had been so excited a moment ago, and Arthur’s comment had popped her like a balloon. 

“No, it’s okay,” Selene said.

“We’ll keep it in the running,” Arthur said, moving toward a compromise. “Let’s see what else we can find.” 

“Yes, my lord,” Selene said, nodding. 

“Are there any other designs that caught your eye?” The vendor asked, still hoping for a sale. 

“This one caught mine,” Kelly said, pointing toward the Lady of the Lake tattoo. “Can you write tiny letters on the blade?” 

“Of course, my lady!” The vendor said, beaming at Kelly. 

“Ooo,” Katelyn said, examining the tattoo. “We should all get that one.” 

“Right?” Kelly asked, chuckling. “The Sisterhood of Excalibur.” 

“Oh God,” Arthur hung his head. 

“You don’t have to get it, obviously.” Kelly patted Arthur’s shoulder. 

“Would you be okay with that, though?” Selene asked Kelly. “If you weren’t the only one to get one, I mean.” 

“Are you kidding? I love the idea of getting matching tattoos with everyone, or at least, similar tattoos. We could each get different words on the blade. If you get my meaning,” Kelly said. 

Selene understood and nodded rapidly. “Oh, my God! Yes! Please? Is that okay?” She asked Arthur. 

“You want to tattoo that on your neck?” Arthur asked, surprised. 

“No,” Kelly and Selene said, then laughed. 

“I was thinking I’d get it on my stomach. Right over the top of my bikini bottoms,” Selene said. 

“I’d get it on my shoulder,” Kelly twisted to show her left shoulder, which the off-the-shoulder peasant top she wore left bare. 

“I’d get mine on my—” Katelyn hesitated. “On my sternum, since it’s henna.” 

Arthur shrugged. “You’ve got your work cut out for you,” he said to the vendor.

“I’ll text the others,” Kelly said, pulling out her phone. 

“Others?” the artist asked, surprised. 

“Yeah, there are three more,” Kelly said. “Is that okay?” 

“Of course it’s okay!” The vendor said, laughing. “The more sales, the better. But what lettering did you want on your sword?” 

“Oh, for me it would say ‘Wifey,’ is that okay?” Kelly asked. 

The woman nodded. “Do you want it in English letters, Viking runes, Devanagari, Elvish, or another font?” 

“English is fine for me,” Kelly nodded. 

“I’ll want mine in Elvish,” Selene said, looking to Arthur for approval. He nodded. 

“Do you want ‘Sisterhood of Excalibur’ written around the image, circling it?” The woman asked as she prepped her tablet. 

“No,” Arthur said for them, eyeing Kelly’s mischievous grin. 

Kelly, Katelyn, and Selene broke into giggles, which confused the artist, but she didn’t protest. 

“Is there an inside joke?” The artist asked. 

“Kinda,” Katelyn said. “We’re in a… what do you call it?” 

“Polycule,” Selene supplied. 

“And this,” Kelly placed her hand on Arthur’s chest and kissed his cheek. “Is Arthur.” 

The woman’s confusion flickered, and then realization slapped her across the face. Her eyes went wide, and her skin darkened in a blush as she cleared her throat and nodded. 

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Kelly said, regretting her words. 

“No, it’s okay.” The woman waved away her concerns. “I shouldn’t have pried, but it’s fine with me. I don’t judge. Many polyamorous folks work at the Faire, and kinksters. We welcome all kinds.” 

“What if we put the sisterhood bit in Elvish script?” Selene asked Arthur, pleading with her eyes. 

Arthur took a deep breath, relenting. “It’s your tattoo,” he said, then turned his attention to the merchant. “For the writing on the blade, could you put ‘Arthur’s’ on one side and their names on the other? So, ‘Arthur’s Wifey’ instead of just Wifey, but stacked?” 

Warmth spread through Kelly as she imagined that, knowing it’d rest on her shoulder for weeks. People would see it, though they couldn’t read it unless they scrutinized it; still, that made it more than a personal memento. Her henna tattoo would become a public declaration of love, possession, and their relationship.

“If they want,” the vendor said, choosing her words as she eyed Kelly. 

“Yes,” Kelly said. “I want that.”

“Me too,” Selene said. 

“Me, three,” Katelyn said, raking Arthur’s bare torso with her eyes. “And maybe you should get one of those Viking pattern tattoos. It’d fit your barbarian vibes.”

Kelly’s smile widened. “I’ll go first. I’m Kelly, by the way.” 

The artist curtsied. “Nice to meet you, Kelly. I’m Ana. Take a seat. I’ll get a quick sketch of the tattoo ready for you.” 

Kelly smiled and took her seat, texting the others as she waited for Ana to finish her sketch.

~~~

The smell hit Kat first—cinnamon, roasted beans, and something sweet she couldn’t place. Cream? Vanilla? It relaxed her despite the bustling crowd inside the Roasted Dragon. The building appeared to be a medieval tavern on the outside. Its crooked sign hung over the path, depicting a red dragon holding a steaming mug of coffee as it blew fire over the lip. 

“This place is so cute!” Mindy said, taking pictures of the hand-painted menu board with her phone. She moved with boundless energy for someone standing in line for caffeine, but Kat didn’t judge. Her dark braids swung as she spun to capture more images of the inside. “It’s so medieval, like Game of Thrones, but modern.” She snapped a photo of the chrome espresso machine behind the counter. 

“It’s extremely anachronistic,” Kat said, but her tone remained warm. Mindy might have her faults, but her enthusiasm wasn’t one of them. Her relentless cheerfulness wasn’t annoying once she got used to it, and sometimes it was welcome.  

Rani laughed, low and rough. “I don’t think they’re worried about historical accuracy.” She gestured at the fairy lights hanging from the ceiling and the dragons everywhere. “There are more dragons here than in Berk.” 

“Berk?” Mindy asked, confused. 

“How to Train Your Dragon,” Kat said, catching the reference. 

“Oh! I love that movie,” Mindy said, chuckling. 

Kat smiled, glancing at the menu ahead of them. Today’s special was “Dragon’s Breath Hot Chocolate,” which came with roasted marshmallows. The interior was cozy, with colored-glass windows that let in speckled streaks of early-morning sunlight. 

Faire-goers in their various costumes stood and sat around small round tables, filling the corners first and working their way toward the “bar,” which was a counter. They nursed commemorative mugs, paper cups, and pastries as they passed the time. 

Rani’s presence beside Kat radiated a persistent warmth. She, Kat, and Mindy kept close, not wanting to let anyone split them up in the line or invite conversation with their neighbors. Kat tried to hide her awkwardness at the shortness of her skirt and the exposure of her stomach behind her crossed arms and closed legs. Rani, in her red bikini, veil, skirt, and gold and ruby jewelry, was the most at ease. Mindy, in her witch’s costume, took off her hat indoors and held it with both hands when she wasn’t holding her phone for pictures. She snapped a selfie of the three of them, taking it twice more because Kat smiled too late. 

“What are you getting?” Rani asked, and Kat realized she’d been staring at Rani’s Maang Tikka. 

“Oh—just coffee. Maybe an apple turnover.” Kat pointed at the display case on the bar, where the golden pastries glistened with sugar. 

“Black coffee?” Mindy asked in mock horror. “Kat, we’re at a Renaissance Faire! Get something fancy! They have Honey Mead Lattes!” 

“Isn’t mead honey?” Kat asked, confused. “And that has to be the flavor, not actual mead, right? Besides, it’s not even noon, so I’m not drinking alcohol.”

“Mead doesn’t count as day drinking,” Rani said in an authoritative tone. “Not at the Ren Faire.” 

“Not how that works,” Kat said, grinning. “Besides, Arthur won’t do anything fun if we get drunk.” 

“Well, that’s—” Rani hesitated, considering her point. “A fair point. We shouldn’t get too drunk in that case.” 

Mindy giggled. 

Kat chuckled and shuffled forward with the line. This was nice—spending time away from campus, homework, papers, and the weight of senior year weighing on her. She’d focused on schoolwork for so much of her college life that she’d forgotten to enjoy moments like this one. 

Rani ordered first at the counter, despite Mindy being in front of her and Kat beside her. Kat didn’t protest too much; she needed the extra time to decide. Rani got the Medici, which was a café au lait by another name. She gestured for Mindy to order next, and Mindy picked the Honey Mead Latte after confirming it had no alcohol. 

“What do you want, Kat?” Rani asked. 

“Oh, you go ahead. I can get my own.” Kat said, gesturing. 

“Don’t be silly. It’s my treat.” Rani said. “Get something fancy. Unseelie Spice? That sounds like something you’d enjoy.” 

“No, it’s okay.” Kat insisted. 

“Don’t be a brat,” Rani said. “Let me treat you.” 

“Well, I was going to get a drink and a cookie, so I’ll just get my own. It’s okay.” Kat said, not wanting to impose on Rani’s generosity. It’d only add guilt to her conscience to buy more than she or Mindy did. 

“Oh, cookies sound good. What cookie were you looking at? Or you wanted the apple turnover, right?” Rani asked, looking at the case. “Can we get an apple turnover and three dragon hoard cookies?” She asked the barista. “And whatever drink Kat wants.” 

“Rani,” Kat said. “You’re not hearing me. I said I can cover my own.” 

“I heard you, I just don’t give a shit,” Rani said, turning to stare at her. “Are you worried I’m going to hold it over you or something? I’m not. It’s just a few bucks. Let me buy you a goddamn coffee, as a friend.” 

Kat’s mouth formed a thin, adamant line. 

Mindy looked between the two of them, uncertainty on her face. “She doesn’t mean anything by it,” Mindy said, defending Rani. “She’s not trying to make a move on you or anything. It’s just something friends do, right? You can cover us next time.” 

Kat turned her glare toward Mindy, softening when she saw the worry in Mindy’s eyes. Damnit. The woman was too soft and fragile. Being mean to Rani was fine. Rani was tough, so she didn’t worry over her feelings, but being firm with Mindy was punching a baby in the face. 

Kat sighed. “Fine, but I’m covering the next time.” 

Rani sighed, turning back toward the attendant. The gangly youth in a red vest and velvet fez looked between them. 

“So that was a turnover, three cookies, a large Medici, a large Honey Mead Latte, and…” 

“A large Unseelie Spice,” Kat said. “Thank you.” 

“And in the commemorative mugs,” Rani added. 

Kat wanted to protest, but Mindy grabbed her hand and pulled her away toward a table that had just opened. They had to move fast to catch one and almost lost it to a man in a steampunk tailcoat with gears glued onto his top hat. He turned aside as Mindy and Kat sat across from each other. 

Rani paid the attendant. The table was small, but near the window. Kat settled into a chair that creaked as she sat. Mindy ran back to the counter as the barista served up their cookies. She hugged Rani before returning to the table with the food, while Rani waited for their coffee. 

“Why are you mad at Rani?” Mindy asked, sitting across from Kat. “She’s being nice.” 

Kat frowned. “I guess she is. I shouldn’t have gotten so defensive.” 

Mindy smiled. “She wasn’t hitting on you, you know that, right?” 

“No, I know,” Kat said as she turned her eyes toward Rani. It wasn’t Rani’s fault that Kat hated charity. In her experience, no-strings-attached generosity was never generous or detached from strings. Not that Rani was the type to call in a favor like that. Besides, she didn’t need to. After the last few weeks, Kat couldn’t imagine not trying to help Rani with something if she needed it. 

“Do we know her?” Mindy asked, turning Kat’s attention back to her. 

A girl from another table in the cafe had gotten up to talk to Rani. The brunette in a Cinderella dress had been sitting with two men in Robin Hood and Little John costumes. The Robin Hood looked familiar. “That’s Selene’s friend,” Kat said, as if to herself. “Caleb?” 

“Hey, it’s Selene’s big sister!” Caleb said, sliding over to them. “You remember my boyfriend Logan, of course.” 

Little John (real name: Logan) nodded hello. His long black hair, lean build, and general aesthetic marked him as a rocker even in his garb.

“Right,” Kat said, nodding. “Hey.” 

“Girl, you look amazing in that, by the way,” Caleb said, admiring her costume. “Very jungle chic.” 

“Thanks.” Kat didn’t trust the sincerity of the compliment, but she took it. 

“And you’re another one of Arthur’s girlfriends, right?” Caleb asked Mindy. “I’m sorry. There are so many of you, I can’t remember all your names.” 

“Mindy,” Mindy said, unsure of how to take Caleb. 

“I like your witch costume,” Caleb said. “It’d look better on me, but Logan refused to wear any skirt or kilt, and we wanted to match.” 

Logan sighed. “Not that tights are better in these short tunics.” 

Caleb winked at him, and Mindy giggled. 

“Were you three just leaving?” Kat asked. 

“We just finished our coffees,” Caleb said. “But Yvonne saw Rani and made a beeline. She said she has something to apologize for.” 

Mindy raised both eyebrows. “What’s that?” 

“I don’t know.” Caleb shrugged. “I’m sure it has something to do with the apologies she wants to give Arthur and Selene.” 

Kat breathed through her nose in such a way that it made her breath sound derisive. 

“Look, she and Arthur had their come-to-Jesus conversation, and Arthur broke her heart. She fucked up, sure. I was the first to call her on her bullshit, but that’s what friends do. Yvonne’s been recovering from his rejection as best she can. She’s not as strong as I am and can’t take his constant rejection in stride as I do. The week’s been rough on her, and her grades are slipping. So, don’t take it out on her, okay? If Arthur can forgive her and try to move forward, can you, too?” 

Kat let her eyes speak for her. They constantly communicated her annoyance with no effort on her part. “She’s the one who was spreading rumors about Arthur and my sister, right? Campus is treating us like whores and victims because of her?” 

Caleb’s lack of answer, combined with his bracing himself for impact, was answer enough. 

“She can fuck off and leave Arthur, Selene, and the rest of us alone,” Kat said. “We’ve been through enough this week, and if she goes anywhere near my boyfriend, I will dump hot coffee over her pretty dress. Fresh and boiling coffee, at that.” 

“Wow,” Caleb said, surprised. Mindy and Logan seemed taken aback, too. “Okay, well, uh… I’ll keep her out of your hair then.” He straightened his shoulders. “Let me just pry her away from Rani before you go on your rampage.” Caleb left, with Logan trailing behind him. It took them a few tries, but with Caleb’s hand on Yvonne’s shoulder, they guided her back to their table and out of earshot. 

Mindy left the table to help Rani, and Kat held the table for them until they approached with the coffee. 

“What’d that bitch say to you?” Kat asked as soon as Rani sat. 

Rani shrugged. “She apologized for blowing up at me earlier this week. Some people do that when they fly off the handle.” 

Kat frowned. Had she not apologized for her defensiveness earlier? She hadn’t. Not that it would mean anything anyway. She couldn’t help her annoyance at handouts and the condescending generosity of others. She’d questioned the costs of the weekend during the harem meeting so she could plan, not to make everyone think she was stingy. 

“I’m sorry,” Kat said after a moment of silence. Mindy released a breath in relief. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it; I’m just… I don’t want people thinking I can’t pay for things. I worked a few extra hours to set aside money for this weekend, so I’m not a charity case.” 

“I didn’t think you were,” Rani said, eyeing Kat with caution. “But Kat, even if you’re not my lover, you’re still my friend. I’m allowed to care about my friends. Don’t you think of me as your friend?” 

“Of course,” Kat said, nodding as she took her commemorative mug from Mindy. “You, Mindy, Katelyn, Kelly, and even Selene. You’re my friends.” 

“Good, then stop being a brat and just enjoy yourself today, okay?” Rani asked. “Stop getting so pissed off at everyone. Let me pay if I offer. I promise it's not out of charity. I'm offering because I have extra cash and want to make sure everyone has a good time today. It’s not about you, or what I think of you. It’s about me wanting to splurge and spoil the first batch of genuine friends I’ve had in college. Okay? I’m just insecure as fuck and want you to like me and have a good time when we’re together.”

Kat met Rani’s eyes, the honey brown eyes caught between the gold embroidery of her red veils. She was earnest and was always honest to a fault. There was truth in what she said. Whatever drove Rani’s impulsive generosity, it had nothing to do with Kat’s bank statements. Besides, it wasn’t like she was Kelly or Arthur with wealthy upper-middle-class parents. She probably just had shitty spending habits and an influx of cash from one of her photography projects or something.

Kat took a breath. “Yeah, okay.”

“Good,” Rani agreed. “Now, who were the guys in green? Were they flirting with you two?” 

“Oh, no, that was Caleb and his boyfriend Logan. We’ve met them a few times, at homecoming, and stuff,” Mindy said.

“Oh, right,” Rani said, nodding. “They looked familiar. The costumes just make it difficult to keep people straight.” 

“Well, Yvonne recognized you right away,” Kat pointed out. 

“She recognized you and Mindy, and assumed it was me because I’m the only brown girl in the harem.” Rani sipped her drink beneath her veil. “But we’ll see if I can’t convince Manasa.” 

Mindy giggled. “You’re so bad.” 

“Incorrigible,” Kat agreed as she took a cookie from the plate between them. “The absolute worst.”

“Fuck yeah, bitch.” Rani took the second of the three cookies with her. She raised her glass in a toast, and the three clinked their mugs together as gently as possible. “To fun.” 

“To fun!” Mindy cheered. 

“To fun,” Kat said, letting her grin spread to both corners of her mouth. 

