Reunions
Another rainy afternoon in the suite…
Kiraz had been uneasy since the midday meal, already frightened, every sense prickling with his awareness of the coming storm. As the first peal of thunder rolled across the sky, seemingly directly above them, he scrambled into a startled Leteetza's arms and buried his head between her breasts, trembling and holding her tightly.
She sighed, knowing she was only a second choice of haven for the terrified young prince. But Hijau was - unavailable just now.
It had been three days since he and Radittsu had had their beads set, and they simply could not wait any longer to try them out. An hour ago they'd gathered their bondmates and both disappeared in the young Captain's room…
Zha'haabron had frowned as he gently took the heavy, stirring organ into cool hands, then glanced into his bondmate's wide dark eyes.
**You are still bruised. Won't this hurt?**
Radittsu had smirked.
*Oh, I expect so... I hope so…*
Shaking his head, the zn'hre stroked him, golden eyes unable to repress a gleam of anticipation, long fingers exploring the heavily beaded flesh as the Saiyan surged erect…
Beside them, Zha'haarak knelt between Hijau's thighs, hands splayed against his bondmate's hips as he gazed appreciatively at the captain's 'adornment'. He smiled shyly into the smirking golden face.
**It is beautiful, and** he ran a fingertip down the silky length **it feels wonderful… Are you hurting?**
Hijau grinned and shook his head. Well, it was only a little lie. And more of a throbbing ache than an actual pain, in any case, and how much of that was the 'operation' and how much was simply desire he couldn't say. Zha'haarak's eyes were wide and sparkling as he lay back, legs spread wide, his own shaft twitching.
**Zk'vissin…**
Hijau brushed his rigid beaded length firmly over his zn'hre's erection, earning himself a gasp as Zha'haarak involuntarily bucked upwards, eyes closing and nails digging into the Saiyan's ribs, the pain from his injured hip overwhelmed by the luxuriously arousing sensation. Hijau smirked and rubbed again, delighted by the tiny whimpers from deep in the prince's throat.
*You like that?*
**H… hai…**
He wrapped his tail around both erections, forming a tight, furred tunnel, then began to thrust until Zha'haarak, squirming helplessly below him, wrapped his legs tightly around his bondmate's lean waist and came, pearly semen coating his abdomen. Shaking, he cupped the Saiyan's buttocks in thin hands, urging him down and into a tight, barbed channel, moaning as Hijau slid very very slowly into his coolness, slender body rigid, breath catching as each bead teased his barbs…
The captain watched the adored face as he shifted, bringing Zha'haarak to a double climax - then pulling back across blunted barbs as the prince writhed incoherently under him. Thrusting in hard, pulling back slowly then pushing forcefully in again, he came within minutes, Zha'haarak melting into him as the zn'hre climaxed again. Then, grinning, the Saiyan began to move again, rousing his bondmate - but this time varying the rhythm, keeping Zha'haarak off-balance, carefully not allowing his zn'hre to come, building arousal between them until it was unbearably exquisite, their bodies so sensitised the feel of the prince's soft hair was almost painful against their skin.
Zha'haarak lost consciousness when Hijau finally let them both come, his body shaking with the force of the double orgasm. The Saiyan pulled himself upright, sweeping the zn'hre into his arms and raining kisses over the beautiful face and cool smooth throat, purring with joy and fulfilment…
Meanwhile, Zha'haabron had lowered his face to Radittsu's groin, long cool tongue flicking out to tease at the beads studding the massive inkei, tickling between them, cool fingers fondling the heavy balls as the big Saiyan moaned and gripped strong blue shoulders tightly, his body quivering.
*Beloved…*
Zha'haabron gazed up at him through emerald green strands of hair, golden eyes twinkling, hands and tongue never ceasing their tormenting touches.
**Yes, zk'vissin?** There was a distinct smirk in his *voice*, and Radittsu groaned, then *growled*.
*I want you. Now.*
With one last, tantalisingly slow lick, Zha'haabron pulled himself upright, chuckling - and the Saiyan shoved him onto his back, tail stroking his face, caressing his sensitive neck. Zha'haabron sighed, eyes half-closed.
**I love you…**
He came as Radittsu was sliding into him, chitsu pulsing around his lover's shaft - then gasped as the Saiyan's shifting had him climaxing again minutes later, semen cold and tingling between their bodies as his female channel - rippled, gripping his Saiyan tightly. Then his eyes widened as the big male began to move within him, beads catching on the blunted barbs, sparking fire through his entire being…
And Radittsu kept him poised on the crest until he was sobbing, desperate for release, trembling with need - then flipped them over and pushed the king up to straddle him, tail wrapping tightly around his erection as with one last, powerful thrust, he brought them both to climax. Catching his beloved as Zha'haabron collapsed onto his strong hot body, spent and only half-conscious.
