Taking a Sick Day

Isa slowly stirred to consciousness. She didn’t open her eyes as she simply wished to enjoy the feeling of cuddling Mary. She reached up and touched her collar. God, why is this such a turn on? That I’m hers? Her tail flicked slightly as she thought of Mary and gently pulled Mary closer to her. She started to gnaw on Mary’s horns like a chew toy. Only when Mary stirred did she realize what she was doing.

Mary jerked her head away and rolled over in Isa’s arms. “Isa, I’m not a chew toy.”

Isa flushed with embarrassment. “Sorry. I’ll make sure not to munch on anything else either.”

Mary stretched and yawned. “No worries.” Mary slipped out of bed.

Isa noticed that she was naked. When did she take off her clothes?

Mary noticed, over her shoulder, Isa staring at her naked butt and swishing tail. “You just going to stare or actually get up yourself?”

Isa replied, “The view is excellent from here. Why wouldn’t I take it in?”

Mary walked slowly towards the bathroom door, deliberately swaying her hips. Then, over her shoulder, she said, “I mean, why look when you could touch?” Isa blinked a few times as Mary stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She hurried out of bed and rushed to take off her own clothes and join Mary in the shower.

Isa was confused as she entered the large running shower. It was big enough that everyone in the whole harem could fit comfortably inside, with several different places releasing hot water that filled the room with steam. What confused her was that she couldn’t find Mary at all. She sniffed the air for Mary’s scent, but the water was already washing all the smells away. The next moment, Isa found her feet swept out from under her, and her back lowered to the floor.

She felt something press into her lips, and a moment later, Mary appeared on top of her, kissing her, as the water poured down over both of them. When they broke the kiss, Mary simply smiled down at Isa. Isa asked, “Any particular reason you ambushed me?”

Mary just shrugged her shoulders, “I thought it would be fun.”

“You do realize that’s not usually the type of fun one gets up to in the shower with another person.”

Mary chuckled, “True, but you do realize bathing is now simply a pleasure activity for me, right? I’ll always be clean and pleasant smelling, so showers are just something for my own enjoyment.”

“Well, good for you; some of us still need to wash, though,” Isa replied while gently pushing Mary off her and standing.

Mary said, “I know, and don’t expect that to change. Now, why don't you be a good girl and sit on the bench over here?”

Isa bit her lip and glanced at the bench. I need to establish that I’m not just going to do whatever she says. (Isa wants to be your good girl.) Isa found her feet moving and her butt planted on the bench before she had finished her own thought about establishing boundaries. Mary walked behind Isa, pulled back her hair, and kissed her neck. Isa leaned back into Mary, enjoying the feeling of being pampered.

Mary started to shampoo Isa’s hair and fur, all while cooing things like, “Aw, who’s being a good girl? Who likes getting all nice and clean?”

Isa was glad the steam was already causing her to flush, thereby covering up her embarrassment and arousal from Mary’s words. Of course, her tail thumping constantly against the bench proved once again to be her nemesis (Isa’s being a good girl. Isa loves getting a good scrub down. Isa wants to be all nice and clean for Mary. Isa loves the scalp massage and ear scritches.)

Mary started rinsing Isa’s hair out with a detachable showerhead. Isa leaned back into Mary more and was a little surprised to find her head level with Mary’s and, seeing the opportunity, pulled her into a kiss. Then she said, “I’m still a little surprised by you being so short. That even sitting, I’m essentially your height.”

Mary replied, “I’m nearly a foot shorter than you. It’s a little weird having to look up at everyone for me, too.” Mary continued to scrub Isa’s body clean, spending ample time on cleaning Isa’s ample bosom.

When she was finally done, Isa turned and asked, “Would you like me to wash your hair? It’s a lot longer than mine.”

Mary shook her head, “Not needed.” Mary’s hair started to shorten until it didn’t even go past her ears. “I’ve been meaning to try it out short for a while.”

“Huh. It looks cute, but I liked it better long. Prettier, I think, would be the best way of describing it.” Isa said, considering Mary’s new look.

