Vaid Empire: Conquest
Chapter 70
50th of Fonic, 14 AVE.
Shai Domain, City of Shai.
“This is unwise, my Potentate,” Salik said in a near whisper.
They stood in a corridor outside The Citadel’s dining room as they prepared to face their guests. Varse pushed aside a painting to peer through a hidden peephole. “So it is.”
Inside waited twenty-eight men, each a member of Sinshi’s cabal. Several paced impatiently while others sat quietly at the dining table. Arkos, Lanthians, Taziks. Jidun sat among them as the sole Dril in the heart of his species’ homeland, tapping his finger with a grimace of concern. His wounds had healed enough to conceal his secret, leaving his face marked with deep scars.
“Wait here, boy. You’ll know when to join me,” Varse commanded as he replaced the painting. He ignored the protest in Salik’s piercing red eyes as he turned towards the door. It was time to step into a pit of serpents, emerging victorious or not at all.
Every man stood as he entered, bowing their heads with respect as they gave a customary “My Potentate,” in unison. They watched him closely, no doubt ready to drop their act of servitude at a moment’s notice.
“Please, gentlemen. Take a seat.” Varse gestured before finding his own at the head of the long table, placing himself across from Jidun. The Dril refused to meet his eyes.
They joined him at the table, each finding a chalice waiting. Twenty-eight pairs of eyes watched him. Twenty-eight remaining men who had participated in his attempted assassinations. He allowed the tension in the room to sharpen, as if forging a blade that may cut their throats.
Varse watched them regard their surroundings with subtly masked suspicion. “I shall cut directly to the heart of why you’ve been summoned. A rumor has reached my ear. A rumor that pains me greatly, for it appears that a man among us may have participated in the attempts on my life.”
He watched their trained expressions shift, each anticipating danger. Several glanced at Jidun, though their ringleader remained motionless.
“I offer no accusations, gentlemen.” Varse withheld his disgust as he studied each of them in turn. “This matter shall be investigated, though I hope to discover no truth to such a vile rumor. Still…”
As their Potentate gestured to the chalice before him, many peeked at their own. A black liquid waited at the bottom, hardly filling a third of each cup.
“When you accepted the duty of serving the aims of The Domain, you each drank a portion of Dril blood, binding you to our people. As agents of Shai, you’ve sworn to-”
“We know our vows, my Potentate,” one of the men interrupted, an Arkos.
Jidun shot the Arkos a deadly glance. “You’ll keep your damn mouth shut.”
Varse hid his annoyance. Let them believe they held a sliver of control in this chamber. Let them believe they could openly disrespect him. It would matter little. “As I was saying, our guiding philosophy is quite simple. We wish to be left alone, free of the danger and influence of outsiders. To succeed in this, we must weaken and manipulate outside realms until they pose no true threat to The Domain. Infighting shall only serve to poison us. Treachery shall see us destroyed before our enemies lay a single step within our lands.”
They all appeared to listen, yet Varse knew they only awaited a signal from their true leader. It’d be quite clumsy to openly assassinate a Potentate within the heart of The Domain itself. Disastrous, even. Only their hesitation spared his life, maintained by Jidun’s silence.
“Unity among us must be assured, and in light of these rumors, I shall require you all once more to reseal your vow.” Varse picked up his chalice carefully. “We’ll drink as brothers and taste the blood of those you’ve sworn to serve. Let us put aside these disgusting whispers.”
He watched them look to Jidun in both amusement and caution. Let them judge him a fool. Let them believe he was either naive enough to trust their loyalty, or desperate to escape his doom. They thought him to be prey in a room full of predators, when only one true predator sat before them.
Jidun played his part, beckoning the blue pintila worm in the center of the table towards him. The poison-sensing creature slithered into his hand, opening its circular mouth. He frowned at Varse. “No offense, my Potentate.”
“By all means, I’ll do the same,” he said, watching Jidun drip several drops of the black blood from his chalice into the worm’s mouth. They waited a moment, seeing the creature’s blue skin remain unblemished. No poison.
The rest of the room watched as Varse took his turn, testing his drink. As planned, no poison tainted the liquid. Jidun raised his chalice to his lips, only to scowl at his men. “Well? You heard him. Drink!”
They held the advantage, and as they watched their leader drink without fear, they slowly began to join in at his command.
Varse consumed the black blood before allowing his stern expression to harden further. He waited, merely watching them finish. Only when the first cough echoed quietly through the chamber did he break his silence. “The truth is, I love this land. We hold a unique freedom that has never existed outside our borders. It’s a tranquility worth defending, and I’d gladly give my life to do just that.”
Another coughed, louder now. Then another, drawing the attention of the others as they found their own throats beginning to warm. The last two men to drink spit out the blood, their hesitation having spared them. They hurried to their feet. A Lanthian and a Tazik, the orange skinned of the two stabbed a finger in Varse’s direction as he readied his blade. “Scheming worm!”
