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Chapter Text

12th of Onis, 5 BVE.

Lower Human Basin, Near Nitri.

"It came this way." Dominax whispered, keeping his voice low as he examined the deep marks in the reddish dirt. The forest breeze ran gently through his black hair and short beard.

"Good, let's finish this." Cendra replied, following closely behind her adopted son as they inched forward, crouching.

Briza hushed them, listening closely to their surroundings. "It's close."

Confirming her words, Dominax pulled apart the vibrant green foliage blocking their path, revealing an opening in the trees. In the center sat their target, an Avidion. With a serpentine body that stretched over twelve feet long, it had a long beak with several rows of sharp teeth. Rather than scales, it was covered in brightly colored feathers, consisting of blues, greens, and yellows. Near the head, it had two long arms that dragged its body along. Dominax readied his sword and took a step forward, his white cloak dragging in the mud behind him. Only a crude chest plate protected his body, with a dark tunic underneath that reached his knees. A belt known as a Turinis was strapped around his waist, consisting of several hanging strips of leather that served to add a small amount of protection to his lower half. With such a small amount of armor, he’d have to remain noiseless.

Briza loaded an arrow into her bow, freezing when she heard the snap of a twig beneath her boot. The sound caused the Avidion to whip its head around in time to see Dominax carefully approaching it.

The Avidion met Dominax's silver eyes for a split second before attacking, using its legs to launch itself at him. The beak closed upon his left forearm, it's many teeth piercing his skin as it dragged him to the ground. The pain felt like dozens of tiny swords digging into his flesh, ripping a cry of agony from his lips. He swung his sword, frantically striking at the creature in an attempt to free his arm while it thrashed its head, pulling him along the ground.

His brunette companions rushed to help him after throwing down their bows and unsheathing their swords, unwilling to risk hitting Dominax with a stray arrow. Cendra reached the beast first, driving her weapon deep into its serpentine body. In response, the Avidion unclenched its beak and released Dominax, leaving him on his back in the mud while clenching his wounds.

The Avidion let out a high-pitched shriek, swinging its long body away from Cendra and wrenching her sword from her hands before she could pull it out. It then followed up the move by swinging back and crashing into both girls, knocking the wind out of them while sending them to the ground.

Still on his back, Dominax watched as the creature moved towards his companions, readying to strike. He raised his blood covered hand, concentrating. A bolt of electricity erupted from his fingertips, slamming into the side of the creature's head.

The impact sent the feathered beast stumbling over and falling heavily onto its side, letting out a sickening shriek once more. The sound sent chills through all three of them.

Dominax hurried to his feet, gripping his sword in both hands. He groaned in pain, feeling his blood drip into the mud. The Avidion rose back up onto its strong legs and turned to face him, half of the colorful feathers on its head now scorched black. His face hardened as he prepared himself, turning the blade to point outwards towards the creature.

It attacked, launching itself with rage at Dominax. He held his sword tight and firm, allowing the Avidion to crash into him. The blade's position put it directly in the path of the beast's beaked mouth, causing it to practically stab itself as the blade pierced all the way through and exited behind its head.

The force of the attack lifted Dominax off his feet once more, slamming him onto the ground. The Avidion landed on top of him, lifeless and limp.

Cendra instinctively let out a scream at seeing her adopted son get smashed under the serpentine creature, rushing to his side with Briza. They both put their hands on the beast, using their combined strength to roll it off him. They crouched down, looking for signs of life.

Dominax broke into a fit of coughs, groaning as he slowly sat up. "I'm fine! I'm fine!"

Letting out a relieved breath Cendra wrapped him in a tight hug, her large breasts pressing against him. She had raised him from birth when his mother was executed by drowning, and she wasn’t going to let him be killed.

"Mother, he's hurt." Briza said, holding out a roll of cloth that acted as bandages. With her long dark brown hair pulled back in several loose braids, the twenty-one-year-old appeared like a young version of Cendra. Though she had slightly smaller breasts, both women had desirable toned bodies that were only an inch shorter than Dominax's well-built six-foot-tall frame. Briza's strong, yet womanly form was concealed with a top made of dark cloth that held her firm breasts together, exposing her alluring abs and flat stomach. A simple loincloth hung from both the front and back of her waist, leaving her powerful shapely legs on display. The leather strips of her Turinis lightly slapped against her gorgeous thighs whenever she walked, caressing her flawlessly smooth skin.

Taking the bandage, Cendra began to wrap it around Dominax's bleeding forearm. He gritted his teeth though didn't flinch, as he had experienced far worse injuries during his twenty-two years of life.

"You fought well, Dominax." Cendra commented, finishing applying the cloth. She then turned to her daughter with a stern expression. "Though I thought I trained you better, Briza. This all would have been avoided if you had simply been aware of your surroundings and watched your footing."

Her daughter prepared to defend herself, though seemed to change her mind at the last second. What could have possibly been the start of a lengthy argument was reduced to a simple nod of acknowledgment. "Apologies mother, I'll do better next time."

Taken off guard at the younger woman's non-combative response, Cendra paused for a moment before smiling kindly. "I know you will, my child. Let us get back to camp while the sun remains above the horizon."

After helping Dominax to his feet, the three of them began to harvest the meat from the Avidion, which they wrapped in a bundle of leaves from a Mitir plant to preserve it for several weeks without spoiling.

***

Nightfall had already arrived by the time they reached their camp. They quickly added the wrapped meat to their provisions, prepared for the other members of their settlement known as Nitri.

"This'll be the last night before we return." Cendra announced as they prepared the firewood. They had gathered enough food, which was the purpose of their excursion. Every few months the elders sent out large numbers of groups to hunt and provide for the other settlement members, making up any deficits that they weren't able to provide through trade.

"I agree. It's foolish for the elders to thin our number of capable fighters with these hunting expeditions." Dominax replied, feeling his revulsion increase slightly. Though Cendra had always refused to explain why his mother was drowned, he deeply despised the elders for giving the command.

"Perhaps, but it's not our place to decide that." Briza replied absent-mindedly as she finished preparing the firewood. She then stepped back and put her hands on her attractive hips. "Well, do your thing."

Sighing, Dominax crouched down and reached out his hand. A small flame ignited in his palm, and he held it close to the firewood until the flame took to the flammable material, growing into a healthy campfire. He straightened back up, looking into the flames as they illuminated their surroundings.

He had possessed these strange abilities for as long as he could remember, being able to create fire, lightning, and even heal faster than normal humans. Unfortunately, however, Cendra absolutely refused to allow him to use them around anyone besides Briza and herself. Though she remained tight-lipped as to her reasons for secrecy, it didn't take much for Dominax to observe them for himself. Their fellow inhabitants of The Lower Human Basin were widely known to be extraordinarily superstitious. Just as many would immediately determine his powers to be a sign from some miscellaneous deity or two, he knew just as well that others would do everything they could to snuff out his heretical existence. Thus, while he had always been frustrated at her secrecy, he dutifully followed her rules. The only strange qualities about him that were impossible to conceal were his silver eyes, which seemed to glow whenever he used his powers.

While the fire warmed their athletic bodies, Dominax pulled his cloak tightly around himself and let his gaze wander to the horizon, settling on the massive white metal structure hovering in the sky. Known as The Chimira to his people, it had been there his entire life, miles long and far too high to ever even dream of reaching. No one could remember when it arrived, as stories of its existence went back countless generations. Some claim that its presence stretched all the way back to the creation of the world itself, though none could say for certain. The only thing his people knew for sure was that it had remained in the same position for as long as anyone alive could remember, as constant and unchanging as the mountains around them.

Briza stretched before sitting down to lean against a tree. "Well, I'm exhausted." She gave Dominax a quick nod towards the forests, and he immediately recognized it as the signal.

***

As soon as Cendra fell asleep, Dominax and Briza snuck away into the forest without their armor. They walked until they were sure that they were out of earshot from the camp before finding a small clearing in the trees.

"Took her long enough." Briza said, beginning to untie her cloth top.

Dominax slipped off his worn sandals after undoing the straps around his shins. "We probably could have left sooner, as I'm certain she's figured out that we do this by now."

With her top untied, she removed the cloth, revealing her gorgeous breasts. Slightly on the larger side of medium and with perfect roundness, they suited her strong body excellently. "Maybe, but I'm not about to make it obvious for her in case she hasn't, dumbass." Briza replied, smirking as she gave him a playful shove.

He returned her smirk, removing his dirty white cloak and laying it on the forest ground. From anyone else, the lighthearted insult would have never passed by him so easily. "Either way, I'm not complaining." He replied, pulling his tunic over his head before tossing it to the ground, entirely exposing his body.

Briza eyed his naked form hungrily, examining his many scars. Her beautiful brown eyes traced down his abs, reaching his groin. Though she was MORE than familiar with his large manhood, the sight of it never failed to bring a tingle of desire to her loins.

Acting upon her momentarily distracted state, he lunged forwards, practically tackling her onto the cloak. She laughed as he pinned her to the ground on her back, very accustomed to being handled roughly. Throughout their childhood they had wrestled each other, testing their strength until it became something...more.

"Well, you're certainly more eager than usual tonight!" She exclaimed, fighting against his strength for control. Their naked bodies pushed and rubbed against each other as they wrestled, with only her loincloth separating their arousal.

"That's because tonight I'm not pulling out." He said with an insidious grin, gently biting her neck as he forced her arms above her head. She was strong, though whatever chance she had of beating her adopted brother had been lost long ago. The boy she had been raised alongside had grown into a capable man, easily overpowering her.

Briza's eyes widened in surprise, pausing her struggle as she adopted a serious tone. "Dominax, we can't..."

Quieting her with a deep kiss, he released one of her wrists as he dragged his left hand down her arm, sending a chill down her spine. His fingers glided over her side, before resting on her waist.

The kiss separated, and she moved her free hand to cup the side of his face, feeling the short hairs of his pointed black beard. She could feel his manhood hardening, pressing against her loincloth "You know we can't risk it…"

Dominax nodded, though his hungry grin remained. "I'm aware of the consequences." He began, pressing his forehead against hers as he moved his hand onto her toned abs. The feeling of her flat stomach only increased his arousal, as he knew that her fertile womb lay just beneath. "Yet, I desire nothing more than to bear those consequences…"

She peered into his silver eyes, feeling his warm breath. The revelation brought a tingle of desire through her loins, feeling his powerful body over her own. "We've discussed this already...I'd like to wait before I have children…"

Bringing the right hand down to support himself, he began to use the other to unfasten the strap holding the front of her loincloth to the back, using his leg muscles to separate her strong thighs. "Yes, though we've waited long enough." He said, kissing her once more. "Briza...there's no other woman I'd prefer to bear my first child than you."

She was forced to bite her lip to prevent herself from moaning due to his pure primal desire to get her pregnant, sending a rush of arousal flowing through her body. Dominax finished undoing her waist strap, allowing him to slowly pull away her loincloth and expose her entirely. Her tight, naturally hairless vagina awaited him, ready to accept his length despite her reluctance. "Dominax...now isn't the right time for a baby…"

With nothing remaining between their naked bodies, he pressed his cock against her labia before returning his hand to her waist. "I won't force you to carry my child…" He began, leaning to whisper into her ear. "Yet my cock also isn't going in until you agree…"

She let out a frustrated moan, moving her hands to her breasts. "You know that's not fair!"

He simply smirked deviously, starting to rub the underside of his shaft against her pussy lips. "Yet that's my price."

Briza bit her lip once more, feeling tingles of pleasure as his cock pressed between her labia, gliding over her sensitive clit. "You're an asshole sometimes, you know that?"

Dominax merely grinned. She would agree to his terms or leave empty handed.

Throbbing with lust, her vagina yearned for his length as she looked directly into his silver eyes. With each movement of his hips to drag his hard manhood over her waiting folds, her willpower was chipped away slowly. Her mind worked overtime, weighing her options.

Leaning over, he pressed his lips against hers, kissing her as he slowly grinded against her. The sweet taste of her lips only added to his desire to ram himself as deeply as possible into her fertile body, yet he remained true to his word.

Gently closing her eyes, she began to play with her supple breasts, lightly stroking her sensitive buds. As she did so, she began to feel an intruder between her lips as Dominax slipped his tongue inside. In response, she met him with her own, their slick appendages squirming and writhing against each other in her mouth.

Separating their lips, he pushed himself away from her body slightly, allowing him to peer down upon her beautiful warrior body. "So? What will it be?"

The question forced her to moan in irritation once more as she opened her eyes. There was nothing in the world that mattered more to her in the moment than the desire to be penetrated, yet she was hesitant. Was she ready to have a child? She was young, though FAR from being considered too young. As she was currently in her twenties, women her age typically had a child or two already clinging to their hip, though she remained reluctant to begin that part of her life.

It wasn't as if she didn't care for Dominax enough, as in fact the opposite was true. Though they weren't in any type of official relationship, she had refrained from pursuing any other potential mates, content with sleeping with Dominax occasionally. Many other men in Nitri had desired her, of course, though she always turned them down. This had confused many, and sometimes even herself, though the truth was that her feelings for her adopted brother went deeper than any potential observer could have guessed upon first glance.

Yet these feelings were not one sided, as Dominax did little to conceal the fact that he cared deeply for her. He made no promise of exclusivity, as even their culture put only a miniscule amount of value into monogamy, though Briza still knew that he'd protect her ferociously.

She moaned as he pushed aside her hand to use his own on her breast. With her nipple hard with arousal, the pleasure only added to her confliction. Perhaps it wouldn't be so terrible to finally relent and allow a man to spill his seed inside, finally granting her the baby that her mother expected from her. Perhaps it was finally time to take a break from the hard life of a warrior to focus on a pregnancy. Perhaps…

Briza grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him close to her as she whispered in his ear. "You want a baby? Fine. But you better give me all you've got." She agreed seductively, overcome with arousal. There truly was no other man she'd even consider to father her children.

With an evil glimmer of delight in his eye, he gave a quick nibble on her neck. "I knew you'd give in." Reaching down, he lined his cock up with her vagina, pressing the tip into her soft folds.

They looked into each other's eyes with pure lust before he moved his hips forwards. Instantly, he felt her tightness squeezing down against his girth as he slowly sunk inch after inch into her eager tunnel. A moan emerged from each of their mouths as pleasure cascaded through their intermingled loins, basking in their mutual bliss.

With her arousal built to its peak, he used her wetness to his advantage as he hilted his cock as deeply as possible. The tip pressed hard into her cervix, coaxing a groan from her lips that contained a mix of pleasure and pain as he reached her deepest depths.

Filling her sex completely with his manhood, Dominax remained still for a moment as he savored the exquisite texture and tightness of her warrior vagina. No matter the number of times he had entered her in the past, his body had never grown accustomed to the pleasure she granted him. Each time he penetrated her toned body, the wave of primal ecstasy he experienced was exactly the same as the first time they had finally indulged in their desires so many years ago.

Then with slow, methodical movements, Dominax began to rock his hips, moving in and out of her pussy repeatedly as he supported himself using his strong arms. She groaned beneath him, placing her hands on his sides with intense desire, urging him along.

The slow pace of his movements was mind-numbing, as his body ached for more. Yet he retained control over himself, utterly enjoying every second as his cock pushed in and out of her beautiful athletic form. There would be only one outcome to their lovemaking, and he didn't wish to rush it.

"You're so...fucking big…" Briza moaned, feeling her pussy stretch around him as he moved in and out. A part of her questioned if she was making the right choice, while the rest of her simply screamed in lust.

Overcome with pleasure, Dominax steadily increased his pace, repeatedly pushing through her vagina's grip as it caressed every inch of his shaft.

Thoughts of her athletic warrior body swelling with his child ran through his head, fueling his desire. NOTHING would prevent him from breeding her, here and now. The primal urge to impregnate his attractive companion had remained firmly inside his mind from the moment he reached manhood, yet only now did he feel that the time was right. There would be no further excuses, no more feeble misgivings slipping through his mind at night, wondering if he was ready to raise a child. He was committed, utterly.

The echoes of their moans intermingled with the surrounding sounds of insects throughout the trees, obscured by the darkness of night. Only moonlight shone down upon them, allowing him to see the perfect details of her body as he slammed into her over and over.

"Oh...gods...Domi..nax…!" Briza moaned, her pussy burning with delight at each thrust. She parted her strong womanly legs further, as if begging for more.

He happily obliged, ramming into her with renewed speed as his tip punched against her cervix each time. It was as if his cock knew that her fertile eggs lay just behind it, waiting for his seed.

Whatever doubts remained amongst her thoughts were finally pushed aside, her mind reeling in bliss as she gave into her primal urges. She would gladly accept his child, to lovingly grow it in her womb. "Y...yes! Breed...me…!"

A cry of passion that was nearly a roar erupted from his mouth as he furiously pounded into her tight vagina. The surrounding world no longer mattered to him, as his reality only consisted of their two interlocked bodies moving against each other. The cool night air, the sounds of rustling leaves, even the softness of the cloak beneath them, all were pushed to the back of his mind.

Through her haze of passion, Briza lightly rubbed Dominax's sides, feeling the powerful muscles underneath. He had grown into quite a formidable fighter, and she knew that she would grant him a strong child, born from her own warrior body.

Dominax moved his right hand, placing it firmly on her round breast before giving it a light squeeze that caused her to let out a moan. Then, using his thumb and pointer finger, he gently pinched her sensitive nipple, gritting his teeth as he knew that it would one day feed his baby. The thought made his balls ache, desperate to release their contents inside her fertile body.

Consumed by overwhelming desire, Briza pushed aside his hand, wrapping her arms and legs around him as she pulled him close to her body. She held him tightly, moaning against his neck as he continued to thrust repeatedly into her tight tunnel, never stopping.

Locked in a tight hold, Dominax savored the texture of her skin as their naked forms pressed against each other with a slight perspiration from their rough lovemaking. He hammered her into the ground of the forest clearing with only the white cloak separating them from the reddish dirt.

Neither cared enough to quiet their moans and passionate screams, as they echoed loudly into the night. They could only hope that they were far enough from camp to remain undetected from Cendra, though the thought mattered little to them. Only their pleasure remained important, as if they were the only two people in the world.

With her arms wrapped around Dominax's neck, Briza shifted slightly to run her fingers lovingly through his short black hair, wondering if their child would inherit it. The thought seemed to flick a primal switch inside of her mind, and she nearly screamed as she orgasmed.

He felt the tightness of her pussy increase as she squeezed down, squirting hard around his cock. His unrelenting thrusts drove her orgasm further, extending it with each movement until it finally passed after several seconds. Her toned body relaxed somewhat, despite remaining wrapped around her lover.

Dominax's cock felt like it was exploding with pleasure each time he rammed it as deep as possible. He knew that he couldn't last much longer, as his own orgasm was threatening to overtake him. "If you want me...to cum…you'll have to...beg for it…!"

"Oh gods...yes...cum inside me!" Briza yelled, her mind nearly lost to pleasure. "Make me...a mother!"

Her words fueled Dominax, forcing him to thrust faster and harder. Every second that passed seemed like an eternity of bliss, his cock wrapped in ecstasy. His balls practically screamed, begging to breed.

"Put your...baby...inside me! Give me...your cum!" Briza begged as she held onto him tighter, her loins yearning for his seed. "Get me...pregnant…"

With the last of her pleas pushing him just over the edge, he slammed into her one final time, smashing into her cervix with a roar. His entire body tensed up as powerful jets of potent sperm gushed from his cock, shooting deeply into her fertile young womb. Overwhelming pleasure coursed through him, seizing his entire being as his balls violently drained themselves into Briza's athletic body, seeking out her eggs.

The sensation of his seed spurting as deeply as possible inside of her sent Briza’s arousal into overdrive, as she orgasmed once again. The sensation was far more intense than her previous climax, experiencing the pure pleasure of fulfilling the deepest primal desire of every living creature, to breed.

Dominax’s cries of ecstasy echoed throughout the forest, as his legs shook from the intensity of his climax. Several seconds slowly passed by before his pleasure finally, mercifully, began to fade. His muscles went limp on top of her inseminated body, leaving him gasping for breath.

“I...love you...Dominax…” Briza muttered after several seconds, closing her eyes to enjoy the feeling of his weight on top of her.

They remained together for what seemed like an hour, though was most likely little more than a few minutes. Briza released her tight hold on him, and Dominax rolled off her and onto his back.

He looked up at the starless sky, as black as an empty void. Only two of their eight moons remained high in the sky, along with the massive structure of The Chimira. He reached over, inciting a pleased murmur from Briza as he placed his hand on her abs. Just as he always seemed to know that they hadn’t had an accident after pulling out, he also knew that their attempted conception would be successful. Though it seemed impossible, the certainty he felt was unquestionable to himself, as if it were natural.

She would birth his child.

***

It didn’t take long to sneak back into camp, where they were both relieved to discover that their little escapade hadn’t disturbed Cendra’s sleep.

Their covert session had been tiring, yet it was only when Dominax sat down and leaned against a nearby tree that he felt the full effects of his exhaustion. Within moments of closing his silver eyes, he was lost to a deep sleep.

The dream that met his sleeping mind was one of keen familiarity, repeating often throughout his life. Consisting of a cloaked figure aboard what could only be The Chimira, Dominax could only watch as the hooded stranger peered down at the world.

He had experienced the dream since childhood, though it seemed to increase in frequency as he matured. Never changing, it occurred the exact same way on each occasion.

