Idyll
Frowning, Radittsu ran his hand gently down the prince's body, settling his palm over one shapely blue buttock.
*Are you all right? I didn't hurt too much, did I?*
Zha'haabron finally unclenched his hands from the bedcover, gasped as he released the breath he'd been holding, and sprawled limply on the bed, his widely-spread legs relaxing. Radittsu kissed the base of his spine and lifted him slightly, pulling away the pillow that had raised his lower body and made it more accessible. The Saiyan frowned.
*I can't understand why it hurts so much...I tried to be gentle...*
He re-capped Leteetza's jar of salve and wiped the smooth creamy stuff from his fingers, then lay down beside his bondmate, unhappy and anxious and not knowing what to do about it. The prince rolled slightly to his side and laid a hand on Radittsu's shoulder.
**You are very, very gentle. It's not you, it's me**
Radittsu frowned - then sighed. *Let me guess. Zn'hre physiology.*
**I'm afraid so**
*Fine. So tell me. It may help me get it right...*
Zha'haabron frowned to himself for a moment, then reached for Radittsu's genitals, sliding his hand behind the shaft and gently cupping the velvet-skinned globes there, stroking with his thumb.
**You carry these outside of your body. You know that I hold mine within**
Radittsu, fighting down the rush of arousal his prince's touch evoked, nodded.
**Mine curves around behind my chitsu, and is least sensitive where it presses against that channel. But the other side of the organ is much more delicate, easily injured. What... Dhr'ovaanon did... It damaged me. Made me bleed, inside. Bruised me, very badly** He gazed at Radittzu, eyes wide and pained. **It is perhaps the worst - insult - my type can suffer. It hurts. It can result in infection or sterility. At worst, it can kill. He did not go that far - insane or not, he would not risk my sire's anger so...**
Trembling, Radittsu stroked his face gently, biting his lip, eyes wide and horrified, then pulled him close.
*I didn't know.*
**Of course not**
*I'm so sorry...*
Zha'haabron sighed and nestled more closely into the big male's embrace.
**Don't be - it is not your fault. And the damage is only temporary**
*But I don't like it when you're hurt.*
Zha'haabron smiled. **I will endeavour not to have it happen again...**
They lay quietly for a few minutes, then Radittsu chuckled quietly.
*It's quite different for us, of course.*
The prince squinted up at him, frowning. Radittsu smiled.
*There's a spot - inside - that... when it's touched... It's probably the complete opposite of what it does to you.*
Zha'haabron gazed at him, expression inquiring. The Saiyan brushed a kiss across his forehead.
*It's... incredible. It's like...like...lightning through your veins...*
**That sounds painful**
Radittsu scowled at himself, shaking his head. *It isn't. It's wonderful. Hn. How can I describe it..? It's probably the closest one of us could ever come to the kind of climax you reach.*
There was a gleam of real amusement in the prince's eyes. **And how do you know about such a thing?**
Radittsu grinned wryly, a faint flush of heightened colour touching his cheeks. *There are far more males than females on Vejiita-sei. Even elites have to wait their turn. But you know how... physical we are.*
Startled, Zha'haabron stared at his bondmate, eyes wide.
**You mean... you and other males...?**
*Uhuh.*
The prince was silent for a moment, pensive. Radittsu cupped a hand under his chin.
*Does it bother you?*
Zha'haabron gazed at him. Actually, it made a sort of sense. If he found his bondmate beautiful, surely others would, too. After all, the Saiya-jin only had the two genders: if the military was mainly male, what else were they supposed to do? Auto-eroticism would hardly be a satisfactory practice, even in the short term, for a species that enjoyed physical contact as much as the Saiya-jin. And from what he'd seen of the culture, there really were far fewer females than males, and claimed females were quite jealously guarded...
Radittsu was looking worried.
*Zha'haabron? Have I upset you?*
**Of course not. It comes as something of a surprise, that's all. I have never thought of you as anything but intensely male** He frowned, curious. **Did you enjoy it?**
His bondmate grinned. *Yes. Why? Want to try it?*
The prince regarded him steadily. **I don't know. I need to think about it. All my previous experience with males has had me taking the 'female' rôle, as you would phrase it. This would require a - mindshift...**
*It would also mean we could make love before you've finished healing. Assuming the salve does ease pain, that is.*
Zha'haabron shifted his hips slightly, eyebrows rising. **It does, very effectively** He smiled at his bondmate. **You miss me?**
Radittsu slid his hands down to cup the prince's buttocks, gently pulling their lower bodies together. *Of course!* He rocked his hips rhythmically against Zha'haabron's, eliciting a gasp and a faint shiver through the cool blue body as he reached down to wrap a large hand around both their erections...
