The Vaid Empire

Vaid Empire: Conquest

Chapter 88

3rd of Twic, 18 AVE.

Kingdom Of Vaidrin, Havenhall.

The newborn took her first breath, and her mother smiled.

Yisi lifted the girl from between Vixin’s spread legs. The sound of trickling water running down the walls of their bedchamber mixed with the infant’s cries as she was swiftly placed into the princess’s care. Never had Yisi shown more than a swift efficiency during her Sage duties, yet now, her hands trembled. Only as she watched her lover studying the new child with joy did she release a silent breath of relief. Royal juices soaked the bed. The birth had gone exactly as Vixin had promised, her moans the only music Yisi cared to hear. Despite her obvious pleasure, however, Yisi remained prepared for the worst.

Their father’s presence did little to calm her nerves. The God Emperor stood at Vixin’s side, judging gaze watching his bastard’s work. Yisi never looked up to meet his scrutiny.

Across from Dominax, Irith’s smile nearly glimmered in the morning light that poured through the windows. Having held Vixin’s hand throughout her labor, she now eased back, knowing to grant a new mother space to savor the moment. “Another beauty.”

Indeed she was. Vixin held the girl in her arms. While Jinilya possessed long strands as black as her own, the newborn looked to her with wispy hairs of gold that nearly glowed. Even while enjoying the aftermath of orgasmic bliss, Vixin’s joy couldn’t help but dim. “You have a daughter, Clin.”

Yisi watched in silence, wanting to join her in bed, to hold her close, yet the presence of others held her back. She merely straightened, frozen, her emotionless face concealing a storm.

Cradling the blond child, Vixin put aside thoughts of Cendra. The deed was done, the result alive in her arms. Concealment was the best she could hope for. “What’ll become of her?” she asked when the question began to burn within her.

“Your mistake shall be granted purpose, child.” The God Emperor eyed his new grandchild coldly. “Remember, my flower, that the being in your hands carries not only my own blood, but that of another worthy man. The fate I’ll provide shall be more than kind.”

She required no reminder, for the afterglow of her orgasm was unable to wash away the guilt tightening her belly. Granting the child’s blond head a kiss, she waited, conjuring a fitting name. “Our time together was short, yet your mother shall always love you, Cilith,” she whispered.

Yisi watched silently, breaths straining to leave a stiff chest. The only place she cared to be was at Vixin’s side, yet this wasn’t her place. Whenever The Concubine Empress noticed her, she was granted the same comforting smile any of The God Emperor’s bastards received, yet still she remained a stranger.

While Vixin was permitted time to rest, Irith at her side, Yisi waited, feeling silver eyes burning into her skin whenever their ruler peered her way. She was but a meal to him, her body his tool. Half of her wanted to snatch Vixin and ride away with Jin, far from his long reach, far from The Empire. The other half wanted to stay and wait for the inevitable, quivering at the thought of a fatherly embrace she had yet to receive. In truth, there’d be no running, no escape. The Empire would consume all, and her with it.

Cilith rested upon her mother. Yisi thought of Rosila. Had she ever been in the child’s place? Turning her head, she met The God Emperor’s piercing eyes, a smirk upon his lips. She refused to blush, looking down.

***

The walled courtyard of Havenhall chirped with life as Vixin strolled with careful steps. Her long shroud glided across the damp paving stones placed between rows of flowers, their petals a vivid purple with dark crimson bleeding across their surfaces in swirling patterns.

“Let’s go inside. Please,” Yisi requested quietly, holding the princess’s arm as if she would collapse. “You’d be safer in bed.”

Vixin waved aside her concern. Mere hours after the birth, she walked slowly, aimlessly, feeling weightless. Already her body had recovered, a deep soreness easing inside. Her belly had tightened without a hint of her pregnancy, feeling light without a burdened womb. She sighed peacefully, watching the towering trees surrounding the palace swaying in the breeze. “I’ve had more than enough of that bed.”

Lips tightening with worry, Yisi followed silently at her side. She watched Jinilya playing nearby, hearing faint snaps as the girl yanked flowers from their stems before ripping them into pieces.

