Chapter 41: A Dragon Joins the Conversation
Professor Halven arrived sooner than Dginnie expected.
She had imagined that an invitation from Advisor Merrow would lead to a formal appointment, perhaps several days later, with time to prepare questions and rehearse how she might explain herself.
Instead, the door opened less than ten minutes after Merrow had made the call.
Halven stepped inside, his silver hair neatly arranged and his elegant horns catching the light. He looked as composed as ever, although his gaze moved immediately from Merrow to Kael and then to Dginnie.
Something in their expressions must have alerted him.
"Advisor Merrow. You asked me to come urgently."
"I did. Please, sit down."
Halven took the offered chair.
"Is something wrong?"
"That depends on how you define wrong," Merrow said. "But the situation has become more complicated than we anticipated."
Dginnie wished that someone would invent a less alarming way to begin conversations.
Merrow explained the situation.
She spoke about Dginnie's monthly estrus, the uncertainty surrounding her ancestry, the possibility that she was a pureblooded human, and the legal obligations attached to discovering such a lineage.
Halven's expression changed as the explanation progressed.
At first, he looked surprised. Then thoughtful. Finally, his usual composure settled into something considerably more serious.
"Are you certain?" he asked.
"No," Merrow replied. "We have not completed the relevant testing. But the possibility is sufficiently credible that we must prepare for it."
"I see. It is indeed grounds for a mandatory reporting. I'm glad that if you are taking the reins on this that I am not going to have to make the decision of when or how to report it. You have my sympathies, Merrow."
Advisor Merrow twitched her nose and rolled her eyes.
Halven looked at Dginnie.
"Does you understand what this could mean for you?"
"I understand that people might try to decide how many children I should have and who I should have them with," Dginnie said. "And that they might consider my studies less important than their plans for my reproductive system."
Halven was silent.
Dginnie could not tell whether he was shocked by the bluntness of her answer or by the situation itself.
"That sounds an accurate summary of the danger," Halven said and Merrow nodded. "And you intend to delay reporting her status until after the scheduled mating ritual and registration?"
"Yes. You understand."
Halven leaned back.
"I do. I see. Give me more details. I haven't had to consider or deal with a situation like this before and so I'm not too familiar."
What protections could be established through registration? Which authorities would receive the report? What medical examinations would be required? Could Dginnie's academic status be protected? Were there precedents involving rare lineages, and if so, what had happened to those individuals?
The questions were practical and precise.
Dginnie listened with increasing relief.
At least someone was asking what could actually be done.
Halven eventually turned to her.
"I understand that this is frightening. I also understand that you have not chosen this situation and should not be blamed for it."
Dginnie looked at him carefully.
"Do you think I should have more mates?"
"I think the question is too important to answer without knowing you, your wishes, and your circumstances. The authorities may have opinions about what is best for society. That does not automatically make those opinions best for you."
She had not expected him to say that.
"Then why would you agree to be involved?"
"Because I am interested in you. Like I have told you during one of our compatibility sessions before. I am as much interested in you as a person after having met you, than just for physical reproduction."
Her face warmed.
Halven continued, unhurried.
"I was interested in you before this meeting. I found your questions unusual, your approach to the compatibility sessions refreshingly direct, and your reluctance to accept an arrangement merely because it was expected of you rather compelling."
Dginnie glanced at Kael.
He was listening attentively, though his tail had begun to twitch.
Halven noticed it, too.
"I am aware that I am not the only person interested in you," he said. "And I have no intention of pretending otherwise."
Kael inclined his head.
Merrow brought the discussion back to the practical question.
"If we register your relationship with Dginnie alongside Kael's, would you be willing to help protect her from coercion?"
"Yes."
"And would you be willing to establish a matebond with her?"
Halven's gaze returned to Dginnie.
"Only if she wishes it."
The answer was immediate.
He continued before anyone could mistake his willingness for a lack of interest.
"I would like to become her mate. I would like to court her properly and give her the opportunity to know me. But I can see how distressed she is. I will not demand that she complete the mating ritual with me before she is ready."
Dginnie felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.
"Thank you."
"You need not thank me for recognising that your consent matters."
He said it without grandstanding, as though it were an obvious principle rather than a concession.
That helped calm Dginnie's nerves enough to move back to her own seat again rather staying on Karl's lap.
Halven looked at Merrow.
"I would be willing to register the relationship on the same date as Kael's. I would also be willing to use my clan's influence and my own contacts to help protect Dginnie when her status becomes known."
Merrow nodded.
"That would give us considerably more options."
"However," Halven continued, "we must be clear about what registration means."
Dginnie stiffened again.
Halven noticed.
"I am not proposing that we rush into a physical relationship. But if we register as mates, I will expect us to make a genuine effort to establish the matebond. If Dginnie does not become pregnant with Kael's cubs first, I would ask her to agree to complete the bond through mating at least once before the end of the year."
Dginnie stared at him.
"Before the end of the year?"