'Why have you been avoiding me?'
....what....?
I'm hearing things. I must be hearing things.
" I've been avoiding you??"
"What else would you call it? You move out of the suite, immerse yourself in work - as if you need to work! - do not answer communications... What prompted such behaviour? Jealousy? I would never have suspected you would be jealous..."
I gaped at him for long seconds. Then I got angry.
"What the hell are you talking about? Six days I waited for you to come back to the suite - six days! Your PA wouldn't tell me where you were, you never answered my messages... what was I supposed to think?" I glared. "And I'm not jealous! As if anyone with any intelligence would be jealous of those two malicious little bitches!"
"They are of the nobility..."
"I don't bloody care! It's the truth! Do you have any idea how they behave when they're not with you? Do you know how many people they've upset and insulted?" I realised I was shouting and paused for breath.
"Of course I do."
"Do you even care that they've... What?"
He leaned forward on the desk, mouth twisting sarcastically.
"Do you really think I'm that stupid?"
"How the fuck would I know!" I screamed at him. "You never fucking talk to me!"
He smirked. "Language..."
Hitting him would have hurt me more than him, so I slammed both fists down onto the desk instead, cracking the solid wood, glaring murder and breathing heavily. He raised one eyebrow.
"Perhaps I'd better come back when you can manage some self-control."
I froze, staring at him. "You bastard." It came out as a harsh whisper. "Just what game are you playing?"
"One that does not concern you. Yet."
I took a very deep breath and clutched my hands together, gritting my teeth and forcing myself to be at least minimally calm.
"I think I deserve to know a little of what's going on, don't you?"
He nodded. "That's better. Bad enough to have to deal with the twins: I would prefer not to have to cope with you behaving irrationally as well."
I shook my head, frowning, suddenly completely bewildered. "My lord..."
He reached forward and laid his fingers across my mouth. "Vejiita." He half-smiled and gestured towards the door. "Come with me."
We went back to the suite: I was relieved to find no sign or scent of the twins anywhere. Vejiita noticed me checking and smiled.
"No, they do not have access to these rooms."
"I'm glad to hear it." I sat cross-legged on the bed, rested my elbows on my knees and my chin in my hands and scowled at him.
"I'm listening."
"Firstly, what do you mean by I never returned your messages? I have not received any."
I sat upright, my eyes wide. "I never had any from you either."
He nodded, eyes glinting, mouth tight. I knew that expression - it meant pain for someone.
"That I will investigate. More to the point, why did you leave the suite?"
I frowned, beginning to see that there was more to this than I'd realised.
"Vejiita, I came to find you, the evening of the day they arrived. I saw you being fawned over by two exquisite little creatures - you looked as though you were loving it. Now I know I'm never going to be anyone's mate - to be honest, I don't want to be - but I knew from the start you need an heir. You've never shown any interest in anyone else: what was I supposed to think? I did wait six days." I pointed out reasonably. "But you didn't come, and I heard nothing from you..."
"...and at this point we are in danger of going round in circles." He sighed. "I left orders for you to be told I would be in conference with Anzu and a group of other nobles for some time - ten days as it turned out. I returned here to find you long gone. Combined with your apparent refusal to answer my communications..." He shrugged. "What was I to think?"
I shook my head. "You're right. Round in circles. Sounds like sabotage to me. If you can say that of a relationship." I gazed up at him - a touch sheepishly, I have to admit. "I'm sorry."
He frowned. "I had thought you trusted me more."
"There's a difference between trust and blind subservience, you know. You've never really trusted me completely, either. And I think we're both guilty of a little too much pride..." I sighed. "My lord, I think we need to redefine exactly what being the King's Companion involves. Assuming I still have the post, of course."
He growled irritably. "Of course you have. Unless you've changed your mind about wanting it?"
I gazed at him. I'd almost forgotten how beautiful he is. "No. I haven't changed my mind."
"Very well. And I agree - the rôle does need to be more fully determined. Especially..." he gazed at me sideways, smirking, "...since I intend adding a few new duties to the post..."
Uh-oh. I knew that expression too. I stared. "Uh, Vejiita..?"
Radittsu stretched as he woke, as always reaching for the prince. The bed was empty. Eyes flashing open in alarm, the big Saiyan pushed himself partially upright - then relaxed as he caught sight of Zha'haabron standing at the huge window that looked out over the valley, a warm black robe sliding from his shoulders and draped loosely around him, early morning sunslight gleaming on the hair cascading down his back. Radittsu settled back onto the bed, arms behind his head on the pillow, smiling as he relished the sight.
