"I would not rob him of his self, my Prince. I have an affection for this one!"
"We will see that you do not, sweet Carna. Now get out, and be quick. The time approaches."
She darted to my side, where I sat still bewildered by the eerie yet utterly delightful experience with the witchery of a Zoorph, pressed burning lips to my own, caressed my cheek with her fingertips, gave my hand a quite American squeeze. Then I watched her slender legs swing up and out of sight as she went up her improvised ladder hand over hand. She was athletic as a dancer.
"Whew," I said, passing my hand over my heated face, and grinning at the Prince.
"Yes, whew! If it had not been for me you would have become her property, for they are very accomplished in making people do what they want."
"Hypnotism, developed beyond anything I ever heard of! It must be hereditary, such power!" I mused aloud. Genner answered as if I spoke to him.
"The word hypnotism I know not, I guess you mean what we call Zoorph. It is a cult, teaching the art of enslaving others to your will. But she is a good girl, and her Zoorph qualities are not evil. For your own sake, remember always to hold yourself in check, or she will automatically become your mistress. A man does not like to be a slave even to so charming a mistress."
I did not say anything. I saw nothing wrong with the idea just then.
"Were you there behind the panel while your sister and I talked?" I asked.
"Of course. To make sure nothing went amiss. If some curious Jivro had come to the door, she would have joined me in the passage."