Lord Romnus strolled the palace corridors with his entourage which also included his handmaid. He wore his cloak draped around his shoulders, a show of defiance against Halfar's new rule for the royal family to always be presentable. As Halfar's first cousin, Romnus had always tried to be respectful of his decisions when he took the throne, but this new rule left something to be desired. He couldn't help feeling at a loss.
His handmaid, Biandra, handed him a small fruit and he took it without looking down at her. He towered over her by nearly a foot and wondered she how appeared, her smaller frame amongst his large group. It had never occurred to him until recently when one of Halfar's guards smacked her down for defending him. Biandra was by no means helpless but seeing the difference in size from that point of view made him angry at himself for not protecting his own people.
Even now, he remained quiet, boiling with rage at the further segregation of the royal family from the main palace. All their movements had been restricted and Romnus was not going to abide by it. He decided to buck Halfar's new system at every turn and could feel tension from his entourage.
A high pitched laugh came from up ahead followed by a streak of cream and black rounding the corner. The stunningly beautiful Farin in female form was running at a side angle and not aware of her surroundings. He stopped just in time to see her screech to a halt mere inches from him. Farin quickly bowed, hitting her head on Romnus' chest. He smiled down at the top of the young one's head as he took a bite of the fruit.
"There is no need to bow to me, young Farin. You are royalty as well."
Farin's head whipped back up nearly clipping Romnus in the chin. He watched those strange green eyes go wide with embarrassment and Romnus let out a small laugh. Oh cute and beautiful. He noticed how tall the young royal had grown, standing only a little under a foot shy of him.
"Oh, right." Farin grinned.
Not far behind was Trinon looking bored. Romnus could see something had changed in the manbeast, more so than before. A kind of gloom hung around him even though he smiled gleefully. Being Farin's bodyguard had to be tiring. The young one had an endless amount of energy.
"You shouldn't be here. Your father would be upset if you are not in the main palace," Romnus chastised him.
"I'm just exploring," Farin pouted. "Trinon is with me."
Please don't do that. Romnus felt an aching in the pit of his stomach and took another bite of his fruit to distract his desire. Farin in female form was always a pleasure to see but it made him feel not in control of his manners. Filthy thoughts of what he could do to her roamed in his mind.
"None the less, you should hurry back." He gave Trinon a nod.
"Can I come visit later?" Farin asked.
"Welcome back to Azrom, beautiful Farin," Romnus replied as he bowed his head slightly.
He tsked himself for the dirty thoughts as Farin blushed and ran past Romnus, barely missing knocking down his entourage. Halfar would probably try to kill him if he knew how much he wanted Farin. Try was all his cousin could do because Romnus had never been defeated in a fight; especially with regards to Halfar.
Trinon followed Farin at a leisurely pace. It took little effort to catch up to Farin and Romnus had seen the speed of the young manbeast at the mock battle a decade ago.
"Shall we continue, my lord?" Biandra asked, staring up at him.
"My apologies, of course." Romnus advanced forward. Now he really needed release and it just so happened he was on his way to the brothel.
Tap, tap, tap.
Halfar's taloned fingers struck the throne's armrests in a slow tempo, a frown fixed on his face. He could not fathom how his child had gone off the grid in such a short time. It made him angry that Trinon did not have a tighter leash on Farin. His council had warned him about letting the two roam outside the main palace unescorted. With the new rules he implemented seeming to have only infuriate the royal family more, the council voiced fears that Farin may be targeted for retaliation.
He leaned forward on his throne, straining his ears for the sound of footsteps and within moments, heard the telltale sounds of running feet along with the steady stride of a manbeast. At the entrance appeared Farin, out of breath, with a wide grin on her face.
"Where have you been?" Halfar's voice thundered. He watched the grin turn to shock and fear. "Have I not told you to stay within the main palace walls?"
"I…" Farin began to speak. She looked over at Trinon who smiled back at her. "I'm sorry, Father," she finally sputtered after gaining what looked like a little courage.
Halfar sat back against the throne and let out a loud sigh, finding it tedious to constantly yell at his child's disobedience. Farin was ever moving and curious about everything. The council's suggestion to lock Farin in a secluded wing sounded tempting but he knew Chardon would never forgive him.
"Trinon, escort Farin to her chamber and make sure she does not leave until evening meal." He saw a darkness form on the manbeast's face as he obeyed. Something about it disturbed him and he noticed after the Razznian battle that the young manbeast had changed.
Three of his royal advisors came forward, bowing low to him and he averted his gaze to see what they wanted. The first, Mesrod, raised his head and cleared his throat.
"My Lord, as fascinating as Farin can be, you must keep that child at bay. At least until she is of mating age."
"It would be a shame for something to happen to her on the palace grounds," the second, Prevcan, added.
"What do you mean?" Halfar was getting agitated by their tone.
"She is quite beautiful and it is no secret what the soldiers have in mind," Dondar, the third member said.
"No one touches my child unless they want death."
"Yes, I agree, my lord, but that doesn't stop them from trying. Once she has been tainted there is no undoing of it," Dondar replied.
Halfar gripped the edges of his throne knowing they spoke the truth. When Farin turned fifteen, he was able to shift forms and become female like his mother. He could feel anxiety creep into him as he watched the first transformation. Farin was indeed too beautiful even for an Azromian.
"I am trying, if you haven't noticed."
"Of course." Mesrod looked over at Dondar and nodded.
"Regarding the royal bloodline," Dondar began, "I believe we should expand your house as much as possible to keep rebellion at bay."
"And you suggest what exactly?"
"Kur is a loyal servant and General of the Armada. He should be brought into the fold to claim his rightful place in the royal house," Prevcan explained.
"Isn't it too soon?" Halfar felt uneasy about telling Kur his origins. It was not a pretty story and Kur just might resent him more than he already did. "He may not be pleased."
"It will be hard at first, but I believe he will come to terms quickly."
"He has great ambition. This will be one step further towards his goal," Mesrod added.
Halfar grimaced, letting the thought stew for a moment in his mind, his eyes on the advisors to see what lay beneath their proposal. They we right about Kur's ambition. He had witnessed the lengths his general would go to firsthand. Another loyal servant in the royal house would be beneficial. His mind made up, he nodded slowly.
"Bring him here quietly. No one else is to be present except the five of us."
"The guards?" Dondar asked.
"Only two shall stay in the hall."
"As you command, my lord." They chanted in sync.
Prevcan, turned and left the hall with two royal guards in tow while Dondar, brought his attention back to Halfar. Something else was obviously on his mind and Halfar had a feeling he won't like it.
"My lord. If I may be so bold. Since you are in the mood for procreating, have you ever considered mating with our own to have a full blooded heir?"
He fought back a blooming rage as he sat on his throne listening to the advisors words. No, he didn't like it at all. Sitting upright, Halfar leaned forward.
"Are you suggesting a child of my loins is not of royal blood?"
"I am not implying such a thing at all. But, my lord to be honest, Farin and her young sibling are not full blooded Azromians. They are halfbreeds."
Halfar's arms turned black and sleek, growing in length as his hands morphed into shiny black pincers. The other two remaining advisors stepped away.
"As I said, my lord, I mean no offense. It is just something we as advisors must think about in regards to the royal bloodline."
"Please, my lord," Mesrod said calmly, "royal protocol is different than normal Azrom rules. With the state of our people, surely you understand the concerns."
The claws stopped in midair and Halfar paused his rise off the throne. What they said made sense although it made him feel ill. His father had been adamant about the bloodline during his rule but he, himself, had never paid much attention to the old warrior's rants. Now here he was, the Supreme Ruler, having to deal with all the nastiness it entailed. Retracting his claws he sat back in the throne.
"I do understand. I just don't want to think about that right now. Let's get through Kur's dilemma first."
He heard sighs of relief escape their lips but he wasn't sure if it was because they skirted death or something else entirely.
"Your presence is requested by Supreme Ruler, Halfar, immediately."
That is what the preening shiny faced royal advisor Prevcan spurted out of his mouth as he walked into Kur's chamber unannounced, disrupting his mating with Rass. With his back still to the entryway, he sat up and turned his head to stare at the man. Every kind of venom he could think of conjured up into the look on his face. It worked. The advisor stepped so far away from the entrance that he bumped into the veranda, nearly falling over backwards into Azromian air. The drop would have surely kill him. Kur smiled at that.
"What could our lord want at this hour before evening meal?"
"It is urgent, General."
"Should we don our full regalia?" Rass asked, sitting up.
"No. Just you are requested, General Kur."
That sent alarms off in Kur's mind and he looked down to see the same apprehension in Rass. Whatever Halfar wanted with him could not end well, he thought. He reached over the side of the bed and pulled his white tunic back on before stepping onto the floor and retrieving his leggings. Putting them on along with his boots he grabbed his longsword and stood.
"You will not be needing your weapon, general."
"I do not venture anywhere without it."
A nervousness about the advisor made him angry and he became suspicious. For Halfar to summon him and to be told no weapon was unheard of. He turned to Rass who nodded shifting back to male form and reach for his robes.
"It is just a talk and," Prevcan paused, "a precaution."
"Very well," Kur snapped as he tossed his longsword onto the bed. "Proceed."
He gestured the royal guards to march and followed the advisor to Halfar's throne room. Two royal guards with twitchy hands on the hilts of their weapons fell in behind him.
The immediate clearing of the room except for three advisors, two guards and Halfar surprised Kur as he entered, making his way to the foot of the throne ready to bow. Halfar raised a hand when Kur was mid bended knee, signaling Kur to rise back up.
"What urgent matter requires I leave my longsword and not be in uniform?" Kur demanded.
"It is a delicate matter."
Kur frowned. "There is nothing delicate on Azrom. Even flowers have might here."
"True but I want to tell you something I should have a long time ago."
"And that is?"
"Your origin."
Kur's eyes went wide, his feet rooted to the floor with a storm of emotions going around in his head. Halfar knows my origin? Sadness, anger, curiosity, and pain rushed in all at once. He lifted his head up to see if Halfar was joking and saw no such thing.
"Your mother worked in the mines."
Halfar looked at him, anticipating some violent reaction but Kur refused to let him see that. Instead he stood perfectly still and let him resume.
"The mines are inspected on a rotation by a delegate of the royal family. Each house makes sure it runs smoothly. One such time, the delegate decided to alieve his sexual pleasures with a female worker. It was brutal and unbecoming of the royal house. The incident was concealed."
"By who?" Kur asked softly.
"The delegate's royal house. When it became known she was pregnant, a deal was made under the condition that you would be raised in the palace for military training. After I found out, her duties were changed to a position in the royal courts."
"I am a royal," Kur said. "Of your bloodline."
"That is so."
"What house?"
"The third. But your mother serves the first. So, as the son of a handmaiden for the first royal house courts, that is where you belong."
Kur's distant stare changed and his eyes narrowed. A new kind of anger rose up in him as he remembered all the trials and the harm Halfar had administered. It solidified his plan to defy him.
"We are cousins," he said through gritted teeth.
"Yes," Halfar sighed heavily. "Your father is the brother of an uncle. An uncle through bonding."
Kur understood why he was not allowed to bring his longsword. They knew he would try to cut them down like the fleas they were. Even Halfar deserved to be skewered for keeping this secret all this time. Not willing to give them what they wanted, Kur turned away from Halfar and strode out into the hall.
He could hear the horrified advisors yelling at his backside.
"You have not shown respect for your lord!"
"You have not been dismissed from the Supreme Ruler's presence!"
"Guards! Seize him at once!"
"Do not obey that order!" Halfar roared.
Kur stopped at the entryway. "Where is she?"
"In the first royal house courtyard. She tends to the children there," Halfar answered.
He left then, heading to his chamber and ran into Rass halfway. His counterpart was in battle armor carrying his longsword in one hand and his own in the other. Rass stepped away from him in dread.
"What? Why are you backing away from me?"
"Do you not know?" Rass breathed. He raised his hands to the sides of Kur's face and let them hover there. "You are shedding tears."
"That is impossible!" Kur snapped.
He felt the wetness course down his face and he tried to fight them back. Rass placed his hands on his cheeks and drew his head to him. They stood foreheads pressed together.
"What has happened, my love?" Rass whispered.
"It is more than I can bare," was Kur's answer.
Together they trekked to the other side of the palace where the royal houses were adjacent to the main. None of the royal guards stopped them so Kur assumed they were ordered to stand down for him. The first royal house sat in the middle of the cluster, bigger than all the other palaces. It was an hour before evening meal yet they could hear children playing in the courtyard. Sand colored structures were decorated on each end by three foot flower beds bursting with Azrom flowers of every color. At the archway leading into the palace, the children were being ushered in by the consorts. One in particular stood out among them.
Her hair was a flowing river of dark forest green down her back, swishing across the shiny green sleeveless dressing robe that was fastened at the waist by a gold metal rope. Her smile was wide and familiar, just like his own. She caught sight of him and Rass out of the corner of her vision and stood straight, motionless.
Kur tilted his head to one side intrigued by her calmness and elegant stance. She was definitely of the royal court. He advanced into the courtyard until he was only a few feet from her.
"So here you are," he spoke.
"Yes, here I am." Her voice had a creaminess to it. It soothed him.
"You are quite beautiful. If you were not my mother," he didn't finish.
"As are you." She ran her fingers through her hair. "They told you."
"Yes."
"They took you from me when you were only a few months old. You were the only child I was not allowed to take care of."
Kur felt his hands ball into fists and seeing this, she reached over and pried them loose. It stunned him how strong she was.
"General, that is not becoming behavior for a royal."
"Neither what was done to you," Kur yelled. Spittle flew from his mouth and, embarrassed, wiped it off with the sleeve of his robe.
"General Rass, are you here for support?"
"Something of that nature," Rass whispered.
"I heard rumors. Are you mated to him?"
Kur became afraid and felt tension coming from Rass. To stop the line of questions, he answered for Rass.
"WE cannot tell anyone of this!" Kur whispered in fear.
"Why is that?"
"Because that would make Halfar angry," a voice called out from the outside corridor.
Kur turned along with his mother and Rass to see Lord Romnus strolling along with his handmaid.
"Isn't that correct, Generals?" He stopped near them and sized up mother and son. "So, you really are of royal blood. I thought it odd that one of our court maidens looked identical to you." Biandra handed him a small fruit. "The question is," he bit into it and chewed, "why did he tell you this now?"
"I am suspicious as well. It was obviously a decision made by his advisors. They even made me forgo my longsword."
"That was probably the smartest decision they had ever made." Romnus shoved the rest of the fruit in his mouth and when he was done consuming it, said, "Come. Let's give you a proper introduction." He nodded to Kur's mother. "You should get going and catch up before your lord comes searching."
Her mouth formed a devious smile that filled Kur with pride at inheriting such a thing. She caressed the side of his face then turned around, entering the palace. Beside him, Rass stared at her in a state of awe.
The communal hall where the first house royals lounged before evening meal reminded Kur of those rustic styled living room images he had seen on Earth. A large Gruloc beast's head hung mounted high above the hearth and the table was made from a fallen tree, the notches still showing in the wood. It was a great hall yet the dim lighting made it seem smaller, more personal. All seven of the first royal children were present with Kur now making it eight.
He sat down across from Chastan who glared at him for no reason. Kur took his longsword from his waist and clanked it down on the table in front of him. Chastan flinched and his sister let out a mighty laugh that scared even Kur.
"Oh!" She said after finally catching her breath. "Please, you must do that always. It keeps my brother in his place."
"Chastan," Romnus said, "have you forgotten that he is the general of our great Armada?"