Mary did a quick wash of her hair, horns, and scales. Then she started shifting through various colors for all three. Mary asked, “A particular color you like?”

“Hmm… well, the blue makes you match Sam, so if you two were going out together, that would look nice. Like you were coordinating your outfits. The black just looks good, as does the red. I didn’t really like any of the metallic colors you went through, besides maybe the bronze. Either your scales or hair looked weird on the rest of them. The white makes you look like a snow princess, and the green a forest nymph.”

“What’s your favorite?” Mary asked.

“The black or bronze. They seem most you. I’m honestly a little surprised you have so much control over your appearance. What else can you change?”

Mary sauntered out of the shower and grabbed a towel to dry off. “Some things. Not too much, though, mostly colors. Something in particular you were wondering about?”

Isa followed after Mary, grabbing her own towel and a second to wrap her hair in. “Not really. Though, does color include your skin?” Isa sat down on a bench outside the shower as she dried off her legs.

Mary smirked at Isa and got up in her face, “Why? Wondering if I can be a Latina chica like yourself?” Mary then shifted her skin tone to match Isa’s. Isa watched as Mary’s facial features adjusted slightly so she really did look like a Latina, except for the eyes and horns on Mary’s head.

“Wow.” Isa said, “I mean… watching it happen is really weird.” Isa then shook her head to clear her thoughts of distraction. “But no, I was just wondering.”

“Uh-huh,” Mary said skeptically while pulling away.

“Yes. I was… I was just thinking about… well, about our kids. It isn’t lost on me I’m the only non-white person with you.”

“That’s not true.” Mary countered. “Sam’s half-Japanese.”

Isa gave Mary a disapproving look. “Mary, even if that’s technically true, no one is going to look at her and treat her like a minority because of her skin color.”

“You’re worried that any kids I have with you will feel singled out?” Mary asked.

Isa nodded. “Yeah, a bit.”

Mary let out a snort of laughter and quickly covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate. It’s just… out of the things that will make my kids feel different, that was at the bottom of my list of worries.”

Isa’s tail was out straight behind her, and she was scowling, “Mary, this isn’t a joke. I know. I grew up constantly being othered because of it.”

Mary sighed and nodded, “I know, Isa. I’m really sorry. It’s just that we’re going to have a literal cats and dogs situation. Not to mention foxes and bunnies. I was more concerned that the various animal characteristics might be a bigger divider. Not to mention some of them will lack those, too. Also, pretty sure your kids and Allie’s will get along swimmingly. As I fully expect a pack mentality to form from them.”

Isa pursed her lips in thought. “Huh… I hadn’t really thought about that.”

Mary wrapped a towel around her waist and put her hands on her hips. “Also, if you’re worried about others bullying them, realize that won’t be a problem.”

Isa said, “Why do you say that?”

Mary's expression turned menacing as her aura spread out, not targeting anyone in particular. Isa’s hair stood on end. Mary then simply relaxed her aura, retracting it.

Isa replied, “Okay, yeah… that would likely take care of anyone looking to mess with our kids. Would you really be willing to scare children like that, though?”

Mary shrugged, “I don’t even think it would come to that, but yes, if kids are bullying my kids, I’ll gently scare them straight. I’m honestly worried about my kids becoming bullies by accident more than anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“Imagine a six year old that could do what I just did if they put in effort or got really upset. They would be an utter terror to their peers.”

Isa frowned and pulled back slightly in fear at the thought. “That… that is worrying to think about.”

Mary nodded. “Indeed. Again, I’m truly sorry that I found your concern amusing; it’s just that on the list of things I was worried about, that was such a normal one and so far down the list it just didn’t immediately register to me.”

Isa nodded, “Yeah, I guess I hadn’t really considered that being a wolf-girl might cause more issues than being Hispanic.”

Mary nodded and gestured for Isa to follow her out of the bathroom. The two proceeded to get dressed and had a quick breakfast together. Isa pulled her hair over one shoulder and told Mary, “I’ll be back in a little bit to fetch you.”

