Page 47 of Bluebeard’s Key

“I’m trying to be serious. I’m scared, and you should be too.”

But there was nothing he could do. Bluebeard had ensnared him completely, offering him a world of knowledge and the secrets of the universe, but Bluebeard himself was an inseparable part of the package. He’d have to ride this wave as far as he could, and hope he landed with his head still on his shoulders.

As he had been doing for months, he set these weighty challenges aside to worry about later. Right now, he had a few moments to enjoy life. He said, “I know you are, Huggybear, but I’m fine. I can protect myself. Right now, I want to taste one of those strawberries on your lips.”

CHAPTER 32

Thierry said, “No, that’s not what Mage Bluebeard directed.”

Tom countered, although he knew he’d already lost the argument, “But I have everything worked out. I can make gallons of the stuff. The world could be swimming in an orgasmic sea.”

Thierry was getting that look, setting his jaw with tired eyes, like he was struggling to be patient with a small child. He explained, “That’s never been the way the Mage structures his offerings. For the time being, he would like to limit distribution to an elite clientele.”

Tom conceded, “I suppose that’s the way to keep the price high.”

“Just so.”

He was disappointed, but not too much. He didn’t care what happened once they released his new creation into the world. His name would probably disappear into the pantheon of commercial chemists who created the compounds behind the brand names. The world would experience his erotogenic work under Bluebeard’s name, or more likely, the Elixir Wellness brand, not that he cared about that, either. He just wanted to play in his laboratory. But there was one thing he’d like to do, so he had to ask.

“Will it be okay to share my results with my graduate advisor? Bluebeard’s letter stumped us all, so I think she’d be interested to know how it all works.”

“Possibly, but not until we secure a patent for the method.”

“Of course. We need to keep our proprietary secrets, um, secret.”

“Just so. If you wouldn’t mind, please hold off for a month or two before disclosing anything to the outside world. Mage Bluebeard is finalizing some important aspects of your project, and it would be best to wait until those are resolved.”

“Not a problem. I’ve been working on this for months, so there’s no big hurry. I have other things to keep me busy.”

“Yes, I imagine that you do.”

“I’ve also been thinking it would be nice to spend some time back in the real world. How would I manage that?”

He was thinking of more than just a trip. He wanted an escape plan for himself and Zayan, if things with Bluebeard got too intense. It was time to start laying the groundwork for his future with Zayan, once they both finished their stints at the Château.

A quick flash of alarm crossed Thierry’s face, but disappeared quickly. He said, “Thank you for asking. I’m embarrassed to admit that I have been remiss in this matter. I will arrange for a small flat for you and Zayan, for use when you travel to Ferry Vale. That way, you’ll have easy access to the marina, and you can come and go at will.”

That could work. Once they were in Ferry Vale, they could disappear whenever the time was right. He said, “Let’s pencil that in. I’ll talk to Zayan and firm it up.”

Thierry looked much relieved at this choice, saying, “Excellent. I will require some time to manage all the details. Are you comfortable delaying your trip for a few weeks? That way I can ensure that you’ll be comfortable.”

“That will be fine. I have lots to do here, and there’s always Riverford if Zayan and I need a break.”

“Excellent. Returning to the new product. Mage Bluebeard would like to assign the project to the main laboratory and begin production immediately.”

“Zero problem. I documented the entire protocol, so any competent chemist could manage the synthesis.”

“The Mage will be pleased. The little birds have also told me that your new project is nearing completion.”

“Wow, nothing gets by you, does it?”

Thierry stood slightly taller at this, but didn’t comment.

“Yes, Zayan and I are perfecting our love potion. We’ll let you know when it’s ready for prime time.”

“Most excellent. As always, please do visit me anytime if you require anything.”

The love potion was turning out to be a total pleasure, but also an infuriating thorn in his side. Within days of beginning, they had a working potion, but since then, he’d been trying to strip every shred of magic out of the synthesis protocol. He still didn’t quite believe in the whole alchemy thing, even though Zayan was creating literally pounds of gold on demand. It rankled, offending his sense of science, of the way chemistry should act. But with the gold, again and again, he had to admit that Occam’s razor split to say that magic was the most likely answer.