Return
Hijau jerked upright, woken from deep sleep by… something… Zha'haarak wrapped cool arms around him.
**Zk'vissin?**
The Saiyan whimpered and clutched his hands to his head, suddenly assailed by a pounding headache. Dimly, somewhere behind the pain, he was *aware* of Zorun, raging, burning with fury. For one terrible moment Hijau feared it was directed at Mahrayne - then gasped with relief when he realised he was mistaken…
Shaking, rubbing at his forehead, he turned to his bondmate.
*I'm sorry…*
Zha'haarak sighed.
**Zorun?**
The Saiyan nodded. The zn'hre rested cool hands against his temples, rubbing gently as Hijau closed his eyes with a sigh. It eased the pain somewhat.
*I wonder if there's a way to break this link?*
**The Ssii'iin might know. He's helped Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu in the past**
*I'd rather not ask him. The fewer people who know about this, the better for Zorun.*
**As you wish. Would you like to spend some time in the cool room?**
Hijau frowned, then nodded.
*Just a few minutes, beloved. Do you mind?*
Zha'haarak smiled and carefully kissed his mouth, pushing him in the direction of the door…
Lying on the bed, a cool breeze blowing over his hot body and one hand trailing in the gently bubbling pool, Hijau rubbed at his aching head, wondering how long this… unwanted link was going to last - and whether Zorun was also aware of him. He supposed he should be grateful that most of the time it was no more than a subdued sensation at the back of his mind. Only strong emotion on Zorun's part seemed to bring it to the fore - which had proved… distressing when Zorun and Mahrayne had been reunited. Hijau had woken abruptly from a deep sleep to find himself already in Zha'haarak, who was frantically trying to wake him, holding him tightly, trying to move with him so he didn't injure himself on the barbs. Unsuccessfully. It had been painful, and the young officer had had to refrain from lovemaking for a day while the slashes healed.
He sighed. He needed to talk to the big Guard, and soon…
They were three days away from their return to Vejiita-sei - and Zh'leet suddenly realised how much they had to do to get ready.
The brood and Gh'veen had pressed the children into service (most of them, anyway - 'raadiin and Kiraz had snuck off for some extended last training sessions with Ye'vena, while 'tiisaan and 'viirel and their guards spent the last two days with Bri'seiyis) helping to pack everything, and it was all going surprisingly smoothly: 'haabron and Kobis were proving themselves quite adept at organising their siblings.
There was an astonishing amount to pack: the family seemed to have acquired a bewildering variety of things while they'd been onworld, from a large crate of crystal chimes to hang in the suite, to a padded box of small, native musical instruments for 'viirel, to several weighty transport cases full of new clothes. The children's wall-hanging was carefully removed and packed, along with the still-unused ontibu skin - and the toys that Mahrayne had sent from Hassina (and which had seen very little use: the adults were looking forwards to rectifying that situation once they were home again…). Ti'aasaan, Jeice and Hijau had leapt in to help with a will - the Saiyan wouldn't let his bondmate help as his hip was troubling him, and since Zha'haabron, now fully recovered, was back in council Radittsu spent a lot of time sprawled in the pit, curled protectively around the sleeping hybrids.
On the last afternoon Gh'heegonan had prepared a feast for them all, a quiet event in one of the larger serveries. The king had settled beside Radittsu, Za'rayne and Ra'vahn between them watching the proceedings with bright, alert eyes. Now fourteen days old, they'd started crawling: Ti'ani, Le'leen and Buahan seemed to have appointed themselves baby-watchers, happily retrieving the infants when they wandered too far.
It felt like the entire population of the enclave drifted in and out throughout the afternoon, pausing to pay their respects to the king and the new hostlings and chat for a while with members of the family, or the council, who with the exception of Bri'seiyis were also present. Towards evening the zn'hre songwright arrived, flanked by a tearful 'tiisaan and 'viirel. He ushered them towards Jeice, who pulled them both into a hug, and strode to the king, bowing before him then dropping onto a seat.
"My Ssii'iin, might I request a favour?"
Zha'haabron smiled.
"Of course, my friend."
"I would like to visit Vejiitasei. Would this be possible?"
The king glanced at his regent, who shrugged and nodded.
"That will pose no problems for us - although I would prefer any visit to be of relatively short duration. We will miss Ssii'iir Bri'seiyis' counsel while he is gone."
Radittsu leaned forwards, one hand absently stroking Za'rayne's mane: the little hybrid hissed and pushed up against his palm.
