"Hmm!" said Machia, pausing from her examination with genuine surprise. "That's - you said you can't do any more? Objectively you can't, it's time for enforced dinner and bed, but I thought I'd have to -"

She embraces you. The levitator deactivates, and it's her turn to pull you down into a princess carry. Machia stares at your bruised collarbone for a moment, lips twitching, then lifts you and carries you over to the table. She sets you down and slides the bonds from your wrists and ankles, ensures your tail is sitting comfortably, and then she opens the rice cooker.

Heaven in saffron. An obsidian spoon drips with golden rice, spice stains leaving crimson ribbons amidst the peas and onion. Half of the rice grains are soft and fluffy, and half of them are crisp and caramelized. Three huge, golden synthprawns add a centerpiece, and after a moment in the press, quartered flatbread slices heavy with greens minced into a dipping sauce add a refreshing side. More than a little artistry had gone into the timing; having a meal ready to serve at any point during the evening forestalled a repeat of yesterday's complaints.

The session had been much shorter, and the bonds had been much better on the circulation. Machia still picks up a prawn with chopsticks and holds it to your lips without waiting to be asked.

"Baseline," she said, touching your shoulder gently where her teeth had been. "Leave the marker on for now - it'll keep if you don't use the pink body wash in the shower. That was the 20% mark, we'll only progress once you have that mastered. Oh yes, I meant to ask - I sent a drone to your apartment to pick up any pillows or plush toys that would help you sleep, but I think I somehow have the wrong place because it's saying that there's nothing there except coffee cups."