From Chapter Ten: Fool at the Feast

“Zombiac, why do you pine for Lady Laplis?  Everyone knows you do, and that she does not love you.”

“I wait for the day that things may change,” I uttered, simply and honestly, “they may change, may they not?”

“It would not be better for you if they did,” she said, pouting, “she is wonton and lustful.  Her love corrupts and destroys.  No man has ever made her happy, nor has she ever made any man happy.”

“She may change.  Such a life must surely be lonely.”

“Zombiac, many women are lonely,” said Gughtrip, “many have passions that might be stirred by you.  There is no need for you to sleep alone in your fine new bed... no need at all...”

This last utterance, she made slowly, with a languid, longing tone.  She demurred and batted her eyes at me, then poured us more wine.

“Why did you come here?” I asked, not daring to add: while your husband is away?

Her eyes grew heavy with lust as she tugged at her garments.

“I have needs too, Zombiac.  I can bring you joy and passion.  I would not turn aside from you as she does.  I would be willing, eager!”

She sighed and began to unbutton her blouse, intensely staring at me with eyes that were now burning and glazed over.