Beguilement
Radittsu woke slowly, hot, dehydrated and panting. Much the same way as he'd woken up every day so far of their sojourn on R'ren'nkh'ia. Only this time Zha'haabron wasn't beside him...
Bolting upright in alarm, the Saiyan glanced around him.
*Zha'haabron? Where are you?*
**Outside** The answer came immediately, and Radittsu relaxed a little.
*Why?*
**Sunbathing**
Sunbathing? Radittsu frowned to himself, then rose, poured himself a beaker of tepid water and went to the viewport.
Their little cavalcade - the luxurious, three roomed vehicle appointed to himself and the prince, a large, refrigerated carrier holding enough food (hopefully) to cope with a Saiyan appetite, a couple of smaller vessels carrying warriors, and a handful of the powerful little hoverbikes the warrior outriders rode - had halted the previous night close to a large, rocky outcrop that marked the halfway point of their journey to Chief Gh'heegonan. The solid, heavy-tailed, dark blue form of Zh'anah was standing on a ledge half-way up the outcrop - that would be where the prince was sunbathing.
Radittsu frowned pensively as he pulled on the skimpy excuse for clothing he wore onworld. The big lizard had been introduced to them as Zha'geekaan's personal Champion - yet she'd asked to be appointed as Zha'haabron's bodyguard, and the king had not objected. Zha'haabron had looked faintly alarmed, and engaged the warrior - who, the Saiyan had been informed, was shr'en'an, not that he was really interested but he knew that Leteetza was trying to gather as much information as possible, and actually hearing how the R'ren'nkh'ia-jin referred to themselves and their types was most likely fascinating for her - in a brief but animated conversation in their native tongue. He didn't seem too happy about her being with them, but Radittsu couldn't say the same: given the size and strength of several of the chiefs they were to visit, a strapping native warrior would be great back-up. And for some reason she seemed to be completely devoted to Zha'haabron, only reluctantly leaving his side...
Barefoot, he left the hot vehicle for the even hotter desert outside, and flew up to the ridge. Zh'anah grinned at him - always an unsettling sight, given the size and number of fangs in her wide, lipless mouth - and nodded downwards. Zha'haabron lay on his stomach, naked, his cheek resting on his forearms, hair pulled over one shoulder, eyes closed, expression peaceful. Radittsu knelt beside him, careful not to cast a shadow, and stroked a finger down his spine.
**...mmmmmmmm...**
*Good morning, lover.*
The prince rolled over and pulled his bondmate down into a close embrace, then sat up swiftly, his eyes wide and alarmed.
"You are not wearing sunscreen!"
"Uh, no. I forgot..."
"Baka!" Zha'haabron rose hurriedly to his feet, grabbed Radittsu's hand and took off, dragging him back down to their temporary home and pushing him into the large sleeping compartment. Radittsu fell backwards onto the bed and laughed: the prince stood with his hands on his hips, glowering at him.
"Why so fierce?"
"You must never underestimate the sun here. Without the sunscreen your delicate skin will fry!"
He forced himself to be serious, although the thought of Saiyan skin being considered delicate was definitely amusing.
"All right. I'm sorry. Will you apply it for me, please?"
His face relaxing into a smile, Zha'haabron reached to pull his bondmate upright, and unsnapped the buckles across his chest, over his hips. Radittsu waited until the soft leather slid from his body then grabbed the prince to him, bending to kiss his throat and lifting him onto the low sleeping platform...
An hour later Zha'haabron smiled fondly down at his bondmate.
**Mmmmm...**
Radittsu raised a hand, sliding his fingers into the prince's silky hair and encircling his lean blue waist with his tail, the tip wrapping around Zha'haabron's erection.
*You are...* He paused. Zha'haabron inclined his head.
**What?**
*The sexiest, most beautiful, most exciting...*
Zha'haabron grinned, and the big male tightened the tip of his tail, making the prince shiver.
*I love you.*
Zha'haabron arched backwards, gasping, as Radittsu began to do the most wonderfully stimulating things with that remarkable, sensitive tail...
