Fever

It was hot. It was the middle of the rainy season. And if Tamata complained one more time about how much she hated getting her tail wet, I was going to throttle her... I said as much, and she growled.
       "Whose bloody idea was this, anyway?"
       "Our beloved commander's, of course."
       She mumbled something unprintable and lost her footing, slithering down the side of the bank to end up waist-deep in warm mud. I watched her plant her hands on her hips and waited for the explosion.
       "FUCK THIS!!! I wanna go home."

To be honest, I felt the same. Bruzzelo - may his tail be sliced off in tiny pieces with a blunt instrument - had for some completely inexplicable reason, given how hard we were all training, decided we'd had it too soft and organised a series of 'special' training exercises. So far we'd had mountain survival, island survival, stuck-on-a-raft-at-sea survival, and this latest, jungle-in-a-monsoon survival. We'd lost track of the rest of the troop - we'd all got separated in a landslip during a torrential downpour, losing our emergency survival equipment in the process - and were, at the moment, quite lost. Not to mention sodden, scratched, bruised and thoroughly pissed off. The aim of the exercise was to survive and return to base without using ki so as to, firstly, develop our survival skills in a hostile environment, and secondly, practise ki suppression - supposedly to avoid alerting all those enemies that might be tracking us, whilst conserving our strength for when it was really needed. Like when said enemies, attracted by Tamata's loud and incessant objections to our predicament, leapt out of the undergrowth and tried to take us captive. Or kill us. Or something.

I scrambled down the bank and grabbed Tamata's hand, hauling her up to firmer ground. She stood in the rain, letting it wash off the mud, and glowered at me.
       "Why did I let you talk me into signing up in the first place? I must be completely nuts..."
       I scowled. "The way I remember it, it was your suggestion."
       She tossed her head, turned and started walking, boots squelching ankle-deep into the mud. I grabbed her wrist before she'd gone two paces.
       "Wrong way."
       She shook off my hand and scowled. "How d'you know?"
       I sighed irritably. "Look, I just know. Just trust me, right?"
       She grunted, and reluctantly followed me. At least the rain washed the insects off before they could really dig their claws in...

Towards evening the weather worsened. Tamata stopped under a tree that offered practically no respite from the downpour and turned to me.
       "Great. What're we going to do now? There's no shelter and I'm hungry."
       So was I. And it was my turn to hunt. I sighed, though you couldn't hear it over the rain. I looked around, squinting through the deluge, and pointed towards a thicker area of undergrowth some way ahead.
       "We may be able to fashion some sort of shelter, but even if not, it'll be drier there. And we may get lucky - you never know what else might be sheltering from the rain."
       She grimaced. "Oh great. Raw rat again..."
       "Hey, you want to advertise our position by using ki to cook, just let me know and I'll make sure I've left the area."
       She folded her arms and frowned at me. "I know you're stubborn, but all this is a bit much, even for you. Why've you got so determined to prove yourself all of a sudden?"
       I hesitated, and a flash of comprehension danced across her face. She grinned. "Vejiita. Should've known. Exactly what did happen between you two? Other than sex, I mean."
       It had been fifty-seven days since the night I'd stolen into the Prince's room, and I hadn't seen him since. I hadn't told Tamata about his offer to spar, figuring that if he changed his mind and I never saw him again, at least I wouldn't have to suffer the humiliation of someone else knowing. I'd find some way to live with the disappointment. I only admitted to myself that it would be more like heartbreak than disappointment on those nights when I couldn't sleep for wanting him. On those nights I was almost glad he'd marked me as his - at least I wouldn't ever have to settle for second best. The strangely shapely scar on my neck made sure of that. Then again, it could also make for a very lonely life. So far I'd managed to avoid thinking that far ahead...
       I realised Tamata was staring at me, and shook my head slightly. "Sorry - what was the question again?"
       She laid a surprisingly gentle hand on my shoulder, squeezing lightly. "Never mind. C'mon, let's go find some shelter." Her stomach grumbled loudly, and she rubbed her abdomen, flashing me a quick grin. "And something to eat before I starve to death!"

