Olga danced in happiness. "His Majesty has given me permission to stay!"
Mikhail smiled with relief. This was the first good news he had gotten in a while.
"Wonderful!" Iris exclaimed, hugging the mare around the neck. "We will prepare the most comfortable stable we have."
"There is one condition, however," Olga continued. The other two froze.
Seeing the mare hesitate, Mikhail braced himself. "What is it?"
"The king has decided that if I am to be idle during this time, I may as well contribute to our program. Lord Copperstone, I must ask you to breed me."
Mikhail stood with his mouth open, unsure of whether to be relieved or outraged. On one hand, this was not a bad condition, relatively speaking. The king might have asked for an exchange of persons, for example, to obtain a hostage.
On the other hand, Olga's body was still frail. Who knew what impregnating her would do to her condition? This king of hers truly did not care for her. No doubt he would make excuses not to sire an heir with her once she arrived back in the capitol.
"Does it have to be now? Your present condition would not make pregnancy advisable."
Olga tossed her head. "Oh no, of course not. Just as soon as I am sufficiently recovered. But it must be done." She met their eyes, suddenly serious. "I will make sure of it. The king has spoken."
Mikhail and Iris glanced at each other. They could deal with that issue later. Right now, Olga's welfare came first. "Right then. Let's get you settled."
As time passed...