06-18. To Each His Own...or...What Is Wrong With You Two!

While writing the last of my Rinn Fada chapters, Emad and later his wife Bebhinn were part of my active household. I helped them earn lifetime rewards and build skills before I sent them off to Townie Land.

Sometimes though, I left them to their own devices, free will engaged. It didn't take long for me to realize Emad and Bebhinn both needed Death Flowers in their inventories. They were going to need them.

You see, I'm not used to Evil couples. All my other couples are basically decent to one another. Well, maybe not Roy. But even he never thought about killing a romantic interest.

No, my usual couples care for each other. They garden together.

They coo and cuddle and make babies together.

But Emad and Bebhinn have their own ideas about romance.

Emad: Dear Bebhinn, I want to go skinny dipping with you ... alone. I'll show you a Kraken good time!

Little hearts and kissing doodles. Not quite the response he'd been hoping for.

Gossiping about your girlfriend with the guy she'd been having an affair with? That's just cold, man.

And what's the first thing you do when your lovely bride gets home? Why, you sneak over and ...

 ... scare the living daylights out of her! Because frightening an attractive woman is a real turn on.

And Bebhinn is no better. She may not be a Gold Digger, but I wasn't surprised when I saw she got her own ghost wish about Emad. Now both of them want to see each other dead.

Nothing says "I Love You" like a duel to the death!

Emad: Hey, Bebby, you want to go sit out in the snow and watch the stars? Afterwards, I can teach you how to juggle fire. I promise that'll get your hormones heaving!

Bebhinn: Oh Emad! You're SO sweet! And can you teach me how to throw knives too? I'm very good at archery.
Emad: Knife throwing was my next suggestion, gorgeous. I'll even let you sharpen the blades.

Emad: Stand closer, Bebby. If you want to feel real genie heat, the fire has to caress your soft, tender skin.

Bebhinn: Tomorrow, it's my turn to isssue a challenge. We'll go riding up by the lighthouse. Ever try jumping off cliffs while on a horse? Even for a Daredevil like you, Emad, it'll be truly death-defying!

Emad: I'm in, Bebby! Winner take all.

06-17. Little Wimsel

So much was happening at the Wimsel estate! There was Emad's nefarious plot to take over Rinn Fada. And Bunter making an honest man of himself. But Lord and Lady Piers had their own exciting news.

The night Piers and Hera got back from Al Medina, there was a full moon in Rinn Fada. They thought about it. Why not try for a baby that very night? If a full moon kiss was magical, baby-making would be even more so.

On their first attempt, they heard the chimes. The couple couldn't have been happier.

Hera told Caprice the good news.

Hera: Remember when we talked about you being a nanny for us? Would you still like to do that?
Caprice: I'd love to, Hera!

Piers: Bunter will be assisting with the research now, to free Hera's time. But she still wants to continue her writing and painting. We'd love to have you help with the baby. Would it be too much work, along with the gardening?
Caprice: Not at all. Taking care of the baby will be a joy!

Hera: Babies should know both parents, Piers. I want you to play an active role in our baby's life. It's important.
Piers: I'll do my best. But I don't know much about infants. I'll need to study up on the subject.
Hera: We'll study together, just like with all our research. But this time, you'll be assisting me.

Piers: You don't think the baby will be a plantsim, do you ... after that unfortunate lab accident I had?
Hera: You're completely cured now, darling. And even if the baby is unusual somehow, we'll love it anyway.
Piers: True, but I still have that herbal remedy I discovered, just in case we need it.

Hera: You're going to be a wonderful father, Piers.
Piers: Do you really think so? I don't relate well to people, you know. What if the baby doesn't like me?
Hera: The baby will love you, dearest ... just as I do!

Piers: I felt it move!
Hera: I keep wondering if it's a boy or a girl.
Piers: We'll run a test! There's been some recent studies done that suggest ...
Hera: Oh, Piers, I don't want to be a research subject.

Piers: You sure, Hera? We could set up a sound wave machine of sorts and attach it to your abdomen, then ...
Hera: No, darling. I think not. That would be just too, too vulgar.
Piers (sighing): Well, all right then.

Hera: I hope we have a girl. Would you mind, Piers?
Piers: I've also been wishing for a girl, darling.
Hera: Then we'll wish on a star for our little girl!
Piers: Well, if you like, but stars can't give real answers. Now if we used a sound machine ...

Hera: Piers, we are not using a sound machine! ... But if you really want to conduct an experiment, I have a suggestion. I could eat lots of watermelon. My old nurse once told me that melons make baby girls.

Piers: Sweetheart, there is absolutely no scientific proof of such a thing! Any more than bananas making boys.
Hera: Of course not, dear. Apples are what make boys. It's a known fact.

Piers: Hera, should you be engaging in this kind of exercise in your condition?

Hera: Oh Piers, this is lovely! Just what I needed.

Hera: It's time! Piers, it's time!!
Piers: Aaaahhh!!
Bunter: Aaaahhh!!

Hera: Hurry, Piers. We must get to the hospital at once!
Piers: Wait, darling! I have an idea. We should use the jetpacks! Much faster than a car.
Hera: Honestly, Piers!
Bunter: ... aah aah aah ....