Another hour later, Zha'haabron licked at his bondmate's strong neck.
**And I love you**
Radittsu kissed his brow.
**But we really should be on our way. Lie still**
He reached for the bottle of sunscreen, and Radittsu happily closed his eyes to better concentrate on the feel of his bondmate's cool strong hands on his skin.
Generally speaking, Radittsu was finding the whole R'ren'nkh'ian experience boring. The planet seemed to consist of mainly featureless desert, with most of the inhabited enclaves underground. It was far too hot for him to spar for any length of time, even at night, although he did enjoy fighting Zh'anah's partner: it was interesting battling a creature built along entirely different lines to himself. He'd muttered to the distant, listening Leteetza, in Saiyago, that they should perhaps see about seconding some of the lizards to Vejiitasei on a permanent basis: it would certainly be useful for training purposes. But as for the rest - he was no kind of diplomat, and in any case, a lot of Zha'haabron's negotiations with the chiefs and chieftains were conducted in that strange, sibilant, hissing native language. Mostly all he had to do was sit at the prince's side, imitating Zha'geekaan and looking suitably menacing, a silent threat in case anyone tried anything questionable - although with Zh'anah and one of the other warrior shr'en'an standing behind them that was unlikely to happen. Although that being said...
They'd had one awkward moment when one of the supposedly 'safe' chiefs had begun making it clear, over an informal meal, that his interest in Zha'haabron was definitely more than simply diplomatic.
Radittsu had growled, low in his throat, glaring at the lizard. Zha'haabron had leaned back against the Saiyan's chest, wrapping his arms around his bondmate's neck.
**Fondle me**
*WHAT!!*
**Fondle me. Now. Slowly. Keep your eyes on Gli'ken. Smirk at him. Think of Zha'geekaan**
Wary, but trusting that the prince knew what he was doing, Radittsu slid both hands into his lover's brief bodysuit, one gripping his shaft firmly, the fingers of the other stroking around the entrance to his female part while the thumb pressed against his mound. Zha'haabron gasped and gripped the Saiyan tightly, his eyes closing as his hips began to push up against his bondmate's big hands. Radittsu smirked at the chief, his eyes glittering dangerously, and Gli'ken swallowed hard, attention riveted on the activity before him - then pulled the loincloth he wore away from his own triple-headed shaft and started stroking himself, his scaly pads clutching and pulling in time to the movements of Radittsu's hands.
**... now... enter... me...** The prince was *gasping*, his self-control ragged, as he alternately ground his hips against his bondmate's hands then pressed backwards against the big male's groin.
Calling up Zha'geekaan's persona, Radittsu knelt upright, unstrapped himself, ripped the bodysuit from Zha'haabron, and pushed smoothly into the cool blue body, pulling his bondmate back onto his lap, wrapping one arm around him and holding both of his wrists in one big hand against the prince's chest. He ran the fingers of his other hand slowly up his lover's erection, then paused, grinning ferally at the drooling chief.
Who shuffled forwards on his knees and lowered his head to the prince's shaft, taking it all into his cavernous, toothless mouth and sucking hard as he speeded up the movement around his own. Zha'haabron groaned, barbs and internal muscles positively dancing around and up and down Radittsu's erection - then stiffened and shrieked as he came, jetting into the chief's mouth and clenching hard on his bondmate. Radittsu bit the inside of his cheek hard enough to draw blood, clamping down harshly and refusing to let himself come as Gli'ken shuddered, hands gripping himself tightly as he climaxed. As the two reptiles slumped forward, panting, the Saiyan pulled out of his bondmate's body, still hard, and pushed Zha'haabron down onto the couch. Gli'ken gazed up at him, gasping. Radittsu planted his fists on his hips and sneered.
"You want dessert?"
Gli'ken's eyes widened. He stared at the big, rosy shaft, glistening with the prince's juices, before him as if mesmerised. He licked his lips. Then leaned forward and licked Radittsu...