Rass snorted. Kur felt the same amusement but decided not to show it. Instead he surveyed his surroundings. He knew all of the royals in the first house, just never had any reason to converse with them. Now seeing them up close and in their environment, it dawned on him how isolated they already were before Halfar's new decree. That alone made it more disturbing, the timing of this new revelation. He had intended to seek them out regarding the rations for the villages and this was his chance to finally do so.
As if reading his mind, Romnus sat up from his laid back position at the head of the table, leaned forward and said, "Your loyalty to his reign is needed."
"He doesn't have it," Kur replied.
"Oh, I know. And what do you think, General Rass?"
Rass clutched the front of his cloak. "Nor mine. Too much has happened and there is no remedy except…" He left it at that.
Kuhala, also dressed in battle gear, finished it for him. "Removing him from the throne. You can say it. This is a safe place. His royal guards do not dare tread into our palace unless they want a fight."
"It may come to that in time," Romnus added. "Halfar is losing grip on his reign. I fear his advisors have once again taken control."
Kur's chest tightened as he recalled the previous advisors devious plan that manipulated him into doing their dirty work. They had the right idea but the wrong agenda. Halfar does need to go but not at the expense of throwing their race into chaos.
"Enough of this depressing talk." Romnus laid back into his cushion. "Let us feast."
Servants arrived with evening meal and Kur thought they must be having a banquet given the amount of food and drink. He saw Chastan grab a drink before it was barely set on the table. Feeling it rude, he removed his longsword and set it underneath so there would be more room in front of him.
"Let's get to know each other better." Romnus smiled.
Kur kept silent for the duration of the meal but when the platters were cleared, he spoke his mind.
"I am aware that this house is distributing the rations for our people outside the great wall."
"That is correct. You do act fast, don't you, general?" Romnus replied.
"It seems the council does not see the caring of our people as a priority and I need to find a way to circumvent this without putting a target on your house."
"Our house," Keita corrected him. "You are now part of it as well. As for being a target, it is too late for that."
"We are doing the best that we can," Romnus added. "There has been a restriction on the use of transport vehicles. Some of the tracks were blocked in one sector."
"That's…" Rass gripped the edge of the table. "I had not heard of this."
"Nor would you. It is not something the council speaks of freely."
"Does Halfar know of this as well?" Kur asked but wasn't sure he wanted the answer.
"Probably not," Keita answered.
"So it really is like before. The new council and advisors are just as bad as the previous."
"I think they may be worse. The fact being how sneaky they are," she said.
Kur looked around the table at everyone and realized as a member of royal blood he was obligated to keep the reputation of the royal house intact. He had power, even if it was limited. They still had to abide by protocols, the outcome of not doing so detrimental to their plans.
"I will see what I can do on my end," he announced.
"While in the bowels of a rotting beasts?" Romnus asked.
"Absolutely. I have no choice."
"You're curious."
"I want to see just how short a leash they intend to put on me for the success of their agenda. How far will our Supreme Ruler go to gain my unwavering loyalty?"
Rass slammed a fist on the table. "No! I can’t let you do this. It's too dangerous. He could slide off into a new kind of madness."
"Unfortunately, that is a chance we have to take," Romnus said.
Boots stomping against pavement thundered towards the hall and all their eyes widened collective in disbelief at what they were hearing. To confirm the sounds, a group of six royal guards from the main palace came to a halt at the entrance of the hall with obvious harmful intent in their demeanor.
"Generals! Our lord has demanded you return to the main palace, immediately!"
"And if we refuse?" Kur inquired as he grabbed his longsword from under the table.
"You will come as directed if you wish to not cause conflict within the first royal house."
"Have you forgotten who we are?" Rass stood, his arms already formed into claws. "Have you lost all of your senses that you dare demand from your generals?"
"Our orders are from the Supreme Ruler! His word takes precedence over your rank."
"Then you have also forgotten something else," Romnus added. Every royal at the table stood ready for battle. "To come into my house means you are under my reign. If you wish to deny my authority, so be it."
Kur watched as Chastan morphed along with two others, the two sisters drew blades and Romnus came from the head of the table. The royal guards' leader frowned and nodded his head to the side. The other guards drew weapons and a split second later they were all sprawled backwards on the corridor floor. In front of them stood Romnus, nearly eight feet tall with shiny black pincers the length of a man. His praying mantis like legs were thin but surrounded by lean muscle.
The leader, still standing at the side, raised his longsword to strike and Romnus caught the blade in a pincer without even looking, snapping it in half. More guards came rushing towards the entrance but were stopped by the house's own royal guards.
The ones who got through were met by the royal family. Romnus grabbed the leader with a claw that engulf the guard's entire body. Blood dripped from where it punctured skin. With a slight movement, he tossed the royal guard out of the hall and over the veranda into the evening Azrom sky.
Kur sat motionless at the table. Everything had moved faster than anticipated. He heard that if Romnus had been in the succession battles, Halfar would not be ruler but didn't know why; until now. Turning to Rass, who also stood rooted to his spot by the side of the table with eyes wide, Kur met his eyes. Looking back towards the entrance, he saw Romnus regain his original form and shake the blood from his right hand, spraying it across the floor.
"Tell our Supreme Ruler that if he or any of his royal guards disrespect our palace in any way ever again, it will be a declaration of war." Romnus said it calmly with no hint of malice. It was a statement of fact.
The royal guards backed away and left the area of the palace, returning to their posts on the dividing line of the main palace. Only the five on the ground were left and they stood up cautiously. Kur sheathed his longsword and motioned for Rass to follow.
"No need," he said. "I will personally deliver the message myself."
Kur stared at the five royal guards and they eventually understood. Two turned and headed forward as he and Rass exited the hall. The other three fell in line behind them. He took a quick glance at Romnus who smiled ever so slightly at him but Kur saw what was really in those bright green eyes; rage.
Halfar was not pleased when his generals came into the throne room after evening meal relaying Romnus' message. He turned to his advisors questioning and saw them fidget. This is not what he had planned.
"I requested that my generals be present for a late evening council session with the military advisors and somehow," he paused for effect, "a royal guard is on the brink of death and the First Royal House is ready to engage in battle against their ruler!"
"My lord, I am not sure why the royal guards went into the palace in such a manner," Mesrod said. "That goes against protocol."
"They said the order came from you personally," Kur interjected.
"To bring you back by force if necessary? I would not do that! For them to treat their own generals this way is," Halfar couldn't find the words. It was just too outrageous. He didn't know what was happening but signals were getting crossed.
"Please send a request to Lord Romnus for an audience tomorrow. A request," he stressed. "I need to apologize for this and try to fix it."
"Of course, my lord," Prevcan bowed.
"Not any of you!" he snapped. Halfar turned to Kur. "Lord Kur, would you please do this as a member of the First Royal House, and a favor to me?"
He saw Kur struggling with an answer and realized he didn't blame him for being wary. To his relief Kur nodded.
"I will relay your request in the morning, my lord." Kur bowed low.
"Thank you. I will be in the battle conference chamber shortly."
As his generals left, he got up from his throne with lightning speed and wrapped one hand around Prevcan's throat. He lifted the Azromian off the floor and looked deep into his eyes.
"If I find that you were behind this, I will snap you in half and feed you to the mongrels outside the wall." He dropped the advisor and headed out of the throne room, four of his royal guards flanking him.
**~**
Rumors spread across New Lassa about an uprising but Chardon paid it no mind for she was certain that Modas would not launch some hellish assault on his own people. It had been going on for a little over two years and now she was starting to see tiny fractures in the Lassians' trust of one another. Small incidents of aggression between the manbeasts and the sword wielders became numerous. This was not how Lassians behaved. We have become our own worst enemy. Chardon walked down the hill to Jaron and Modas' family chamber. It was time to get some answers.
Her cousin, Jaron, looked up from her gardening with a scrunched up face that relaxed when she saw Chardon. She always tried to appear angry or disgusted about everything and it just made her laugh, which infuriated Jaron.
"What brings you down this way?"
"I was searching for you mate."
Jaron made another strange face. "He is not with you. That is odd."
"Yes, it is. The rumors are spreading. Do you know what this is about?"
"Hmm. Not really, but I did get a hint of it being about something that happened in the past. My guess is the murder of his family."
"But that was by a rival manbeast clan. What does that have to do with all of us?"
"If the system were more stable, maybe it would not have happened."
"But again that was in the past under my father's leadership, not mine."
"Manbeasts hold grudges."
"All of them are rebelling?" Chardon shouted.
"No!" Jaron snapped back. "They do not all share the same sentiment. Trinon and Und are actually appalled by some of the manbeasts behavior the past few years. I think maybe most of my litter feels that way."
"What do I do, cousin? Why is this happening after everything we have been through?" Chardon plopped down in the dirt next to her.
"Honestly?" Jaron sat back and stared at her.
"Yes."
"Your leadership skills are lacking."
Chardon felt like she had just been punched in her midsection. Her cousin was always quite blunt but this was a bit much even for her.
"In the past hundred years and more, you have let others sway your decisions. The ones you do execute are based on emotion, not logic. If you want to fix this, you need to show true leadership. Do not back down."
"I get it!" Chardon grabbed a handful of soil and squeezed it in her fist.
"Do you? I hope so." Jaron stood up and held out a hand to help her up. "About this so called uprising that may or may not happen in a few years yet, you can't do anything."
"What? Why?"
"It has to run its course and then after the debris settles you can fix it. Because if it does happen, there will be a lot of despair."
"Don't they know this?"
"I don’t think it is part of the equation. I think they don't care. But they will when it happens and they will have great regret."
"I need to stop this!"
Chardon pleaded with her but Jaron shook her head.
"And that is why I never trusted manbeasts." The voice interrupting was all too familiar.
Chardon and Jaron turned to see Ganna walking towards them carrying a large potted plant. She thumped it down on the ground and wiped her brow with the back of her sleeve. The last person she wanted to see was their head scientist. If their race didn't need her, she would have slit the woman's throat a long time ago.
"You do not need to comment on this or anything else," Jaron seethed.
"Yes, yes, you wish to kill me." Ganna waved a hand in the air. "Join the ranks and wait your turn. In the meantime, I created a plant that will spread like fire. It should bring a harvest within months and will span a wide girth in meters."
Ganna turned to walk away then stopped. She gave them a winning smile and added, "If you need me to create something to eradicate the manbeasts, you know where to find me."
As she walked away, Chardon and Jaron held each other at bay. When she was no longer in sight they let go of each other.
Meetings were in the dark of night for a reason and Modas prohibited any light be brought to them, the moon giving off a sufficient amount. He had to call an emergency gathering because of the increased incidents. Some of his manbeasts were sabotaging the agenda early and he needed to rein them in. They had to exercise patience for a few more years which meant squashing the rumors quickly. Having that kind of mistrust now would be like losing Lassa all over again.
"What are you doing? Have I not explained the reason for this cause?"
A few mumbles could be heard and that infuriated him. He too had been slipping over the years and needed to regain Chardon's trust. Telling them to do what he hasn't would sound like preaching.
"We must be calculated and in sync with our efforts. Yes, we should be angry but this is to establish a new order to ensure this does not happen ever again."
"Will Chardon be our final sacrifice?" A manbeast asked. Others laughed.
Modas felt his eyes burn and he roared. When everyone was silent, stunned out of their thoughts, he made it clear. "No one harms our leader! Has your core gone dim?"
"I thought we were recreating the actions of the father. Chardon must die."
Four manbeasts nodded in agreement but then saw the looks from others in the group. Modas could see them become aware how wrong they were. He had never said anything about recreating the past. That would be disastrous.
"Why would you think that? We are not murderers." Modas snapped.
"We want to be heard. For them to feel our pain. To instill fear of the manbeasts once again so we are not underestimated," Barbon stated. Modas was thankful for him trying to steer them towards the true cause.
"Calm yourselves and make this right. Make the rumors go away. If they know we are coming there is no element of surprise." He watch some hang their heads in shame. "That is all for now. Go home, and be kind until it is time."
Modas watched them disperse and a nagging feeling tugged at his gut. A few of his manbeast looked dissatisfied with the notion of killing Chardon being off the agenda. They won't listen. He immediately got nauseous and dry heaved over the hilltops edge. This kind of sickness had never happened to him before. Is this a bad omen? Standing up to his full height, he jumped down from the edge.
Another visit to Azrom without her mother or younger brother made Farin elated because she could roam the palace, under Trinon's watchful eye of course. But lately he was letting her go off on her own. She felt better being in female form and relished it. Taking a quick overview of her body finally filled out in all the right places made her wish for better attire to accentuate her assets.
She ran around the corner of a veranda on the palace's far side, where she had never been and noticed the sun was blocked. Up ahead she saw royal guards at the entrance of a chamber and smiled. I wonder whose it is. Curiosity piqued, she headed straight for it.
As she neared the entrance, the two guards turned their heads towards her with their eyes bulging out of their sockets at the sight of her. They both gripped their weapons, ready to bar the entrance when just in time, Lord Chastan came out.
He was straightening his top robe over one shoulder and looked over at the guards. They removed their hands from their weapons and resumed watch. Farin grinned as she caught a glimpse of the inside before Chastan blocked her view, an obvious move to stop her from seeing. So it's true. Feigning ignorance, she stepped back from the entrance a bit and exclaimed, "Lord Chastan! What are you doing? Were you visiting?"
Lord Chastan let out a small laugh and hooked his arm in hers, steering her from the chamber.
"My beautiful Farin, this is no place for you to be."
They walked back down the outer corridor.
"Why?"
"Because there are those who would gladly desecrate you with no regard for their lives. And if you are harmed within our palace, Halfar would kill us all."
"Oh. So you would protect me?"
Lord Chastan smiled. "Of course. You shouldn't be here with me."
"Everyone says that."
"Your father will be searching for you."
"Where are you going now?"
His pace slowed and a sinister look came on his face. She could tell he was thinking something unclean. "Would you take a bath with me? Being scrubbed by an attendant is so impersonal."
"Really? Like in the communal basins I heard about?"
"Not quite, this one is for royals only."
"I haven't had one since I got back on Azrom."
"Then let's get clean together."
They walked arm in arm to a bath chamber further in the palace than she had ever been and admired the large basin set deep into the floor. Lord Chastan nodded to the attendant who hurriedly ran the water and added the solvents. The washing cloths and sponges were set on the edge and the attendant fled the chamber.
Turning around to walk backwards into the chamber, Lord Chastan took her hand and guided her to the changing station to the right of the entrance. He reached over to push her hair from her shoulder then gently pulled her robe down until it fell on its own to the floor. He knelt down and did the same with her leggings and boots.
Farin giggled, startling him to stand back up. "Your turn."
She pulled off his robes, tearing at them, each layer flying into the air haphazardly. She adored the look on his face at her boldness.
The attendant returned to fold their clothing in a neat square pile and left again. Farin got the impression that Lord Chastan was not very nice to the attendants and probably harassed them brutally; sexually. It didn't matter if they were male or female.
He held her hand as she stepped down into the basin and settled on the ledge. Expecting a drunken splash, she was surprised by how gracefully he slid into the water. With smooth precision, he gently pulled her by the hips to him, not disturbing the water. His hands came up dripping wet, soaking her hair as he brushed his fingers in it.
"You are quite beautiful," he whispered in her ear.
His breath was hot and she could feel him getting aroused. She smiled, tilting her head back and pushed away from him.
"Lord Chastan, that's dirty."
"Well, we are here to bathe." He reached behind him and removed the sponge from the ledge. "May I?"
Farin turned around and let him move her hair to one side so he could wash her back. His touch was very soft and again she wondered how he could be so crude in public. Even when his hands roamed to the front of her and ran the sponge down her breasts, one side at a time. She turned back around to face him.