Mary coughed as Isa started to walk towards the door. Isa twitched in annoyance, realizing the issue immediately. Isa whirled around on Mary and said, “This is so unfair. The other team caused this; why should we have to suffer?” (Isa finds it so embarrassing to have to strip for Mary.) Isa’s tail was wagging excitedly behind her.

“If by suffer you mean get turned on because you get off on being embarrassed.” Mary quipped.

Isa growled at Mary. (You are lucky; you are cute.)

Mary asked, “So, come on. Be a good girl and fork over your panties.”

Isa marched over to Mary sitting at the table, and pushed her back into her chair. “Maybe I’ll just give you an orgasm instead.”

Mary smirked. “Maybe, if I allowed you to. Now, be a good girl and give me your panties.” Isabella reached out defiantly towards Mary’s tits, preparing to fondle them. Mary grabbed Isabella’s wrists. Mary said, “I gave you an order. Now, be a good girl and follow it. Or are you trying to be a bad little bitch, so I give you some training?”

Isabella scowled, and her tail was poofy behind her. “Mary, enough, and don’t insult me like that. Are we clear?” (Isa is NOT a bad bitch. She is a good girl, and wants to be treated like one!)

Mary quirked an eyebrow, hearing Isa’s body’s reply. “I apologize. I’m still not interested in having you get me off right now, though. So quit it.” Mary released Isa’s wrists.

Isa pouted, “Well, I don’t want to give you my panties either.” Isa flushed, thinking about it. (It’s way too embarrassing to go all day without them, especially with these pants being practically see-through.)

Mary considered, “Well, you could always use Talia’s trick. She didn’t get me off or give me her panties.”

Isa perked up. (Isa likes the sound of that!) “Really? How? The rule is pretty clear.”

Mary nodded. “Yes, it is. You have to give me an orgasm or an article of clothing that you are currently wearing.” Mary made sure to put emphasis on the last part. “Starting with your underwear. Of course, if you aren’t wearing any underwear when you leave…” Mary replied with a grin.

“Will that work? I can just take off my panties and then give you something else?” Isa asked skeptically.

Mary shrugged, “I’m not sure. Talia walked out of the room nude when all was said and done. She just gave me a pair of fishnet gloves. I assume she ducked into a nearby room and dressed, but I’m not sure if she would have been able to give me the gloves first if she had just removed her panties.”

Some of the color left Isa’s face. Go out of the room nude? She must be crazy. (Isa would die, and probably cum from embarrassment doing that.)

Mary replied, “So, pick, because as I said, these tits are off limits right now.” Mary proceeded to wrap her arms around her breasts defensively.

Isa considered what she could give Mary and found there was essentially a list, broken into various categories. She was annoyed when she realized she would need to essentially leave naked unless she wanted to lose an outer layer or her underwear, and considering her current outer layers, she wasn’t thrilled about going without them all day.

Isa cried out angrily, “FINE!” and started to strip down until all she was wearing was a sash around her hips, stockings, her heels, and some jewelry. She made sure to face away from Mary, not managing to be able to look at her. Isa quickly pulled off the sash and gave it to Mary. “Here. Now bye!” Isa fled, but not before Mary noticed two things first. The wet stains running down Isa’s inner thighs and what her body had to say about all this. (Oh god THIS IS AMAZING AND TERRIFYING!)

Mary couldn’t help but laugh at Isa’s unwillingness to admit that she loved her situation.

---

Allie was surprised when Sam woke her up with breakfast in bed. Allie saw that Sam was wearing her Navy uniform today, instead of her gear. Allie also noticed that Sam had brought enough food for all four people sharing their bed. Sam booped Allie on the nose. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

Allie yawned, “What time is it? Also, what’s the occasion with the food?”

“It’s six-thirty, and I was up already, so I thought I’d bring everyone some breakfast in bed.”

Talia was already sitting up and wolfing down her food.

Allie noticed that Sam had actually cooked. There were eggs on toast, bacon, sausages, and several types of fruit for everyone. Sam picked up a grape and popped it into Allie’s mouth. Allie chewed and asked, “How did you have time to cook all this? What time did you get up at?”

Sam shrugged, “I got up around five-thirty.”