Gli'ken had climaxed twice more - and Zha'haabron had recovered and was sprawled on his stomach, elbows propped on the couch and his chin cupped in his hands, watching in fascination - before Radittsu finally relinquished control and came, flooding the chief's mouth as his back arched and he gripped the R'ren'nkh'ian's hairless head. As he leaned back on his hands, gasping for breath and feeling a little as though he'd just spent an hour sparring with Vejiita, the prince stroked a hand down his muscular thigh.
**I'm very impressed**
*...oh...good...*
Radittsu felt drained. Zha'haabron slid forwards to lie across his bondmate's thighs, gazing up at him through lowered lashes as one elegant hand reached up to stroke along his jawline.
**...... exactly how tired are you...?...**
Radittsu groaned. *You are joking, aren't you?*
Zha'haabron regarded him for a moment or two, then smiled. **Well, I wasn't, but I can wait...**
The big male gazed down at him, then ran a hand through thick, cold, silky green hair. *You'll enjoy it more when I'm rested. Trust me...*
The prince pressed a kiss to the nearest hip, then took his bondmate's hand.
**Shall we retire? To sleep, I mean. We have a long way to travel tomorrow**
Radittsu hauled himself upright, pulled Zha'haabron to his side, and stared at Gli'ken.
"I trust the negotiations are concluded in Ssii'iin Zha'geekaan's favour?"
Gli'ken nodded, and said falteringly in the common tongue. "Have documents drawn up, I will. On the morrow."
Nodding curtly, Radittsu swept the prince up into his arms and carried him to their chamber.
Meanwhile, back on Vejiitasei...
The sound of Vejiita rousing woke me much earlier than usual. I grunted, dragging myself half awake.
"...why..?"
"I have a reception to attend this morning."
I pulled him down and kissed the back of his neck. "Do you want me to be there?"
He scowled at me over his shoulder. "Oh, I wouldn't want to drag you away from your monitor."
I bit my lip. I had been spending most of my time there just recently - Vejiita was probably feeling neglected. I hugged him hard.
"I'm sorry, my lord. You know I am yours to command."
He sighed and twisted to face me.
"It does not matter. And I do not require your presence at the reception."
I smiled and kissed him. "What sort of reception is it?"
He glowered. "One of the Southern Lords is arriving to visit - and no doubt talk policy. He is bringing his family with him, his mate and twin daughters. The reception is to welcome them to Vejiitamachi."
I nodded. He knew how much I hated that sort of formal, stilted affair. I never know what to say - I've no idea how to make small-talk. "Thank you, my lord."
He kissed my nose and smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "How are things progressing on R'ren'nkh'ia?"
"Well, so far. Zha'haabron's managed to avoid having to fuck any of the chiefs, even one we were expecting to prove difficult." I grinned slyly, knowing he'd enjoy what I was going to say next. "From what I can gather, it's because that chief fancied Radittsu more than the prince!"
His eyes widened and he laughed aloud.
"Oh, how I wish I could have seen that! I hope the captain didn't cause any problems?"
I shook my head. "No. I rather think Radittsu turned his Zha'geekaan personality on full force and the chief backed down fast. Anyway, it worked. And so far everyone they've visited has agreed to support Zha'geekaan. It's all coming together easily." I frowned slightly. "Too easily. I'm just waiting for something to go horribly wrong."
He rose from the bed, pulling me with him and wrapping his tail around my hips as he hugged me.
"You worry too much." He released me and turned to dress.
"Will I see you for dinner?"
"That depends on how long the reception and its attendant ceremonies lasts. It might be safer to assume not."
I nodded. "Very well. Later, then. I hope it goes well."
He brushed a quick kiss across my cheek. "And I trust your fears will not be realised."
"How are we doing?" I called out as I entered the monitoring room, to find Armut bent over the back of a chair, Chilek buried deeply in her and thrusting furiously. We all froze, my mouth dropping open, their faces turning bright red. Then I grinned.
"Oh, please carry on. Don't let me stop you. I'm assuming there's nothing much happening on R'ren'nkh'ia right now..."