An elegant hand caressed Vixin’s bare form beneath the transparent fabric. She smirked, savoring her own curves, fertile once more. She carried only the memory of a blond daughter and a secret that felt heavier than her pregnancy. The God Emperor had claimed the girl, taking her away when he departed. Only Vixin had been informed of where Cilith would be raised, a burden that forced her silver eyes to close. After a silent breath, they opened once more, finally facing Yisi’s demanding face. “Truly, I’m alright. I’d rather enjoy a day of peace before the coming war.”

Yisi scowled. Without the pregnancy, their time was up. “When will he summon us to return?”

Vixin shrugged. “Hard to say, though it won’t be long.”

The memory of The God Emperor’s smirk played within Yisi’s mind. She flinched. “And if we refuse?”

A chuckle discarded the idea as little more than a joke before Vixin gestured to her daughter. “Jin, spare the plants.”

Watching the girl reluctantly drop her mangled victims, Yisi’s expression hardened. “Vixin,” she said, tightening her hold on the princess’s arm. “We could refuse to return.”

Realizing her lover was serious, she shook her head firmly. “No. No, we most certainly could not.”

Yisi stopped her from walking away, risking a slight tug. “We could. You know he wouldn’t execute his precious daughter for so little.”

“There are worse punishments than death.” Vixin squinted.

A thought of The God Emperor’s hand caressing her thigh made Yisi’s chest tighten. “We could ride, then. We’d have several hours before the Truthseekers suspect our intentions, yet by then-”

“No,” Vixin replied firmly. The word hung between them, a fortress neither could defy. As she watched Yisi’s expression harden, she took the girl’s hands. “What troubles you?”

There was too much to say, ever trapped behind her solemn lips. Yisi could only squeeze her hands. “Everything shall change when we return. You’ll be his again.”

“Ah, so my girl is jealous?”

A glare was a mere taste of her displeasure. “This isn’t a matter of…you know I tolerate your…” A blush colored her cheeks. There were moments that required honesty to shift fate, and she stood before two futures. Gritting her teeth, she sighed. “You’ll stand beside him, yet I’ll be forced to lie beneath him. I don’t want to be left behind when you find yourself at his side.”

The agony in the girl’s eyes caused Vixin to embrace her. “That shall never occur. How often have I promised you, my love?”

“You’ve said the words, yes.” Yisi’s face hardened further. As if tasting the truth on her tongue, she grew drunk with honesty, forcing herself to speak. “If you’re committed to…this, to us, prove it.” She dared to pull back, meeting her eyes with a challenge. The urge to retreat was her enemy, for there’d be no better opportunity to say such things. “I chose you. Now, choose me. Vixin, I want…what you gave those Lanthians.”

Raising a brow, her confusion was banished a moment later. “A…marriage ritual?”

Yisi mustered the courage to nod.

Stunned, Vixin concealed the beginning of a grin. “Are you certain? Do you understand the implications of such an act?”

Once more she nodded. “They’ve already begun to train us to perform the ritual. Citizens across The Empire seek to seal their bonds, and still I’m left with only a promise.” A risk approached, yet Yisi pressed forth. “I chose you, Vixin. I want to bear all that comes with that decision. I need more than a mere promise.” She squeezed her hands tighter. “Stay. Make me your bondmate or permit me to ride away.”

Silent, a second felt like an eternity. Before she replied, Vixin pulled her closer. “Yes. I’ll do it, Yisi.”

As if a colossal weight had lifted, Yisi breathed, feeling her throat tighten. “Thank you.”

Holding her as the mangled flowers swayed, Vixin closed her eyes. “We’ll seal our bond, yet…I must request father’s permission to stay. I won’t disobey him outright.”

“Won’t, or can’t?”

The question lingered before Vixin pulled back, taking Yisi’s left hand to peer at where the tattoo would be inscribed. For an instant she thought of Xenia, remembering the night the traitor had fallen. Where had he been as she wept? “He’s my father, Yisi.”

“If you must, fine. Make your request.” Yisi’s lips finally relaxed. “Yet when he fails you too, look to your hand, and realize who chose you. My lixidion shall always be ready to ride.”

Vixin’s finger traced across Yisi’s palm quietly. Jinilya rested upon her back nearby in the dirt, oblivious to their words as she played with electricity crackling between her fingertips.