"Yes."
"Even if I'm not ready?"
"If you genuinely cannot consent, then I will not force you. But I need to be honest about what I am asking. I would not want us to enter a formal relationship under the impression that it could remain indefinitely without the bond we are registering in anticipation of."
Dginnie thought about that.
It was a deadline, and deadlines made her nervous. But he had stated his expectation openly, rather than pretending that registering the relationship meant nothing would ever be expected of her.
"What if I need more time?" she asked.
"We can discuss it. I cannot promise that my clan will be satisfied with indefinite delay, but I can promise that I will not use force to obtain a matebond."
Merrow watched Dginnie carefully.
"How do you feel about that proposal?"
"I don't know yet."
"Accepted." Halven inclined his head. "I would rather have an honest uncertainty than a promise made to satisfy me."
Dginnie released the breath she hadn't realised she was holding.
Then she remembered something.
"There's another question I wanted to ask."
"Go ahead," Halven said.
"Can a matebond be created without mating?"
The reaction was immediate.
Kael straightened sharply. Merrow's expression became alarmed, and Halven's composure fractured for the first time.
"Why would you ask that?" Kael demanded.
Dginnie flinched.
He caught himself at once.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to sound angry with you."
"Then why are you all looking at me like I've suggested setting the building on fire?"
"Because," Merrow said carefully, "a matebond formed outside the proper process can be a serious violation of consent."
Dginnie frowned.
"But I thought you said matebonds happen when both people have mutual feelings and consent."
"They do."
"Then why does mating have to be part of it?"
Halven leaned forward.
"Because a matebond is not merely a declaration of affection. It is a profound biological and social connection. Under certain circumstances, a sufficiently powerful partner may be able to impose a bond on someone weaker, or use a bond to influence the other person's behaviour."
Dginnie went very still.
"Influence how?"
"That depends on the bond and the individuals involved. But it can be used to exert pressure, restrict choices, or make someone feel compelled to comply with the stronger partner."
"And you can create that bond without the other person agreeing?"
"Technically, there are ways to attempt it," Merrow said. "But doing so is considered a grave violation. Creating or imposing a matebond without the proper mutual consent is a crime. It is treated as a form of indecent assault, fraud, and coercion."
Dginnie stared at her.
"So a person could use a bond to control someone?"
"That is one reason the proper process matters so much," Halven replied. "A genuine matebond should arise through mating when both partners have mutual feelings and consent to the relationship. It must not be manufactured as a means of gaining control over another person."
Kael's expression was unusually severe. So we're Professor Halven and Advisor Merrow's.
"There are very few things I consider unforgivable," Kael said. "Using a matebond to take away someone's freedom is one of them."
Dginnie looked at him.
His anger was real, but it was not directed at her.
It seemed he was frightened by the possibility she had described and the thought of it possibly happening to her.
The others agreed with such solemnity that she regretted asking the question at all.
She had asked a question because she wanted to understand the rules of a world in which she was about to make an enormous commitment. They had reacted strongly because, to them, the question touched something fundamental.
Dginnie could respect that, even if she did not understand every detail.
"All right," she said slowly. "I apologise for suggesting it, but I'm glad you explained it to me."
Merrow nodded.
"And I want you to ask questions whenever you need to. Even when the question is uncomfortable. Especially then. But such questions are best for meetings amongst us like this, alright?"
Dginnie gave her a grateful look.
The meeting continued.
They discussed registration, the possible implications of Halven's seniority, and the protections his clan might provide. They discussed the deadline for establishing a matebond, the possibility that Dginnie might eventually need additional mates, and the need to ensure that any future arrangement remained compatible with her health and education.
The more they discussed, the more complicated everything became.
At first, Dginnie followed the conversation closely. She asked questions, challenged assumptions, and made sure that everyone understood she was not agreeing to surrender her future.
But the discussion grew longer. And longer. Hours passed and they were still discussing, sipping on the water Advisor Merrow brought in for them.
Merrow and Halven began exchanging legal terminology. Kael asked questions about household hierarchy and clan obligations. They discussed the relative authority of different lineages, the rules governing chief mates, and the circumstances under which a household's composition could be challenged.
Dginnie tried to keep up.
She really did.
Eventually, however, the words began to blur together.
She could understand individual sentences, but the implications seemed to branch in every direction. Every answer introduced three new questions. Every reassurance came with a qualification.
At some point, she realised she had stopped understanding what they were deciding.
She sat very still, afraid that if she interrupted again, she would only make the conversation longer.
Kael noticed first.
He turned toward her.
"Dginnie?"
She looked at him.
"Are you all right?"
"I think so."
It was not convincing.
His ears tilted back.
"Do you want a break?"
She nodded.
Merrow immediately stopped speaking.
"Of course."
Kael moved beside Dginnie and held out his arms. She went to him, curling against his chest as he settled back into his chair.
He stroked her hair.
No one spoke for a little while.