Long minutes later both zn'hre stirred, eyes slowly fluttering open as they gazed at their bondmates. No words were spoken, nothing was *said*. Nothing was needed…
They dozed curled together, the zn'hre back to back with their Saiyans nestled protectively around them, Radittsu's mane covering them all, until it was time for the evening meal. Their entry into the common room was met with enquiring glances from Ti'aasaan and Leteetza and the children, and a mischievous smirk from Jeice, who had, of course, felt everything. Radittsu grinned - somewhat tiredly - around the room.
"It's wonderful." He chuckled as his stomach growled. "If exhausting. Now let's eat."
Things were busy the following day…
Radittsu had collared Leteetza before she left for the library, placing a hand on her swollen belly and regarding her sombrely.
*Let's talk.*
She glared at him for a moment - then sighed.
*Very well. But not here.*
*Where?*
She thought for a moment, then inclined her head.
*It's not raining. The palace grounds.*
They ended up on the banks of the little stream Mahrayne and Zorun had found, back - it felt like aeons ago! - before the family left for R'ren'nkh'ia before FullMoon. Only it wasn't a little stream anymore: the wet season had turned it into a foam-splashed river, far deeper and broader than normal. Leteetza paused, watching as it tumbled furiously below her. Radittsu wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her down to sit in his lap, nuzzling her mane.
*Little warrior…*
She sighed and relaxed into his arms.
*I know - you want to know how we're to manage once the brats are born.*
He nodded against her neck, hands unconsciously stroking her distended abdomen, a *thrill* shivering through him as he felt the babies move. He *knew* which was his, already taking pride in the familiar ki, hazy plans of having the little one join his half-zn'hre brothers to train as proud warriors already taking shape in the back of his mind. Leteetza, *catching* the thoughts, chuckled.
*And if I want him to be a Thinker?*
His arms tightened at the awful thought - then relaxed again as he considered it. There was no shame in being a Thinker, he knew that now. Or in being a diplomat, or a pilot, or any one of a thousand different things a Saiyan could now become. And after all - he gritted his teeth - his father, and himself, and even little Pasunippu, who was showing signs of outgrowing his birth-ki, his potential increasing steadily, had acquitted their bloodline well. It wasn't necessary to have any more warriors in the family…
Leteetza swivelled in his arms, kissing him deeply.
*I love you for even considering it. But I know he's going to be a warrior as well as you do. With this ki it would be cruel to ask anything else of him.*
He pulled back and stared for a moment, then enveloped her in his arms, body curling around her.
*Thank you…*
She kissed him.
*I want him to join the lessons though. He'll be as well-educated as we can possibly persuade him to be, ne?*
He nodded.
*Of course. And he'll make up his own mind what path he wants to take.*
She sighed happily.
*Yes. Definitely.* She stroked his face. *You are so… Make love to me?*
He inclined his head, rubbing a hand gently over her belly.
*Is it safe?*
She nodded.
*Just don't be too - vigorous.*
He lifted her against his chest, far enough to slide out of the lower half of his bodysuit, then pulled her own briefs from her small, ripe, beautiful body, lowering her onto his erection and making slow, gentle love under a heavy grey sky.
Meanwhile, at Guard Headquarters, Hijau was discussing his new post with Jagung, with Merica listening in. Jagung had been faintly alarmed.
"Are you sure, sir? I mean, he hasn't had a lot of success with my family…"
"Then it's time that changed."
"But…"
Hijau scowled.
"You asked if there as any way to make recompense for Cendawan's actions. This is a good solution. She injured him: you will ensure no further harm comes to him."
Jagung swallowed nervously, and Merica inconspicuously took his hand.
"I think what he means, sir, is that it's a huge responsibility. I mean, we're talking the High King's brother here. Jagung's good, but not the best. What happens if he fails, if Zha'haarak's hurt again?"
Hijau folded his arms across his chest, gazing impassively into beautiful grey-green eyes.
"You think you're not up to the task?"
Jagung shook his head.
"It's not that, sir… It's - there are better, stronger warriors you could choose."
"Do you want the post?"
Jagung bit his lip and glanced at his bondmate.
*The problem is I do.*
Merica smirked.
*Then go for it. I'll support you.*
Jagung nodded.
"Yes sir. I do."
"Then I don't see any problem."