Gripping their throats, all other men began to writhe, many falling to the floor. Varse watched the scene in disgust. “Let them choke on broken vows.”
“You were a fool to trust him, Jidun! A damned fool!” the remaining Lanthian accused, preparing to leap across the table to slay their Potentate. The door behind him whipped open as Salik burst into the room, driving his blade through the green man’s back.
The Tazik raised his blade in defense. An upward swing of Salik’s curved sword cleaved his hands from his wrists. Frozen in shock, the horned assassin remained wordless as Salik grabbed the back of his head, slamming it down hard into the stone table with an audible crunch.
“Hold! I did my par-” Jidun held out his hands to protect himself as Salik silently approached, gritting his teeth in pain as he was ripped from his chair. The masked man dragged him across the length of the table, knocking over chalices until he was delivered upon his back to The Potentate. “Y…you vowed to spare me, damn you!”
Salik folded his arms, towering above him. “Your death shall not come by my hand.”
Remaining seated, Varse took a moment to hear the struggling men slowly fall silent one by one. Every death fell upon his shoulders, a necessity he endured with a grimace. “Duty requires me to end your life, hybrid. Your existence threatens my people, yet your death may remove a valuable asset that may prevent a greater danger. I shall ask this only once. If I spare your life, do you vow to speak of your involvement with Sinshi to The Council upon my command?”
Hesitating, Jidun finally nodded. “Fine, fine. I’ll tell them everything. Just-”
“Only upon my command. The threat of such a thing shall either tame Sinshi or damn us both.”
Perplexed, Jidun attempted to rise before Salik forced him again onto his back.
The smell of rot began to trickle from the mouths of the bodies scattered throughout the room, the skin of their throats turning black. Varse scowled, doing his best to avoid seeing their faces. “These men shall be replaced with beings of my own choosing, and you shall be relieved of your command. Dril will protect Dril once more.” He nodded to Salik. “Bring him to the cells beneath The Citadel.”
The masked assassin obeyed, dragging Jidun away. Within moments Varse was alone, faced with a chamber of bodies. How easy it would have been to simply let them slay him; one body traded for twenty-seven others. He would have found peace, perhaps, yet his life was all that remained to defend his people from catastrophe. He’d cling to it a little longer.
41st of Fixuin, 14 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Near Littlexia.
Cendra‘s sword carved through the air as she twirled, its sharp edge digging deep into the trunk of a palm tree. She yanked it free, spinning away as she practiced her form.
Two miles from the legion encampment besieging Littlexia, she bit her lip in frustration as her movements were a fraction of a second delayed. It was her pregnancy, she knew, her belly already noticeable to any who looked upon her. She had kept to herself, of course, almost able to convince herself that she wasn’t hiding away in embarrassment. When their ships had left Talin behind, she had locked herself within her cabin. While Irith‘s knowledge of Wirmri allowed the legion to take the city efficiently, she had camped within the wilderness. Humiliating as it was to miss the glory of battle, the alternative was much worse.
A flame erupted up the blade of her sword as she felt a spike of anger, cleaving through the thin trunk of a second tree. It burned as it collapsed to the reddish sand of the beach, its dark blue leaves splashing into the water.
“Faster, worthless fool…” she told herself, marking her next wooden opponent as her blade danced. Another tree fell, and for the hundredth time that morning, her thoughts wandered to the new life she sensed within her womb.
A grimace of regret tugged at her lips. The creature within her was at once a reminder of her father’s love and a betrayal to Clin. It’d shame him, shame her, yet hadn’t she decided to love both men equally? Did her vow to bear only Clin’s child no longer stand when he himself offered to raise her bastard? Even the very concept of a bastard was slowly being stripped away by The Empire, yet still she clung to her pride.
Sword blazing, she leapt into a backflip before striking a tree as she landed, her movements ever so slightly losing elegance. Her mind fell to the root of her reasoning, remembering Vixin with a flare of rage. Vixin had slept with their father, the first to claim his love. Cendra would not fall to such a level, or so she had thought long ago. Vixin had given birth to a non-royal. Cendra would not, until now. Vixin had birthed their father’s baby. Cendra had held against the final bastion of her pride…only to fall. For the first time, she allowed herself to acknowledge that she had followed in her sister’s footsteps almost entirely.
Her breath quickened, not slowing even as she came to a stop. Her rage slipped from her grasp, revealing what lay beneath as she looked to her trembling hand with utter shock. Was she…afraid? Her breaths continued, mind racing. She was the firstborn, The God Emperor‘s pride. She held a duty to be better, to show what an imperial princess should be. Yet in all her pride, she was no better than the daughter of the woman that had killed her mother. She was failing, losing control.
The pride that had held her above her vile sister was collapsing despite her desperation. Would Xenia laugh at her from her grave? Seeing her fall to Vixin’s level?
Cendra lowered her weapon, gazing into the gargantuan river. She heard the chirping of creatures in the distance, her mind gradually slowing.