"My turn?" He asked.
She grinned then used both her arms to scoop up water and splash him. At first he was stunned but recovered quickly and did the same to her. They laughed like children as they wrestled with each other, not caring about their nakedness. Farin was having fun.
Out of breath, they went back to washing each other, Farin making sure to wash every part of him she deemed unclean. She watched his eyes close in ecstasy as she ran the cloth around his genitals, scrubbing gently. He's so easy. When she was done, he grabbed her by the waist and set her on the inside ledge. He spread her legs wide and let them rest on his shoulders while he used one hand to wash between her thighs.
"Ahh, that tickles!" Farin laughed, throwing her head back. It didn't tickle, it felt heavenly. He stopped and pulled her legs down around his waist. "Why did you stop?" Farin asked searching for an explanation on his face.
"Because," he replied, tangling his fingers in her hair, "if your father found out, my demise would be imminent."
"But I'll never tell."
"No," he sighed, "you wouldn't"
He kissed her then, hard, blocking off her air supply. She stared at him as he disengaged and saw fear in his eyes. Smiling to change his mood, she wrapped her arms around his neck and blew warm air in his face.
"What are you doing?" He laughed.
"Making you feel better."
"You already have."
"With just a kiss?"
"Ummm, maybe more than that." He swatted the side of her buttocks and pushed away from her. "We need to go."
"Why?" Before he could answer, she said, "My father."
"Correct."
He got out of the basin and pulled her by the underarms onto the ledge. The attendant appeared with large drying towels but Chastan only took one and dried them both off with it. They laughed the entire time while the attendant took care of the basin, as they dressed.
"Come on, if I'm going to get caught at least it won't be in a bathing chamber."
She let him lead her by the hand to another part of the royal palace and was taken aback by the golden colored inner corridors. Handmaids traveled along with purpose, moving out of their way and bowing low at the same time. Lord Chastan stopped at the entrance of a personal chamber and found it to be his.
Entering his chamber, he went to a shelf and removed a large tablet. She came closer and he set it on the bed. A virtual board game appeared on the display.
"Let's play."
"I've never played this game. What is it called?"
"It's called Konterra and it's a game of strategy."
"So you'll let me win?"
"No." Farin pouted and he laughed at her. "You can't learn if I do that."
"Fine." She crawled on the bed across from him and he set it up. "What do I get if I win?"
"What do you want?"
Farin blushed, her pale skin turning the lightest shade of pink. "I want to have more fun in the palace. Will you show me?"
"I would do anything for the beautiful Farin," Chastan replied.
Of course you would. Farin giggled again and settled further onto the bed.
Boots striking hard on the lacquered halls of the First Royal house caused panic, handmaids ushering their masters into random available rooms in order to stay out of the way. A small group of Halfar's royal guard was marching with purpose, faces scrunched up as if something smelled rotten. They formed a perfect diamond, one in the front and rear with two of them in the middle side by side. Chastan's handmaid, Ponnae, paled and hurried ahead of them towards her master's chamber. She knew who they had come for. Gathering the edges of her robes, her gait broke into a near run.
As the sound of the guards' advance began to disappear she rounded the corner at the end of the corridor and deeper into the palace. Directly in her path, Lord Romnus and his entourage were headed towards her. His face frowned as he looked at her. She had no choice now, she had to tell him.
"Lord Romnus," she greeted him. She bowed deep and tried to catch her breath.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" He seemed angry.
"I must warn my Lord to send off Lady Farin."
"Oh?" Lord Romnus replied playfully.
"Halfar's royal guards are in the family palace."
Something dark and unholy spread across his expression and she could tell he was going to address it. That was not ideal but he was royalty and could probably get away with doing so. To her surprise, they all turned around and Romnus gestured her forward.
"Come, let's get Lady Farin safely away."
Grateful for the back up in case the royal guard did catch up, she obeyed and continued her fast paced stride to Lord Chastan. Not two corridors away she heard the boots get louder. She broke into a full run ahead of Lord Romnus' group and made it to the chamber entrance.
Lord Chastan and Lady Farin were playing a board game on the bed, laughing and tagging each other. She exhaled and blurted out, "My Lord!" They both turned to her, smiling. "Lady Farin must be escorted out, now."
Her master gave her a warning look. She knew her tone bordered on insubordination but there was no time. He could punish her later. In her defense, Lord Romnus came up behind her.
"It really is imperative that you go, Lady Farin," Lord Romnus commanded lightly.
Lady Farin began to pout. "But I just learned how to play! I'm having fun."
"Yes, well your father has sent his royal guards into our palace looking for you."
Lord Chastan's eyes went wider. She saw fear on her master's face. It was a rare thing to see since he feared almost nothing. He started shutting down the game.
"Fine, I'll go," Lady Farin huffed. She leaned over to Lord Chastan, her face dangerously close to his. "But I can come back, right? You'll play with me again?"
"As much as we love having you come to visit us, we are trying to not be slaughtered because of it," Lord Romnus answered for her master.
Lady Farin stood up with her hands balled into fists. "I know."
Lord Chastan nodded to her and she held out a hand to Lady Farin who took it.
"Make sure you find Trinon, Lady Farin. This could become messy," Lord Romnus said to her.
With a nod, Lady Farin followed her out of the chamber and down a private corridor hidden in the walls. She kept a good grip on the Lady's hand, not in the mood to fall for her childish games of running off on her own. This was a serious matter and her first priority was the safety of her master.
Lord Romnus waited patiently for the royal guards as they came around the corner of the corridor breeding intent to harm if the situation necessitated it-again. He forced his mouth into a smile as they marched up to him at Lord Chastan's chamber entryway.
"Where is she?" The leader roared. "We know she was sighted in this palace with Lord Chastan!"
"Lord Chastan has had many females in his presence. You have to clarify…" he was not allowed to finished.
"Do not kolbrec me, royal!"
Ponnae gasped at the term only uttered by mothers to unruly children.
Lord Romnus held out an arm to his side, stopping what he knew was his own guards grabbing the hilts of their longswords. His eyes narrowed and locked on the leader's, who flinched slightly, looking sideways without moving his head to make sure no one saw it. Romnus didn't let his stare waver as he spoke.
"You have entered the palace of the First Royal house without my consent. Here, I am Supreme Ruler and you will tell Halfar this is not acceptable." He did not raise his voice and knew there was no need.
"You may rule here but Halfar is the Supreme Ruler of our race. You would do well to remind this palace of that. We will find that halfbreed in due time," the leader spat as he spun a finger in the air. The royal guards made their way back from which they came.
"Halfbreed?" Romnus asked no one. "Now, that is telling."
"I think I have a fear for her," Lord Chastan said.
"I think you should." Romnus eyed him. "What, exactly, were you doing with the beautiful Farin?"
"You saw, we were playing a game." Lord Chastan smiled sweetly.
"And before that?"
"What are you implying?"
"They said you were sighted with her, Chastan."
"We bathed together. That is all."
Romnus was well aware of Chastan's ideas regarding baths and felt his stomach cringe. Then he thought about it logically and came to the conclusion that the beautiful Farin would not have allowed such debauchery be administered on her. She was feral and ripe for mating but not reckless.
"I hope so, for your sake," Lord Romnus turned away, "and ours."
He and his entourage left to resume their walk to his original destination. A sudden surge of bile filled his throat and he forced it back. It was a combination of his rage against Halfar and the image of Chastan touching Farin that conjured in his mind. The latter should be of no concern. If she ended up with another after Chastan before he got her that was fine. That way she would be well seasoned in mating.
It was the first that infuriated him more. Since the forced segregation, it was explicit that no royal house would be invaded in such a manner. Halfar was breaking his own rules for his own agenda. Halfbreed? For Halfar to allow his inner circle to define his first born as such meant the council was pushing harder.
He decided to let Chastan and Farin's relationship flourish a bit. It would put her under the protection of the First Royal house. If even her father tried to harm her, he could retaliate on her behalf. Plucking the round fruit from Biandra's upstretched hand, he took a bite, engulfing half of it. The juice dripped down his neck and he wipe his face with the back of his robe's sleeve, he felt his eyes burning. The end of Halfar's reign was near.
It didn't take long for Trinon to reattach himself to Farin. Even though he let her roam, she was always in his sights. He was testing the waters to see how bad Azrom was becoming for the young royal. Halfar was putting a shorter leash on his child as each year passed. The encounter he just witnessed with Lord Romnus and Halfar's royal guard confirmed his fears. Farin was in danger from her own father. That one term he heard the leader spit out is what gave him cause for alarm.
Seeing Lord Chastan's handmaid lead Farin down the stone paved ramp that ended back on the side of the main palace, Trinon jumped off the steeple above and landed soundlessly behind them. He smiled at how well it went and decided he had now perfected it.
"Trinon, are you upset with me?" Farin asked.
That startled the handmaid who nearly stumbled backwards as she turned and saw him so close behind them. Her look of terror was almost comical. He set a hand on Farin's head and shook it.
"How? Where did you…?" The handmaid stuttered.
"It's okay now. You can go back to Lord Chastan. I'm sure you're worried about leaving him with my father's royal guards," Farin said. Her smile faltered a bit.
"I am, thank you."
With a low bow, the handmaid ran back up the ramp. He felt bad for her. It was obvious to him that she would end up in the middle of all this and not come out unscathed. His hand still on Farin's head he gripped harder and forced her to turn around and face him.
"I cannot protect you if you do reckless things."
He made sure his voice was low enough for only her to hear. Royal guards were everywhere in the main palace. Her mouth trembled and he folded her tight in his arms. He had been with Farin since infancy and if he was of mating age when she was born he could be her father. Years of watching, training, protecting. He was not going to let her own father destroy her, let alone anyone else.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered. It was muffled by his robes.
"You're not stupid and you're not weak. Acting like it is one thing, being is another."
Farin pulled away from him and smiled for real this time.
"Manbeast!" A royal guard yelled at him. "You are lacking in your duties!"
He turned to the four royal guards from earlier and the disrespect they exuded rubbed him the wrong way. With a grin, he instantly grew claws from his left hand and swiped across all four at chest level. Their breast plates split in two, the lower halves falling to the ground in loud clanks. Other royal guards looked over and Trinon saw them itching for a fight, but hesitating.
"Let's play nice, shall we? I have been watching Farin all day, as usual," he laughed.
"You lie! She was seen with Lord Chastan!"
"She is never alone," Trinon replied.
This time he didn't smile, letting his voice drop an octave lower along with his stare. He watched it strike fear in the royal guards around him. At nearly seven feet tall like most of his family, he towered over the guards. Out of the corner of his vision he saw two royal advisors and their guards come towards them in what may become a brawl if the royal guards decided to strike back. The other three were still in awe of their breast plates on the ground. Retracting his claws and resuming his goofy demeanor, he waited for the reprimand.
"What is going on?" Mesrod, Halfar's first advisor, demanded. He noticed the half cut uniforms and stared at him in anger. "Did you do this?"
"Yep!" He replied in Earth slang he learned from Kelin. His understanding of it was that it conveyed a kind of disrespect and improper dialect. "I sure did!"
"Why would you do such a thing?" Prevcan, the second advisor, asked.
"Simple. They weren't being nice," Trinon said. He reached back and ruffled the back of his mane. "I don't like that."
Mesrod pursed his lips and his brow furrowed. "Return to your posts," he commanded the royal guards, including the four in front of him.
They picked up the other half of their breast plates and marched off back into the main palace. Prevcan tsked at him. "Halfar will not be pleased with your idea of watching, manbeast."
Trinon cocked his head to one side at the last word the advisor uttered and waited. He saw the realization enter the man.
"My apologies, Trinon," the advisor cooed.
"Can I rip your throat out?" Trinon asked playfully.
What?" The two advisors asked, horrified.
"Kidding," Trinon laughed.
"Please see that Lady Farin," he said it with obvious disdain, "is confined to her chamber for now."
"Of course."
Trinon watched them wait for his bow and he gave them no indication that he would. After a few moments he guessed they realized it as well and walked off in a state of anger. He did like that.
**~**
Talas stretched the fingerless leather glove over one hand, pulling it tight. In female form she was not much different with the exception of the barely there breasts and slight curve of her hips. Her body was all lean muscle so it didn't surprise anyone that she wasn't more endowed. The deep rust colored leather jacket strained slightly across the chest making it impossible to close all the way. Even her leather leggings hugged a bit too much, but not enough to restrict her movements.
She felt moody. Raising one hand to inspect the glove's fit, it occurred to her that this feeling was due to her female form. It caused a shift in her psyche. Movement from behind made her turn and she saw Kelin setting up the weapons table for training. She let out a soft sigh watching him be meticulous with the arrangement.
A finger was poking at her breasts and she heard a giggle. On instinct, she slapped the finger away and turned her attention to the culprit; Trinon.
"Cushy," he laughed. His nearly seven foot frame was bent towards her but she still had to look up at him.
"Don’t do that!"
"It's fun sparring when you're in female form. You get all ferocious."
"Is that so?" Talas frowned at him. He smiled that big goofy grin.
"Can I join in?"
"As long as your father doesn't intervene, again."
This time Trinon made a sour face. The childlike grin gone. A serious look surfaced.
"My father is stuck in the past." His natural tenor emerged and Talas thought about how shocking it would be for anyone else to hear. Only three people knew what he truly sounded like.
"And you're not?"
"Not in the same way."
Trinon, along with Talas, watched Kelin approaching and his childlike demeanor returned. He placed one hand high above his mane, rubbing the back of his head and let out a loud laugh. His eyes squeezed shut and mouth went wide open.
Don't overdo it. Talas silently chided him. Seeing his transitions, and knowing why he had to do it, hurt her. For years she watched the young manbeast struggle all by himself. Having his litter brother, Und, to confide in didn't give him much solace. She wanted to embrace him like a small child but that was his mother's duty.
"Feel better?" Trinon exclaimed.
"What?" Talas snapped out of her reverie.
"You were being all moody." Trinon walked away backwards and turned as he neared the combat training arena.
"Observant little," Talas started to curse but was stopped by laughter behind her.
Kelin rested an arm on her shoulder and kissed the side of her head. Blonde strands stuck to his face and formed a web before falling back in place as he disengaged.
"I swear the two of you are like twin stars on opposite axis. It's kind of cute, how he teases you."
Talas eyed her mate and felt a sense of guilt. She didn't like hiding things from him after all the chaos they had been through but it was not her tale to tell. Now she knew why she was moody. It wasn't just her female hormones, it was the date. What a terrible anniversary. She grabbed the hilt of her longsword and headed for the arena. At least she would get to release some of her frustrations for a while.
**~**
Rass stood perfectly still as Halfar marched into the conference chamber, his stride full of purpose. For the Supreme Ruler to roam the palace unguarded meant nothing good would come from this visit. HE also knew that Halfar was the only one aware of his location at this hour of the day. Taking a quick scan of his face, he tried to decipher his ruler's mood. When Halfar did look up to meet his gaze, something like icy liquid ran through his body.
"Are we alone?" Halfar asked. His tone was brisk.
Rass blinked then noted his surroundings. "Yes, my lord."
"Good. I have decided that the council is correct in their assessment of a pure blooded heir."
"Have you spoken with Chardon about this?"
"Chardon has nothing to do with this matter! She is not of Azrom."
Rass reared back as fear began to form in him. The way Halfar spoke bordered on madness. "That being so," Rass tried to quash the heat, "she is your mate."
"She won't be the only one. I can have as many as needed." Halfar stepped closer. "After having offspring, I felt like I had wasted so many decades by not solidifying my bloodline. The first to bear my seed should have been you."