He'd discussed the idea with Zha'haarak, who'd initially greeted it with wide-eyed horror, then caution as he thought about it, then finally, gradually, warming to the notion. That Jagung was bonded helped persuade him - the Saiyan would appreciate how bondmates *felt* for each other - as did the fact that the warrior was genuine in his regret for the prince's suffering. It wasn't lost on Hijau that the zn'hre also found him attractive, intrigued by his eyes and the overall slenderness of his frame, much more appealing - and less frightening - to Zha'haarak than someone big and bulky. If he had to have a guard, he'd much prefer someone with whom he could feel comfortable. Eventually. Once he'd overcome his instinctive start of fear every time he caught a glimpse of the Saiyan…
Hijau frowned thoughtfully.
"It would be useful if you moved into the palace. I'd prefer you to be close." He included them both in his level gaze. "Your response?"
The pair exchanged a glance, then Merica frowned slightly.
"Both of us, sir?"
He smirked.
"I could hardly have one without the other, now, could I?"
They both grinned, and Jagung inclined his head.
"Is that absolutely necessary, sir?"
"You'd rather live at Headquarters? Or in barracks?"
Merica blinked.
"Uh, you do have a point. We wouldn't live in the suite, though, would we? Sir."
Hijau shook his head.
"No. We currently have the ki-healers billeted on the floor below: there are a number of self-contained suites there."
Jagung smirked.
"I like the idea a lot, sir." He glanced at his partner. "What do you think?"
Merica nodded, then frowned.
"Uh, did you have a particular post in mind for me, sir?"
Hijau smiled.
"As a matter of fact, yes I do…"
"Is that a little better, your highness?"
Tane pulled her hands away from the gentle zn'hre with a smile. His beautiful face was calm, his thin body soothed and relaxed after several hours of ki-bathing. He nodded, golden eyes wide with appreciation.
"Thank you, both of you. It is much better."
Ti'aasaan, who had been watching the healers closely (to Dari's consternation and Tane's secret delight), smirked at them.
"I think we should all bathe now, don't you?"
Mahrayne stared at him.
"But, Ti'aasaan-sama… what about the babies?"
He glanced at Jeice, who grinned at the Hassinan.
"They are ready to waken. They'll enjoy a swim. Zha'haarak would find a bath pleasant too." He winked at her. "You and he could tend to the hostlings while Ti'a-chan and I - entertain - our guests, ne?"
Mahrayne considered this. She knew she couldn't join in - Kel hadn't given her permission, and she wasn't willing to risk upsetting her lover. And Ti'aasaan and Jeice had spent an awful lot of time caring for the babies while the healers had been tending the prince: they deserved a break. And even just watching would be exciting, even if she couldn't join in…
Dari looked frightened.
*Tsuin? Does that mean…?*
Tane cuddled into her.
*I'd say so.*
Dari shivered.
*We shouldn't.*
*Why not?*
*Well, because… because…*
*Exactly - no reason why we shouldn't!*
Dari bit her lip, glancing sideways at the zn'hre and the hash'shavven watching expectantly, feeling warmth pooling in her groin. She'd watched, breathlessly, that time Mahrayne had made love with the little blue alien, eyes wide and unblinking and wishing desperately she'd been in the Hassinan's place. Eventually neither she nor Tane had been able to bear it any longer, making their way back to their own rooms in record time and spending several hours pleasuring each other.
She really, really wanted to know what it felt like to have that large shaft inside her...
Either of those large shafts. If his outline was anything to go by, Jeice would be a… revelation, too.
And Tane was right - why shouldn't they, if they'd been invited? She licked her lips and nodded hesitantly.
"We'd… we'd like that, Ti'aasaan-sama."
He smirked - then turned to help the prince to his feet, taking the gentle zn'hre's weight as he limped carefully through to the poolroom. Jeice gathered up the yawning hybrids and grinned at the females over his shoulder.
"Well? Coming or not?"
Zha'haarak settled into one of the pools with Mahrayne and the babies, while Ti'aasaan and Jeice - already erect, Tane noticed, flushing hotly - ushered the twins into the other. Nervous and uncertain of quite what to do, the young females sank into the warm water, keeping their eyes lowered. For a few minutes they all sat, soaking in the warmth, relaxing, unspeaking. Then Ti'aasaan turned to Dari, golden eyes twinkling.
"Have you found any other uses for that most intriguing ability of yours?"
She blushed.
"What sort of thing, Ti'aasaan-sama?"
He shrugged.
"Oh, I don't know. Can you warm up individual parts of your own body?" He stroked cool fingers over Tane's nipple, making her shiver, glancing across her to her twin. "Like this, for example?"
