Legation
Lutra watched, wide-eyed, as her hab'lan was escorted by a pair of burly Saiyan Elite Guard nearly twice his size (and, she understood, only a fraction as powerful, but protocol demanded they attend him) from the family suite down to the reception room in which he would meet the Vwrn. He looked… looked…
Regal. And completely, stunningly edible…
*I read the *unreadable*…* What did that mean? He'd frowned and tried to explain.
*You must know that not many species are telepathic?*
She nodded: she hadn't known, but it was a safe enough assumption. He smiled.
*Generally speaking, only species with 'pathic abilities can *communicate* - generally speaking. It is possible for a skilled 'path - like maazi, for example - to *read* non-paths, a little, enough to know what their intentions are, at any rate. It's not easy, though, and can be a little painful: non-paths tend to have… messy, disordered, chaotic minds, most unpleasant…* He sighed, brushing her cheek with cool fingers. *Yours is less so, and will improve with practise… I can do this too, which is why I tend to be seconded to missions where the 'pathic abilities of the species are unknown.* He smirked. *That's why I was sent to Maurilla. We didn't know if you were 'pathic or not… Anyway, it's also a fact that some species with sophisticated 'pathic abilities can *shield* their thoughts, *camouflage* them. And there are just a few who, although apparently entirely non-pathic, are actually strongly telepathic amongst themselves, inaccessible to other 'pathic races.*
She nodded again. He sighed again.
*I can *read* everyone. Without them knowing I'm *there*.*
She pondered this for a moment, then caught his hand.
*And these - Vwrn - they're, which? The second sort?*
He nodded.
*We think so, at any rate. They appear to have some sort of group-mind that's completely inaccessible to anyone outside. That's why I have to be there - to check.*
She frowned thoughtfully.
*Does it hurt?*
He blinked at her, startled.
*Uh, no… though it can be nasty at times. Those who have things to hide do so for some very unpleasant reasons.*
She kissed his fingers.
*So the Empire uses you to… um… *examine* the motives of races wanting to join?*
*Yes. I'm a very effective early-warning system.*
Lutra bit her lip.
*That… that makes you valuable, doesn't it?*
He inclined his head, frowning.
*I suppose it does…*
*So why don't you have a guard?*
He chuckled and squeezed her fingers.
*Zk'vissin, I'm the second most powerful person in my family, after Le'leen. Four or five times as powerful as my maazi, and he is very powerful indeed. There are very few beings who could actually harm me, permanently.*
She digested that, suddenly feeling awed, almost wishing she'd found out more about him before her impulsive… courting… of him. She smiled timidly.
*Oh… I see…*
He smirked at her before reaching to make another adjustment to their course.
*It comes in useful at times.*
They flew in silence for a while, Lutra sneaking little sideways glances at her mate's starlit profile, heart so full of love she felt like… singing. Or soaring. Or pouncing on him and fucking him till he collapsed exhausted….
Heh, that was the breeding cycle speaking. Though she was looking forward to the end of this shift…
She frowned to herself, a sudden thought giving her pause. A'lestrel hadn't been fucked since their outward journey, and that was eleven days ago. And so far she'd shied away from asking how often he needed it…
He hadn't seemed at all… frustrated… but… She brought his hand to her cheek.
*Hab'lan… do… do you… need Ry?*
He glanced at her unsmiling, his *voice* terse.
*Yes. Soon. Before we arrive back.*
She chewed her lip, nodding. Much as she hated the idea of him taking another, there was nothing she could do about it. And he'd given her so much - she could hardly begrudge him something so important to his health, now, could she?
Yes, she could - but she was just going to have to learn to live with it, she told herself angrily. And after all (she pressed her thighs together, the thought making her suddenly wet) he hadn't said she couldn't be there, had he…
And in any case, she wasn't letting her bondmate anywhere dangerous without her being there to protect him…
She shook her head, slightly dazed, smiling ruefully. Now that was the tenshi-jin protective instinct talking!