Alarms went off in his head and the rest of the color drained from his already pale complexion as he tried to step away. Halfar grabbed hold of his forearms, stopping him.
"I am already mated to Kur, my lord."
"He can have you," Halfar's grip tightened, "when I'm done."
"I cannot…"
Halfar's eyes burned with an intensity he had only witnessed during battle. "You belong to me," he seethed. Rass felt his own eyes start to widen and fought the urge. He knew Halfar could already smell his fear. "If I had not dragged you out of the brothel and wanted you, this junction in your life would not be possible. You will submit to me!" He leaned in and sniffed at his hair, inhaling deep. Rass stiffened.
In that moment, he knew how far his ruler had come unhinged. Halfar let him go and walked backwards to the doors, his eyes never leaving Rass'. At the entrance he turned and exited the chamber.
The doors slid shut, a loud swishing sound he had never noticed before emitted from the sealing mechanism, and his legs buckled. He reached out to the viewing platform and used it to keep himself from falling. It had been a long time since he had felt so defenseless. Not since his early years in the brothel. It reminded him how much he feared Halfar and chided himself for forgetting that fact. He had grown arrogant over the past century and was now paying the price.
Afraid Halfar might return, Rass quickly came to his senses and fled the chamber. The only place he could think to go was the First Royal House palace, where Kur was.
Rass finally made it to the communal hall by using every tactic he could think of to sneak out of the main palace. Kur sat at the table end closest to the entrance. He halted for a moment at the archway and watched Kur sip his drink while listening to Romnus speak. There was no sound. Rass felt panic.
When his eyes refocused, he saw everyone getting up from the table staring at him with great concern. Kur was right in front of him, yelling. When did he get there?
"What's happened?" Kur yelled again.
"Halfar," Rass managed to whisper. Then he noticed the room. "Not here, please." Rass took hold of Kur's tunic.
Kur turned to the royals. "I must go."
They found an empty chamber along the outer corridor and stepped inside. Kur placed his hands around Rass' neck. So warm. Rass leaned forward until his forehead touched Kur's.
"What is it?" Kur demanded. "What madness has he spouted now?"
"He wants pure blooded offspring."
"Yes, the council has poisoned his mind with that."
Rass began to shake and used Kur to hold himself steady. "He is going to force me to bear his seed." He felt Kur's hands tighten as they slid away, his fingers digging into flesh.
"You are mine," Kur said through gritted teeth.
"He does not care. His claim to rights is that he owned me first."
Kur pushed himself away and began to leave the chamber. Rass knew that look on his face and hurried after him, pulling him back.
"No!"
"He's gone too far!"
"I won’t let him have me!" Rass snapped back.
"And how are you going to stop him?"
Now there was fear in Kur's eyes and Rass began to understand their predicament.
"I don't know," Rass replied softly.
Kur wrapped his arms around him and they remained that way for a while.
Servants bustled around the communal hall replenishing empty platters and drinks. Romnus clapped loudly, once, getting them to stop moving, then waved them away. Once they were gone he brought his attention to the other royals. Although they tried to hide it, all of them were shaken by the young general's appearance earlier. Invoking that one name sent them into a frenzy as of late. He, on the other hand, kept his composure. In truth, it didn't surprise him that his cousin had done something bordering on insanity. The royal houses were in a state of heightened security these past few years.
"What should we do about this, Romnus?" Reita asked.
He leaned back against the wall and contemplated for a moment. "First, we need to know what he's done."
"Does it matter? He needs to be stopped!" Chastan yelled.
Romnus looked around at his family members' faces and saw tension on the verge of snapping. "I understand your concerns, I do. But you know we cannot move against Halfar unless we have a solid plan in place." Kuhala began playing with her short blade, swirling it between her nimble fingers. "And no, we cannot kill him." She stopped the motion of her blade and laid it flat on the table. "Kur has an idea, I just don't want to do it." They all stared at him, their anger evident. "You know how I feel about being next in succession."
"How you feel is of no concern to us, brother. This is for the glory of Azrom," his sister chided him.
"What glory we have left," Chastan snorted.
"Enough!" Romnus was tired but more than anything, he was disgusted. This was not how he envisioned Azrom under Halfar's rule. If he had known, seen some hint of this, he would never had withdrawn from the succession battle.
Farin clung tight against the wall as a group of royal guards marched across the platform a mere five hundred feet from her. She took a peek around the corner as they disappeared down the adjacent stairway. It was less than a third of a kilometer to the first royal house palace side and she knew if her speed was constant like Trinon had taught her, it would be a cinch to get there in under two seconds. Crunching down into a launch position, she exhaled slowly then pushed off.
Her ability to stop was lacking so she ended up slamming into the wall of the courtyard to the dismay of the three consorts and the children. In an attempt to not damage her face, she had turned away from the wall. She pushed herself away from the wall and stepped back holding the left side of her face. When she turned around, Kur's mother, Emalli, stood in front of her.
"Hurry before they see you." Her tone was firm.
"I know."
Farin ran through the archway and into the corridor of the palace. She found the golden hallways and ran into Chastan's handmaid. The woman gasped loudly at seeing her and something like fear passed over her face.
Please?" Farin said.
The handmaid sighed and turned around to escort her to Chastan's chamber. Of course, he was there lounging on his bed playing that game of strategy like he always did in the mid afternoon. He looked up from it and she smiled at him.
"The beautiful Farin," he exclaimed. He patted the top of the bed.
"Lord Chastan," Farin answered with a giggle as she hopped up beside him.
"You play a dangerous game," he said.
Farin didn't like talking about this again. It was always brought up every time she showed up. She knew what was going on but she refused to live in a cage. As everyone kept pointing out, she was a royal too.
"I want to play! This time, I know I can beat you."
"Is that so?" Chastan swiped a hand across the virtual board and reset it.
"Mmm hmm."
"And, what do you get if you win?"
"Whatever I want."
"And, if I win?"
"Whatever I want."
"Isn’t that wrong?"
Farin smiled. "Do you not want the same thing?"
She saw him understand what she was implying. "You're trying to get me killed."
"No, just trying to have fun." She felt her mood darken for a second.
As if noticing it, he caressed her cheek. "Let's have some fun then."
Midway through the game, when she figured it was a called game, she tackled him down on the bed and kissed him. At first he seemed surprised then his body relaxed and he let her do what she wanted. Straddling him, she sat up and stared down at him. He was very pretty and did have a sweet side to him, although she wasn't sure if it was a ruse or not, just to get her.
He reached up with one hand and ran it down from her neck to her breasts. She pulled her robes off from the shoulders and let him tug them the rest of the way down. He undid the sash and tossed the robes on the floor. She removed his tunic and pulled his leggings off in one motion, his expression full of amazement.
"Why are you always so impatient?" he asked.
Farin leaned over and planted her hands on both sides of his chest and slid them under his armpits. She brushed her lips against his, teasing him before kissing him full on. His hands grabbed hold of her hips and he slid her down until she could feel the hardness of him force its way into her roughly. It hurts! Why couldn't he learn to be gentle?
His hips thrust upwards into her with powerful force, the pace faster than she liked and she kept her hands under him, gripping the bed covers beneath. She could hear herself crying out. He liked the sound of it and wouldn’t cease his rhythm. Her back arched sending her hair around her like a spider's web.
She could feel the sweat coming off her, making contact with his and their bodies slid across each other as if oiled. She became lightheaded, the muscles in her womb contracting and her arms started to shake.
Chastan grabbed her by the hair with one hand and he let out a loud grunt that turned into a growl and she felt his seed spew into her as they let out a final cry. Pain, ecstasy and euphoria claimed her all at once and she fell atop him with a resounding smack.
Covered in each other's juices, they lay like that for what seemed hours though only moments had past. Shaky, she lifted her head and kissed him. It stopped his heavy breathing for a second and he just looked at her. Then, she burst out laughing.
"Oh, you are so very dangerous," Chastan said. He cupped her buttocks and slid her off of his now soft member. "Really, Farin. You will get us all killed."
"Don’t say that!" Farin swatted his head and climbed off him.
She found her robes on the floor and redressed. Chastan sat up and did the same. The game was still counting down when they both looked at it and she laughed again.
"Shall I deliver the finishing blow?"
"You haven't won yet."
"Oh?"
Farin laid on her stomach and observed the last moves of the game while Chastan sat propped up on one elbow with his head resting on it. He was just being arrogant and a sore loser, she thought to herself.
She vowed to come back whenever she wanted and did so for weeks on end knowing her luck was bound to run out eventually. Just not the way it did.
**~**
Halfar couldn't believe where his child had gone yet again. He had repeatedly confined her to the main palace but somehow she managed to sneak out and end up back in the First Royal House palace. This time, he decided to fetch her himself along with four of his royal guards. Romnus brought this down on himself. He had asked his cousin numerous times to restrict Farin from entering his palace.
Deep into the first royal house palace he turned down the inner corridors, passing through the golden halls, watching royals and their servants scurry away in fear. It was probably the look on his face, he thought, for he was indeed incensed.
Within minutes he saw Romnus coming down the corridor from the opposite side and between them, a female servant standing in the entryway of a chamber glancing back at him in terror as she talked to whoever was inside. Then she ran in.
"Lord Chastan!" Ponnae came to the entrance of her lord's chamber out of breath and scared to death. Alarmed, she saw Lady Farin naked on top of her master and knew they had just finished mating. Lady Farin had her back to the entrance so had to turn to look at her.
"Lady Farin! You must go, now!"
Lord Chastan's face went ashen and he quickly lifted Lady Farin off him so he could get dressed. Lady Farin halfheartedly moved to find her robes and Ponnae snapped. She rushed into the chamber and hurriedly helped Lady Farin into her robes, stepping back towards the entrance as the two readjusted themselves on the bed, now fully clothed. Ponnae turned around cautiously, feeling a presence behind her and breathed a sigh of relief when she found Lord Romnus standing there. His gaze fell on Lady Farin and Chastan.
Not a second passed before Lord Halfar also appeared next to him, royal guards in tow. Her master sat frozen on the bed, not sure what to do and she couldn't think either. Lady Farin just looked up with a smile on her face.
"I hope you are having fun," Halfar yelled.
"I was," Farin laughed. "Lord Chastan was teaching me how to play this strategy game." The game was indeed still counting down on the edge of the bed.
"Did he now? Get up!" He commanded.
Lady Farin flinched and slid off the bed. "I just wanted a companion, father."
"You can't blame her for that. She has no one to engage with in the palace," Romnus added.
"Don't!" Lord Halfar warned him.
"It was just a game, cousin."
The moment Farin got to the entrance, two of the royal guards snatched her roughly and headed down the corridor. Lord Halfar stared at her master briefly then said.
"I will publicly execute you if I find you near her again."
Lord Halfar turned to leave but to her shock and amazement, Lord Romnus blocked him. She had never seen them side by side and noticed Lord Romnus was taller and bulkier.
"You will not threaten my family in my palace, cousin."
Lord Halfar's and Lord Romnus' guards unsheathed their longswords. She raised her hands to her mouth then her master grabbed her by the shoulders and into the furthest part of the room. Lord Halfar took a quick glance at her then back to Lord Romnus. That look scared her more than anything. After what seemed like an eternity, the stalemate was broken by Lord Halfar. He made a gesture and his royal guards sheathed their weapons. Lord Romnus stepped to the side to let him through, his guards still battle ready.
Her legs buckled and she slid to the ground in her master's arms. She had forfeited her life to protect Lady Farin and her master's relationship. And she knew, Halfar knew it.
Two days.
Farin stared at the walls of her chamber and tried to think of something to do by herself. She was not allowed outside, her meals brought to her and four guards escorted her to the bath. Trinon was always near but kept hidden from them. He said it was to make them feel more comfortable but she knew it was to see if they would harm her or not. The guards would sometimes 'accidentally' come into the bath thinking she was done and find her still in the water, naked. One of them would unconsciously fondle his crotch while he stared at her hungrily. He was the most dangerous.
She winced at the pain in her abdomen and did a few breathing techniques. They came off and on since the start of the new moon and she wasn't sure if it was anxiety or she was being poisoned. She put nothing past her father's advisors. This time it blossomed like fire and it lifted her off the bed as she cried out. Tears sprung from her eyes and she couldn't shake it.
Trinon emerged and held her down until it passed. He looked at her then placed a hand on her belly. At first her mind went blank, confused by his action, then she understood. Clasping her hands over her mouth she cried and screamed. When her hands weren't enough to muffle the sound, Trinon brought her to his broad chest and stifled it.
"We have to go. Right now," Trinon said. She nodded.
He lifted her up and walked out onto the veranda. With one leap towards the gate platform on the other side of the palace, he landed on it. The guardian stared at them in puzzlement. Trinon set her down and knocked him out before he could question their reason for being there. Then he opened the gateway to New Lassa. Right before it closed shut royal guards came running down the corridor towards the gate.
Safe.
Sunlight started to wane, casting shadows along the hilltop where Farin sat with her legs extended out. The breeze made her close her eyes and smile. Beside her, wrapped in soft cloths, was her newly born son gurgling happily. When she realized she was with child on Azrom her mind panicked, hurrying back to New Lassa. Her sudden unauthorized flight had her father angry and demanding she return soon. Something blocked the breeze so she opened her eyes and saw her mother towering over her.
"You need to get inside and rest."
"I'm fine."
She saw the look her mother gave and decided not to have a verbal fight. There was a sadness in her mother and she could guess where it stemmed from. Rolling over on her side, she picked up her baby then sat up to a kneeling position. A wave of weakness came over her but her mother was right there to steady her.
"It takes a lot out of you. Come," her mother said.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Her mother frowned. "What for? You did nothing wrong."
"He has to stay hidden here on New Lassa and you'll end up having to care for him while I'm away."
"If it keeps him safe, I'd gladly do it. I just need you to be more careful. Your father has…changed."
Farin laughed. It was much more than that. Her father was being manipulated like a puppet and had gone insane with power. She couldn't tell her mother that, she still loved him, and there was a chance he may see reason and stop his madness. She looked down at her tiny son of three days. He looked more like her than Chastan but there was a hint of him in those tiny features. Such a beautiful lifeform who could not know his father until it was deemed safe.
"I'm so sorry." This she said for Chastan.
Farin held him close to her bosom as she slowly rose from the ground with the help of her mother.
"When does your father want you back on Azrom?"
"Four moons."
"And how long does he expect you to stay?"
"About the same. Mother," she met her gaze, "I'm afraid."
Her mother enclosed her and the baby in her arms. Farin relaxed her body and breathed in the scent of her mother's hair. When she let go, there was a wet stain on her mother's robe.
"Thank you, I needed that."
"I know," her mother replied. "Now stop stalling."
On the way down, Farin caught a glimpse of Trinon watching from a higher hill. She felt guilty for putting him in such a position but it was too late for that now.
**~**
He knew he wasn't being delusional when he saw Farin strolling along the outer corridor of the First Royal House's palace. Romnus just couldn't fathom how no one else noticed it. He watched her breasts nearly strain against her robes as they heaved up and down with every step she made. The slight color in her usually pale skin also gave it away. He decided to feign ignorance.
Her stride slowed as she spotted him and he gave her a broad smile as he opened his arms, waiting for her. It was something he always did lately whenever he saw her. Any excuse to lay his hands on her was a good tactic in his book. She slammed into him giggling, her hair covering his face and he inhaled deep. She smelled of open air after a rainfall. He dug his fingers into her hair to hold her closer to him and let the other hand trail down her spine to rest just above the curve of her buttocks. Her body relaxed and he could feel how soft she had become.
"Did you miss me?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Tremendously." Romnus reluctantly let her go and stepped back a bit. "I see you're defying your father's demands yet again."