"I've… I've never tried…" It was a whisper. She could scent her sister's arousal, the little zn'hre's skilled fingers tweaking hardened, eager nipples before teasing slowly downwards and disappearing under the water. Seconds later Tane groaned and moved closer to him, her eyes closing as he manoeuvred her onto his lap. Dari's eyes were huge, watching intently as Tia'aasaan's other hand disappeared, moments later resurfacing with Tane's tail held gently in his fingers: her sister slumped against him as his long cool tongue wrapped around the tip, tickling deep in the soft fur…
Then warm hands cupped Dari's breasts from behind, startling her - she hadn't even realise she'd leaned forwards in her fascinated appraisal of what the little zn'hre was doing. She glanced over her shoulder as Jeice slid close, pressing against her back and nuzzling her mane. Instinctively her tail wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. He chuckled.
"You don't mind?"
Breathlessly she shook her head, then whimpered as his fingers slid between the soft folds of skin at her groin as his erection rubbed gently at the base of her tail…
Tane leaned back into Ti'aasaan, hands reaching between her thighs to stroke his shaft, wriggling slightly until he fitted snugly against her groin - then, greatly daring, gently fondled the swollen fleshy protuberance usually hidden in the shadow of his penis.
He hissed, his body stiffening, then sighed and slid both hands down to her groin, tucking them under her thighs and raising her far enough to ease his erection into her. She held her breath, forcing herself to relax as she pushed herself down, eyes widening at the size, the incredible coldness of him in contrast to her heat. As she settled fully onto his lap he pressed one hand to her breast, the other to her own nub and began to knead and caress as he moved within her in smooth, powerful lunges. She moaned and reached for his mound, stroking, tweaking carefully, delighted when he shivered and increased the strength of his thrusts and the motions of his hands, her vision hazing with sheer pleasure as she neared climax… Without realising it her tail was stroking at the entrance to his chitsu, unconsciously trying to work its way inside - until he moaned and grabbed it, rather harder than was comfortable. She winced and yanked it out of his grasp, glaring at him over her shoulder.
"What…?"
He half-smiled wryly, still moving within her, now fondling her tail until she forgot her annoyance and came, gripping his slender wrists tightly as she tried not to scream…
Jeice pulled Dari around to face him, settling her across his thighs, just brushing her groin with his erection and chuckling to himself. Her head was lowered and she was blushing furiously, wanting this so much but still discomfited and nervous. He cupped her chin with one small hand and raised her face, smiling gently, already knowing the answer.
"You're not afraid of me, are you?"
She shook her head hesitantly. He ran a thumb across her cheekbone.
"Then may I…?"
She nodded quickly, eyes huge, and he wrapped his hands around her waist, lifting her onto his erection and lowering her oh so slowly until she sat on his lap, her legs wrapping around his waist as she sighed and closed her eyes, slowly relaxing as she accustomed herself to the unfamiliar sensation of fullness. Hot fullness: she hadn't expected him to feel so amazingly warm…
He waited until her breathing returned to something approaching normal, then curled his hips upwards, smirking as she gasped and froze as the ring at the base of his penis grazed over her nub - then grabbed his shoulders and began to rub against him, angling her hips to stay in contact with the studded metal…
It didn't take her long to come, collapsing against his small hot body and pressing grateful kisses to his face and neck. He pushed her back a little, still hard inside her, and grinned.
"You like that, ne…"
As she nodded he buried a hand in her mane and pulled her head down to kiss her deeply, the other hand caressing the base of her tail as he began to thrust. With his studded tongue arousing her, and his talented hands finding sensitive areas she hadn't known existed, she came twice more before she felt him pulsing hotly into her, pulling her tightly to him as he nipped very lightly at her neck…
Minutes later, the twins sprawled together languidly kissing and stroking each other and beaming dreamily at the two small aliens, Ti'aasaan inclined his head, his eyes gleaming.
"So - when shall we do this again?"
Mahrayne had watched from the other pool, shivers of lust rippling through her at the expressions on the twins' faces. Knowing what they were experiencing made it even more difficult for her not to simply join them in the other pool - but she'd promised…
Zha'haarak had nestled up behind her, long cool fingers tracing her breast and thigh beads then working their way between her thighs, fondling and caressing until she came while keeping a wary eye on the hybrids the whole time - not that it was really needed, Ra'vahn and Za'rayne were already strong swimmers and skilled in bukuujutsu. As the Hassinan turned to him, intending to kiss her thanks, she paused at the expression on his face. His attention was fixed on the other pool, and for a moment she wondered if he was aroused and needing relief, but he was limp, and - frowning? More puzzled than annoyed, she thought. She would have asked him what was wrong, but just then Za'rayne splashed over to her with a mostly incomprehensible demand for her to play with him, and by the time they'd all left the bath and the twins had - beaming happily and with the prospect of more such diversions in store - returned to their own suite, she'd forgotten about it.