Dginnie closed her eyes and listened to his breathing. She could feel the tension in his body, but he was making an effort to remain calm for her.
When she finally looked up, Merrow was watching them with concern.
"We have covered too much information at once," the advisor admitted. "I should have divided this discussion into smaller parts."
Dginnie was grateful that she said it.
"I don't understand everything we've agreed to," Dginnie confessed. "I know you want to protect me. I know Halven is willing to help. But I'm not sure I could explain the arrangement to someone else."
"Then we have not finished explaining it," Merrow said.
Halven inclined his head.
"We can prepare a written summary. You should have the opportunity to read it, ask questions, and decide whether you agree before anything is finalised."
Dginnie looked at him.
"Thank you."
Kael kissed her forehead.
"We'll go through it together."
She nodded, allowing herself to lean against him a little more heavily.
She was exhausted.
But she was not ready to give up.
---------------------------------
Chapter 42: Three Days to Spare
The following morning, Dginnie found herself looking at the notebook again.
It was becoming rather ridiculous how much of their future had ended up in that notebook. There were lists of questions, answers, things to research, things to discuss, and things that had been discussed but still needed clarifying. Some pages were neat. Others were full of hurried notes, arrows, additions and question marks.
She had thought that agreeing to become Kael's mate would be the difficult part.
Then they had discovered the matter of her ancestry, the possibility of being reported to the authorities, the need for additional protection, and the fact that Professor Halven might become part of their household. It had changed all their plans.
Now she was expected to understand the legal and financial implications of becoming part of a three-person family.
She stared at the page.
"I think we need another notebook."
Kael, who was preparing breakfast, glanced over his shoulder. "We have plenty of paper."
"That isn't the same thing."
He smiled. "You want a separate notebook for the things we haven't understood yet?"
"I want a separate notebook for the things I haven't understood regarding our new situation yet. The other one is already full of things I was just beginning to misunderstand."
Kael laughed and brought her a plate.
They had agreed to meet Merrow and Halven again that morning. This time, they intended to go through the practical arrangements and prepare the preliminary paperwork. Dginnie had been assured that nothing would be finalised without her understanding it, but she wanted to know what they were actually proposing before she sat in another room listening to unfamiliar legal terminology.
Halven arrived with a folder.
It was considerably thicker than Dginnie's notebook.
She eyed it suspiciously.
"Is that all for us?"
"Most of it," he replied. "Some documents are reference material. Others are drafts. I thought it would be easier to have everything available rather than discover halfway through a discussion that we were missing something."
"That sounds sensible," Dginnie said.
Kael looked at the folder. "You have been busy."
"I have had a little time to consider the arrangements."
Dginnie wondered how much time a professor with Halven's responsibilities had to spare, but she suspected that his definition of a little time was rather different from hers.
Merrow joined them shortly afterwards. She made sure everyone had a drink and settled before beginning.
"Today, I want us to concentrate on the practical arrangements. We have discussed the reasons for the proposed household and the protection it may provide. Now we need to decide how that household will function."
She looked at all three of them.
"Not two men making arrangements for a woman. Three people establishing a household together."
Dginnie felt some of the tension leave her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said.
Halven inclined his head. "I agree."
Kael moved his chair a little closer to hers.
Merrow began with the question of residence.
"Where will you live?"
Halven answered first. "I have a residence that would be suitable. It is large enough for a family and has the facilities we would need. I had originally intended it to become my matebond household."
Dginnie looked at him. "You already have a house?"
"Yes."
"Would we all live there?"
"That would be my preference, provided the arrangement suits you."
Kael considered this. "It would make sense from a practical point of view. Halven has more room, and his position gives the household a certain amount of security. I on the other hand, would only be able to offer a rented apartment for the time being."
"I would not want you to feel that you were moving into my home as guests," Halven said. "If we establish a household there, it should become your home as well."
Dginnie looked between them.
"That sounds nice, but what happens if we need to live separately after mating?"
Merrow nodded. "That is one of the matters we must address. Kael's rut and your estrus may make living together difficult at certain times. We should not assume that a single residence will always be the safest or most comfortable arrangement."
"My estrus won't affect you, Professor?"
"Call me, Halven, Dginnie. You aren't my student. And no, your estrus won't affect me. Dragons are not like most other species. Dragonkind are known to have great self-control and have the ability to block off some of our own senses as need be. For me to lose control around my mate would in my clan's eyes, immediately disqualify me from any further rights to reproduction."
"That sounds harsh."
"We could have separate rooms," Kael suggested. "On opposite ends of the house."
"Separate rooms may not be sufficient during a severe rut," Merrow replied. "You may need to be physically separated for a period."
Kael looked thoughtful. "I don't want Dginnie to feel that she has been sent away from home."
"Nor should she be," Halven said. "If temporary separation becomes necessary, we can arrange it so that she has a comfortable place to stay, with access to her belongings and the household's resources. It need not mean she is excluded from her own home."
"I can also maintain my own residence outside our home as per my clan's usual arrangements."