Her face scrunched up and her stance stiffened. "I am not a prisoner. He can't keep me locked away like that!"
"He shouldn't, but he will and can. Be careful, beautiful Farin." He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand and her head tilted into it.
"I will."
"Promise me." He gave her a serious look.
"I swear it." Farin smiled up at him again.
"Good. I believe Chastan will be glad to see you."
"Really?" She cocked her head.
He laughed, forgetting how observant she was assuming that Chastan took to the brothel more than most.
"Walk with me, Farin. Chastan can wait."
Her smile sent a shiver right down to his groin, forcing it to tighten. Fortunately, patience was a trait he had an abundance of.
Even on the holoscreen hovering above in the newly constructed war room, the Dreridians' appeared made of rough rocks bond together, forming crags. Halfar stood glaring at Lord Pondur's smiling image. It had taken days for the connection to be established because he felt there was no rush to speak with them. As far as he was concerned, the Dreridians were also the enemy.
His two generals did not agree which infuriated him. The entire race should embrace his agenda and mirror his views. Something about the way Lord Pondur grinned made him wonder if the greedy trade merchant sensed it. Kur and Rass stood silent by his side.
"Lord Halfar, good to see you are well." Pondur bowed forward ever so slightly.
"Despite your part in the attempt to cripple my planet and my people, I am always victorious." He purposely left out addressing the Dreridian ruler.
"Til death!" every soldier in the room resounded.
A craggy brow lifted on Lord Pondur's face and he seemed amused by the outburst.
"Oh, Lord Halfar. We have no intention of letting you meet your demise. We simply helped out a desperate race who continued on a flawed plan."
"You gave those reptiles an advantage over us!"
"Did we?" Lord Pondur raised a delicate chalice to his stone cracked lips and took a small sip from it. "I am baffled by this. Did you not raze Razzna's surface, leaving them no choice but to flee?"
Halfar clenched his fists at his sides. He had no response to that so gritted his teeth to remain silent for a moment. The minute infiltration team that consisted of twelve Razznians was just a slight hiccup and he had to confess that yes, he overreacted to a small fleet entering Azrom space that his generals could, and did, handle.
"What do you want?" he finally asked.
"A meeting of course." Pondur took another small sip and set his chalice down beside him. In the background Halfar could see a lean figure bent over a handheld holoscreen, oblivious to the conversation.
"For what purpose?"
"Payment." Pondur leaned back and folded his hands in his lap.
Halfar could feel the rage building up inside him as he watched the Dreridian sit patiently waiting for his reply. Before he could, Pondur continued.
"Of course, we shall meet here on our home world. I fear my envoy would be in jeopardy if I were to arrive at Azrom."
"You would be correct," Halfar seethed.
"The Lassians must be in attendance as well."
"What?" Halfar jerked his head up to meet Pondur's gaze.
"This entire plan originated from the Lassians."
"Chardon had nothing to do with that plan!"
"Is Chardon not the leader of Lassa and responsible for any decisions made on behalf of his race, regardless of who made it? Sestis was his mate and also leader. Do the same rules not apply to Azrom?"
"When?"
"Let's say in three moons. I am sure you can prepare within that timeframe."
"And what of the Razznians?"
"Oh, they will be there as well." Pondur smiled again.
"How? You said they left Razzna."
"We were able to establish communication." Pondur waved a hand at the screen. "That is of no concern right now. You should bring any delegates necessary for the negotiations." Pondur tilted his head forward, not even attempting a bow. The holoscreen went black.
"That…" Halfar found he couldn't utter a single profanity. Too many phrases could be used and his mind didn't know which one to pick. He had a sour taste in his mouth.
Turning to his generals, he was about to ask their opinion when three of his royal advisors spoke ahead of him. They were here as observers only and Halfar was taken aback by their audacity.
"I believe this would be a great platform to reeducate them on Azrom ideals, my lord," Mesrod stated.
"Take Lord Romnus with you as a show of force," Prevcan suggested. "His brute demeanor would put them on edge."
Halfar saw Kur and Rass' jaws clinch tight and they remained silent. Seeming to pick up on this, Dondar, his third advisor interjected.
"As revered as they are in battle, my lord, your generals are not schooled in the ways of commerce and politics."
In his mind, that made sense. He knew how devoted to Azrom his generals were but it was also true that they had little dealings with this side of rulership. Having his cousin there would show that he was not the only one with Azrom's future in mind.
"So be it," he announced. He returned his gaze back to Kur and Rass. "Make the preparations for a hostile encounter, just in case."
"As you wish, my lord," they replied in unison, bowing low.
Leaving the war room he tried to figure out how much strength he could muster while in the same room as Razznians. He would not initiate a fight but would engage if they did. Now Lassa was to come to the table as well. He went to his chamber to talk with Chardon on his private commwave.
**~**
Chardon did a final check on his list of talking points as he headed towards the gate. He was going to meet up with Halfar on Azrom and from there they would both journey to the Dreridian solar system. It was no mystery what they wanted and Chardon found Halfar's stubbornness to negotiate frustrating. He was starting to see a big change in his lover's demeanor and he didn't like it. He had even noticed Halfar's harsher treatment of Farin and their youngest child, Chafar. At one point Chardon heard rumors of royal guards mistreating Farin and hoped, for Halfar's sake, that it was just that; rumors.
Behind him, Modas trudged along silently. There was some unspoken agreement to not speak for the duration of the journey. Tension drifted off the manbeast. Farin was already on Azrom from the time before and, Halfar assured him, under careful watch. Trinon was there so he didn't worry too much. The decision to go in male form was his own much to Halfar's dislike. Chardon had taken to hearing his own councils' suggestions and it was unanimous. Going as Halfar's mate would make it seem they had conceded New Lassa to Azrom. He didn't dare tell him that, knowing the ruler's tendency to lash out in anger, more so these past few years.
"Modas!" Chardon turned around and halted. The manbeast, startled out of his brooding, stopped in his tracks and looked up at him. "If conflict breaks out."
"We are prepared for that," said Modas with a raised a hand.
"Good. Let's get this over with."
Chardon eyed the entourage he had picked for the meeting. Talas, Modas, Mara and Ganna, the latter only as a necessity. He couldn't stand being in the same vicinity as the chief scientist yet he agreed with his choices; a Lassian warrior, a manbeast, an energy user and a mad scientist. Let's see how they perform for the Dreridians.
**~**
Two vortices opened up side by side opening their gaping mouths to eject what they had swallowed previously. From the first came a gleaming white monstrosity nearly a mile in its diameter, its massive body decelerating as it cleared the vortex. Halfar's Armada ship was the only one of its kind. The other vortex brought forth a ship blood red, nearly black in color, its red lights giving it the appearance of a giant insect. It was half the size of Azrom's but looked deadlier. The Razznians had also arrived.
On what seemed like a timed maneuver, both ships sent out carriers towards the surface of the solar system's conquering planet. A guidance system locked on and brought them to the main docking hub of the commonwealth. The two ships weren't the only ones landing and the hub was bustling with activity.
An urge to vomit came over Chardon as the Azrom carrier settled into the designated slot before it was clamped down. He had forgotten how much he hated traveling to other worlds for that reason. Out of the corner of his vision, he saw Lord Romnus raise an eyebrow at him with a grin on his face. In the face of possible humiliation, Chardon held back the nausea and rose from his seat.
He could see the Razznian ship docked catty corner from theirs on the right and rage came creeping in. Not now! Chardon forced it down. Halfar turned to him and a knowing look transpired between them. In the corridor leading out of the carrier, he noticed the size of their combined entourage. There were seven royal guards, four of them Halfar's, the two generals, his group and Lord Romnus'. They appeared to be coming for a fight indeed.
When he was visiting other worlds with Sestis, they had come to meet Lord Pondur once at an interstellar meeting in the Huun system. His mate at the time was quite comfortable making conversation with the diplomats but he stayed focused and only asked what was needed. He felt disappointment and guilt for not ceasing her downward spiral sooner.
On the platform below a Dreridian convoy waited for both ships' passengers to disembark. Chardon took a good look at the craggy skinned species in tailored wardrobes made of the finest textiles. They stood in a pyramid formation, a tall, portly male at the front. He wondered how different a diet this one had than the others.
To the right of their group came the Razznians and Chardon got his first look at their ruler. It was shocking to see the massive reptile lumber down his ship's ramp onto the platform, Commander Sars following close behind with his own men and six Razznian soldiers. Sars made eye contact with him and that look of pity was again on his face. It angered Chardon because he had no idea why the Razznian would feel that way towards him.
"Honored guests, I am Lord Greggor. Such a pleasure to welcome you to our fair home world." He made a slight bow with one arm across his chest, hand laid flat.
"Lord Greggor. To finally meet the creator of such fine machines is our honor." The Razznian ruler stopped his advance.
"The pleasure was mine, Lord Kraznan."
"Are we done with the stroking of ego?" Halfar spat.
"You are on their home world, Lord Halfar," Lord Kraznan retorted. "You should show respect. Or do you not require it of your own guests on Azrom?"
Halfar looked as if he had been physically assaulted into silence and Chardon feared there would be bloodshed. A hand brushed his shoulder and he saw Lord Romnus approach the Dreridians.
"My apologies, Lord Greggor. I am Lord Romnus of the First Royal House of Azrom." He bowed deep, as did his entourage, then turned to the Razznians and did the same. "Greetings, Lord Kraznan." Romnus stepped back behind Halfar's group.
Not knowing what to make of the situation as Halfar stood dumbfounded, Chardon made a bold decision and introduced himself as well.
"I am Chardon, the leader of New Lassa. We are grateful for your welcome, Lord Greggor. Greetings to you, Lord Kraznan." He tilted his head slightly. Deep enough to show some respect but just enough to show his place in all this.
Halfar was clenching and unclenching his fists several times until finally he too made a sweeping gesture, bowing nearly to his knees while keeping his eyes on the Razznians and Dreridians. "Apologies. Lord Greggor, Lord Kraznan." As he stood back up his overdramatic greeting cemented his obvious disdain.
Kur and Rass stood back glancing at each other. Chardon's skin crawled and he felt tiny raised bumps form as if the temperature had dropped. This meeting was not going to go well in his mind. He remembered his first interstellar campaign, where he met Halfar, and the lack of obedience amongst the different leaders.
"Come, this way," Lord Greggor commanded.
The conference chamber was larger than Chardon had expected and also unexpected was the other world leaders already present around the table. He recognized a few from his previous visits on their planets. The Yaos leader grimaced at him and he gave him a look back that conveyed mutual feelings. All the guards were required to either stand against the walls or along the corridor outside. Chardon was glad to have just four people so they were able to sit at the table together. Halfar sat across from him along with his generals and only Lord Kraznan and Sars were seated near the edge.
A few minutes later, Lord Pondur entered the chamber and sat at the head of the table with Lord Greggor and a thin male not quite of the same height seating themselves on either side of him. Servants came carrying trays of beverages made to each representative's tastes. Chardon wondered how they would know and Lord Greggor answered his unspoken question.
"Please enjoy. I have done extensive research on your species and I'm sure you will find them quite accurate.
Ganna snorted as she stared at the chalice set in front of the Lassians. "Extensive research, hmm? So how many of these species did you consume, Lord Greggor?"
Silence fell over the room and some halted their chalices inches from their lips. Lord Greggor laughed.
"I assure you, this comes strictly from chemistry." The smile on his face told Chardon otherwise but he knew it would be rude to not partake. He watched the faces of the other diplomats come to the same conclusion and they all took a tiny sip. From his view above the chalice as he tilted it up, he saw Lord Greggor and Ganna engaged in a staring contest, a mutual understanding passing between them. It made Chardon shudder.
Across from him, Halfar had the chalice in his hand, slowly swishing the liquid around. His gaze was on Lord Pondur who sat straight in his seat, legs crossed, and sipping his drink. Chardon turned to Mara who shook her head.
Lord Pondur set his chalice down and placed both hands on the table. "Let's begin, shall we?" He scanned the room, making sure he had everyone's attention. Chardon found it unnecessary. They were all here to pay heed. "As you know, a small outbreak occurred between Azrom, Razzna and New Lassa. This tantrum was brought about by the Lassian female leader, Sestis who commissioned the Razznians to go up against Azrom."
"Such stupidity!" The Yaos leader exclaimed. He sought approval from the other world leaders and received nods.
"Yes, I would agree. Because of all this, Azrom thought it necessary to send a hyper dimensional beam to Razzna, thus destroying much of the surface and collapsing the mines. Some of you at this table rely on Razznian ore for its many attributes and now it has become a rare commodity, driving the amount of barter to new levels. So now we have a dilemma."
"Who pays for the disruption in commerce and damage to trade?" Lord Greggor piped in.
Chardon sat upright in his seat. New Lassa had nothing to offer in exchange for such a barter. Halfar seemed unfazed by this and the Razznians looked like they were prepared for it. Modas was frowning next to him with arms crossed over his chest.
"You look frightened Lord Chardon," Lord Pondur said.
All eyes fell on him and he wanted to leave the room but held fast. He was the leader of an entire race and he would not show any more weakness.
"Frightened? No. I am just surprised you would involve us when you know we are just starting to adjust to a new planet."
"Yes, also because of Azrom's ill balanced judgement."
"What are the terms?" Halfar asked impatiently.
"My treasurer will explain." Lord Pondur gestured to the lanky Dreridian hovered over his handheld holoscreen.
The treasurer stood and cleared his throat.
"For exchange of natural resources to alleviate the debt, a rulership pact will be negotiated for each planet. Razzna will share joint ruling for one half century and we will install a new automated mining system. After the duration is complete, the system will have made up for the demand."
Lord Kraznan's lidless eyes narrowed into slits. He obviously didn't like the idea and Chardon didn't blame him, then he realized this may be New Lassa's fate as well. Anger welled back up.
"Since New Lassa is not on our trade client roster, we will have to establish what can be produced from the planet that is of value. An ambassador will be assigned to oversee production for one century."
"On Lassa's head you will not!" Ganna yelled as her fist slammed on the table.
Halfar turned sideways in his seat and leaned towards the Dreridians.
"This plan, it does not pertain to Azrom. I am supreme ruler, no one else." His eyes had that burning glow Chardon had witnessed only once and it signaled combat.
"Azrom will ramp up production of their mines and have an ambassador for fifty years due to its level of stability in contrast with Razzna and New Lassa," the treasurer continued, paying Halfar no mind.
"There will be nothing of the kind!" Halfar yelled.
"Your juvenile confrontations has caused strife in our trade networks!" another leader roared. "This will ensure profits!"
"Maybe there is another alternative?" Romnus asked politely.
Lord Pondur cocked his head to one side and smiled. "Ah, Lord Romnus. The next in line of succession who conceded his position for his younger family members."
Halfar whirled on his cousin.
"What do you think you're doing? WE are not negotiating!" He turned his attention back to Pondur. "If anyone should be compensated, it is Azrom for your poor judgement in assisting Razzna to harm us!"
Arguments broke out all around the table and the yelling formed a cacophony of sound that hurt Chardon's hearing. He tried to block it out, squeezing his eyes shut as he did so. It didn't work. Lord Romnus was sitting at the table calmly eating a fruit Biandra had plucked from her robes. His gaze was locked on Lord Pondur. Chardon watched some strange communication transpire between the two
"You know what I find interesting about your three races?" Lord Pondur spoke, his voice cutting through the sound. Everyone stopped arguing and turned to face him. "You only have an interest in technology when it applies to transport. To this day, you all insist on getting your own hands dirty in battle."
"It's called honor. We like to look our enemy in the eyes when we bring them to death's embrace," Halfar said through gritted teeth. "We don't mow them down behind their backs, unlike your kind."