I sat at the monitor, turning my back to them - and then realised what had happened. From the noises coming over the transmitter, Radittsu and the prince were quite obviously making love. Enthusiastically. And I had to admit it was a very arousing sound. I chuckled as I heard Chilek grunt as Armut gasped, then there was the rustle of clothing being rearranged and the pair joined me at the monitor, both looking a little guilty.
"I'm sorry, Lady Leteetza. It's just..."
I sighed and rested my face in my hands.
"Will you stop calling me 'lady'! I loathe it!"
"But... We should. It's only right."
I squinted up at him, faintly alarmed. There was no way he could have found out anything about me. No-one, not even Vejiita, knew anything about my family.
"I mean, you being the King's Companion and all..."
I sighed wearily and tried again, already knowing it was a lost cause. "Just call me Leteetza, please. Now, did anything happen overnight that I should know about?"
It was a relatively quiet day. Radittsu and the prince arrived at Chief Gh'heegonan's enclave around noon, and the first couple of hours were spent in polite, formal banalities - from which I gathered that Gh'heegonan was one of the more civilised and influential chiefs. It was all pretty inconsequential stuff, and I only listened with half an ear, letting the monitor record it all for later examination and archiving. Then Gh'heegonan said something that caught my attention, something about zn'hre... I listened closely, frowning. Gh'heegonan apparently had a zn'hre in his court. He was boasting about it: something about it providing him with high status and valuable offspring. Remembering what I'd learnt, I felt a surge of sympathy for the poor creature...
But there was something else. There was something a bit off about Zha'haabron's voice. And suddenly I remembered what it was that the prince had said that I'd been trying so hard to remember. Suddenly cold, I gripped the edge of the desk, desperately afraid.
Radittzu frowned at his bondmate.
*What's wrong?*
The prince was facing away from him, head bowed, arms wrapped around himself.
**There is another zn'hre here**
Radittsu frowned. *So?*
Zha'haabron turned to his bondmate, gripping his upper arms tightly, his eyes desolate.
**When zn'hre meet, we mate. It's an overwhelming compulsion: we have no choice in the matter. And we both die - the sire immediately after mating, the host as the young are born**
Radittsu paled, eyes horrified.
*But...*
The prince gazed up at him, smiling grimly. Radittsu swallowed, took a couple of deep breaths, then scowled.
*Then you're not meeting him.*
**I'm not sure that will be possible**
*Oh, it will be. I'll make sure of that!*
But the chief had anticipated such a reaction. Without warning the door to their suite opened and Gh'heegonan walked in. Followed by a graceful, beautiful creature with pale blue skin and pale green hair...
Zha'haabron's eyes locked onto the other zn'hre's. Radittsu grabbed his bondmate's shoulders, feeling the tension as the prince struggled for control. Gh'heegonan smiled, pleasantly.
"This is the price of my support for your sire. I want you to breed with Ti'aasaan."
Zha'haabron hissed something short and sharp, and the chief shook his head.
"No - I do not wish your death. Ti'aasaan has been drugged. He will not hurt you. He cannot hurt you." He shrugged. "He can't enjoy you, either, of course, but that's of no consequence."
Radittsu felt the broad shoulders relax slightly under his hands, and cautiously released his grip. Zha'haabron stared for long moments at Ti'aasaan, then turned to his bondmate. There were tears in his eyes.
"Zk'vissin - would you leave us for a while?"
Worried, Radittsu cupped his face in large, warm hands. "You're sure you're all right?"
"Yes."
*Truly?*
**Truly. Oh, zk'vissin - look at him!**
Radittsu regarded the zn'hre over Zha'haabron's shoulder. Ti'aasaan was slender, delicate, his hair brushing across his shoulders in dozens of tiny plaits, pale golden eyes huge and frightened, lm'entr'e collar seemingly too heavy for his slim neck. A thin bead-studded wisp of emerald green fabric covered his groin, suspended from a fine silver chain around his hips. He was trembling, his hands clasped together so tightly his knuckles were white. Absolutely bloody terrified...
Zha'haabron bit back a sob. **That could be me...**
Radittsu pulled him into a close embrace. *If you need me, call.*
Zha'haabron pulled the frightened zn'hre down onto the sleeping platform, carefully keeping his movements slow and gentle. He raised a hand to the delicate face, sighing when Ti'aasaan flinched away as though expecting a blow.