The improvised lean-to with its roof of overlaid leaves proved itself fairly waterproof, and the wild pig I'd caught more or less filled our bellies. I've always preferred my meat raw anyway, and Tamata was too hungry to really object. I'd offered to take first watch, already knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep, and my friend had dropped off quickly, muttering that at least her tail was dry tonight. I sat and gazed out into the rain, remembering, reliving that night... But not fantasising. I was careful not to let my mind wander too far. It would only hurt when the dreams didn't come true.
       I was lost in memories of the feel of his skin against mine when something bit me. Only a tiny bite, on my left arm under the wristguard: some insect I supposed. I scratched at it absently, reminding myself to check it when it was light. Most of Vejiitasei's insect life is poisonous to some degree or other, but my knowledge of healing plants was reasonable: I'd be able to find something to ease it if necessary.

"'teetza? Are you all right?"
       I growled at the voice intruding on my hazy dreams of fur and silk and intense black eyes and shivered, rolling over and reaching for the bedcover which must have fallen off during the night. My hand met something cold, damp and rough, and I struggled my eyes open to meet Tamata's anxious face.
       "Why's the bed so hard?"
       She slipped an arm under my shoulders and pulled me upright, and for a moment everything swam dizzily. I rested my head against her shoulder and closed my eyes. She nodded, grimly.
       "Right - so you're not all right. What happened?"
       I frowned, trying to remember. My head felt heavy, as though my brain were too big for my skull, and my skin was hot and painfully sensitive. My left arm pulsed agonisingly in time with my heart: I could barely move it.
       "Insect, I think." I struggled to unsnap the too-tight wristguard. Underneath, my wrist was swollen and throbbing, a fiery red streaked with darker red lines spreading out from the infected bite and up my arm almost as far as my shoulder. Tamata bit her lip.
       "That does not look good."
       I was having trouble focussing. "You should... feel it from... this side."
       "You're the herbalist. What do we do next?"
       I peered around our campsite, looking for hsagen, a native plant that grows everywhere on Vejiitasei - tastes vile, and as a first line of defence for just about everything it wouldn't actually act as an antivenin, but it would stop the poison spreading and at least make it possible for me to make it back to base, although we'd have to fly. So much for ki suppression. Ah well. Maybe next time...
       Apparently hsagen grew everywhere on Vejiitasei except here.
       I tried to think for a moment. Need to stop the poison spreading any further. Could cut the arm off...
       I shook my head. Be serious, baka.
       A small ki blast to cauterise the wound? Too late for that. Tourniquet, then. Couldn't do any harm. I started to struggle out of my body armour, Tamata helping me, then one-handedly tore a strip from my crop-top. Strapping it below my shoulder took moments, then I staggered to my feet, Tamata catching me as I nearly fell. She looked worried.
       "Your ki's way low. Can you fly?"
       My head was drooping; I could hardly keep my eyes open. "Don't think so."
       She pulled my right arm across her shoulders and wrapped her arm and tail around my waist, pulling me with her as she rose. "C'mon then."
       I grabbed her arm as best I could, shaking my head.
       "Wrong way."
       She frowned. "You sure?"
       I nodded, wincing as my arm started to throb in earnest. Glancing at me dubiously, she turned and flew in the opposite direction.

At some point over the next few hours I must have become semi-conscious, as I remember very little of what happened. Tamata flew slowly, unused to carrying so much extra weight, and muttering that she was sure we were going the wrong way. As my fever increased, I could feel her panic growing. Yet I was absolutely certain we were going in the right direction. It just - felt right...
       I was delirious by the time she dropped to the ground, panting and exhausted. I heard her voice calling out, although I couldn't understand what she said. But moments later I was being held in strong, familiar arms, wrapped in a powerful ki, a scent I loved washing over me. I remember warmth, and the sensation of speed, and a feeling of concern that wasn't mine. And I knew I was safe.