"My Ssii'iin, the guards who didn't return for FullMoon are due down-time on Vejiitasei soon, once we've seconded temporary replacements for them. Suguri has asked that Ti'zheenan and the hostlings go with him, and it's likely that some of the others would like to bring their… partners with them. We need to clear it with the Saiya-jin-no-Ou, of course, and organise somewhere for them all to stay - the barracks can't take them! - but personally I think it's a good idea."
Leteetza, sitting nearby and listening in to the conversation, grinned.
"So do I. If I can help talk to Vejiita, just say."
Zha'haabron nodded thanks.
"It will create closer links between our two peoples. I will speak to Vejiita."
Unnoticed in the crowd, Kobis had grabbed 'haabron's hand and pulled him away from the reception. Pausing in the corridor to make sure their guards hadn't seen, the Saiyan grinned, then rose from the floor, tugging the puzzled zn'hre with him. Moments later, 'haabron smiled.
They were heading for the sound chamber.
They arrived as the sun was setting: a slight, hot evening breeze set the chimes pealing gently against each other. As they gazed out over the sands, Kobis wrapped his arms and tail around his friend from behind, kissing his neck. 'haabron sighed and leaned back against the Saiyan prince.
"I'm going to miss this place so much…"
"So'm I. When can we come back?"
"I don't know. When papa comes back, I expect." He swivelled, sliding his arms around Kobis' neck. "But at least we'll be together on Vejiitasei."
They sat for a long time, holding each other, gently, innocently kissing, as the sky darkened and became filled with stars, unaware of the guards waiting for them at the foot of the spiral staircase, sent after them - quietly, discreetly - by Radittsu once he realised where they were…
The family left R'ren'nkh'ia with mixed feelings. They were pleased to be going home, yes, and truly looking forwards to seeing Mahrayne, and Vejiita, and their friends in the Guard. At the same time it had been such a wonderful experience!
They'd learned so much, not just about the origins of the zn'hre - they had a long way to go before the research teams would have finished examining the zhaneer craft and its occupants - but also about themselves. As Kobis and his brother watched the planet recede, they both knew things had changed forever.
The trip back was fun: Zha'haabron had insisted everyone's hair and mane be tied back - then cut the gravity for an hour to let them all see what it felt like. 'tiisaan had loved the feeling of weightlessness, laughing delightedly as he twisted slowly in the air, discovering that tiny bursts of ki could move him around the chamber in an aerial approximation of a dance. It wasn't long before Ti'ani and Le'leen, Za'rayne and Ra'vahn hanging onto their tails, joined the little dancer, hissing their pleasure at the new sensation - soon to be followed by the rest. There were mutinous mutterings at the end of the hour, when the adults pulled the children back down to the ground and Zha'haabron slowly raised the gravity again, at the same time lowering the heating. Vejiitasei was going to feel very cold to them all after R'ren'nkh'ia: they'd better start acclimatising.
It was mid-morning when they achieved synchronous orbit over their part of the rich, blue-green planet. The skies were full of craft of all descriptions, aliens returning after FullMoon, and they had to wait while the Hassinan transport landed and taxied to the offloading area.
"I expect Mahrayne will be there to meet us, then."
'tiisaan beamed at Leteetza.
"She's on that one?"
"I expect so. There isn't another scheduled for twenty days, and I'm sure the king won't want to do without his Guard for that long."
The children were agitated, gazing out of the shuttle's viewport as the vessel landed. Sure enough, there was the Hassinan, standing in front of Zorun, his arms around her shoulders and his tail around her noticeably distended belly…
Which only served to remind Leteetza of her own pregnancy. Scowling, she hung back, behind Radittsu and Zha'haabron with the new hostlings, glad that Mahrayne wouldn't be able to scent her and wondering how long she could put off telling the Hassinan the news.
As it happened, no time at all. As the Hassinan looked up from greeting the brats, her eyes positively sparkled: she squealed loudly, her gaze unconsciously flicking from the Saiyan's face to her belly and back. Leteetza glowered. Zorun, of course. Petty revenge for the blow she'd dealt him on the hunt? Or had the damned baka just blurted it out in typical thoughtless warrior fashion?
Not that it mattered. She'd now have to put up with Mahrayne cooing over her for the next two hundred and twenty-odd days. And the rest.
Ah, fuck it…
Mahrayne had been puzzled by the Saiyan's sullenly cool response - but, used to the prickliness and mood-swings of pregnant Hassinan females, put it down to moodiness, and decided to let her recover before insisting on hearing the full story, how she felt, what her plans were… Mahrayne was rather looking forwards to having another gravid female to talk to.