**Zk'vissin?**
Hijau was tired and tense: he'd managed to speak to Zha'haabron and arrange a meeting with him early the following morning (to discuss the possibility of having Zorun's *link* broken or alleviated or whatever it was the zn'hre could do to make life more bearable) but without telling the king exactly what the problem was. Now he was wondering if he'd done the right thing. It felt like the most awful betrayal. But Zorun had told him to go ahead…
He sighed and rolled to face his bondmate. Zha'haarak was frowning, and the Saiyan stroked his face.
*What's wrong, zkai'da?*
The gentle zn'hre bit his lip.
**You remember what you told me… about kin-scent and it being abhorrent for close kin to have sex?**
Hijau nodded, and Zha'haarak's frown deepened.
**Then why do Tane and Dari have sex with each other? They are siblings, aren't they?**
Hijau sighed. How to explain?
*Yes, they're siblings. But since they're both female it's not such a… wrong thing.*
Zha'haarak blinked.
**I don't understand**
The Saiyan kissed him gently.
*They can't penetrate each other, and they can't give each other children. Most Saiya-jin would consider what they do as no more than playing.*
**I see - I think…**
*And it's mutual - neither of them forces the other.* He sighed again. *It's also more or less acceptable for male siblings, if they want to, to… provide release for each other, as long as it's mutual, discreet, and they don't actually fuck. That sort of thing isn't really considered to be sex, and most of us will simply turn a blind eye. But for male and female siblings to have any kind of intimacy, even in play, is a definite no-no. Parents have had their offspring claimed and sent to live with the mate's family to prevent it, if they've had the least suspicion it could be happening, or thought their brats might have a more than sibling affection for each other.*
**Oh** The zn'hre frowned. **I think I understand…**
*It's not something you need to worry about.*
Zha'haarak nodded, then hugged his bondmate.
**I'm sorry - I didn't mean to wake you. I know you're worried about tomorrow…**
Hijau pressed a kiss to his throat.
*You didn't wake me. And... I still have time to back out, if I need to.*
**I would rather you did not. I *know* the stress this causes you**
The Saiyan sighed and ran his fingers through soft fine hair.
*I confess I would rather the whole thing were resolved - and myself out of Zorun's head…*
The High King frowned and inclined his head.
"And you have been suffering this since FullMoon? Zha'haarak is aware of it?"
"Yes, my Ssii'iin. To both questions."
"Why did you not come to me before?"
"With respect, Ssii'iin, I wasn't aware that you could really do anything very much to help. And I hoped it might *die* of its own accord." He lowered his head. "And… I didn't want to have to reveal what I learned to anyone if I could help it."
The king touched his shoulder lightly.
"An honourable consideration. And Zorun?"
"Has told me to do whatever is necessary to break the link. He just asks that you not reveal what you learn to anyone."
Zha'haabron nodded.
"Very well. Come with me."
They returned to the suite, entering Hijau's room from the balcony so as not to disturb the others: Zha'haarak was in the common room with the healers, with Jeice playing with the babies. Zha'haabron seated himself on the bed and gestured for Hijau to sit beside him.
"You understand that this is a very intimate thing. That although I will stay away from any parts of your mind that aren't necessary to the task, I may still need to encroach on others that you would prefer to remain private. And that I will be privy to everything that passed from Zorun to you at FullMoon."
Hijau nodded sombrely.
"I do understand, my Ssii'iin."
"Very well. Would it be more comfortable for you if we lie together?"
The Saiyan blinked, then nodded slowly. He knew, from his relationship with Radittsu, that there was a wonderful feeling of safety when held in the arms of someone more powerful. And his respect and… love… for the king was deep and genuine…
Minutes later, both naked under the sleeping fur, Zha'haabron pulled Hijau close, holding him gently, stroking his heavy mane.
"Close your eyes, Hi'ijaa." The beautiful low voice was a murmur. "Close your eyes and relax…"
Enveloped in the zn'hre's sweetly spicy scent, held comfortingly in strong arms, the exhausted Saiyan drifted into sleep…
… and so was unaware of his Ssii'iin sifting through his memories, breaking the more intrusive of the *links* to the King's Guard, dulling the worst of the images and regarding Zorun's memories and fears sadly, wondering distantly if there was any way to help the older Saiyan - then gently manipulating what was left so that it could be called on if need be but was no longer in the forefront of the captain's mind, no longer an everpresent ache in his consciousness. And with that closure he carefully retreated, leaving just a wisp of a connection between the two, unwilling to break it completely, fearing it would hurt Hi'ijaa to lose something that had become so much a part of him.