I woke in a huge bed, naked, warm, and comfortable except for the ferocious ache down the whole of my left arm and across my shoulder. But the pain was eclipsed by the knowledge of whose bed I lay in. I rolled to my side and inhaled his scent, rubbing myself luxuriously against the silk sheet.
       What the hell was I doing here?!
       "Ah good, you're awake."
       I started and twisted abruptly, rolling over onto my injured arm and biting back a cry of pain. There was someone sitting beside the bed - a doctor by the smell of him. He stood quickly and examined the dressings that covered my arm from fingers to shoulder, tutting over my careless move. At that moment the door opened and the doctor glanced up, then pulled himself to attention, swallowing nervously.
       "How is the patient?"
       I closed my eyes and willed myself not to melt at the sound of his voice.
       "I was about to ascertain her status, my lord."
       "Then do so."
       The doctor checked me over briskly, fumbling a little and being careful not to touch anything but my arm and my face. After a few minutes he looked up and nodded.
       "An excellent recovery, my lord. She should be able to leave tomorrow."
       "Very well. Leave us."
       The doctor nodded and hastened from the room. I felt the bed dip slightly as he sat on the edge, and forced myself to turn slowly to him.
       He'd been training, and had come straight from bathing, his skin still slightly damp from the water and flushed with exertion, his eyes sparkling, that bright flame of night-dark hair shimmering with water droplets. He was bare-chested, his hands ungloved, his tail loose and relaxed, curling over his leg. He's so beautiful...
       I swallowed hard as he reached a hand to stroke a lock of my hair back from my forehead.
       "How did you know where to find me?"
       I blushed. "My lord, I'm sorry.... I didn't find you, it was Tamata... I was unconscious, didn't know what was happening..."
       He shook his head, hushing my incoherent ramblings.
       "Your colleague tells me you insisted on her bringing you straight to my encampment. How did you know where I was?"
       My head was aching, making thought difficult.
       "I think... it was... instinctive, my lord."
       He nodded, apparently satisfied, and stroked the scar on my neck. I shivered, heat building in my groin, and he looked at me, eyes intense and glittering. "Good."
       Good? I frowned, and he smiled, very slightly, then turned with a sharp "Enter." as a knock came on the door. A servant carried a large covered tray into the room, placed it on the bed, then scurried away without speaking. Vejiita lifted the cover: my mouth started watering at the scents that wafted out.
       "Eat, then rest. We'll speak later."
       "You won't join me, my lord?" There was more than enough for two.
       He rose, pulling a shirt from a drawer and sliding into it as he spoke. I swallowed, watching rippling muscle disappearing into the soft black fabric. "I have business elsewhere. If you require anything, call. There will be a servant outside the door at all times."
       "Thank you, my lord."
       He nodded, once, and prowled from the room.

Hungry as I was, I found I couldn't eat as much as usual. My stomach felt full very quickly, and I began to wonder just how long I'd been unconscious. Then I realised I didn't even know where I was. Surely not Vejiitamachi: that was half the continent away from where we'd been training. In any case, this place was far too quiet to be the capital. I shrugged mentally. Well, the royal family had plenty of properties dotted around the globe. I supposed it must be one of them. Settling back on a pile of pillows, I looked around the room. Large, luxurious, but curiously characterless. Not somewhere anyone spent a great deal of time, by the looks of it. For a moment or two I debated 'exploring' - but nosy is more Tamata's thing than mine, and anyway, the room might have some kind of video surveillance. The King takes his safety and that of his heir very seriously. Best not to risk it. In any case, I was feeling sleepy after eating. I curled up under the sheet, breathing in his scent, and drifted into erotic dreams.

When I awoke, it was dark outside, and the room was filled with muted lamplight. I could hear faint noises from behind the double doors at one end of the room. Frowning, I went to see what it was...
       A bathroom, with a bath almost big enough to swim in, and in the bath was the Prince. His elbows resting on the padded side, head back, eyes closed, powerful body relaxed in the steaming water. I stared, suddenly breathless, hovering uncertainly at the door.
       Without opening his eyes he extended a hand in my direction.
       "Why don't you join me?"