He smirked at her, scenting the course of her thoughts, growing hard at the thought of it.
*I would like you to be there. Maybe not always, but certainly most of the time… Once Ry wakes I'll lock the auto-pilot, we'll eat, then let Ry drag us into the stateroom…*
Ry had been more than eager, bolting his meal then grabbing them both by the wrists and pulling them along the short corridor to their room, sliding the door shut and turning to face them both, grinning widely.
"So how's this work?"
A'lestrel had smirked.
"Firstly, remember, you do not touch Lutra, unless she says you can."
Ry nodded solemnly. "Check."
The prince ran a hand down his body to the hard bulge at his groin, chuckling as Ry groaned and shivered.
"You take me first - shifting, please - until I climax, then a second time, while I'm in Lutra. If that's all right with you." he added, head inclined to his bondmate.
Lutra was watching, eyes huge, lips parted. The air seemed to pulse in the small room: she was aware of the heavy musky scent of the thoroughly aroused Ry, and her hab'lan's hot, spicy fragrance. She nodded, absently, and the Saiyan reached to peel the bodysuit from A'lestrel's body, licking his lips: Lutra had to stop herself from shoving herself between them…
But her bondmate smiled at her, tenderly, eyes loving as Ry slid a hand to his erection then lifted him onto the bed, easing his thighs apart and shoving into him sharply. A'lestrel gasped, hands gripping the Saiyan's shoulders, nails breaking the skin, as Ry…
Seemed to be doing nothing. Except - he must be doing something, because her hab'lan was whimpering and squirming beneath him, long legs wrapped around his hips and long green tail lashing at the Saiyan's taut, muscular buttocks…
'lestrel's back arched as he cried out, grabbing Ry as the Saiyan grunted and came, buttocks clenching as he crushed the hybrid to him - then slowly relaxing, kissing the prince deeply. After a moment he pulled carefully out of the cool blue body and moved to lie between the prince's legs, licking at the sparkling semen on his groin and belly…
Lutra growled: she wasn't having that! Ry glanced up, startled, as she shoved at him, glaring, and settled herself over A'lestrel's hip, her own mouth lowered to clean away the sweet, effervescing stickiness. The Saiyan smirked wryly and moved back, stroking 'lestrel's face as the hybrid moaned, hands fisting in the bedcovers, eyes closed…
Lutra knelt up when she was done, one hand cupping her mate's throbbing inkei, the fingers of the other teasing the entrance to his chitsu - wondering absently why it was… normal, cool and moist, she knew Ry had come so, why… But A'lestrel was rigid, and *wanted* her, and she wanted him in her now…
He knelt up, then pushed her gently onto her back, sliding into her, kissing her throat. For a moment she worried, distantly, if she could support the weight of both of them…
Of course she needn't have worried. As A'lestrel settled himself, cool, engorged inkei deep inside her, Ry crouched over the prince's back, *supporting* himself as he slid into the deliciously stimulatingly-blunted-barbed-lined channel.
Male and hermaphrodite held still for a moment, *meshing* - then began to thrust in rhythm, slowly to start with…
Lutra gazed up at her hab'lan gazing down at her, his thrusts given added force from the strong body pounding into him from behind…
This should not be happening. He was hers, he should be hers alone… but he wasn't tenshi-jin… he needed this… did he, or was it just an excuse?... no, don't be stupid, she *knew* he needed this, she'd *seen* it in his mind, knew the truth of it… but it was so unfair…
And so fucking arousing! She whimpered, torn, not wanting it to be happening but oh, it was so delicious, seeing her hab'lan fucked and now watching his face as he fucked her while Ry fucked him…
She cried out, climaxing, gripping him tightly - moaning as he twisted to wrap his tongue around a nipple, increasing his thrusts as Ry pounded him harder…
And she came again as A'lestrel's tail eased between them, coiling and fondling her exquisitely sensitised nub as Ry froze, throbbing inside the hybrid, sparking his own double-climax…
It was several minutes before Ry could pull out of the prince's chitsu, tail stroking gently down the cool blue back, then leaning down to press a kiss to the base of his tail. The Saiyan moved to sit beside the bonded pair, smiling fondly and stroking once down the tenshi's hair before leaning forwards to kiss her cheek softly.