Brooke stretched to Allie’s side and said, “Better get used to that now, Allie. Sam is fairly often an early riser.”

“I could get used to breakfast in bed,” Allie smirked.

Sam gave her a disapproving look. “Well, don’t. I’m just in a good mood this morning.”

Brooke asked Sam, “Why aren’t you in your gear?”

“Because I was incapacitated yesterday, and that means I have to spend today recovering too.” Sam replied, “But I also saw the map had been updated this morning. I looked at it, and I think there are maybe a dozen places that the other team’s lair could be.”

Talia tilted her head forward to peer across the bed at Sam. “Really? That’s excellent news.”

Sam nodded. “I’m fairly certain it is one of three places.”

Brooke looked at Sam carefully. “Why don’t you seem happy about that?”

Sam sighed, “Well… all three of those places aren’t going to be simple to attack, especially if they were able to make any sort of defenses.”

Talia asked, “What are the spots?”

“A massive, lonely mountain due south of the capital. An old abandoned castle that, after asking Freya about it, was once overrun with cumpires.”

Brooke held up a hand, stopping Sam. “What the fuck are cumpires?”

Talia answered before Sam could. “Vampires, but they suck out cum instead.”

Brooke asked, “Aren’t those just succubi?”

Talia shook her head. “Different in various ways, but Sam, please continue.”

“The last one is a massive cave system to the southwest.”

Allie said, “Wouldn’t it be the mountain? I mean, Cassandra is pretty lazy in her game design. Put a big, scary, evil dragon, named Smug, no less, inside a lonely mountain? I mean, that sounds like her.”

Sam nodded, “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The fact that the orcs have seemed to be moving towards it all round also makes me think it’s that one.”

Allie said, “Excellent, then we can prepare today and start attacking it tomorrow, when you’re up again. Or maybe even start causing problems today.”

Talia pursed her lips. “I’m not sure that’s the best move, Allie.” Talia shook her head. “Let’s discuss this once we’ve met up with Sadie, Laura, and Isa. That way we don’t have to repeat everything.”

The other three nodded and ate in companionable silence before getting up and dressing. As they left the bedroom, they bumped into Isa, who went scarlet before ducking into a room as she was naked. Allie went to check on her, and they returned a few minutes later.

Isa simply muttered, “Let’s not talk about what just happened, please.”

Talia nodded, “Hmm, I guess you used the same trick I did to get out of giving Mary my panties.” Isa just nodded.

Brooke commented, “Huh, neat. Anyway, I’m going to let all of you figure out what the plan is. I’m going to go drag Mary to the courtyard and spar with her. Come get us when you are all ready.” With that, Brooke strode off the way Isa had come from.

The four remaining women went to the dining hall, where they found Sadie and Laura eating breakfast.

Sadie smiled, “Oh, good, everyone but Brooke and Mary is here. Will Brooke be joining us soon?”

Sam shook her head, “No, she’s taking Mary to the courtyard to spar.”

Sadie nodded, “Good, her TFs need to be fixed sooner rather than later. I can just see Cassandra considering us leaving Mark’s presence to be a violation of the rules, even if he is on the other team.”

Talia asked, “Did you check out the updated map yet?”

Sadie nodded again. “Yeah, I assume the other team is in the Lonely Mountain. Only place that makes sense to me.”

Sam wobbled her hand in the air as the four newcomers sat down. “Eh, there are others, and that could just be a red herring. Though I agree, it does stand out as likely.”

Allie asked, “So, Talia, why don’t you think we should attack it tomorrow?”

Sadie turned to Talia, raising an eyebrow curiously. “I’d like to know too, as that had been my plan as soon as Sam was up.”

Talia started to give a lengthy explanation, involving troop movements, supply chains, and the like. Sadie and Sam managed to actually pay attention the entire time, but everyone else sort of lost focus as Talia continued to drone on. Ultimately, it came down to the fact that if they attacked before the empire could move into position to assist in the attack, they might be fighting all the orcs in corridors where the tactics that they used to devastate the orcs before wouldn’t work. Talia was worried that the orcs could be a sufficient enough distraction that the other team could use to ambush them. Not to mention any traps the other team might have laid.

