"Since about the first time she awakened someone after me. I think when she realized she wasn't going to win me over honestly."

"That or it was when she fell for you. Trust me, she has. I've heard her mumble through some dreams that left her grinning. A lot of them."

"What, tired of her already?"

"It's not like she's going to be exclusive with me, with the whole coven rituals to manage. I'm fine sharing. And I wouldn't mind if you decide to let her share, neither."

"If you're really lusting for me after this little, you're shallow. So you're probably a liar."

"Aw, you wound me, Thea. I hear plenty about you. It didn't take much to put it together into a complete picture of a woman. One I quite like."

"I'm not going to start liking you, either."

"Tesera wants people to like her. I'm fine just being able to predict them. To know enough about you to be sure of what you'll regret, if I tell you to do something in a hurry. Which, I think, I do, now. So if I do, it will be something you approve of and in your interests."

"Unless it's intentional."

"Could do. Bad policy. Burns anyone you break with, and then anyone else catches on that you might, and then where are you? Only getting cooperation by force."

"You think you're a real chessmaster, huh?"

"I prefer Go. Or Stellaris. And I think you ought not to claim the title until you've done at least three difficult plots. I'm halfway through two, at best."

"Two?"

"Not sure how difficult it is yet. And what kind of chessmaster would I be if I just told you my schemes you're not even going to be roped into?"

"The kind who is charmed by insightful guessing and then tries to seduce me?"

"Mmm, no, worked on Tes but I think if there's a cheat code for me it's something trickier... Not that making out wouldn't help, if you're so keen."

"I'll pass."

"Oh well, I'll have to skip trying to seduce you, then."

"Like it would be anything but part of a plan to get me in bed with her."

She laughs. "Oh, that would be a good start. But no. I just have similar taste."

She leans back and throws her hair around, then, as it settled on her chest hiding everything, snaps her fingers and makes her clothes vanish.

"So if you see anything you like..."

The most annoying part is that Thea does, actually. She can't tell what Basia is hiding, but she can tell she's... more honest than Tesera. It feels less like trying to kiss a pit of snakes. And she is pretty. The tangled hair is surprisingly attractive, and the body suggested underneath it is at least a little enticing. Thea's never been one for hookups, but she gets the feeling that under better circumstances she and Basia would be fast friends. And even the feeling without the reality means the prospect of a one-off is a lot more interesting.

(Lysithea Corben knows a hundred people by name and sees them regularly. There isn't a single one she'd call a friend, she's watching for a fated betrayal around the corner every day, and she is very, very lonely.)

Part of her wants to pick up Basia and show her how well massive strength and speed, and a literally electric touch, could turn her on.

But she still feels like it is, somehow, a trap.

"No. You're perfectly nice, but I don't want to get into bed with Tesera even at one remove."

"That's what I expected, but I was curious. And if you did... I'm sure I'd enjoy it."

"If she ever conclusively dumps you... You will. Just ask." Thea can't resist smirking at her.

"Somehow I doubt she will in any circumstance where you'd still offer."

She brings her garment back with another snap.

"But I'll remember it."

"Why be loyal to her?", Thea blurts out.