“We’ll need a Sage, unless you intend to perform the ritual yourself,” Yisi finally said.

“I have someone in mind.” Letting their previous words fall away, Vixin allowed herself to smile, permitted to feel the first hints of excitement. “I’ll make preparations. After all, I still owe you the taste of a man’s touch. Perhaps I know someone that may satisfy both of our aims.”

Yisi squinted. “Who?”

Hardly was there anyone Vixin trusted more, save for their father. Hardly could another member of The Sages be trusted with their secret yet. Perhaps there was no harm in spoiling the surprise. “Lord Salduin.”

40th of Twic, 18 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Quiet whispers echoed through The Chamber of Maps as the royal advisors waited. When the doors opened, they all fell silent as The God Emperor marched inside.

Hesin cradled Nafalya’s belly from behind, feeling the first hints of her pregnancy as they watched the others bow. Dominax acknowledged them with a wave of his hand.

“Come. It’s time we claim our first step against the Lanthians,” Dominax’s voice echoed through the chamber, booming off the dark corners of the ceiling. Stepping down into the recessed circle in the floor, he unsheathed The Sword of Order, a firm hand driving its hilt into the hole in the center. Blade positioned upwards, the transparent globe projected into the air.

After all their meetings, Anthara still remained stunned as the image of their world hovered before them, colossal. She squeezed Lalian’s hand.

Cendra and Clin approached, joined by Salduin. The blond man peered at the map with empty eyes, far away in thought as Salduin took the lead. “Your majesty, we’re ready.”

“Good.” A silent command of Dominax’s mind expanded the view of the jungle to their south. “The first city to fall has been selected.”

“Should she be present for this?” Hesin asked as he eyed Anthara. She scowled back.

Dominax chuckled. “Ah, of course. She’s the key.” He offered a hand. “Come. Tell them what you told me.”

Hesitating, she obeyed, wings folded tightly at her back as she stepped closer. The hand hung before her, knowing it could rip her in two if he pleased. Swallowing, she accepted his touch, feeling the tingle of his power as their skin met.

Guided to The God Emperor’s side, she stood calmly, concealing the quivering of her legs as she eyed Lalian nervously. The facade of a warrior was her protection, meeting them all with firm eyes. The map expanded once more, focusing upon an area close to Vaidrin’s southern border. “I was born in a city known as Praith, just here.” She pointed, hating her own clumsy accent in their strange human tongue. “I know its defenses well.”

“Thus, you see the target of our main force,” Dominax smirked.

“Can we trust her, father?” Nafalya’s smooth voice asked.

Anthara endured their skeptical expressions, studied as if she were an exotic animal. She wanted to retreat, to fly up to the tip of Lalian’s tower, yet she remained firm. The feeling of The God Emperor’s hand continued to taunt her, missing the sensation of his subtly crackling power the moment he released her. “I’ve made my choice to join you. Believe me, or don’t.”

Cendra looked to Clin, expecting him to defend the exotic woman, yet he merely stared at the floor. Frowning, she spoke. “She knows the horrid fate that awaits any deception. We are planning to walk into a land we know next to nothing about, and thus, we’ll require any information she can provide. If Lalian trusts her enough to claim her as a lover, I’ll trust his judgement.”

Amused, Nafalya smirked. “So be it. Let us play her game.”

“She has none.” Dominax retrieved the sword, extinguishing the globe. “Continue your preparations. Cendra’s words hold the truth, for we shall march into darkness. Anthara and Lalian shall be our lights.”

Anthara returned to her lover’s side, fighting to appear strong. In truth, she felt a sense of unease seep into every bone. This was the life she had chosen. This was the betrayal of her people she had known was inevitable. The city of her birth would burn, yet a brighter future would rise from their ashes.

As the chamber slowly emptied, she couldn’t help but savor the power she had felt upon his fingertips, alien and bizarre. As she subconsciously rested her hand upon her belly, she blushed, following Lalian out of the room.