Her father had granted her this baby out of love, she knew. That she would not lose to her sister…yet. When his empire celebrated pregnancy in all forms, even granting Vixin the title of Goddess of Fertility out of respect, was it truly so wrong for her to birth a non-royal in such times? She felt her breaths ease.
She thought back to the moment Vixin had defeated her during their training, wondering how strong she had become during their time away. Again, her fear returned, forcing her to clench her fists as she forced the thought from her mind.
For several minutes she watched the flowing water, remembering the descriptions of her mother’s corpse. Over and over, she used the image to spark her anger towards her sister, only for it to fall away into her accursed fear. She needed to defeat the traitor’s daughter, did she not? Could she not?
Already she had sent word to her men in The Capital. Whoever this ‘Fanir’ boy was, they had reported his closeness to Vixin. Lord Salduin and Vixin herself couldn’t be harmed, yet a slave was of no concern to her father. Would the pain of a slave hurt her sister? Would that balance the scale?
Digging the tip of her blade into the sand, Cendra sat down beside the water. She remembered the moment Vixin had come to her room, seeking an end to her animosity after gifting her the vibshir. They could have been true sisters then, she knew. Years of potential memories had been dashed by Cendra’s anger.
Feeling the water touch her feet, Cendra dropped her facade. Safely alone, she couldn’t help but choke back tears. “Mother…I hate her…I think I…” Her voice fell to a whisper. “Why won’t you guide me?”
The question forced a blush of embarrassment to her cheeks, despising the emotion she strained to force down. An imperial princess required strength. What was she? Did she deserve to be The God Emperor’s firstborn when even the thought of swimming filled her with consuming dread?
A long moment passed as she sat in silence, listening to the water. A distant sense of someone approaching claimed her attention, scowling as she heard steps in the sand. Yet another reminder of Vixin’s victory strolled towards her as she quickly wiped her eyes.
“Cendra?” Irith’s smooth voice came from further down the beach. Hips swaying, she held the hands of the twins as they walked beside her.
The God Emperor would never permit his love and heir to depart unguarded, and sure enough, Cendra sensed the Truthseekers creeping through the foliage, hidden as they prepared to defend their Concubine Empress. The princess had long since ordered her own protectors to grant her a wide perimeter, seeking solitude.
Zela marched happily along while Arinax nearly clung to his mother’s hip, remaining as close as possible. When Irith sat down beside Cendra, only Zela moved to play in the sand.
“I do not wish to disturb you, yet there are things we must discuss,” Irith said in her accent.
“Come to lecture me on legion command? I thought I had earned a break from such discussions,” Cendra said bitterly, watching Arinax peer at her wearily as he held onto his mother’s arm.
“Child, I believe we’ve bickered quite enough about that.” She shook her head. “No, I’ve come to speak of your pregnancy. I’d like to assist you, yet you remain here, away from camp. Lord Clin has done his best with Cliax, though my grandchild needs his mo-”
“Yet he’s not your grandchild, is he? You made that quite clear when you invited my sister into your bed.”
The cut of her words was evident upon Irith’s face, a deeper blow than she had intended. The Concubine Empress required a moment before she could reply calmly. “Alright Cendra. Alright. You’re upset. If you’d like me to leave, I shall.”
Cendra remained quiet as she watched Zela explore, biting her tongue as she strangled the urge to apologize.
Irith sighed, moving to cradle Arinax as if he were far younger. “I only seek to ease your burden. I know who sired your child, and what you must do to conceal that fact.”
Silver eyes widening, she glared at her father’s mate. “He…told you?”
“I know many of his secrets. Perhaps more than you dare consider.” Irith nodded. “There is no shame in this, for what you’ve done is quite a beautiful act. Still, I admit that I gave your father more than an earful when he told me, for he should not have shamed Lord Clin in such a way.”
A mix of guilt and humiliation flooded Cendra as she blushed, her scowl deepening. She wanted to fade from existence, to kneel at Clin’s feet and beg for forgiveness, yet a Vaid couldn’t kneel.
Seeing her emotion, Irith attempted to place her hand onto Cendra’s shoulder, only to have her shrug it off. “There should be no embarrassment in this, for The Empire shall soon understand that such acts are as natural as the setting sun. Please, my dear, allow me to assist you through this. Allow me to be a mother to you.”
“My mother is dead,” she replied, concealing one hand with her other as it began to tremble. “I require no help.”
“Oh?” Irith’s flowing accent became flavored with a sudden passion. “Child, there is much I could do for you. I know what you desire. I’ve seen you with the legion. I’ve witnessed your enthusiasm as you train to command them. You seek to lead a battle on your own? To prove yourself? I hold your father’s ear. If you’d like, I may speak to him about granting you such an opportunity.”
Ears perking, Cendra turned her head to face her, finally meeting her blue eyes. “You’d…do that?”