~~~

Arthur waited while the tattoo artist, Ana, sketched a version of the Lady of the Lake tattoo based on Kelly’s requests. Everyone wanted to get one, and he didn’t want to be in the way. Nor did he want to stand around while this poor artist copied six versions of the tattoo with different letters on the blade. 

Selene appeared excited, even though it wasn’t a collar. He didn’t know if he’d prefer her having a tattoo, but their past experiments with body writing had been hot enough. He enjoyed the idea of having her and the others marked as his. Did that make him an egotist?  

Nah. It was just an extension of their submission, like when they wore their collars, but something they’d carry with them for weeks. Maybe he wouldn’t enjoy it, though. He had to admit Selene’s smooth, nude skin appealed to him, unmarked and unmarred, flawless, creamy, and bare below the neck. With a tattoo, there’d always be something there, never naked. 

Henna wasn’t permanent, though. If he didn’t prefer it, he only had to wait, and it would vanish in time. 

He tried not to dwell on it too much, but the future kept dancing across his thoughts as he examined the other designs. Katelyn looked with him, pointing out designs that matched his barbarian costume. Despite the art’s South Asian origins, many of the designs on display fit more Celtic or Nordic aesthetics, in line with the Faire. It was an international Renaissance Faire with plenty of variety in its visitors, vendors, and entertainment, but it emphasized its European roots. 

“What animal do you think best represents Arthur?” Katelyn asked Selene, then returned her attention to Arthur. “What’s your favorite animal?” 

“Uh, I don’t know,” Arthur said, shrugging. “I like the dragons on my bracers, though. Can I pick a dragon?” 

“That tracks,” Kelly said, teasing him from the chair she sat in. “He hoards women instead of gold, though.” 

Katelyn laughed. “Oh, yeah, that tracks.” 

“Okay,” Arthur said, glancing around to make sure no one overheard her. “Remember, we’re in public?” 

“We can admit to being polyamorous in public, can’t we? Outside of Selene’s ex-boyfriend, we don’t know anybody here.” Katelyn pointed out. 

“Yeah, I guess,” Arthur said. He glanced at Ana, who turned the sketch around to show Kelly her work. 

“Oh, it’s perfect!” Kelly said, excitement leaking from her as she took the piece of paper and showed it to Selene. “Look!” 

“Oh, that’s gorgeous!” Selene said. “I want mine just like that, but with my name, obviously.” 

Katelyn took her turn to view the page in Kelly’s hand and squealed as she clapped her hands together. “Oh, I love it! This is gonna be great!” 

“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Kelly asked, showing Arthur the design. “I won’t do it if you don’t like the idea.” 

“It’s temporary, yeah?” Arthur asked, examining the design and imagining it on Kelly’s shoulder. A woman’s hand wrapped around the handle of an elaborate sword, her medieval sleeve ending in curling waves. “The Sisterhood of Excalibur” encircled the blade. The words began at one side of the crossguard and ended at the other. Written on the blade in tiny letters were the words “Arthur’s Wifey” centered and stacked. It was precisely what they’d asked her for, and she’d delivered. “I like it!” 

Ana took the page and held it against Kelly’s bare shoulder, judging the size and lay of the design over her muscle lines. “Wow, you have more muscle than I thought you did.” 

Kelly chuckled. “Thanks.” 

“Do you do a lot of sword-fighting?” Ana asked, joking but half-serious. 

“Lifting and boxing,” Kelly said.

“You’re very feminine for a lifter, aren’t you worried about bulking up and looking too masculine?” Ana asked. 

“I get that a lot, but no.” Kelly shook her head. “I know what I’m doing, and no one accidentally bulks up to the size of a bodybuilder. You have to work at it.”

“You mean Thalia wasn’t just born that way?” Arthur asked, joking. “Somehow, I pictured her spanking the doctor instead of the other way around.” 

Kelly laughed.

“What do you think?” Katelyn asked, eyeing the design. “Should I get it on my chest, or my thigh?” 

Selene motioned for Katelyn to lean toward her, and Katelyn bent her ear to Selene’s lips. She whispered something that made Katelyn blush and giggle, which made Arthur nervous. 

“I don’t think I could get it there,” Katelyn said. “Do you tattoo covered body parts?” 

Ana shook her head. “We prefer to keep things family-friendly during the Faire.” 

“Can I take a picture of the design?” Kelly asked. 

“Oh, sure,” Ana said, nodding as she handed Kelly the page. 

She held it in one hand and snapped a photo with the other, sending the pic to the group chat for Rani, Kat, and Mindy to review. 

“Would it look better near my collarbone?” Kelly asked, looking at Arthur. “Toward the top of my chest?” 

Arthur swallowed. She wanted help deciding, even though it was her body and her tattoo. He thought over the costumes each woman wore. Would it be hotter if they each got the tattoo in the same spot? Or would it take away from their individuality and the tantalization of discovery? 

He reached for the paper, and Kelly handed it to him. He folded it several times, leaving just the sketch visible. Then he moved it, holding it up against Kelly’s body in different places and letting his fingers press and brush her skin. 

“Where would you want us to have a tattoo if we got something permanent?” Selene asked. 

Arthur grinned. “Well, that’s a different answer.” 

Katelyn licked her lips. “Where?” 

“I’m not sure what the proper term is, but the lower stomach?” Arthur said, pointing to the location on his own body and indicating the waistline of his loincloth, or just below it. 

“A womb tattoo,” Selene said. “I’d get one of those, especially of this design.” 

“I’m not asking anyone to do that,” Arthur said. “It’s a hypothetical.” 

Selene nodded. 

“Selene, I need you to confirm that you heard and understand what I just said,” Arthur said, his tone patient but alarmed. “I don’t want any misunderstanding. I don’t want you to run out and get a tattoo when we get home.”  

Selene nodded, bowing her head and remaining in that bent position until she finished speaking. “Yes, Sir. I hear and understand. I promise I won’t get a tattoo without clearing it with you first and having you there with me.” 