5th of Thriduin, 18 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

Salduin led his lixidion into the stables of Havenhall. Even now, the routine of his monthly visits did not lessen his unease as he handed the reins to the slave waiting before him. Like all others of the palace, the eyeless young man felt for his hand without sight. Silent and locked in chastity, his mouth contained no tongue to speak the secrets of the royal refuge’s inhabitants. Salduin watched him walk away, clearly knowing the precise number of steps to fulfill his duties.

Unnerved, he brushed his tunic, preparing himself. No ordinary visit loomed before him. Having received a message cylinder before his departure from Domani, he remembered Vixin’s words, a request. “A marriage?” His thought shattered the instant he heard the voice call from outside the stable.

“Daddy!”

Whirling, Salduin saw Jinilya running towards him. Squatting with open arms, he swept her into the air, squeezing tightly with a wide grin. “Jin!”

“You need to see! My powers! You need to see!” she exclaimed excitedly.

A chuckle followed from the direction the girl had ran from, for Vixin folded her arms as she watched. With Yisi at her side, the two women waited as he approached, bowing his head. “Princess.”

“Run along, Jin. You can tell your father about your progress later, though now, we have much to discuss,” Vixin commanded. She then smiled at the large man, silver eyes glittering in the sunlight.

He lowered Jinilya to the ground, already missing her presence as he touched her cheek. “Go on. Obey your mother. I’ll join you in a moment.” As he rose, he watched her excitedly hurry away towards the courtyard, electricity sparkling in her grasp.

“She’s been a…handful,” Vixin chuckled as she embraced the large man. “Welcome back, Salduin.”

“Did you receive the message?” Yisi asked.

“Yisi! He’s hardly settled in,” Vixin shot back.

Salduin merely nodded. “Straight to the business at hand, then? Just so. Yes, I read it. You were right to keep the details vague, for if I’ve properly assessed your request, few are ready to know of it.” He looked to Vixin, then to Yisi. “Both of you? Together?”

The princess risked a nod. “You know the truth of us, then?”

His face hardened. “I could say I’m surprised, though it’d be a lie.”

“Do you disapprove?” Vixin asked.

Salduin calmed her nerves with a shake of his head. “Our Order endlessly promotes love between kin. I’m no fool, princess. I knew where this was heading. If your father’s holy will is to see families bound together in pleasure, I can hardly recoil when two of his daughters seek each other.”

Relieved, Vixin took Yisi’s hand. “We’d trust no other. Not yet.”

“Good. Sisters have long been enslaved together, though to legally bind their love may still prove too great for many. If this is what you truly seek, I’ll do all I can. As for your second request…” He stepped towards Yisi, clearing his throat. “I worked beside your mother for many years to see The Sages rise. Rosila was a…complicated woman, yet if her daughter has chosen me to make her a woman, I’d be honored to serve.”

Yisi blinked, her expressionless lips offering no hint of the fluttering in her chest.

“Salduin,” Vixin leaned to kiss his neck with a seductive smile. “Thank you.”

Straightening, the large man clapped his hands together. “Well then, a marriage. There is much to prepare.”

***

Darkness seeped through the deep rainforest, held back by a ring of candles burning a green light. Salduin waited beside the small altar crudely carved of wood. With a gesture, he invited the two women to take his hands.

The flickering light danced across their bodies, bare in their natural state. Yisi calmed her nerves, feeling the man’s powerful grip. The other was her lover’s, a reminder that nowhere else in the world was more fitting.

Far from Havenhall, far from civilization, the purple lixidion waited nearby, lashed to a tree. The Empire was gone. The Truthseeker had been commanded to spread out, far from sight. They were alone, a trio in the darkness of nature.

“Vixin and Yisi,” Salduin began. Even a royal placed her title aside when sealing her love. “We’ve come tonight to seal your bond eternally. If you accept, the touch of my holy lips shall bless you as one.”

The rehearsed words echoed softly in the night. Vixin claimed the first kiss, tasting familiar lips. As she watched Yisi clumsily move next, she giggled to herself.

“Now, demonstrate what you may offer your new mate before the eyes of The Creator,” Salduin said. None remained to observe their ceremony. None were present to call their bond illegitimate. Salduin could say anything he’d like, for he and Vixin knew the truth of their prayers. The Creator could not hear them. His eyes couldn’t watch. Even still, Salduin recited the exact words required to legally seal their bond, granting the mother of his child the respect of a careful ritual.

