by Jools Louise
Max was clad in a simple outfit of black trousers, black tunic, and a cape which was edged with gold trim, its colour a deep navy blue. His knaves all wore the colours of their dragon clans, matching the colour of their scales.
Myre knew of their history, but they had withheld some little nuggets of information until they were necessary. It didn’t pay to reveal all their talents at once.
With Sol leading, Raven to the rear and the others ranging in a tight formation around Max, the little group entered a massive hall. Statues and plaques festooned the walls. Glancing around, Max noted they all depicted what appeared to be members of the council, possibly the ancestors of those they were here to meet.
A wide aisle led through the centre of the vast room, its ceiling towering magnificently overhead. Wide seats encircled the room in rows while in the centre, atop a large platform, was a circular bench and stone table which had some kind of engravings etched into it.
The place, like everything else on Agion, was huge and once more Max felt punier than usual. He gritted his teeth, feeling a twinge of nausea in his belly. Perhaps it was nerves, but he had a sneaking suspicion it was due to his offspring making themselves known. Despite the fact he had only mated fully about a week ago, the gestation period was short and the little critters were bound to be growing fast.
He was going to be pissed off if he embarrassed himself by spewing over some councillor’s feet. Sol sent him a concerned glance at the slightly green tinge to Max’s complexion.
“Are you okay, Max?” he whispered to the smaller man, having some idea of the problem.
“I will be. My morning sickness appears to have started early…or else I have food poisoning,” Max whispered back. Then he grinned wickedly, unable to prevent the next comment. “Or I could have a seed allergy.”
There was a pause before Sol choked, trying to smother a laugh at the outrageous claim.
“Sire, if you’re allergic to our seed, we’re not going to be able to play later,” Shimmer murmured from the right and the group all chuckled.
Max tried to restrain his giggle, his smile wide as he approached the centre of the chamber. “I said I may be allergic to seed, I don’t think you’ll have a problem with mine!”
The burst of laughter was much louder this time as Shimmer shot Max a look which promised retribution later for this retort.
“Welcome, Your Majesty. I am glad your accommodations appear to be pleasing you.”
Myre’s deep voice spoke and Max’s smiling gaze raised to lock eyes with the larger shifter. Myre looked solemn, but his eyes glittered with amusement. He winked before nodding his head regally.
“My lord Myre. Indeed, the accommodation is perfectly lovely, and the food exquisite. If you would thank your kind mate for sending our breakfast this morning. We are quite replete from the feast.” Max gave what he hoped was a regal nod back, trying to suppress the twinkle in his eyes. His morning feast had consisted of first sucking three of his knaves to completion. He had then completed the mating ritual by fucking the last three of his knaves in turn, despite the fact that he had skipped part of the process by becoming pregnant after the first bonding orgy. The primal urge to complete their bond had been overwhelming and fuelled by a delicious load of cream, he’d had no problem making them his, finally. Hence the seed reference earlier. Indigo, Ochre, and Shimmer had all enjoyed spurting into Max’s suckling mouth. They had been ecstatic when their king had topped Jayde, Ochre, and Shimmer. The actual breakfast food Myre referred to had been delivered later. Max had enjoyed both offerings.
“May we begin proceedings, alpha?” One of the dignitaries on the stage spoke, his tone a little snooty.
Myre rolled his eyes before indicating where the group should stand before he returned to his position on the dais.
Max folded his arms across his chest, willing the nausea away as he studied the council. The set up was clever, since his group were all standing and having to look up at the seated councillors. It was a power play, supposed to give a psychological advantage to those looking down. Masters to servant kind of thing. Max quirked a brow, wanting to get this whole thing over with so he could lie down for a while.
With a quiet word to Jayde, he was brought a chair, deciding he could play games, too. Besides, his back ached and he was feeling a little tired from last night and this morning’s activities with his knaves. He permitted a small smile to himself before sitting on the chair and looking straight ahead, waiting patiently for the questions to start.
“Well, really! It is customary for visiting dignitaries to stand before us.” The man who had spoken earlier sounded slightly put out that Max was sitting.
Max completely understood he was supposed to be in awe of these people. But he was a king and had grown up surrounded by people who exuded power far more than this lot ever could. The dragon races did not just rely on size to get their point across. They had many more tricks in their arsenal. To Max, the posturing right now was strictly amateurish.
“My lord, I apologise for any offence caused. I am finding myself in need of a firm chair beneath me, since I had a rather…energetic day yesterday. I felt a little fatigued, what with all the travelling I have done recently. I do hope you will forgive me.” Max spread the apology with a thick helping of obsequiousness. If he told the man he had spent the night and morning fucking and being fucked by his knaves, or that he was pregnant and about to spew…well, it would be inappropriate to say the least.
“Then we shall conduct our business and conclude as quickly as possible Your Majesty.” This came from Myre who had a twinkle in his eye, since he was probably well aware of why Max was “fatigued”.
“Yes, well. I understand you come from a world beyond the Dimensional Tapestry. Please explain how you got here and why you chose our world.” Another of the councillors spoke up, and Max looked at each one in turn, determining by their expressions who may pose problematic during the discussions and negotiations to come.