"Thank you, torii-chan."
And with that he rose, bowed sketchily to the prince lying limply atop his tenshi, and left the pair in peace.
Lutra blinked after him, stroking A'lestrel's back, quivering from the intensity of the experience.
*H… hab'lan? Is it always like that?*
He nuzzled her neck, his *voice* muzzy.
*Sometimes it's better…*
She held him close, arms wrapped around him, feeling a little guilty. She already knew how 'lestrel loved to… snuggle afterwards, basking in a sort of afterglow, but Ry had gone…
Maybe… maybe next time… next time her mate's… male… could stay for a little while? Maybe just until 'lestrel fell asleep?
She smiled to herself, kissing the weary prince's forehead.
That would be nice.
The rest of the trip to Vejiitasei had passed peacefully. Lutra had worried, for a short while, if Ry would… gloat, or smirk, or… or something… But he'd greeted her with a friendly nod, next shift, and no mention was made of the event.
Which more than anything convinced her that it really was a fact of life for the Zasshu, and she'd better just get used to it.
Radittsu had met the cruiser as it landed at the spaceport, smiling at Ry as he saluted and departed for Guard HQ, then ushering his sireling and the tenshi into the air and back to the palace as quickly as possible. The Vwrn had brought forward their arrival: A'lestrel had two hours to acquaint himself with what was known of the species, prepare himself and get to the reception room.
It was Lutra's first introduction to the family's official modus operandi, and it left her reeling.
As they landed on the balcony, Zha'leesaan met them, speaking to his sibling in a fluid series of complex modulated hisses that Lutra assumed was one of their native languages, referring frequently to the portable console in his hand. Zha'haabron was also present, his lower-toned hissing counterpointing whatever it was 'leesaan was saying: 'lestrel was frowning, asking them both questions and nodding as they answered. He made his way to the bathing chamber, shedding clothes as he went: Lutra followed, entranced and fascinated, watching as her hab'lan showered - Ra'vahn behind him, working lightly fragranced cleanser into his skin and hair - all the while deep in conversation with sibling and maazi…
Minutes later and he was back in the main part of the suite, still taking in information, Zh'leet handing him a large beaker of that fruity stuff she seemed to dole out at the least provocation, while the prince dried himself and dragged on the clothes Radittsu handed him…
And at that point Lutra phased out the incomprehensible language, and stood simply gaping at her bondmate.
The black bodysuit was very brief, just covering his hips, halter-necked, the back completely bare right the way down to underneath his tail, the high neck decorated with rich green and pale blue precious stones. The thigh-length boots had narrow heels, and he wore a golden band around his thigh, like the one his sire wore. The armsheaths stretched from his hands to high up on his biceps, held in place by loops around his middle fingers, and there was another golden band high up on his left arm. Radittsu had used ki to dry his heavy silky mane, and Zha'haarak was plaiting it, working a thick and heavy strand of golden pearls into the braid…
As they finished with him, A'lestrel removed the plain hoops through his earlobes and replaced them with elaborate heavy gold and jewelled pendant earrings that matched the jewelled headband Zha'haarak fastened around his forehead. Then, settling a heavily-jewelled belt around his narrow hips and adjusting the hanging ends to brush over his groin, her hab'lan raised his head to gaze at her, beautiful face serene, aristocratic.
And she dropped to one knee. This was royalty.
He chuckled.
*Come now. I haven't changed.*
Maybe not, but she had a rather more clear idea, now, of what was involved with being a prince of the Empire.
He turned to his maazi, hissing quietly. The High King smiled gently - and ushered the bondmates into their room.
Lutra was still overwhelmed. A'lestrel eyed her for a moment, then sighed and pulled her close.