Worry nagged at Arthur. “Let’s assume getting a permanent tattoo is off the table.” He didn’t need Selene pushing to get one. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about it, and if Selene obsessed over it, she’d have everyone in the harem tattooed by the end of next week. 

“As you wish,” Selene said, not arguing with him. She didn’t sound disappointed or annoyed, which he took as a good sign. 

Ana looked between them, coughed, and resumed her work as she prepared her dyes. “So, where did you want it?” 

“Oh, uh,” Kelly looked at Arthur. “Collarbone or shoulder?” 

“The shoulder,” Arthur said. “It’s more you.” 

Kelly smiled. “Shoulder it is.” 

“Are you okay if we wander while you get your tattoo?” Arthur asked. “There are a few shops around.” 

“Go ahead,” Kelly said. “I know you want to find a collar for Selene. Can you take Katelyn with you?” 

“Of course,” Arthur said. 

“I can be unsupervised,” Katelyn said, less annoyed than she had a right to be. 

“Come with us,” Arthur said, holding his hand out for Katelyn. 

“Well, when you put it like that.” Katelyn slid her hand into his, eyeing Selene, who nodded her approval. 

“Are you okay on your own?” Arthur asked Kelly. 

“Rani, Mindy, and Kat should be here soon, but yeah. I’m just gonna be sitting here for—how long?” Kelly asked. 

“Well, the design will take half an hour to apply. It’ll need a few minutes to dry, and you’ll need to leave the paste on for a few hours after that. But that shouldn’t be an issue since it’s not on your hands.” 

