Why? Why aren't the women that everyone says are yours here too?They are mine in some ways and in some ways they are not mine. I do not own them. I am...not married to them. Any of them can leave here at any time and no one has the right to stop them. They stay with me because they love me. But there are too many of them for any one of them to be with me all the time. It would not be fair to the others and so each has another bedroom and each comes to stay with me. Tonight I was supposed to be. He's consented to become my son and to allow me to marry his mother."Senator Petronius squinted at Corvus. "Ah, that sort of new son ... like Artemis from the head of Zeus. Have you got a brain, Corvus Gallicus?" Yes, sir," said Corvus evenly, refusing to rise to the bait."And do you believe your father when he says he doesn't want to be proconsul?" the Senator challenged.Corvus considered the question, knowing this was a test like the ones his mother would spring on him from time to time to. "Lenore listened for an hour, until the Gunny came, and Deb came back from the Admiral's house, with a change of clothes and a meal.Deb left the Gunny in the Chief's bedroom, taking Lenore with her. "The worst is getting down to sit on the damned head," the Chief was saying as they were leaving. "And those Goddamned stool softeners..."Deb shook her head and smiled at Lenore. "He'd been worried about what you might say to him all weekend, you know."Lenore nodded. "I think he was feeling really. He told her, "Trina my pet, go down and make everyone breakfast. Take it to Cindy first so she can feed our new pets. After breakfast, you and Cindy may play with Courtney. Enjoy yourself, but don't cause any permanent damage. If Melissa wants to join in, she may. Just remember, Melissa's ass and mouth are still mine to break in. When you break for lunch, come up here, and bring Cindy with you. I may have something to show you. Now, my house pet should be about her business so the Master can.