"Wonderful. That will give me more time to develop a deeper connection with our mate without needing to bother with a hoverfly."
"Halven!" protested Kael.
Dginnie laughed.
"Could we have somewhere in the house that is mine?" she asked. "Not just a bedroom. Somewhere I can go if I want to be alone."
"Of course," Halven said. "You should have a private space. Maybe an entire private wing rather than just a private suite. That would be more suitable for the mate of a dragon. I approve."
"And the same applies to both of us," Kael added. "I don't think any of us should have to be together every minute. I also don't want anybeast's snout always sniffing around my mate when she wants some space."
"It happens that us dragons are also big on space," Halven replied haughtily. "My mate can have the whole house as her space if she wants and I would build another residence nearby for myself."
The men glared at each other and snorted, both turning their heads away at the same time, making Dginnie giggle. The expressions of both men softened at that sound and they exchanged a meaningful glance with slight smiles of agreement.
Anything to calm their mate and make her happy. It seemed that their silent agreement to joke around had helped her relax.
"I don't need the whole house. A suite is actually more than enough for me," Dginnie said.
"Alright. The wing it is," Halven said, exchanging understanding nods with Kael. "You'd have your own kitchen and fridge. Your own cooking and cleaning robot. Your own entertainment room. I can build you a holodeck too, if you're into that kind of thing. A study in a library."
Dginnie's eyes brightened at every thing Halven added.
"A wing it is then," she said with shining eyes, looking ready to bounce out of her seat. "A library! I thought the beastmen didn't keep libraries anymore now that everything is digitalised."
"You like libraries?" Halven perked up.
"Love them."
"Wonderful."
Merrow acted as their scribe, writing their agreements down. She cleared her throat to interrupt the two.
"Getting back on track..."
Merrow brought them back to the topics at hand.
They moved on to finances.
Dginnie had expected the discussion to be uncomfortable. She was not accustomed to discussing money with other people, particularly people who were considering supporting her. She had spent so long calculating what she could afford that the idea of someone else taking responsibility for her expenses felt strange.
Halven laid out a summary of his finances.
Dginnie looked at the figures.
Then she looked again.
She had to remind herself to breathe normally.
Kael leaned forward to examine the documents. His expression changed slightly as he reached the asset summary.
"You have considerably more than I thought."
"I expect so," Halven replied.
"How much more?"
Halven gave him a figure.
Kael sat back and looked up at the ceiling.
Dginnie looked at the number, then at Halven, then back at the number.
She was beginning to understand that the professor's idea of financial security operated on an entirely different scale from hers.
Halven explained that his wealth came from a combination of family holdings, investments, property and his own professional earnings. Some assets were personally owned, while others were tied to his family or clan and could not simply be transferred into a household account.
He was careful to distinguish between what he could spend, what he could invest, and what he had authority to offer as part of a family arrangement.
Kael presented his own financial position next. His resources were respectable for someone at his stage of life, particularly given his work and studies, but they were nowhere near Halven's.
Dginnie listened as they discussed income, savings, investments and existing obligations.
Then it was her turn.
She hesitated.
"I don't have very much."
"You don't need to apologise for that," Kael said immediately.
"I know. I just don't want you to think I have more than I do."
She gave them a summary of her accounts, savings and remaining financial commitments. Her savings were modest. Her income was limited and depended partly on her work arrangements. She had no property, no substantial investments and no family assets to contribute.
There was a brief silence.
Dginnie felt the familiar urge to explain herself.
"I've been studying full-time, and I worked when I could. I had to be careful with what I spent. I didn't have much spare money, so I—"
"You don't need to justify it," Halven interrupted gently.
"I wasn't trying to."
"I know."
Kael reached across and rested his hand over hers.
Merrow continued the discussion before Dginnie could become embarrassed.
"The question is how you want the household's finances arranged. There are several possible models."
They discussed keeping their personal accounts separate while establishing a joint household account. That account could cover food, utilities, maintenance, household services, shared travel and other common expenses.
Halven suggested contributing the largest share, given his greater resources. Kael could contribute according to his means, without being expected to match Halven's contribution. Dginnie could contribute when she had an income, but her contribution would not be a condition of receiving support or having a place in the household.
Dginnie considered this.
"I don't want to have to ask permission every time I need something."
"You shouldn't have to," Halven said. "We can make you in charge of household expenses of that helps or allocate you an allowance."
"But I don't want to be given an allowance that I have to account for."
Kael nodded. "That would be unpleasant."
Halven thought for a moment. "We can establish an agreed personal allocation for each of us, transferred regularly from the household's resources. It would be yours to manage. You would not need to explain ordinary personal purchases made from your own private account."
"Would it be the same amount for all three of us?"
"It could be," Halven said, "but I would prefer that we discuss what is fair rather than assume identical amounts are always appropriate."
Dginnie appreciated that he had not simply decided for her.