Vixin knew all too well what was required, smiling as she guided Yisi to kneel. Easing the girl onto her back, Vixin remained between her legs, guiding her thighs apart. Yisi blushed, avoiding Salduin’s gaze as her lover’s fingers brushed her delicate lower lips.

“I love you,” the princess whispered, feeling an eager wetness at her fingertips. Slowly, she maneuvered to lean back, sliding closer until their loins met. With a soft gasp, she began to rub her labia against her lover, feeling their juices mix.

“By my authority, you are one,” Salduin announced, watching them grind together. The sight of two beauties stirred his loins, ignoring the fact of their shared blood. His manhood twitched, hardening, preparing to serve his duty. He waved his hand above them in the shape of a crescent moon as a silent blessing, the first shift of the ritual from the first. No male was intended to perform the ritual, yet here he stood, one of two male Sages in the entirety of The Order.

The Kintha needle sat upon the altar behind him, tradition requiring the vaginal juices of a Sage to bless the union. He could offer none, and thus, it would have to wait as he knelt to join the pair before him.

Vixin moaned as she rubbed their loins together, pulling away only when they were both ready. Moving to bend over, she slid her tongue up Yisi’s soft thigh, feeling the girl tremble. “It’s nearly time. Are you ready?”

Yisi quietly nodded, the hungry grin upon her lover’s lips intoxicating.

“Good girl,” Vixin reached over to stroke Salduin’s waiting cock, sensing his eager anticipation. “This cock sired my daughter, and thus, I’ll claim it first. I’ll ensure that you’re ready before I permit him to touch what’s mine.”

Hardly could Salduin endure each second of delay. At the princess’s command, he accepted his place behind her, touching her rump as it swayed invitingly. The sight of her waiting vagina was a temptation too great to bear, shivering in lust as he rubbed his tip against her lower lips. 

A push of his hips glided his cock inside, groaning as he entered the bliss of her tight loins. Legs quivering, he savored her squeezing embrace before beginning his thrusts, taking her from behind.

“Oohhh…” Vixin moaned, kissing the girl’s thigh. Every second brought her closer, her lips finally brushing the treasure between her legs. A lick of her tongue forced Yisi to gasp, the tip teasing her sensitive clit.

Vixin’s body rocked with each thrust, tasting her lover. Her tongue played between her sweet folds, preparing her girl for the man’s cock.

Yisi moaned at her skillful tongue. When her curiosity proved too great, she looked to Salduin, seeing the large man thrusting into her lover. The sight coaxed her desires, a temptation she feared, knowing what awaited her.

Every flick of her tongue brought the girl closer to a climax, pushing her just to the edge of her finish. Only then did Vixin pull away, the taste of her juices upon her tongue. “Are you…ahh…ready?”

Though she hesitated, Yisi gave in, nodding reluctantly.

Salduin pulled free of the vagina that had birthed his daughter, his cock aching to claim the next beauty on display. He waited patiently for Vixin to move aside, approaching only when he received a permitting look.

Carefully maneuvering between Yisi’s parted thighs, he touched her legs softly, seeing her flinch. When their eyes finally met, he caressed her pristine skin. “I shall start slowly. Signal to stop, and I shall do so immediately.”

Looking over to see Vixin’s approving face, Yisi nodded. “Just…pull out.”

Salduin’s eyes met her with a mutual understanding. Finally, his fingers brushed between her legs, making her hips move at his touch. “May I?”

Vixin quickly retrieved the Kintha needle from the altar before kneeling at Yisi’s side, taking her hand. When Yisi whispered her quiet permission, she gasped silently as his tip pressed against her virgin entrance, a mere test.

Watching her virgin girl’s concealed fear, Vixin squeezed her hand, feeling her grip tighten in return as his cock parted her lower lips. With a loud groan, Yisi clenched her eyes shut, head falling back as he pushed inside. Lightly stretching around his girth, she breathed, a virgin no longer.

Vixin’s mouth subtly opened in awe, feeling jealousy tingle within her as she watched the large man claim her lover. A wave of affection spread throughout her body as she held her hand tightly, sensing pain mixing with pleasure as Yisi groaned.

