“I got food and drink from the kitchen,” Megan pointed out.
“Only because I relaxed the protocols to let you,” Paul replied. “And the kitchen itself is sealed. I also sweep for anything that might be one of Celine’s little monsters, not to mention poisons. You have a few lovely items in your lab, by the way. What do you use sulfuric acid for?”
“Reagent,” Megan said. “It’s used to transform some of the products that I get to add a sulfur molecule. That makes them more volatile.”
“Ah,” Paul said, getting a far-away look. “Actually, most of the stuff that you use for perfumes is poisonous in sufficient concentration.” He looked at her and smiled. “But not to me, of course. It takes something much more subtle than concentrate of rose hips.”
“People used to die from cosmetic poisoning,” Megan shrugged. “Heavy metals. And painting. Painters didn’t always start mad, but lick enough paint brushes that have been covered in vermilion, which was basically mercury, and you get a little brain addled. Not to mention that lovely yellow from lead.”
Paul got a far away look again and then smiled. “You are a font of knowledge my dear.”
“I like chemistry,” Megan said with a shrug. Of course, mostly from a forensic side, but let’s not go there. “Half of chemistry is knowing what you don’t want to swallow.”
Paul yawned and smiled at her.
“Could I convince you to snuggle down here with me?” he asked, patting at the cushions. “Just like two people who enjoy each other? Not one of my girls who feel they have to… service me. Just… friends?”
“Yes, Paul,” she said, lying down in his arms. “I think we could do that.”
“Always sing for me,” he murmured as he coasted on the edge of sleep.
“Always, my dear,” she whispered. Till death do us part.
Appendix
1. Paul Bowman, Leader of New Destiny, Minister for Ropasa
2. Chansa Mulengela, Minister for Frika, Marshall of the Great Army
3. Celine Reinshafen, Minister for Ephresia, Chief of Research and Development
4. Lupe Ugatu (Vice Minjie Jiaqi), Governor of Hindi (in dispute)
5. Reyes Cho, Minister for Soam
6. Jassinte Arizzi, Minister for Chin (in dispute)
7. Demon, lone actor
Freedom Coalition Key-holders
1. Sheida Ghorbani, Her Majesty of the United Free States, Chairman of the Freedom Coalition
2. Ungphakorn, Lord of Soam
3. Ishtar, Counselor of Taurania and the Stanis States
4. Aikawa Gouvois, Emperor of Chin
5. Lenora Sill
The Finn