23 The nobles began to applaud, and The Lord God
led Golden One into a private room and sat her down. "Will it displease
you," he asked, "to be my bride?"
24 "No," answered Golden One, "if it means better conditions for some
of my people I would gladly surrender myself to you."
25 "I had hoped," remarked The Lord God, "there would be better reasons
than that. I thought there was some affection between us."
26 "There is obedience and respect," answered Golden One. "Perhaps in
time, affection will also appear."
27 "Your honesty," smiled The Lord God, "is so refreshing that it
brings me joy. Others would have claimed affection, but you spoke truly
and that is what I love of you most. Go to your quarters now. My old
wives' rooms are yours. The ceremonies you must perform and the wedding
vows you
must speak will be explained to you. When it is over, I will keep
company with you as much as I can."
28 Golden One hated the idea of a Godden wedding. All of her people
did. To them, the ceremonies were disgusting, but she went through with
it with smiles. No one suspected her true feelings.
29 Not a month after the ceremony her time of burning came. She
conceived, and at the proper hour brought forth an egg. Through the egg
as it cleared, it could be seen she had born a fine man-child, with
golden skin like hers, and wings like his father. "Take him out of that
thing," ordered The Lord God, "let me hold him!"
30 "My Lord ," objected Golden One, "we can't do that! He must sleep in
the egg for a month yet, and grow, then he will be born. The way we
give birth is different from your people. When the hour comes that he
comes forth, I will call you, so you can see."
31 "I will bow," The Lord God agreed, "to your wisdom in these matters."
32 Twenty-five days later The Lord God was called to
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