Hijau woke refreshed an hour later, still in the zn'hre's arms, and blinked at his Ssii'iin - then frowned as he realised he could no longer *feel* Zorun… no, that wasn't quite true - he still had a very faint sense of the King's Guard, an almost comforting echo of his presence. He beamed at the king, eyes shining.
"My Ssii'iin - that feels perfect!"
Zha'haabron smiled.
"I have not entirely removed the link. But it should not trouble you again."
Hijau sighed and hugged him.
"Thank you."
Zha'haabron stroked his mane.
"You are welcome."
"And Zorun…?"
"I will keep his secrets. Though I wonder if it might be possible to help him…"
Hijau shook his head.
"One day maybe. Not right now. I know that much from the *link*. Well," he grinned, "from the *link* before you cleared it."
Zha'haabron nodded, and they lay still for a few minutes, quietly. Then the captain sighed.
"I had better get back to Headquarters."
"And I am due back in council." The king rose, pulling Hijau with him. "I will see you at the evening meal."
The Saiyan nodded, then caught the zn'hre's hand and kissed it, eyes gleaming.
"Thank you, my Ssii'iin…"
The morning after the Hassinan had returned home Radittsu tore back from Guard Headquarters, where he'd been taking an advanced training session, wide-eyed and positively flustered. Leteetza stared at him from the terminal.
"What the fuck…?"
"We're having visitors."
"What? What d'you mean?"
He pulled her upright, gazing down into her eyes.
"Your mother, and my mother, are coming to visit. This afternoon."
Leteetza paled.
"What!! Why?"
"Why do you think?" he snapped. "You're King's Companion, carrying the next king, and, incidentally, also my son - their grandsons. My mother's never met you. And how long's it been since yours saw you last?"
Leteetza sank onto her chair with a heartfelt moan.
"Oh shit…! I do not need this. Not now, not ever."
The big Saiyan scowled.
"I know. Neither do I. But Vejiita's authorised it. There's to be an unofficial reception in the garden room from midday today."
"At least that gives us time to get ready."
"And he wants Mahrayne to be there, as Royal Tutor. And Zha'haabron, as Alliance partner and my bondmate."
"Takes the pressure off us a bit, then."
"Heh… you've never met Sorelya…"
Leteetza had flatly refused to let Mahrayne dress her for the 'audience', insisting on wearing a bodysuit, with sleeves but without leggings, which displayed her swollen belly and breasts to full advantage (and made the Hassinan itch to take her into one of the side rooms and make love all afternoon. Not that Leteetza, tense and irritable as she was, would have countenanced any such thing even if it had been possible…) Zha'haabron slid into a plain full length black leather bodysuit, identical to the one Radittsu poured himself into… Mahrayne swallowed hard, breathed deeply a few times and dragged her eyes away, and slipped into one of her Pankuzu-styled robes, halter-necked, loose and floating in bright shades of blue and gold.
Vejiita, Zorun as ever at his back, was already in the reception room when they arrived. They just had time to be seated when the double doors swung open and Muz ushered in two females…
Mahrayne, seated demurely - well, as demurely as she could, given that she was terrified her scent would give away her feelings - a little behind and to the side of the King's Companion, watched as the pair entered. There was no mistaking who was who: Sorelya was tall and lean, her high-cheekboned face bearing a distinct resemblance to her eldest son's, her long heavy mane a shining ebony colour. Lady Kaarela, on the other hand, was small - though still lean and rather more muscular than the Hassinan had expected - her mane an intriguing mix of red-splashed black. But both females carried themselves proudly, and exuded an aura of power and confidence that was almost visible.
They paused and bowed respectfully to the assembly - then both pairs of eyes sought Leteetza, who held herself very still under the scrutiny. Finally Kaarela smiled.
"Greetings, daughter."
Leteetza inclined her head.
"Mother."
The acknowledgements made, the atmosphere in the room relaxed somewhat, a situation made easier by the appearance of a number of servitors carrying heaped trays of food. As individual platters were filled, and the Saiyans began to eat with their usual enthusiasm, the door opened once more, to admit Baadakku. Radittsu rose to bow his head to his father, then glanced at Leteetza, keeping his expression neutral.
*What is this, some kind of fucking family reunion?*
Leteetza bit back a grimace.
*Gods, I hope not…*
They all made what passed for small talk amongst Saiyans while they ate: much of it passed over Mahrayne's head, centred as it seemed to be on the doings of people she'd never heard of, on planets she didn't know. Then, as they were finishing, the door opened yet again. Limau entered.