Dominax had attempted to make sense of the strange vision, even confiding in Cendra and Briza, yet all three of them remained completely baffled. It was only when he had given up on analyzing the dream that it actually became somewhat comforting to him, a recurring piece of his existence that remained firm and unchanging.

And so he remained, peacefully watching the stranger gaze down at them as he slept, unaware of time.

***

Startled, Dominax's silver eyes opened quickly as Cendra shook him.

"Wake up, child! I spotted smoke coming from Nitri!" She shouted in panic, already wearing her armor.

He hurried to his feet while Briza slowly awakened, as her mother's shouts had disturbed her sleep as well.

Now fully awake, Dominax rushed to gather his things as they secured the camp, knowing that they would have to return later to collect most of their supplies. He strapped on his armor and sheathed his crude sword.

"Come on! We must hurry!" The mature woman commanded the moment they finished preparing, launching into a sprint towards their home. Dominax and Briza followed her lead, rushing after her.

Though they had begun to slowly work their way back to the settlement as their hunting excursion neared its end, they were still two full miles away. They sprinted the entire distance, fully accustomed to long journeys.

As they neared the settlement, they could hear the cries of battle and the roar of fire. It wasn't until they emerged from the forest edge that they viewed the full chaos of the slaughter. Looking down at the community from their slightly elevated position, the trio watched as a small army wreaked havoc on the outlying houses, while others ascended the unrefined surrounding wall using ropes and thin ladders. Warriors defended the settlement but were clearly outnumbered.

Without hesitation, the three of them took off running towards the besieged village, knowing that they had to help their people. While the enemy attacked from the West, the trio charged in from the South, attempting to reach their people with as little resistance as possible. The plan mostly worked, as only a small group of stragglers blocked their path. They quickly dispatched them, barely slowing down.

"Hey! It's Cendra!" A man atop the wall shouted over his shoulder, causing the simple wooden gate to be pushed open long enough for all three to enter.

"What's...happening...Avil?" Dominax asked, regaining his breath from the long sprint.

The young warrior, barely older than Dominax himself, descended a shabby ladder to meet them. "It's the Chiefdom of Zilrin! They're finally attacking!" He yelled, loud enough for them to hear over the sounds of the ongoing battle.

Cendra looked back at her two younger companions. Though her expression was strong and firm, Dominax knew her long enough to recognize the concern in her eyes. Concern not for her own life, but rather, the lives of her children. "If that's true, we must push them back! We're not going to let those pathetic excuses for men conquer us!"

Avil slid his battered helmet off his head, dried blood leaking from his left ear as he let out an exhausted breath. "We're trying to, Cendra. There just aren't enough of-"

A loud crash boomed through the air as the Western gate was smashed open. Dozens of enemy attackers poured through the opening, swarming the defending warriors. The men and women around Dominax began to yell, charging to help their companions.

With one last glance at his adoptive mother, Dominax could see that she clearly considered commanding her children to flee yet knew that it would be pointless. They wouldn't allow their home to be burned, no matter the odds. She took a deep breath, before letting out a war cry as she charged forwards, her children following close behind.

Dominax held his sword tightly, rushing to join the people he had known his entire life. The group of warriors reached the enemy, throwing themselves into the chaos of battle. He swung his sword, sinking it deep into the waist of an attacker, before pulling it out and cutting another man down.

The enemy swarm seemed to realize that they were being attacked from the side, as many turned to engage the group of fresh fighters.

Many of their people had already fallen. There were no battle lines, no commanders, only individual warriors fighting desperately to avoid death.

Blocking a strike that would have skewered him, Dominax cleaved his attacker's head from his body, before barely managing to dodge out of the way from yet another attack. Many of the men he fought were older than him, yet he had just as much skill as they did. Cendra had taught her children well.

With the experience that only a life of living in the lower half of The Human Basin could give her, Cendra slaughtered any who engaged her, with her sword dancing through the air in intricate patterns. It seemed as if enemy weapons couldn't get close to her attractive body, as she parried and redirected any that sought to harm her. Many men fell as she made her way through the sea of combatants, assisting fellow warriors as they fought for their lives. However, the sheer number of aggressors forced her to fight with increasing effort, and it became apparent that something would have to change, or they'd all be overwhelmed.

Dominax howled in pain as a sword slashed through his armor and into his chest, leaving a gash that stretched from his left shoulder to his right hip. Though it was semi-deep, it wasn't enough to dispatch him as he rammed his own weapon straight through the man who had wounded him, hoisting him off his feet before allowing the newly lifeless corpse to fall limply to the dirt.

He touched his wound, attempting to assess the damage. Without warning, an arrow slammed into his back, several inches from his spine. He spun around in pain, gritting his teeth as he watched one of his fellow warriors kick the archer in the chest, sending the man stumbling over the wall. His crude armor negated most of the arrow's force, though it still sunk into his flesh deeply enough to cause heavy bleeding.

An incoming sword forced him to duck after he ripped the arrow from his body, allowing him to remove his adversary's legs with a single slash.

Briza blocked a strike from hitting Dominax, before an incoming Warhammer ripped her sword from her hands. Defenseless, she jumped back, allowing Dominax to engage the large fighter with pained grunts. He swung his sword, colliding with the hammer several times before Briza rolled behind the towering man and jammed her hunting knife into his back. He left out a roar, seized by pain. The momentary distraction granted Dominax an opening, and he pierced the hammer wielding warrior's broad chest.

"Briza!" Cendra yelled out, just as her daughter picked up her weapon. "Help them! We'll hold them off!"

Switching her attention to the direction her mother had pointed to, the younger woman noticed a group of female warriors attempting to defend a cluster of children and elderly settlement members, who were huddled together in the center of one of the walkways. Their houses burned around them, giving them nowhere to hide. She ran towards them, maneuvering around flaming debris until she joined them, assisting as they fought off several enemy warriors.

Dominax spun around to deflect an incoming slash, just in time to witness Avil’s hand become separated from the rest of his arm by an enemy sword. The young man let out a cry of anguish, before a second slash opened a large wound on his neck that finished him off. Dominax gritted his teeth, defending himself as he watched the young man fall to the ground.

Briza's group slowly retreated, attempting to escort the helpless citizens out of the burning settlement. Warriors struck at them one after another as they made their way towards the Southern gate, cutting down her allies faster than they could defend themselves. By the time they reached their goal, less than ten of them remained to protect the large group. Briza took one last look at her mother and Dominax before reluctantly following the citizens through the gate. Though she didn't want to leave the battle, she knew that escorting the cluster of defenseless citizens to the safety of the tree line took precedence.

Dominax watched her leave, desperately hoping that she and his newly sired unborn child would be safe. He then turned his attention back to the conflict, blocking a sword before severing the wielder's arm.

A loud war cry rang out across the settlement, allowing Dominax to glance up just in time to see a winged man land on top of the wall, immediately recognizing him.

A member of the Lanthian species, the man's presence was a rare sight in The Human Basin. With the features typical of his species, the man had large bat-like wings extending from his back. The left side of his body was light green, while the right side was dark green. The two skin tones met in the center of his body, creating a wavy line that was unique to each individual Lanthian. Similar to his skin, his irises were both different shades of green. Though unlike the other members of his species, this particular Lanthian lacked any hair. Instead, his bald head was covered in scars, indicating a past of brutal conflict.

Though Dominax had never met him before, the man's involvement in the battle allowed him to easily identify the stranger as Chief Manith, leader of the Zilrin Chiefdom. Like most of his settlement, Dominax had heard rumors of how the winged man escaped the cruel matriarchal homeland of the Lanthians before taking over a human Chiefdom for himself.

The strange Chief had been a thorn in the side of Nitri ever since, though no one expected the all-out massacre that they were now fending off.

"Find the elders and slaughter all who stand in our way! Make them regret refusing my protection!" Chief Manith commanded, his voice booming over the sea of clashing men and women. He then leaped into the air and landed heavily on the ground, wielding a long spear as he joined his men.

Cendra's breath was strained as she dodged and spun, skillfully evading enemy attacks while cutting down far more than her allies were able to. Yet despite all her experience and willpower, it only took a single unlucky arrow fired from halfway across the settlement to finally hit her, sinking deep into the side of her neck. She cried out in pain, reaching up with her left hand to grip an arrow that hadn't even been intended for her. Whether the wound was survivable or not was soon irrelevant, as one of her attackers took advantage of her pained state by ramming his sword through her abdomen.

Though he was several meters away from her, Dominax watched as the woman who had raised him collapsed to the muddy ground. Witnessing the fatal stab nearly felt as if the sword were piercing him instead. He let out an enraged scream, immediately setting off in her direction. He pushed through the crowd of clashing warriors, cutting down anyone who stood in his way while parrying incoming attacks.

Chief Manith fought nearby, leading his men as they killed members of the settlement. Resistance was clearly a losing battle, yet the warriors fought with everything they had to protect their homes.

Dominax's allies fell one by one, completely overwhelmed by the Zilrinian numbers. He reached Cendra's body, peering down at the woman who had saved his life. She had become a mother to him, the only family he had ever known.

With nothing but pure hatred, Dominax launched himself at the nearest combatant, hacking at the man with fury until he overpowered and killed him, before moving onto the next. Skill had no place amongst his rage, as he used brute strength to dispatch anyone around him.

As his allies quickly decreased in number, it soon became apparent that there was no hope of fending off the Zilrin Chiefdom, as there were simply too many of them. Yet, Dominax cared little, fueled by anger and grief as he fought with everything he had.

A cut slashed across his left forearm, then across his right bicep. An arrow launched into his thigh, while another enemy hurled a stone into his cheek. He sustained injury after injury as they did what they could to take him down, yet he fought on. Nearly every single one of his allies had fallen or been captured, leaving him alone in the middle of a burning settlement and surrounded by warriors who wanted him dead.

A crude knife stabbed into his waist, causing him to finally fall to his knees in defeat and allowing his sword to fall to the ground. His strained breathing slowed as he watched the angry men around him readying to strike, while his blood dripped into the mud. He raised his chin and looked into the sky, knowing that he'd be dead in mere seconds. The hovering metal structure of The Chimira hung high above him, just as it had all his life. "Cendra..Briza.."

The man directly in front of him raised his sword, readying to deliver the final blow.

Yet, just as the blade began to swing downwards, the world suddenly froze, draining of all color. Dominax looked at the incoming sword in shock, completely confused. "Wha...I…" He muttered, beginning to look around.

The pain from his many wounds had ceased, and he attempted to stand up. As he did, however, he was surprised to find that he left his body behind when he raised to his feet. He was standing, yet his body was still kneeling, as if frozen. He looked at his hands with fear and confusion, realizing that he was slightly glowing.

"What's happening…? I...don't understand…" He said, looking around. Was this what death was? He didn't quite feel dead...though he had clearly left his body somehow. The colorless world around him remained perfectly still. Though there was nothing but blood and death surrounding him, the silence was actually...peaceful, in a way.

"D..o..m..i..n..a..x.." a voice rang out through the quiet settlement, before a figure began to faintly appear in front of him.

He instinctively jumped back and readied himself, yet in horror and surprise he slowly began to realize that the ghostly form was identical to the cloaked man who had plagued his dreams for his entire life. Dominax was almost too stunned to speak, watching the strange individual.

The old man was clearly experiencing tremendous strain as he seemed to struggle to concentrate, though Dominax had no idea why. The figure held out a wrinkled finger, before opening his slightly transparent mouth. "Child...prepare yourself…run away... far from here…" He said in a pained voice. "This...is not the day you die…"

Questions rushed through Dominax, though before he could even speak he was back inside his body. Color had been returned to his surroundings, as time appeared to unfreeze. His eyes widened as he realized that the sword had resumed its swing, giving him a split second to barely roll out of the way.

The enemy warriors seemed surprised at his newfound desire to live, though they quickly began to move in towards him.

Hurrying to his feet, Dominax turned around and took off running. There was no time to think, fight, or even grieve. All he knew was that he had to escape, and FAST.

"Looks like we have a runner! Get him!" Chief Manith yelled, noticing one of the last survivors of the settlement.

Covered in blood and severely wounded, Dominax used everything he had to stay ahead of his pursuers as he sprinted towards the closest gate. A small group of Zilrinian warriors noticed that he was heading in their direction and prepared to intercept him. In desperation, he reached out his hand and launched a burst of fire at them, using his power in the presence of strangers for the first time in his life. They jumped out of the way in fear and surprise, granting him an opening.

He passed through the gate and kept running. Three warriors riding Lixidions, large four-legged reptiles with long tails and sharp teeth, took off after him. Dominax quickly realized that he had no way of outrunning them, so he turned in the direction of the river which passed by close to the settlement.

The river was wider than most lakes, making it quite an intimidating target. Yet, there was no other way to escape the Lixidions. Every single one of Nitri’s small ships sat half on the beach and half in the water, burning. He reached the sandy edge and dove into the cold water. Immediately, the powerful current swept him away, pulling him underwater as his heavily damaged chest plate weighed him down.

He thrashed underwater, trying to figure out which way was up as his body tumbled and rolled through the water. Arrows began to zip past him as the Lixidion riders galloped down the beach, attempting to keep up with their target.

Nearly out of breath, his head burst from the surface of the water, gasping for air until the current dragged him back down. The riders eventually lost him, and they slowed to a stop while the river carried him quickly away.

Dominax continued to struggle for what seemed like an eternity, keeping his head above the water just long enough to avoid drowning before being pulled back under, over and over.

When he was sure that he wouldn't survive, the current pushed him just close enough to the edge of the river for him to swim with all his remaining strength and finally touch the soft mud of the beach. With great effort, he pulled himself out of the water, digging one hand after another into the slippery mud and using everything he had to drag himself onto land.

With only his legs remaining in the water, covered by his hole-riddled white cloak, he let his bloody head fall to the ground in exhaustion.

His eyes slowly closed as he lost consciousness…

Chapter Text

15th of Onis, 5 BVE.
Unknown.

The ghostly figure that had seemingly saved his life stood before him, holding perfectly still. They were in the middle of a large field, with the sounds of a river echoing gently nearby. A strange pod-like structure sat behind the man, larger than the size of a two-story building. It appeared to be made of a white metal with small black details. The stranger began to raise its hand, pointing a transparent finger directly at him.

"Seek...me...out…"

Dominax's silver eyes shot open with panic as he awoke from the dream, and he quickly sat up before a jolt of pain ran across his bare torso, causing him to collapse back onto the bed that he had been laying in. A groan escaped from his lips as the pain slowly died down.

On his back and looking up at a wooden ceiling, the events of the siege flowed through his mind, ending where he had blacked out on the river's edge. He realized that he had no idea where he was or even how he survived.

He turned his head carefully while attempting to avoid any further pain from his wounds which had seemingly been bandaged already. The bed was against a wooden wall to his right, though turning left he could see the entire layout of the one roomed shack. A metal pot hung over a small fire that burned in the center of the room, with racks of strange plants and animal hides practically covering the other walls. Sunlight shined in through a window next to the bed, allowing the candles littered throughout the hut to remain unused for the moment. His heavily damaged chest plate sat in a corner, with his tattered white cloak draped over the foot of the bed.

Realizing that he was alone, Dominax looked up at the ceiling and contemplated. Cendra was dead, and there was nothing he could do about it. He remembered seeing the blade pierce her abdomen, an image that caused him far more pain than any of his wounds. His home was gone, the entire settlement burnt to the ground. He could only hope that Briza and their unborn child had survived the slaughter.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of someone walking near the hut. Instinctively, he forced himself into an upright position, groaning as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. He had dropped his sword back at the settlement and no replacement presented itself inside the small hut, so he simply raised his hands in front of him and prepared to defend himself with his powers.

The wooden door swung open, and he was surprised to see a woman. Not only a woman, but quite an exceedingly attractive one. She had straight black hair that hung slightly past her narrow shoulders, ending just above her medium-sized breasts. She looked to be his age, with an attractively toned body that was nothing short of the very definition of feminine perfection. Her revealing outfit was far from modest, as all but her most intimate areas were exposed. A strip of black fabric concealed the firm orbs that were her breasts, while a dark loincloth hung between her legs from both the front and back. The sheathe for a small dagger rested on her right hip, seemingly her only weapon. She had soft semi-pale skin that was detailed with thin tattooed lines that created unusual symbols on her torso, legs, and arms. Her sensual face held dark eyes that seemed to contain unknown knowledge behind them.

The woman stepped inside, though paused when she saw Dominax. Her serious expression shifted as her sensual lips curled into an arrogant smirk. "Well, looks like you're finally awake." She said in her smooth and sultry voice, subtly resting her hand on the hilt of her small dagger.

"Where am I?" He asked, slightly lowering his guard. He hadn't expected to see someone so...alluring. In return, the woman removed her hand from the hilt, recognizing that he had little interest in harming her.

"You've been out for two days." She began to explain, taking a step towards him though maintaining a cautious distance. "I found you half drowned and badly wounded, so I dragged you inside. It took...awhile, to say the least."

Her words reassured him enough to fully lower his defense. She had saved him, and even replaced Cendra's crude arm bandage with one of her own. "If that's true...I am in your debt."

She took another step in his direction, her nude womanly thigh brushing lightly against her loincloth. "In my debt, yet I don't even know your name."

"Dominax. My settlement was...attacked." He explained, feeling a twinge of sadness as the words passed through his lips. Everything had happened so fast, yet now the terrible reality of the situation hung over him, weighing him down as if someone had placed a mountain on his shoulders.

The woman nodded knowingly. "I could see the smoke even downstream. Didn't take much to piece it and your injuries together." She said, finally reaching him. Her dark eyes peered down at him, and she placed her right hand on his bandaged forearm. "Though I want to know something, Dominax. Why are your wounds healing so quickly, and why are your eyes that color?" She asked, her tone serious.

He met her gaze, his silver eyes meeting hers. His people had grown so accustomed to his unnatural eye color that they hardly ever questioned it.

"If I hadn't noticed them when I found you, I probably wouldn't have tried so hard to save your life." She explained coldly when he didn't answer. "Yet as the days passed, I noticed that your deep gashes had closed faster than I thought possible, replaced by simple scars. Tell me Dominax...what are you?"

A moment passed as he considered her question, Cendra's cautious voice echoing through his memories. Yet now that she was gone, the woman who had cared for him as her own...he cared little about concealing himself. What good were his powers if he couldn't even prevent her death? "You ask me what I am, but I have no answer. Even from my birth I've had strange abilities, and from birth I've concealed them. The only person who knows the true cause of them was my natural mother, though she is long dead."

The woman pulled her hand away and looked down at him with curiosity. "Do you have...other abilities?" She asked, and Dominax detected the faintest tone of concealed ambition.

There was a pause before Dominax let out a breath. Though he had used his powers to escape the slaughter, he had done so on instinct. To willingly expose his abilities to a stranger for the first time felt odd, though he ultimately agreed. He opened his hands and electricity surged in his palms, arcing from his fingers and into the air.

Though it lasted only a few seconds the woman was completely mystified. Her pretty mouth hung open in amazement, watching the display with a hungry look in her eyes. "That's...incredible…" she stammered.

Closing his hands into fists, he stood up from the bed with a pained groan. As much as he was relieved to finally show someone the secret he had kept for so long, he knew that every second away from Nitri was a second that could be spent searching for Briza, alive or not. "As much as I'd like to show you more, I need to get back and search for survivors. Yet I owe you a great debt for saving me, so simply name what you desire and I will return with your request when possible."

The woman quickly concealed her amazement with her typical arrogant expression before turning to look into his eyes. After only a moment of consideration, she spoke. "There is nothing you can bring me, because what I desire most is to serve you, Dominax."

The statement surprised him to the extent that he momentarily forgot about the destroyed settlement, before he regained himself. "I..don't understand. Serve me? For what purpose?"

The woman eyed him hungrily, as if she were a predator hunting for prey. "What purpose? Dominax...I've spent my entire life as a healer. My mother, and her mother before her, spending our time in this world seeking the truth of nature. Every Chiefdom has their own gods and beliefs, yet you are something solid and real. Your eyes...your powers...they are the mark of the gods."

Dominax considered the gorgeous woman's words carefully before opening his mouth. "Though I know nothing of where these abilities came from, whatever gods you speak of certainly don't favor me."

Her familiar smirk returned to her lips, and she placed her right hand gently on his forearm. "Ah but they do. I've never come across anything even remotely like you. You can deny it all you like, but you've been granted a gift. For what purpose, I can't say, but whatever true Gods are out there clearly have their eyes on you. To learn from you...to serve you...I can think of no worthier path than calling a being such as yourself master."

Dominax pulled his arm away with a stern expression. "Enough. It's talk like that which got my mother killed. You saved me, so I won't deny you of your wish, but there will be no more talk of gods. Understand?"

The woman was quiet for a moment, before she nodded her head. "If that is what you command, then I accept."

"Very good." He said, reaching up to rub his temples as he considered his next course of action. "If you wish to serve me, you'll need to return with me to my settlement. It may be dangerous, as I know nothing of what's occurred there while I've been recovering. It is even possible that there are no survivors, though I must know for certain."

She smiled sensually, placing her hand on her dagger once again. "Trust me Dominax, as I'm no stranger to defending myself. It wasn't by simple luck that I've managed to live alone for this long, especially appearing the way I do."

The sight of her form would certainly fill other men with enough desire to attempt something against her, which left Dominax no doubts about her claim. "Good. Prepare what you need for the journey, as we'll leave as soon as possible. However...it occurs to me that I still don't know your name."