Breath quickening in panic, Yisi looked to Vixin with wide eyes as Salduin came to a stop, buried deep within her. The princess’s calming smile was her comfort, slowly regaining her composure before he began to thrust.

His hips moved with a slow caution, groaning, feeling the virgin daughter of his holy ruler squeezing his cock. Her body was divine, her vagina an identical feeling to Vixin’s. Royal blood flowed within the bastard girl, his cock straining with every careful thrust, moving as though a single misstep would harm her.

Loins tingling greedily at the sight, Vixin eased onto her back beside her lover, spreading her own legs. She felt the soft dirt beneath her as she rubbed the Kintha needle’s smooth handle over her soaking lower lips, basking in their mutual exposure. They made love beneath the swaying treetops of the rainforest, naked and moaning. None would stumble upon them at night, yet the possibility always remained.

She moaned as she pushed the handle inside herself, sliding it in and out to match Salduin’s thrusts. The girl she loved moaned next to her, receiving the pleasure Vixin wanted her to experience. Yisi deserved the joy of a cock, the aching satisfaction each time he pushed as deep as he could manage. Her jealousy flared and dimmed, rising and falling, yet her love remained unchanged.

Despite Yisi’s groans, she fought to contain her emotions. Her enjoyment escaped with each thrust, eyes screaming both to stop, and begging for more.

“How does it…ahh…feel, Yisi?” Vixin teased, continuing to hold her hand as the other guided the Kintha needle. Her juices soaked the handle, coating the symbol of her House etched into its smooth surface. “Cum…ahh…with me.”

Blushing harder than she believed possible, Yisi fought her pleasure, holding back as she felt her loins tingle with each stretching thrust. This man had impregnated Vixin. This cock had sired Jinilya. She moaned, her defenses slowly cracking with every passing moment.

When she finally began to shake, Vixin matched her lust, joining her in a mutual orgasm. Her lover climaxed from the feeling of a cock, a thought that overjoyed the princess until she quivered, squirting.

The feeling of the girl’s tightness was a danger, requiring careful control to avoid pushing himself over his limit. When she clenched down hard, Salduin gritted his teeth, knowing he could withstand her no longer. Committing to her request, he pulled out, cock throbbing in the air.

As Vixin quickly recovered, she hurried to kneel, licking Salduin’s shaft. Moving side to side, tongue running along the underside of his length, she tasted her lover’s juices upon the manhood that had claimed her.

Requiring little more to find his finish, Salduin’s hips bucked as his cock began to spurt. Vixin moved aside as they watched as his sperm shoot across Yisi’s belly and groin. Taking deep breaths, he felt utter satisfaction as his seed dripped down the girl’s flawless lower lips.

As the trio recovered, he forced himself to reach down, claiming the needle. His duty was nearly complete.

Vixin’s fingers massaged Yisi’s quivering labia, feeling the seed that had granted her a daughter. Biting her lip in absolute lust, she watched as Salduin began to tattoo the palm of the girl’s left hand.

Granting Yisi a kiss, she watched the girl breathe, her eyes open as if in shock of what she had done. When it was her turn, she offered a hand, allowing Salduin to trace an identical copy of the symbol he had granted Yisi. Vixin watched, seeing intricate details surrounding the depiction of a lixidion’s claw, an image unique to seal their bond.

Finally, Salduin eased back onto his knees, his duty completed. “May your bond persist beyond this mortal life. May you watch your descendants thrive from the afterlife, together.”

Pulling him down to rest between them, Vixin held the two beings she trusted most, closing her silver eyes to savor the moment.

38th of Fonic, 18 AVE.

Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.

The Tower of The Lanthian loomed over the city, its tip reaching far into the night sky. Torches burned upon its highest balcony, a beacon in the darkness. Anthara stared into the surrounding void above, feeling Lalian nestled against her side as they rested upon a cushion.

“I don’t think a single being will recognize me. It’s been so long,” she was saying. “At least, one can hope.”

Beneath the black sky, Lalian felt exposed. The sensation of her naked green skin against his own quickened his breaths, his manhood resting upon her smooth thigh. “Praith…” he muttered. The name had merely been one of many upon a list of memorized Lanthian cities. Soon, he’d taste its air. “None wait for you at home? T…truly?”