"Of course we do, it is an element of war. Eliminate your enemy." Lord Pondur picked up his chalice and took another sip of his drink.
"You will not set foot on Azrom and take from us as you wish!"
"If Azrom does not agree to the terms, then all commerce from the Dreridian system will be blocked from Azrom. No new shipments will flow."
"Then so be it!" Halfar stood.
"Tread carefully, Lord Halfar. Your people need resources."
"If any of them cannot show strength for Azrom then they do not deserve my compassion!"
Chardon reared back in his seat as if he had been struck. The look and tone coming from Halfar was not the mate he knew. Catching a glance at Sars, he saw the pity and finally realized what it was for. Halfar had always been known as a ruthless, cunning ruler but because he was in love with him didn't see how deep it went. Halfar had just condemned his people to an existence of strife. Lord Romnus had dropped his half eaten fruit on the table and sat in a state of what could only be shock.
"We are leaving!" Halfar turned to the door and when no one followed him, he turned back around. A crazed wide eyed stare formed on his face. Kur and Rass jumped up and went to his side. He looked over at Chardon. "Did you hear me?"
Chardon snapped out of his haze and their eyes locked.
"What is right for Azrom is not necessarily right for New Lassa. You can leave, but I am going to stay and negotiate for MY race."
The crazed look worsened. "Do as you wish," Halfar spat and left the room.
"Good for you, leader!" Ganna exclaimed. "I knew you had it in you."
"I believe we should do separate negotiations from this point forward," Lord Pondur stated. He turned to the end of the table to his right. "Lord Romnus, are you staying on behalf of Azrom?"
Chardon didn't even realize he hadn't gone with Halfar. What was the royal thinking? He hoped it wasn't a tactic to go against his own ruler.
"I am just observing, Lord Pondur. Since Lord Chardon and Lord Halfar are mated I find it my duty to make sure New Lassa is not being raped by your greed." He looked at the other diplomats in the room. "Or theirs."
"And Azrom?"
"As I have asked, is there no alternative?"
"Are you negotiating, Lord Romnus?"
Chardon gave the royal a look that he hoped said 'don't do it'. Lord Romnus seemed to have noticed but there was something else.
"Is that not what you do?" Lord Romnus replied.
Lord Pondur smiled at that and sipped some more of his drink. Chardon felt a large boulder plummet into his gut. Things were not going so well. And throughout the entire session, Talas remained unnaturally silent. That alone frightened him.
**~**
A great divide had formed on the Azrom carrier when Chardon returned with Lord Romnus. No one spoke during the ride back to the Armada ship still orbiting the Dreridian home world. It was worse than any funeral march yet no one had died; not yet. Passing through the vortex, Chardon noticed the route was different and before he could ask, the ship came out on the other side into familiar territory. Halfar had brought them to New Lassa.
"Are we going to continue talks with my council?" He asked Halfar.
"I assume you are. I will not be joining." His level tone held contempt.
"So, you are just going to drop us down and go back to Azrom without at least seeing your offspring?"
"I will see them as I see fit. Do you really want me to come now?"
Chardon stood up in anger about to yell at him, finding Halfar's behavior unacceptable, when Talas clamped a hand around his wrist. Looking down at the warrior he saw Talas stare at him for a brief moment then let go.
"No. I suppose not."
"Escort them to the carrier and New Lassa," Halfar commanded his guards.
On the way to the hangar, Chardon felt uneasy in the presence of the royal guards. It seemed as though they harbored ill will against them. Talas walked in dead silence, keeping his fingers on the hilt of his longsword as they headed it.
The journey down to the surface was no better with communication nonexistent. Once the carrier landed, Halfar's guards remained seated and the hatch was opened remotely for his people. The lack of respect for his title and his race made Chardon wonder if it was by Halfar's decree or of their own doing. Within minutes after the last Lassian stepped onto the planet, the carrier was ascending back up towards the Armada ship.
"Well, that was eye opening, don't you agree, Ganna?" Talas finally spoke.
"I believe that is an understatement. The audacity."
"They are more advanced than us and the others, for that matter."
"That does not give them the right to dictate those kinds of terms."
"But, you did not back down," Talas remarked. "And neither did you, Chardon. I'm glad."
"Yes, for one particular moment I thought we were going to have to have you removed as leader. Well done keeping our best interests at the forefront."
"Why do I feel like a child being praise for good behaving?" Chardon snapped.
"Don't take it as such," Talas said.
"Look, the council is waiting," Mara exclaimed, pointing ahead.
A large tent had been erected in the middle of a field and all the council leaders were assembled. With it being such a beautiful day out, he could blame them for conducting the meeting outdoors. He turned to Ganna and for the first time, he appreciated her presence. If it weren't for her knowledge and quick mind, they might be under Dreridian rule or at war.
"So, what did the Dreridians propose?" Jaron came strolling out from the crowd.
Chardon had that feeling of being chastised again. It never ceased to amaze him how Jaron kept up such a ruse, knowing she was more caring than anyone.
"Let's get it over with," he declared.
Modas stood outside the tent along with three other manbeasts, guarding all four corners. Chardon sat down in the middle of the table just as field workers came with bowls of produce and carafes of drinks.
"Ganna will explain. I am too exhausted and angry to do so." The council gave Ganna a wary look, an unease filling the room and Chardon sighed. Baby steps. "She was able to negotiate a deal better than any of us," he continues as he waved a finger at Talas, Modas and Mara.
"Well then," Ganna started, "I will tell you their proposal." She made herself more comfortable on her cushion. "They propose we let them research then harvest any valuable resources New Lassa may have for commercial trade under the supervision of a Dreridian ambassador for one half century."
Accusatory glances immediately came Chardon's way and his defenses went up. He could tell what they were thinking; that he caved in the face of the enemy. Ganna came to his rescue.
"Our leader refused their proposal and did not falter." Wide eyed shock was the response which offended Chardon even more. "We came to a compromise. I will offer my services in conjunction with their scientists to build clientele for New Lassa and release ten percent of any valuable resources we find to them as barter payment."
"No ambassadors?" the head of military asked.
"No dictatorship?" the head of agriculture asked.
"None of that," Ganna replied proudly.
"Then what are these services for? What does the Dreridians want?"
This time Ganna frowned. "Weapons."
"For them to use on other races, including ours?" the head of military cried out.
"Make no mistake! Whatever new weapons we jointly create, I will make sure is also in our possession as well. We will not be so far behind in technology as we once were."
"Once again, you have saved us from doom," Chardon said softly.
"It's what I do, leader. My only goal has always been to make Lassa capable of holding her own in the face of conflict."
"And we owe you gratitude for that. Though, we are still quite angry with you, I will concede to that." The nods around the table confirmed it. "Now if you'll excuse me. Ganna can take it from here?"
Chardon rose from the table and left the meeting, heading straight to Farin's personal chamber. Inside she found Farin on the bed playing with her child, making the little one let out an infectious giggle. He went and sat down on the bed next to her and used his fingers to join in tickling the baby's belly.
"How was the meeting?" Farin asked.
"Everything went well."
"And father?"
Chardon stopped tickling the baby for a second. "It’s worse than I could have imagined."
"He didn't come planet side to see me or Chafar." Farin looked over in the corner of the room and Chardon noticed her younger child slumped against the wall sleeping. He was covered in dirt and had a look of content on his face. "Why is father so angry? What happened at the meeting?"
"I stayed to negotiate for New Lassa after he refused to do so for Azrom. I told him what was good for his race did not mean it was for mine."
"Oh!" Farin's beautiful face scrunched up with worry. He hated seeing that. She should be happy but had to live like a prisoner. "His council is probably happy about it."
"I have no doubt. If his manic behavior causes harm to my people, especially you, I will show no mercy."
"Even though you love him?"
"More so because I do." He turned back to Chafar. "Why is he covered in dirt asleep on your floor?"
Farin giggled. "He's been training with the warriors."
"But he's an energy user."
"That doesn't mean he can't learn to fight in combat like a warrior, mother." The way Farin said it made Chardon feel like he had been restricting not only his children, but his race. "That's what's wrong with our people right now. No one is willing to cross share their knowledge."
Chardon sat up straight, her words hitting like a boulder to the chest. Farin was right. He always knew how observant she was but this was a whole new level on par with Talas or Trinon.
"You're correct, my child, and I am going to try and fix that."
**~**
When the carrier touched down on the roof of Azrom's main palace, Lord Romnus immediately exited the opened hatch. His entourage kept in tight formation behind him and they swiftly made their way to his own palace, disregarding Halfar's royal guards' demanding they halt. The faster he distanced himself from his cousin, the better. His blood felt like it was boiling beneath his skin and he had no idea what would happen if he were to engage them at this moment.
The group nearly ran down the staircase adjacent to the palaces' dividing line then across the courtyard into his own. He steered them towards the communal hall and as he set foot over the threshold, let out a roar that turned into a high pitched trill, lowering to a deep tone. The servants in the room became visibly shaken and some had covered their ears in vain as they passed out from the frequency.
Seated at the table, the heads of the first royal house family halted what they were doing, now staring at him in fear. He brushed his hair back from his face and stood tall. Biandra brought out a fruit from her robe's sleeve, handing it to him. His family members' stares still wide with wonder followed him as he sat down at the head of the table and settled down into the cushions.
"Halfar," Reita breathed.
"Halfar," he said.
"What happened? What was this meeting for?" Chastan asked.
"Apparently, the Dreridians wanted compensation."
"For what?" Kuhala yelled. "They helped the Razznians attack us!"
"Actually, no, they didn't." He saw the shock on their faces. "This was something set in motion long ago by Chardon's former mate. The Dreridians do not want compensation for anything regarding that."
"Then what?"
"By our retaliation against Razzna, we have essentially destroyed commerce for the ore they mine, which was already a high valued commodity. Azrom is being held responsible for that."
"But we were in the midst of a battle!" Chastan cried out.
"That did not warrant a hyper dimensional cannon be fired to razed the surface of Razzna," Romnus shot back.
"I do agree, it was overly aggressive," Kuhala said.
"Halfar refused to negotiate and left the meeting."
"But, that also affects our trade."
"Exactly. A blockade has been placed on Azrom."
Reita leaned forward, terror on her face. "Our people need many of those outside resources! We have not recovered from the last great war over a century ago!"
"Our people will starve and live in worse conditions than they already are. The battle with Razzna did us no favors," Lord Aloni, who hardly ever spoke, added. He had recovered from the initial shock of Romnus' entry and was now engaged. Romnus felt relief, worried that Aloni would remain quiet.
"I know."
Romnus took a bite of the fruit in his hand and felt the effect of its nectar course through his body. A normal Azromian would be put down like a death blow, the sedative juices being so strong but it only managed to calm him down.
"What do we do?" Chastan asked.
"Nothing."
"What?" Reita and Chastan yelled at once.
"We have to wait and see," Aloni replied. "If it becomes clear Azrom is indeed going to be crippled, we will act. Until then," he tapered off.
"Out!" Halfar roared.
He had made it to the throne room and his two advisors went to brief their colleagues while he settled himself on his throne. For what seemed like an hour, he had sat fuming before deciding he wanted to be alone. The decibel of his command made everyone flinch and they fled from the room. Now alone, he went over the meeting in his mind, unable to forgive Chardon for going against his demand to leave.
His advisors slowly crept back into his throne room some time later and bowed deep at his feet. The mock fear gleaming in their eyes was a joke. They were not afraid of him by any means because their job was to help him rule.
"My lord, I truly understand your anger. That was a blatant defiance on your mate's part." Prevcan began.
"Which is why we are so adamant in finding a true Azromian to be at your side. Only one of our own can relate to Azrom's needs." Mesrod's lips curved up.
"You must also find a way to keep Farin in check when she is here." Dondar added his opinion.
"I propose you have her visit only twice a cycle for no more than four moons until she is mated." Mesrod suggested.
"Her manbeast is not efficient in watching her and should be left on New Lassa. Our royal guards are quite capable of doing the task, maybe even better." Prevcan stated.
Halfar nodded in agreement at the bombardment of ideas. He would not monopolize Farin's time on Azrom but he did see reason to get rid of the manbeast. Countless times he had to send guards out to find her when she snuck out of her chamber. Chardon would be angry but he didn't care anymore. This was for the sake of his race, not Lassa's as it was told to him.
"Agreed. I will discuss this matter with them on their next visit."
"Very well, my lord," Mesrod said. He bowed deep along with the others and he was alone once again.
"This is coming to fruition better than we had planned," Prevcan remarked.
The five advisors walked slowly down the outer corridor enjoying the midafternoon air. Royal guards bowed to them as they passed.
"Yes, we can get rid of the manbeast, give that halfbreed to some high ranked soldier or lower royal and have the people of Azrom in the palms of our hands," Jabarz piped up.
"There will be dissent," Dondar warned.
"Of course, but it can be easily squelched with the right discipline. Fear is always a great motivation to stay obedient," Mesrod answered.
"What of the first royal house? They are helping the destitute," Calba asked.
"Let them. It is of no concern and they are no threat. We have an entire royal army at our disposal and no matter how strong they are, cannot fight such might." Mesrod waved a hand as if brushing it off.
They all smiled, bowing in greeting to some of the royals visiting by appointment only. Yes, it's all going well, Mesrod thought to himself.
**~**
The gate opened and the rooftop of Azrom's main palace came into view. Chardon, back in female form for Halfar's sake, stepped onto the platform with Farin, Chafar and Trinon beside her. Modas had become unbearable and so she commanded him to stay on New Lassa. She could defend herself if need be but had never come into harm's way on Azrom since the battle.
In front of her stood two advisors and four royal guards. Not a good sign. Halfar always greeted them when they visited. She turned to Trinon who also seemed disturbed by this. What is happening?
"Lady Chardon, Lady Farin and," Mesrod paused, "Young Lord Chafar. How wonderful to see you again. "Our Lord has been so busy lately. I am sure he would appreciate some personal time."
"Is he well?"
"Of course. He's just in the middle of restructuring some logistics. Come, let's get you settled." The way he waited for them to move gave Chardon the impression that it was an order, not a request. "A small banquet for just the family is being prepared." He smiled.
Chardon nodded to his group and they followed the advisor and two guards, the other two positioned behind them. It was like being prisoners led to the dungeon. A hand brushed against hers and clasped it. Farin was shaking. Chafar's full lips went thin when saw that. She knew he hated being on Azrom and this situation was only going to make it worse.
They first led Chafar to his chamber, leaving two guards at the entrance, then Farin and Trinon, doing the same. At her own personal chamber, Chardon sighed. So I am not staying with Halfar. Two guards were position at her entrance as well.
"We will come to escort you to evening meal later. Please, rest until then."
"I wanted to take walk in the gardens," Chardon said.
"Oh? I think you should rest for the day. We will discuss a trip to the gardens tomorrow, perhaps?"
"There will be no perhaps. What is going on?"
"Nothing, I assure you. If you insist, I will have the guards escort you."
"They never have before."
"Things are different now, aren’t they?" Mesrod gave her a look that said she was to blame for this.
"Fine, bring my children and Trinon so we can go on a family stroll before mealtime." Chardon watched the advisor's eyes narrow even as he smiled in acknowledgement.
"As you wish." He left with his partner and the royal guards.
Evening meal was fraught with such tension that Chardon almost couldn't eat. An awkward silence set heavy above them like a veil of smoke. Having had enough, she slammed her fist down on the table, the bowls jumping up off the surface and landing with a melody of clanks. Halfar looked up from his platter and stared at her with such contempt that she reared back away from him. Trinon's claws came out as he stood in the vicinity behind her.