They agreed in principle to retain their individual accounts and establish a shared household account. Each person would have personal funds that remained under their own control. The household account would be funded primarily by Halven, with Kael contributing an agreed amount when his income and obligations allowed. Dginnie could contribute if and when she wished, but she would not be required to surrender her savings or earnings.
They would review the arrangement together after they had lived as a household for a while.
The next subject was property.
Dginnie had not expected it to be so complicated.
Halven explained that the residence could remain his personal property, be transferred into joint ownership, or be placed in Dginnie's name. There were also ways to establish her legal right to occupy it and retain access to it even if the household changed.
"Would putting it in my name be sensible?" Dginnie asked.
"It would give you a substantial degree of security," Halven replied. "But there are other considerations. The property is currently mine, and there may be family and inheritance implications if I transfer ownership. We should not make a decision simply because it sounds generous."
Kael looked at him. "I would rather she had a genuine legal right to the home than rely on either of us promising she can stay."
"So would I," Halven said.
They discussed the possibility of joint ownership, a protected residential interest for Dginnie, and separate arrangements for other assets. They agreed that Dginnie should have an independent legal interest in the household residence, not merely permission to live there as long as the men remained pleased with her.
The exact ownership structure would need to be checked by a legal adviser familiar with the relevant family and property laws. They would not sign away anyone's existing rights without understanding the consequences.
Dginnie found herself writing down the phrase independent right to the home and underlining it. Just thinking about it made her heart swell with warmth at how much her mates-to-be were seriously thinking for her.
She had never thought of herself as someone who might own a house. She had spent so much time trying to afford rent and tuition that property ownership belonged to a distant category of things other people did.
Now two men were discussing how to make sure she would not be left without a home.
It was difficult to take in.
The discussion continued through household responsibilities, domestic staff, security, medical arrangements and the possibility of children. Halven made it clear that the household would not be organised around Dginnie doing all the domestic work simply because she was the woman. Nor for only one mate to be allocated all the chores, besides, he had robots to help with the chores. But people should be expected to be responsible for themselves in order to reduce the risk of one person's care eventually being taken for granted. Kael agreed, adding that he was perfectly capable of taking responsibility for his own mess.
Dginnie gave him a doubtful look.
"I can be tidy."
"You can be tidy when you remember where you put things."
"That is still a form of tidiness."
Halven smiled faintly.
They also discussed what would happen if one of the men travelled or had to work elsewhere for an extended period. The household would remain shared, and neither man would have the right to make unilateral decisions about Dginnie's residence, finances or daily life.
By the time Merrow finished, the preliminary agreements were substantial. They had established the broad financial model, the intended residence, the need for Dginnie's independent property rights, and the principles governing temporary separation.
Some details still required legal review. Those would be recorded as matters to resolve rather than rushed into binding agreements.
The documents they signed that day were preliminary declarations of intention and practical arrangements. They did not replace the final registration documents, nor did they compel Dginnie to complete a matebond.
She read each page before signing.
This time, she understood what she was signing.
When the meeting finally ended, Halven gathered the papers into his folder.
"There is one other matter," he said. "I do not expect you to move into my residence immediately."
Dginnie looked up.
"You don't?"
"You have your studies. Kael has his work and studies. You both have commitments that cannot simply be abandoned because we have decided to register."
Kael looked relieved.
"I was going to suggest we finish what we can first," he said.
"Then we are in agreement," Halven replied. "After registration, you can move when you are ready. We can arrange the household at a sensible pace."
Dginnie smiled. "Thank you."
Merrow glanced at the calendar.
"Speaking of commitments, when exactly is your registration?"
"Three days from now," Kael answered.
Merrow looked at him.
Halven looked at him.
Dginnie looked at both men.
There was a long pause.
"Three days?" Merrow repeated.
"Yes."
"And how much work do you have outstanding? Have you finished all the assigmments due in the next month?"
Dginnie began counting on her fingers.
Kael closed his eyes.
Dginnie looked at him.
"You have work to finish too."
"I know."
"You said you had already arranged your leave."
"I arranged the leave. I didn't finish everything I needed to finish before it."
Halven looked between them. "You have not completed your academic preparations?"
Dginnie slowly shook her head.
They had spent weeks discussing mating rituals, household arrangements, legal protection, family visits and the future of their relationship.
They had booked their registration date.
They had not properly considered the assignments due in the coming weeks.
Merrow put down her pen.
"Then I suggest you leave immediately and make a move on."
Kael stood.
Dginnie gathered her notebook.
Halven looked rather amused.
"I will see you both after registration."
Dginnie gave him a helpless smile.
"We may be considerably less intelligent by then. In fact, our brains may have become burnt shells."
"I shall try not to take it personally."
As they left, Kael leaned down and murmured, "We planned our future and forgot our homework."
Dginnie elbowed him.
"Don't laugh. You're just as responsible."
"I know."
Neither of them laughed again until they were outside.
------------------------------------
Chapter 43: The Last Three Days
The first thing Dginnie did when they returned home was open her academic schedule.