With her alluring voice sounding smoother than honey, she spoke. "My name is Xenia."

***

Traveling by foot, they followed the edge of the river for several miles. The sun shined brightly in the sky, creating a peaceful atmosphere that revealed none of the horror that had occurred mere days ago.

As he walked, Dominax replayed the attack over and over in his mind, trying to find anything he could have done to prevent Cendra's death. It was a fruitless exercise.

"Dominax, may I ask you something?" Xenia questioned, her attractive voice interrupting his thoughts.

He simply nodded in response, keeping his determined gaze forwards.

"Your cloak is...strange. I've never seen the type of fabric that it is made from. Even the rest of your clothes are made of fairly common materials, though not your cloak. Where did it originate from?"

The white cape in question flowed gently behind him as he considered her words. "It was given to me by my birth mother."

He had hoped that the simple answer would satisfy her, though she continued to look at him as if she expected more.

Letting out a sigh, he continued. "She wrapped me in it when I was born, just before she was executed. It's all I have left of her."

"Oh." She stated, deciding to cease her questions for the moment. "I'm sorry."

They walked in silence until they were able to see the settlement in the distance, lacking the billowing smoke that had arisen during the attack.

Picking up their pace, they reached the outer wall within minutes. The noise from within was far less than he was used to, as the once healthily populated community was now mostly silent.

As they passed through the closest gate, Dominax gazed at the destruction. Houses that had been there his entire life were now nothing more than heaps of scorched wood. The dirt paths that acted as streets were spotted with various drops of blood and discarded weapons, though there was an odd absence of any dead bodies. The cause of the missing corpses was soon discovered as they reached the settlement's center, where a small group of survivors were burying the deceased.

Dominax recognized all of them to be either from the group that Briza had escorted, or those who were similarly off hunting just as he had been. Virtually none of the warriors who had fought beside him during the attack had seemingly survived.

Dominax's heart nearly stopped when he spotted Briza amongst the crowd, wounded but alive. He ran to her, lifting her off her feet as he embraced her with a bellowing roar of joy.

"Y..you're alive!" She cried out as he placed her back onto the ground, holding onto him tightly. "I feared that they had killed you...or...or...enslaved you!"

"I got away…" He said, feeling the softness of her skin against his. She had several bandages in various places, though none of her wounds appeared to be serious.

Xenia watched their reunion, her dark eyes studying her new female competitor.

Dominax kissed Briza deeply before separating. "I tried to save her…" He said with sorrow, not needing to utter her name.

Briza nodded somberly, placing her hands on his strong shoulders. "I know, Dominax. I know…"

"Did you...find her?" He asked, looking around at the newly dug graves. They liked to keep their ancestors close, and usually buried them near the center of the Settlement.

She nodded in response, and slowly led him to a nearby grave that still had a visible outline in the dirt. There had been no time to create a headstone, as only a short wooden pole marked the grave.

Dominax stared at the dirt, a tingle of anger sparking inside of him. He had lost the woman who raised him, cared for him, taught him all he knew. For...what? A petty rivalry between Chiefdoms? He kneeled, placing his hand on the center of the grave. "You saved me from certain death and raised me as your own. I'll do everything in my power to protect your daughter and make something of the life you've given me. Rest now...Cendra…"

Xenia stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, inciting a confused look from the other woman.

"Who are you?" Briza questioned with suspicion, eyeing the strange newcomer up and down.

"Xenia." She replied, turning around to give Briza a falsely polite smile. "I’m the one who saved Dominax's life. And you are..?"

"Saved him?" She repeated, shooting Dominax a surprised glance. "Then I suppose...you have my gratitude. I'm Briza."

Dominax stood up from the dirt, his face grim. "She's a healer, and we're going to need her in the coming weeks."

"What do we do now though?" Briza asked, subconsciously placing her hand on her abs knowing there would be no future for their unborn child without a plan. "They've destroyed everything! Killed everyone! There's barely anything left!"

His face was stern as he looked around at the nearby survivors. There couldn't be more than one hundred left, from a settlement that used to contain over three thousand people. The number of capable warriors were even fewer, consisting of only a quarter of the remaining population.

"Perhaps we should set out on our own…" Xenia suggested, giving the remaining survivors a look of disapproval.

"No." Dominax replied, feeling a flair of anger arise through his body as he considered their predicament. He had watched as lesser men mismanaged the settlement, manipulated it, and finally...destroyed it. The Elders had led them to their destruction, and he had sat back and allowed it to happen. No longer. He spotted a nearby house that had been burned down, though a crude porch partially remained. He ascended the smashed and broken steps, raising himself slightly above the crowd. "Everyone! Hear me!"

The group slowly turned to face him, some looking curious while others appeared to be utterly devastated and defeated.

"I know you! All of you! I've grown up amongst you! And like you, I've obediently sat by as our leaders brought this slaughter upon us!" Dominax announced to the gathered crowd. "But The Elders are dead now! We are on our own, leaderless and defenseless! We cannot simply wait and hope that the Zilrinians do not return to finish us off! We must act!"

The crowd broke into murmurs, before someone yelled from the crowd. "What would you have us do? We've lost everything!" The shout came from a young man near Dominax's age, who he recognized as a warrior known as Clin. He hadn't actually spoken to the man before, only passing by him occasionally. He was an inch shorter than Dominax, with an athletic build. He had a braided beard with short hair that was shaved on the sides. He was the only blonde in the entire settlement, being an extremely rare trait.

"I would have us set out and settle down somewhere nearby! There is nothing left for us here except death! To leave would grant us time to prepare ourselves! To rebuild!" Dominax yelled, throwing his arms out to gesture at the surrounding destruction.

"This is our birthplace! We cannot abandon our ancestors!" Another man shouted, this time coming from a warrior named Salduin. He was a large powerful man, two inches taller than Dominax and brandishing a long black beard. His head was hairless, showing off a large scar across the top that looked fresh. He was known to be a deeply spiritual man who would never harm a living creature without reason.

"If we don't, we shall join our ancestors in the ground! The Zilrinians have destroyed our food and burned our supplies! Even if they don't attack once more, we'll all starve!" Dominax replied, his voice strong and commanding. "We must set out and rebuild!"

"Who exactly made you the new leader?" A third man yelled, folding his arms. Known as Hesin, he was the same height as Dominax, with a thin yet athletic frame. Lacking any facial hair, his short black hair was concealed by a hooded brown cloak. He was known to be a loner, as most people usually kept their distance from him due to his scheming nature.

"I did." Dominax replied coldly. "I see no one else stepping up to assume the mantle."

"Wrong, boy." A voice echoed from the crowd, moments before a large warrior stepped forward. Much like Salduin, he possessed powerful muscles that heaved a large hammer above his head, slamming it down heavily into the dirt. "If any man should lead this group, it WILL be me!" The man roared, stepping closer to the half-destroyed porch. With long brown hair tied behind him in a rough braid, the warrior brandished a long beard that hung over his bare chest. Dominax immediately recognized him as Ortis, an older fighter with far more experience than himself.

Dominax gazed down at the man sternly, folding his arms. "The Elders were arrogant enough to believe we were capable of remaining independent with no allies. If you are arrogant enough to resist me, you'll share their fate."

"Ah, such confidence!" Ortis replied in a mocking tone. "Let's see how long that lasts."

With a swing from his hammer, the older warrior smashed the remaining supports, sending the porch crashing down. Dominax rolled as he landed, quickly getting to his feet. The crowd backed up with shouts of surprise, giving them room to fight.

"Dominax, here!" Briza yelled, tossing her sword towards him as he hadn't replaced the one he had lost during the slaughter, leaving him defenseless.

The sword landed in the dirt between them, allowing Ortis to quickly kick it away before Dominax could grab it. "Surely a man with your confidence requires no weapon!" The large brute mocked.

Dominax gritted his teeth, putting his fists up in preparation. If Ortis wanted an unfair fight he'd play along, though with a surprise of his own.

The hammer swung at Dominax, allowing him a split second to roll out of the way as it slammed into the ground with a loud thud.

Ortis dragged the heavy weapon along the ground as he spun, missing his opponent by inches. He roared as he heaved it over his head, bringing it down hard once more only to miss as Dominax jumped out of the way.

Though he was six feet tall and athletic, Dominax moved faster than his opponent could manage. He dodged back and forth, rolling and sliding to get out of the way from incoming strikes. He remained completely defensive, not once hitting back as he simply toyed with the large man.

Ortis screamed in rage, unable to keep up with him. He threw his hammer down, charging with full force at Dominax.

In response Dominax shifted sideways, barely escaping the charge before kicking out at the man's ankle. Ortis tumbled heavily to the dirt, only to punch the ground in anger before jumping to his feet. However, Dominax hadn't expected the sudden burst of agility, causing his reaction to lag slightly. It wasn't enough to get away, as the man's powerful fist smashed into the side of his face. A bolt of pain shot through his cheek, causing him to stumble backwards.

The momentarily stunned state provided Ortis all he needed, as he rammed his knee into his opponent's stomach before grabbing the fabric of his cape, yanking him to the ground and leaving a large dent in his crude chest piece.

Dominax grimaced as Ortis's powerful foot slammed into his side, sending even more jolts of pain into him. The warrior geared up to kick again, though Dominax grabbed onto the other foot and rolled, using his bodyweight to send him toppling over. With a thud, the large man fell hard onto his back, allowing Dominax to quickly climb onto him and begin pummeling his bearded face. He was done playing.

Ortis struggled with Dominax as the younger man's powerful fists plowed into him one after another, barely leaving him any time to react. Yet even though Dominax was visibly toned and athletic, Ortis could feel that he was hitting with more strength than expected. Ortis frantically attempted to protect himself, before finally managing to grab hold of both fists, using his strength and leverage to roll them both onto their sides.

Dominax rose to his feet in a hurry, managing to get his clenched fists in front of him to block the incoming attacks that shot out as soon as Ortis stood up and closed the distance between them.

One of Ortis's punches made it through his defense, crashing into Dominax's face. He backed up quickly, feeling blood leak from his nose and drip into his pointed black beard. He wiped it away, his silver eyes locked onto Ortis with intense fury. He hadn't survived the slaughter only to be killed by a brute.

Charging forward, Dominax ducked under his opponent's incoming swing, before drilling his fist into his face. The punch sent drops of blood flying from Ortis's mouth, only for him to cough up more as a second punch struck him in the stomach. He stepped back, grabbing Dominax's swinging fist and holding it firmly as he captured the second hand in his other. They struggled, their hands locked together as they both pushed forwards, attempting to overpower each other while their feet began to create marks in the dirt.

As his patience with the petty fight ran thin, Dominax knew he had to end it. He grinned, nearly sadistically, as he activated his powers while holding onto Ortis's fists. An expression of shock and disbelief spread across the older warrior's face as electricity poured from Dominax's hands into his, seizing his body in intense pain.

Screams and cries of bewilderment rang out from the crowd as Dominax slowly electrocuted Ortis, his insidious laughter echoing throughout the settlement. Finally, for the first time in his entire life, he had revealed his powers to his people.

Ortis's body convulsed in pain, shaking as Dominax's power flowed through him. After several long, torturous seconds, the electricity ceased, allowing the large man to fall to the floor. He groaned loudly, barely alive.

Dominax turned to the crowd, holding his hands out. A small flame flickered in the left, while his right palm allowed electricity to dance across it. "All of you! Gaze upon my power and fear it as I do! Understand that I too possess no knowledge of where they came from, yet I will use them to lead us to greatness!"

Briza put her hand over her mouth, utterly stunned at the sight of their long-kept secret finally on display.

Dominax turned his attention back to Ortis, who looked at him in amazed silence. Dominax smiled ruthlessly, electricity gathering in his open palms before thrusting his hands out. Lightning arced from his fingertips, shooting into the older warrior as he screamed in pain. His body writhed on the ground, unable to defend himself as he continued to be electrocuted. Second after second passed, until there was no chance of Ortis surviving the attack. Dominax finally ceased his powers, leaving an aroma of charred skin drifting through the air.

Xenia gazed at Dominax, her eyes filled with a mix of horror and greed.

"Twenty-two years ago, you all stood by and watched as my mother was drowned. You did nothing." Dominax began, breathing heavily as he turned back towards the crowd. "Yet, I forgive you, and offer you a chance for redemption. A chance to rebuild! Follow me, and we shall destroy those who slaughtered our families and friends! Though challenge me, and you will join Ortis in death."

The crowd was silent for several moments, before Salduin stepped forwards and approached him. Dominax peered at the man, preparing to strike the moment he spotted danger. Yet, instead of fighting, the large man simply kneeled at his feet.

"I've lived my life as a spiritual man." Salduin began, gazing up at Dominax. "Searching for an answer to all of...this! Creation...reality. Yet as I kneel before you, I must know...are you a God?"

The man's question echoed Xenia's statements, though Dominax wasn't surprised. The superstitious nature of his fellow humans was widely known, acting to both encourage and discourage his decision to reveal his powers. Just as he knew that many would outright praise him such as Xenia and Salduin, others would not take kindly to individuals that threatened their beliefs and ways of life.

"I am not a God." Dominax began, placing his hand gently on the man's bald head. "Your questions of reality and creation are ones that I too seek, though I have no answers for you. I can only promise that as your leader, I will lead us to prosperity."

Though his reply had revealed nothing to the man, Salduin's expression was anything but disappointed. "Whatever you really are...I will serve you as best I can. All hail Chief Dominax!"

The rest of the crowd began to kneel, their faces lit up with fascination and astonishment. Yet, as he looked into his group of new followers, he realized that some appeared far less pleased than others.

***

It took only a few hours to pack up everything useful from the remnants of Nitri before heading out. Nearly everything had been stolen or destroyed, though the group was able to recover a small amount of materials that their attackers had overlooked.

Dominax led them from their birthplace, hoping to find a safer location to settle down. Though he was uncertain of their eventual destination, he began by retracing the path downriver that he had traveled with Xenia.

The group of one hundred passed her tiny hut, only to continue for several hours before the sun began to touch the horizon. His people quickly constructed dozens of crude tents, preparing to temporarily settle down for the night. They had already traveled surprisingly far, despite the large number of children and elderly.

Though while nearly everyone was forced to either share a tent or sleep outside, Dominax retained the largest for himself, a tent the size of a small room. Laying on a tattered blanket, he rubbed his eyes and groaned as he sat up. The night was halfway gone, yet he hadn't slept for more than a few minutes. Though he had attempted numerous times to rest, his thoughts were repeatedly stabbed with the image of Cendra as the sword pierced her body.

Sighing, Dominax turned to his left, picking up the messy stack of damaged maps. His eyes traced over them for what seemed like the hundredth time already, examining their faded and scorched markings. Barely any of them had survived the attack, becoming nearly useless. Nearly, as they contained just enough information for the surviving warriors to fill in some of the missing or damaged details, relying on their knowledge of the land from their hunting experience.

After a long moment he carefully placed them back down, not wishing to damage them further. There was nothing more he could do until his scouts returned. He had sent them out under the cover of darkness, spreading them thin across the surrounding area. They would ensure that their path forwards was safe while the rest of the group slept to regain their strength.

Briza had been among the four that had been selected to scout, adamantly volunteering. Though he wanted nothing more than to spend the night with her by his side, Dominax accepted her request.

Standing up from his less than luxurious accommodations, he grabbed his cloak before pushing the folds of the tent entrance apart and stepping out into the night. The cool breeze of the forest gently caressed his face as light from two of the eight moons subtly illuminated his surroundings. He inhaled a breath, taking a moment to appreciate the calm while knowing it wouldn't last.

He gazed at the nearby tents that encircled his own, hearing the soft sounds of sleeping bodies accompanied by the echoes of the nearby river. Did any of them know he only had the vaguest impression of a plan? That they could be easily overtaken by nearby Chiefdoms at any moment? Had he not woken up in Xenia's hut when he did, he wondered if they'd still be languishing in the settlement waiting for their attackers to return. The thought of their inaction filled him with disgust, though he quickly pushed it out of his mind.

Leaving the cluster of tents, Dominax was careful to avoid stepping on anyone who had volunteered to sleep outside. He made his way through the short distance of trees that separated the camp from the river, their vividly green colored leaves appearing to nearly glow from the moonlight. As he reached the banks of the river, he sat down in the soft red sand.

A long moment of peace passed as he stared at the water that had nearly killed him mere days ago. Though he had hoped to clear his head, images of the attack continued to sprinkle through his mind. Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes and simply listened to the water as it passed by. Focusing on the sound, the thoughts slowly faded away one by one.

While he continued to calm himself, the serenity was instantly shattered at the sound of a whisper in his right ear.

"Domi...n...a...x"

His eyes shot open as he quickly hurried to his feet, turning in the direction of the voice. Though it had sounded as if the speaker were mere inches away, there was no one next to him. Instead, he noticed the faintly glowing image of a cloaked man standing several hundred feet away down the beach, the same stranger that had saved him during the attack. Immediately Dominax began to sprint towards the man, desperate to know who, or rather what, he was. Yet in response, the figure began to walk in the opposite direction, his semitransparent feet leaving no marks in the reddish sand.

"STOP!" Dominax yelled, running as fast as he was able. The large distance between them slowly and steadily decreased. "I command you to STOP!"

Getting closer and closer, Dominax nearly reached the stranger before the man stepped behind a towering rock protruding from the sand. Dominax quickly followed, only to be stunned when he found...nothing. The figure had disappeared, vanishing into thin air.

"Wait I…" He stammered, frantically encircling the tall stone. "I don't...understand…"

When it was clear that the stranger was gone, Dominax let out a frustrated groan before leaning against the stone, alone once more. The man had appeared so real, yet had he simply imagined him? Or rather, had he been an illusion instead? If so, how? Why?

He was left with no answers.

***

They packed up the camp early in the morning, wishing to make as much progress as they could during the day. The group of nearly one hundred survivors marched with varying degrees of determination, all following closely behind Dominax.

Similar to the previous night, he spotted the strange, cloaked figure several times as the day dragged on, though only briefly each time as it disappeared behind trees that were far too thin for a human to be concealed by. Considerable periods of time passed whenever the stranger vanished, just long enough to make him wonder whether he had actually seen anything at all, only for the man to reveal himself briefly once again. Both Briza and Xenia seemed confused when Dominax pointed to the figure, as they were strangely unable to spot the man in the distance.

Despite his companions' skepticism, the stranger continued to make its appearance. Dominax eventually concluded that it was futile to convince the two women of his sightings, instead remaining silent whenever he noticed the man lurking through the trees. However, without informing his followers, Dominax had begun to lead his people loosely in whatever direction the figure revealed itself as it seemed as though the man was luring him, guiding Dominax in a particular direction.

"Seek...me...out…" The words from his dream replayed in his mind whenever he spotted the man.

"Excuse me, Chief Dominax." A voice from behind him rang out, interrupting his thoughts. Peering over his shoulder, he located the source of the voice, Clin. The golden-haired warrior increased his pace, coming up alongside him.

"Yes?" Dominax replied, eyeing the young fighter.

"It'll only take a moment, I simply wished to speak to you about Ortis." Clin replied. His voice was polite, yet full of conviction for what he planned to say.

The mention of the dead man brought a scowl to the Chief's face, and he turned to look forward. "You wish to speak of a brute? Do so quickly."

Despite Dominax's clear reluctance, Clin continued. "I do. You are our new leader, and thus, I'd like to gauge what kind of man you are. I believe that's a fair desire, don't you?"

"Certainly, but I'd like to know what that has to do with Ortis." Dominax replied sternly.

"Well it's quite simple. Ortis was already defeated when you killed him." Clin explained, keeping his eyes locked onto his new Chief. "The fight was done, yet you needlessly took his life."

Dominax turned his head to the blonde warrior with an insidious grin. "Ah, though it was far from needless. Tell me, would it have been wiser to allow a man like that to live? To be required to constantly watch my back?"

"Wiser? No." Clin replied, carefully choosing his words. "But honorable."

"Honor? Have you forgotten how he attempted to kill me while I was defenseless? Is that any different?"

Clin shook his head calmly. "It isn't, though that's the point."

The simplicity of the man's statement struck Dominax like a dagger. Or at least, that's what he assumed Clin expected. "While I will concur that showing Ortis mercy would have been more, as you put it, 'honorable', he was a threat. He challenged my rule, and for the good of our people I'd put him down again if I had to."

"For the good of our people, or for you?" Clin accused in a calm and collected manner.

"Both." Dominax answered firmly. "Now, your opinion has been noted. Is that all?"

Clin nodded politely, before slowing his pace to rejoin the larger section of the travelers.

***

More ground had been covered than the first day of travel, though eventually Dominax commanded them to stop and set up camp.

Just like the previous night, his dreams were repeatedly interrupted by visions of the slaughter that jolted him awake each time. Eventually, after several hours of attempting to sleep in short bursts he sat up.

The soft sounds of Briza's breath quietly escaped her lips as she lay next to him, her naked body concealed by a thin tattered blanket. She had remained in the camp, as the scouts were rotated with other capable fighters.

Gently pulling away the blanket, he took a moment to appreciate her gorgeous form before placing his hand on her toned abs. Dominax couldn't exactly explain why he was so certain of her pregnancy, yet the feeling remained the same. Though she was far from showing it, his child was growing inside of her. All doubt of that fact had left his mind.

After replacing the blanket softly onto her resting body, he left the tent wearing only his black tunic and cloak. He needed to clear his head once again, intending to use the same trick as the previous night.