“My lord, we do indeed come from the other side of the Tapestry. We did not choose this world, as the magicks fluctuate and threw us here at random. Chance had us happening upon Agion, not choice.” Max gave the speaker a respectful nod.
“And what is your purpose here now?” A third speaker, this one someone whose eyes spoke of secrets hidden within. The previous two had been a little pompous, as befitting their station. This third one… He was someone to be wary of.
“I have no purpose but to provide a safe and comfortable place to stay until I can find other accommodations. I intend to return to my world as soon as it is safe to do so.” This explanation was the simplest without giving too much away.
“It is my understanding that you are pregnant? How is this possible? In our world, only females may conceive and bear our offspring. It is only fitting.” The first speaker was on a roll, pumped up like some rooster in a hen yard, squawking and verbally strutting his stuff.
Max narrowed his eyes at the man. Iron-gray hair flowed from the man’s head in a thick swathe. His features were narrow, his eyes a mucky brown a bit like the colour of slimy mud. For some reason, this one had an axe to grind. Possibly he had an agenda. Max would be wary of him also.
“My lord, I am indeed pregnant. My world does not differentiate between genders when it comes to bearing young. Both male and female are felt more than capable of coping with such an honourable task. Our children are, after all our future. Females should not solely be tasked with such a heavy responsibility I understand your alpha’s mate Neea has born many fine children for him in order to secure the future of his line.” Max’s golden eyes swirled with sparks of gold, silver, and black as he stared down the sullen individual. The man broke his stare first and Max did a mental fist clench in triumph.
“We are not here to cause problems. We simply need a place to regroup before moving on. Your alpha has kindly offered us sanctuary temporarily.” Max gestured to Myre, who sat in the middle of the seven councillors. Even sitting, he was f
ar larger than his colleagues on the board.
“Gentlemen, I am satisfied that King Ferdinand and his knaves pose no threat to Agion or its inhabitants. I am sure that you will not begrudge His Majesty from resting within our walls until he is fit to continue his journey.” Myre spoke for the first time. His sapphire gaze rested on each of his colleagues in turn. Four nodded, the two Max had his eye on merely sneered.
“Hazhtion, you do not agree?” Myre’s tone was biting as he asked the question of the gray-haired individual. The other man looked like he just sucked on a sour fruit, his nose screwed up in distaste as he viewed Max and the knaves.
“Szmia, you appear to be confused?” Myre directed his words at the other councillor who had spoken, a male with glittering yellow eyes and olive green hair.
“We are merely astonished that such a phenomenon exists in the universe. A male carrying offspring? Simply astonishing!” Szmia spoke with a patronising arrogance which curled Max’s lip, his fist clenching as he fought the urge to punch the man on his broad, arrogant nose. Holding his tongue, he settled for sending a look of fake deference in the councillor’s direction.
“Really, Szmia? You are aware that in times of old, when females were considered our equals, females and males both took care of our youngsters between them. We have never, as males, had the task of carrying them in a womb, but the universe is a vast place. Surely it is not so astonishing that the Tapestry hides such marvels?”
A fourth councillor spoke up. This one possessed deep brown hair, which fell to shoulder length in a shaggy, messy style around his face. He appeared younger than the others and certainly a lot less antagonistic. Piercing green eyes sparked with intelligence and humour as he looked at his adversary. Apparently Szmia was disliked by more than one individual in the room.
“Your Majesty, I am Karli. I welcome you and your warriors to our city. We are honoured to have one of the dragon races visit us, despite the circumstances. I met your grandfather many years ago. A fierce warrior, that one, and truly an honourable male. He saved my grandfather from the clutches of one or more fierce predators, the Zorga. I am glad he did, or I would never have been born!” Karli gave a light chuckle, standing up before leaping agilely from the dais. Offering his hand, the large male shook Max’s with a friendly smile.
“I apologise for our stuffy questions. Tradition, don’t you know. My mate would be very pleased to meet you all. Neea has told her about your…situation and is eager to share birthing tips.” Karli grinned wickedly as Max gave an involuntary wince.
Smiling weakly, Max thanked the male and gave a vague promise to meet with his mate soon.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I shall put her off for as long as possible. I can’t think you’ll want to be discussing birthing whilst the morning sickness is taking hold.” He patted Max’s arm kindly.
Max simply nodded in response.
“I can offer you something to ease the discomfort if you wish, sire.” Sol spoke softly, studying the decidedly green tinge to Max’s complexion, which had gotten worse since they arrived.
“I think maybe a bucket may be more useful right now.” Max whispered back, feeling his stomach churning violently.
Sol immediately moved to pick him up in his strong arms.
“My apologies, His Majesty does not wish to cause offence but he needs to be returned to our accommodations. I fear his condition has left him quite unwell enough to continue with these proceedings. If you have further enquiries regarding our presence here, I am sure you will be able to come to some kind of amicable accord amongst yourselves. Perhaps you could send an emissary—one—to ask any further questions.”