First, however, they had to endure the welcoming committee.
To Leteetza's relief Vejiita kept his speech short: she could still scent the animosity between the king and Radittsu, although they were doing their best to keep it under control, and it made her feel even more irritable. Vejiita's obvious embarrassment at having Buahan twined around his neck gave her a certain malicious satisfaction…
He'd arranged a welcoming feast for them all, in one of the lesser used reception rooms with large doors that opened out onto the grounds, onto a large lawn with raised pools, for that evening - but first the family wanted to settle back into the suite. Their luggage was already en route to the palace: with a last flourish of the hand that wasn't holding his daughter, Vejiita indicated the exit, and the whole entourage departed from the massive hall.
Leteetza was aware of Mahrayne's dismay: Kelapa wasn't there to meet the party. She seemed to cheer up, however, when Kyuri - who'd volunteered to carry her back to the palace - spoke quietly to her.
They flew back, the Guard flanking them the whole way, and landed in the grounds: where they separated, the family heading to their own wing, Vejiita, Zorun and several other Elite Guards diverting to the royal quarters - accompanied by Zha'haabron, who'd handed the new hostlings to their sire.
*Problem?*
The zn'hre shook his head.
**A brief meeting. Vejiita wishes to discuss certain - events… and strategies**
*But we've only just got back!*
**The affairs of Empire will not wait. I will join you soon**
Scowling his annoyance, the big Saiyan cuddled the hostlings and reluctantly followed the rest of the family. He'd really been hoping they could take just a little time for themselves: they'd not made love since the hybrids were born…
The first thing Leteetza - and Hijau and Radittsu and the heirs - noticed on stepping into the suite was the almost overwhelming smell of flowers. The second thing they noticed was Kelapa, hovering almost shyly by the door to her and Mahrayne's room…
For a second Mahrayne froze - then was in Kelapa's arms, so quickly the Saiyans hardly saw her move…
A second later the door closed behind them. 'tiisaan sighed.
"Oh well. I suppose I can talk to her later."
Ti'aasaan stared at his hostling. He'd obviously grown up a little while they'd been on R'ren'nkh'ia…
When Mahrayne and Kelapa finally came out of the fragrant chamber, the common room was transformed. The cases had been unpacked and piled by the door for removal: children were finishing putting clothes away in hidden cupboards, Hijau was making final adjustments to the wall-hanging, and Jeice and Zh'leet were preparing a snack for the family. And in the midst of the subdued bustle…
Mahrayne melted, feeling her knees weaken. Radittsu lay on the bed, curled around Ra'vahn and Za'rayne, who were nestled into his mane, asleep, both hands gently gripping his tail where it lay protectively around their small bodies. The big Saiyan glanced up at the Hassinan, grinning at her scent.
"Now you know what the mane's for!"
Amongst other things… She squashed that line of thought before her scent embarrassed her further.
Leteetza smirked.
"Glad you two - enjoyed yourselves…"
Mahrayne beamed at her, aware of the little warrior's returning good humour, but not wanting to risk annoying her again by bringing up the subject of babies - any babies - just yet. Jeice and Zh'leet passed around platters of meat and fruit, much to everyone's satisfaction. After ten minutes of quiet munching, Leteetza glanced around the common room.
"Are we all ready to bathe?"
Her answer was a brightly-coloured but amazingly quiet stampede for the bathroom…
"Oh, I'd almost forgotten how good this is!"
Ti'aasaan stretched widely, wriggling in the warm water, then beaming around the pool. Radittsu chuckled, gently herding the splashing younger hybrids back towards him. Mahrayne watched from Kelapa's embrace, eyes wide as she watched the babies swimming. Radittsu smirked.
"Clever, aren't they?"
The Hassinan nodded shyly.
"How did you teach them?"
"Didn't need to."
Mahrayne pondered this for a moment, nestling back in Kelapa's arms - then Zha'haabron returned, stripped and slid in the pool between Radittsu and Ti'aasaan. The big Saiyan nuzzled his bondmate's neck.
*All right?*
The zn'hre glanced at Jeice and nodded.
**Very much so…**
It was a relaxed and relaxing hour, gently sensual: even Kiraz and 'raadiin were less boisterous than usual - and Mahrayne was certain that Kobis and 'haabron were doing something under the water. No-one else gave any indication that they were bothered, however, so she kept her suspicions to herself. Jeice had cuddled back into Ti'aasaan's arms and spent the entire time gazing dreamily around at everyone, the picture of happiness and contentment, big eyes half-closed, a sweet smile on his lips. At one point Kel had mentioned her lover's new beads, and of course Mahrayne had had to stand up and turn around so that they could be admired. When she'd returned to Kelapa's embrace, she saw Radittsu and Hijau exchange a glance, then the big Saiyan cleared his throat.
