"It guarantees your children will be Horse Witches," Olga explained, glancing over at Iris. "That is, if the mother also gives birth while in horse form."
Mikhail snorted in surprise, his eyes going wide. "Can this be true? I have never heard of this before."
"Of course," Olga said, bitterly. "Few would bother to do much research into having a Horse Witch child intentionally."
Mikhail lowered his head, knowing she spoke the truth. Witch society tended to value power and versatility above all else. As such, they considered Horse Witches to be far too specialized and controlled by their instincts. Thus, Horse Witches were often treated like a second class, only fit for farmhands and, in many unfortunate cases, breeding stock. "I apologize. I meant no disrespect by my words."
The Horse Witch's expression softened. "I know. There is no need to fear. Your family has always treated us better than most would. Your brother's wife is a Horse Witch, and your fiancé also. This was not lost on us or on our king. This was why he trusted you with hosting part of our operation."
"Holding one's sister hostage is a strange way of showing trust," Mikhail pointed out, unable to resist the temptation.
Olga sighed. "Yes, and many of us have been asking the king to grant you her return, since you have shown yourself trustworthy. I do not know why the king keeps delaying, but I am sure he will give his blessing soon."
Mikhail and Iris shared a look. So, Olga was also unaware. As with Laidin, this could prove useful in the future.
"So, why must our children be Horse Witches?" Iris asked, changing the subject.
One of the other Horse Witches cleared his throat, and Olga shook her head. "That information is a state secret. Someday, you will know, but I cannot divulge such things just yet."
"Let us finish up here," the Horse Witch who had interrupted said, pointedly putting an end to this conversation. "There are others things to be done before we can depart."
Thus, the conversation ended, but Mikhail was still concerned. He had stumbled across something sensitive, it seemed. Also, Iris was now stuck as a mare until she gave birth, since returning to human form would risk altering her pregnancy. If she had been his real fiancé, this would have delayed any wedding plans. Could this be part of the king's plan, or was this merely a side-effect of trying to create more Horse Witches? He needed more information.