However, instead of seeing the strange transparent figure on the beach as had happened last time, he was met with an individual that was far from a stranger. Xenia.

"Ah...so I was right." The black-haired woman said in her sultry voice as she approached him, a black shroud wrapped around her that she held closed with her hands. So thin was the fabric that he was nearly able to make out the lines of her tattoos in the moonlight. "I thought I heard you sneak back from the beach last night. Seems as though I was correct…"

"I simply needed some peace and quiet." He stated, avoiding further glances at her alluring body.

"Oh, I don't doubt that." She replied, stepping closer as her hips swayed seductively. She reached him, running a finger down his bare chest with one hand. "Though I was hoping you'd be in the mood for something a little more...loud…"

He peered down at her, unsure of her intentions though undoubtedly intrigued. "Oh? Tell me, what do you have in mind?"

With a smirk, she took a step back before letting go of the shroud. The lightweight fabric slid from her shoulders, fluttering to the ground as her naked body was exposed entirely to him. Though her typical outfit had left very little to his imagination, the full view of her beauty filled his loins with pure desire. Entirely flawless, her firm breasts and hairless womanhood were on full display. The illumination from both Onis and Twic, the first and second moons, provided enough moonlight for Dominax to fully appreciate her alluring form.

Dominax looked in awe at her beautiful young body, his already existing desire for her increasing tenfold. "You are...utterly gorgeous…"

Grinning, she watched as he eyed her naked form from top to bottom, enjoying his gaze. Xenia had always known the effect that her feminine body held over men, as she wielded her beauty to her advantage. To a large extent she even took great pleasure in their lustful appreciation, as she knew they yearned for her. Yet tonight was different, as she'd have to do more than simply tease her prey if she wanted to fulfill her ambitions. "I'm glad you think that, my lord…"

Dominax's silver eyes returned to her face as he moved towards her, peering into her eyes with a combination of suspicion and interest. Gently placing his hands on her womanly hips, he pulled her close against him and felt her small nipples against his chest. "Though tell me, what is your purpose here? To simply seduce me?"

Reaching up to wrap her arms around the back of his neck, she dragged him into a deep kiss. Their lips pressed against each other for a long moment before slowly separating, as Xenia felt a rush of arousal tingle through her womanhood. "Oh? Would that be so wrong?" Her voice was smooth and flirtatious, enticing her intended mate.

Dominax let out a chuckle, though the softness of her skin was nearly irresistible. "Of course not, though I suspect the cupidity in your eyes holds something...more…" He teasingly accused as he glided his right hand to her ass, gently groping her round rear. While neither too big nor too small, her impeccable butt could undoubtedly arouse envy in any woman in Magnius.

She bit her lip in excitement before moving her delicate hands to remove his white cloak, allowing it to fall lightly to the reddish sand. "What if you're right, my lord? Would it even matter? Would it stop you from enjoying my touch?"

With an eagerness in his gaze, he momentarily separated as to grant himself space to remove his dark tunic. Long enough to reach his knees, the strong young man wore nothing beneath, as was common in his culture. Now, as he tossed the fabric aside, there was nothing to conceal him. Lusting for Xenia, his large cock had already begun to harden. "Let me assure you Xenia, that nothing will prevent me from using that perfect body of yours…"

Taking a glance down at his manhood, her heart fluttered at his size. She had chosen her potential mate well, as her fertile pussy ached for his seed. She eyed the numerous scars across his chest and arms before pulling him in close once more, carefully angling his erection to slide between her smooth tattooed thighs as it glided against her tingling womanhood. "Nothing my lord?" She asked with a knowing smirk, before lightly kissing the side of his neck.

Dominax nearly groaned in lust as he gritted his teeth, feeling her womanly toned thighs against his shaft. Whatever encouragement his cock required had more than been fulfilled, as it became painfully hard. "Nothing."

Satisfied with his answer, she slowly guided him onto his back, resting against the pleasant reddish sand. "Good." She said in a determined voice as she held herself over him, before leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "Because I want a baby…"

The revelation of her true intentions shocked Dominax, even as her words sparked the same desire that he had felt when he had bred Briza. Turning to look into her eyes, he could see that there was no doubt in her expression. "You...want my child?" He asked in genuine surprise, a tingle running through his manhood.

The moonlight shone down on their naked forms as she straightened up, straddling his waist. She positioned herself against his hard cock, pressing it to her lightly toned abs with her left hand. "Oh yes my lord...I do. As I explained in my hut, there is no greater purpose for a healer than to serve a being such as yourself. Allow me to be the woman to bear your child...as I will forever be grateful…"

His erection throbbed against her midriff, desperate to enter her. Yet despite his intense urges, Dominax let out an insidious chuckle. "Do you think me so easy to manipulate that you'd merely have to spread your legs and offer a weak excuse? Though we've only met days ago, I'd recognize that burning ambition in your eyes from anyone." He explained, his body screaming at him to act upon his arousal. He wanted to hear her say the words, to reveal herself entirely. If his instincts were correct, he'd simply need to stoke the flames of her greed to form her into a cunning and formidable ally. "You need only to utter your desire. As you've saved my life, I shall grant it."

Though taken off guard by his response, Xenia appeared to be just as determined as she had been at the start. A devious grin formed on her lips as she chose her words carefully. "What I've said is true, though…you are correct. To see your powers in action was...exhilarating. The way you killed Ortis using nothing besides lightning from your fingertips...I just…" she explained, holding his cock tightly against her navel. She could feel the hint of a quiver in her thighs as she replayed the memory in her mind, remembering the power he had demonstrated. "I want to be your woman...to bear your baby. I want you to grant me your seed, and allow my child to inherit your abilities, my lord." She said in her sultry voice that practically dripped with ambitious desire. "Allow me to remain at your side...to raise your children as you take this world for yourself…"

Dominax nearly revealed Briza's pregnancy, though he kept that particular little detail to himself for the moment. A wave of arousal washed over him as he listened to her words, observing her utter hunger for his seed. Though he knew that she was hardly concerned with concepts such as order and stability, her response would suffice for now. "Very good Xenia, I'd enjoy nothing more…" He said, placing his hands on her hips.

Thrilled with his response, a seductive smirk spread across her gorgeous face as she lightly stroked his cock against her abs. "Oh trust me, I know. I'm certain there's nothing on Magnius that you'd enjoy more in this moment than to fill up my fertile little pussy, isn't that right my lord? Doesn't it just kill you to be so close to my womb, knowing that I'd eagerly accept your seed?"

His throbbing erection burned with desire, desperate to mate. "Come Xenia, and I shall make you a mother…"

Obeying his command, she lifted herself off his waist, shifting slightly to position his cock directly under her waiting vagina. The young woman slowly lowered herself, pressing his tip against her sweet folds. Her abundant wetness had been steadily built during their conversation, as her twenty-year-old body radiated the desire to breed. She had waited until her peak ovulation to ambush him on the beach, leaving her womb fertile and waiting.

A low groan escaped from Dominax as she sank down onto his cock, penetrating herself on his manhood. Her pussy was nearly as tight as Briza's, yet Xenia's higher experience was more than evident.

Inch by inch his length entered her, before causing her to gasp in pure lust as his tip finally pressed into her cervix, completely filling her pussy with his cock. "Oh gods...it's so big…" she muttered, allowing herself a moment to adjust to his size.

Dominax held onto her womanly hips firmly as she slowly began to move up and down, riding his erection. Nearly two years had passed since he had slept with another woman besides Briza, causing his balls to ache with the desire to breed his new female.

The rhythm of her movements seemed to stabilize as she grew familiar with his girth, bobbing up and down and causing her firm breasts to jiggle slightly with each thrust. "Dominax…oh gods..."

Pleasure streamed through his body, his cock reaching her deepest depths with each movement. Xenia's fertile young womb lay just behind her cervix, causing him to moan as he knew he'd only have to unleash his seed to claim her incredible body forever.

As she rode him, she began to run her delicate fingers over her perfectly toned abs, sensually tracing her odd tattoos as she showed off her feminine form. The physical stimulation was only increased as she took tremendous joy in enticing him, certain that he desired every inch of her.

His eyes traveled along her front, taking in her beauty. What perfect children she'd grant him, born from her spectacular loins. The thought forced him to groan hard, fueling him to rock his hips as he assisted in her thrusts. All thoughts of Zilrin, Nitri, and the cloaked stranger were momentarily swept aside, replaced with the overpowering instinct to impregnate his alluring companion with his seed.

Yet just as Dominax was consumed with pleasure, so too was Xenia as she suddenly reached her peak. With nothing but thoughts of her future pregnancy, the young woman's entire body seized up, forcing a cry from her soft lips as she orgasmed.

The tightness around his cock increased as she squirted a surprising amount of pussy juice around his shaft, dripping into the reddish sand. Yet even as she momentarily paused in her orgasmic ecstasy, Dominax continued to thrust up into her straddling form, rocking his hips just enough to maintain their mutual pleasure.

The long orgasm slowly faded from her enthralled form, allowing her to regain control and resume her movements as she started to once again bounce up and down on his large manhood. "Oooohhh yes...Dominax…!"

Utilizing the further increased wetness from her climax, the young couple were able to move faster as her fertile pussy practically milked his shaft, as if begging for his sperm.

Overcome completely by the pure primal instinct to breed, Dominax took hold of Xenia's slim waist, pulling her to his chest and using leverage to roll until she lay beneath him. As he was now on top, he claimed control, thrusting furiously into her womanhood.

On her back and with her legs spread wide, Xenia could do nothing besides submit to his rough pounding. She wrapped her arms around his neck, throwing her head back in bliss as her lover passionately used her accepting vagina.

Grunting with each thrust, he cared little if their cries of pleasure reached the camp. It was only right that the leader should breed, using any pussy that he required. Such was the price of stability, as those who were worthy of command must spread their seed.

Xenia's mind was lost in ecstasy, nearly obsessed with becoming pregnant. Her child would accomplish great deeds, all while she held influence from the shadows. Her ovulating pussy was desperate for his cum, eager to bear his gifted offspring as her moans echoed through the night sky.

Dominax pounded her into the beach, the sounds originating from the enormous rushing river beside them mixing with their lovemaking.

"I...I'm yours...my lord…" Xenia muttered through her pleasure, holding him tightly in her arms. "This body...is yours! Use...my womb! Make me a...mother…!"

Thrusting as hard and as fast as he could muster, Dominax slowly felt his imminent climax inching towards him as each minute ticked by. Yet just as had occurred during his last session with Briza, Dominax held absolutely no intention of pulling out.

"Cum...inside...my lord…!" The young healer exclaimed as she recognized the subtle signs of his approaching finish. "Give me your...seed…!"

Closer and closer, his climax grew nearer. As it did so, his sensitivity skyrocketed as he found his edge, each pump into her womanhood granting him an explosion of pleasure. Gritting his teeth for his last powerful thrusts, he suddenly cried out in pure primal passion as he hilted her, feeling her toned legs wrap around him tightly as his orgasm overtook his athletic body.

Thick ropes of cum rocketed out of his cock, spurting his fertile sperm into her ovulating womb. Yet even as she had expected the pleasure to be high, Xenia hadn't prepared herself for the overwhelming sensation of finally fulfilling her biological instinct to reproduce, forcing her into a climax of her own as she embraced him tightly in mutual ecstasy.

To cum inside of a beautiful woman with the sole intention of impregnating her was the absolute height of pleasure that Dominax had ever experienced, nearly screaming as his balls pumped load after load of potent sperm as deeply as possible, seeking out the young healer's waiting eggs.

They held each other for a long moment as each second seemed to drag on, their naked bodies intertwined. Both orgasms slowly faded, until they went limp in each other's embrace.

Groaning and exhausted, Dominax freed himself from Xenia's womanly legs, allowing him to roll off her gorgeous body. Neither spoke as they lay still, staring up into the black starless void of space.

Xenia placed her hand on her stomach, as if she would somehow feel the fertilization occur. Yet her satisfied smirk returned to her sensual face as she turned her head to face her lover. She stared at him for several seconds, before finally breaking the silence. "I...that was…"

Dominax nodded his head knowingly, allowing a devious grin of his own to form. "You'll make a great mother...Xenia. Our child...will certainly be perfect."

"You've repaid your debt to me...yet I still fully intend to serve at your side, my lord. I am your woman, as promised."

In response, he turned to look directly into her dark eyes, visible in the intense moonlight. "Very good, though you must surely know of my involvement with Briza, correct?"

"Of course, my lord, everyone in the camp knows that she is your woman." Xenia explained with a calm voice, despite the jealousy lurking just underneath. Though possessing multiple mates was far from uncommon for a Chief, the normality of the act did nothing to sooth Xenia's emotions. Despite both being committed to Dominax, Briza would only ever be a rival. "Though I'm sure she won't be pleased to know that I'll likely fall pregnant first. Only one who is worthy should bear your first born."

He turned his head away, returning his gaze upwards as he felt his strength slowly recover. "Ah...well it's only right that I should inform you that she is already pregnant. Yet even so, I'm certain that you'll both provide me with worthy heirs."

The statement struck Xenia like a spear, yet she concealed any sign of her fury. "Yes...my lord, we shall." She said after a moment.

They remained together for several minutes, with the moonlight bathing their spent bodies.

***

17th of Onis, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, East of Nitri.

Though the children and elderly had begun to complain about the constant walking, Dominax led on.

The strategy of leading the group in whatever direction the ghostly figure appeared in paid off, as they finally broke through the tree line. The remaining survivors of Nitri emerged into an open field, extending from the banks of the river. The soft grass that carpeted the red dirt shined vibrantly in the daylight. The open space would be utterly perfect to establish a new settlement, hidden from their enemies. They'd rebuild and retaliate.

Yet, as they reached the field, only one aspect caught Dominax's silver eyes. There, in the center, sat the pod-like structure from his dream. As large as a two-story building, it appeared cube-like with rounded edges. Its entire outer surface was made of a strange pure white metal, with small details etched into it using black metal. The two materials perfectly matched The Chimira's outer hull which hung high over their heads, casting its gigantic shadow down far into the distance.

"What in the world is that…?" Briza asked with a hint of fear, eyeing the structure as the group slowly emerged from the trees.

Murmurs began to break out amongst the crowd, steadily increasing in volume before Dominax held up his hand to silence them. "Everyone, calm yourselves!"

The survivors' whispers ceased instantly, turning their attention towards their leader.

"Whatever that...THING is, I'll inspect it myself! Remain here and stay vigilant!" Dominax replied. Whatever the purpose of the pod, there was no chance of him allowing his people closer without discovering it for himself.

Briza stepped close to him and whispered in his ear. "I'm not sure if that's wise...let me accompany you. There's no way to know what's inside…"

"Ah, but I require you to remain with the group." Dominax replied. "Ensure that they remain calm and under control in my absence, understand?"

She looked him in the eye, though nodded. "Fine, but make sure you come back. I'm not losing you too."

"I intend to." He replied with a devious grin.

Xenia watched them share a quick kiss, before Dominax began to walk towards the pod. She subtly clenched her hands into fists, digging her fingernails into her palms.

With several minutes passing before he finally reached the strange structure, Dominax felt an odd surrealism as he approached. He had viewed it in his dreams, yet there it was standing before him.

The vibrant grass seemed to grow taller the nearer it was to the pod, twisting and colored all types of strange shades such as blues, reds, oranges, and white.

Encircling it, he discovered a set of double doors on its East facing side, sealed shut. To the right of the doorway was an imprint of a human hand, engraved into the pure white metal. Curious, he ran his fingers over the engraving, before carefully placing his hand into it. The size of the handprint appeared very similar to his own, allowing it to rest comfortably.

"What are you…" He whispered out loud before jerking his hand away when the doors began to separate, opening the pod's interior to the world. Dominax peered through the open doorway, unable to see much detail in the darkness. The doors had seemingly opened on their own, without the assistance of a living being.

Slowly, carefully, he took a step inside as if urged forwards. Yet, as soon as he had passed through the entrance, the metal doors slid shut, sealing him in complete darkness.

Chapter Text

17th of Onis, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, East of Nitri.

Dominax held his hand out, igniting a flame in his palm that burnt away the encircling darkness. His flickering light illuminated the interior of the strange pod, revealing that it consisted of a single spacious chamber made of the same pure white metal from the exterior. Yet unlike the exterior, it's walls were curved into a more circular shape, topped with a high domed ceiling that he could hardly make out through the oppressive darkness. The floor was decorated with a massive symbol that he hadn't encountered before, vaguely in the shape of a crescent moon.

A thin pedestal began to rise from the center of the floor, sticking out into the empty space of the room. Waist high, a strange orb sat atop its peak.

With careful steps, he approached the pedestal. To see an object move without the assistance of man was mystifying, yet its strangeness was null compared to the item it presented. The translucent spherical orb was as dark as the void of space, yet it erupted into thousands of different specs of color as the light from his flame shined through. Though it was small enough to be concealed using two hands Dominax felt a dizzying depth as he peered into it, as if someone had stolen a piece of reality and condensed it into a ball.

With a glimmer of desire in his silver eyes, he slowly reached out towards the strange object with his free hand. Yet before his fingers could brush its surface, he instinctively shot his arm up into a defensive position when the image of a larger sphere projected above the orb, wider than a grown man could wrap his arms around. Dominax slowly lowered his guard, examining the semitransparent globe. Glowing slightly, he could see oceans, rivers, and mountains, yet he recognized none of it.

"What sorcery is this?" He asked, waving his hand through the projection.

"Uuuu iiii oouu" a sound whispered quietly inside his mind in what could only be described as a light vibration. It was as if the orb itself was communicating with him, though even stranger, he understood its intentions. As if delivering pure data directly into his brain he suddenly looked at the globe in understanding.

"How..can this be…?" He asked himself, staring at the projection in pure astonishment. As possibly the first human in history to do so, Dominax looked upon a map of the entire world. With one massive continent facing him, he had to squint to recognize practically anything that he was familiar with. All of their maps and all of their travels amounted to practically nothing.

The projection flickered, before disappearing entirely. "Wait...no! Come back!" He cried out in his deep voice, looking at the orb in panic.

Though his fire lightly illuminated the chamber, all color instantly drained away from his surroundings. The flame seemingly froze in place, as if time itself had stopped. Dominax tried to move and realized once again that he had left his frozen body, just as he had during the slaughter. He stepped fully out of his physical form, feeling deeply unsettled and confused as he looked upon himself.

"Dominax…." A low, weak voice echoed quietly through the chamber. He quickly turned to his right, only to be met with the presence of the ghostly figure of the cloaked stranger who had saved him.

"Who...what are you?" Dominax asked, taking a step backwards as he readied himself for a fight.

The figure slowly approached him, his steps making no sound on the cold metal floor. He stopped when he was a mere four feet away from Dominax, granting him a better view of his hooded face. He appeared FAR older than he had during their first encounter, with wispy white hair and deep wrinkles. A black robe concealed his elderly body under his cloak, slightly dragging on the floor. Yet the feature that delivered Dominax a tingle of unease was the man's silver eyes, matching his own nearly identically.

The man slowly began to reach out with both hands. "Come...let me look upon you..."

Dominax eyed the man suspiciously, standing firm as he studied the cloaked figure. He was three inches taller than the stranger, forcing his ghostly fingers to reach up at a slight angle as they sought out his face. Yet as both wrinkled hands met his skin he felt...nothing, as if he hadn't actually touched him at all.

"Look how much you've...grown…" the stranger muttered in what was nearly a whisper.

With caution, Dominax slowly attempted to grab the figure's wrists to pull the transparent appendages away yet was disturbed to discover that his fingers simply passed through the figure as if he was nothing more than an illusion.

"Do not be frightened...child…" the man said, his fingers shaking as he pulled them away. His voice was low and strained, as if the man could only conjure it through great effort.

"Yet you've failed to answer my question." Dominax replied with visible wariness. "Who are you?"

A small grin began to creep across the man's face. Or rather, if he actually was a man, instead of some decrepit demon. "Child...I no longer possess the...need for a name. Though if you must know, I was once...called Dorian…"

As the words oozed from the figure's old mouth, an inkling of familiarity tugged at Dominax's memory before a strange realization stabbed him abruptly. "Dorian...or Doriin?" He asked carefully, the monumental implications of his question sinking in. Though nearly every Chiefdom throughout The Human Basin held differing beliefs regarding the origin of the world, nearly all contained some variation of the name Doriin.

"Ah...yes, Dorian...Doriin...Dirian...Darian...all have been used to refer to...me." He replied, confirming Dominax's suspicions.

As if looking at the strange translucent figure through new eyes, Dominax suddenly felt a surge of importance radiating from the man. Dominax hadn't simply confronted some childhood ghost, but rather if their legends were correct, he had been lured to the very creator of the world. He felt as though he should wish to throw himself at the feet of this strange being, to utterly praise the man. Yet, the urge to bow remained elusive to him, absent from his mind. Only the weak bowed, even to a God.

When Dominax didn't answer, Dorian gave a gentle nod. "I...understand that you may be...overwhelmed with such a revelation…" He began in his usual strained voice. "Yet time is of...importance. Even here...where my power should be at its...strongest, I can barely reveal myself. I...severely damaged my power...when I rescued you…"

"An act that still confuses me." Dominax replied, thinking back to the slaughter of Nitri. There had been no doubt in his mind that he was about to die, yet the stranger had granted him just enough reaction time to escape his fate. "Why choose to save me?"