**Little one, I won't hurt you**
**Why not? Everyone else does** Even as he *said* it Ti'aasaan cowered - but Zha'haabron smiled despite himself. It was really, really difficult to break a zn'hre's spirit. Probably the only reason the type still existed after millennia of enslavement and abuse. The prince very gently, very slowly pulled the shivering body into his arms, suddenly grateful for the self-control he'd developed since his bonding with the Saiyan. Even as he felt the relentless urge to mate, he knew he could resist it. For a while, anyway.
Ti'aasaan gazed up at him, frowning, still trembling.
**You...you're... Why aren't you...?**
Zha'haabron very gently stroked his cheek, relieved when the smaller zn'hre didn't flinch away.
**We have time, little one. At least I can make this painless for you** He frowned. ** Gh'heegonan implied you won't feel anything - is that true?**
Ti'aasaan fought back a sob. **No. He has the dosage wrong. I feel everything. I just can't do anything about it**
**Oh, Ti'aasaan...** Zha'haabron hugged him, tears trickling down his face. The small zn'hre stared up at him, dumbfounded, and reached a trembling hand to catch a sparkling droplet on his finger.
"You really do care..." He whispered, eyes huge with wonder. Zha'haabron gathered him close and rocked, gently, feeling the tension leave the pale, slender body. He smiled grimly to himself. And when you, my sire, are crowned High King, I shall challenge and defeat you. There will be a reckoning. And there will be world-shattering changes upon R'ren'nkh'ia...
He gently pulled Ti'aasaan's face up to his, smiling softly.
**I will make this very, very good for you...**
Meanwhile, back on Vejiitasei...
I'd listened to the conversations with my heart in my throat, positively slumping with relief when Radittsu left the two zn'hre alone together. He was convinced everything was all right. Therefore I didn't need to worry either. I kneaded my shoulders, working the tension out as best I could, then wondered about taking a break. Chilek was trying to be unobtrusive at another terminal, still flushing slightly every time I caught his eye. I grinned and beckoned him over.
"I need to stretch my legs." My stomach grumbled, startling me, and I grimaced. "And get something to eat! Will you take over for a while, please?"
He grinned. "Of course!"
I nodded. "Want me to bring anything back for you?"
He shook his head, smiling. I patted his cheek, making him blush quite charmingly.
"I'll be back in an hour or so."
Outside the office I paused for a moment, stretched until things creaked, then shook myself.
*My lord?*
Silence. I frowned.
*Vejiita?*
Still silence. Alarmed, I put in a call to his official PA, a little confused by the response I got. Apparently Vejiita was still at the reception. Frowning - it was now early evening: I'd never known a reception last this long - I made my way to the reception hall.
Muz was on duty just inside the entrance. He stiffened as I pushed the door open and slipped inside, then inclined his head to me, his expression sombre.
"Little warrior."
I frowned up at him.
"What's going on?"
He wouldn't meet my eyes. "I think you perhaps ought to see for yourself."
Now really worried, I moved further into the hall, through the assembled nobles and elite, until I could see the king...
I remember the whole scene as a series of snapshots. Vejiita sitting relaxed, smiling, the Southern Lord on an adjacent chair, conversing easily with him. The Southern Lady to one side, watchful, her eyes on her daughters...
I caught the names easily - everyone was talking about them, after all. Sheftali and Kayusu. Twins, but not identical. And not children. Exquisite, pale golden young females, tumbling dark golden hair, graceful, elegant bodies, eloquent hands. Voices like wind chimes.
Perfect mates for the king of Vejiitasei. Perfect mothers for his children. His heirs.
I watched as Sheftali poured wine into a goblet and handed it to the King, smiling, her head gracefully inclined. I watched as Kayusu knelt beside him, her hand on his thigh, her soft voice raising a smile.
And even though I'd known, right from the beginning, that things would eventually have to change, it hurt.....
© 2001 Joules Taylor
Special thanks to Little Saru for assistance with names!