Irith nodded. “You’re a woman now. I was commanding my brother’s men when I was younger even than you. It’s time.” She returned her hand to her shoulder, and this time it remained. “Yet a woman that spurns both family and allies is not ready to lead. If I am to speak to Dominax, I ask only that you allow me to assist you without this persistent resistance. Allow me to train you, to be at your side and assist you through this pregnancy. Let us attempt to be a family. Please.”
Anger slowly easing, Cendra nearly allowed herself to taste a hint of excitement. “That would be…acceptable.”
Heart fluttering, Irith allowed Arinax to stand before she pulled the princess into a tight hug. Cendra’s arms remained at her sides, offering little in return even as she felt an urge to melt into her grasp like a child.
“How will you do it?” Cendra asked when they finally separated, maintaining a cold tone. “The God Emperor’s mind is rarely swayed, no less when his children’s safety is concerned.”
“Just leave your father to me.” Irith smiled. “For now, merely rest. When the time is right, we’ll find a command that suits you.”
44th of Fixuin, 14 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Outside Littlexia.
“I’ve brought you a surprise, my love,” Irith’s sensual voice eased from her lips as she stepped into the bedchamber of the command tent.
Seated at the desk, Dominax finished etching his careful commands before sealing the message cylinders. With the ongoing siege of Littlexia in the back of his mind, he turned to regard her with a raised brow.
She crossed over to him, running her hands down his chest from behind as she lovingly nuzzled his neck. “The children are asleep, my love, and I’ve found the perfect volunteer for tonight.”
“Ah.” An insidious smile crept across his face as he sensed his mate’s eagerness. How many times had she brought him a female she herself had selected, seeking to watch him breed? Far too many to count in the months since she had confessed her hidden desires. “My jealous little concubine isn’t content to merely rest after today’s battle?”
His words reddened her cheeks as she smiled, feeling his bare form beneath her fingertips. “Leave rest for the others, for I’d see us both satisfied before daring to seek sleep. Besides, I’ve planned something quite different for tonight.”
Intrigued, he rose from his chair before placing his hands upon her wide hips. “Then by all means, bring her in.”
“Her?” A scheme played across her smile. “And if I told you I’ve brought bondmates? Both a man and a woman?”
His expression drained into a menacing glare. “I’d remind you that any man who dares to so much as caress your skin shall see his own peeled off.”
She shook her head. “Nor would I ever allow another male to enjoy me. You know where my loyalties rest, my love. No, I offer a different proposal. A Sage has come to me, speaking of a couple that regularly seeks her services. She claims the man is a…voyeur of sorts, taking pleasure in watching his mate with another.”
Dominax felt a hint of his smirk return. “And this Sage whispers such rumors to you?”
Irith shrugged coyly. “I’ve tasked several Sages with informing me of potential northerners that are willing to spend a night with his holiness. This pair seems to be very interested, my love. It appears they were among the few citizens of Talin that volunteered to join the legion as servants.”
“True believers or seeking coin, I wonder?” Dominax considered her proposal for a moment, feeling his manhood subtly twitch. “Very well, you may bring them in. You and this voyeur may watch, yet you’ll remain apart.”
Excitement filling her blue eyes, Irith nodded before kissing his cheek. “I’d have it no other way.”
He watched her hips swaying sensually as she departed, returning a moment later accompanied by their guests. Together they bowed low before their conqueror, allowing him to sense their nervousness.
“Rise,” he commanded, standing over them. Irith repeated the word in her native language. True northerners, it seemed, just as she preferred.
Man and woman, they stood together, hand in hand as they regarded his nude form. Scrawny with dark red hair, the man whispered something in his smooth tongue, requiring Irith to translate. “He thanks you for this opportunity, my love, and praises your generosity.”
Amused, Dominax stepped closer as he ran his fingers through the woman’s short black hair. “Ah, yet he’s the one bearing gifts. Let us see what he offers.”
After a gentle command from Irith, the woman briefly looked to her mate. He nodded, cheeks red with clumsily concealed anticipation as he granted her permission to undress. Slowly, she removed her short dress and allowed it to slide from her slim body.
Assessing her, Dominax caressed her feminine form, feeling her pale skin. She met this gaze with a sensual challenge, clearly doing her best to calm her nerves as she bit her lip.
The man watched as their ruler cupped her moderate breasts, feeling their weight. Dominax’s glanced at him with a smirk. “He knows the consequences of allowing his mate into my bed, does he not?”
Irith swallowed with a steadily building lust of her own. “They both know she shall leave with a child in her belly, yes. Such is a fate they’ve both long for.”
The woman bit back a moan, releasing her mate’s hand as she dared to touch their ruler’s hardening cock. Lightly, as if stroking a predator, she wrapped her fingers around it to feel his girth.
“You may undress,” Irith permitted the man as she began unfastening her own belt, anticipation raging through her. She watched as Dominax’s hand slipped between the woman’s thighs, blushing with exquisite jealousy as she knew her love would soon mate with the beauty before her.