With a kind smile, Dorian's silver eyes seemed to slightly glow as he answered. "How could I not save...my own child…"

The revelation hit him like a fist to the gut, and Dominax had to take a step backwards to put some distance between himself and the strange man. "That's...impossible…"

Dorian held out his hands in a calming gesture. "Do not be alarmed...my child."

Though his mind whirled, Dominax snapped out of his thoughts to deliver an insidious glare. "Alarmed? You not only claim to be the creator of the world, but my father as well. Yet you dissuade me from being Alarmed?" His voice contained more bafflement than anger, still processing the implications of such information. "Why should I trust even a single word of it in any case?"

The ghostly figure nodded in understanding, before slowly waving his hand. As he did so, a faint glowing rope of pure white began to reveal itself, extending between them. Though virtually no visual indicator existed, Dominax instinctively felt as though Dorian was the source of the strange rope-like beam with Dominax at the end, as if somehow sensing the nature of the connection.

"There is more to conception...than mere blood." Dorian began to explain, gesturing to the beam as it hung between them. "Parents give up a piece of their soul...to create their child. A literal line exists between them...connecting them across time...and space. Concentrate, and you will see...the truth of my claim…"

Too intrigued to refuse, Dominax focused his attention on the ethereal line between them. Within moments, it was as if he had received information directly from it, understanding its purpose entirely. The undeniable bond between father and son was directly in front of him, absolute proof of the man's statement. "How is this even possible?" He questioned, the unmistakable look of ambition in his silver eyes.

"In time...I will teach you." Dorian struggled to say, seemingly fighting to continue speaking. "Though it is unimportant...for now. I must...rest...and regain my power."

The glow in Dominax's eyes disappeared as his face dropped into a look of disappointment. "No, you cannot go yet, I must know more! Tell me, Dorian, the purpose of my birth. Tell me why I was created, why I was gifted with these...powers!" His voice was low, though demanding. He had always known that he was meant for something greater than a life as a simple warrior of an insignificant settlement. Born with abilities that none had encountered before, he had been certain that there had been a reason for his existence. Yet now the possibility to learn the answers he had always yearned for was in his grasp.

"Purpose?" The old man asked in a confused voice, before a look of realization overtook his features. "Ah...I see. I found your mother on the eve of...approximately one thousand years...since the creation of this world, Ayphieal. I refrained from any interference…for a sufficient amount of time...to allow events and decisions of its inhabitants to occur...naturally. I wished to see what my creations would do...without my guiding hand. Only then did I allow...my vanity to take hold, giving into...my desire to produce an heir to my power."

A silence filled the chamber as Dorian paused, allowing his words to fully sink in.

He then continued, though his tone shifted to one of sadness as if the memory particularly pained him. "I brought your mother to my ship...and granted her my seed. Throughout her pregnancy...I cared for her, gifting her all of my...knowledge, knowing she would...one day train you. Yet after your birth, I sent her back to the surface...in the pod you stand in now."

With a wave of Dorian's hand, the orb's hologram of the planet reactivated. "She wished...to spread her new knowledge...to every corner of Ayphieal." He said, gesturing to the large globe. "Your settlement elders, however, rejected her explanation...of their origins. They executed her...in front of the entire village…"

The mention of his mother's drowning brought a sharp pain of anger to Dominax's chest, causing him to clench his fists.

"They...KILLED her...for the truth she spoke." Dorian continued, sounding genuinely devastated at the loss. "I could do nothing...except watch her die. It was only her wisdom...in placing you in the care of Cendra...that spared your life. Had the elders known you were...of her blood, they...would have cast you into the river."

"Then their foolishness only increases. She offered them the truth, and they rejected it. If only she could have seen their slaughter at the hands of the Zilrinians." Dominax replied, his words dripping with disgust. Yet despite the anger that Dorian's explanation delivered him, he began to feel his respect for Cendra increasing. She had risked her life to save him, knowing that the revelation of his true parentage would earn her a swift death. She had raised him, spreading a false narrative amongst their people about simply adopting an unspecified friend's child. The thought of her loss was suddenly brought to the forefront of his mind, and he had to grit his teeth to suppress his emotions.

"Yet their actions gifted me...a realization." Dorian said, continuing. "As your mother drowned…any ambition I possessed for your future...died with her. I nearly lost you…" the old man said, his voice quivering nearly imperceptibly. "You ask what your purpose is, and so I will...give it to you. Live...your life."

The simplicity of the statement was anything but what Dominax had expected. He had envisioned grandiose designs thought up by the ancient mind of a God, plans that would echo across the world. Yet instead, all he received was...this? "Live my life?" The younger man asked with contempt.

Dorian nodded, ignoring the clear hostility. "Find a woman, settle...down. Perhaps even start a family. Just...live in peace. I only wish for you...to be happy."

"A simple life?" Dominax repeated, as if bitterly tasting the words.

"That is my wish for you. Find...peace. There is far too much death in this world. The pod...will protect you. Use it. The orb...contains instructions on creating highly durable steel, of which this very pod...is constructed. Use it and sell whatever you manage to...forge. It'll bring you enough wealth for a comfortable life, safe...from the world's horrors."

The chamber once again went silent as Dominax processed his words. The request was intriguing, a way to prevent himself from ever being forced to experience anything similar to the Nitri slaughter. A way to prevent himself from suffering the loss of any further loved one. Yet as each benefit flowed through his mind, there was one problem that continually made itself known to him as he turned his silver eyes towards the holographic globe. One confliction that refused to free him from its grip. "You ask me to live a simple life, one of peace and comfort. An existence that any ordinary man would eagerly accept. Yet...I am no ordinary man. My answer is no."

"No?" Dorian replied with an expression of shock, clearly not expecting such a blunt answer.

"No." The younger man repeated, his voice firm as his eyes remained locked on the large representation of the planet. "You request that I live a simple life, and I say no. For too long I've allowed inferior men to act as rulers. For too long I've sat back, concealing my powers while this world is torn apart by conflict. I did nothing to avenge my mother, and I did nothing as The Elders put us in a position to be attacked."

"My son...The Elders of your village are dead. Whatever vengeance you seek to achieve...has already been inflicted upon them."

"Ah, but vengeance has never been at the forefront of my desire, and that remains true even now. Yes, The Elders are dead, but they were merely a small piece of the problem. This world you've created, one where leaders fight each other for control, is wrought with chaos. Merely five days ago I had a settlement and a family. Now, only a few lucky survivors remain."

Dorian observed the young man with curiosity, listening to his passionate words.

"This can no longer be allowed." Dominax said as he reached out, as if grasping the immaterial globe. "I will take this world, and I will give it order. I will inflict my will into every part of it. No longer will civilizations clash over petty disagreements. No longer will people live their lives in fear, wondering when the next attack will strike. No longer will chaos thrive." He stated as his eyes began to slightly glow. There. He had said it. The very thing he had desired for as long as he could remember, placed out into the open for only a God to judge.

Dorian folded his ghostly arms, choosing his next words carefully. "If this is the path you choose...you are asking me to sit by...and watch you risk your life in an attempt to do...the impossible."

He nodded somberly. "I am, Dorian. You are my progenitor, my blood. I would not exist without you. You've granted me these abilities, this power, yet you request that I do nothing with them. I...can't, not anymore."

Throwing his hand out loosely in a gesture of bewilderment, it was Dorian's turn to disagree. "They will allow you to protect yourself...and your family! That's FAR...from nothing!"

Dominax stroked his short beard. "Though the fact remains that you desire me to live happily, correct?"

The translucent being nodded in conformation

"This potential life you've illustrated, one where I live as a simple man. I…" Dominax began, searching for the correct words. "I do not wish to live as others do. I desire...to rule. If I cannot, if I must spend my life among ordinary beings...then the elders may as well have thrown me into the river alongside my mother."

A long silence filled the surrounding air, the world around them remaining paused. Dominax had been outside of his body for so long that he hardly even noticed, the strange colorless existence swiftly becoming natural to him.

When Dorian finally spoke, he kept his voice low and calm. "What you seek...will be difficult. You're in the most decentralized area." He explained, gesturing to The Lower Human Basin on the globe. "Other areas have formed kingdoms, even...empires, yet your people still fight as tribes."

An insidious grin formed on Dominax's lips. "Ah but you miss the advantage. Tribes are far easier to subjugate than empires. I shall consolidate surrounding Chiefdoms through conquest, amassing a force strong enough to consume the continent."

The tired eyes of the godly entity seemed to dim somewhat, as he looked upon his son's ambitious form. "Is this what you...truly desire, my child?"

Dominax's eyes seemed to glow with increased intensity as he turned to gaze at the vast globe. "More than you can possibly imagine."

"Then...I will not deny you." Dorian reluctantly agreed, his ghostly form barely visible. "Yet be warned. I no longer possess the...strength to save you. You...are on...your own…"

"That is a risk I am willing to accept. To die as a ruler shall always be preferable over living as a common man."

Dorian looked at the younger male, clearly pondering. Whatever opinion he now held of his son, he gave no voice to. "Then go. We...will speak again soon...though I...must rest. Goodbye for now...my boy…"

Dominax watched the figure slowly fade from existence, before he was suddenly returned to his body. The abrupt transition was disorienting, causing him to stumble slightly. The beam connecting them had vanished from sight, yet he could sense that its presence remained.

Only a moment passed to allow himself to readjust before he picked up the alien-like orb. It felt cold against his bare fingers, yet he could feel something more. Something...powerful, deep inside of it.

Dominax turned to leave the chamber, exiting through the doorway he had entered by using an exact copy of the outside hand scanner. The outside light was overwhelming as he stepped through, pausing to allow his eyes to adjust before stepping through the doorway. As he did so, he felt as though he had been changed in a way, relieved of a deep weight. He had revealed his deepest desires, and now nothing would dissuade him from seeking them out.

A simple warrior had entered the pod, though a future emperor had emerged.

***

16th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, East of Nitri.

In the month that followed, the small group of nearly one hundred Nitri survivors had settled down around the pod, building a camp with only the most basic defenses. Though it could hardly be considered a settlement quite yet, Dominax had affectionately named the camp Domani after himself.

In addition to the benefit of the nearby river, the large clearing surrounding them consisted of mostly flat land, granting them ample room to spread out and grow in the future. A location that fit his plans well, as Domani would need to expand considerably to meet Dominax's goals.

The reluctance to settle down away from their ancestral home continued to linger amongst a few members of their new camp, though Dominax had placed his attention elsewhere. For several hours each day he studied the strange orb from the pod's chamber, hungry for its secrets. Dorian's claims concerning the fact that the ball contained information had been true, as Dominax eagerly attempted to pierce its depths. Though it communicated only in its bizarre vibrating language he continued to understand whatever it broadcasted into his mind, allowing him to navigate its contents simply through thought.

Within the first few attempts to coax out its secrets, he had learned of the process required to forge the white metal that covered the pod. With a simple iron dagger taken from their incredibly limited stockpile, he showered the blade in both his electricity and flame. With only the exact amount of intensity being capable of transforming the metal, it slowly turned black over several grueling minutes as he struggled to retain his concentration. From the information he had absorbed, Dominax knew that the metal would slowly become stronger the darker it became. Then, an instant after the blade had turned as black as the void of space, it suddenly shifted pure white, allowing him to cease his efforts. It would now be nearly impossible to reshape the dagger, as it had reached its peak strength.

Though this newfound advantage wasn't all he had discovered, as mere days after forging the dagger he had forced the orb to inform him of the source of his cloak's unique material. Among the warped and multicolored grass encircling the pod, several small plants with white stems and black leaves stood under a foot tall. Each had several rose-like appendages, producing an odd silky material. Woven together, the silk produced a very resilient fabric that was capable of resisting fire and regulating temperature.

Immediately, Dominax had ordered a few of the non-combat experienced survivors to gather the strange plants, which they quickly named Chimira flowers, to begin farming them nearby. Meanwhile, the rest of the group remained busy by building simple defenses and huts, while others hunted for food.

Only when he felt that his people were stable enough to endure his absence did he begin to plan their retaliation. They had virtually no chance of conquering the Zilrinians on their own, though an option quickly presented itself as Dominax studied the damaged maps of the surrounding land. They allowed him to see the general location of nearby Chiefdoms, while the holographic globe provided him with detailed knowledge regarding the surrounding landscape. The deceased Elders of Nitri had been foolish enough to ignore the necessity of allies, a mistake that Dominax refused to repeat.

From information gathered before the slaughter, Dominax knew that the Chiefdom of Omrin was less than friendly towards the Zilrinians, making them prime candidates for an alliance. He had informed his people of his intentions to travel south and make contact with Omrin, though with no intention of leaving their newly formed camp undefended. Therefore, he had selected only Clin, Salduin, and Hesin to accompany him, with the intention of sending for the remaining warriors when the time was right to attack.

The trio had been the only ones to speak up during his seizure of command, placing them above the rest of the group in Dominax's mind. The others had simply given themselves over to him, neither voicing specific support nor descent. It was only right that they obeyed him, as it appeared evident to him that simple-minded beings must serve the strong. Yet, they were only pawns. If he were to be successful in his ambitions, he'd require the input from a select group of individuals worthy of advising him. Clin, Salduin, and Hesin contained potential, and Dominax wished to assess their usefulness.

"I'm not sure how I feel about you traveling in such a small group." Briza confessed, standing in the center of their large tent as Dominax prepared his supplies. He had allowed no one else inside of the pod, choosing instead to sleep with both Briza and Xenia inside of the largest tent that had been constructed.

"At the very least I should be allowed to accompany you." Xenia added, folding her arms. Days after their first riverside lovemaking Dominax had explained the situation to Briza, allowing both women to openly embrace their position as his lovers. Though it had been awkward in the beginning, they had come to accept the arrangement as Xenia concealed her ill intentions toward her female rival. "It would be wise to bring a healer along."

Dominax finished preparing, straightening up as he turned to address the two women. "Perhaps, though it is far wiser for you to remain here and assist the rest of the camp." He said, slinging a satchel of provisions over one shoulder. The heavily damaged chest plate concealed the top portion of his black tunic, while his crudely patched up white cloak hung from his shoulders. "In any case, I require both of you to manage the group in my absence. If all goes according to plan, we won't be apart for long."

"You'd better be right, because I'm not having this baby without you." Briza remarked, placing one hand on her hip and the other on her athletic midriff.

Neither woman had begun to show, yet their pregnancies were undeniable. Even if they had ignored the subtle signs indicating conception, Dominax had managed to follow the orb's instructions and glimpse the spiritual ties between himself and his two unborn children.

The knowledge that they were both carrying his offspring had led to less than gentle lovemaking, his desire nearly insatiable regarding their fertilized bodies. Yet while both women had given themselves eagerly to his touch, he hadn't yet involved them together. Such an intimate act would have to wait.

"It's certainly a risk, though whatever the outcome, trust that I will not fail. You must simply do your part when I send word to attack." Dominax stated, thinking back to his plans. Though he would certainly promise the Chief of Omrin to send for his warriors to join the attack on Zilrin, the Chief may be surprised by his actual intentions.

"We'll attack Omrin while their warriors are away under your command, just as you ordered." Xenia acknowledged with an ambitious smile.

Dominax gave a quick nod. "Then all is prepared. The next time we meet I won't simply be a Chief, but a High Chief."

***

Taking only the bare essentials, Dominax, Clin, Salduin, and Hesin set off towards Omrin. Lacking both Lixidion mounts or a boat, they were forced to travel by foot. Yet despite the fact that their journey would take them a greater distance than their exodus from Nitri, they were able to cover far more ground each hour without the burden of leading the group of survivors.

"Salduin, may I ask you something?" Clin politely inquired as they trudged through the vibrantly green forest.

The large man nodded, his stature calm as he seemingly basked in their momentarily tranquil surroundings.

"How can you possibly find peace in these circumstances?" The blonde-haired warrior asked in genuine curiosity. "You appear as calm as you had before the attack, despite the fact that we may be marching towards our deaths."

"The better question is how aren't you able to?" Salduin replied, before gesturing to the surrounding foliage with his heavily muscled arms. "The very definition of life surrounds us. I simply listen to the nearby animals and insects, knowing that we are but one part of nature."

"Yes, it's quite beautiful." Hesin interjected with notable sarcasm. "Especially when monstrous creatures pounce from the foliage to maul us." His cloak's hood remained pulled over his head despite the absence of rain.

Salduin held up a thick finger, eager to retort the statement. "That is possible, though you must train yourself to cast such thoughts aside. Yet in any case, one shouldn't fear death, as it is merely a natural stage of life."

The answer seemed to displease both Hesin and Clin, though it was Dominax who spoke up. "Three thousand new Graves in Nitri would disagree with you." He replied, gritting his teeth as an image of Cendra's bleeding body flashed through his mind. "Though I don't plan on meeting my end until I've quenched my ambitions."

"You may not get a choice in that." Salduin stated, his voice sturdy but calm. "The slaughter of our people was a tragedy to be sure, though I'm certain that they are all at peace now."

Under his hood Hesin made a scornful expression. "Give me life over peace any day. Though I am curious as to where your little obsession with life and death originated from."

The large man suddenly appeared to be reluctant to carry on the conversation, in stark contrast to his eager explanations. A long moment of silence passed before Salduin finally provided the group with a response. "Perhaps one day in the future I will explain all you'd like to know, though now is not the time."

None of the other warriors seemed willing to disagree with the muscled man while Dominax led them in stern silence.

***

Deep into their first night, the group was awoken by loud cries of anguish originating from Clin. They all quickly jumped up from their simple bedrolls, sprinting to their companion's location.

Clin had settled down a few meters away from the group, just far enough that his screams were slightly muffled by the trees. Dominax reached him within seconds, pulling the cloak off the man's body and preparing his white knife to stab any creature that had slipped under it to bite the blonde. Yet oddly enough, he saw nothing that could be causing the warrior any pain.

Realizing that Clin's eyes were actually still shut, Salduin reached down and roughly shook the man, waking him from his sleep. Clin's screams ceased instantly as his eyes flew open in confusion.

"What's happening?!" The blonde warrior asked in panic, beads of sweat dripping down his face.

They looked down at him in bafflement, before Salduin replied. "You were screaming!"

In his disoriented state it took several seconds before a look of realization spread across Clin's face. "Ah, I had hoped that we'd at least reach Omrin before this happened." He stated in an apologetic tone, though when they continued to stare at him in confusion he continued. "I apologize if I disturbed you, though there's nothing to be concerned about. I suffer from...unspeakable nightmares every few nights, which is why I've taken the precaution of distancing myself."

Dominax peered down at his companion, rising to his full height. "That is...peculiar."

Clin nodded understandingly. "Yes, I didn't want to unsettle you, though I can assure you that they won't hinder my effectiveness in battle."

Standing on the other side of Clin, Hesin gave a subtle grin at the man's explanations, an expression that didn't escape Dominax's notice. The young Chief had known of the two warriors' turbulent past before setting out towards Omrin, though the origin of their mutual dislike had remained elusive. Now, seeing the hooded man secretly take pleasure in Clin's suffering made him wonder if he had made a mistake in bringing both of them along.

Yet momentarily satisfied with Clin's explanation, Dominax ordered his companions back to sleep. Whatever the cause of their rivalry could be dealt with at a later time, as conquest loomed over Dominax's mind.

***

17th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Omrin.

The two lookouts atop the North gate to Omrin hummed quietly, scanning the surrounding tree line for danger as the sun hung just above the horizon.

"Why does it take so long for the night watch to get here?" The left guard asked in annoyance. In the hours of his watch, he had taken to tossing small pieces of stone from one hand to the other to ease his boredom. Many of his rough pebbles had haphazardly fallen to the ground below through his carelessness, only to be swiftly replaced by snapping off more small pieces of the nearly crumbling wall that surrounded the entirety of Omrin.

The right guard let out a tired chuckle. "Patience, the day is almost over. Besides, I'm just as eager as you are. My woman has been awaiting my return all day, and I'd give a finger to be able to leave now and slip between those soft thighs..."

Tossing his latest pebble over the side of the wall, the left guard rubbed his eyes in exhaustion. "I don't mean to complain, though everyone knows that Chief Korvis has his attention aimed to the East. Histia is far more likely to attack than Zilrin, and I just feel like we aren't of much use right now."

Opening his mouth to reply, the right guard's attention was suddenly pulled towards the tree line. "Wait...someone's coming." He announced, as four individuals cautiously approached on foot.

"Stop and state your business!" The left guard ordered as the men neared, as was common practice for any unexpected guests. The occurrence was far from unusual, as multiple individuals throughout the day had sought entry. Whether a trader, ambassador, or simply a citizen of one of the lesser settlements under Omrin's control, all had to first offer an explanation to the guards.

The apparent leader, a man wearing a white cloak, spoke in a firm voice. "I am Chief Dominax of the remnants of Nitri, and I must speak to Chief Korvis about an urgent matter!"

"Nitri has no Chief!" The right guard countered, attempting to assess the group of four. "A council of Elders rules over their tiny settlement!"

Folding his arms, Dominax glared at the guards. "Things have changed. Now, are you going to waste my time further, or may I bring Korvis an offer of great importance?"

A moment of silence passed as the two guards considered the request together, before signaling to have the gate opened.

"Very good. I'm sure Korvis will be pleased to know that his men acted accordingly." Dominax announced as he and his companions entered the large settlement.

"We're sending an escort of warriors to accompany you to The Main Hold." One of the gate guards explained as several warriors moved to walk alongside the group.

