The Experiment 

At Mount Sorel

"You're finally awake." 

Nikolai opened his eyes as he heard Magnus greet him awake. Immediately sitting up from the bed, he turned to Taro and asked, "How long have I been unconscious?"

"Two nights and a day, Your Majesty," Taro dutifully answered.

Nikolai frowned. It had already been that long?

"Your Majesty, you must delay The Coupling Rites until you're fully able to quench your thirst for your wife and control it," Magnus reiterated.

Nikolai chuckled. "Ah, my wife had been looking forward to the Coupling Rites though," he joked. "I even promised to do it whenever she wanted even if we don't follow traditions. It would be such a shame if I were to delay it…"

"What is your plan then, Your Majesty?" Magnus sighed. "You must know that even if I want to, I cannot help you any more with this coming full moon. The only solution is that you quench your thirst like before."