Ethel had joined them partway through Talia’s explanation and told her that the day after tomorrow was likely the soonest the empire would be ready to move in force.

Talia turned to Ethel. “Besides getting a better idea of the enemy's location, would completing the trials at the last two temples aid us in the final battle?”

Ethel nodded, “Yes.” Ethel got up and pointed at parts of the map of the empire. “You’ll notice some faint red spots in the north. Those are the stragglers that Mary wasn’t able to cure. You’ll also notice that they are smaller than when we had the initial Moobrey outbreak.” Ethel then pointed to the south. “Yesterday, there was a much larger presence in the south, right here. We know that was the orcs.” Ethel pointed to a section of forest that wasn’t currently highlighted with any red. “We think they likely moved last night to the enemy base after learning about what Laura can do. The reason to complete the last two temples, beyond Cassandra being able to tell us the exact location of the enemy stronghold, is that our maps will be updated in close to real time with much higher fidelity regarding numbers in an area.”

Sam asked, “But we only get the real-time feature if we complete all the temples?”

Ethel nodded. “Yes. Which is why I suggest that you take today and tomorrow to get as strong as possible and complete both of them.”

Sadie said, “Thank you, Ethel. Now, Laura has already made her objections known about the temple of chastity. Do I have any volunteers?” No one raised their hands. Sadie sighed, “Very well then. Talia, Isa, the two of you will go with Mary to that temple.”

Isa exclaimed, “No, not Mary!” Causing everyone to look at her in surprise. Isa continued, a little embarrassed by her outburst. “I understand why Laura doesn’t want to go. After Laura, the one who would be most ironic to wind up in a chastity belt would be Mary. Plus, it would be rather annoying for our team if she did.”

Sadie considered that for a moment. “No, unless someone volunteers to go there instead.”

Sam sighed, “I guess I could go tomorrow.”

Sadie shook her head, “No, I want them done today.”

Talia glared at Sadie. “Why am I going to it, and why don’t you go there instead of Mary?”

Sadie replied, “I picked you and Isa because neither of you has another night with Mary this round.”

Allie immediately cut in, “Okay, while I actually agree with your thought process that if someone got locked in a chastity belt, those that don’t have time with Mary are the better options, but Isa is coming to Mary’s suite with me tonight, so you shouldn’t simply include her.”

Sadie groaned in annoyance. Then she considered. Fine, let’s think: if no one actually wants to do the chastity dungeon, who would be better at temperance? Laura is obvious; she can control herself when she wants to. Talia and Mary are actually both fairly decent choices, too. Allie… nope, not Allie. That leaves Isa, Brooke, and me…

Sadie looked around the table. “Okay, last chance to volunteer for the Chastity temple. Otherwise, I’m simply telling you where you are going. No takers? Fine. Groups are Laura, Talia, Mary, and me going to temperance. Isa, Allie, and Brooke will go to Chastity.”

Allie frowned, “What gives with moving Talia?”

Sadie replied, “I decided that since none of us really want to do the Chastity temple, it made more sense to send those who have demonstrated consistent self-restraint to Temperence. Laura is obviously the best choice for that. While Mary isn’t perfect, she has shown, at least in her right mind, that she won’t go overboard. Talia, despite being a horny little gremlin, has exercised a significant amount of restraint, and I haven’t heard of her getting into almost any shenanigans herself. Plus, if Laura is there, she won’t be a problem.”

Allie glared, “And why do you get to go to that one?”

“Because I’m the team leader and that’s one of the perks. Deal with it.” Sadie retorted.

Allie grumbled but let things go.

Sadie turned to Isa, “Would you let Mary and Brooke know the plan?”

Isa nodded, “Fine. You all should figure out what you’re going to give Mary later ahead of time.”

With that, the two groups got ready to leave.

---

Mary had been surprised that Brooke was the one to come into the suite and not Isa. Brooke had immediately made clear that she was there to spar with Mary, and the only say in the matter Brooke was willing to tolerate giving Mary this time was if the sparring would happen in bed, the room, or the courtyard. Brooke promised one thing was certain, though: Mary was getting a thorough pounding.

