Lucy learned from Sandra that being a bit “rough” was not a carnal sin, but just a variation on scratching that itch in a slightly different way.S...he experimented with a complete stranger shortly after and found that she had the same reactions as Sandra when push came to shove and she hated herself for it, but accepted it as part of human behavior and her ingrained submissive persona.As time went on, Lucy avoided romantic or lusting relationships with the opposite gender because she was certain. " Noel squeaked out, surprising herself with that but feeling that it was true somehow. Mrs. Claus gasped then hurried closer, her eyes darting from Santa to Noel and back. "Oh Santa," she gasped in delight, tears of joy beginning to pour down her cheeks as she nearly threw herself at Noel for a hug. "How did you know..." "The powers that be sent him... her," Santa explained, still a little confused but quickly getting his balance. "You know that I've always wished we could have children of our. .. Ms Armis, I have taken the liberty of setting up this meeting with leaders of several parties, including Her Majesty, Empress Aiko.”After generations uncounted, in April of 2044, the Japanese legislature amended the law governing succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne to allow for males or females to be emperors. Empress Aiko succeeded to the throne 18 months later, on the death of her father after a long fight with pancreatic cancer. She was 6 years old at the time. Now she was 25 and had. " Cassie mussed Adele's hair andsmiled down at her.Adele struggled to sit up and Cassie helped her. Adele leaned intoCassie taking comfort from her."Are you married? Are you with someone?" Adele reached for her drinkand took a sink."Natalie Styles. We're not married but we've been together off and onfor a long time. It's complicated." Cassie sighed and reached for owndrink."Celia and I have a complicated relationship too. We're more alikethan we thought." Adele chuckled and Cassie laughed.