The second thing she did was wish she hadn't.
There were assignments due over the next few weeks, lectures she would miss during her recovery, reading she had intended to complete before the mating ritual, and several pieces of coursework that were not technically urgent yet but would become urgent if she fell behind.
Kael sat beside her with his own schedule.
"We can divide it up," he said.
"We can't divide my assignments."
"No, but we can divide the work around them. I can help with meals, shopping, cleaning and anything else that doesn't require your brain."
"My brain is required for quite a lot of things."
"Then I shall try not to borrow it."
Dginnie gave him a look.
They began by making a list of everything that needed to be done before registration.
They had three days.
Three days to notify lecturers, arrange extensions where necessary, obtain lecture materials, complete work that could not be postponed, and prepare for the possibility that Dginnie would be away from her usual studies for a week or more.
Kael also needed to speak with his workplace and make sure his responsibilities were covered.
The list grew.
Dginnie stared at it.
"I think we may have made a mistake."
"Several, probably."
"We should have booked registration later."
"Yes."
"Why didn't we think of this?"
Kael considered the question. "We were rather occupied."
"That isn't an excuse."
"No. But it is an explanation."
She put her forehead on the table.
Kael rubbed her back.
"Come on. We can do it."
They started with the university.
Dginnie contacted her lecturers and explained that she would be absent for a period following a scheduled medical and family commitment. She was careful not to disclose more than necessary. Some lecturers were understanding, particularly when she explained that she was arranging to obtain lecture materials and complete work ahead of time.
One lecturer suggested that she submit an assignment early. Another offered to provide the relevant reading and lecture recordings. A third warned her that the next assessment would be difficult to complete before the deadline and recommended that she request an extension rather than exhaust herself trying to finish it in advance.
Dginnie disliked the idea of leaving work unfinished, but she knew the advice was sensible.
Kael had his own discussions. His work arrangements were more complicated because some of his responsibilities could not simply be transferred to another person. He spent a considerable amount of time arranging coverage, completing reports and making sure the people depending on him knew when he would be unavailable. And then there was still his own coursework and assignments.
At one point, Dginnie found him standing in the kitchen, looking at his schedule with an expression of deep concentration.
"Problem?"
"I'm trying to work out whether I can finish this report before tomorrow."
"Can I help?"
He glanced at her. "You have enough to do."
"I can read."
"I know you can."
"Then let me help."
He hesitated before passing her the document.
She read through it while he prepared lunch, and they worked through the report together. It took longer than either had hoped, but they finished it before the evening.
The next day was worse.
Dginnie attended classes, collected materials, spoke with lecturers and spent several hours completing assignments. Kael went to work, returned, and then spent the evening catching up on his own study.
They barely saw each other except in passing. They both also noticed that each other's room lights were on long past midnight.
They ate together when they could, sometimes preparing proper meals and sometimes resorting to the quick options available from the university's food services.
Dginnie discovered that Kael had been quietly arranging some of the household matters as well. He had organised deliveries, checked their supplies and made sure they had enough food for the days when neither of them would have the energy to cook.
"You didn't need to do all that," she told him.
"I know."
"Then why did you?"
"Because you were busy."
She looked at him.
He shrugged. "I can do it."
It was difficult to argue with that.
By the second evening, Dginnie was beginning to feel the strain. Her notes were spread across the table, her laptop was open, and she had a growing collection of reminders written on scraps of paper.
Kael came in carrying two drinks.
"Break."
"I can't."
"You can. Ten minutes."
"I have to finish this."
"You have to sleep eventually too."
She looked at the clock.
It was later than she had realised.
Kael placed the drink beside her and sat down.
"Do you remember when we first started discussing the mating arrangements?"
"Yes."
"We thought we'd have plenty of time."
"We did have plenty of time."
"We used it to discuss everything except the things we needed to finish before registration."
Dginnie gave a tired laugh.
"We're very organised."
"Clearly."
She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes.
Kael watched her for a moment.
"Are you worried?"
"About the work?"
"About everything."
She considered it.
"I think I've been so busy trying to understand what is going to happen that I haven't really thought about how close it is."
He nodded.
"Neither have I."
They had spent so much time planning for the future that they had barely allowed themselves to enjoy the fact that they were about to begin it.
Dginnie looked at the notebook beside her.
"We should have had a proper celebration."
"We can still have one."
"When?"
"After registration. Once you've finished recovering and we've moved into Halven's house."
"That sounds a long way away."
"It isn't."
She smiled faintly.
He reached across the table and took her hand.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "Not just the mating. Having a home together. Waking up with you. Knowing we don't have to keep wondering what happens next."
Dginnie squeezed his hand.
"I'm looking forward to that too."
The final day was spent finishing the last urgent assignments, confirming arrangements with lecturers and making sure all their work commitments were covered.
Dginnie submitted what she could, requested the extensions she needed, and organised her notes so she could continue studying when she felt well enough.