“We’ll be back before half an hour passes, for sure,” Arthur said, kissing her before he left. Kelly cupped his cheek as he kissed her and released him as he led Katelyn and Selene to the booth next door. Her central stall had little shops on either side, and the next shop was a tent full of trinkets.

~~~

Mindy snapped a selfie with her commemorative mug, beaming her smile into the future in her Renaissance witch costume. There was zero historical accuracy in her garb, but she was sexy as fuck in her black double-split skirt and corset combo. No one complained. 

She wondered if there was any historical accuracy to Rani’s garb, but doubted it. Rani’s costume and costume jewelry evoked a sexy bikini and cover with her veils more than a historical outfit. 

Kat’s outfit might have been accurate for caveman times, but Mindy couldn’t imagine a Victorian lady wearing it. Even if she were in the jungle. 

Rani turned her phone screen toward Kat across from them to show her the tattoo design Kelly sent them. 

“We’re doing this?” Kat asked, eyeing the others. 

Mindy nodded. “It’s temporary, right? I’m gonna get mine right here.” She tapped the top of her left boob, making the flesh jiggle in her quarter-cup corset. She noticed a few eyes glance at the motion, men and women, but she didn’t mind. 

Rani put her phone in her purse. “I think I’ll get mine on my lower back. A proper tramp stamp.” 

“You’re not a tramp,” Kat said, shrugging. “At least, not anymore. You’re a five-woman, one-man gal, now.” 

Rani chuckled. “Are you counting yourself? Are you coming around on me?”

“No.” Kat changed the subject. “I’ll get mine toward my collarbone,” Kat said, tapping her left clavicle, which her single-strap crop top left uncovered.

“You’re going to get it, too?” Rani asked, surprised. “Somehow, I didn’t think you’d be into tattoos.” 

“I’m not, but it’s henna. I’ve gotten henna before,” Kat said. “At the beach. Oh, wait, is that racist or culturally—”  

Rani held up a hand to stop her panic. “I’m sure it’s fine. I can’t speak for every Indian person, but the pattern and design are more important than the ink methods, you know? The pattern Kelly sent was more European. It appears whoever is doing the henna is being inclusive, and I hope they’d know not to put anything offensive on you. Now, if you decked yourself out in bridal designs and ignored their significance, then yeah, it’d be racist. Using my cultural heritage for your fashion statement is a fucked-up thing to do, you bitch.” 

A few people glanced in their direction.

“Oh, fuck you, I’m talking in hypotheticals and teasing my friend,” Rani said to a white woman they didn’t know, who was glaring daggers at Kat.

“Again, I’m not my culture, and I can’t speak for everyone in it, but it doesn’t offend me if people get henna tattoos, especially if they’re respectful. Shit, even asking if it’s inconsiderate shows your head is in the right place.”

“Okay,” Kat said, nodding and tapping her fingers on the table.

“What about you, Min? Have you gotten henna before?” Rani asked. 

“I haven’t, but I’ve always wanted to,” Mindy said. “My parents are very against tattoos of any kind.” 

“Is getting one a good idea, then?” Kat asked. “Aren’t you trying to convince them we’re good influences?”

“It’ll be fine,” Mindy said. “Compared to the whole bisexual thing, getting a tattoo is nothing, and they were fine with that.”

“They’re still not on board with the polyamory, though,” Rani reminded her. “And, for better or worse, I’ve made my first impression on your parents. We don’t want them thinking Arthur’s a corrupting influence, right?”

“I’ll wear something that covers it, then,” Mindy said, doing her best not to let her annoyance show and failing almost as severely as Kat often did. 

“You should make new social media accounts,” Rani said. “Keep your old ones for your family and use your new ones for friends.” 

“Or just don’t get a tattoo?” Kat asked. 

“I’m getting one,” Mindy said. “I’m not about to let everyone else get one and then not get it myself. It’d suck to be the only one in the harem without it.”

“Yeah, I guess that would suck,” Rani said, shrugging. “We’ll get you a turtleneck or something for Monday night’s dinner.” 

Mindy giggled. “Great idea! That way, you, Arthur, Kelly, Selene, and Katelyn can give me as many hickies as you want this weekend!” 

Rani grinned beneath her veil, her eyes crinkling. “I’d rather give you a hickie on those tantalizing thighs of yours, Whore.” 

Kat coughed. “Maybe let’s not use our nicknames out in public?” She glanced around toward the others in the cafe, none of whom were paying them any attention after Rani cursed at them, besides the occasional glances at their costumes. 

Mindy turned to follow her gaze and got distracted. The carvings in this place were intricate. 

Kat had a point, but Mindy didn’t think they needed to worry. Plenty of people at the Faire looked as though they were kinky or sexually inclined.  

They weren’t even the least clothed in the cafe, with someone in a sexy nun outfit standing in line for their coffee. Their bodysuit had a cross-shaped cutout on the front, and the back left most of their ass uncovered. The thigh-high boots were a lust-inducing touch. The monk beside her had a cat-o’-nine-tails whip hanging from his belt. They were obvious kinksters, though the monk was the one with a choker. 

“Earth to Mindy,” Rani said. She laughed as she nudged Mindy’s side. 

Mindy returned her attention to the table. “Sorry, what were we talking about?” 

“Not using our nicknames in public,” Kat said, gesturing to the cafe. 

Mindy patted Kat’s hand on the table, silencing her drumming fingers. “You just don’t want us to call you a brat.” 

Kat sighed and withdrew her hand to her lap. “I don’t want people hearing us call each other sluts, whores, concubines, or whatever else.” 

An older woman chose that moment to walk past their table and gave Kat a look severe enough to shame a cherub. 

Kat blushed and hid her face behind her hands, with her elbows on the table. 

Mindy giggled.  

Rani cleared her throat. “Come on, girls, let’s head out.” They’d finished their drinks, the food was gone, and it was time to meet up with the others. 

“Should we wait for Kat to recover from her embarrassment?” Mindy asked, still teasing her, but Kat was older and wiser; she could take it. 

“You care too much about what other people think,” Rani said, nodding toward Kat. “Fuck ‘em.” 

Kat closed her eyes and took a deep inhale. “Okay, give me the mugs, and I’ll run them to the bus. You two can go get your tattoos.”

“Don’t be silly, we’re not letting you go on your own,” Rani said. “Let’s run to the bus. I have to use the bathroom, and I’d prefer to use that toilet than the porta-potties here.”

“For a party bus, it’s surprising how clean that bathroom is,” Mindy said, willing to follow either plan, but less willing to find the others on her own. 

“Kelly pinned her location, so I’ll be fine,” Kat argued. 

“That’ll come in handy when we’re done with the bus,” Rani said. 

Kat sighed. “I don’t need you to babysit me.” 

“Well, we’re coming with you,” Rani said. “I’m not the type to let any of my girls wander off on their own. Besides, it’s a bathroom trip. We have to go as a group. It’s the law.” 

Rani was joking, but Mindy played along, nodding her agreement. “She’s right!” 

Kat sighed. “Fine. Do you want to run to the bus, and I’ll get my tattoo?”

Rani gave her a look. “Are you that desperate to ditch us?” 

“No,” Kat said. “I was just trying to be economical.”

“Well, stop it,” Rani said. “We’re on fall break! To fun, remember? Let’s just have fun. We’ll run the mugs to the bus or tie them to our belts, and go meet the others.” 

Kat laughed. “Our belts? You have a waist chain.”

Rani laughed as she, Kat, and Mindy gathered their things. It took 2.3 seconds for someone to take their table, sliding in as Mindy swept the back of her skirt to straighten it after sitting. She linked one arm through Rani’s and the other through Kat’s once they were outside. 

They drew eyes, but Rani and Mindy didn’t care. Kat seemed the most nervous, but didn’t pull away or protest Mindy’s familiarity. She let Rani lead toward the gate and even kept Mindy on task when they passed a souvenir shop. 

A worker stamped their hands at the gate, letting them return without fuss. They made it to the bus to find Manasa sitting in the driver’s section with her feet on the passenger chair, reading a romance novel. 

“Just dropping off our new mugs!” Rani said after knocking on the window. Manasa opened the bus for them. Rani made a beeline for the bathroom, and Mindy and Kat put their mugs on their seats before stepping outside to wait for her. Manasa was waiting for them, leaning with her back against the bus, her novel tucked under her arm. 

“Is that Outlander?” Kat asked, surprised. “I love that series.” 

“You do?” Mindy asked, just as surprised. The picture on the cover didn’t appear very academic, which was what she assumed Kat read. Her image of the college senior was someone serious, studious, and well, bratty. She could be big-sisterly, but she could yell and tell someone off at a moment’s notice. Every day with Kat was a coin toss, but she had a kind, warm heart at her center. As unnies went, Mindy considered Kat a great one. Everything she imagined a big sister would be.

Kat blushed. “It’s—I enjoy historical fiction, okay?” 

“I’m not judging or shaming you,” Mindy said, holding Kat’s arm to soothe her. “I’m just surprised. It’s that isekai where the lady goes to Scotland? I haven’t read it, but I heard there’s a ton of nudity in the TV show.” 

“Well, I wouldn’t call it an isekai, but yeah,” Kat said, nodding. “It’s a time-travel, historical romance, kinda thing.” 

Manasa nodded. “It’s not my usual reading. I’m doing it for a book club, but it’s been great, at least so far.” 

“It’s on-theme for where we are.” Kat gestured to the Faire behind her. 

Manasa chuckled. 

“I feel guilty that you’re stuck hanging out on the bus all day,” Mindy said, turning her attention to Manasa. “Don’t you want to go to the Faire?” 

Manasa shook her head. “No, Miss. It’s okay. I’m on the clock.” 

Kat’s eyes widened. “Are you on the clock for the whole weekend?” 

“Yes, Miss,” Manasa nodded. “It’s part of the gig.” 

“Does being a bus driver pay well?” Kat asked.  

Manasa shrugged. “It’s decent money for a few hours of work. The frequency of the work balances it out, but it’s better than waitressing.” 

“Anything is,” Mindy said. 

Kat gave her a funny look. 

“I prefer deliveries,” Mindy said, explaining herself. “My parents own a restaurant,” she said to Manasa. “So, I’ve been working in the kitchen, bussing, waitressing, or hostessing my whole life. Driving is so much better. I get to listen to music, and the tips are better.” 

“I worked as a waitress in high school,” Kat said, not sounding fond of the memories. “Everyone should work in food service at least once.” 

Mindy giggled. “I can’t picture you in a customer service job. You’re so grumpy!” 

“I’m not grumpy!” Kat said, but her annoyance flared, undercutting her defense. “I just have high standards for the people around me.” 

“I wonder if Rani’s ever been a waitress,” Mindy wondered aloud. She looked toward the section of the bus where Rani was. 

Manasa laughed much harder than either woman expected, but silenced herself when she realized Mindy wasn’t joking. Embarrassment replaced amusement, and mortification overcame her features as she shook her head to shame herself for laughing. 

Kat and Mindy looked at her, confused. 

“Sorry,” Manasa said. “No, I don’t think she’s ever been a waitress.” 

“What does she do to earn spending cash?” Kat asked. “Does she work on campus?” 

“Maybe she tutors?” Mindy suggested. “Like she tutored her cousins.” 

“If she does, she doesn’t do it through the tutoring center.” Kat stroked her chin. “And how many tutoring hours did it take for her uncle to donate a whole party bus and driver for the weekend?” 

“I wouldn’t have thought any of you were working class, to be honest,” Manasa said. “Are your families making you work to build character or something?” 

“What?” Mindy and Kat asked as if the question made no sense. 

Manasa’s confusion was plain on her face, and Mindy’s stomach turned.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have just assumed that Miss Shah’s friends would be, well, like her,” Manasa said. “No wonder you’re so nice and down-to-earth.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mindy asked. She didn’t hear an insult in the statement, but Manasa made Rani into something ‘other’ than the three of them, which didn’t sit right. Rani was great! Who didn’t love her bravery and boldness? “Rani’s down-to-earth.” 

“Right,” Manasa said, agreeing with an abundance of hesitant caution. “Yeah, I didn’t mean to suggest that she wasn’t. Please don’t misunderstand. She’s great and very generous. I’d never say anything against Miss Shah. Let’s just forget the whole thing. What books do you read?” 

The longer Manasa spoke, the quicker her words became. Mindy looked at Kat, who bore the expression of someone solving a puzzle, the same puzzle before her. She was staring at the pile, but didn’t know what final image the puzzle pieces were supposed to present. 

“Are you afraid of Rani?” Kat asked Manasa. “She’d never get you fired, you know that, right? And if she pressures you to sleep with Arthur, or suggests it, she’s just joking. You don’t have to.” 

“Oh, I know,” Manasa said. “I’ve driven for Miss Shah before; I know she’s forward. I’m not afraid of her, no. It’s just that, well, this is the first time I’ve driven for her on a trip like this, with other people.” 

“She’s gotten a party bus before?” Mindy asked, confused. 

“No, usually it’s a town car or something,” Manasa said. “Last time I drove her home for the weekend. We stayed in a motel together and, look, you’re friends of hers, right? Or more than friends? She mentioned she was dating multiple people now, but I never got the details. It’s not my place to ask, even if we—well, that’s not important—I don’t want her to get in trouble with her family, and I don’t want trouble with my boss.” 

“I’m so confused,” Mindy said. “Why would she or you be in trouble?” 

“You fucked her,” Kat said, putting one of the pieces into place. “You and she have slept together?” 

Manasa looked at her shoes. “Once. She’s been at school, so I haven’t seen her. I was excited when she requested me, but she told me it might not happen this time. It’d be up to her new partners, and, well, me.”

“Okay, that’s fucked-up,” Kat said, glancing at Mindy. 

“Is it?” Mindy asked. “She’s still following the rules. She just has a history with Manasa, which makes sense.” 

Mindy eyed the woman. She wasn’t much older than them, probably the same age as Beth. Or she was older and good at applying her makeup. She had a decent body, too, though her chauffeur’s uniform hid her curves. 

Kat frowned, crossing her arms again. “Okay, so that means you know Rani from before we met her?” 

Manasa nodded. 

“What’s she like at home?” Mindy asked, curious.  

“Oh, I don’t know,” Manasa said. “I’ve never been inside the mansion, just the garage and the driveway.” 

“The mansion?” Kat asked, her eyes narrowing. 

“Her father’s, uh, house?” Manasa said, hesitating. 

“Her father’s house is a mansion?” Mindy asked, putting another puzzle piece in its place. “Well, that makes sense. She has a large family, right? I mean, we’re moving into a mansion together.” She looked to Kat for her agreement. 

Kat looked at Mindy, but her expression wasn’t agreeable. 

“Am I missing something?” Mindy asked. 

“Am I?” Rani asked as she appeared from the depths of the bus. 

“No,” Kat said. “Manasa, your personal driver and ex-girlfriend—” 

“Oh, we didn’t date. It was more—” 

“Not the issue here,” Kat cut off Manasa. “She was just telling us about your dad’s mansion.” 

“Oh,” Rani said, her expression falling faster than Mindy could track. “Look, I can explain.” She stepped out of the bus. 

“Fuck you,” Kat said, making Rani flinch. “You go off on Mindy for lying, but you’re a secret millionaire? Have you been laughing at us while slumming it with us plebs?” 

“It’s not like that,” Rani said, shaking her head. “Yes, my dad has money; it’s not—” 

“That must be nice,” Kat said. “Aren’t you angry?” She glared at Mindy, who stepped back in surprise at the sudden animosity. 

“I’m still not sure what’s happening,” Mindy admitted. “Why don’t we take deep breaths and talk?” She took a deep breath and turned toward Rani. “You’re rich?” 

“No,” Rani said, holding up her hands. “My dad is—” 

“It’s the same fuckin’ thing! You have family money. You live in a fucking mansion when you’re not slumming it in the dorms.” Kat stabbed her finger toward Rani. “You were just what, laughing at us this whole time? Spending your dad’s money on us to what, seduce us? You clearly enjoy sleeping with the help.” 

Manasa flinched as if struck. Rani’s fallen expression turned into a scowl. 

“I bet your place dwarfs the house we’re moving into, right?” Kat asked, glaring at Rani as if she’d tricked Kat. 

Had she? She’d rarely mentioned her history or her family, but there were more important things happening. They hadn’t had time for many heart-to-heart moments with each other. As close as the harem was, they didn’t know everything about each other. Mindy had only learned Kat’s history when Selene gave Jen her interview earlier that morning. So why would Kat assume she should know everything about Rani’s life? Or Mindy’s?  

Rani had been there for Mindy through coming out to her parents, lying to Kelly, and every other issue. She’d been there for Arthur. She was the first one he told about Lynn and his trauma. She wouldn’t hide her family fortune out of malice. Right? 

“Don’t call Manasa the help,” Rani said. “And I don’t think you’re plebs. I’m not mocking you or trying to buy your affection, Kat. My family has money,” Rani confessed. “People can get weird about money. So, I didn’t mention it, but it’s not the same thing as—” 

“Fuck you!” Kat said, glaring with tears in the corners of her eyes. “And fuck your charity!”  

Kat stormed away, leaving a confused and concerned Mindy in her wake.

Rani sighed. “Kat!” She called after her, running to catch up. Her outfit did not run well, nor did Kat’s, so both of them ended up in an awkward sprint.

Mindy looked at Manasa. 

“Rani, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—” 

“Not your fault!” Rani called behind her to assure Manasa. “KAT! WILL YOU STOP FUCKING RUNNING AWAY FROM ME?!? LET’S TALK THIS OUT!” 

Kat didn’t stop. She had to hold her miniskirt while she ran. Doing so allowed her to run much faster than Rani. Rani couldn’t hold her dangling jewelry, and every running step she took must have inflicted pain on her piercings. She abandoned chasing Kat when Kat made it to the gate, and Rani was only halfway there. 

Mindy gave Manasa a sheepish smile. “I’ll, um, I’d better catch up to Rani. I’m sorry! Kat’s, well, she can be dramatic and mean, but she’s not a bad person! She’s just passionate. I think. I don’t know. She’s complicated. Anyway, uh, sorry!” 

Manasa didn’t respond as Mindy ran away. She leaned against the bus and hung her head. 

Mindy took quick, tiny steps with her long split skirt, flying and flapping in the breeze. She hustled to catch up with Rani, who was still walking toward the gate. “Rani! Wait for me!” 

Rani turned and slowed, waiting for Mindy and hugging her as soon as she arrived. “I’m so sorry, Min. I wasn’t lying to you, I promise. I didn’t want this to happen.” She gestured toward the gate where Kat had disappeared. “Kat’s sensitive about money, I guess, which is whatever. Fuck me, I guess.” 

“I’m not mad,” Mindy said, taking Rani’s hand and walking beside her toward the gate. “Kelly and Arthur’s families both have money, too. It’s not a big deal. Or at least, it shouldn’t be. I don’t know why Kat’s being so weird.” 

“She has every right to be mad,” Rani said. “Though for fuck’s sake I wish she’d stop and talk instead of flying off the handle every time I piss her off.” 

“It’s Kat,” Mindy said. “Is she even angry if she’s not flying off the handle?” 

Rani would have smiled at that joke an hour ago. Instead, she looked determined. They reached the gate and showed the attendants their stamped hands, letting them through without the ticket rigmarole. Still, she saw no sign of Kat. She wasn’t in the food lines, the information line, or on any of the paths. 

“Maybe she went to see the mermaids?” Mindy asked. 

“Nice try.” Rani didn’t laugh, which had been Mindy’s hope, but kept her hand in hers as she walked toward the royal pavilion and the cafe they’d come from. “She’s gone to see Arthur. Come on. I just hope I didn’t fuck everything up.” 

“You didn’t,” Mindy said. “Give Kat some credit. She erupts like a volcano, but she’s level-headed after she’s cooled off, right?” 

“I hope so,” Rani said. “I wasn’t trying to deceive anyone. Especially you. I just didn’t want to make things awkward. You get that, right?” 

“It’s safe to assume that everyone in the harem comes from a wealthier family than mine.” Mindy shrugged. “It doesn’t matter, right? You still love me, even if my dad’s 401K isn’t as big as your dad’s.” 

Rani nodded. “Exactly, but it’s important to Kat. I never worry about money, but Kat and Selene aren’t as lucky.” 

“Well, it’s not like you spend your money on big, flashy things. I mean, you spent some on that costume jewelry, but that’s the flashiest—” Mindy stopped talking and walking as another puzzle piece slid into place. The sudden stop ripped her hand from Rani’s as the other girl kept walking, then stopped and turned back. 

“Min?” 

“Oh my God,” Mindy said. “That’s not costume jewelry, is it? Are you wearing actual gold and rubies right now?” She hissed the question as she tried to whisper. 

“Uh,” Rani glanced around them. The few people looking at them weren’t looking at her jewelry so much as the body beneath it. The same glances turned Mindy’s way. “Is that important?” 

Mindy’s eyes flared. “Seriously?” 

Arthur’s parents made more than her parents; she’d accepted that. Her parents owned a restaurant together and followed their dreams. They worked hard and sacrificed. Arthur’s parents worked in corporate finance and had to sacrifice their dreams to achieve greater financial success. She didn’t understand why that made it a fair exchange, something she could live with. 

Arthur followed in his parents’ footsteps, giving up his preference for theater to get his master’s degree in business. She understood that. 

That was what she was doing—sacrificing her dream of becoming an artist by studying business, setting herself up for financial success and security. She had to abandon what she loved doing to achieve success and honor her parents’ sacrifices. 

Rani didn’t seem to have that problem. Or did she? Was that why she was majoring in engineering and not photography? Or did her family make enough money that she could do whatever she wanted? Did she sacrifice anything, or did she get what she wanted no matter what? How did she afford that much jewelry? Not to mention the ocean of clothes that covered her dorm room floor, her high-tech photography equipment, renting a bus, and splurging on Mindy and Kat at the cafe? 

And why had she hidden her wealth by pretending her jewelry was fake? Was the story about her uncle real? Had she been lying after everything she said to Mindy about lies?  

“I’m confused,” Mindy said. “Why would you lie about your jewelry? Did you think we’d steal it?” 

“Of course not! And I didn’t lie,” Rani said quickly. “Maria called it costume jewelry, and I didn’t want to brag or make things awkward. I don’t normally wear this much, obviously.” She gestured to her garb. “But I wanted to be extra pretty and sexy today, for you and Arthur, and the others, and get into the spirit of things, you know?” 

“You’re honest with everything else,” Mindy said. “You call me out on shit; you call everyone out! That’s who you are. You don’t care about making things awkward!”

“I do!” Rani said. “Especially when it might upset you, or people I care about!” 

“Rani,” Mindy said. “Why hide it?” 

“People get weird about money, Mindy,” Rani said, as if trying to convince her. 

Not that Mindy would know. She didn’t have any, nor did her parents. Was that what Rani was saying? Mindy didn’t understand human nature because she didn’t have wealth that others might envy? 

Rani stepped closer, keeping her voice low and quiet so no one overheard them. 

Mindy didn’t move away. She couldn’t. Shock froze her feet to the spot where she stood in the middle of the lane. Her legs refused to move. 

“My whole arrangement with my dad for my freedom here is based on anonymity,” Rani said. “The school knows, I mean, obviously, but no one at the school knows. That way, I don’t have to deal with crazy people who might hurt, kidnap, or use me for a payout. It’s a whole thing.”

“Who would try to—” 

“Plenty of people, Mindy,” Rani said. “The world is a fucked-up place. I’ve had people try to blackmail me. My older sisters have horror stories. Okay? I learned from their mistakes. You know what it’s like when a stranger doesn’t see you as a person, just a potential thing they can fuck, right?” 

Mindy’s confusion settled in at the non sequitur. “I–I guess. What does that have to do with anything?” 

“I get you enjoy it with Arthur, the whole demeaning thing. Admittedly, with him it’s sometimes fun for me too, because it’s pretend and I know he doesn’t truly believe I’m not a person,” Rani said. “But it’s terrifying when people forget that I’m a person, and leer at me like I’m a pile of cash.” 

“What are you even talking about?” Mindy asked, confused. “Of course you’re a person!” 

“Well, people forget that!” Rani said, still holding Mindy’s hands. “No one’s ever tried to kidnap me, or anything, but I’ve had friends use me. Either so they can pitch a business idea to my dad, or they expect me to finance their lives. Hell, I have ex-friends, if you can even call them that, who don’t talk to me because they found out and expected me to elevate and bankroll their party lifestyles. I stood up for myself and said no, and they lost their fucking minds! I’m not saying that you or anyone in the harem is that way, okay? You’re the first people to like me for me, even with my bullshit and my mouthy-as-fuck attitude. I love the harem for that. But I didn’t realize my high school friends were greedy either, and people suck. I’ve learned to keep mum so things don’t get weird, like they are now.” 

Mindy didn’t know how to respond, but tears pushed against her eyes as she followed Rani’s rant. It made her angry on Rani’s behalf, sad, and touched that Rani loved her and the others for something they weren’t aware they’d done. 

“Kat’s pissed off because of all the hangups she has about wealthy people, even though she knows me, right?” Rani asked, though it sounded rhetorical. “Those are her insecurities; am I not allowed to have my own? I know I put up a tough front, but baghwan. Weeks of friendship, and none of it matters because my dad makes more money than hers. I thought we had a better bond than that.” 

Rani ended her tirade out of breath and caught it, huffing hard enough to shift her half-face veil. She wiped her eyes as tears fell. 

“I—she—I mean, she’s mad because you hid it,” Mindy said, remembering the cafe. “And yeah, I guess she has hangups about not having enough money, but that’s understandable! I’m in the same boat!” 

“Yeah, it’s understandable,” Rani said, beginning another tirade, an obvious effort to keep herself from crying. “Do you know how afraid I’ve been of you and everyone else seeing me for my money and not myself? Or worse, having Arthur get insecure that my net worth is more than his, and him dumping me and kicking me from the harem? Couples split over money every day. Do you understand why I didn’t advertise the fact that my dad has more money than everyone else’s families combined?”

When she said that, it sounded arrogant to Mindy’s ears, but it matched what she was saying before. Her level of wealth had to be a number Mindy couldn’t even contemplate. Was that true? Even higher than Arthur’s and Kelly’s? Arthur’s parents had an apartment in the city and a house large enough for the harem to live in with him. It had a pool house with extra swimsuits and a finished basement that was larger than the apartment Mindy grew up in. Yet what had Rani said? It’s not that large. 

“Kelly’s mom makes decent money, same as Arthur’s parents,” Mindy said, recalling her conversation with Kelly, and unable to think of what else to say.

Arthur wasn’t the type to be insecure because she had more money, was he? He’d never kick Rani from the harem, not for that. That had to be an insecurity of hers, not his.

Rani had to be wrong. Or she was right. What world did she live in at home? Was her dad a millionaire? A billionaire? How did he make his money? Why wasn’t Rani a spoiled asshole ten times worse than Lynn? 

Though now that she considered it, Rani’s admirable traits made sense. Her bravery, her not caring about what other people thought, and her acting as though she wouldn’t suffer any negative consequences from her actions. Those were all the same ‘rich kid’ traits that made Lynn insufferable. The difference was that Rani cared about others. Maybe it was because she had siblings, but she wasn’t an asshole. Nor was she perfect either; she was just a person. They all were. 

“Min,” Rani reached for hands again, and when Mindy didn’t protest, she held them. “Look, we can discuss this later. We can compare bank statements if you want, but right now, I have to apologize to Kat and the entire group. It’s time I came clean, so it doesn’t cause any more drama. Okay?” 

Mindy nodded. Right. Kat had wandered off on her own, which was a terrible idea. The fairgrounds were expansive. Even though they were adults, any of them could get hurt or lost. Plus, there were plenty of strangers here. Money wasn’t the only thing that made people stop seeing humanity in others. 

“Yeah, okay.” Mindy agreed, still halfway in a stupor. “We’re definitely discussing this later, but let’s find Kat.”