*Zk'vissin… this may help… uh… 'disarm' the Vwrn. We believe they find our form appealing, which will - we think - make them more relaxed, less suspicious, which in turn will make it easier for me to *read* them.*
Which no doubt was true. But…
*Hab'lan… you look… you *feel* happy… dressed… looking like that…*
A'lestrel blinked - then nodded, smiling.
*I am comfortable in this. I usually wear it for official occasions on R'ren'nkh'ia.*
But this wasn't R'ren'nkh'ia. And he was now specially dressed to attract… like the Suzerain's 'greeters'. Like Veran…
Lutra bit the inside of her lip hard.
Nothing like Veran. This was business. She smiled tentatively.
*Do we have a moment or two?*
He sighed and pulled her to him.
*Always, zk'vissin.*
Beaming, she dropped to her knees and eased the scanty silky fabric over his groin to one side, taking his rousing inkei into her mouth…
A'lestrel stood quietly to one side, half-listening to the Saiya-jin-no-Ou's deep voice asking questions of the squat, hairy creatures that called themselves the Vwrn and trying to ignore his pounding headache…
As planned, he'd arrived a few moments after the Vwrn had been ushered into the reception chamber, and immediately became the centre of their attention. Zha'haabron and Vejiita watched for a moment as the twelve beings faltered in their opening speeches, eyes huge as they stared at the prince loping sedately to join his sire on the dais, plait over one shoulder and tail swaying gracefully behind him. He turned and bowed slightly, smiling.
"I trust you will forgive my tardiness…"
Zha'haabron smirked to himself as the Vwrn practically fell over themselves to excuse his hostling.
**Initial reaction?**
A'lestrel, smiling and gracefully accepting the ugly little beings' greetings, *grimaced*.
*They are 'pathic. Hive mind, as suspected. And some of their sexual practises would make Dhr'ovaanon seem civilised.* He shuddered, the mental images of what the Vwrn would like to do to - and with - him nauseating. The High King frowned.
**Do you wish to be excused?**
The prince took a deep breath, smiling at the Vwrn leader.
*No… no, maazi. I haven't found what I'm here for, yet.*
Zha'haabron nodded and stepped forwards to return the legation's attention back to the matter at hand - namely their reasons for suddenly changing their minds about joining the Empire.
A'lestrel was still conscious of their eyes on him, and the lewdness of their background thoughts, but now they were also *talking* about business, and it was easier to endure…
After an hour Vejiita stood, inclining his head as he advised them he would consider their request, and the Elite Guard ushered them to a large dining room for the customary feast. The two kings waited until the Vwrn had exited, then Vejiita turned to A'lestrel.
"Well?"
The prince's shoulders slumped, tail limp and quivering as he rubbed at his temples.
"They want to join for protection. Their planetary neighbours are threatening war."
"And that's it? That's all?"
The hybrid nodded.
"I couldn't *see* anything else."
Zha'haabron pulled him close, nuzzling his hair.
"Rest now."
Vejiita shook his head.
"He can't. I need him to *monitor* the banquet."
Zha'haabron glowered, but A'lestrel shook his head.
"It's fine, maazi. He's quite right. Once they're feasting they'll let down any last vestige of their guard. We must be sure."
The zn'hre nodded reluctantly to the Saiyan.
"Very well. But his Guard will stay near him at all times."
Vejiita smirked.
"Agreed. I will not have his safety - or his dignity - jeopardised…"
Lutra had played with the children while her hab'lan was performing his official duties, keeping Le'leen and Ka'reysu's charming little hostlings occupied while their maazi spent some time training in one of the main arenas. Playing with the children - and daydreaming, the image of A'lestrel's back, and the way that bodysuit fitted under his tail, deliciously clear in her mind. She couldn't wait to kiss down his spine and lick all around the base of that long strong limb, bury her fingers in the thick soft fur. She chuckled to herself at the memory of the effect it had on her bondmate…
It was several hours before the prince returned, accompanied by his Guard and looking… fraught. She gently handed the sleeping babies to Zha'haarak and hastened to pull him into her arms. He was shaking very slightly.