An advisor came over to Halfar and whispered in his ear. His face changed and he sighed heavily.
"What is it, my love? Is the food not to your liking?"
"No! You will not be cordial to me because your advisors think you should! If we are not welcome here then we leave!" Chardon stood up and gestured for her children to do the same. A mortified look fell on Halfar's face.
"Wait!" He stood and held a hand out in front of him. "Don’t go. I'm sorry. It has been a stressful time and not my intention to take it out on all of you."
His advisors seemed displeased with his outburst and Chardon claimed victory.
"Is that so?" she asked.
"Yes. Chafar, come. I am sorry to have neglected you lately."
Chafar slowly got up from his seat and went to his father. Where Halfar's embraces was tight, Chafar's was lackluster. When he let go, he gestured for Farin who also reluctantly went to him. They sat back down and Trinon retracted his claws.
"Please, let's finish our meal," Halfar suggested.
Conversation was light and Chardon could hear nothing. Her mind had turned the volume down to nearly white noise as she continued to eat while watching everyone else's mouths move. It should not be this way.
"Shall we retire to bed? It is later than we thought." Halfar's voice cut through the deafening static.
"I have not finished arranging my chamber so I will be up regardless."
"What do you mean? My chamber is always prepared."
She saw his advisors squirm. So it's not Halfar's doing. He looked around the table and then at his advisors before returning her gaze.
"I am in a personal chamber of your advisor's choosing."
"What?" Halfar's soft tone sent shivers down her spine. It had a hint of malice.
"You have been so busy, my lord. I felt some rest alone would do you good until tomorrow, at least." Prevcan stumbled over his words.
"So you made a decision FOR me?"
"My apologies, my lord," he said, bowing deep.
"I am sorry," Halfar said to her. "We do have things to discuss, but that can come later." He stood up from the table and came around to her with his hand held out. "Please, come with me."
Chardon glanced over at her children who nodded. She took his hand and let him lead her out of the banquet hall. He had that familiar mischievous grin she loved on his face and for a second she forgot that he was on the verge of losing his mind.
It didn’t take long for her to be reminded when they reached his chamber. He literally tossed her onto the bed then climbed on top of her, tearing at her robes. She heard the fabric rip as he grabbed hold of them at the collar and pulled. They splayed open all the down, the sash torn in half, and he laid the tattered edges at her side.
Hunger. Rage. Those were what she saw in his eyes.
He stripped naked and wrapped his hands around her knees, pulling her to him violently. She tried to get loose from him even as he plunged into her like some wild beast. When she was able to get leverage and attempted to turn from underneath him, he surprised her by partially morphing one arm and bringing the pincer a hair from her neck. They opened and embedded themselves into the pillows beneath her head, holding her neck down. She didn’t dare move as the tiny teeth of the pincer made contact with her skin.
Each thrust was more painful than the one before and she thought right before passing out that he was going to kill her.
The pain came back fiercely along with a garbled sound. She forced her eyes open and found Halfar looming over her in a state of panic. His hands were gripping the sides of her face and he seemed to be yelling. A look of relief came over him and his hands slid down to her shoulders.
"I'm sorry," he cried in a weak voice.
That brought her out of the blurry space she was in. She had never seen Halfar cry. The tears were big and dripped down onto her breasts like rain. Then everything changed. He looked up at her and the tears stopped. Sitting up, he wiped his face and climbed off her. That expression was the same as that advisor's; this was her fault.
Halfar dressed quickly and headed out the chamber. Before he disappeared around the corner she heard the orders he gave the guards.
"See that she is escorted to her own chamber before I return at sunrise."
By morning, Chardon had recovered and rounded up her children with the help of Trinon to make way towards the gate. She would not stay on Azrom any longer nor her children. Halfar had changed into a being she didn't know. Their psychic bond so strong before was nowhere to be found, the severed link between them painful. In her plan to escape, she and Trinon had to knock out their guards in order to buy time and they had made it to the gate.
So had Halfar and his royal guards. Not a minute behind them, there he stood ever the supreme ruler. Two of his advisors were with him as well and Chardon cast an evil stare at them. They just smiled.
"Where are you going?" Halfar demanded.
"Home."
"I never asked you to leave," he yelled.
"You didn't have to," Chardon snapped.
Halfar made a nod and four guards came at Farin, grabbing her by the arms. Trinon drew claws and Chardon let energy grow in her hands. As they both prepared to strike the guards, Halfar stood between them and his guards.
"Stop!"
"Let go of my child!" Chardon yelled back.
"Farin stays here with me." He looked over at Trinon as he signaled ten more guards to cover him. "Without the manbeast. We have no need for him. We can protect her on our own."
"Why would she need protection?" Chafar asked loudly.
Halfar was taken aback by his son's question and Chardon felt ill. Yes, why? She watched the rough way the guards handled her child and unleashed a ball of energy on them. Farin got herself out of the way in time.
"What are you doing?" Halfar roared. "She will be back in four moons!"
"If I ever see or hear of you or any of your so called royal guards treat my child this way again I will never forgive you. And I will come back and kill every last one."
The gate was activated, forming the vortex that would send her back to New Lassa. In that moment, as she turned away from Halfar, she vowed to keep that promise.
Halfar turned away from the gate and looked down on the two half dead guards on the ground. Farin was unharmed but shaken. This is not how he wanted it. It was only to keep Farin safe while she stayed on Azrom, nothing more. The way Chardon looked at him as she left felt like he had been run through with a longsword. Realizing he had an audience, Halfar regained his demeanor and started giving orders.
"Take these guards to the medical bay. I want a meeting with the councils before evening meal. Bring my child to the throne room." He looked down on her then and the endless disobedience filled his mind.
Two other guards picked her up after Halfar walked away. He didn't look back because he might witness them manhandling her again. As long as he didn't see it, he could feign ignorance. A pain stabbed at him as he thought it but he decided to dismiss it.
In the throne room, he sat up high on his throne, his gaze bearing down on Farin as he took a good look at her. She was indeed beautiful and well-rounded for mating. He could see the four guards he had assigned to her leer in the corridor. A certainty that they would never touch her for he would surely kill them was his reassurance.
"You are to stay in your chamber unless otherwise requested," he spoke to her sharply. "You will only stay her for four moons and only twice a cycle. That is until I find an appropriate mate for you. Do you understand me?"
Farin just stood there unmoving with her head down.
"Do you understand?" He yelled.
She looked up then, tears in her eyes. "Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, father."
"Yes," Halfar rose up from his throne, "what?"
"Yes, my lord," she cried out softly between sobs.
"Good." Halfar sat back down. "Take her to her chamber," he ordered the guards.
He turned his head away as they came and dragged her out of the throne room. Even with his eyes averted he could still see out of the corner of his vision, the way they held her. It's for her own good. Halfar felt that pain again and forced it away. He had no time for pity.
**~**
The bonding ceremony for Kur and Rass was getting closer by the hour. Servants ran to and fro setting up the banquet hall and arranging flowers. In their chamber were six tailors doing last moment alterations of the ceremonial robes. Kur glanced over at the one he was to wear and frowned. It looked heavy and gaudy. The fabric was pearl with gold and silver accents, the inside a light shimmering green. White leggings and a gold tunic were picked for his undergarment.
"Such beautiful work, isn’t it?" The master tailor beamed.
"Of course it is," Kur replied.
Rass had been sent off to a stylist for her hair. He was angry about that. Rass' hair was just fine the way it was. The idea of them doing unnatural things to it gave him pause. Lord Romnus came into the chamber, took one look at his wardrobe and raised an eyebrow.
"Not my choosing," Kur explained.
"No."
Kur peeked around. "No entourage this afternoon?"
"They are further down the corridor making sure no one disturbs us."
Kur clapped his hands and gestured towards the entrance. Everyone set down their work and left the chamber. He turned to Romnus.
"What has happened now?"
"I want you to get Lady Farin out of her chamber."
"She is to attend the ceremony. Her guards have escorted her to the bath already is what I was told."
"Then I will fetch her from there."
"Romnus, this is a dangerous plan. Halfar keeps her on a short tether."
"All the more reason to snatch her, even for a day and make him relent."
"Don't ruin my bonding ceremony, Romnus," Kur warned.
"I would do no such thing. Oh," he said as he went to the corridor, "don't worry about Rass. Your mother is quite capable."
"My mother?"
"She has many talents. One of them just happens to be a stylist. Congratulations, General."
Romnus led his entourage down the bathing corridor in a near run. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach and couldn't squelch it. As they neared the royal sector, he held up a hand for his entourage to hold while he continued on. He found the bath chamber she was in by the two guards at the entrance in relax formation looking in laughing. From his distance he could also see inside and the blood drained from his face.
One of the guards had walked in just as she was reaching for the towel held by the attendant to dry herself. The attendant was pushed away and the guard slammed Farin into the wall, the side of her face planted firmly against it. He grabbed her wrists and held them up above her head with one hand while he inserted the other between her buttocks and squeeze her flesh before gliding it up her back.
"You should really dry yourself off, Lady Farin before you become prone to illness," he sneered in her ear. Letting go, he smacked her buttocks and threw a towel at her. The attendant moved to leave the room but the other guard stopped him.
"Do you job properly next time or our lord will hear about it."
All four guards positioned themselves at the entrance, proud of their little stint. Romnus approached them then and they looked up at him with contempt. He smiled and morphed both his arms into giant pincers. The guards went pale and moved out of his way.
"Thank you." Romnus returned his arms back to normal and entered the bath.
The attendant was shaking from fright so he placed a hand on the man's shoulder and nodded for him to step away. Farin too was shaking but a look of defiance set on her fair facial features. He carefully knelt down and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Her body went limp and fell into him.
"I will save you from this, my beautiful Farin. I promise. Just hold on a little while longer."
"Okay," she whispered.
Romnus turned his head back to the entrance. The guard who had assaulted Farin was staring at them then smirked. Batis. Recalling the guard's name, he gripped Farin tighter, a hopelessness engulfing him.
The main palace hall was nearly bursting at the seams close to over capacity. Representatives from all four royal houses were in attendance for the bonding ceremony of their newfound royal brethren who just happened to also be one of the Armada Generals. That he was bonding with the other General made the occasion even more significant. Halfar didn't find it all that joyous and he was put off by the number of royals in his main palace. His advisors told him this was a necessity, a show of good faith. They also insisted that Farin be let out for the festivities as well. After much thought, he agreed. Not having Farin attend would stir up questions he had no intention of answering. He had even granted Romnus' request to have her stay in the first house palace for a few days after the ceremony.
Being a guest in his own domain infuriated him but he knew he had to endure. The supreme ruler did officiate bonding ceremonies, yet he felt the council should have made an exception considering the strife Azrom was currently in. Of course, if he had been asked to do it, he would have denied the request for union. It was so much better when his generals hated each other. Was there ever really hate? He remembered the hesitation in Rass to kill Kur on Earth.
The head of the council for domestic affairs entered the hall from the left entrance and walked up to stand on the platform overlooking the guests. Two of his councilmen came to stand on either side of him and a hush fell over the hall. Halfar turned his head to watch. His table was near the platform and it would be where the newly bonded couple was to be seated after the ceremony. As supreme ruler he demanded that they not sit side by side. He would be between them, his advisors noting that he must always be the center of attention even in events such as this one.
"Greetings, my lord," the official said, bowing low, "and honored guests. Let us rejoice in the bonding of our two finest warriors, Kur, General and Lord and General Rass."
Ethereal music combined with the tinging of chimes echoed through the hall and at the entrance appeared Kur and Rass. Halfar had never seen them in royal attire, and was awestruck by the sheer sparkling of their dress but mostly how enticing Rass looked in female form draped in royal fabric.
Her hair had been manipulated and styled into large bouncing coils that shined as if lacquered. The gown was the same shiny green color as the inside of Kur's robe and it complemented her skin. Each stitch of embroidery matched the other's attire. Jealousy and lust consumed him and it took every fiber of his being not to jump up and cancel the ceremony.
Kur and Rass made their slow secession down the aisle created by the masses who preened and whispered well wishes as they passed by them. Kur assisted Rass up the narrow stairs to the platform and there they halted side by side in front of the official.
"Do you swear devotion to each other even in death?"
"I swear this," they both said together.
"You will demonstrate your proof." He nodded to the councilman on his right.
A knife was produced and the couple held out their wrists. With one swift cut, the councilman sliced both at the same time without blood splatter. The thin cuts stayed fused for a moment then opened up, spilling blood that dripped down into chalices placed directly beneath each arm.
When the chalices were half full, the second councilman came with fabric folded in his arms. He unraveled it and bringing the two wrists together, bound them with it, stopping the blood flow.
The councilmen each picked up a chalice and handed Kur's to Rass and Rass' to Kur. Halfar had seen a few bonding ceremonies and it always fascinated him when the couples stared at the chalice of each other's blood for a moment before tentatively drinking it, taking forever. To his shock, that didn't happen. Kur and Rass stared at each other without averting their eyes as they downed the contents of the chalices in one gulp then handing them back.
Small cheers and sounds of astonishment went softly around the hall. The official nodded in approval and placed his hand on the wad of fabric covering their wrists.
"By Azrom's decree, you are now Lord and Lady of the first royal house. Present yourselves."
He removed his hand and let them turn to the guests. They bowed deeply and the thunderous clapping began mixed with more cheers. The fabric was removed, the councilmen checking to make sure the wounds were sealed, then replaced it with shiny green ribbon on each.
"The bonding is complete!"
"Not until their mating after evening meal," Halfar heard Chastan chuckle.
He looked over at the table next to his where his first cousins sat. Chastan had been drinking already and he assumed it was before the ceremony because his servants wouldn't dare sneak the young lord a drink in his presence.
The bonded couple was escorted down the platform and to their seats at Halfar's table. Kur was to his right and Rass to his left. A strained kind of atmosphere occurred and he smiled. It was in bad taste to separate the newly bonded.
"Let the festivities commence!" Halfar shouted gleefully. At his command, the food and drink began to flow.
On Rass' left sat Farin in a royal blue gown and he saw the two clasp hands under the table. He wondered what that was for. Farin did not smile and picked at her meal when it was placed in front of her. It angered him. So much so that he leaned close to Rass' ear and whispered.
"Tell my child to enjoy your special occasion or I will rescind my blessing."
Rass' eyes went wide and she turned to him. He smiled back at her and she in turn did what she was told. Farin struggled with her facial expression until the corners of her mouth peaked upwards into a small smile, yet her eyes were dull. He felt eyes on him and looked to his right. Kur and the rest of the first royal house were assessing him like he was some kind of pariah. Smirking, he went back to his meal.
One by one, the royal house representatives came to the table to greet Halfar and congratulate the bonded couple. Romnus sat back in his seat and observed his cousin relishing in the fact that he was wedged between the two. In the far corner he could see the advisors delighted with the outcome. A clanking sound from his side made him avert his stare to see Chastan had knocked over a chalice.
"If you cannot keep Farin safe this night or any other these next few days, I will gladly find someone else who can," he whispered to Chastan.
Startled, Chastan's head popped up and he looked around his table, then at Farin on the far end of Halfar's. He glanced down at his spilled chalice and frowned. A servant came to right it and was about to refill it when he clamped his hand over the mouth. The servant bowed and walked away.
"You are letting Chastan be responsible for Farin?" Kuhala laughed softly. "Please, let me handle this. He is of no use."
Chastan slammed his fist on the table. "I won't let anyone harm her! Ever!"
Romnus grimaced. It was safe to say that Chastan will have sobered up by the end of the banquet and there would be no issue. For added assurance, he had Farin drink a concoction earlier that, unbeknownst to her destroyed the male seed should it find itself in her womb. He was certain of her fertility and the last thing they needed was her impregnated, again.