As the councillor bowed to the king, Mahrayne's attention was caught by Kaarela's expression. Leteetza's mother's face swiftly went through a range of emotions, from shock, through horror, to wide-eyed comprehension to a schooled impassivity.
What the fuck was that all about?
At the end of the meal the Saiya-jin-no-Ou rose to his feet, inclining his head to the company.
"I will take my leave of you now - I know you have much to talk about and much catching up to do." He glanced at Leteetza.
*I want to see you later. There is something I wish to tell you.*
At her glare, he lowered his eyes.
*Please.*
She glowered for a moment, then nodded infinitesimally, and he smiled and exited the room.
Which immediately became a bustle of activity.
Baadakku was the first to move, grinning broadly, slapping Radittsu painfully hard on the back and moving to kiss Leteetza's cheek, whispering,
"Don't let them scare you, my lady. We're all proud of you, no matter what they say."
He pulled himself upright and joined his son, almost dragging him to one side with Zha'haabron following - leaving the little warrior to fight this battle alone…
To her surprise Kaarela kissed her brusquely, then excused herself, allowing Sorelya to speak to her first. Mahrayne watched, her eyes narrowed, as Leteetza's mother moved to talk with Limau.
Then her eyes widened.
It couldn't be, could it?...
Sorelya cupped Leteetza's chin in one strong hand and gazed at her, then smiled.
"Well, my dear, we are delighted to hear your news! It's good to know 'dittsu is to have at least one pure-blood Saiyan brat…"
Uncertain of quite what to say, annoyed by the slur on the zn'hre but also somewhat in awe of the female whose ki was even higher than Radittsu's, Leteetza smiled faintly.
"And of course he'll have respectable ki too," the warrior continued. "You'll have him trained, of course. 'dittsu started training when he was four."
Leteetza glowered.
"He will, of course, have basic training when we believe him ready."
Sorelya nodded.
"You can never start too early. He has a proud heritage to maintain."
"And he will take lessons with the other princes."
Sorelya paused, frowning.
"Lessons? What does a warrior want with lessons?"
A number of responses came to mind, none of which would make her very popular with the older female. She sighed to herself and resorted to status.
"Warrior Sorelya, it is my choice that he be tutored with the children of the High King of R'ren'nkh'ia, and the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's children." She held up a hand as the warrior opened her mouth to object. "As King's Companion that is my choice to make." She stared at the stronger female, mouth set, her scent self-assured. She would have the final say.
Sorelya's lips compressed.
"I still think…"
"I'm sure you do. But my son will have all the opportunities the Empire now offers. I will not let outmoded practises deny him any chance he has to advance."
Half-listening to his father discussing differences between R'ren'nkh'ia-jin and Saiya-jin military with Zha'haabron, Radittsu winced at the expression on his mother's face. Leteetza had definitely not endeared herself…
But then, he thought, smiling to himself, Sorelya's opinion really didn't matter that much. If she didn't accept Leteetza for what she was - accept them all for what they'd become - well, she wouldn't get to see her grandson very often…
As Sorelya, teeth gritted and eyes narrowed, bowed respectfully and moved to speak with her eldest son and her mate, Kaarela seated herself beside her daughter, smiling.
"I'm glad you're happy. You are happy, aren't you?"
Leteetza gazed into her mother's black eyes and realised, suddenly, that yes, she was indeed happy. She touched Kaarela's shoulder gently.
"Yes, I am." She smirked. "And thanks for not being angry."
"Heh. How could I possibly be angry with a daughter who takes so much after me - at least when I was younger!" She inclined her head. "Will we see you more often in future?"
"I don't know. My duties tend to keep me in the city - and there'll be even more of them once these two are born."
Kaarela grinned.
"Then perhaps we could come to visit you. Would that be acceptable?"
Leteetza regarded her suspiciously.
"Who is 'we'?"
Kaarela laughed.
"Oh, don't worry - just me and your half-siblings. And just every now and again."
"Hn. I suppose that would be all right…"
Kaarela hugged her.
"I'd appreciate it. I've - missed you."
Mahrayne had watched everything with intense fascination. She liked Baadakku, he was very attractive, if a little big and scary. Sorelya was simply terrifying. But it was the interaction between Limau and Leteetza's mother that had intrigued her most of all.
They'd moved away to speak together, and kept their voices very low. But their body language was so revealing she really hadn't needed to hear what they were saying…
Limau had been stiffly unbending to start with, slowly relaxing, then standing almost protectively close. Kaarela had been angry at first, her anger dissolving into resignation, which little by little became friendly, ending up as something rather more. These two knew each other very well, she was sure of it, although she had the impression it had been a very long time ago. She glanced from the pair to Leteetza and back, almost sure her suspicions were correct.
