"I'd say so," Degas agreed. "Maybe a little extra since Keith's happy with it?"
Cortin grinned. "Triple, then. And get back as soon as you can."
"Yes, ma'am." Degas returned the grin, then escorted the artist out of the common-room.
As soon as they were gone, Keith got his first experience of Family informality; within minutes, he was the only one in the room with clothes on, and he seemed to sense his thakur's desire that he also be nude. That wasn't what she said when she smiled at him, though. "If you'd rather not join us, Keith, we'll all understand; you're free to do what you wish. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"I'm not, Thakur." To his gratified surprise, that was true; his only discomfort was being dressed when she wasn't, and that was easy enough to correct. When he did so, he could feel her approval—and her arousal, as she looked at his genitals. "Thakur …"
Cortin smiled at him. "Take it easy, Keith. You're a beautiful man, and I'd like to have sex with you—but I don't want to get you in just because you feel obligated from having sworn to me. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly, Thakur." Keith smiled. She seemed to be projecting the idea that sex in any consenting form was good, but she also didn't want him doing anything he considered wrong. That was simple, since by definition nothing she wanted of him could be wrong for him, and her words confirmed what he seemed to be feeling from her. "Now?"
"We have a family religious ceremony first. I know you're not a Catholic, and this is an extension of the Catholicism practiced elsewhere, so if you'd rather not attend, I don't want you to. The choice is entirely yours."
"I appreciate that, Thakur. I don't think I'd be comfortable participating, at least not yet; may I simply watch?"
"Of course. If it makes you uncomfortable, and you want to leave, go ahead."