Several minutes of walking passed before they reached their destination, passing a large number of huts and wooden buildings. Omrin was nearly double the size that Nitri had been, though it was the first time that any of the four warriors had stepped foot inside its gates. Yet even as he surveyed the surrounding buildings in the fading twilight, Dominax reminded himself that Omrin was nothing more than an average settlement. There were many other Chiefdoms that beat Omrin in both size and population, though it would be one of the first steps in his aims.

The Main Hold, located near the center of the settlement, consisted of a large circular building made of crude stone with several wooden rooms extending from its base that appeared to be recent additions.

led through the entrance, the group emerged into a large chamber that took up nearly all of the stone portion of the building. Circular in shape, the room held a throne carved from wood against the far wall, holding up the frame of a large overweight man. Undoubtedly Korvis, he had long braided brown hair that ran over his bare chest. His beard reached his swollen belly, which rested heavily on his legs. He wore only a greenish skirt that extended from his waist to his knees, concealing his lap.

Several guests lined the rounded walls, chatting loudly about various subjects as they milled around small tables holding cooked meats and fruits. Korvis simply stroked his beard as he lounged in his carved seat, his attention held by a slave who danced seductively before his throne. Wooden carvings of his past accomplishments hung from the walls, representing a far younger and muscular Korvis than his current form. The once formidable warrior had grown fat and complacent, content with his place as Chief.

Dominax approached the throne, though he did not join his companions in a bow.

"Ah, a new face in my hold!" Korvis exclaimed as he gestured for the slave to step aside, though his eyes narrowed as they locked onto the younger man. "Though it seems your knees must ache from your travels."

"I am Chief Dominax, leader of the last of Nitri's survivors. Though I will not kneel, I bring you something far greater...an offer." He replied, his silver eyes matching the sitting man's gaze as he stood over him.

Korvis continued to stroke his beard, looking over each of his new guests before returning his attention to Dominax. "An offer from Nitri? I have received reports from my scouts that your settlement had been destroyed, though it seems that your presence here is proof of this terrible fact."

"The Zilrinians attacked us without warning." Dominax confirmed with a hardened expression as his mind quickly relived the events of the slaughter. "In the end, only three hundred of our warriors remained." The lie slipped smoothly from his lips, inflating the number.

"Most concerning…" Korvis replied after a moment. "Though that still leaves the question as to why you have sought me out. What offer could the Chief of only a few hundred possibly provide me?"

Dominax subtly gritted his teeth, though removed the white dagger from his belt. The movement caused a few nearby guards to instinctively prepare themselves to defend their leader, though he turned the hilt of the small blade towards the Chief.

Staring at the strange white metal in curiosity Korvis accepted the small weapon, carefully taking it from Dominax's grasp. "I've...never seen any material even remotely similar...what is it?"

"Think of it as an offer of friendship between our two groups." Dominax replied, watching the older Chief study the blade with complete interest. "I've taken to calling the material 'Chimira Steel', and I can assure you that you'll see far more of its use if we combine our strength."

The statement snapped Chief Korvis's attention away from the blade, as he returned his gaze to Dominax. "Combine our strength? You wish to join The Omrin Chiefdom?"

Dominax shook his head, expecting the question. "Join? No. Rather, I'd see our forces combined in a temporary alliance, long enough to see the destruction of those who took everything from my people."

A glimmer of understanding showed in Korvis's eyes as he leaned back in his wooden throne. "Ah, you propose what I've long since sought after, an end to our Zilrinian neighbors."

"It would benefit Omrin tremendously, as we'd gladly allow you to take the spoils and land from our victory" Dominax lied as he granted the older Chief a calm smile. "My people and I merely wish to see the Zilrinians punished for the deaths of our families and friends. You will of course be compensated with additional weapons made of Chimira Steel, though only after Chief Manith lays dead at my feet."

Taking a moment to consider his words, Korvis gave an inquisitive look at his guest. "That certainly sounds promising, though tell me, why should I commit my warriors to conquering Zilrin when we are already preparing to defend against Histia? Not to mention the horrific reputation of Chief Manith, of which I'm sure I don't have to inform you of."

Dominax looked at the carvings of the once great man as he spoke. "Yes, you could bide your time until Histia makes their move, even as we are both aware of their superior numbers. Or rather, you could utilize the required boost offered by my people to defeat The Zilrinians, which will in turn allow you to overcome the Histians. There is no other logical option."

The older Chief pondered the statement for several seconds, before finally offering his answer. "You make an intriguing point, Chief Dominax, as I'm inclined to agree. Yet before I do, I must make a request. If I am to allow you to set out with my warriors, I'd like for my son Fildir to accompany you. The boy must learn what it means to command men in battle."

"That shouldn't be a problem." Dominax replied before holding out his hand towards the sitting Chief with a cunning grin. "Do we have an agreement?"

Korvis stood up from his throne, moving cautiously as if his legs would break. Without hesitation he grabbed the outstretched hand, pulling him close in a traditional gesture of comradery. "Ah we do, my new friend. I shall prepare my warriors to depart in a day or two!"

The onlookers who had paid attention to the meeting appeared to be pleased, while the rest of the loud gathering simply continued their respective conversations.

Korvis gestured for a nearby male slave, who dutifully approached the throne before the Chief spoke. "Gather my daughters, as our fine guests shall be treated with Omrin hospitality!"

As the slave left the room in a hurry, Dominax gave a questioning look to his host.

"Ah, come Dominax. You and your companions are free to stay in the main hold until you depart." He said, leading them from the crowded throne room. They passed through a nearby hallway that took them into the wooden extension of the building, before turning down a smaller corridor that held six doors before ending abruptly. "These are the guest quarters. Simply make a request and my slaves will do their best to fulfill it!"

"Your generosity is appreciated, Chief Korvis." Clin stated, bowing slightly.

"I trust that you three are capable of deciding on your own sleeping arrangements, though this room is for Dominax." Korvis explained as he gestured to the nearest room on the right. "There is a surprise waiting for you, as I'm sure it'll help cement our agreement. In any case, I must return to my throne."

The four warriors watched as the overweight Chief left them alone before Hesin spoke up. "Do you really feel that we can trust him to keep his word? I'm sure Chief Manith wouldn't mind compensating Korvis if he were to hand us over."

Dominax stroked his short black beard before shaking his head. "No, I don't believe Korvis would attempt something so bold while we remain in such close proximity. In his prime perhaps, though no longer. However, there is work to be done."

The three warriors looked at him in question, as he hadn't yet informed them of his plan.

"In the days preceding our departure, we must use this opportunity to gauge Omrin's defenses. It is likely that Korvis will retaliate when he realizes that we have no intention of handing over Zilrin." Dominax explained. He'd have to conceal the plans to conquer Omrin until they had proven themselves to be trustworthy, though they would still be able to unknowingly aid in the attack.

"It may be wise to assess Omrin's defenses in that case, focusing on where his spare guards will be placed in the absence of the bulk of his warriors." Salduin added in a low voice, cautious of eavesdroppers. The wooden walls were thin, though their conversation was kept to a minimum volume.

Dominax grinned insidiously, pleased with the large man's response. "Just the suggestion I was about to propose. Yet while you see to that, Clin will speak to the common people. Talk to them and attempt to see where the majority of their loyalties will lay in the event of an invasion. As for Hesin, you must focus on their physical defenses. Poke around their walls and seek any vulnerabilities."

Both Salduin and Hesin appeared satisfied with their tasks, though Clin seemed to be concerned. "An invasion? Of what sort?"

"I'd only like to limit the possible casualties in the event of a conflict. If we must take Omrin, I'd prefer to know what the population's response would be. Understand?" Dominax asked in a calm tone.

"I suppose. If it's possible to limit the amount of deaths in such a situation, I'll gladly do my best." Clin answered.

Hesin subtly bit his lip in anger as he listened to the blonde man's words, though he didn't respond. Dominax ignored the man's barely concealed anger and simply nodded his head in satisfaction. "Very well, you all know your orders. We shall speak more on this later."

As he dismissed them, they all separated to find their sleeping quarters. Dominax entered the room that had been assigned to him, opening the sturdy wooden door. Inside he was surprised to find it occupied by a group of five young girls and one male.

"Ah Master Dominax, please come, make yourself at home." The male of the group requested as Dominax recognized him to be the slave from the throne room. Completely bald and wearing only a loincloth, the skinny man was slightly paler than the girls he stood next to.

Closing the door behind him as he stepped into the room, Dominax eyed the girls in curiosity.

"Allow me to introduce you to the Chief's daughters! As his guest, he has generously allowed you to spend the night with one of your choosing." The slave stated with excessive eagerness.

Clearly the 'gift' that Korvis had mentioned, Dominax began to study the girl's as they remained in a line in the center of the small room. Though each had varying facial features, the sibling similarities between them were undeniable. All quite attractive, they had brown hair cut in various braids and styles while they all wore thin skirts that matched the color of their father's, displaying their soft thighs with alluring intentions. Only a thin strip of cloth concealed their breasts, as was common among the Lower Human Basin.

To see their beauty brought great relief to Dominax, as he would be required to choose one regardless of their collective looks. To display the desire to sleep with a man's daughter directly complimented said man's reproductive quality, though reversely, refusing an opportunity to lay with a daughter would be taken as a deep insult. Yet as Dominax carefully studied the waiting females one in particular caught his eye. Second from the right she was no less alluring than her sisters, though her physical features were not what set her apart. Rather, he glimpsed raw intelligence in her eyes, as opposed to the subservient expressions of her counterparts.

"You." Dominax stated plainly, nodding in the girl's direction. Her brunette hair fell in long curls that reached her exposed navel, sporting subtle abs. Several inches shorter than him, she couldn't be more than eighteen years old, yet the cunning in her gaze practically yearned with unknown aspirations that he could only guess stretched far beyond the life of an obedient daughter. He'd need only to coax them out of her.

"Very good, my lord." The bald slave responded with a quick bow. He then turned to the other girls. "Come, we shall grant them privacy."

As they made their way through the exit, Dominax was left alone with his 'gift'. Taking a step forward he watched her curious expression. "And your name is?"

"Dunith, my lord." The girl responded without hesitation. Her voice was light, though a small grin tugged at the sides of her soft lips. "I will do my best to please you."

"Oh, I have no doubt of that." Dominax replied as she closed the distance between them. "You are quite alluring, yet I wonder..." He began, cupping her chin in a gentle grip. "Would you still be in this room if granted the choice?"

When his hand left her chin, she wasted little time in removing both his cloak and chest plate, placing each down carefully on a nearby shelf as she replied "Of course, Chief Dominax. It is an honor to serve you."

"An honor? Yes, of that I am certain. However, I get the sense that there may be other desires in that gorgeous head of yours." He stated, studying her carefully as she returned to him and set about removing his black tunic. As his athletic form was exposed her gaze was drawn down to his thick manhood, causing her eyes to subtly widen with concealed intrigue.

"Desires, my lord?" She replied as she lifted her eyes to meet his, the faintest hint of redness rising in her pretty cheeks. "I don't take your meaning…"

Reaching around to untie her cloth top with meticulous slowness, Dominax allowed the thin covering to tumble to the wood floor as her firm breasts were freed. Similarly sized as Xenia's, they were just as firm and youthful. "Desires...Dunith. What drives a sweet daughter of a Chief?"

Biting her lip as his strong hands caressed the sides of her young breasts, she felt his fingers wrap under her round mounds as he held their perky weight. "I..I'm not quite…"

Sensing his arousal increasing, he heard her voice trail off as he moved to slide his fingers down her waist until they met her hips. Yet taking the band of her greenish skirt in his grasp, it took little effort to force the revealing outfit to slide down her feminine legs. The sight of her hairless pussy stirred his lust, coaxing it forth. "Ah, it'd be a shame if such an exquisite body was content with her place."

The young woman faintly bit her soft lip in mutual desire as her body remained at the mercy of his gaze. She granted him a calculated shrug before meeting his eyes with her own. The response revealed everything he needed to know. She'd be his.

With a gesture to the nearby bed, he allowed her to lead him by the arm across the room, pulling him gently onto the less than luxurious sheets that consisted mostly of green-dyed fabrics.

Maneuvering behind her as they both lay on their sides Dominax pulled her close to him, pressing his growing erection against the underside of her soft rump. With his lips nearly touching her ear he began to whisper. "Has Korvis's sweet daughter ever dreamed of ruling Omrin, I wonder?"

Feeling his hard manhood against her bare asscheeks forced a barely concealed groan from her parted lips. "Perhaps, my lord…" she answered, pushing backwards just enough to slip his length between her soft thighs. "Though my father has already selected my brother as his heir."

The sensation of her womanly legs brought his erection to full fruition, feeling the soft warmth of her fertile body. "Ah...but that wasn't my question."

Moving her thighs back and forth Dunith caressed and massaged his cock with subtle movements as she chose her words carefully. "The...thought has entered my mind, my lord."

Wishing to indulge in her pleasurable touch further, Dominax moved his hips with deliberate slowness as he began thrusting between her thighs. "Rightfully so…" He whispered into her ears, holding onto her hips for leverage. "Yet if the opportunity arose...would you seize it?"

"I..ahh..how, my lord?"

Dominax lightly bit her neck, forcing a moan from her young mouth. "Through me…"

With her lust reaching its apex she lifted her leg to grant him full access to her waiting loins, reaching down to line his shaft with her labia. "That's quite a bold claim…"

Wishing to wait no longer, he pushed his hips forwards. With her assistance his manhood slipped inside with ease, forcing a groan from Dunith at his size. Their mutual arousal allowed him to continue rocking his hips with little time wasted, thrusting both slowly and deeply into her young pussy.

She offered no resistance as he grabbed her raised leg, holding it as his cock moved in and out. To be used by one of her father's guests was far from uncommon, yet the genuine attraction she felt towards Dominax allowed her to accept his length with eager bliss.

"Bold..ahh..yet true." He retorted as he enjoyed her tightness. "You need only..ahh..to pledge yourself to me."

"Oh?" She asked, pushing back against him in rhythm with his thrusts. "Gods...you're big...though that's..not enough."

"Through loyalty...ahh...I shall make you the heir...ahh...to Omrin…" he moaned, steadily rocking his hips. Pleasure trickled through his shaft with each movement, desiring nothing more than to spill his potent seed.

Groaning with lust she reached up to touch his face, feeling his short beard. "I'm almost afraid..oohh..to ask how…"

"You needn't..ahh..betray your father. Simply accept the mantle when..ahh..the time comes…"

The idea clearly appealed to her as her hips merely urged him to continue his thrusts. Each pushed deep into her tight body, filling her completely. "I'd do so..oohh..happily, my lord...yet what is..ahh..the price?"

Dominax grinned in satisfaction at her intelligence. He had chosen well.

Pushing himself up into a kneeling position he held her leg as he rammed into her pussy, retaining her on her side. His speed steadily increased, thrusting continuously with primal desire.

Placing her hands on her breasts she rolled her head back in ecstasy, gleefully enjoying every inch of his shaft. "Ooohhh...gods…"

"You'd rule Omrin..ahh..under my command!" He finally answered, roughly pushing his hips into her spread legs. "Under my crown!"

Lightly tweaking her sensitive nipples, Dunith could only cry out in bliss as her young pussy was roughly pounded. Though she had served her father loyally, the possibility of claiming his throne ignited a spark of desire deep inside of her.

"Pledge yourself..aaahhh..to me, and you shall rule!" He exclaimed with passion, stoking the flames of her ambition.

"Ooohhh gods...my lord…"Dunith moaned, her body rocking along with nearly the entire bed. "I..I've wished..ahh..for such an opportunity…"

"Good…" he nearly groaned, forcefully slamming into her over and over as his pleasure steadily climbed.

"I...I…" she started, only to be consumed by their violent fucking. Enthralled by his passion and strength, she couldn't force herself to warn him to pull out, cautious of her precarious proximity to her ovulation. Yet did she even want him to?

Every thrust into her gorgeous young body was ecstasy, flooding him with the primal desire to breed. Having already knocked up two women, Dominax held no doubt that he'd be able to achieve a third.

The thought of his child sitting on Omrin's throne fueled his desire, his balls aching to mate. He cared little if their passionate cries could be overheard through the wooden walls, of which the possibility was almost certain. Perhaps they'd even reach Korvis's ears, not knowing that the blissful cries of his daughter would be his downfall.

Dunith's brown curls draped over her pretty face, becoming wild and unkempt as her body was used for Dominax's enjoyment. She turned her head to look up at him with passion, as if urging him on.

Groaning loudly, he felt himself reach the point of no return. The pre-orgasmic sensitivity claimed his cock, forcing him to grit his teeth. In his short life he had found no greater feeling than climaxing raw inside of a fertile vagina. As such, after only a few quick thrusts through his heightened pleasure, he pushed as deeply as he could manage before unleashing bursts of potent sperm.

The Chief's daughter could only cry out in surprised satisfaction as she felt his seed pour into her tight body, knowing she was fertile and ready.

Their loins locked together, he filled her tight womanhood as he held tightly onto her raised leg. Only when his pleasure began to slowly fade did he release his grip, panting as he joined her on his back.

Together they remained, quietly recovering until Dunith broke the silence. "M..my lord...I…"

Placing his hand on her flat belly, he merely closed his eyes with a grin. "Worry not, you shall be taken care of if you fall pregnant."

The statement only caused her eyes to fix onto him as she turned to face him. Opening her mouth, she seemed to pause to rethink her next words before replying. "Did you...speak the truth when you...said those things?"

Dominax nodded, not bothering to face her as he basked in the afterglow of their mating. "I did. If you're agreeable, simply wait and continue on as normal. The opportunity to replace your brother as heir will arise, and you need only to seize it."

Tightening her lips imperceptibly as her quick mind processed the implications, she made no argument. Rather, she turned back over onto her back and moved her hand over her womb, unsure of her future.

***

19th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Dril Tundra, City of Shai.

The cold breeze ran across Varse's bald head as he stared out at the snow-covered City of Shai, the heart of the Shai Domain. From his high vantage point atop the Citadel, he watched as thousands of fellow Dril went about their daily lives, traversing the many roads and pathways of the dark stone city.

Yet the nearly freezing temperatures did nothing to affect him, protected by his species' black blood. Red eyed and skin as light as the surrounding snow, Varse was nearly in a trance as he pondered the implications of what was about to occur in mere minutes. Even the hard wind that he had grown so accustomed to did nothing to reclaim his attention as it pulled at his robe and short cape.

"Ah, our future Potentate! How pleasant to find you up here." A voice announced from behind, interrupting his thoughts.

Recognizing the voice of Representative Sinshi of Clan Irsi, he turned around to face the approaching man. Just as Varse typically wore a robe of his Clan's colors, black and orange, Sinshi's flowing outfit consisted of White and green. Though similarly bald and with the pointed ears of their mutual species, the slightly older Dril appeared somewhat plump in his elaborately decorated robe. Both men proudly displayed the symbols of their clans in the form of detailed tattoos that ran over the left side of their heads.

"I'm sure it must be nice for you to look out across our vast capital from such a height." Sinshi continued as he joined Varse at the edge of the flat roof, protected from the steep fall by a waist high barrier. "Do buildings of more than two floors even exist back in Ishtai?"

"You know they do." Varse replied coldly as he returned his gaze outwards. "Though reach the purpose of this conversation quickly, as I wish to have a moment of peace before the ceremony."

Sinshi presented a thin smile, placing his hand on Varse's shoulder. "So serious, you should learn to accept an innocent joke. Especially one from someone who holds the fate of your reign's success."

Varse turned his attention fully to the older Dril, rotating to meet his red eyes with his own as he brushed his arm away. "I was elected fairly, Sinshi. The Council will vote on my decisions, not you solely."

"Ah but it wouldn't hurt to have friends on the Council, would it? Much could be accomplished through cooperation."

Varse clenched his jaw as he contained his harsh words, knowing exactly what the older Dril wished to accomplish. In theory, all members of the Dril species were equal, though in practice the truth was far more complicated. Individuals such as Sinshi summoned substantial ire in Varse, as he knew that the man only sought the betterment of Clan Irsi and himself rather than the Shai Domain as a whole. Yet...the representative was far from alone on The Shai Council. "The 'friendship' you offer is tainted, as I know of the personal palace you've built near Nelzarshi. Shall I assume that the whispers regarding you 'utilizing' Council funds are incorrect?"

The falsely pleasant smile dropped from Sinshi's face, adopting an indignant expression. "Representative Tsida has caught your ear with her false claims, so it seems. Let us speak plainly then, seeing as you are new to this life, boy. Your predecessor knew how to play politics, allowing him to enjoy a long and prosperous reign. Follow his lead before you create more enemies than you're capable of handling."

As Sinshi turned to leave, Varse grabbed the older Dril by the forearm, forcing him to face him. "You may hold a decade over me, though don't you dare call me 'boy'. You're not the only being on this roof capable of making enemies disappear."

As the two men remained locked in a silent standoff, Varse's attention suddenly shifted to the roof entrance as a female Dril emerged through the stone doorway.

Merely an assistant, the girl eyed them with hesitation for a moment before speaking. "Am I...interrupting you two gentlemen?" She asked, dressed in the typical black and red uniform of the Citadel that revealed her arms and the majority of her legs and thighs.

"Of course not, what can I do for you?" Sinshi asked with a calm smile as he quickly ripped his arm from Varse's grip.

"The Council is waiting for both of you, as they're prepared for the ceremony." The assistant explained as she straightened up.