~~~

Kat plunged through the Faire. She didn’t know where she was going, but turned aside from the gate and blasted through the food sellers, following the path to Artisan’s Boulevard. 

She had no appreciation for the tantalizing aroma of baked batter, fried potatoes, vinegar-brined pickles, or spiced meats. The delicious scents warring with one another only reminded her of her stomach and her desire to keep it flat. She kept walking, turning down the lane and plowing her way through the crowds. 

The constant chatter and shifting bodies around her covered her path, closing behind her. 

The musicians who danced through the lane filled the space with twanging lutes, soprano voices, and rhythmic bells. They tried to cheer whomever they passed, but abandoned their quest to cheer her as she plowed through them. 

The stamped earth beneath her feet didn’t give way to her stomping footsteps. It made every step a spike of impact that grounded her as she walked, anchoring her, even as she sped along without a destination in mind. She wiped the corner of her eye with her forearm, holding in the stinging tears. 

Why was she so angry? Sure, Rani had lied and hidden who she was, but it wasn’t like she was a lifelong friend. They’d grown closer, or so Kat thought, but that had been a lie. She didn’t know Rani, and that stung more than she expected. How well did she know the others? She thought she understood who Rani was, but she’d been wrong.  

Rani lied to her, mocked her, and probably made fun of her in her head every time Kat mentioned a concern over cash. Kat had thought Rani was a kindred spirit, someone who never had any money, but it added up now. The jewelry, the clothes, the camera equipment, the computer tech—it all fit. Rani had done a shit job at hiding it, but she’d trusted Kat to be stupid enough not to realize the truth, and she’d been right. 

The fucking bitch. 

Kat came to a stop outside a store selling armor. Pieces of leather and shiny metal hung from the walls, clad mannequins, and waited inside the shop. The price tag on a full-plate set just outside the door made her stop and stare. She contemplated how easy it would be for Rani to buy it, and how impossible it would be for her or Selene. 

She stared at her reflection in the shiny chrome of its polished breastplate. The distorted image stretched her face as if she were swirling around the center bulge. Her eye makeup had run. She was a mess, with smudged mascara tears under her eyes. 

“Hey, Kat, right? Are you okay?” A frightened feminine voice asked. 

Kat whirled, her brain recognizing the voice, but she realized mid-turn that it wasn’t someone from the harem. 

Yvonne met her teary gaze with infuriating pity. The busty brunette wore a blue off-the-shoulder Cinderella gown. The black choker ribbon around her neck was tight, and her hair was in a bun. Cinderella was blonde, but Yvonne didn’t seem to care. Her breasts inflated as she breathed because of her corset, and she stepped forward, her hoop skirt bobbing. “Here, I have tissues.” 

Something inside Kat snapped.

“Oh, fuck you!” Kat said, giving her the finger. “You spread rumors about my boyfriend all over campus, trying to convince people he’s a creepy asshole? He’s not!” 

Yvonne stepped back. “No, I realize—” 

Kat wasn’t finished. “You go after my sister, trying to kick her and Arthur out of the theater club? Then you fuckin’ quit, and now what? Now you want to be friends?” 

“I’m just trying—” 

“No! You just want Arthur to fuck you!” Kat closed the distance and jammed her finger into Yvonne’s ample chest. “Well, guess what? It’s not going to happen, Cow!” 

Yvonne flinched, backing away from Kat, who pressed her advantage and marched forward to keep her face in Yvonne’s. “If you so much as come near him again, I will rip your fucking hair out and choke you with it!” 

Yvonne continued stepping backward, clutching the tissues in her hand, still half-raised toward Kat in offering. Kat’s raised voice drew attention from people nearby, many of whom looked toward the pair of women with sudden interest. 

Kat’s outfit showed a lot of skin, and Yvonne’s neckline was low enough to show a ton of cleavage. If a fight broke out, modesty might fly away faster than an arrow. Confusion over whether it was part of a show faded as people heard what Kat was shouting. 

“You’re nothing but a jealous bitch who tried to fuck over her friends because they didn’t give you what you wanted! Well, you’re not getting my boyfriend! He’s MINE! AND FUCK YOU FOR TRYING!” Kat shoved Yvonne away from her with her hand. 

Yvonne stumbled back, falling on her butt when her heel caught a piece of gravel embedded in the path. She cried out in alarm at losing her balance and swore as her ass hit the ground. Her hoop skirt flew up, showing her white stockings and bloomers.  

Caleb and Logan, who’d been shopping at a nearby stall, rushed to Yvonne’s side, helping her up as Kat stormed away. 

“Miss,” A man in a black shirt stepped into Kat’s path. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to—” 

“It’s okay!” Yvonne said, calling out. “It’s okay!” She got to her feet with Caleb’s help, who brushed off her dress. 

Kat glared at the security worker before her. He was a head taller than her, so she tilted her head to meet his eyes, but she did it.

“It’s not okay,” the guard said. “I’m going to—” 

“She didn’t push me,” Yvonne said, arriving beside Kat. “It looked like she did, but she missed. I just stumbled back, and my heel broke. We’re good.” 