"Mahrayne, we were wondering… How would we go about having some beads, ourselves?"
There was a stunned silence - then Zha'haabron and Zha'haarak both objected, simultaneously, if *silently*. Both Saiyans raised their hands.
"We're serious." Radittsu smirked at Zha'haarak. "We know how much you enjoy the toys."
Zha'haabron frowned.
"I have said that we are satisfied, that you do not need to mutilate yourselves on our account."
Radittsu ran a warm finger down his cheek, stroking gently down his throat.
"But we want to. For ourselves, as well as for you." He turned his attention back to Mahrayne. "Please…"
The Hassinan smiled diffidently.
"Well, Raditts'-sama, as it happens, there are two females on Hassina who have shown an interest in coming to Vejiitasei... one of them is a bead-setter..."
Ti'aasaan had been listening, curious.
"Does it hurt?"
Mahrayne blinked, then smiled.
"A little. Why? Would you like some too?"
Zha'haabron and Zha'haarak stared at the little zn'hre, horrified, and he blushed.
"I don't know. It could be interesting."
Jeice grinned, but refrained from commenting - and Leteetza frowned at the speculative looks on Kobis and 'raadiin's faces…
They rested after the bath, re-acclimatising to Vejiitasei's heavier gravity and cooler temperature and gathering their energy for the reception. The younger hostlings dozed, curled around each other; 'haabron slept, his head on Kobis' shoulder as the Saiyan held him firmly. Ra'vahn and Za'rayne snuggled close to their sire, hissing contentedly as their host stroked their manes. Zha'haarak cuddled into Hijau's back, 'raadiin and Kiraz nestled in front of the young officer, with 'jiisa sprawled across his sire-sib's abdomen. Mahrayne rested for half an hour, then squirmed out of 'tiisaan and Kelapa's embrace, gently nudging Leteetza where she lay half-asleep with Ti'ani, Le'leen and Jeice nestled close, whispering.
"Come with me, yes?"
Blinking drowsily, the little Saiyan wriggled from under the sleeping bodies and allowed the Hassinan to lead her into the flower-filled bedchamber…
The younger children were excited. To be honest so were the older brats, but they were learning to hide it better. The adults were currently struggling to get them all dressed - in some of their new, R'ren'nkh'ian clothing. Kelapa was completely rapt: the outfits varied widely in shades of green, blue, grey and gold, and black of course, some with lacing, some with contrastingly-edged… holes at the shoulders, thighs, hips and ribs, some with full-length sleeves, or leggings, some that were little more than skimpy scraps of fine leather, though those were evidently designed for when the children were a little older. The female watched, fascinated, as 'zhasaan pulled on the first one that came to hand, 'leesaan opted for full length plain black with a thin edging of pale gold at the neck, 'haavok and 'honee swapped theirs twice between them before they were satisfied, 'fallon had Zha'haarak help him into an intricately-designed bodysuit almost the same colour as his hair, 'haabron carefully slid into one which (they saw later) exactly matched his sire's, while 'raadiin's closely resembled an ordinary Saiyan warrior's bodysuit. 'tiisaan, unsurprisingly, couldn’t decide which he liked best, and tried on six before he was finally satisfied - then spent fifteen minutes choosing a complementary outfit for 'viirel. Kelapa shook her head. Amazing how brats' characters differed…
She heard the door open behind her, and scented Leteetza's grumpiness, even before Radittsu's eyes widened in appreciation. Kel looked back over her shoulder - sure enough, Mahrayne had somehow managed to persuade the little warrior into jewellery and one of her elaborately embroidered robes…
It was another hour before they were all ready, by the time the hostlings had chosen their jewellery and the adults had also dressed for the occasion. It was the first time Mahrayne had seen Hijau out of uniform bodysuit: he'd changed into a deep green version of Radittsu's silky gold outfit which, the Hassinan had to admit, suited him to perfection. It was the same colour as the robe she'd bullied Leteetza into wearing… She frowned to herself, watching the two of them side by side as the Saiyan female slipped a delicate golden chain over Buahan's head. There was something… something nagging at her…
Then Radittsu appeared from the bathing chamber, and she forgot all other considerations. The black leather fit as though sprayed on.