“No. I’d hardly consider it home. If any place in Lian was deserving of such a title, it’d be The Capital.” A smirk crept across her serious face. Closing her eyes, she sighed. “Ah, now that was a city. You may discover more than a few scorned lovers there, little Lalian.”

A dark green touched his cheeks, a twitch stirring his cock. “L…lovers?”

“A girl or two. Perhaps a third. A young woman can find herself in quite a bit of trouble with so many…temptations about.” Grinning to herself, a hand settled upon her own breast, chuckling at lost memories. “Merely for pleasure, of course. None came close to sharing a Kintha needle. As I’ve said, no one rivals our bond.”

Lalian touched the tattoo upon his hand, his tension easing.

Anthara smirked as her eyes opened, fingers caressing herself. “They served my cravings well enough, at least. A heart requires more, yet pleasure is hardly rare.”

Once more his manhood twitched. The movement didn’t escape her notice. Hand sneaking down, she offered a curious smirk. He sucked in a breath as a finger ran down his short shaft, watching her other hand tease her nipple.

“Ah, does my past excite you, little Lalian?” The finger glided up and down the short length of his manhood. As she watched him try to mutter a denial, she quieted him. “The past shall never harm our future. After all, the night you spent with The God Emperor’s daughter did not.”

“Th…that was…years ago!”

“My point exactly. You’ll find no judgment from me. In fact, I’m quite impressed.” Her hand crept around his shaft, holding it firmly. “That Vixin is…exquisite. I can only ponder how delectable she is in bed.”

His blush deepening, he bit back a moan as her hand moved, stroking him gently. “I…”

“Offer no excuses, my love. I’m pleased you had the privilege of serving such an…intoxicating mistress, even if only for a night.” She tweaked her nipple, green lips parting in a moan. “Although it clearly wasn’t enough to teach you how to please a woman, you’ve improved remarkably under my care. Already your tongue surpasses many of the newest slaves of Lian.”

Curiosity moved his cock, quivering in her soft grip as she stroked with maddening slowness. “Did you ever…?” He left the question in the night air, already certain of the answer, yet needing to hear her confirmation.

“Yes?” She raised a brow.

Blushing harder, his chest fluttered at the sensation of her hand. “D…did the slaves ever…I mean, did you…”

Amused at his stuttering, she kissed his cheek. “My adorable Lalian. Did I ever fuck a slave? Is that your question?”

Her voice burned in his head, his curiosity faltering. “I…no, I…”

“Oh, of course.” She offered a seductive smirk, watching his green eyes widen. Stroking his cock, she moved to his tip, granting the head a gentle massage. “We all did. I had my favorites, of course, yet even the smallest had their uses. You know the value of a skilled tongue better than anyone.”

Feeling as though he’d melt at her touch, Lalian’s moan came as a whimper.

Squeezing her breast, Anthara closed her eyes, reminiscing. “Few things were as delectable as a submissive cock after long hours of training. We merely had to sink down and savor how deep the largest could reach.”

Groaning, Lalian felt his cheeks burning, his manhood aching in her care. “My love…please, can we talk about anything but-”

“Of my favorites, there was one above the rest, of course. There always is.” She ignored his embarrassment, moaning to herself. “He was magnificent. Such a shame he lost his balls, for he was one of the few that I wouldn’t have been irritated to fall pregnant by.”

Uttering what was nearly a squeak, Lalian’s hips strained at her words. “Please…c…can we speak of anything else?”

Turning to eye his painfully rigid erection, she smirked. “Apologies, little Lalian. I know how…jealous you get.”

She returned a single finger to his shaft, rubbing the underside of his cock. The tiny stimulation stirred a moan, and as her words echoed in his mind, he whimpered as he squirted.

Chuckling at his orgasm, she waited for the light bucking of his hips to stop before gathering the tiny drops of clear liquid upon her toned midriff. Eyeing the sterile puddle, she rested her hand atop it, holding it against her empty womb. As her lusts settled, she felt her smile fade away.

Lalian clung to her side, enduring his shame until his blush faded. Nestling his head against her breast, he saw the sorrow upon her face. “Anthara?”