Mary allowed herself to be dragged to the courtyard, realizing she really should spar with Brooke so that the glitches in her TFs could be fixed sooner rather than later. Which was how she wound up, claws raised as Brooke drew her sword to square off against her.

Mary said, “I still think it’s unfair that I can’t transform into a full dragon for this.”

Brooke rolled her eyes, “That would defeat the whole point of the exercise. Plus, if Sam is correct, transforming into something so large won’t be useful for the final fight. Now come at me.”

Mary grumbled and took up a defensive position, not willing to be goaded by Brooke this time.

Brooke smirked, “What’s this? Do I scare the mighty dragon?”

Mary glared at Brooke, deciding that she was going to get at least one over on her, and leaned forward, using her breath weapon directly at Brooke. Mary was not prepared for Brooke actually dodging that and charging her as the breath weapon was still being fired. Mary found herself skidding backwards across the ground from a thrust that landed directly between her breasts.

Brooke frowned from several feet away and said, “I don’t appreciate you trying that crap with me, Mary. Any more non-melee attacks, and this is going to go from a friendly spar to fix your glitches to a proper beatdown to fix your behavior instead. You’ve been warned.”

Mary stood and took a defensive stance. It didn’t help. Brooke showed Mary repeatedly what Sam had always told her, and it had gotten worse since she traded out Laura’s Amazonian TF for Brooke’s Percussive Maintenance. After more than thirty minutes of getting her ass handed to her, Mary was grateful that Isa came and told them that they were ready to go.

Learning what the groups were supposed to be, Brooke told Isa she’d catch up with her in a little bit after handling things with Mary. Brooke asked, “So, how do you want to do this? Because I’m not handing over my panties to you today.”

Mary sighed, “Brooke, I’m tired. I’m not really in the mood for this.”

Brooke cocked her head to the side. “Well, that’s an easy fix. Come here.” Brooke crooked a finger towards Mary. Mary sighed, clearly resigned, and walked until she was right next to Brooke. Brooke swatted Mary upside the head. “There. Feel better?”

Mary rubbed the back of her head. “No. Not really.” Brooke was about to swat the back of her head again, but Mary grabbed Brooke’s wrist. “I don’t think that will help here. Just because you can fix something with your boon doesn’t mean one swift whack is going to do it.”

Brooke sighed, “Fine.” Brooke then grabbed Mary by the hand and dragged her towards Mary’s suite. At first, Mary let Brooke lead her, being too tired to even protest. When Mary realized Brooke was taking her to her room, she pulled her hand away from Brooke.

“Brooke, I said no. We aren’t doing anything together right now.”

Brooke nodded, “I know.” Brooke forcefully took Mary’s hand again and took her into the suite. “I’m not planning on it.” Brooke pulled back the covers on the bed and pointed. “Get in.” Mary gave her an unamused look. “Mary, get under the covers, or I will throw you on the bed.” Mary stood there and crossed her arms. Brooke smacked Mary’s ass.

“OW!” Mary exclaimed.

“I said get in the bed, now, little missy.” Brooke then pushed Mary onto the bed. Once Mary was on the bed, Brooke pulled the covers over Mary, tucking her in and giving her a kiss on the forehead.

Mary scowled at Brooke. “The others are waiting for us to join them. Whatever this is supposed to be, quit it.”

Brooke firmly kept Mary lying on her back with one hand. “No. The others are now waiting for me to join them. You are staying here.” Mary was about to protest, but Brooke put a finger on her lips. “Mary, if you are too tired to let me make you orgasm, you are too tired to do the temples. Except for the first temple, all of the others have required every single person going through them to orgasm at least once. So no, you’ll be staying here. Unless you want to reconsider and let me bring you to climax.”

Mary pushed the covers off, only for Brooke to flip them back. Mary glowered at Brooke. “You know I could make it rather hard for you to continue this.”

