Defer to Delphan

Abbie has never been at a loss for opinions, but she decides to hold her tongue — for now anyway.

“I’m sure I wouldn’t presume to know what to do, sir,” she says, nodding in deference to the eunuch. “I do not even know where we would go or whom we would pick up, so I defer to your judgment.”

Delphan nods and smiles. “Another correct answer! Well, Miss Brightstar, thus far I must confess that you have exceeded my expectations. Her Majesty the Queen may have some competition if the king decides you are as interesting on your feet as you are while lying on your back!”

Abbie’s face burned with embarassment and indignation at Delphan’s words, but she again decided to hold her tongue.

Delphan falls up to the driver. “Let’s proceed directly to the palace. It is growing late, and the storms in this time of the year can spring up with little warning. I have no desire to spend a night in one of the inns out in this part of the country. I’m still bearing a rash from the mattress at that ghastly place we stayed last month!”

Delphan scratches at his inner thigh as he spoke. His gesture reminded Abbie of his eunuch status, and she again wondered what prompts a man to give up his testicles in service to another. Was it voluntary, or was his life **** upon him, much as hers was being thrust on her? She also wondered how long he had served the king and how old he was when his manhood was snipped.

Abbie smiled, despite her fears and questions. “Look at me!” she said to herself. “I’m about to enter a life of luxury and comfort most women would envy, and what am I doing? Any other woman would spend her time before her wedding imagining what it will be like to make love with her new husband. I’m wondering about the missing testicles of a condescending elf!”

“Something amuses you, Miss Brightstar?” asks Delphan, noticing her smile.