*Hab'lan?*
He sighed and slumped into her embrace, nuzzling her neck.
*Zk'vissin…*
*Are… are you all right? You *feel*…* How, exactly? As though he'd just undergone some exhausting trial. He nodded.
*I am fine. It was - less than pleasant. But it is over now.* He pulled back to gaze tiredly into loving blue eyes. *I need to bathe.*
*Of course!* She took a step toward their room - but he tugged gently on her hand and indicated the family's bathing chamber.
Lutra froze. He wanted to bathe... with the family? But… He cupped her face in his hands, unwilling to go into any great detail as to his ordeal, but needing to explain…
*Zk'vissin, I need the family's… *consolation*… They are… *soothing* after…* He sighed. *The Vwrn do not know that we are 'pathic, and allowed their imagination free rein. And we were right, they do find me - attractive.*
She stared, lips parted.
*They… you mean… they imagined you… but… isn't that like a sort of rape?*
He closed his eyes with a shudder.
*Only if you *know* it's happening. Which I did, though they did not know that…*
She hugged him hard.
*Go. Bathe. I'll see you afterwards…*
He blinked, then smiled.
*You misunderstand. I want you to bathe with us.*
For a moment she couldn't move, conscious of the blush flooding her face and neck with crimson. But… she couldn't say no, could she? And there weren't that many of the family here, only Zha'haarak, Kirec and Jahonda the Saiyan guards, Ka'reysu, the babies and seven other young children… it wouldn't be too bad…
She smiled shyly.
*Then… let's bathe…*
The water was warm, soothing; Zha'haarak held the prince for a moment, stroking his face and neck, while Lutra, trying to cover herself, slid into the pool, settling her wings comfortably. A'lestrel shifted to nestle against her side, eyes closing as his twin sat beside him, one large hand stroking down his body, gently kneading at the cool blue skin - somewhat to Lutra's indignation! But her hab'lan was relaxing into his sibling's touch, the *raggedness* she'd felt around the edges of his mind gradually smoothing. It was restful here, with the children playing quietly under Zha'haarak's eye - although she kept her eyes averted from the Saiyans, who were quite clearly making love a short distance away… Ka'reysu wrapped his twin's erection under the water, glancing at the tenshi: Lutra joined her hand with his, and together they stroked and fondled until A'lestrel gasped and came, the physical stress and mental filth of the afternoon *washed* away…
'reysu smiled at the tenshi and moved to take his sirelings into his arms: A'lestrel snuggled into his bondmate, kissing her neck.
*I'd like to make love to you now. But not here, not yet. Our room…*
She hugged him tightly then climbed from the pool, reaching a hand back to help him out - then shaking her wings, the spray from wet feathers falling like gentle rain over the other inhabitants of the bath. The children were delighted.
"Ooooh! 'gain, Lutra!!"
She gazed over her shoulder, startled, to see seven little faces grinning up at her, and, smiling, shook her wings again, covering them with a fine spray as they giggled happily, splashing each other. A'lestrel smiled tiredly.
*That's your job from now on!*
She laughed and hugged him.
*I think I can manage that…*
Zh'leet had prepared a platter of meats for them: Lutra carried it through to their room, feeding her mate as he sprawled wearily on the bed, tail stroking leisurely over her body. And later, as he slept - cradling her from behind, both of them relaxed and sated from making slow, languid love and that same tail curled between her legs and coiled against her groin, twitching gently - she sighed contentedly.
Tomorrow 'lestrel had to spend time at the diplomatic corps, detailing everything he'd learned of the Vwrn, but tonight he was all hers. She kissed the palm of his hand, then settled it against her breast, nestling back further into his embrace.
She couldn't imagine life being any better than this…
© 2003 April 5th Joules Taylor