Caleb and Logan caught up to Yvonne, glancing between her, Kat, and the security guard with uncertainty.

The security guard gave Yvonne a disbelieving look as she gave him her best and brightest smile. 

Caleb held up Yvonne’s broken heel as proof. “You’re taking this Cinderella bit too far.” 

The security guard narrowed his eyes and turned them toward Kat. 

She didn’t appear apologetic, but Yvonne’s pleading expression interceded for her. The young woman knew how to plead without saying a word, emphasizing her pouty lips, cleavage, and figure beneath puppy-dog eyes. 

The guard sighed, relenting. “You get one warning,” he said to Kat, holding his finger between them in a stern gesture. “If you push someone like that again—” 

“She didn’t.” 

The security guard ignored Yvonne. “Do it again, and I’ll remove you from the Faire. Understood? Your friend’s begging won’t work a second time, and I’d hate to kick you all out.” 

Kat’s glare didn’t soften. She looked half a second away from punching the guard, who looked unimpressed with her attitude. Any protest of her friendship would only get her banned from the Faire, which instinct told her to avoid. She’d have to return to the bus if they threw her out.

“Understood?” the security guard repeated the question. 

“She understands,” Yvonne said. “It won’t happen again, officer.” 

The man wasn’t a policeman, but he seemed to prefer Yvonne’s respect to Kat’s wrath, so he nodded toward her and gestured for them to go on their way. 

Yvonne placed her hands on either side of Kat’s arms and walked with her, bringing her to a table and chairs set up as part of an outdoor tavern. Kat fell into her chair, still angry, and crossed her arms. She didn’t know why she didn’t wrench away, but the firm grasp on her arms made her more compliant. 

“Caleb, can you get us chocolates from that boutique?” Yvonne asked. 

Caleb hesitated. “Are you sure it’s safe? She might be rabid.” He pointed at Kat.

Kat snapped her teeth at Caleb, who flinched and yanked his hand away. 

“It’s fine,” Yvonne said, sounding more amused than threatened. “Do you like strawberries?” she asked Kat. 

Kat didn’t answer. 

“Just get an assortment, please? I’ll Venmo you,” Yvonne said, waving Caleb and Logan away. 

Caleb sighed, muttering as he pulled Logan away with him. They left for a short but wide red building across the lane, holding hands as they walked. 

“Why did you do that?” Kat asked. “Are you trying to buy my forgiveness?” The venom in her voice suggested that would be a mistake. 

“No,” Yvonne said. “I’m paying something forward. Women helping women.” 

Kat glared at her. “I don’t trust you.” 

“You shouldn’t,” Yvonne said, shrugging. 

Kat’s glare hardened, and she wondered if she could flip this table without getting kicked out of the Faire. 

“What I mean is, you have no reason to,” Yvonne tried to explain herself. “So I get you not trusting me, but I promise, I’m not here to hurt you, Arthur, or any of his girlfriends. I saw you crying, and, well, the last time I was crying in public, someone showed me kindness and let me vent.” 

She slid the pack of tissues across the table to Kat.

“I can be a total diva,” Yvonne said. “I know what it’s like when your emotions sweep you away.” 

“Fuck you.” Kat snatched the tissues and blew her nose with more violence than necessary. She wadded up the tissue and contemplated throwing it at Yvonne. The bitch deserved it. Kat crumpled it into her fist instead and used a second tissue to dab at her eyes, wiping off her makeup. 

“So what, you’re killing me with kindness?” Kat asked, slamming the used tissues onto the table. 

“No,” Yvonne said. “It’s giving you a second to calm down and sending the boys for chocolate. Treats always make me feel better, and as I said, I’m trying to pay it forward and help a girl in need.” 

Kat crossed her arms and sat in her chair, staring at Yvonne. The girl was pretty, and with her hair and makeup done, she looked like the type of girl Arthur would be into—princess material. Even the black silk choker was elegant and sexy. She reminded Kat of Lori. A cross between her and Lynn, the two great bitches of Arthur’s life. Yvonne’s love of theater matched Arthur’s, though from what she understood from Selene, the two had never gotten along as well as Yvonne might’ve hoped. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Yvonne asked. 

“Not with you,” Kat snapped. 

“That’s fair,” Yvonne said, letting several silent moments pass. “Do you mind if I say something?” 

Kat didn’t answer her, but she didn’t tell her to shut up either. Yvonne capitalized on that brief lapse of opposition. 

“I don’t know what has you so upset, and if you don’t want to tell me, that’s okay. I’m not trying to pry.” 

Kat waited for her to continue. 

“I’m on something of an apology tour,” Yvonne said. “I’m sorry for what I did, for hurting Arthur, or trying to, by damaging his reputation on campus. It was wrong. I acted out of desperation and envy, and I’m really, really sorry for that. I cringe just thinking about it.” 

Kat didn’t forgive her or respond. Instead, she continued her efforts to spontaneously develop skull-crushing telekinesis and implode Yvonne’s head. It hadn’t worked so far, but that was no reason to abandon her visualizations. 

“Does it help that I wasn’t that successful?” Yvonne asked. “A few people believed me, but I’ve cleared things up with them.” 

“I’m not asking for a second chance,” Yvonne continued when Kat didn’t respond. “I just want to apologize, and let you know I won’t be making any moves against Arthur, Selene, or anyone in your group.” 

“Cool,” Kat said, not meaning it. “Can I go now?” 

“You don’t want any chocolates?” Yvonne asked, raising an eyebrow. “They’re delicious. Stay and have one with me? It’s the least you could do after knocking me to the ground.” 

“Fuck you,” Kat said, standing. “I don’t owe you anything.”

“Please wait, I’m sorry,” Yvonne said, holding her hand up to stop Kat. “Sit. Let’s just talk? Or you can scream at me, if that’ll help you feel better.” 

“I have nothing to say to you, bitch,” Kat said, still seething as she glared at Yvonne. “You deserve worse than the dirt on your dress.” 

“Yeah,” Yvonne said. “But I don’t think you were mad at me or crying about me when I found you.” 

“I wasn’t,” Kat said. She didn’t need to elaborate or explain herself to this woman. 

“Did something happen between you and Arthur?” Yvonne asked. 

“Oh, you’d love that, wouldn’t you?” Kat pointed her finger at Yvonne. “I knew it! You’re just digging for dirt with your apology bullshit. You’re not sorry for trying to ruin my sister’s life or my boyfriend’s reputation. Fuck you!” 

“No, that’s not—” Yvonne stood as Kat left the table. “Kat, wait!” 

Kat stopped, but not because of Yvonne. She stopped because Arthur walked into the edge of the tavern, looking straight at her. His eyes rested on her, and his concerned expression shifted. He didn’t even glance behind her to look at Yvonne. He saw Kat and opened his arms. 

Kat’s anger crumbled beneath the concern and fear on Arthur’s face. She rushed forward, into Arthur’s arms, and he closed them around her as she collided with his torso. She curled against him, pressing her forehead onto his chest as he held her, and the tears rushed out of her again. Arthur rested his head on hers, and they ignored the rest of the world as people gave them a wide berth. 

“Thanks,” Arthur said, his voice low and quiet. 

“No problem,” Caleb said, setting a box of chocolates on the table. 

“Oh, good, you found him?” Yvonne asked. 

“Yeah, I texted him as soon as Kat shoved you,” Caleb said. “I figured if anyone could handle a crazy lady, it’d be the guy dating six of them.” 

“That was a joke. He doesn’t think your girlfriends are crazy,” Yvonne said. 

“Well, that one is.” Caleb amended Yvonne’s clarification. “She makes me glad I’m gay.”

Arthur stroked Kat’s hair. “Rani and Mindy told us what happened. We were looking for you.” Arthur said, ignoring the others and speaking to Kat. “Are you okay?” 

Kat sniffled, burying her face in his chest and not answering him because she didn’t trust her voice. 

He didn’t push her. Goddamn it. Why was he so good at letting her cry? It was a kindness she didn’t deserve. He held her, squeezing her in his arms as she broke and emptied her eyes of tears. 

The awkwardness must have grown as Yvonne remained where she was, standing there watching them.

“Hey,” Arthur said, still holding Kat as he looked over her to the others. 

“Hey,” Yvonne said, waving. “Sorry to run into you. I was trying to give you space, I promise.” 

“You’re the one who asked for space, remember?” Arthur asked. “I’m just glad you found her. I was worried.” 

Kat clung to him, squeezing him in her arms even as his muscular frame didn’t seem to notice. He embraced her, but kept himself restrained as always, when she wanted him to crush her. She squeezed tighter, and he answered her with a squeeze, a quick flex of his arms that gave her a fleeting crush, a tease of what she wanted. 

“Here, she can have this when she’s ready,” Yvonne said. 

Kat didn’t see what she was talking about, but it didn’t matter. 

“Thanks,” Arthur said. “I’ll see you around?” 

Yvonne must have nodded, but Kat didn’t hear an answer, only footsteps. Yvonne, Caleb, and Logan left her and Arthur standing at the edge of the outdoor tavern, hugging. He held her until her tears ran dry, and never once moved to release her. 

“Are you ready to talk about it?” Arthur asked. 

“No.”  

“Do you want to sit?” 

“No.”  

“Want to go back to the bus?” 

“No.”   

“Do you want something to drink?” 

“No.” 

“Something to eat?” 

Kat hesitated. “Maybe.” 

A soft rumble of laughter rose out of Arthur’s chest, and he squeezed Kat in a hug so tight that she wanted to explode. It was just what she needed, and she squeezed him back with every ounce of strength she could muster. It paled compared to his, but his hug drove away every shadow until only bright morning light remained. 

“I’m sorry,” Kat whimpered. “Arthur, I’m so sorry I blew up at Rani and that I worried you. I wanted you to have a good time today—” 

“Shhh.” Arthur shushed her, pulling back enough so she could lift her face from his chest and look up at him. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs, sweeping them from her cheeks. “Let’s go somewhere we can talk.” 

Kat looked around, seeing people turn away as if they hadn’t been staring at the couple. It made sense. They were standing in the middle of a public space. She was crying in the arms of a barely clothed man who looked like he’d stepped out of Hollywood. 

“Yes, Sir,” Kat whispered. 

Arthur put his arm around her. “Come on, Princess. Walk with me.” 

Kat clung to his side as they walked. He led her out of the tavern and onto the path. They joined the flow of traffic as people walked near them, shopping at the various stalls, booths, and tents. Each seller governed a world unto itself, with each opening acting as a portal to a strange new realm that complemented but didn’t match its neighbor. 

Paintings had little in common with woodcrafts. One tent was just horns. Drinking horns, headband horns, wall-mount horns, and mantle horns from various animals, both real and imagined, filled every shelf.

The anime poster tent was out of place. It had plenty of customers perusing the shelves. It reminded her of Selene, who’d spend money she didn’t have on posters she didn’t need if she were with them. 

And then a large brown building farther along the lane caught her attention. It appeared to be a more permanent fixture than its neighbors. She couldn’t tell if the broken window, shingles, and falling-apart wooden siding were a facade or genuine. Its appearance matched her mood: broken and falling apart.

“I think I owe Rani an apology,” Kat said, as if speaking to herself. 

“Yeah,” Arthur said. “And Mindy and Manasa, too.” 

Kat closed her eyes, resting her head against Arthur. “I don’t know why I’m like this.” 

“It’s how you are,” Arthur said. “And that’s okay. You’re passionate. You feel everything with such beautiful intensity.” 

“I wouldn’t call it beautiful,” Kat said, despondent. “But I guess it’s better than bottling everything up like you do.” 

“Excuse me?” Arthur tilted his head. 