**~**
It was windy on the platform atop the main palace and the opening vortex added to its strength. Chardon hesitantly stepped onto its surface and felt the gate close behind her. Standing next to her was Und in place of Trinon. She didn't want to be here but had to make sure Farin was okay before taking her home to New Lassa for a while until the next visit per Halfar's insistence. Hearing about Kur and Rass' ceremony and not being invited made her fume.
Ahead of her were four royal guards and Dondar. He had a grin on his face so she conjured a ball of energy for him. His grin faded, replaced with a look of fear.
"That is not necessary, Lady Chardon!"
"Is it not? I am under the impression that I was to fight my way to my child by any means."
"I assure you, Lady Farin is well," he glanced at the guards who refused to engage him. "I will take you to her first."
"That is what I want, thank you." She turned to Und. He took a quick look back at her. This was hostile territory. The quicker they grabbed Farin and left the better they would both feel.
At the entrance to Farin's chamber, Chardon saw the four royal guards stationed there and the rage returned. There was no reason for Halfar to set that many on his child for the sole purpose of confinement. The leader of the guards, Batis, caught sight of her and frowned. She wanted nothing more than to have Und slice him apart. His look let her know he underestimated her. Big mistake.
Chardon went up to him and holding back her full might, backhanded him across the face, sending him flat on the ground. Blood trickled from his mouth and his comrades went to unsheathing their weapons while Und grew claws. The advisor clasped his hands together.
"Do not engage!" he ordered the guards. "Lady Chardon, I am not sure why you insist on," he was not allowed to finish.
"You think I don't know how my child has been treated here? As her mother, I want to remind them that she is not just Halfar's and I will not tolerate it in my presence. I thought I made myself clear before. I will administer punishment every time I am here until treatment of my child is resolved." She looked down at Batis as he moved to get up.
Chardon went into the chamber and climbed on the bed. Farin was in a deep sleep, one filled with struggle as she watched her child tremor, small sounds of terror emitting from her lips. She stroked Farin's forehead damp with sweat.
"Und," she called. The manbeast came further into the chamber and stood by the bed's side. "Wet me a cloth." As he did so, she turned to the advisor and the now six guards at the entrance. "You can leave."
"Lady Chardon, these guards are assigned," again she did not let him finish.
"They are not needed here. My kind can protect her at this juncture," she sneered throwing Halfar's words back at the advisor.
"Very well. I will have you escorted to the throne room when it is time for departure. I am sure our lord would want to see you off.
"Good, I will relish in the three days of peace."
She watched them leave, Batis giving her a look of vengeance. He was of no concern to her and the last person she wanted to see was Halfar. As much as she still loved him, she knew there was no reasoning with him. It may be his death that stops his madness this time.
The corridor was mostly empty during early afternoon and Halfar took advantage of this by roaming it without guards to his destination. He did request they position themselves moments after reaching his goal to ensure no one disrupted him. The sun was at its brightest making the outer corridor gleam like white pearl. His palace was such a beautiful structure, he laughed inwardly.
He stopped at the entrance of the chamber he wanted and stood looking inside it. The room was much bigger than the previous chamber the residents had occupied and allowed more light in. Cream walls, light colored floor coverings and sheer green and white fabric covered the tops of the bed. The bedding was the same cream as the walls with green undercovers peeking out.
On the bed lay Rass sleeping on her side in a white robe, her hair in disarray. It had been two moons since the bonding ceremony and both his generals were present less and less in the war room. No matter. He could easily strip them of their positions if he wanted, although his advisors warned him against such a move. Right now, all he wanted was to impregnate Rass for the glory of Azrom and his own ego.
He walked further in to stand at the foot of the bed and waited for Rass to feel his presence. It didn't take long. Rass slowly raised her head from the pillow and wiped sleep from her eyes. They stared at each other and Halfar saw the panic in her even though she tried to remain calm. He could tell from the way she was sleeping that she had been mating with Kur only this morning. So, she's weak from exhaustion.
"Stay away from me," she said.
"You dare order your lord?" Halfar yelled. He climbed onto the bed and yanked the covers from her body.
"Don't do this!"
"You will submit to me." He growled in her ear as he leaned down onto her.
"I will fight you," she cried out.
"That won’t stop me. I don’t need you conscious to accomplish my goal."
Rass's eyes widened and he knew what she saw in him. Deep seeded lust. His guards were already at the entrance to wave away anyone who neared the chamber. To his surprise, Rass morphed an arm and moved to strike. He dodged it and landed a blow to her side but that only angered her and she was able to counter with a direct hit to the back of his shoulder blade. He moved forward to lessen the impact, knowing it could have easily cracked the bone.
Grabbing hold of her ankle, he was able to pull her fully off the bed and into the air, smacking her against the headboard. It cracked into pieces as she landed back on the bed. Upset from the time being wasted, he ripped the robe off her and held her down by a pincer, removing his leggings while she still lay disoriented.
Kur hurried along the corridor to his chamber with Aloni and Kuhala. Romnus had suggested at his bonding ceremony that he invest in a private intel to watch his chamber from the satellite castle across the way. He thought it would be useful and so he was stricken with fear when the report came in that Halfar and two of his royal guards were at his chamber. Rass had been sleeping when he left this morning. Supreme Ruler or not, he would strike him down if Rass was desecrated in anyway. He knew Rass would fight and there would be blood, but if Halfar somehow got his seed in her, the next round of bloodshed would be his.
He wasted no time and struck down the first guard as he came up to his chamber entrance. Kuhala took down the other and they all advanced into the room. Halfar was straddling a naked, half conscious Rass. Kur noticed the torn beddings, the destroyed headboard and blood splatter. Halfar stopped his penetration and sat still. Then he turned and met eyes with him.
Three against one. Kur made his decision. Halfar was stronger than him but if the other two backed him up, there could be a chance. He was about to strike when Aloni stopped him and nodded to the entrance. Royal guards, six of them, were blocking it and he felt his heart sink. Halfar's face scrunched into a frown and Kur was confused until he looked back again and saw behind them, Romnus' royal guards.
"You will leave this quadrant of the first royal house, my lord," the captain of Romnus' royal guard demanded.
"What did you say?" Halfar replied. His eyes went red.
The unsheathing of longswords was like a hurricane ripping out trees. Kur lifted his own and went into a battle stance.
"Get off my beloved," he said calmly.
Halfar disengaged himself from Rass and pulled his leggings back up. He slowly slid off the bed and stood in front of Kur. They didn't move for a long time. Halfar stepped around him and went to his royal guards.
"Sheath your swords. We're leaving." He turned back to Kur. "I get what I want."
Kur didn't drop his sword. "No, you won't. She belongs to me."
As they left, leaving Romnus' guards in the corridor, Kur dropped his sword with a loud clank and crawled onto the bed, gathering Rass in his arms. Her eyes were glazed over and blood seeped from the back of her head. A high pitched raspy cry came out of him in short succession and he couldn't stop it.
Halfar sat on his throne seething, his urges insatiate. He couldn't figure out how Kur knew to come and interrupt his fun. For a few brief moments he felt the familiar warmth of being inside his former slave. It was satisfying even when she was only half conscious. That Kur was going to fight him head on was laughable.
An echo of boots forced him out of his reverie and three of his advisors came into the room. They bowed deep at the bottom of his throne.
"My lord, it is time for Lady Farin to depart with her mother to New Lassa. I informed her that you would like to see them off."
"What? Chardon is here?" Halfar brought up the date in his mind and realized it was indeed time for Farin to leave.
On cue, Farin's four royal guards came escorting her along with Chardon and Und. He reared back in his throne. Chardon did not look up at him. Her expression was that of disinterest.
Chardon, my love," he said sweetly, "I was not informed of your arrival. When did you?"
"Three days ago, my lord," his advisor answered for her.
She won't speak to me.
Halfar felt that pain creep in and this time it lingered. He realized that no matter how good Rass felt, it was nothing compared to Chardon. But, this was all her fault. If she had just been loyal to him, he wouldn't have to hurt her, alienate her. She was not of Azrom, as his advisors constantly pointed out. He came down from his throne and went to stand before them.
"I should have been informed of your arrival. Come, we can talk on our way to the platform." He was leading them to the side exit by the throne when a loud ruckus traveled down the corridor and into the room.
"Dear cousin, I have warned you on so many occasions and I feel we are not communicating well."
Lord Romnus stood in his throne room with a full battle ready unit of royal guards behind him as well as Kur and three other royals. He had a smile that conveyed disappointment, and malice.
"Lord Romnus, what brings you here unannounced into my throne room?" Halfar motioned with his head and twenty royal guards surrounded them. He glanced at Chardon who halted and turned to see what was going on.
"When your advisors suggested you find a vessel for your pure blooded offspring, I was amused by it. But the fact that you went after the mate of a lord in the first royal house, namely Lord Kur's mate, I find it disrespectful and unbecoming of a supreme ruler."
"Halfar," Chardon whispered, "tried to impregnate General Rass? For a pure blood?"
"Oh yes, in the most violent way. Lucky for you, cousin, she recovers quickly." Romnus moved closer. "Make no mistake that any other incident such as this will be a declaration of war."
"Let's not move too hastily," Prevan cried out. "I am sure there has been some misunderstanding, as you've stated.
"I was not mistaken when I decided to strike him down if he did not climb off of my beloved," Kur replied.
Silence. Halfar felt panic. Chardon just glanced at him then Kur, her eyes hooded.
"I am so sorry, you had to endure such a thing," she said to Kur. "Please tell Rass I offer the love of Lassa up to her." She placed a hand on Farin's back. "Let's go home."
Romnus turned away, his entire entourage following. Kur gave him one last look before leaving the throne room. Halfar clenched his fists and went after Chardon. She was already ahead of him at the elevator that ascended to the gate's platform. He made it just as the pod activated to go up. They all rode up without saying word. The pain inside him was almost unbearable.
The gate was already in flux when they arrived on the platform, a vortex forming as they reached the threshold.
"Chardon," he called to her. She stopped but didn't turn around. "It was for the sake of Azrom," he snapped. "You would do the same for your race!"
Farin held a hand to her mouth, tears streaking down her cheeks. Und glared at him from a sideways glanced.
"Goodbye Halfar. Farin will be back as promised."
The trio walked off into the vortex and disappeared. Halfar found himself alone with the exception of the gate operator. Hate filled him. He just wasn't sure if it was towards her or himself.
An atmosphere of tension and heat engulfed the entourage of the first royal house stemming from Romnus but mostly General Kur. It put Biandra on edge and she deliberated with herself on whether to hand her master the small fruit that would calm him down or give it to General Kur. She had waited in the corridor as instructed to ensure safe distance in case a battle erupted in the throne room. Deep within her soul she knew there would be a declaration of war between the royal houses and the supreme ruler in short time. From what she witnessed, Lord Halfar was not in control of the palace or himself.
Despite her misgiving, she reached into her robe and pulled out one of the small fruits. She barely got it held up to his shoulder when he smacked her hand away. The intake of air from his soldiers made him halt. Her skin became clammy and she braced herself for whatever verbal onslaught he was about to unleash.
Nothing.
She peeked up and saw Lord Romnus staring at them all with a wildness only seen in beasts. Then it softened replaced with shame. He inhaled, holding it in, then exhaled slowly before holding his hand out to her. She set the fruit in his hand and quickly hid her own. There was a bruise forming and he didn't need to see that. Lord Romnus prided himself on never hurting his own.
Lord Kur had also stopped, seemingly puzzled by the display and she couldn't help but smile from embarrassment.
"Are you as angry as I?" Lord Kur asked her master.
"More than you know," Lord Romnus replied. He took half the fruit in one bite.
"I remember saying he had gone too far once."
"And?"
"It is much more than that. He just made an enemy of his two generals. What is he thinking?"
"He's not," Lord Romnus answered.
Lord Kur eyed her for a moment then pointed at the fruit in her master's hand. "What is that you are always feeding him?"
She looked up at her master and their eyes met. A mischievous smile spread across his face and he nodded. Dismayed, she tried to dissuade him with her own look but he just smiled wider. Going into her inner pouch, she pulled out a fruit and handing it to Lord Kur, tried to stop her hand from shaking.
"It's quite sweet," her master said. "It calms the soul." That awful smile remained.
"Hmm?" Lord Kur twisted the fruit in his hand, getting a better look at it.
He began to walk and took a bite as he went. The entourage was moving again. A few minutes later, Lord Kur faltered, his eyes wide with terror. She watched him try to force his body to stand and then he went face forward down on the cold pavement of the outer corridor. His eyes rolled around in their sockets as the eyelids fluttered shut.
"Pick him up," Lord Romnus ordered. "That actually solved my dilemma on how to get him back to reason."
"My Lord," she whispered, "That was," she stopped.
"Cruel? Irresponsible?" She nodded. "My apologies. I should not have put you in that position."
He laid a hand on the top of her head for a brief moment then continued on towards his palace. Lord Kur was draped across the shoulder of a royal guard ahead of them. Things were going to get worse, she could feel it, and handmaids like her were going to get caught in the middle. She was frightened.
**~**
Modas watched the sunset from atop a hill while waiting for the other manbeasts to show up. After the meeting with the Dreridians, he came upon the decision to set his plan in motion ahead of schedule. The negotiations left him feeling sour and he didn't trust anyone in that conference room. New Lassa needed a stronger leader and warriors more fitting to the task of defending her. He would get vengeance and create a new order in one movement.
Tonight, he had to make sure every manbeast participating knew their roles to play and reiterate to the ones veering off course to stay on point. He didn't want any deaths on his hands. Just because the previous leader was a monster didn't mean they had to be.
The last spark of sunlight disappeared in the horizon and he felt the presence of a large number of manbeasts signaling it was time to finish what he had started over a century ago.
Jaron was waiting for him when he returned home and he could tell by her expression that she was not happy to see him so late. He figured she suspected what he was up to but this time he wouldn't deny it.
"How did your vengeance meeting go?"
"That's not what it is!" He calmed himself. "I am trying to fix things. You weren't in that meeting. We are in danger and we cannot defend this world as we are now."
"As we are now is because YOU have divided us."
"This is not my doing! Don't you dare," he stopped.
"You are going to let manbeasts tear this planet apart over something that happened when you were a young manbeast and possibly get our leader killed in the process. Who will lead us then?" she snapped.
"I would never let anything happened to Chardon!" he yelled back.
Jaron's eyes narrowed. "No, of course not. Because Chardon was who you wanted in the first place. I just happened to be in the same line of vision."
Modas backed away from her. The tone of her voice dripped with malice. It may have been true in the beginning but he loved her more than he ever did Chardon. Hurt, he made her feel that way all this time, he turned away and left.
"This will end badly for you and all of Lassa!" she called out to him. He never glanced back but the crack in her voice told him she was crying.
"We must set up a defense, NOW!" Jaron yelled as she burst into Chardon's chamber.
She ran as fast as she could knowing there wasn't much time. On her way over outbreaks of battles were already being reported. Modas worked fast.
Chardon just stood there staring at her with a look of surprise.
"He couldn't. He told me he was not going to do this," Chardon said.
"He was lying! How could you believe him?" Jaron grabbed Chardon by the front of his robe. "What are you going to do, leader?"
A dark look fell over Chardon's face. "If he really wants war, then so be it. Dispatch groups to each quadrant."
"Understood."
"And make sure no one is killed."
Jaron stopped mid step and turned to him. "Really?"
Chardon stared down at her. "Yes. I will not have murdering my own race on my hands!" He sighed, slumping his shoulders. "Thank Lassa Farin is on Azrom."