Kael completed his remaining work and sent the final messages to his colleagues.
They packed the things they would need for registration, checked the appointment details, and made sure they had the required documents.
By the evening, the apartment was untidy, the kitchen needed attention, and both of them were exhausted.
But the urgent work was done.
Dginnie stood in the middle of the room and looked around.
"We survived."
"We haven't registered yet."
"Don't spoil it."
Kael laughed and pulled her into his arms.
She rested against him, tired but pleased.
-------------------------------
Chapter 44: Registration Day
Dginnie woke earlier than she intended.
For a few moments she lay still, listening to the familiar sounds of the apartment. Kael was moving around in the kitchen. Somewhere outside, a transport passed along the road.
It was an ordinary morning.
That seemed strange.
She was getting registered into a new family that day. Call it the equivalent of getting a marriage registration. Her relationship with Kael would become legally recognised, and Professor Halven would be registered alongside him. There would be documents, witnesses, legal declarations and a great many consequences she was still trying to understand.
She had never thought she would be in a polygamous relationship - a polyandric one, no less. It had been unthinkable back home in the modern - no, pre-modern world, as the beastmen called their era that had a similar level of technology. Who would ever have thought that she'd both transmigrate and time travel into another futuristic world.
Sometimes, just stopping to look around at her environment still struck her with a sense of being in a strange, alien world. She wondered if or when she'd ever get used to the realities of this life and the fact that slugs were as fast as cheetahs when they rode their hover board.
Yet the morning had begun with the ordinary sound of Kael making breakfast.
She got up and joined him.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
"I slept. I just woke up early."
He placed a plate in front of her.
"Eat something."
"You eat."
He gave her a look.
She smiled and ate before changing into a pretty dress and putting on a bit of makeup. She anticipated photos with the registration, just like with marriage registrations back home.
Kael staring at her in shocked pleasure when she came out of her room almost made them late.
They had arranged to meet Merrow and Halven before the registration appointment to review the final documents. Dginnie had asked for enough time to read everything without being rushed, and Halven had agreed.
The registration office was quieter than she expected. It was a formal building, with private rooms for family registration and legal consultations. Merrow was already waiting when they arrived.
Halven stood beside her, dressed neatly and looking entirely composed.
"Good morning," he said.
"Good morning."
Kael greeted him, and they entered the room together.
The registrar explained the procedure. The documents would establish the household, record the relationships and specify the legal standing of each member. The registration would also identify the intended matebond arrangements which would be confirmed at the medical assessments following completion of the matebonding.
Dginnie listened carefully.
She was doing well until the registrar reached the section concerning seniority and the order of mating.
She looked at the document and re-read it with a frown. Then she looked at the registrar.
"Could you explain that part?"
The registrar began to describe the legal structure.
Dginnie listened, but a growing unease settled in her stomach.
The first mating would be with Halven.
Kael's position would be recorded as the later matebond.
She looked at Kael.
He was watching her, his expression careful.
Then she looked at Halven.
"You're first?"
Halven answered quietly. "Yes."
She stared at him.
"I thought Kael was going to be my first mate."
"He will be your mate," Kael said. "The registration recognises Halven's seniority in the household."
"That isn't what I asked."
Kael fell silent.
Dginnie looked down at the papers again.
She remembered the meeting. The discussion about seniority, protection, household authority and the way a more powerful mate might be able to shield the family from outside interference.
She remembered being tired and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar terminology.
She remembered that Halven had explained he wanted to become her mate, and that he would wait until she was comfortable.
But she had not understood that the legal arrangement would give him the first right to the mating. When had this happened? When had they decided on this? Why had they left her out?
She looked at both men.
"When did I agree to this? You all knew about this arrangement?"
Halven did not try to avoid the question.
"Yes. We understood that this was the proposed arrangement."
"And you didn't explain it to me?"
"I thought we had."
"You thought I understood?"
His expression changed.
"Yes."
Dginnie felt heat rise in her face.
She turned to Kael.
"And you?"
"I knew what the arrangement meant."
"You knew that Halven would be first?"
"Yes."
"And you didn't tell me clearly?"
Kael looked down.
"No, well, you were there. I thought you understood. I'm sorry. I should have double checked."
Dginnie pushed the document away.
"I thought we were discussing whether Halven would become part of the household. I thought we were discussing protection and seniority. I didn't realise that meant he would have the first right to mate with me."
The room went quiet.
Merrow looked at the two men with an expression that made it clear she was not going to rescue them from the conversation.
Halven spoke first.
"You are right to be upset. We should have explained the arrangement in plain terms. I am sorry."
Kael moved closer, but did not touch her.
"I should have made sure you understood. I was thinking about the protection the arrangement would give you, and I assumed you had understood the implications. I'm sorry."
Dginnie looked at him.
"You were the person I trusted to explain these things to me."
"I'm sorry."