With a curt nod Sol cradled Max close to his chest and began striding swiftly back toward the shuttle. Max rested his head weakly against his mate’s chest as the other knaves formed a tight posse surrounding them, expressions stern and preventing any further contact.
Karli gave a parting wave, his expression understanding. Szmia and Hazhtion exchanged glances which Myre caught. His eyes sharpened to shards, the sapphire blue piercing as he glared at the pair.
“I would not wish any harm to come to my honoured guests. They will be treated cordially and with respect. Should you wish to protest their presence here, you may come speak with me directly. Otherwise, I suggest you make yourselves scarce.” Myre growled as the pair sneered insolently.
He let out a mighty roar, shifting into his feline form and leaping at the pair before they knew what hit them. Sprawling backwards, they fell with Myre’s immense paws planted firmly on each smaller male’s chest.
If I find that either one of you has sought to harm my new friends, I shall bring down the wrath of my ancestors on your sorry asses! Give me the excuse I need to rid our lands of your pathetic hides. A terrifying roar left his throat, his fangs dripping saliva close to their cowering faces.
“Alpha, I believe you’ve made your point.” Karli said drolly, pointing to the trickle of urine spreading out on the floor beneath the two councillors.
Myre let out a final vicious snarl before stepping back. Grunting at the others, he nodded to Karli before shifting back to bipedal form.
“Our lands have seen enough in-fighting to last a dozen lifetimes. This city, this world will not sink to the methods of our forefathers. We need to expand our vision to include distant lands who would be interested in trade. We must not remain isolated from the rest of society. Agion was once prosperous, but now we hide inside our underground cities, too afraid of change to embrace what could be the making of us.” Myre’s words reverberated around the great hall, resonating with his fierce resolve.
“Our females will not be subjugated again. Visitors will not be treated with anything other than respect if they seek our help. If others come who would harm us, the dragon warriors from Hyrruld will be fierce allies. Their king requests our help. We will all extend the hand of friendship. Those who seek to do otherwise will be seen as enemies of this world and treated accordingly.” Myre’s fierce blue gaze landed on Szmia and Hazhtion who flinched under that lethal stare.
Shifting again, Myre stalked out of the chambers, proud and strong, his great black tail swishing angrily as he went.
“Impudent wretch!” Szmia muttered then shrieked as Karli shifted into a gigantic honey-brown feline with piercing green eyes. Pushing Szmia back with one giant paw, he shoved his face into Szmia’s, glaring fiercely.
I should be careful about attempting such insubordination within these hallowed walls, Szmia. The last time someone tried, they ended up a feast for the Zorga. Karli sneered, fangs snapping millimetres from Szmia’s nose. You have shamed our alpha time and again with your evil ways. If our alpha does not put you down, I’ll be sure to do so myself.
“You forget yourself, pup.” Hazhtion’s arrogant voice spoke behind him, the olive-green shifter having gained his feet the moment Myre left. “You are only a junior member of this council. You have not earned your right to defile our esteemed members in such a way.”
Karli snarled at the pompous windbag, lashing out with one claw and sending the male flying backwards.
I would imagine the alpha would have no problem with me putting you two in their place. You challenged the alpha and lost. You are only here out of respect for those that came before. You are nothing like your fathers. I am on the council for good reason. You disrespect our whole way of life with your prattle. I’ll be watching you both, just in case you feel the need for your usual tricks. Karli let out a final spine-chilling snarl before turning on his heel and bounding off after his alpha.
Three of the remaining councillors curled their lip at the two recumbent males, shifting also and leaving the chambers. They left behind the others, lying in their own piss and the remainder of false bravado lying in tatters around them.
They exchanged looks that held a wealth of unspoken, evil promise. Gathering shattered pride and dignity, they departed also, sharing a final glance before heading off in opposite directions.
Myre made plans. If the worst came to the worst, his people came before everything else. He already had spies in place who reported back on the machinations of the likes of Szmia and his cohorts. The gray-haired shifter was one of the eldest here, and his family had been implicated in unspeakable crimes, none proven. Myre had a feeling Szmia’s days were severely numbered…in single digits!
Chapter Eight:
Time to fight…again!
It was one thing to awaken in the comfort of a warm bed surrounded by loving, sexy, beautiful men who liked to cuddle. It was quite another to awaken to hostile natives of another dimension, all wanting nothing less than to prise unborn offspring from a living belly.
Max was unfortunate to be dealing with the latter scenario.
Max and his warriors had been enjoying some snuggle time, after a bout of early morning tender wake up sex. Having fallen asleep soon after in an exhausted pile of sweaty bodies, they were awakened abruptly to find themselves under attack by several murderous thugs intent on causing fatal harm to all those in the snuggle pile.
Sol had heard the attackers first, waking instantly and leaping to defend his mates. His roar of rage had woken the others who immediately followed suit, lunging at the first group and dispatching them swiftly.
His knights were now fighting viciously with a second bunch of the aforesaid natives, and judging by the drab olive green or gray fur the intruders were related to two councillors who had made it clear they did not want the dragon knaves or the dragon knaves’ king in their realm.
