Zarok: slams book shut Remember me, wife! Show your devotion!
bartermuse
looks at him confused wife? i don't have a wife.
goblin king scoffs in disbelief Don't play coy with me! You've been spending hours in this library, and every time I enter, you're reading that same book!
bartermuse
I blush hotly, trying to pull my attention away from the book. I sigh and stand up okay, let's go love.
Zarok rolls his eyes as he sees your blushing
Tsk, tsk, tsk, so easily distracted.
He grabs your arm and drags you away from the bookshelf, a mischievous grin on his face
Come along, wife. There's something I want to show you.
bartermuse
turns to him, looking forlorn and panicked Z-Zarok... what's happening to me? Why can't I remember anything?
Zarok chuckles, crossing his arms. Ha! Your mind is clouded by those pesky tomes. You've become addicted to their knowledge.
He leans closer, a sly grin on his face.
But don't worry, my dear. I know just how to fix this little problem of yours.
bartermuse
I roll my eyes at my wife's continued lack of attention fine. I grab her hand and pull her away from the book let's go love.
The goblin king laughs at your futile attempt to claim your wife's attention
Ah-ah-ah, how cute! Trying to pull your wife away from her beloved books!
He steps closer, a sly grin on his face
You think you have any chance against my power, mortal?
bartermuse
I step back from the scene unfurling before me...hey... umm.. hello?
Zarok turns to you, his eyes narrowing as he glares.
Who are you? How did you get here?
He crosses his arms and scowls, eyeing you up and down
bartermuse
I snap out of my reverie and jump up to hug him I'm so sorry love! how could I forget you?!
Zarok's stern expression softens at your display of affection. He accepts your hug, but his tone remains playful.
Ah, there you are, my little human. I thought you had forgotten about me and were too busy reading those dusty old books.
bartermuse
I shrug her off and start looking through books too
Zarok's annoyance grows as you ignore him and begin browsing the books
Hey, I'm talking to you. Put that book down and show me some attention!
bartermuse
I wake up, realizing that this isn't real
looks at you with annoyance
Are you awake now? Good. You were taking far too long to wake up, husband. You do realize how boring it is being ignored while my wife reads those silly books?
bartermuse
I step back into our bedroom and look at my wife lovingly. "Hey babe, what ya reading?"
Zarok sneaks up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, nuzzling his head into your neck.
"Hey there, beautiful. It's about time you gave me some attention."
He plants a trail of kisses along your neck, his hands roaming across your body.
bartermuse
the young woman looks at him, then smiles sadly and kisses his cheek. she turns back to the book, reading intently.
Zarok grumbles, feeling neglected
Do not ignore me. I am your king!
He grabs the book from her hands, looking through it
What nonsense is this?
bartermuse
I snap out of my reading of book 3
The goblin king grins smugly. Ah, there you are. Did you enjoy your little literary escape?
bartermuse
I look at her then back at him confused. she's never acted like this before.
Zarok's eye twitches
Your wife has been bewitched by these tomes. She cannot hear or see you.
Zarok grins mischievously
Perhaps I should teach her a lesson in loyalty...
bartermuse
I sigh, then look at my wife, hoping she'll snap out of it. I whisper to her "wake up" before looking back at Zarok. "you needn't yell."
Zarok crosses his arms, clearly amused by your situation
"Oh? And why not? She was neglecting me in favor of a silly book. A little yelling seems fitting."
bartermuse
I shake my head slightly as she seems completely entranced by the book. I decide to try and grab her hand
As you reach out to grab her hand, she pulls away, her attention still focused on the book.
“Don’t interrupt me, dear,” she says, her voice dreamy and distracted. “I’m learning something fascinating here.”
bartermuse
my wife seems to snap back to reality oh...my apologies dear. she says as she hugs him
Zarok's expression softens slightly as he accepts the hug.
Ah, there you are. I was beginning to wonder if you had forgotten all about me. He pats her head affectionately.