"Genie, I wish I was twenty years old."
Karyn bowed, "Of course, my mistress. Your wish is my law." Sarah's second wish had given the genie little wiggle room. Besides, Karyn understood that sometimes to trick someone you have to give them exactly what they want.
Her master stretched fully, standing up on her toes in the process. "Much better, genie." The woman shuddered, "I hope that I don't truly look like that when I get older."
"Oh, Mistress, ugliness will never again touch your features." Karyn couldn't believe she could lie that well.
Sarah nodded, "You're right, Genie. Now, go draw my bath. I should hope it's just as I like it in five minutes." Karyn curtsied deeply and went into the bathroom. What a menial task, beneath even a Genie, she thought. True, Karyn was a servant, but she was a being of pure magic. She should be helping people, or changing the face of the cosmos. Instead Sarah wanted money, beauty, and a bath. The genie shook her head as she started the water running. With luck, her next master would realize Karyn's potential.
The genie stopped for a moment and wondered where such a thought came from. Did she truly want to be a servant for the rest of her life? Or are thoughts as these just the influence of the Stone? Karyn was disturbed at either option.
But then her master walked into the room. She slid off her pink night gown and Karyn helped her into the tub. If she could just pull away at the right moment . . . but the genie couldn't physically harm her master. Sarah sank into the bubble-infested water with a long sigh.
It was just as she settled herself when the phone rang. "Genie, go answer the phone." Karyn curtsied and snapped her fingers, and the cordless was in her hand.
"Ms. McMillian's penthouse." The genie answered with a sweet voice. "I shall tell her. It shall be at least an hour. Good bye." Karyn looked at Sarah, who barely acknowledged her existence, "That was the caterer's. They're wondering what to do for tonight's party. They wish to meet with you in about an hour."
"Very well." She sank deeper into her luxurious bath and said nothing to Karyn for several minutes. But the genie saw in Sarah's serene face that she was in deep thought. "Genie, I have come to the realization that I don't know much about your capabilities. Hell, I don't know how many wishes I get."
Karyn cringed a little, "I shall tell you all you desire, my mistress . . ."