Sluicing myself under the hot spray took seconds, then I slid into the water beside him, turning to kneel on the seat that ran around the bath at waist depth. I watched him silently for some moments, my mouth dry, desire snaking through my body - then he rolled his head towards me, slowly opening his eyes. We gazed at each other for what felt like forever, then in one smooth, fast movement he swivelled, caught my waist in his hands, lifted me to straddle his hips and slid into me, never taking his eyes from mine.
       I shuddered, gasping, and wrapped my legs around his waist as his tail wrapped around mine. He smiled slightly, raising one hand to run his fingertips across my cheek and down the side of my neck, brushing my collarbone and moving down to cup my breast, his thumb stroking back and forth across the nipple. As I squirmed against him he lowered his head to my other nipple, suckling, circling and flicking with his tongue, his hips rocking gently against me, maddening little movements, stroking me inside. And then his other hand slid around my back to my tail, circling the base and pushing his fingers deeply into the wet fur, fondling, stroking...
       I gripped his shoulders as I came, panting loudly, my head flung back. It was a few minutes before I stopped shaking and slumped against his chest: I'd had no idea that being under water made tails even more sensitive. He let me rest against him, his strong heartbeat loud in my ear. Recovering slightly, I reached for his tail, but he caught my hand and put it back on his shoulder, brushing my palm with his lips in passing.
       I bit my lip and inclined my head, puzzled and a little anxious. Had I done something wrong?
       He kissed my forehead, a slight smile around his eyes.
       "You've been very ill. We don't want to tire you."
       Startled, I pulled myself upright to stare at him. He inclined his head, then gripped my hips and thrust, fast but gently, quickly bringing himself to climax with a silent shudder, eyes closing briefly as he tensed. He pulled my head back down to his chest, and we lay in silence for a few - blissful on my part - minutes, him still buried in my flesh, my fingers toying with his nipple, his stroking my back under my hair.
       I sighed, then frowned slightly.
       "My lord, how long have I been here?"
       "Eight days."
       Eight days?! I bolted upright, then collapsed again with a groan.
       "The old fart's going to kill me."
       I felt his chest vibrate with a silent chuckle as he stroked my jaw.
       "Commander Bruzzelo," he said, with a slight emphasis on the first word, "has been informed that you are under my protection."
       I froze. What exactly did that mean? I raised my head, lips parted to ask, but his eyes were closed, his expression remote, and I didn't dare.
       No doubt I'd find out when the time was right.

Half an hour later we were back in the bedroom, the Prince in a deep blue robe, watching the doctor fussing at my arm, tutting over the foolishness of getting the dressings wet as he changed them. My arm was still a mess, but the infection had completely cleared, and the scars from the rough and ready surgery that had saved my life would fade in time. The doctor finally left, admonishing me to keep the dressings dry and saying he'd check me again in the morning. Vejiita sat on the edge of the bed, watching me silently.
       I licked my lips. "My lord, this is your room, isn't it? Should I go and sleep somewhere else?"
       "Why should you wish to do that?"
       "I don't! But... I can't... I mean, I'm recovered now... You can have your bed to yourself..." I frowned. "Have I slept here the whole time?"
       He nodded, and I blushed furiously. But it must have been his choice. After all, there must be other rooms I could have stayed in...
       I didn't have time to worry about it. He slid out of the robe and onto the bed, pulling me against him as he drew the sheet up to cover us both. I laid my head on his shoulder as he kissed my forehead and whispered, "Sleep now..."

Early sunlight was streaming through the window when I awoke. The Prince's head was on my shoulder, his arm across my stomach, his tail around my waist, one muscular leg twined between mine, his erection hard against my groin. Still sleeping, his breathing slow and even. I ran my fingertips down his side and across the elegant ridge of his hip, closing my fingers gently around the base of his shaft, cursing the dressings that left me so little sensation in my hand. He groaned almost inaudibly and shifted to lie atop me, thrusting into me hard and fast before he was even properly awake. As he came he clasped me tightly to him, shuddering, his lips on my neck, biting again into the scar there, his hand sleeking through the fur of my tail and bringing me to climax in a sudden bolt of pleasure. As he raised his head to look at me, his eyes wide and shocked, I grinned and kissed his nose.
       "Good morning, my lord."
       For just a moment he glared - then broke into a laugh and kissed my cheek.
       "Little warrior, you are a delight."
       I smiled to myself...

"So what were you doing while I was suffering so bravely?"
       It was mid afternoon, and Tamata and I were well on our way back to base. The Prince had provided transport, and even stayed to see us off, fixing Tamata with a slightly threatening glare as he instructed her to make sure no harm came to me. I'd heard her swallow fearfully, and spent the first hour of the trip trying to convince her he didn't mean anything by it. I'd probably have been more convincing if I'd believed that myself, of course...
       She gaped, expression outraged.
       " 'Suffering so bravely'? Who're you trying to kid? Cuddled up in the Prince's bed, waited on hand and foot..."
       "All right, all right.... So it wasn't so bad, really."
       She grinned. "Actually, I quite enjoyed myself. You remember that big guy, Radittsu?"
       I shook my head: the only people I'd seen had been the doctor, various servants, and the Prince himself.
       "Oh. Well, he's sort of part of Vejiita's entourage, I think. Or a bodyguard or something. Anyway, he's got this younger brother..."
       I let her chatter on, smiling, hugging myself. The Prince had pulled me to him before we'd left, cupping my face in his hands and gazing at me as if to memorise my features. He'd said nothing - but somehow, I knew we would meet again soon.

© 2001 Joules Taylor

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