Brooke nodded, “Yes. Yet you haven’t. Sure, you could turn into a huge dragon and push past me. You could even order me to go eat out some of the others, which would be very distracting, but you haven’t because you realize I’m not wrong. Now stay here. I’ll send Sam to spend some time with you.”

Mary pouted and crossed her arms, but didn’t try to get up. Instead, she rolled to face away from Brooke and pulled the covers around her tightly. “Fine. Go. You’ll still have to leave something. You realize that, right?”

Brooke frowned, not happy about it, but having seen Isa’s display earlier, copied it and left butt naked, leaving behind a scrunchie.

As soon as she was out of Mary’s room, she ducked into a side room and got dressed. I can’t wait to get her rulebook fixed; this is getting frustratingly annoying.

Brooke met up with Allie and Isa, who Sam was wishing well near the gate of the palace. Brooke said, “Ready to go, you two?”

Allie and Isa nodded. Allie replied, “We are.”

Isa whistled for Sif to come over so they could mount up. As Sif came bounding towards them, Ethel also hurried towards them. “Excuse me, heroes, but the other group asked me to come check on when Mary will be joining them.”

Brooke said, “Oh, right, I should probably go tell them.” Brooke then turned to Sam. “Sam, Mary’s taking a sick day. She’s not feeling great. If you could check in on her.”

Ethel immediately said, “If Lady Mary is unwell, I will also go see if I can provide healing.”

Brooke eyed Ethel disbelievingly. “I doubt that your magic can fix this issue, Princess.” Brooke put a sarcastic tone on Ethel’s title.

Allie looked concerned. “What’s wrong with her?”

“She’s tired.” Brooke replied, “At least that’s what she told me. So tired she actively refused to have me get her off.”

Sam looked at Brooke disapprovingly. “Not everyone is like you and Laura, Brooke. Just cause you’re DTF whenever doesn’t mean everyone else is.”

Allie corrected Sam, “No… no… she has a point. Sam, I told you already, before the show, Mark was constantly horny. He masturbated so much because I wasn’t in the mood, not because he wasn’t. If Mary turned Brooke down, then she’s likely overwhelmed right now, and it’s wearing her down.”

Isa replied, “Umm… should we be worried then? Mary also told me no this morning, and while she teased me plenty both this morning and last night, she didn’t really push.”

Allie sighed, “She could just be in a funk. It happens occasionally. I have an idea as to why, but… I’m not sure it’s my place to explain.”

Sam asked, “Well, if I’m going to try and help her today, could you give me a little guidance?”

Allie sighed, “She’s… I would suggest not talking about her becoming a parent.” Isa and Sam both frowned, hearing Allie say that. Sam was about to probe for more info, but Allie said, “I don’t want to say more than that. Just… it’s complicated.” Allie frowned and looked rather pained. Allie turned to Isa, putting a hand on her arm. “She’s not disappointed. She gets like this sometimes when big stuff happens. If it’s what I think it is, it doesn’t have anything to do with any of us. Sam, just be there for her. Honestly, I’d stay if not for Cassandra putting that stupid rule in place. Frankly, I’m tempted to anyway. I definitely would if you weren’t going to be around.”

Sam looked really concerned. “Is it that bad?”

Allie sighed, “If it’s what I think it is… when she finally realizes it herself, I’d expect some ugly crying.”

Brooke said, “Seriously, if she’s going to break down, I think we need to know what’s going on.”

Allie looked at Brooke sternly, then glanced towards Sam. “No, and I think you understand the idea of not sharing another person’s pain. So don’t push.”

Brooke nodded her understanding. “Fine, but if things go sideways, you might not have a choice.”

Allie nodded as she climbed on Sif and pulled Isa up behind her. Allie extended a hand to Brooke, who begrudgingly took it. Allie turned to Sam and Ethel before having Sif move out. “Ethel, if you would let the others know what’s happening regarding Mary, I would appreciate it. Sam…”

Sam nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.” Sam fiddled worriedly with her engagement ring, and her tail was twitching with concern behind her. The two of them exchanged weak smiles with each other as Allie instructed Sif on where to go, leaving the two women standing at the palace gates. Both of them hurried off to their respective tasks.