Releasing a moan at his touch, the woman closed her blue eyes as he pressed his lips to hers, tasting her for the first time. The man watched helplessly, dropping his tunic to the floor as his own manhood began to harden at the sight. Irith did her best to avoid judgment, though it was clear at a glance at his size why his mate was eager to feel The God Emperor inside her.
Dominax led the woman towards the bed, guiding her onto her back upon the edge. Remaining standing, he gradually pulled her thighs far apart, granting her mate a clear view at just how wet she had already grown for his cock.
Irith moved with eagerness, happily pulling two chairs to the side of the bed. She placed them an arm’s length apart, gesturing for the red-haired man to claim one. He obeyed submissively, eyes wide with visible lust as he watched Dominax’s fingers slid inside his bondmate.
“Make her scream, my love,” Irith said, feeling the wood of the chair against her bare rump as she sat. Waiting with anticipation, she allowed her own hand to sneak between her legs. This girl was of the north, her homeland, her birthplace. Jealousy flamed her arousal, already imagining her mate’s cock sliding inside.
Light moans echoed through the tent as Dominax’s expert fingers completed their work, requiring little time before his new lover began to arch her back in enjoyment. The sounds of her moist lower lips gave proof to her readiness, his fingers slippery with her ample juices.
Removing his hand from between her spread legs, Dominax remained standing as he began to rub his shaft over her waiting labia. The bed placed his hips level with hers, and he grabbed her thighs as he slid back and forth.
“Please, my love…any further delay may kill me,” Irith moaned, dragging her fingers over her own lower lips as she waited. Then, switching to her native tongue, she turned to regard the man beside her. “Watch closely as my mate claims yours…for it shall be glorious…”
The scrawny man gritted his teeth in desperation, his small erection waiting between his thighs. Slowly, seeing Dominax’s hips press forward, he allowed himself a whimpering moan as his woman cried out in the bliss of a deep penetration.
Sliding inside, Dominax chuckled in amusement as he sensed the man’s lust. This pair was a curious sight to behold, yet all the better for him. He felt her tightness as he pushed into her pale body, watching her eyes flutter back.
Irith plunged her fingers into her pussy, pleasuring herself to the feeling of her burning jealousy. Her mate savored the feeling of another Northern woman’s loins, driving her wild.
Dominax groaned with each deep thrust, moving to hold her slim waist for leverage. His cock tingled at knowing he was inside another man’s woman, baffled at how anyone would willingly give away such a beautiful specimen. He felt her stretching around his girth, filling her vagina entirely.
The man slowly began to stroke himself to the sight, watching his love moan in a bliss he couldn’t grant her. Cheeks red with humiliation, a grin crept onto his face, no longer able to hold back as he was cuckolded.
“Please her, my love!” Irith nearly begged, burying her fingers inside herself. “Make her know what it is to breed with MY mate!”
Dominax required little encouragement, gradually increasing his pace with each hard slam. Stirring her insides, he watched as the woman threw her arms back to rest above her head, utterly loving each of his movements. Already her body was his.
Unable to stop herself, Irith turned to the man at her side to speak their tongue. “Watch her writhe…ooohhh…watch as my love steals your woman…” She knew what he wanted to hear, of course, sharing his hidden desires. They were one in the same, using their jealousy to their advantage.
The two voyeurs watched the pair moaning together, caring little who may hear the loud breeding beyond the tent’s fabric walls. The pale woman cried out with passion, holding her legs as far apart as she could manage to allow him as deep as possible.
Dominax smirked as his eyes found hers, seeing the challenge in her gaze. She wanted him to go faster, harder, prompting him to test her limits. He chuckled, accepting the challenge.
Pulling free, Dominax mounted the bed quickly as he forced her onto her belly. Rotating their bodies to place their voyeurs at their side, granting them a better view, he maneuvered her to raise her rump as she was placed on her hands and knees.
The man watched his bondmate throw her head back, seeing Dominax ram his cock back inside where it belonged. From behind, their ruler held her hips as he pounded in and out, causing the man to shiver in lust at the sight of her pleasure.
“He’s cuckolding you…yet allow no shame to taint this beautiful moment…” Irith told him, flicking her own sensitive clit. “Oooohhh…this is who you are…who she is…who I am…”
Dominax granted his lover a hard spank, feeling her clench around his thick manhood. The bed slightly shifted with each thrust, squeaking as it rocked. She was a mortal with mortal limits, requiring his restraint, yet he used just enough of his heightened strength to test her capabilities.
“Is she…I think she’s…” Irith began, watching the woman tremble. “She’s cumming…ooohhh…she’s cumming…” The sight forced her to spread her own thighs further, furiously working her fingers between her legs. A female rival was orgasming around her mate’s cock. A northerner was enjoying the climax that should be hers. The thought proved too much, and she cried out as she joined the woman’s bliss.