"You know my situation," she said and moving to rub her face, only remembering at the last second she had make up on and couldn't do that. She rubbed her forearms instead. She couldn't say too much in front of the registrar, but she was feeling extremely frustrated and slightly betrayed that none of them had thought to check with her on this.
"I'm sorry. It's my fault."
Dginnie looked back at the documents.
"Have I already agreed to this?"
"The preliminary agreements record our intentions," Merrow explained. "They do not complete the registration or establish the final matebond rights. You still have the right to refuse the final arrangement."
Dginnie let out a breath.
"So I can still say no?"
"Yes."
She looked at Halven.
"And if I say no to this arrangement, what happens?"
"We discuss another arrangement," he replied. "I would not pretend that there would be no consequences. My clan has its own expectations, and I have agreed to certain responsibilities. But you are not obliged to accept a legal structure you do not understand or want."
"What about Kael?"
Kael answered before Halven could.
"I want you to become my mate. I want to be with you. But I don't want you to accept something because you think you have no choice."
Dginnie looked at him for a long moment.
"Would you be happy with this?"
Kael hesitated.
"It isn't what I imagined when I first asked you to become my mate."
"That isn't an answer."
"No," he admitted. "It isn't what I would have chosen for myself. But I understand why it may be necessary. Halven has influence and resources that I don't have. His position will give our household protection that I cannot provide alone."
"And you are willing to let him have seniority?"
"If it helps protect you, yes."
Dginnie looked at Halven.
"Why is it so important that you be first?"
"Because the legal structure gives the senior mate greater authority in certain household matters," he explained. "It also gives me the responsibility to defend the household against challenges. My position and resources make me better placed to carry that responsibility. I would rather accept that obligation myself than leave Kael struggling against people who have considerably more power than he does."
He paused.
"I also want to become your mate. I will not pretend otherwise. But I do not want you to think that my position gives me the right to disregard your wishes."
Dginnie looked at the two men.
There was something uncomfortable about the arrangement. She did not particularly like the idea of Halven having a right that seemed to place him ahead of Kael. She also did not like the thought that Kael might feel diminished by it.
But she could see the reasoning.
She could see that both men were trying to protect her, even if they had made a serious mistake by assuming she understood.
"I need to know exactly what this in detail," she said.
"Of course," Merrow replied.
They went through the documents again.
This time, the registrar explained each relevant section in ordinary language. Halven's seniority would give him certain legal responsibilities and rights within the household, and if new suitors or challengers arose, he was the one they would be challenging. The first mating would be with him, if Dginnie consented to it. Kael's matebond would follow, provided all parties remained willing and the necessary conditions were met.
The registration itself would not force her to mate with either man. It would establish the household and the intended relationships, but the mating process still required consent.
Dginnie asked questions about the order, the legal implications, what would happen if she changed her mind, and whether the arrangement could be amended later.
They answered each one.
Some answers were straightforward. Others required additional legal clarification, which the registrar noted for them.
By the time they finished, Dginnie understood what she was being asked to accept.
She sat quietly for a while.
Kael did not hurry her.
Halven did not try to persuade her.
Merrow waited.
Finally, Dginnie looked at them.
"Alright. Let's do this."
Kael's expression softened, but he remained still.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes. I don't want to be rushed, and I don't want either of you deciding things for me because you think you know what's best. But I understand why we're doing this now."
She looked at Halven.
"I know you want to be my mate. I haven't forgotten that. I also know that you are offering a great deal of protection, and that you are taking on the greater and heavier portion of responsibilities."
Then she looked at Kael.
"And I know you are giving up something you wanted because you think this will help keep me safe."
Kael's ears lowered slightly.
"I don't want you to think I don't care about that."
"I know you care. Thank you. Really. Thank you." She reached for his hand. "But you have to tell me when something affects our future. Even if you think I'll be upset. Even if you think I won't understand it or think I have already understood it. You have to explain it and make sure I really know. And then let me decide. Please?"
"I will."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She turned to Halven.
"And you must do the same. I don't want to discover important things by reading the fine print."
Halven inclined his head.
"Agreed."
Dginnie took another look at the documents.
This was not the future she had originally imagined. It was more complicated, and it involved more people and responsibilities than she had expected.
But she was not being dragged into it.
She was choosing it.
The registrar asked whether she wished to proceed.
Dginnie answered clearly.
"Yes."
The final documents were reviewed and signed. The registration was completed, and the three of them were formally recorded as one household with the intended matebond arrangements.
When it was over, Kael took her hand.
Halven stood beside them and hesitated to take her other hand. Dginnie looked at her hand in Kael's and then the dragon's nervous palm. Just when he thought she would ignore him, she took his hand and held it too. He stared at her in surprise. Kael pretended not to notice.
Merrow hid a smile.
Dginnie took a deep breath.
For a moment, she felt as though she had stepped across a threshold she could not quite see.
Then Halven and Kael smiled.
"Would you like to go home?" Halven asked.
She looked at him, considered and then nodded firmly with a smile.
"Yes."