*Beloved?*
Zha'haabron turned carefully and walked - walked! - slowly back to the bed. Radittsu beamed.
*You're feeling better?*
The prince nodded, then winced.
**Still in pain, but stronger**
Radittsu hugged him close. Zha'haabron lay back against his chest, nestled between his bondmate's legs, one hand stroking a muscular thigh, the other reaching back to caress his erection. Radittsu shivered and buried his face in the prince's neck.
*Mmmm...*
Zha'haabron shifted to curl sideways, his arms around Radittsu's neck.
**Salve?**
*Of course...*
Applying the lotion seemed to cause the prince less pain than the day before - but then, Leteetza had said it worked fast. Radittsu ran his gaze up and down the beautiful body sprawled before him: the prince rested while the pain-deadening properties took effect, then pushed himself carefully to his knees. He sat back on his heels and solemnly regarded his lover. Radittsu gazed back, expression guarded but hopeful.
*You've thought?*
**Yes**
*And?*
**Are you sure you want to try? I could hurt you**
*I'm sure. And you won't.*
Zha'haabron looked uncertain. **You will have to guide me. And you must tell me if I cause pain**
Radittsu grinned. Like hell I will! *Of course!* Then he frowned thoughtfully. The only thing resembling lubrication they had handy was the salve - and he certainly did not intend using something that dulled sensation... He smirked and lowered his head to Zha'haabron's groin, laving the cool shaft with his tongue as the prince's hands went to his head, gripping his mane tightly, gasping.
A minute or two later he pulled himself up and around, kneeling with his back to his bondmate. Zha'haabron wrapped strong arms around his chest and gently kissed his neck.
**Are you sure you're sure about this?**
Radittsu groaned. *YES!!* He calmed himself and twisted to kiss his anxious bondmate. *Believe me, I really really want you inside me...*
He leaned to rest his weight on his forearms, smiling back over his shoulder, mane tumbling onto the bed and thighs spread wide. Still unsure, Zha'haabron wrapped strong hands over the Saiyan's hips and slowly, gently, inexorably, forced himself into his bondmate...
Radittsu bit down hard on his lip, refusing to let the pain into his mind, refusing to let Zha'haabron *feel* it.... It had been a very long time - it hurt. But he could still vividly remember the delight that followed the pain. Then the prince angled himself differently - and the Saiyan cried out as sharp hot pleasure blazed through him...
I watched the King, my eyes wide. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Of course."
"But..."
"I do not require an answer immediately. The twins will not be in season for another twenty days or so."
"You really intend breeding with them?"
He shrugged. "Their bloodline is pure, they are of the nobility, and they are physically attractive - any offspring they bear should also be attractive."
I frowned. "That's a bit - cold-blooded, isn't it?"
"Probably. But hardly unheard of."
"What do their parents think?"
"It will afford them high status and a residence in Vejiitamachi. I wish to keep Anzu close, for my own purposes. And he and his Lady are hardly unaware of the sort of unpleasant little monsters they've managed to raise. I think there may be a measure of relief there, too."
"Will you claim them?"
"Of course."
Of course. Silly me.
"But what if the children take after them?"
He smiled and stroked my face. "That is why I want you to handle their upbringing."
I sighed. "I'm hardly the maternal type!"
"Neither are they. You, however, unlike them, are intelligent, compassionate, responsible and loving. You also have a keen sense of duty and an understanding of what is required of noble offspring."
I snorted. "You really are asking one hell of a lot of me, you know."
He nodded. "I know. But I am asking, not demanding. You have always said you are mine to command, but I choose not to do so. Given the importance of the task, I need your full agreement."
"What will be my position regarding the twins? I'm not prepared to put up with their sniping - not at me or anyone else."
"Indeed. I think we will need to make it known that King's Companion is a higher status than King's - I suppose we'll have to devise a term for them. Not mates, certainly. Nor concubines."
I grinned. "Baby-machines?"
He chuckled. "Perhaps something a little more - diplomatic. I'm sure one of the protocol experts can come up with something appropriate."
"I still need to think about it."
"Of course." He glanced around the room. "Will you move back in here?"
"Are you asking or wondering?"
He gazed at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I would like you to come back." He paused and looked down, the very faintest blush across his cheekbones - gone so quickly I could have imagined it. "I have missed you."
I took his hand, smiling. "I've missed you too."