Beside her, the man stroked himself faster as he watched his woman scream. A better man was satisfying her, causing him to blush as he moaned deeply. The sight only drove Irith’s enjoyment further, knowing her mate was defeating this male in his duty to reproduce.
Dominax’s fingers dug into the soft skin of the woman’s rump, savoring her convulsing tightness as he continued. He turned to grant the man a smirk, pounding in and out of his woman.
It was a curious feeling to cuckold a man without the need for guilt, sensing the utter satisfaction the man radiated with each passing moment. A thought of Clin forced Dominax to scowl at himself for an instant, despising that he had lost control with Cendra.
Little remained of the red-haired man’s nervousness, and he began to mutter in his native tongue. Irith translated, massaging her sensitive bud between two fingers. “He thanks you…ahhh…for pleasing his bondmate with your superior cock…”
Grunting with a primal heat in his loins, Dominax slowed to grant her several deep, hard thrusts against her cervix. She groaned loudly each time, reveling in his handling of her body.
Grabbing her, he forced her roughly to return to her back, moving her head to dangle over the edge of the bed for her mate to see. Mounting her as he knelt between her thighs, Dominax held himself above her as his hips moved in a steady rhythm in and out.
A short black strand of hair clung to her face from her perspiration, her hair messy from her lover. Her blue eyes found her bondmate, fluttering in pleasure with each hard movement.
The man muttered to his woman, furiously stroking his short cock as he was granted a clear view of her expression. Irith slid her fingers to stroke her own depths as she translated. “He’s telling her…ahhh…how beautiful she looks with your cock inside her…”
Chuckling, Dominax grabbed the woman’s breast, fondling her as he bit her neck lightly. She moaned, her eyes never leaving her bondmate’s gaze.
“He’s telling her…ooohhhh…my love, he’s telling her how much he wants to see her get pregnant…” Irith’s fingers moved quickly as she spoke, rubbing her most sensitive internal area before she could no longer endure. “He’s begging you now…my love…he’s…he’s begging you to breed her! He wants to raise your…your…ooooohhhh…”
Dominax sensed a burst of euphoria from Irith as she climaxed, watching her tremble. Her accented moans merely encouraged his hips to move faster, rocking against his pale lover.
The moment was steadily approaching, feeling his urges growing frantic at knowing he was claiming another man’s woman. The debauchery of the bondmates spoke to something within him, his loins more than happy to grant the redhead the humiliation he so craved.
Cock throbbing with sensitivity, Dominax slid in and out of her wet womanhood with an exquisite slowness, tasting his own anticipation. Closer and closer he approached his finish, moving to grip the sheets beneath his lover as his loins burst with a clenching eruption of pleasure.
Groaning hard, he felt himself shooting thick ropes of cum deep inside her pussy, causing her to scream as she joined him in climax. Their bodies trembled together, loins interlocked as her capacity was quickly outmatched. His seed oozed from her well used body around his buried shaft.
The man gasped at the sight of another male getting his mate pregnant, seeing the absolute satisfaction in her eyes. He whimpered as he finished, his seed squirting to fall to the floor. The rightful place of his sperm had been stolen by a better man.
Irith threw her head back, her long braid touching the floor. Once more her mate sired a child with a northern rival. Once more she was humiliated. Once more she climaxed.
Fingers shaking inside her, Irith clung to her jealousy. There was nothing to hide before her mate, no secrets between them. He played into her desires, allowing her to savor her enjoyment without judgment. She wanted to rush to him, to press her lips to his, yet her legs wouldn’t obey as she fought to endure her orgasm.
Finally, as all four beings in the tent began to settle into soft breathing, Dominax chuckled once more as he pulled his cock free, returning his lover to her bondmate.
***
“They share something special, I think. I’m sure they’ll prove to be excellent parents,” Irith said. An hour after she had escorted the couple from the tent, she found herself in Dominax’s arms. Nude, they remained together in bed, having already ordered slaves to replace the sheets.
Sensing her hesitation, he caressed her thigh as it lay draped over his manhood. “Something plagues you, Irith. Come, speak your mind.”
“Very well, my love.” Her voice came in her elegant accent, tingling in his ear. “I spoke to Cendra recently, and I promised to speak to you about granting her a solo command.”
“Ah,” Dominax replied coldly. “The day arrives when my little flower thinks herself ready to lead on her own. What a foolish notion.”
“Foolish? Was I not leading men well before her age?”
“Indeed, you were a year younger when I defeated your men, and your brother lost his life.” Dominax felt her body tense as his words came harsher than he intended. “I know my daughter well, and she is far from the commander you were. She requires time.”
Irith nodded, pushing aside a somber memory of her twin. Perhaps her bitterness hadn’t entirely faded, she realized. “I’ll offer no disagreement. Lord Clin and I have done our best to prepare her, yet there is more to do. I’ve convinced her to accept our training without resistance, yet when the time is right, I ask only that you give her an opportunity to grow. A princess cannot find her own way when hiding behind her father’s blade.”