“Sorry, I’m not trying to be a brat, I swear,” Kat said. “But, well, you bottle everything.” 

Arthur fell silent, considering her point. 

It melted her when he did that. Maturity and emotional stability were as seductive to her as the lines of his abs carving over his hips and disappearing into his belt. He didn’t act as she did, defending himself first and analyzing later. He evaluated the words, determined their cause and validity, and then engaged. It made him a pain in the ass to argue with, especially when she was angry, but damn if it didn’t make her want to kiss his stupid face. 

“I lose my temper sometimes, and I’m not perfect, but what is it you think I’m bottling?” Arthur asked. 

“Well, everything from last night,” Kat said, wincing to mention it, but speaking her mind. “You stood there and took everything Lynn dished out at you. You didn’t raise a hand to her even after she smacked you.” 

“I’m not a violent person.” 

“I know several asses tinted red that say otherwise.” 

“That’s not the same,” Arthur said. “That’s not violence; that’s fun.” 

Kat shrugged.

“This is you not being a brat?” Arthur asked, confused. 

Kat was too tired to brat. Sometimes it was fun to bait Arthur and make him respond with a firm hand. It was hot to make him stand up and tell her to get on her knees. His growl of frustration made him too sexy to ignore and did something to her insides. This wasn’t one of those times. She wasn’t trying to rile him or even guide him toward sex. She was tired, exhausted from her outburst, and dealing with Rani and Yvonne. A nap might be nice, and no amount of caffeine in her system overthrew the weight of her exhaustion. 

She stopped, and Arthur stopped with her. Kat shifted to face him and hold his hands in hers. She settled for one, since he had a small box in his left hand. She held his right with both of hers and kept their hands between them. 

“Why are you so afraid of being angry? Of violence?” 

Arthur met her gray eyes with a soft expression of contemplation. His lips parted, but he hesitated, struggling to form the words. “I’ve been in enough fights. People beat me up a lot, back before I looked this strong.” He flexed his arm and gestured to his chest, showing his firm, undeniable muscles. As far as Kat knew, besides Lynn, only Sanjay and his buddy had tried something with him recently, and he’d danced around Sanjay. 

“The football team wasn’t the first time I’d been in a fight, but it was the worst one. I wish I could say that I got good at it, but I lost them all. I had the shit beaten out of me regularly, thanks to certain people. Fighting back only made it worse. I wasn’t as strong then, and they—well, it was better if they got bored and moved on.” 

Kat sucked in a breath, fresh rage at Lynn growing in the pit of her stomach. That cunt deserved so much worse than she got. She deserved to be locked in a room with the harem, six baseball bats, and a bag of nails. They’d make the electric chair comfy by comparison. 

“The idea of being the person hateful enough to throw a punch makes me sick,” Arthur said, making Kat swallow her guilt for her violent thoughts. “There are better ways to resolve conflicts, methods that don’t result in me hating myself, or having to relive the worst moments in my life.” 

Kat would have cried again if she’d had any tears left. Arthur’s voice sounded so sad and distant. She wiped the corner of her eye, but her thumb came away dry. 

“But you still have all that anger in you,” Kat said, gripping his bicep. “Like last night, Lynn hurt me, Selene, Kelly, Rani, and even Katelyn. Not to mention her slapping you. Have you dealt with any of that? Or just shoved it down?” 

“You’re deflecting,” Arthur said. “This has nothing to do with your outburst.” 

“Maybe not,” Kat said. “But I’m right, aren’t I? You bottle it up, put it behind you, and pretend it doesn’t exist.” 

Arthur exhaled through his nose, annoyed, but still in control of himself. 

“Lynn’s slaps didn’t anger you? You didn’t want to punch her? I did. I still want to punch her right in her fuckin’ face. Better yet, lend me the chains, and I’ll go medieval on her ass for hurting you and Selene, not to mention the others.” 

Arthur took a deep, calming breath. “Her slaps surprised me more than anything else. Her hurting me—well, that wasn’t new. But yeah, the idea of her, or anyone, hurting you or the others makes me angry.” 

“Then show it,” Kat said, gesturing to the large brown shack down the lane. “Don’t be a victim who has to freeze. Don’t submit. Take your power back and let out that barbarian rage.”

Arthur followed her gesture, his eyes sweeping from her pointed finger to the “Rage Shack” with its painted sign depicting shattered plates. 

Arthur raised an eyebrow. “You want to go into a rage room?” 

Kat nodded, her wavy blonde hair falling forward. Arthur released her hand and swept her hair behind her ear. She tilted her head to look at him and surged forward, kissing him. 

His warmth washed over her, and she lost track of time until the wolf-whistle of a passing performer broke them apart. Kat blushed, embarrassed, but Arthur only laughed as the performer, a goblin in red tights and green body paint, squawked and blew them kisses on their way down the lane. 

“Please?” Kat asked. 

Arthur chuckled. “You’re a brat, you know that?” 

“So I’ve been told, Sir,” Kat said, still waiting for her answer. 

“Okay,” Arthur said. “But we’re raging through our shit together.” 

Kat raised an eyebrow as Arthur took her by the hand. 

“Come on,” Arthur led her toward the building. “If I’m doing this, you’re doing it with me. Maybe it’ll help you let go of your anger toward Rani and Yvonne.”

“Fuck Yvonne, she’s a thirsty bitch.” Kat said as she followed Arthur.

“Sounds like someone needs to say their mantra,” Arthur said as they joined the line.

Kat glanced around them. Far too many people stood within earshot for her to say her mantra. “I’m not saying that here.” 

“Say it,” Arthur said. “Whisper it in my ear if you have to.” 

Kat grimaced, but leaned toward his ear as she moved to her tiptoes. She put her hand on his shoulder for balance, gripping the round cap at the top of his arm and squeezing it in her fingers. 

Arthur bent toward her, closing the distance as her lips hovered less than an inch away. 

“I am your submissive, and you are my sir.” She kissed his cheek before she dropped to her heels again. “I love you.” 

Arthur looked at her, then squeezed her. “Good girl, I love you too.” He said at a normal volume, making the woman in line ahead of them turn around. Her eyes took their time as she lifted her gaze to meet his. 

“He’s mine, bitch,” Kat said, sliding her arm behind his waist. She struck a small, stiff, leather box on his belt and looked up at him. 

“Cell phone holder,” Arthur explained. “There was a leatherworker near the tattoo stall where Rani and Mindy caught up with us.” 

“Oh,” Kat said, nodding. That made sense. Selene had been holding his cell phone, but Caleb said he’d texted Arthur. 

“Do we need to rush back?” Kat asked as the line moved forward. 

“No,” Arthur said. “But would you mind if I texted them to let them know you’re okay? Rani and Mindy were distraught. We were looking for you when Caleb texted me. Well, everyone but Kelly, but it’s not her fault she was mid-tattoo.” 

Shame burned Kat’s ears crimson as guilt whammed into her for making them worry. She was a grown woman, so going off on her own wasn’t a problem, but she could see why they’d worry. Hell, she’d narrowly avoided getting tossed out on her ass by security. Even then, she hadn’t avoided it so much as Yvonne had rescued her from it. 

“Go ahead,” Kat nodded. “And… give me Yvonne’s number. I owe her a thank you.” 

Arthur nodded. “Oh, here, she gave me this for you.” He passed her the small box he was holding. 

Kat opened it to discover a single chocolate-covered strawberry waiting for her. She lifted it from the container and popped it into her mouth, letting the sweet and bitter flavors war for supremacy on her tongue. The juicy strawberry threatened to overflow her mouth, but she swallowed it, letting the natural sugars slide their way along her throat and into her stomach. 

“Oh my god,” Kat said, half-conscious she was even speaking at all. “Fuck, now I owe her two thank-yous. This is so good.” 

Arthur smiled. “You like chocolate-covered strawberries, huh?” 

Kat looked at him as though he were insane. To her, that question was pure insanity. “Are you kidding me? Who doesn’t? You want a bite?” 

“Fair point,” Arthur said, shrugging. “And no, it’s all yours.”

He texted the girls while Kat enjoyed her strawberry. She threw the box away in a nearby trash can, then wrapped her arms around Arthur and hugged him until it was their turn. Arthur paid with an app on his phone despite Kat’s protests. 

“We’re on a date, right? That means I’m covering you. You’re my girlfriend, right?” 

“Right,” Kat agreed. 

“Good, then shut up and let me spoil you rotten,” Arthur said. 

The jesters working the Rage Shack gave them jumpsuits, face-masked helmets, protective glasses, and boot covers. Kat expressed her gratitude for the covering, since it meant she wouldn’t have to worry about giving the cameras a show with her mini skirt and crop top. 

The rules were simple. Don’t hit each other, which was obvious. Otherwise, the point was to break, smash, throw, and let out the barbarian inside of you. They gave them both a metal bat and closed the door behind them. 

Concrete walls enclosed a room piled with junk. The exterior shack facade was a clever ruse to match the name. Warped and flawed bottles and glassware from the Faire’s glassblowers, defective or broken wooden trinkets and carvings from the woodcarvers, rubber tires, and irregular ceramic pieces filled the room. The back wall was blank except for the red target spray-painted onto it. 

Kat picked up a vase and put it on the pedestal in the center. She shuffled behind Arthur and gestured to it. “All yours, Sir.” 

Arthur gave his bat an experimental heft, testing its weight and swinging his arm to make sure he had room without smacking Kat. 

“Really let loose,” Kat said. 

Arthur gave her a slight grin from behind the transparent plexiglass over his face. “Let’s smash.”

Kat chuckled as he swung the bat, exploding the vase with a satisfying shatter. Its pieces flew forward and tinkled against the floor. 

Arthur placed one for her to hit. She stood beside the pedestal, taking a few practice swings before smashing the vase. She sent the shards flying against the wall, where they broke apart with an even more satisfying clatter. 

“Oh, that felt good,” Kat said, grinning. 

They took turns teeing up vases for each other. Each swing hit harder than the last. Each time they swung, they put more effort into it, until even Arthur’s swings required an actual effort on his part. 

“So, why were you mad at Rani?” Arthur asked. He grunted as she replaced the pottery with a wooden plaque that he broke in half with his metal bat. Splinters flew, and she had to admire the twist of his torso and the flex in his arms as he battered the remains.

Kat smashed a bottle with her bat. “She lied to me.” 

“She didn’t lie, she—” 

“Don’t defend her.” Kat cut him off. “She—” 

Arthur smashed a vase. His chest heaved in another breath as he lifted a heavy crate and threw it. He slammed it against the concrete wall. It burst apart with a crack that made Kat shiver. She watched effort give way to fury as Arthur vented every frustration through destruction. No one got hurt, he didn’t break any of his morals, and he still got to vent everything. 

“I thought she was a kindred spirit. I should have known better,” Kat said, distracted but still annoyed. 

“Kindred, how?” Arthur asked. 

Kat turned her bat toward a wooden crate, smashing several holes in it and cracking each plank in half piece by piece. “Rani doesn’t understand what it’s like to be poor. Neither do you, for that matter, nor anyone else in the harem, except Selene and maybe Mindy. Everyone else is from the wealthiest fucking families.” 

“Is that fair?” Arthur asked. “We can’t help what families we’re from.” 

Kat smashed her bat against another vase with particular fury. “You know how people talk about their childhoods, like, oh, we were poor, but we didn’t realize it until we were older?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Selene and I grew up so poor that we knew we were poor.” She said. “The thrift store was our only source of clothes growing up. Do you know what it’s like to wear your classmate’s hand-me-downs? To have the cool girls tease you because the fashionable shirt you think looks so good is one they donated to Goodwill last month?” 