Varse took one last look out at the sea of buildings before turning to follow the assistant, knowing the fate of his people would soon rest on his shoulders.

***

"Varse of Clan Chalvarrus, approach." Representative Ensik commanded as he had been randomly selected among the members of The Council to conduct the ceremony. Taller than most of his counterparts, he wore a robe of deep azure.

Obeying, Varse approached the center of the circular room, surrounded by all twenty-eight Council representatives. Each stood atop the raised stone platform that outlined the wall of the large chamber, placing them slightly above any who entered. Momentarily stripped down to a simple loincloth, Varse eyed each member of the Council firmly.

"Do you pledge to serve the population of the Dril Race and uphold our traditions?" Ensik asked.

Varse felt a surge of pride in his chest as he responded. Though he didn't choose this life, he'd do all that was necessary for his people. "I do."

"And do you pledge to protect The Shai Domain from any or all outsiders who seek to bring us harm?"

"I do."

"And do you pledge to bring prosperity to the Dril until death parts you from this world?"

Varse considered the question, knowing there would be no turning back. There would be no peace for him until death, no life away from the politics of the Shai Domain. Though part of him would have been content with spending his days farming Tsrisu in the snow fields of Clan Chalvarrus, two simple words would erase any possibility of such a simple life.

"I do." He repeated, his expression firm. Whatever desires for simplicity he held, there was no other true option for a man so devoted to Dril tradition as Varse. The people had chosen him to be their leader, and he had every intention of serving them to his utmost ability. He'd guard them from the threats of Magnius despite his personal desires. After all, it was his duty.

"Then be cleansed by the blood of Ysil and emerge anew as our Potentate!" Ensik commanded, gesturing to a waiting assistant with an outstretched hand.

Standing near the doorway, the young Dril female carefully clenched a large silver goblet in both of her delicate hands as she took her place behind Varse. He didn't need to face her to know that the blood of former Potentate Ysil sloshed gently in the ancient goblet, collected shortly after the old Dril had passed away. Stored among ice until the ceremony the black liquid couldn't possibly freeze, yet it remained as fresh and viscous as the moment it had been drained from the deceased ruler.

Varse let his eyes fall shut as the assistant lifted her arms to position the silver goblet above his head, tilting it to spill its contents in a steady stream. He straightened up, outstretching his hands in prideful satisfaction as the black blood poured over his bald head and streamed down his nearly nude body. The void-like shade of the liquid contrasted heavily with his entirely white skin, spilling onto the dark stone bricks of the chamber floor.

As the goblet was emptied over him the blood felt far heavier than it actually was, for he knew that the lives of every Dril now rested upon his shoulders. It was his responsibility, his purpose, to protect his people from any and all threats. None would harm The Shai Domain nor its traditions under his watch. Not The Lanthians nor The Lish, The Arkos nor The Amiridians.

Not even The Humans.

Chapter Text

26th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Near Zilrin.

"It's just as our maps predicted, Chief Dominax." Hesin announced as he reached the center of the camp. "The ground is far too flat and open to proceed without being spotted. Yet if we approach from the south, we may be able to use the surrounding forest to remain hidden."

"Very well, we shall send a small group to create a distraction at their northern gate." Dominax replied as his misgivings were confirmed. The holographic globe had been more than helpful during their journey to the outskirts of Zilrin, allowing the group of nearly four thousand Omrinian warriors to delve into the heart of Zilrin territory without being detected by the smaller settlements under Chief Manith's rule. "During which, the rest of our forces will remain hidden in the tree line outside of the southern gate. If executed properly the distraction will lure the guards to the other side of Zilrin, allowing a select few to sneak over the southern wall and open the gate for the rest of us." Dominax continued.

"I will gladly lead the distraction, my Chief." Clin stated as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"No, Hesin is far more suited for the task. I require both you and Salduin at my side for tonight's attack." Dominax commanded. "We shall take the majority of the settlement before they're even aware of what's occurred."

"Tonight? But your men have yet to even arrive!" Fildir exclaimed in a mix of surprise and frustration. Roughly three years younger than Dominax, Korvis's son had been nothing short of insubordinate during their short time together. Though the small army of warriors had been placed under Dominax's command, Fildir's interference seemingly never ceased.

"We can wait no longer. Every moment spent in these woods risks our discovery. If we are to succeed in our goal, we must proceed without them." Dominax firmly answered, all while knowing that his own warriors were never meant to rendezvous with them. If all went well, Briza and Xenia would take Omrin completely by surprise any day now.

"That is unacceptable!" Fildir fired back, folding his arms across his narrow chest. Though Korvis had been quite formidable in his prime, it appeared that his son didn't inherit his imposing form. Thin and wiry, the younger man only possessed a small hint of muscle under his greenish tunic. Yet even with their large differences, hints of his father's facial features revealed his heritage, topped with the same long brown hair of Korvis. "Our deal requires your men to assist in the coming fight. We will wait for them to arrive or return to Omrin!"

Dominax placed his strong hand on the younger man's shoulder, a gesture meant to intimidate rather than comfort. "OUR deal is between your father and I, not you. If you wish to return, you'll do so alone."

Fildir held his gaze for several seconds before turning his head away. "My father won't like this."

"Perhaps, though that's not your concern." Dominax stated sternly as he removed his hand. Looking past Fildir he caught many nearby warriors eying the confrontation, doing little to conceal their amusement. It had been clear to him after only a short period of time among the men that nearly none of them regarded Fildir with respect. Their loyalty had been earned only through obligation, a relationship that likely extended to Korvis as well. "Now go, you are dismissed. Assist the men in preparing for tonight's battle."

Opening his mouth to argue, Fildir stopped himself before reluctantly turning to leave.

"You two are dismissed as well." He commanded, addressing both Clin and Salduin. "Yet I must discuss the details of the distraction with Hesin."

The two warriors granted their Chief a respectful bow of their heads before departing the camp's center.

"Fildir will accompany your group to the north gate." Dominax explained in a carefully hushed tone, preventing the nearby men from eavesdropping as they went about their business. "He must not return from the battle."

Only a moment passed before an expression of understanding overtook Hesin's hooded face. "Is that wise? Chief Korvis won't be pleased to learn that his son perished. The boy's behavior could be punished in other ways that don't go as far as death."

In response, Dominax waved his hand dismissively. "Punishment is not my desire. Though he is a nuisance to be sure, his death is merely a necessity. There are events in motion beyond what you are aware of, yet in any case Korvis won't be a concern much longer."

Raising his eyebrow in a questioning gesture Hesin leaned in closer. "Events? Chief Dominax...I'd be far more useful if I were included in your aims."

"Ah but you are, my friend. Follow my orders and you shall be rewarded with my trust. Understand?" Dominax asked with an insidious smile.

After a moment of consideration Hesin's eyes narrowed. "Yes, my Chief, it will be done. The boy will be dealt with."

***

The torchlight flickered lightly on Lalian's illustrations as his mind worked, desperately attempting to concentrate despite the fluttering gasps of the nearby slave atop Chief Manith's lap. Seated at a small table to the right of the crude throne, Lalian was forced to endure the presence of his winged master's shameless lust as Manith rammed his green Lanthian manhood into the human woman's bare vagina.

A Lanthian himself, Lalian had been dragged along when Manith fled their homeland. Typical of their species, his skin was divided down the middle of his body into two separate shades of green, easily allowing him to blend into the gargantuan trees of his birthplace. His short hair and keen eyes were similarly separated into both dark and light green shades. Yet in contrast to his master's large build, he possessed very little muscle, while standing three inches shorter than Manith's six-foot-tall frame.

Though his hand steadily traced along the thin wooden slab cut in the tradition of his people, he couldn't stop his gaze from occasionally wandering towards the four alluring slaves seated at the base of the throne resting on thin cushions of various dull colors. Kept completely nude, two of the four women displayed small round bellies as their pregnancies advanced. Despite his…'condition', he felt his own manhood move ever so slightly under his shabby loincloth.

Taking notice of his concealed glances, the nearest slave gracefully stood up and closed the small distance between them, placing her hand gently on his bare shoulder. The touch forced a subtle shutter through him, though she made no comment of it. "How fares your progress, Lalian?"

"Quite well, miss." He replied, retaining his attention on his work even as he attempted to ignore the soft sensation of her hand. Though his master had utilized Lalian's advanced intelligence numerous times in the past, his focus had now shifted to designing new walls that could replace Zilrin's nearly crumbling defenses.

"Leave him alone." Chief Manith commanded as the slave in his lap placed her hands on her own breasts, steadily riding his shaft with visible enthusiasm. "He must...remain undisturbed."

Granting their master a submissive nod, the woman removed her hand from Lalian's shoulder. "My apologies." She obediently replied before granting Lalian a sympathetic look. Leaning only a miniscule amount closer she spoke in a whisper intended only for his ears. "And to you I'm sorry as well...as this can't be easy for you…" She let out as her eyes gestured to his loincloth, and then towards the lude display of female bodies before she returned to sitting position.

A deep green came to his cheeks as embarrassment flooded his entire being. Though her words held kind intentions, they only recalled the memory of what he had lost.

It was no secret among the five slave women of what had occurred. While most outsiders remained blissfully ignorant of The Lanthian Empire's cruel traditions, they had been regaled with the details of the life that their master had bravely, albeit narrowly, escaped. Though a male Lanthian ruled over each city, the females almost exclusively enjoyed freedom inside of their matriarchal society. Kept enslaved and chaste, the males suffered continuously under their control. Yet every year, those who had only just reached manhood would be pitted against each other in non-lethal combat until only one victor remained.

From Lalian's frame it wasn't hard to reach the factual conclusion that he had lost early on, though all males knew the consequences for those who lost. While the victor would be granted the opportunity of challenging the ruling male, the defeated were ceremonially stripped of their wings, along with their testicles. Wishing only to breed with the most capable males the act of procreation was reserved exclusively for their local ruler, a fate that Lalian had been cruelly denied.

To gaze upon five beautiful slaves and know that he would never be capable of siring children with them had nearly become torture, a feeling that vastly deepened when two had fallen pregnant by a Lanthian that had escaped their sadistic traditions. Yet while a human may lose their arousal after such a heartless castration, Lalian's species held no such luxury. Though his fertility had been entirely cut away, the desire to utilize his non-functioning manhood remained strong.

Chief Manith groaned deeply as he wrapped his large arms around his current lover, holding her firmly as he unloaded his lust into her attractive body. Lalian could only bite his lip in a mix of jealousy and rage as he forced his eye to remain on the carefully transcribed illustration.

"Good goddess that was great...you might be the next to bear my young!" Manith exclaimed with a chuckle as he placed his hand roughly on her flat stomach.

"I would...be honored...master…" the slave let out as she caught her breath. The act of interspecies conception was not well documented inside of The Lanthian Empire, though it had always been known to be possible. The fact that their children would be born as hybrids didn't appear to upset the slaves, though whether they were simply concealing their concerns or not mattered little to Manith.

Yet before the slave had even freed her master's shaft from her womanhood, the main doors of the crude throne room suddenly burst open as a trio of Zilrinian guards rushed in, panting hard and covered in various stains of blood.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOUR INTRUSION!" Manith exclaimed in surprise as he hurriedly pushed the slave off his lap, standing tall as his leathery green wings unfurled behind him.

The panic in the men's eyes was clear as they rushed towards their nude leader. Holding a clear wound on his side, one of the men collapsed in a heap onto the stone floor, while another began to shout. "My lord, they've breached the walls! You must flee!"

"WHAT?!?" Manith nearly screamed in anger as the five women quickly grouped together out of his way. "HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!?"

"They took us by surprise...my lord! Most of our guards had fallen before we even knew what occurred!" The other man yelled, wiping dirt from his face. "Please, you must flee! They're almost to The Grand Hall!"

Hesitating for only a moment, The Chief calmed himself somewhat before ordering Lalian to retrieve his armor.

"You don't understand...they're heading this way!" One of the guards stated. "Command has broken down and many of our men have already retreated! We can't repel them!"

Manith took the human-made chest plate from Lalian's grasp and began to fasten it to himself as he replied. "NO. I've come too far, gained too much to simply allow others to take what's mine. We WILL fight, and we WILL repel them. Now tell me, which Chiefdom do these invaders hail from?"

"Omrin, my lord!"

"Ah…Korvis. We shall teach that fat old fool the consequences of attacking Zilrin!" Manith yelled as he ripped his spear from Lalian's hands. "Come! We must reinstate order among the men!"

Lalian watched as the visibly hesitant guards turned to follow their leader before he quickly began to gather his illustrations, holding them close to his chest. Yet as he moved to retreat to The Grand Hall's inner rooms he paused, allowing his curiosity to get the better of him. He strode over to the open doorway, peering out into the night air.

The light from distant fires burned brightly behind the otherwise peaceful buildings that lay just outside. Though while the fighting remained somewhat far-off, the rising screams and shouts of battle announced a steadily approaching danger.

"Lalian…?" One of the pregnant slaves asked with a hint of fear in her voice as she cupped her belly.

The soft voice brought his attention back to the five women, causing him to step away from the entrance. "Yes miss, come. I know of a place we may hide." He replied before shutting the heavy doors despite knowing that they'd provide little resistance.

***

The clashing of hundreds of blades echoed around Manith as his large wings ripped him from the ground, carrying him over the wooden houses of Zilrin. The two guards accompanying him rushed down differing pathways, seeking to gather more men.

From above it quickly became obvious that any attempt at a defense would be nearly impossible. While four thousand Omrin warriors tore their way through the moderately dense settlement, only small clusters of Zilrinian's had managed to gather to provide any opposition.

Manith sored over the small army, twisting to avoid incoming arrows as he sought out Chief Korvis. If he could slay their leader, the efforts of Omrin would be heavily diminished.

Yet as he searched, his green eyes suddenly went wide with panic as a bolt of electricity erupted from far below, arcing towards him. With only a miniscule amount of reaction time he could do nothing as it enveloped his muscled form, painfully seizing every inch of his body.

Lasting only a second the electricity dissipated, leaving his limp body to careen towards the ground. Instinctively using his remaining strength to wrap himself in his leathery wings, Manith crashed through the fragile roof of a nearby hut.

***

"Bring him to me, though leave him alive if possible!" Dominax commanded in a stern voice as he pointed in the general direction of Manith's fall.

Clin nodded before splitting from the group of warriors gathered behind their white-cloaked leader as they marched towards the settlement's center.

The reddish dirt pathway laying before them was illuminated only by the flames of torches as they strode forward. Enemy warriors worked to slow their advancement, though were quickly cut down while others simply turned and fled.

Dominax reached the entrance to The Grand Hall, thrusting open its heavy doors. Meeting no resistance, he strode in with confident steps until he reached the throne.

Staring down at the crudely carved seat in contemplation, he then turned to his accompanying men and women. "Warriors of Omrin, I, Chief Dominax, claim this throne for the Domani Chiefdom! If any should oppose my claim let their voice be heard!"

The warriors seemed momentarily confused before the nearest man spoke up. "My lord, we were under the impression that Chief Korvis would hold the title of Zilrin's Chief."

The lack of hostility in the man's tone sent a trickle of relief through Dominax, as he had correctly read the room. His careful coaxing of respect during their journey to Zilrin had paid off. "So it was. Yet tell me, is he here? Did he come all this way, risking his life to fight amongst you? Or rather, did he choose to cower away, comfortable on his throne?"

Murmuring broke out among the warriors, echoing quietly through the main hall. The fact that they hadn't immediately defended their Chief's honor only proved to Dominax that their loyalties to the man remained fragile.

After a moment the discussion slowly died down before the same warrior took charge and spoke once more. "My lord, it is Chief Korvis's right to react to your decision, not ours. We shall continue to serve you until our return, as per his orders. Yet as is our right, we request that Chief Manith be slain in retribution for our past dead regardless of who holds the throne."

"Very well." Dominax agreed, taking his place on the throne. "The Lanthian ordered the slaughter of my people. He will be handled accordingly."

***

Groaning, Manish slowly staggered to his feet as he brushed debris aside. The fall had heavily damaged his wings, leaving several large tears that dripped light green blood onto the wood floor. After retrieving his spear, he stumbled out of the hut's entrance only to be met by several Omrin Warriors.

Catching sight of his winged form they quickly ran to face him, five in total. Teeth bared like wild animals, they descended upon him with bloodthirsty fury.

Manith swung his spear in wide arcs, attempting to keep their blades at bay. His muscles ached from the fall, yet he fought with furious vigor.

Clin's blonde hair caught Manith's eye as the warrior approached, clutching his sword in both hands. He reached his fellow fighters' position, joining in as they slowly encircled the Lanthian.

Manith watched the men carefully as they ceased their slashes, cautiously watching for an opening as he had managed to temporarily fend them off. Yet moving fast, Manith spun his spear, catching the blade of his nearest enemy and wrenching it from the man's grip, before moving to drive the sharp tip through the man's unguarded chest.

Reacting instantly to the death of their companion, the humans sprang their attack, rushing in to finish him off.

Clin quickly stepped back as the spear spun mere inches from his torso, catching the warrior to his left in the face as it opened a large gash that severed the man's nose.

Swinging his long weapon, Manith batted away their swords as screams from a nearby conflict echoed throughout the night sky, yet neither him nor his combatants reacted as a nearby hut erupted into flames. Rather, their blades simply danced as they smashed into each other.

The blonde-haired warrior blocked an incoming attack, nearly stumbling from the Chief's forceful swing. The move opened the warrior to his right to drive his sword through Manith's shredded wing, inciting a cry of pain to erupt from his green lips as he smashed his pierced wing into his attacker. The man fell hard to the ground, disarmed and unconscious.

Three men remaining, they all frantically ducked as a barrage of arrows slammed into nearby huts, sending a stray arrow directly onto the neck of one of Manith's attackers.

Clin looked to his last remaining ally, before both men charged once more at their winged enemy. Cutting low, then high, Clin could hardly avoid the spear as it spun to and fro, desperate to keep the human pair at bay.

Manith rotated to face Clin's companion, ducking under his sword and driving his spear through the man's groin with a bloodthirsty roar.

As the warrior fell in blood curdling screams, Clin brought his blade downwards, though not fast enough to avoid being batted to the side as Manith turned quickly towards his final combatant. With a thrust of his wings, he sent a gust of wind strong enough to knock Clin off balance before shooting his muscled leg hard into the blonde man's armored chest.

Clin fell to the floor, knocking the breath from his lungs. Wearily, he gazed up at the Lanthian, willing himself to move just enough to avoid becoming skewered by the Chief's vicious weapon. He then hacked wildly at the spear, crudely removing several of the fingers from Manith's left hand.

Gritting his teeth in agony, the Lanthian staggered back as he clutched at his missing appendages, nearly unaware as yet another hut collapsed in flames behind him.

Knowing that he may not receive another opportunity, Clin jumped to his feet and frantically slashed at his foe, tearing into the Chief's exceedingly tattered wings as he desperately attempted to defend himself.

Though not nearly as capable wielding his spear with only one hand, Manith jabbed his weapon forwards, opening a large slit across Clin's left cheek. Yet the attack proved to be insufficient, as the blonde man drove his hilt into the Lanthian's face, brutally knocking him unconscious.

Breathing hard and bleeding badly from his wound, Clin stood over Manith as the Chief collapsed to the floor. He allowed his sword to lower, pointed towards the reddish dirt.

"Gods...you fought well…" He muttered to the fallen Lanthian, attempting to calm himself. Yet even gazing at the slain humans, he knew that he wouldn't harm an unarmed foe, even if Dominax hadn't given the command to take him alive.

With the leader of their enemies in their possession, what little chance Zilrin held of repelling them was destroyed.

28th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Dril Tundra, City of Shai.

"...as such, it would be prudent for the surplus to be allocated to Clan Irsi, as it would…"

Varse quietly tapped his foot as he listened to Sinshi address the council, his patience steadily draining as the plump Dril spouted his boisterous arguments.

"...the failure of our latest harvest could easily be compensated for if we were to simply receive-"

"Alright Representative Sinshi, that's enough." Varse interrupted in his stern voice. "We take your meaning. Let us vote and put this matter to rest."

"Potentate Varse, it does not reflect well on your position to callously silence a member of The Council!" Sinshi stated with mock surprise.

"You know very well that you haven't been silenced." Representative Tsida replied in barely concealed annoyance. "We've all heard your arguments, and frankly, I'm sure the council would enjoy seeing the outside of this chamber within the next century."

Low chuckles echoed quietly off the dark stone walls in response. Deep inside the heart of The Citadel, they all remained seated around the massive rounded table made of stone, etched into intricate designs that included the symbols of all twenty-eight clans.

Varse granted Tsida a nod of gratitude before standing from his stone chair. "Those who believe Clan Irsi should receive the entirety of this year's Tsrisu surplus, place your left hand on the table. Alternatively, those of you who believe that the surplus should be divided equally amongst the clans, as is tradition, use your right." He explained, slapping his own right hand down.

The members of the council placed their respective hands on the ancient stone table without hesitation, clearly having made up their minds long ago. Though several representatives sided with Sinshi, unsurprisingly due to their unsavory loyalty to the man, his opponents won out.

"Good, let us be rid of this issue. The Council is dismissed." Varse commanded.

Slowly, the other members found their way out of the room, including a disgruntled Sinshi. Varse was left alone, granting him a moment of quiet. His first few Council meetings had been a learning curve, for even though he had thought himself less than neive, the barely concealed alliances banding representatives into opposing factions had been discouraging.

