Utterly Mad

Despite the mood, preparation for the fall cotillion went ahead steadily. Everything had to be absolutely tip top for clients, not to mention slave traders. King became obsessed with the prophecy Minx had given him, seeing the predicted "dark lady" as not just a unique asset to be acquired, but as a vital part of his business. Those closest to him worried for his health and sanity, and the Court's physicians began to worry about the health and sanity of his staff.

The dreams were getting worse, and health was failing en masse. The physicians claimed it was mycus, that the searing spear should be called to investigate. King again refused and mere days before the ball, pinky came down with a case of late stage infestation. The doctors who treated her informed King that she could be saved, but it would take surgery and a lot of anti fungus but she would not be allowed to return to Kings Court. Such an advanced case would cause an atavism, an allergy, and the next time she contracted the mycus would not simply infect her, it would kill her outright.

It was fortunate for Catnip and Minx, that King's new disregard for common sense and safety reared its ugly head on the morning of the fall cotillion.