They arrived at the hospital without incidence. Piers stumbled down the stairs, trying to clear the way for Hera.

Piers: We're having a baby. My wife ate watermelon. So it's going to be a girl. But maybe a plantsim. You never know. We were exposed to a mummy's curse too. Hope it's not a mummy. Could be a boy. We had apple pie one night. Oh god! All those WonderPetals! No telling ...

Hera: Darling, you're babbling. Leave the poor woman alone and come along now.

Welcome to the Wimsel family, little Kathryn! You were conceived during a full moon and born on Spooky Day.

Kathryn was in good health, just a little tired. Bunter gave both mama and baby a welcome home genie cleanse.

Nanny Caprice was eager to take her turn rocking the baby. Bunter serenaded Kathryn to sleep.

He hovered around the nursery, not sure if a valet's role included babysitting, but he thought maybe it might.

Caprice seemed to have Kathryn's care well in hand though.

But Piers was there first thing when he got home from work.

And first thing in the morning when he woke up.

Although, there were moments when Piers' anxiety would get the better of him.

That's when Hera stepped in. Kathryn was very close to her mama.

06-16. Gold Digger Romance: Part 2

Emad having settled matters with old man Walsh and his son Bo-- not to mention facing another showdown with Majid (aka Bunter)--Stage Two of his Wealthy Wife Project began in earnest.

For Bebhinn, career came first. So Emad wasn't going to waste any more time. He seduced her.

The next morning, before Bebhinn rushed to the office, Emad made sure the two of them were a happily committed couple. Bebhinn was no longer a free woman.

He watched her leave for work, sending her off with a genie cleanse. The least he could do after keeping her awake half the night. ... As for his day, there were a few people he needed to contact.

The first person Emad visited was Tony Donherty,  the married man Bebhinn had been having an affair with.

Emad: Tony, it's only fair to warn you that Bebhinn and I will be getting married soon. Of course, that means the two of you are through. Wouldn't want your wife to find out about your little indiscretion, now would you? Not that I judge your heartbreaking habits, but you see how it is?

Tony: Please! Don't tell my wife about Bebhinn! She'd throw me out. I'd be finished. Destroyed!
Emad: Yes. I imagine you would be. We'll just keep this between ourselves for now. Maybe you can do me a favor sometime in the future, seeing as how I'm being so open-minded here.

Next stop was Bo Walsh's humble home. Emad wondered what was wrong with this kid. He'd rather live like this than at the Walsh mansion? Well, Bo's lack of worldly motivation could be used to advantage.

Emad: I just stopped by to tell you that your sister and I will soon be married. Now I understand that you have no interest in your lost inheritance, and I wouldn't dream of interfering in your desire for independence.

... But if there's ever a time when you need a favor--a boost in your career, a debt forgiven, an enemy silenced--don't hesitate to come to me. We'll arrange something beneficial for the both of us. ... Same goes for you, David.

Bo: Well, I can't see how anything like that would come up. I'm just a civil servant, you know.
Emad: But I hear you're an inventor! Some day you might need a door or two opened.
David: He's right, Bo. Getting inventions on the market isn't easy.
Emad: Smart man. Better listen to your friend here, Bo. He has your best interests in mind.

Emad decided to see how the elder Walsh was dealing with the ultimatum he'd been given and was not surprised to learn the old man had come around. Ambition, greed, and meanness had won out.

Emad: I'm going to do all I can to further your daughter's career and to make Walsh a name to induce respect and fear here in Rinn Fada. Faraz and Walsh, a sound partnership, don't you agree?
Walsh: I've been thinking it over, and I do believe you have the qualities I've been looking for in a son.

That night, Emad took Bebhinn to the Lake of the Unicorn. The magical creature was close by when Emad embraced Bebhinn and then asked his question.

Emad: Bebhinn Walsh, will you marry me?

Her answer was yes.

The Wealthy Wife Project had gone more smoothly than Emad had dared anticipate. Add a touch of magic to romance and even the sky holds no limit. Emad was surprised to discover he was enjoying Bebhinn's company.

But nothing would stand in the way of the speedy wedding Emad had planned. Forget the wedding arch; forget the reception; forget the honeymoon. None of that mattered. He found a community room at a local equestrian ranch. Bebhinn liked horses, so why not?

Emad ignored the locals at the club, but instructed a few of his lackeys to attend the ceremony and make sure there was no interference from his brother Majid or Bebhinn's family.

The private wedding proceeded without a single problem. No interruptions, no second thoughts from the bride.

Vows were said and rings were exchanged.

Mr and Mrs Faraz danced. Love was in the air ... or was that Evil filling the room?

Emad suggested a quick roll in the hay as a token honeymoon, and Bebhinn did not protest. He was beginning to really appreciate this woman. Spending time with her was proving to be quite satisfying.

Then the after-wedding wishes appeared. All about ghosts. ... Whose ghost did Bebhinn wish to see? Was someone blocking the path to her and Emad's rise to power?

For Emad, there was no doubt who he wanted dead. It was Bebhinn, his blushing bride.

But Emad was still feeling indulgent at that moment. He'd been pleased to find his new wife enjoyed getting a little dirty. He wondered if maybe she might be more valuable to him alive, rather than dead. At least for a while.