Shaking her head, she held him close. “Mere memories. Think nothing of it.”

His mind dashed. It had designed wonders, yet still it couldn’t devise how to unlock her thoughts. Instead, he simply placed his hand upon hers, watching her bite her lip.

Finally, she sighed. “As I said, it was a shame. The slave was already cut, yet I would’ve earned an opportunity to breed with the Priarch had I returned from these strange lands in success. Now, I remain empty.”

“I’m sorry,” Lalian whispered.

Though she caressed his head, the truth choked her until she spoke. “I want a child, Lalian.”

The confession he had long feared had been spoken. He held her tighter. “Y…you know I can’t-”

“I know. I’ve accepted that,” she cut him off with a sigh. “Sometimes I fear I’ll never feel whole. No warrior is complete until she has continued the legacy of her blood, yet what of mine?”

Silently, Lalian felt a fire within his belly, churning with guilt. No matter his accomplishments, he’d always fail her as a mate.

“Merely look to your God Emperor to know our fate isn’t fair. The man has sired thousands, yet we receive…nothing.” She bit her lip, remembering the power she had felt when his fingers had brushed her skin. “The world is overrun with the spawn of his majesty, yet only one Lalian and one Anthara shall ever exist. When we’re dust, who shall remember?”

Her words were torture, forcing a tear to trickle down his cheek. He’d gladly choose to endure the pain of his castration anew, rather than the sensation of failure that poisoned his body. “I…I’m sorry…”

Once more she shook her head. “No, Lalian. I understood the cost when I chose to seal our bond. We bear this together.”

Lying in silence, Lalian stared at the empty sky, a dark void that threatened to consume him. As his thoughts faded into a dull numbness, he felt entirely empty, already ash and dust.

He listened to her soft breaths, feeling her chest rise and fall. A living woman rested beside him, the only being he loved. Gritting his teeth, he felt guilt seep backing into the empty pit in his stomach, easing only when the smallest hint of an idea touched his mind.

It was too shameful to utter, a temptation he had denied for FAR too long. Never could he speak it, always banishing the thought before it could spread.

As he tried to push it aside, he felt her soft green skin against his, biting back his shame. For the first time, he permitted it to grow, blossoming into an idea, a temptation, a solution he had always feared. When his guilt proved too much to bear, he swallowed his shame and dared to speak. “P…perhaps…there’s a way we can still c…conceive a child of our own.”

Turning her head in confusion, disappointment continued to simmer upon her face. “Don’t be foolish, little Lalian.” She lifted her hand to display the remnants of his clear liquid. “This cannot create life, no matter how often we try.”

“We? N…no, I…” Blushing anew, he released an unsteady breath. “Anthara, you’ve shown me a greater affection than any other, greater than I deserve. I…want to give you what you seek. You deserve the child I…I cannot give.” Shame burned in his eyes, yet he fought to continue. “Perhaps we require…assistance…”

Eyes widening, she rolled to lean on her side, her attention fully upon him. “Then you mean…another should-”

Kissing her lips to silence her, the taste of the woman he loved solidified his decision. When they parted, there was no going back. “Yes.”

Heart fluttering, she took his hand, holding tightly. “Who?”

Lalian saw their identical tattoos, gritting his teeth. “Another.”

Too stunned to chuckle at his redundant answer, she met his eyes with doubt. The strong Lanthian warrior melted away to reveal the truth of her, voice replying softly. “Lalian…are you certain of this? I’m your woman.”

Every ounce of his strength was required to nodded. “As am I yours, yet I…cannot continue to fail you. This is utterly singular…yet I believe there is no other solution. I…it’s only logical.”

Simmering in the proposition, Anthara kissed him once more, her lips warm, pressing closer. When they parted, she pressed her forehead to his, closing her eyes with a whisper. “If you’re truly certain of this…thank you, my love. You’d give me the world once more.”

Smiling at the relief in her voice, Lalian felt himself ease. He wanted a child, a family, yet no other option remained. A secret thought had been revealed, and as he felt it binding them closer, his distaste lessened with every second.

“I won’t fail you any longer, Anthara. I’ll find him. I’ll find our future.”

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