Gritting his teeth, Dominax sighed. “She is my firstborn. You know better than most why I shall not rush to place her in danger. Of what purpose do these years of bloodshed hold, striving to forge a world without loss, if my own daughter is taken from-”
Irith heard him cut his own words off with a grimace. Seeing hints of vulnerability, an utterly rare sight to behold, she reached up to gently caress his cheek. “I know, my love. Don’t think I’d forget whose graves lay in the ruins of Nitri. Yet if you allow the fear of losing your-”
“Fear?” His hand upon her thigh subtly clenched as he thought of Nitri. A single attack in a single day, yet what remained? “What is fear, if not the only defense against chaos? Why does a father look upon a newborn and fear for its life? Ah, he knows just how easily his joy may be ripped from his grasp. Do I fear, Irith? If it drives me to protect our children, so be it. Let it consume me.”
She watched his silver eyes begin to glow, calming him with her gentle touch. “Such was not my intention to question you. I want only to ensure that Cendra has the space to grow. This pregnancy has…damaged her. Surely you can see that for yourself. Give her a purpose she can grasp, something achievable, and she shall return to life.”
Hesitating, Dominax finally sighed. “I’m not foolish enough to deny the truth of your words. I shall see no member of House Vaid enjoying luxury they haven’t earned, yet she isn’t ready to prove herself further. If she obeys your training during these coming months, I shall consider granting her a small command. If not, she’ll remain at my side. Do you understand?”
Satisfied, Irith nodded. All she required was his consideration. “Thank you, my love. You’ve forged her into a worthy duelist, and we shall ensure she’s a leader worth following.”
Dominax stared at the tent ceiling, feeling his chest tighten. Such a thing was a risk, and he’d endure no further losses. For a moment he thought of Arinax, knowing his harsh training would soon begin.
“I shall make you indestructible, my son,” he thought to himself. “A force that is threatened by none. Let the fear of your death be torn from my bones. Let chaos shatter at your feet. Nothing less shall be required of the future God Emperor.”
46th of Fixuin, 14 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
A tiny click echoed from the door as it was unlocked. Lalian pushed it open to reveal the small room inside. “This is singular. So very singular. You must understand…I would do this for no other prisoner.”
Anthara was ushered into the room by the guards. They stepped outside at a command from The Grand Imperial Architect, sealing the door behind them. Alone, the Lanthian captive stared at the floor, not bothering to struggle.
Lalian hesitated before unlocking her temporary wrist bindings, holding the metal cuffs awkwardly as he did his best to look away from her nude form. “I…I hope the decor is adequate.” He gestured to the single bed against the far wall, accompanied only by a simple desk. Made from white steel and inspected thoroughly for sharp edges, Vixin had only permitted his request to move the prisoner when she was certain the furnishings left the Lanthian no means to take her own life. “I would have provided you more, though-”
“Fuck the decor,” Anthara replied bitterly, sulking. After all, what comfort did a traitor deserve?
Fidgeting nervously with his fingers, Lalian cleared his throat. “Yes…well, I should be going. The guards shall remain outside your door at all times. Knock, and they shall r…retrieve me.”
“Why do I still breathe?” Her tone came coldly, tainted by defeat. Even the freedom from her bindings did little to console her. She merely stood, eyes down. “I’ve granted you what you sought. Do you seek to keep me as a trophy? A pet? Kill me and be done with it.”
“Of…of course not!” He profusely shook his head. It had required quite a bit of convincing, both for himself and through letters to The God Emperor, though he had found his justification in moving her into a low room within The Tower of The Lanthian. “You still hold information that may prove useful to The Empire.”
“I hold nothing more to offer you.” Anthara scowled, more at herself than her captor. “I shall repeat myself. I shall even address you by name. Lalian, grant me the cowardly death I deserve.” She swallowed hard, using every ounce of her training to contain her emotion. “Please.”
Turning away, Lalian found himself unable to face her as he strolled over to the desk. He turned his back upon his broken enemy, a careful calculation. “Y…you are valuable, Anthara. You may provide the location of military fortifications within The Lanthian Empire.”
She watched as he placed a piece of cloth within one of the drawers. “What can I reveal that you don’t already know?”
“I was merely a slave. You know better than most how little information your…cruel mistresses entrust to males. You, on the other hand…” He turned to face her, losing any viciousness in his tone instantly at the sight of her defeated posture. “You…were a scout. If you cooperate, I shall allow you to stay here in comfort with…m…me.”
“Comfort.” The word sounded painful. “What comfort does a traitor deserve?”
Lalian grew the courage to approach her once more. “You’ll find my tower more pleasing than a dark cell, won’t you? I shall come to you daily, and we shall talk. Please…cooperate.” He did his best to mask the subtle desperation in his tone, the agony hidden within his final word surprising him more than he cared to understand. Why did he refuse to grant her the death she deserved?
Anthara remained silent, never meeting his gaze. Her wings hung limply behind her.