Zha'haabron stood at the inner door, wearing the same outfit as when he'd first arrived on Vejiitasei, Ra'vahn and Za'rayne in his arms gazing curiously around at the assembly. The king smiled.
"Shall we depart?"
Hissing and murmuring excitedly, they made their way down to the reception room.
The celebration was much more relaxed than on previous occasions: Vejiita even allowed the Guards to eat, and for a few minutes Zorun was able to sit at Mahrayne's side, being overly polite to Kel, on the Hassinan's other side, while the female warrior bit her tongue and forced herself to be civil back. It was too much for Mahrayne to hope this would last, but for now it was tolerable, and allowed her to enjoy the feast more than otherwise.
And it really was a feast - an excuse to eat and drink themselves into a stupor if they so chose, something which only a couple of the Guards actually did. Most of those attending - the family, the king, the council and a handful of visiting alien diplomats - contented themselves with eating their fill, enjoying the wines and ales, and simply relaxing after the stresses of the last three hundred days or so.
It was a beautiful night, warm, cloudless, windless. Torches and lanterns had been lit in the gardens, and the guards there discreetly stationed to give the impression that the grounds were deserted. Mahrayne had smiled as Vejiita led Leteetza out to one of the pools as the sun was setting, after they'd both taken the edge off their hunger. Zorun had made to follow, but for once the king waved him away…
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou stroked a finger down her cheek.
"All is well with you?"
The little warrior sighed and frowned.
"If it wasn't, you'd be the first to know."
"That pleases me. How soon can you resume your seat on the council?"
She inclined her head, eyes gleaming.
"Something coming up? Something I can help with?"
He nodded.
"The situation with the Omanir - and the subos."
A thrill of excitement ran through her. They were going to help Jeice's people?
"Sire, I can be there the afternoon of the day after tomorrow! Let me help get the brats settled in the classroom again, then I'm all yours."
"The little lizard can manage your brats?"
She scowled.
"His name's Ti'aasaan. And yes, he can."
"Good. You will be needed full-time for a while. You'll be briefed the day after tomorrow, then I want you to talk to Jeice, get as much information from him as possible. Yes," he forestalled her irritable interruption, "the reports you sent from R'ren'nkh'ia were good, but now we need more. There will be a private room available for you in the library, with audio and video recording equipment: I want detailed reports by the end of each day. If he finds the surroundings not conducive to talking, find others. Make sure you take Radittsu with you if you're leaving the palace."
She nodded, then frowned.
"Sire, he's needed to care for the new hybrids when the Ssii'iin isn't there."
Vejiita frowned, his tail stroking idly across her neck and shoulders.
"Hn. Can't one of the others take them for the duration?"
She sighed.
"I suppose so. Ti'aasaan would be happy, I know, although he usually joins the morning classes." She inclined her head. "I don't think he'd mind missing a few."
"That's settled then." He glanced back towards the reception room: people were beginning to drift out into the gardens to enjoy the warm fragrance of the night. "Can you come to my suite tonight?"
She bit her lip, torn.
"Sire, I would love to - but I really can't, not the first night back. The brats are going to take forever to settle, and I should be there in case any of them get upset or have nightmares…"
"When can you come?"
"Right now I don't know… Can you make a little time before the council meeting?"
He smirked. Of course he could…
"I love your world, too."
'haabron and Kobis had snuck away from the reception and found themselves a secluded little area by a pool, one with a tiny waterfall that tumbled in artificial channels down the hillside in front of them. The sky was deepest blue, sparkling with stars, the air sweet and warm - though not quite warm enough for the zn'hre. He shivered lightly, and Kobis snuggled closer against his back, nuzzling his neck.
"As long as you're here…"
'haabron shivered again as the Saiyan nipped gently at his earlobe, though this time it wasn't from the cold. Something felt - odd… He pressed a hand to his groin, eyes widening as his whole body stiffened. Kobis hugged him a little more closely.
"Koi? What's wrong?"
Wordlessly 'haabron took one of the Saiyan's warm hands and laid it against what he finally realised must be his first erection.
Kobis giggled, squeezing lightly, and 'haabron gasped.
"'S not funny!"
"Yes it is!" Kobis settled his thighs on either side of his friend's backside and pushed forward - allowing 'haabron to feel the hardness at his own groin.
"See?" Kobis whispered, his voice quavering. "I feel the same."
'haabron was panting as he trembled.
