Mikki told Asterius as they watched the Earth Elemental pass the word to her women that they were done for the day. “It’s obvious that you and she are becoming friends,” Asterius said. “Yes, we are,” she said, thinking that it was just as obvious that the Elemental was uncomfortable with her Empousa’s familiarity with the Guardian. “It’s not surprising that the two of you are compatible. Earth and roses fit naturally together.” “You’re right—they do.” Gii would just have to get used to having Asterius around. Mikki didn’t think it would be too tough for the Elemental to do that. All she needed to do was to quit thinking of him as a beast, and she’d soon see what Mikki saw—the man within. It hadn’t been that hard for her. How difficult could it be for the rest of them? “I should go now, Mikado. The handmaidens will want time alone with you, and there are duties to which I must attend.” She looked up at him, surprised that she could be sad to part from him after spending the whole day in his company.