“The God Emperor…” He hesitated, dreading her reaction. “I’ve also been tasked with teaching you the imperial language. Such is a requirement for your continued survival, for my duties may call me elsewhere at times.”
Anthara’s anger flared, only to melt away once more. “Then I shall speak the tongue of our enemy. How fitting for a traitor…”
Hearing the torment in her tone, Lalian felt an instinctual impulse to reach out to comfort her. He killed the urge with difficulty, maintaining the short distance between them. “We’ll begin in the morning, trading lessons for information. I vowed to do what I can to help you…and so I w…will.” He stepped past her towards the door. “I’ll leave you to settle in.”
As he moved to depart, Anthara whirled around, finally raising her eyes to meet him. “Lalian, wait.” She felt a surge of regret at the action as he turned to face her, green eyes meeting green. “Thank you.”
Lalian cleared his throat with embarrassment before nervously pointing to the desk. “I’ve…left you something. It’s one of the first things I created when I escaped our homeland. Perhaps it’ll bring you some small comfort.”
Then he was gone. The guards locked the door, sealing her into her new quarters. She released a deep breath that nearly brought tears to her eyes, releasing the tension of a year of imprisonment. Slowly, she approached the desk and opened the drawer, peering down in surprise. She lifted a small piece of fabric with edges worn from time.
The fabric held an intricate sketch, its painted lines made with exquisite care despite the crude material. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it depicted a landscape only seen within her homeland. Colossal, towering trees rose into the sky, carrying the wooden buildings of her people.
For a moment she held the fabric, attempting to maintain her strength before a tear trickled down her green cheek. Another followed, and another, until she collapsed onto her new bed in a sobbing heap.
The fabric remained in her tight grip, a land forever lost to a traitor.
49th of Fixuin, 14 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
The throne room echoed with hushed whispers mixing with the strained moans of a princess in labor. The birth of a new Vaid approached.
Vixin remained on her back upon the cushions placed at the foot of the throne’s stairs, entirely nude. Her father had granted her the option to have a quiet birth, just as she had chosen for her second son. However, as she held her legs wide apart for the gathered crowds to see, she knew she had made the correct decision to forgo such a choice.
Her second Week of Ardon had passed swiftly, celebrating her pregnancy’s end with a satisfaction she hadn’t anticipated. It was a curious thing to realize just how little shame remained to her as she had sat nude day after day, allowing the population to pray towards her painted round belly. Her first Ardon had been a mix of nervous excitement, slightly tainting the birth of Domir. Now, she allowed herself to revel in their gazes, countless eyes waiting to observe her divine loins give birth.
Salduin watched in a daze as he stood to the side, face pale as he threatened to topple over. There was no need to fear for Vixin, he knew, for she was a Vaid. Instead, he thought of the child within her, unable to take his thoughts from his deceased Rira. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his bald head.
Vixin gripped the hands of the healers at her sides, doing nothing to contain her cries. At first, they may have been mistaken for pain, yet the closer she approached the birth, the more the pleasure she felt echoed within her moans. It pulsed throughout her loins and forced her thighs to quiver.
Her first birth had been a mere taste as her body was new to motherhood. Now, senses keener and sharper than ever, it was as though her body had adapted fully to the process of birth, rewarding her deeply for fulfilling her biological need to reproduce. Each contraction brought a new burst of ecstasy pulsing through her very core as she shuddered in satisfaction.
The moment arrived as her child began to push from her lower lips. Vixin screamed as the sensation forced her over her limit, orgasming while slowly delivering her child. She wanted the world to see her pleasure, to watch as she fulfilled her duty as The Goddess of Fertility. Cheers erupted throughout the massive chamber, mixing with cries of reverence.
Several Sages standing within the ring of guards knelt, loudly praying towards their holy princess. The sounds of an infant reached Vixin’s ears through her haze of bliss. She opened her trembling arms, accepting the newborn from the grasp of a healer.
For a moment the loud chamber drained away from her awareness as she peered down, silver eyes widening as she met the face of her baby. She had expected to feel a mere fondness for the child as she had felt with her sons, yet as she peered in awe at her new daughter, a delicate little thing, she was stunned as she was overcome with a consuming love. She had a daughter.
This child would not be granted to a wealthy family. This child would not be trained far away. This child was hers. She held a duty to her survival and knew instantly that she’d give her life for her.
Reality was lost to Vixin as she adored her new baby, yet the crowd remained. Salduin broke himself from his thoughts long enough to nod towards a Sage. She stepped forward to address the masses with a theatrical opening of her arms, just as planned. “A new Vaid is brought into existence! A new imperial princess blesses Magnius with her breaths! Bow before Princess Jinilya of House Vaid, daughter of Princess Vixin and Lord Salduin, and holy granddaughter of The God Emperor!”
The crowd obeyed, lowering themselves as if in competition to see who could pay the newborn more respect. Salduin watched them, shivering with the realization that they bowed to his child.
He was a father once more.
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