Dinner and a challenge

The twins stayed in bed together for hours, right up until they needed to get cleaned up and ready for dinner. They were loathe to separate even then, but at least walking together the way they did meant they had an excuse to stay connected. Sadly though, they had to be clothed. Vel wondered what things would be like if he really did manage to fix, or change, his leg. Would he and Adi walk side by side from then on? There certainly would be no more need for her to support him. No, he figured they’d still walk intertwined, by choice if not by necessity. Or perhaps they’d just hold hands, like a regular couple.

Due to their tardiness, they were the last to arrive at dinner, and everyone greeted them warmly. Everyone except Dina, that was. She was in attendance, their father was not, as he was apparently still in town. That suited Vel just fine. Dinner was, unsurprisingly, a pleasant affair. Four of the women at the table were not only completely devoted to him by now, but as of this morning they all carried one of his children. He almost felt bad for Dina, who seemed a bit isolated as everyone else chatted happily. Almost, but then he remembered that she had sought to do the same to him, and purposefully at that. She had only herself to blame for the being the ostracized one now. And his mother did make a few attempts to engage her in conversation, but they proved fruitless. His oldest sister seemed, if Vel had to put it into words, distracted. As if her mind was elsewhere, or as if she were nervous about something. Oh well, that was not his problem. He did his best to stop focusing on her so much and instead focused on enjoying a nice dinner with his loved ones.

The surprise came after dinner, as Vel and Adi were heading to his quarters. Dina walked up to them, actually it was less a walk and more a determined stride. The twins halted and she quickly caught up. Neither twin had the chance to even open their mouth to ask what she wanted before she rapidly spoke. “I want to challenge you to a grappling match. It is the only fair way for us to really test our strength against each other.” Vel tried his best to look like he was thinking about it, but internally he was grinning. Adi did an impressive job remaining impassive looking. “I can see where you’re coming from with that, and I am open to the idea, but what would you want for winning?” Vel hoped she would ask for something substantial, which would allow him to ask for something equally substantial in return. “If I win, I want you to leave and never return.”

Vel felt Adi’s fury and outrage blazing hot through their link and held up a hand to forestall the angry rebuke she was about to treat Dina to. Her mouth snapped shut before a single sound had left it, but Vel could tell she was still furious. He genuinely had to do some thinking this time, but as he did so, he remembered a suggestion he had made to Dina. While thinking he reached out his hand towards Dina, who stood very close to him and Adi, and gently put it on her breast. She rolled her eyes in exasperation, but otherwise did nothing as Vel fondled her over her clothing. He had won access to her breasts in combat, this was his right. These powers of his sure were great.

Still groping his eldest sibling, Vel finally replied. “Fine, I am willing to accept that. But if I win, I get to have my way with you then and there on the mat.” He felt excitement mingle with the remaining anger in Adi, but Dina looked scandalized. “What? You can’t possibly think I would… I have never, I’m a, I wouldn’t let yo-“ Vel held up a hand. “You expect me to leave my home, my family, and abandon my birthright if I lose. What could you possibly offer me to balance that, other than your maidenhead?” Dina frowned but was clearly unable to think of anything. She took a deep breath, her eyes full of anger. “Fine, I accept those terms. If I win you leave, never to return. If you win, I will… I will let you do as you please.” Vel raised his eyebrows. “Let me do as I please to whom or what?” Another deep breath. “I will let you use my body as you please, is that good enough.” Vel nodded and extended his hand. “It is, I accept those terms.” His sister reached out and shook his hand. “Meet me tonight at midnight in the practice halls. Jeane will officiate. It’s not like we need seconds for grappling, but bring Adeline if you wish.” Tonight already? Good. “It would take me quite a while to get there without Adi, so I will of course bring her.” Dina smiled, malice in her eyes. “Good, I will enjoy beating you in front of her, and watch her realize that her precious brother will leave her.” That amused Vel, apparently Dina hadn’t considered the fact that her only demand was Vel leaving, she’d said nothing about anyone leaving with him. He decided not to point it out.