Rift's Blackmail is Revealed

"Well," said Rift, "that went a bit further than I had intended. However, I certainly achieved my aim that you should be less easily recognisable. Indeed, your own parents wouldn't know you now. So if you want ever to be in a position to go back home and claim your inheritance, you had better behave - and ensure that Fred behaves himself too."

Comprehension dawned on Fred's face. "Is that why you've been obeying him, Astra? He's been threatening you with the loss of your inheritance?" "Yes. I didn't want to tell you lest you'd be angry. In Aquilaria, to conceive out of wedlock carries a great stigma, especially for those of royal blood. Rift has a letter ready to send to my parents, and if it was sent I would be disowned, no longer a princess. I'd probably be banished from Aquilaria as well. I was afraid that you would be upset that I look on our unborn child as a problem rather than something precious. Of course, my religious beliefs won't permit abortion, so I can see no short- term solution to the problem. Once the child is born, perhaps I can have it adopted." (Or should I have said "children"? she wondered. Judging by the rate I've been growing in recent days, there may well be more than one. I hope we get back to Walants whilst I can still fit into these clothes. Unless I can get Rift to magic up some maternity wear, but I doubt that he's skilful enough for that.)

"I see," said Fred. "No, I'm not angry. After all, I didn't give you much choice, when I encountered you when you were a demifox in heat and I mistook you for a kitsune. [1563] In fact I feel much happier now that I understand what is going on. There was a - distance - coming between us. Now we can be as we were again." Astra smiled ruefully. "If not physically, in my case. Occasionally a trader or diplomat from Ethiopia or some other land of the far south has made the long journey to the Aquilarian court, but I'm sure that none of them was as dark as I am now. But yes, I too feel a great sense of relief now that you know."

Rift butted in. "Just in case you were thinking of trying anything, Fred, be aware that it is Tarin who carries the letter for safe-keeping, and that harming me, or trying to purloin the Crystallic to undo Astra's change in appearance, will mean that that letter is sent. I'm sure that you have Astra's interests at heart, and will bear this in mind."

He went on: "I was thinking of selling the Crystallic to some mage, but now that I have found I can use it myself - imperfectly so far maybe, but no dount I will improve with practice - I think I will keep it." Tarin frowned. Rift seemed over-confident, and was telling Fred and Astra something that it might be better that they did not know. He would have to have a word with him.

Fred bristled at the lawyer's blackmail, and his use of the over- familiar "Fred" when addressing him, but did not reply.

1. After allowing half an hour for Astra to fully recover, they resumed their journey.

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