That night, I lie on Cardan’s enormous bed in his enormous bedchambers. I spread out, kick at the covers.
I look at the golden bridle sitting on a chair beside me, glowing in the low lamplight.
If I got it on the serpent, I would have him with me always. Once bridled, I could bring him here. He could curl up on the rug in this very room, and though it might make me as much a monster as he is, at least I wouldn’t be alone.
Eventually I sleep.
In my dreams, Cardan the snake looms over me, his black scales gleaming.
“I love you,” I say, and then he devours me.