"Please… please will you…"
Suckling at the side of the zn'hre's neck as 'haabron moaned blissfully, Kobis worked his hands between the bodysuit's lacing at the cool hips - then slid his shaking hands down inside, to rest on the cool, hairless groin, stroking the slender hardness there and reaching below it to fondle the small fleshy nub…
'haabron stifled a hissing scream, his body arching backwards as he came, his reaction jerking the Saiyan into his own first orgasm. The zn'hre swivelled to his friend, wrapping cool arms around his shoulders as the two clung to each other, shaking, unable to speak for long moments.
Eyes brimming, Kobis rained kisses over the zn'hre's face, settling on his parted lips and slipping his tongue into the cool mouth - only to pull back as something cut into it. The metallic taste of his own blood in his mouth, he gazed at his partner.
'haabron stared for a moment, then sobbed, covering his mouth with both hands.
"I'm sorry! I forgot!"
He tried to pull away, but the Saiyan tugged him back into warm arms.
"It's all right, koi. It's already healing. Please…"
'haabron regarded him warily, tears tracking down his face.
"It is?"
Kobis grinned.
"Uhuh. And it was my fault anyway - I forgot too."
'haabron's lips trembled.
"But I spoiled it!"
The Saiyan sighed happily and hugged the zn'hre tightly.
"No you didn't. It was wonderful…"
"But I didn't… you…"
Kobis kissed his forehead.
"Next time, koi. Next time."
Hijau smiled in the darkness, scenting 'haabron and Kobis, and returned his attention to his bondmate, currently on all fours as the young officer thrust smoothly into him from behind. Pulling them both up so that the gentle zn'hre was sitting in his lap, the Saiyan reach around and down, enveloping his erection and tickling the mound below it, nipping at Zha'haarak's neck as the zn'hre moaned helplessly. As Hijau brought him to a double climax, his own pulsing into the cool green body, his gaze flicked briefly to the stars as he silently thanked whatever gods there might be that the zhaneer had crashed on R'ren'nkh'ia…
Buahan, Ti'ani and Le'leen were sitting cross-legged on the grass just outside the doors, watched over by a bemused Apyo. The princess was holding court.
"…and when I'm queen I shall have both of you as my mates, and we'll all rule together…"
Zha'haabron spent most of the reception keeping the new hybrids occupied, but he was by no means unaware of the longing looks his bondmate was giving him. He smiled to himself. It hadn't been coincidence that he'd worn this outfit tonight…
"Mahrayne?"
The Hassinan smiled diffidently.
"Yes, your majesty?"
"I have a favour to ask of you. Would you find it a chore to look after Ra'vahn and Za'rayne for just a little while, once we have returned to the suite?"
Her face lit up. Obviously it would be very far from a chore.
"I'd be honoured and delighted, your majesty! Might I… ask why?"
Zha'haabron smiled across at the big Saiyan, currently deep in conversation with Zorun. There was a tenderness and love in the smile that brought a lump to Mahrayne's throat.
"I wish to spend a little time with Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu."
Four hours into the reception and the younger children were beginning to tire: Leteetza was amazed they'd lasted that long, given that with the time difference between R'ren'nkh'ia and Vejiitasei their day had been about seven hours longer than normal. She caught Jeice's eye, and began to make her apologies to the king and the council as the subo and Ti'aasaan gathered the weary children to them. Only a few minutes later, the adults carrying the little ones, the family had left to return to the suite.
Radittsu watched as Mahrayne carefully pulled her hair over the sleeping hybrids, as she'd seen their sire do, then smiled up at the bondmates, her eyes brimming.
"I'll look after them with my life, your majesty, Raditts'-sama. Thank you for your trust."
Zha'haabron smiled, then glanced at the rest of the family, sprawled in various stages of unconsciousness on the sleeping platform.
"Thank you, Mahrayne. We will not be too long."
Naked, they stepped on to the balcony, gazing at each other, then Radittsu gathered his bondmate into his arms.
*Let's fly, beloved.*
Ki flaring gently to keep the cool night air at bay, Radittsu carried the king into the sky, so high that Vejiitamachi was no more than a sparkling network of tiny lights below them - then made slow, ardent love to Zha'haabron, trembling with adoration and need as the pair melded together. Reaffirming their bond, the union of their bodies and minds and souls, and their desire for each other…
*One day I will find a way to tell you how much I love you.*
**Zk'aida, I already know... It sings within me as my soul sings to yours…**
Heart full, Radittsu cradled his beloved tenderly, gently brushing a kiss across cool, silky lips.
A perfect end to a perfect day.
© 2002 16th Joules Taylor