“No,” Arthur answered. “I was teased for other things.” He smashed another box, splintering it against the bullseye with a savage overhead throw.  

“Ever take food from a food kitchen or a church’s food pantry?” Kat asked, smashing another vase. 

She grunted as she tried to throw a heavy barrel, only for Arthur to take it from her as if it weighed nothing. He held it overhead and smashed it on the ground as if it had insulted them. Violence might not be the answer with people, but it was fun to vent frustration through destroying objects. 

“No, but I’ve helped with donations and volunteered some—” 

“Ever had your grandmother die and blow your savings to help cover funeral expenses so you have to take a year off before going to college?” Kat smashed her bat through a warped glass bowl. 

Arthur didn’t answer. 

“You learned how to manage money from your parents, right? With your savings? I’ve been budgeting my entire life since I was a kid. I earned money babysitting my neighbors, cleaning houses, taking part-time jobs wherever I could get them to help cover my sister’s dance lessons, and—” 

She threw a crate against the wall. It splintered into fragments and fell to the ground. 

“After all that, I’m not even wise enough to get into a money-making major. I’m a fuckin’ English major, doing what I love even though I’ll be poor the rest of my life because of it. Meanwhile, you’re in business, Rani’s in engineering, Kelly’s just going to be your fucking housewife full-time, and I’ll make more than Katelyn, but only because teachers make shit. They make less than minimum wage if you consider how many hours they work!” She threw a plate like a Frisbee against the wall, following it up with another, and another. 

“And I don’t need Rani’s charity, or yours!” Kat threw another plate. “She’s never had to choose what to eat based on how much it left her to pay rent! She’s never dealt with a blister on her foot from a hole in her sock! She never had to wait to buy a new pack because there’s no money until payday!” Kat threw a bowl, a mug, and a plate. Each exploded against the wall with more force than its predecessor. 

“And after pining over you for years, finally dating you, and being the happiest I’ve ever fuckin’ been, I’m going to lose you to the rich bitch I can’t compete with!” Kat threw a pile of plates against the wall, smashing them with the ferocity of a raging barbarian.  

“Kat, wait a second—” Arthur grabbed her wrist, making Kat freeze as she spun toward him. “What was that?” 

“Rich bitch? That’s Rani. She’s super rich.” Kat said, not pulling away from Arthur’s grip.  

“No, I—yeah, I caught that. I meant the pining over me for years?” Arthur asked. 

“Oh, I um… I’ve had a huge crush on you since I met you,” Kat said. “Duh.” 

“Duh?” Arthur asked, amused. “Because you like the way I look?” 

“No, you idiot. Because of who you are. You stood up to those guys, expecting nothing in return. You had an intelligent opinion of one of my favorite books, and you talked with me, even though Mandi was trying to climb into your lap and spread her legs.” 

Arthur looked more confused than ever, staring at Kat. “Uh, I remember meeting you when Selene introduced us after that rehearsal my sophomore year. What guys are you talking about? And who’s Mandi?” 

“We met second semester freshman year,” Kat corrected him. “I had long hair and was ten pounds lighter. I wore a volleyball uniform after the tryouts. These assholes were bothering my roommate, Mandi, and me. They refused to take no for an answer. You stepped in and told them off, remember?” 

A light dawned in Arthur’s eyes. He stared at her as if seeing her for the first time, and Kat swallowed, suddenly aware that she’d never told him that story. But dammit, she might as well confess her feelings. She’d already said… oh shit. Had that been the first time she’d told him she loved him while he was awake? Goddamnit! 

Kat smashed another plate with her bat, then took a deep breath. 

“I flirted so hard, but you were with Lori, and you’re clueless. Plus, I’m not a home-wrecker,” Kat explained. “And then I filled out more. I cut and curled my hair, ditched my backstabbing friends, changed my whole aesthetic, and when Selene introduced us, you didn’t remember who I was.” 

“I thought you looked familiar when she introduced us,” Arthur said, frowning. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize where from, but now that you mention it, I remember that day. You and the other girl seemed nice. I was so angry at those guys for bothering you. I wondered if I’d run into you again, but I guess we had different schedules or something.” 

Kat nodded. Many factors kept her away from Arthur for the rest of that semester. Her embarrassment had been top of the list. 

“But, you know, you won’t lose me, right? I don’t know what the future might hold, but I have no plans on breaking up with anyone or choosing between any of you.” Arthur said. 

“But if you had to, you wouldn’t pick me,” Kat said, annoyed. “I’m not like the others. I’m straight, and you love the threesome stuff. So, that rules me out right away, not to mention the other benefits that come with the others. Rani would be a much better life partner than I am.” 

“Kat,” Arthur said, his voice stern. “The harem’s not a temporary stopgap until I pick one of you. It’s our relationship. No one is taking me from you. Not Rani, not Kelly, or Selene, Mindy, or Katelyn. You know that, right? And yeah, your relationship with the others isn’t sexual, but that’s okay! No one holds that against you. I love you for who you are; we all do, even if it’s platonic for the others.” 

Kat sniffed. She looked around and threw a ceramic mug against the bullseye on the wall. 

“Thanks,” she said. “Now, can we stop with all the feelings and shit and just smash things?” 

Arthur sighed. “Okay.” 

The anger that grew in her stomach left through the vent she opened with every throw, swing, and smash. Piece by brittle piece, Kat and Arthur worked their way through the room. Over time, joy took frustration’s place, laughter overtaking them without thought. Not only was she letting go of her rage, but she was having fun doing it. 

Arthur laughed with her, a short bark of laughter as he kicked a chair with the steel-toed boot covers they provided. His foot tore through the chair, launching it into the corner where the wall met the ceiling. It shattered on impact, transforming into kindling.

Kat stopped before he did, watching the show. Arthur was a man who kept himself in control. Even in the bedroom, when he ‘lost control’ he held back. Watching him use his strength to dominate her, or the others, made her hot, but it was nothing compared to watching him come undone. His uncombed hair, his flexing arms and shoulders, and the rippling muscles in his back made her bite her lip, even if his jumpsuit hid the details. 

Kat grew tired long before Arthur did, but she threw her last vase, smashing the pottery on the floor. Arthur smashed another one to join hers and stood, panting beside her. They caught their breath, and Kat realized they were out of ammo. Everything in the room had become debris. She took off her helmet, and Arthur removed his, tossing them to the floor. He turned toward her, and she turned toward him. 

Sweat glistened on his forehead, and his breathing was heavy, the kind that heaved his chest in ways she only saw at the gym or in the bedroom. He stepped toward her, and Kat was on him before she even knew what was happening. Her lips crashed into his, her leg wrapped over his hip, and his hands scooped her up as if she weighed nothing at all. 

He growled as he pressed her against the wall, and the rumble in his chest made her gush for him as her insides liquefied. Her body burned for him to fill her, and their bodies rubbed against one another despite the jumpsuits between them. If only she could dig her nails into his sweat-slicked skin, arch her back, and squeeze every ounce of passion from him. 

She wanted to tell him to take her, right here and now. But that meant she’d have to stop kissing him, and that wasn’t happening. His rough hands gripped her tight, and she rubbed against him, letting his thigh grind against her as she clung to him. 

“Ahem,” a small voice coughed behind Arthur, and the two slowed their kiss. “Your uh… your time’s up.” 

Arthur stopped kissing her, still holding her as she looked over his shoulder to see an embarrassed dark-haired woman half-smiling as she stared at Arthur’s back. 

“You two are adorable together, but please don’t ruin the jumpsuits.” 

Kat laughed. “Sorry.” She said. “We should, uh…” 

Arthur pulled away from the wall, carrying her with him and lowering her to the ground. Her feet touched the ground, anchoring her to the earth once more. She unzipped the jumpsuit, and Arthur did the same. 

The woman stared at Arthur’s torso as he pulled off the PPE and handed it over to her. After stripping off the protective gear, Kat took Arthur’s hand, and he led her from the building with a firm, leg-shaking grip. Her gait was unsteady, but she leaned against Arthur to make up for it. 

“Want to head to the bus?” Kat asked, hopeful that his mind was in the same place. 

Arthur kissed her forehead. “You have someone to talk to first.” He pointed, and Kat followed his finger to see everyone waiting for them outside the Rage Shack. Rani, Mindy, Selene, Kelly, and Katelyn stood across the lane, each looking at Kat with cautious expressions, unsure of her condition. She looked a mess, but she didn’t care. 

She released Arthur’s hand and stepped before Rani, meeting her eyes. 

“I’m sorry,” Kat said. “I shouldn’t have gotten so mad at you. I get why you wouldn’t have made a big deal over it. Honestly, it would have been worse if you had. My issues aren’t your fault or your problem. They’re something I need to work on.” 

Rani’s tender, cautious smile remained obscured behind her transparent veil. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you or the others. I should have. We’re close enough, and I should have trusted you more than I did. I might be pretty fuckin’ great, but I’m not perfect.” 

Kat gave a dry laugh through her nose and shook her head. “Forgive me?” 

“Of course,” Rani said, opening her arms. “Hug?” 

Kat hugged her. 

“And you forgive me?” Rani asked, still hugging her. 

“Yes,” Kat said. “I understand why you did it.” 

“Want to seal it with a kiss?” 

Kat pushed Rani away, making Rani laugh and hold up her hands in surrender. Selene took her place, hugging Kat, who exchanged her for Katelyn.

“Just thought I’d offer,” Rani said, smiling. “We’re okay? Everything’s back to normal?” 

“We’re okay,” Kat agreed, taking a deep breath as Kelly hugged her. 

“Oh, that tattoo looks awesome,” Kat said, admiring the letters and symbols on Kelly’s shoulder—the Sisterhood of Excalibur. 

Kelly released her from the hug and dug into her purse. “I have wipes and an emergency makeup kit. We can get you fixed up right away.” 

“That’s Kelly for you,” Katelyn said, taking Kat’s hand. 

Kat squeezed Katelyn’s hand in a quick, reassuring pulse. She and Katelyn had their own silent language, and she had to reassure her friend that everything was okay. 

“I know I look like shit,” Kat said, wiping the sweat from her face more than the tears. 

Arthur looked in the other direction, orienting himself. “There’s a privy nearby where you can clean up, if you and Kelly want to do that. Someone else can get their tattoo while Selene and I keep shopping for her collar?” 

“Yes, Sir,” Kat said, sliding her other hand into his. “And Mindy?” 

“Yeah?” Mindy asked, confused. 

“I’m sorry I blew up at you, too, and for storming off instead of talking things through,” Kat said. 

“Oh,” Mindy looked surprised to receive an apology, but she smiled. She straightened her witch’s hat and nodded. “That’s okay, Unnie, but thank you. That means a lot to me.” 

“Unnie?” Kat asked, unsure of its meaning. 

“It means, big sister,” Mindy said. “It’s a Korean term of endearment and respect.” 

Kat smiled softly. “So what do I call you?” 

“Well, term-wise it’d be yeodongsaeng,” Mindy said hesitantly. 

Kat blinked. “Why is one easier to say than the other?” 

Mindy giggled. “If you wanted a sisterly term of endearment, you could just call me Mindy-ah.” 

“Okay,” Kat said, bumping Mindy’s arm with her fist. “Cool, Mindy-ah. I can pronounce that.” 

Mindy giggled, walking along behind the others. 

Kat walked with Arthur and Katelyn at the head of the party. Selene walked behind Arthur, her eyes on his heels. Rani and Mindy walked arm-in-arm behind Selene, smiling once more as they walked through the Faire. 

Kat rested her head on Arthur’s upper arm as they walked. So today wasn’t drama-free, but at least everything worked out in the end. Though the morning was only half over. Damn, time crawled when she was with the harem.