That would explain why she kept seeing faint but disturbing similarities between Limau, Leteetza and Hijau, at any rate.
She wondered how she could confirm it.
*Are you all right? She didn't upset you?*
Leteetza snuggled into Radittsu's arms in the bath, relieved that the whole thing was over. Seeing her mother again after all this time had been surprisingly painless - and she was pretty sure Sorelya wouldn't cause her any problems. She kissed under his jaw.
*I'm fine. I can handle her.*
The big Saiyan smirked and hugged her close.
*I know you can…*
She rested for a few minutes longer, then sighed.
"I have to go. Vejiita's expecting me."
Ti'aasaan grinned.
"You're speaking to him again, then?"
Leteetza grimaced.
"Don't really have a lot of choice."
Zha'haarak stroked her face sympathetically.
"We miss you when you're not here."
"Me too. However…" she hauled herself upright "…duty calls…"
The Saiya-jin-no-Ou looked up from his screen as she entered, then stood, inclining his head with a smile.
"Welcome."
Leteetza regarded him suspiciously. He beckoned her closer, then pulled her into his arms, nuzzling her mane, breathing deeply.
*Heh…*
She fought to remain still as his tail stroked against her belly, his hands ruffling the fur at the base of her tail.
"What did you want to tell me?"
*Later. Come to bed.*
She tried to pull herself free, growling: he simply tightened his grip.
"No. Tell me now. Or I'm leaving."
He pulled back a little, staring at her in surprise - then sighed.
"Very well." He glanced towards the floor cushions around the small fire. "Let us at least be comfortable."
She allowed him to lead her to a seat, then sat stiffly, cross-legged and straight-backed, while he poured them both a glass of wine. Taking it from his outstretched hand she asked again,
"What is it you want to tell me?"
He hesitated for a moment, then regarded her fixedly.
"I have given some thought to the situation regarding Buahan and her future mate."
Leteetza blinked and inclined her head.
"And?"
"And I have come to a decision…"
She waited impatiently as he lowered his eyes.
"I have decided that her future mate will be invited to visit, so that they may meet each other, spend some time together. If, after a few days, Buahan really can't abide him, I will annul the arrangement." He glanced at the little warrior. "Will that satisfy you?"
Leteetza stared at him for a moment, then flung herself into his arms.
"Thank you."
He kissed her, smirking wryly.
"I'll take that as a yes, shall I…?"
The following morning, on her return to the suite, Leteetza gathered Buahan and Mahrayne to her to give them the news. Mahrayne had smiled happily at the little princess.
"That will be much better, yes?"
Buahan pouted.
"S'pose so."
Leteetza tickled her.
"Course it will, brat." She glanced at the Hassinan. "Though I'm afraid you'll miss it. They'll arrive after you've left for Pankuzu."
Mahrayne's face fell.
"Perhaps I should delay the trip…"
Leteetza shook her head firmly.
"No. That would be unfair to Zorun. We'll tell you all about it when you get back."
Kel, who'd been listening in, interrupted.
"Who'll be in the party, Leteetza? They'll need an honour guard."
The King's Companion nodded.
"The Lady Netsariin will accompany the little lord. Two Elite Guards each should be sufficient." She smirked at Kel. "You can be one of them if you like. It'll keep you busy while Mahrayne's away."
Kelapa nodded.
"I'll speak to Hijau. When do they arrive?"
"Ten days time…"
Buahan stood before her father, his strong hands resting lightly on her shoulders. Leteetza hovered nearby, Kelapa, Hruska, Merica and Chikori behind her waiting to take up their duty as Guards to the visitors. The princess watched as Lord Abricotto's own servants ushered in a slight, beautiful female with a thigh length cascade of shimmering black hair - Lady Netsariin, of course - and beside her…
She'd been prepared - determined - to hate him… But when Peyaru was actually in front of her, and she could scent his fear and reluctance, she suddenly realised that he must be feeling something akin to her own anxiety and indignation. After all, he hadn't been given any choice either. The young lord swallowed and bowed deeply.
"Y… your Highness…"
Buahan stared at the young male, who kept his eyes lowered, blushing faintly. He was, she thought, not unpleasant to look at, his heavy black mane tumbling to his waist, his young body already showing signs of developing musculature. And his tail…!
The limb was twisting nervously behind him, long and sturdy and gleaming black - except for a handspan at the tip, which was a pure shining white! She'd never seen anything like it before. It was very pretty…
She realised the silence was becoming strained, and swallowed a little nervously, then inclined her head gracefully.
"Hello Peyaru-san. Welcome to Vejiitamachi."
© 2002 August 2nd Joules Taylor