His tail wrapped around my waist as he pulled me close...
"So will you move back in?"
I wrapped weary arms around him and nuzzled his shoulder. "As long as the twins are never allowed in here?"
"I have no objections to that. Today?"
He really had missed me. I was exhausted and very sore: his lovemaking had been fierce and passionate, and my neck was bleeding where he'd renewed his mark.
"No. After I get back from my holiday."
He sat bolt upright, staring down at me in dismay.
"What holiday?"
"Radittsu and Zha'haabron have invited me to spend time with them at Shizukesa-besso. I've said yes - I need a break. And some time to think."
He didn't look happy. I shook my head. "I'm sorry, my lord, but I want to go. By myself."
He smiled, wryly. "I will not try to stop you. How long will you be away?"
"I don't know yet. I may wait and come back when they do."
He nodded thoughtfully, not arguing. "Very well. I trust you will enjoy yourself."
"I've every intention of doing so!" I paused for just a moment, then stroked his face. "And the answer's yes. I'll be your Royal Nanny - I've always loved a challenge. As long as I don't have to put up with any shit from their Ladyships the royal Pains-in-the-arse!"
Radittsu scanned the message on the small communication screen and smiled, then glanced round at his bondmate. Zha'haabron lay naked on a couch, Zh'leet's hands on his abdomen as the ko'ish'n briskly and efficiently checked him over. She looked up, nodding her satisfaction.
"All is well. But you need exercise. And a little more feeding up."
The prince smiled up at Radittsu. "I think we can manage that..."
Zh'leet scowled, but it was affectionate. "I mean real exercise - not bed-play!"
Radittsu chuckled, then laid a hand on Zha'haabron's shoulder. "Your ki is equal to mine, now, and increasing every day. Do you feel up to a hunt? You haven't had a chance to see the place properly yet."
The prince's eyes lit up. "I would like that very much."
"Then get dressed and we'll see what we can catch. Leteetza's arriving tomorrow evening: it would be nice to have something special for dinner."
The hunt was successful - a couple of the big wild pigs for which the area was famous and several game birds that Zha'haabron had used amazingly precise ki-blasts to bring down - and the prince had been overwhelmed by the sheer wild beauty of the area around the house...
He'd paused on the forest floor, ankle deep in soft mosses, golden eyes huge as he gazed up at the vast evergreen trees that reached for the clouds. Radittzu stood at his shoulder, breathing deeply of the rich, sweetly-resinous scent of the forest, listening to the slight animal noises that underscored the profound serenity of the place. Zha'haabron turned to face his bondmate, his *voice* hushed as if unwilling to disturb, even by a thought, the centuries-deep peace that slept in the shadows of the great trees.
**I had never known such a place could exist. It is beyond beautiful. It is... it's...** He frowned for a moment, lost for words, then stared at Radittsu, eyes bright. **It is you**
Radittsu hugged him tightly. *I don't think I could ever tell you how much you mean to me.*
Later, as the suns set, Radittsu perched on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the hollow in which the house sat and watched entranced as Zha'haabron rode the wind. He'd never had the opportunity to watch his bondmate in flight before - other than in combat, which wasn't the same thing. Now...
Head flung back, arms gracefully outstretched behind him, hair streaming and tumbling freely around his powerful, lithe body, Zha'haabron looked like... The Saiyan couldn't find the words. There were big gliding birds of prey on Vejiitasei, but they were heavy and cumbersome. Zha'haabron soared as though he'd been born from air and seaspray...
He spiralled in to hover in front of Radittsu, huge golden eyes gleaming brilliantly, one hand outstretched.
**Oh, zk'vissin! I didn't know air could be so pure, the wind so loving! Come, fly with me...**
Bewitched, Radittsu took his bondmate's hand and soared with him, eyes closed, *feeling* the play of subtle currents across his skin - and the shimmering, sparkling *exultation* of his beloved's happiness. High above the lake he paused, and Zha'haabron paused with him, sunrise smile brightening the darkening air as he gently rested his hands against Radittsu's neck. The Saiyan gazed at him for a moment, his eyes brimming, then pulled the prince to him. Weeping with joy.
*...Beloved...*
Zha'haabron was trembling, so aware of the fragility of happiness and yet willing to trust himself - his whole self - to the hope of it.
** ...Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu...**
They hung motionless, entwined immovably together as the wind mingled and tangled their hair into a smooth gleaming cloud of emerald-splashed jet about them, deep-dark water below, star-scintillant sky above...
© 2001 (April 8th) Joules Taylor