Yet even still, he had found hope in the actions of many of the members. Though he would have been blind to miss the clear hold that Tsida seemingly held over the majority of his supporters, she had shown a willingness to vote alongside him, ensuring that most decisions fell in his favor. If she had been acting out of interest for the good of The Shai Domain, or Varse himself, he couldn't say. Yet it mattered little, as her support granted him the opportunity to act in the best interest of his people as a whole.

Though as he finally left the private council chamber, he was suddenly met by the presence of the very Dril he had been thinking of.

"Potentate Varse, may I have a word?" Tsida asked as she stepped in front of him, placing her gentle hand on his forearm. Though slightly shorter than an average female Dril, she possessed their species childbearing hips. Her black hair was cut to be chin length, the ends dyed a deep red to match her Clan colors. Her body was concealed in a red and orange robe, cut to hang over her groin and display her feminine legs. She couldn't be older than her late twenties, outmatching him slightly though every bit as gorgeous as the most attractive members of their species.

"Certainly." Varse replied, feeling her light touch through his sleeve. He'd have to be a eunuch to feel anything less than lust towards her, yet he retained control over his urges. For a Potentate to sleep with a council member would result in exile. Yet...no law stated that he couldn't appreciate the alluring beauty of his acquaintance.

"Walk with me." She requested, gracefully taking his arm. She began to lead him forwards, talking as she walked. "You performed admirably in there."

"Oh?" He questioned, attempting to ignore her sensual body pressed slightly against his. They reached the top of The Citadel's main stairs and began to descend.

"That pompous Sinshi believes he can have his way with The Council, yet we showed him differently."

"Yes, well, I merely voted for the optimal solution. Clan Ishi will fare more than fine with an even split." Varse replied dryly.

"Oh as did I." Tsida said as they reached the main level, only to turn down an off-branching corridor as they slowly continued. "Yet his dismay was an added bonus. Our service to The Domain often brings forth opportunities to topple the grandiose."

"Perhaps, if that is what you desire in such an occupation."

Taking a glance up at him, Tsida's crimson eyes momentarily met his own. "And what exactly does our new Potentate desire from his position? It occurs to me that I may not know you as well as I had assumed."

Despite her polite tone and calm strides, Varse suddenly felt as though he had been placed on trial. Choosing his next words carefully, his expression remained firm. "I only desire to uphold my oath, to serve our people. Individuals such as Sinshi do disgust me, to be sure, yet I care little for 'toppling' the man so long as he refrains from interfering."

Her polite, yet confident smirk widened ever so slightly before she returned her attention forwards. "So I thought." They turned an additional corner before she continued. "It is rare to encounter your breed, a man dedicated to principle. Yet it is for that very reason that I am certain we'll fit well together."

"I don't take your meaning…" He stated, turning to look at her once more. The torchlight that illuminated the dark stone halls of The Citadel danced across her pure white skin, hugging the womanly curves of her body.

"Oh come now, surely you haven't missed how the majority of The Council matches my votes?" She questioned with a coy smile. "It may be beneficial to all Dril if you were to be added to our little...agreement."

Varse's red eyes squinted as he peered down at the woman. "If you're suggesting that I join your cabal, you may be disappointed."

Yet despite his harsh response, Tsida appeared to be unsurprised. "My dear Potentate, you cannot blame me for at least offering. In any case, your answer only reassures me that you are the correct man for the job. This 'cabal' as you call it wouldn't give a second thought to selling the wellbeing of our people to the highest bidder. Yet luckily for The Domain, I happen to be that highest bidder. In addition to some level of blackmail, that is."

To hear the blunt truth was nearly a new experience for Varse, as he came to a full stop to regard her with interest. "You...admit to bribing The Council? To what purpose?"

Tsida's coy smile gradually adopted a more serious look, wishing to eliminate any room for misinterpretation. "For the betterment of our people, as you said. You may doubt me when I tell you that wealth means little to me, yet I hold it in abundance. To bend these fools into acting towards the betterment of The Domain...I can think of no greater use of my resources."

"On that we can wholeheartedly agree." Varse replied with conviction. "Though I don't particularly approve of your methods."

Tsida granted him a nod of understanding. "I am relieved to hear you say that, yet it is necessary. So long as you are committed towards our traditions and our people, you can take comfort in knowing that we shall support you."

Though somewhat conflicted, Varse couldn't argue. An ally may be just what he needed to enact true change, especially one far less unsavory in comparison to the rest of the council. "Very well, Tsida."

After a moment they resumed their walk, finally reaching a large stone door with intricate carvings that closely matched those of The Council table. Tsida reached into her skimpy robe, producing an odd key engraved with her clan symbols.

"What is the purpose in bringing me here?" He questioned, watching as she inserted the key into the center of the door. With a click, it began to slowly slide into the wall, driven by hidden gears and mechanisms.

"Potentate Varse, as much as I'd love a simple social walk, there are things that a man of your position must be privy to." She said, leading him inside. The large door opened to a long stairway, delving deeper into the ancient citadel.

Taking a torch from the wall, Varse followed her as they descended the steps.

"Only members of The Council are permitted on this level, as none of the public know of its existence." She explained, hearing the heavy door screech as it sealed behind them, leaving only his torch to keep the surrounding darkness at bay.

To keep an entire level secret from the very people they were meant to serve left a distasteful feeling in Varse, yet he wasn't surprised. Rumors of The Council hiding away secrets had persisted throughout The Domain for centuries, though no solid proof had ever surfaced.

He could see the glow of torches far below, slowly growing closer before the cramped stairway leveled out into a short corridor. At its end, it opened into a massive domed chamber, hexagonal in shape and outlined by two levels of wooden balconies. Each wall was lined with separate smaller rooms that appeared to be dormitories, storage holders, training alcoves, and general lounge areas. All were illuminated by bluish torches, burning the blubber of pale skinned Siesh Fish. Yet the mesmerizing size of the chamber was only a secondary distraction, as Varse's attention was primarily engaged by dozens of individuals going about their day, training, socializing, and eating. Though they were deep beneath the very heart of The Dril Domain, Dril appeared to be heavily in the minority of odd beings inhabiting the chamber, as members of nearly all sapient species appeared to be present, barring any Lish.

Seemingly amused by Varse's stunned silence, Tsida grabbed his hand and led him inside. "I am certain that you've heard rumors of The Domain infiltrating outside civilizations, yes? Well, allow me to officially confirm that fact, my dear Potentate."

As they made their way to the center of the chamber, all nearby individuals granted them a dutiful bow before continuing on with their tasks. None dared to speak to the pair.

"This...has been under The Citadel all this time?" Varse asked, gazing around in shock. Subtly, he realized that the chamber was considerably warmer than the rest of the fortress, providing a moderately comfortable temperature to its non-Dril inhabitants.

Tsida nodded, coming to a stop and turning to face him. "For centuries, The Council has trained agents to interfere with outside civilizations, helping raise some while toppling others. It's all about balance, you see? No outsiders can be permitted to gain enough strength to threaten The Domain, just as we have no interest in conquering them in turn."

"I...had heard rumors of such actions. We all had. I just...didn't anticipate them to be true." He replied, his tone a mix of horror and disgust.

"Oh they are, my Potentate. Yet, like many unsavory acts, they are necessary." Tsida replied, placing her hands on her hips with a coy smirk.

Varse looked at her in near disbelief. "Necessary? To interfere with outsiders? The Domain's very existence stems from an ideology of isolation!"

"Well of course, though what do you believe has allowed our isolation to persist? Our nearly non-existent armies? Our 'strong' borders, of which are regularly bypassed by Lish abductors?" Tsida questioned sarcastically, before her red eyes narrowed as she adopted a serious tone. "Of course not. Our founders knew that outside powers will always rise and fall. Given enough time and power, they'll eventually come knocking."

"Surely there is a better method that doesn't directly spit in the face of our most basic traditions." Varse stated firmly.

"Ah, tradition. Well, my Potentate, it could be argued that this establishment of agents is itself a tradition, originating from the very founding of The Domain. As our leader, you yourself have vowed to protect our people and traditions. What better way than to ensure that none are able to threaten us?"

A long moment passed as he considered her words, eyeing a pair of nearby humans as they engaged in a mock duel. "I don't approve of this...though I cannot say that some of what you claim isn't valid. I'd like some time to...ponder this revelation."

In response, she nodded understandingly, placing her hand gently on his forearm. "Yes, my Potentate. Yet, you'll need this." She said, producing an additional key from inside her robe. Though similar to the one that had granted them access, it was engraved with the symbols of clan Chalvarrus. "All members of The Council have access to the level, along with the services of our agents. They are bound to serve every representative. Yet be warned, as they will not act against another member of The Council, even if given a direct order from The Potentate."

Varse stared down at the key, reluctantly accepting it after a moment. "Understood, I suppose."

***

After exiting the chamber, the pair of Dril parted from The Citadel, strolling through the dense snow-covered streets of Shai.

"...and with only a single vote, the…" Tsida continued on, finishing a story from before Varse had been elected. They neared a small yet expensive looking building that stuck out sorely amongst its surrounding structures. Though all were made of stone, their intended target possessed artistically carved symbols that decorated its outer walls, while two small statues of Tsida herself guarded the entrance. "Ah, here we are."

Though all twenty-eight representatives were granted quarters inside of The Citadel, many preferred to inhabit personally owned residences inside of the city.

"Thank you for escorting me home, my dear Potentate." Tsida said with just a hint of flirtatiousness.

Varse nodded sternly, once again feeling her soft touch as she placed her hand on his arm. "Think nothing of it."

Unlocking her door, she stepped inside, and gestured for him to follow. "Please, come in. You have my word that there are no additional secret enclaves inside." She joked, smirking.

Obliging, he hesitantly entered, closing the door behind him. The interior was no less decorated than the outside, possessing several paintings of Tsida in various poses. One in particular caught his eye, displaying nearly her full nude body, using her hands to conceal her most intimate areas. The alluring depiction brought a hint of arousal through his loins, yet he gave no voice to his desires. "Quite...elegant."

"Agreed." She chucked arrogantly.

Though before he could reply, a man entered the foyer through a side door, bowing the instant he spotted them. However, rather than a Dril, Varse immediately recognized him to be a male Arkos with the grey skin and black stripes of his Wandering Desert-dwelling species. Though far skinnier than most Arkos males, the man sported their long-tapered tail and curled horns. His feline irises granted him a wild appearance, contrasting with his dignified posture. Yet the detail that utterly surprised Varse was the fact that he wore absolutely no clothing, completely exposing a stripped cock that was harshly contained inside of a metal chastity cage.

"Ah mistress, I knew I had heard you enter." The man stated, possessing the faintest hint of an accent carried over from his native tongue. The warmer temperature of the building, not too dissimilar to that of the hidden chamber, protected the man from the brutal cold of the tundra city. Fires licked the stone walls, emanating from several small cauldron’s lining the walls for heat.

"Norok, meet our new Potentate, Varse of Clan Chalvarrus." Tsida replied, gesturing to her fellow Dril.

Though seemingly taken off guard the Arkos man was quick to kneel before Varse's feet. "My lord, it is an honor!"

Varse turned to Tsida, narrowing his eyes. "An Arkos servant? In Shai?" He asked, though not overtly harsh. Though many, including himself, disapproved of such things, no law directly prohibited the possession of a slave from an outsider species.

Tsida nonchalantly waved off his accusatory statement. "Oh please, I'm hardly the only representative to keep a servant. Besides, Norok here has proven himself to be quite a good boy. Isn't that right?"

"Yes mistress!" The man exclaimed, rising from his position on the floor. "Please, allow me to escort you upstairs."

Though Varse granted her a questioning look, Tsida gestured for him to follow as they made their way to the staircase. Continuing, they reached a room which quickly revealed itself to be her personal quarters. With a large bed decorated in her Clan's colors extending from the far wall, shelves holding strange and foreign artifacts decorated the walls.

Before he could even react, Varse watched as Tsida turned to face him, slipping out of her robe. It fell to the floor at her ankles, utterly exposing every inch of her seductive form.

Desire flared through him as his eyes instinctively traveled over her body, appreciating the tattoos that ran down her side before pulling his gaze away. "Representative Tsida…!"

"Opps…" she playfully uttered, pursing her soft lips slightly. "Apologies, my dear Potentate…"

Varse backed up slightly, attempting to look away as Tsida closed the distance between them. With intentional slowness, she dragged her hands down his chest, feeling his moderate muscles beneath his robe.

"Come now, don't be so prudish. Surely we can spend just a little longer together, yes?"

Varse looked down into her alluring eyes, his body tingling under her touch. "Tsida...I'm the Potentate. This is...entirely forbidden…"

Amused, she smirked. "Oh? I'm sure your predecessor would disagree. Ysil and I were quite...familiar with each other. Though he wasn't nearly as convicted as you, nor as attractive."

The revelation surprised Varse, though he knew that it shouldn't. His short experience as Potentate continually revealed the disappointing truth of The Domain's rulership.

"Besides, I purposely volunteered to introduce you to our agents. Should we really relinquish such a perfect opportunity to spend some time alone?"

For a long moment Varse's mind raced, his primal lust clashing with his rational side. Yet in the end, he had a duty. "I'm sorry Tsida...I can't. I took a vow, as did you." He said firmly, all while desperately wishing that she hadn't been a member of The Council. He could have any female he desired, yet only a forbidden fruit hung before him ready and waiting.

Disappointed though unsurprised, Tsida gently pushed him backwards until he was outside of the bedroom. "Hmm, what a waste. Go then, my dear Potentate, and see yourself out. We shall proceed strictly as comrades."

The door closed, leaving him alone in the hall. He turned to leave yet paused. Though the stairs leading to his freedom were mere feet away, he didn't move. Slowly, knowing the potential impact of his decision, he turned back around, placing his hand on the handle.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled the door open, finalizing his choice. With primal lust he barged back into her sleeping quarters, already unfastening his robe.

"Ah, how predictable." Tsida sarcastically teased, having already settled down on the bed in preparation for his possible change of heart. Legs spread and Norok at her side, her feminine form practically called to him. "It appears that no man may reject my allure."

Caring little that the Arkos 'servant' watched his approach, Varse threw off his clothing, exposing his completely white manhood as he mounted the bed. Already hardening at the prospect of mating with such a stunning female, he pounced onto her like a ravenous predator.

Wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into a flurry of passionate kisses, she slid her tongue hungerly into his mouth as she ran her hands over his skin.

With her breast pressed against his chest, he rubbed his erection against her waiting pussy as he explored her exquisite curves.

Norok merely watched, looking down at them in visible desire. His caged cock began to twitch, unable to free itself.

"Poor little thing…" Tsida nearly moaned, pulling away from Varse long enough to reach into the top drawer of the nightstand. She produced a small key, holding it up for the Arkos to see. "I...nearly forgot about you. Does your little cock want to be freed?"

Norok eagerly nodded, fumbling with the cage in desperation.

"You know the rules...hands behind your back…" she ordered, waiting for him to obey before sliding the key into the lock as Varse continued to fondle her body. "Good boy…"

The Arkos nearly groaned as she slid the chastity cage from his imprisoned manhood, allowing him to quickly reach his full hardness. His four-inch-long cock stuck straight out, slightly leaking precum as his mistress's beautiful young body was roughly caressed.

Varse cared little about the servant's gaze as he grabbed Tsida's childbearing hips, his erection throbbing to breed. More than ready, she reached down, taking hold of his shaft and positioning it with her naturally hairless vagina.

Almost whimpering, Norok fought to control his arousal and jealousy as she guided Varse's cock forwards, peering up into the Arkos's eyes with pleasure as she was penetrated.

"Ooooooooohhhh Varse…" she moaned, matching his long groan as he pushed his tip deeply into her tight depths.

Pushing his hips forwards, he gritted his teeth at the blissful sensation of her snug tunnel, eagerly accepting him.

Pressing her soft lips lightly against his ear, she whispered. "Fuck...me."

He needed no further encouragement, eagerly bucking his hips as he thrusted in and out of her Dril vagina.

"Y..yeeesss…." She groaned, pulling him close as he pounded away, slightly stretching her somewhat experienced pussy with each movement.

Cock twitching, Norok could do little besides watch his mistress eagerly accept Varse's rough thrusts, for he wasn't permitted from touching his own manhood. He was her property, nothing more.

With pity in her eyes Tsida reached over and dragged her finger down Norok's length, forcing a quiver through him. "Does little...ahhh...Norok want to join in?"

The Arkos nodded eagerly, almost frantic with lust as he watched Varse's hips rise and fall, roughly ramming his cock each time.

Varse paid no attention to the other man, enthralled fully in Tsida's seductive body. Were it possible for his black blood to boil with arousal, he knew that it would be inevitable. His snow-colored balls ached, yearning to breed.

"Then be...ahhh...patient…" she commanded, removing her finger from Norok's cock and groaning as her pussy was used.

A whimper escaped the Arkos's lips, yet he obeyed his mistress.

Varse nuzzled his face against her soft neck, nibbling her gently and forcing a surprised gasp from Tsida.

"Ooohhh yes...my dear Potentate…" she cooed, dragging her nails down his back in primal bliss. "Use me…"

Pounding her roughly into her elaborately decorated sheets, he could only grit his teeth as his manhood stirred her insides. Though not the tightest pussy he had experienced, her skill easily compensated. Utilizing her internal muscles, she worked her vagina to practically milk him with each movement.

"V..vaaaarse…!" She nearly screamed, clenching her somewhat short body as her orgasm overtook her.

Norok watched as his mistress finished around Varse's still thrusting manhood, his own nearly throbbing.

Tsida threw her head back, basking in her pleasure as it slowly leveled. "You...ahh...really know how...ahh...to use that cock of yours…"

Though not overly experienced he had learned early on what it took to please a woman, gaining a significant amount of knowledge from a slightly older member of his Clan. She had taken him into her bed at the cusp of manhood, providing plenty of practice.

Satisfied, Tsida took charge and guided him to rotate onto his back, switching positions. Now on top, she pressed herself against him while retaining his cock deep inside of her. "Well...Norok? Come." She ordered, reaching back to place her hands on her round ass.

The very invitation he had desperately awaited, the Arkos wasted no time in mounting the bed. Taking his position behind her, he eagerly grabbed her firm cheeks and pressed his tip against her anus.

"Go on…" she encouraged, biting her lip as she felt Varse slowly resuming his thrusts under her.

The Arkos practically radiated arousal, slowly pushing his less than average cock into her snug hole. Hilting her quickly, Norok moaned loudly while she simply smirked down at her Dril lover.

Both Varse and Norok began to pound into her, using both of her holes. Double penetrated, she wrapped her arms around Varse's neck as her short body was pinned between them.

Sliding in and out in opposing rhythms, they unleashed their lust upon her, using her solely for their satisfaction. The room erupted into a cacophony of moans and groans, adding to the squeaking of the bed.

"G...good boys!" She nearly screamed. "Fuck...me! Make me...cum again!"

Neither disappointed, mashing into her continuously until she could only cry out as she orgasmed once again.

Norok's long hairless tail fluttered through the air, a sign of complete satisfaction as his stripped penis repeatedly dove into her ass.

"You...know the rules…" she managed to mutter through the haze of ecstasy. "Pull out...when you're...ahhh...ready…."

Her words were nothing more than a faint echo in Varse's ears, ramming his cock up into her pussy. Despite her clear wishes, he knew that there was little chance of him obeying when the time came. Whether due to her abundant desirability or her continual teasing, the desire to breed particularly seized Varse. He knew of Dril's high fertility, even compared to other species, and knew that he wished for nothing more in that moment than for the chance to knock Tsida up.

Yet she remained oblivious to his intentions, writhing and moaning between the two men. Taking the cocks of two separate sapient species at once, her lower half burned with pleasure.

Norok roughly squeezed her shapely asscheeks with both hands, feeling it's firmness as his skinny hips moved back and forth. Though having always been denied her vagina, he had enjoyed her anus on rare occasions.

Reaching down to hold onto her childbearing hips, Varse couldn't prevent himself from picturing his fellow Council member pregnant with his child. Such a scandal it would cause, yet the risk was held at bay by his primal lust. Whatever it took, he'd conceal the child's parentage, a decision that half formed in his pleasure-addled mind.

"M..mistress…" the Arkos moaned, bucking his hips wildly. "I...I'm going to…"

"Pull out...ahhh...and cum for me…" she groaned, pierced by both rods. "Let your...ahh...little cock spurt…"

Her words pushing him over the edge, Norok hurriedly yanked his erection from her tight anus, whimpering as he reached his peak. With aching lust, he began to rub his shaft between her asscheecks as Arkos sperm squirted from his tip and leaked down her lower back.

"Good boy…" she smirked, feeling his seed leak uselessly down her pure white skin.

With his competing male down, Varse's pace quickly increased, delving into his overwhelming urges.

Tsida held onto him tightly, grinding her hips to match his rhythm. Riding him hard, her pussy practically begged for his cum.

"P..pull out...my Potentate…" she moaned, biting his ear softly.

Yet far too lost to pleasure to regard her demands with any care, he simply continued, speeding towards his climax. Within a minute he felt his orgasm approaching, forcing his hips to buck wildly.

Tsida made a move to lift her hips, allowing him to remove his cock. Yet in surprise, she groaned as he simply wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back.

"V..Varse…" she moaned, though with a hint of urgency. She felt him getting closer and closer, just on the brink of cumming. "V...VARSE…"

Holding her tightly, he rammed into her cunt one final time, crying out in ecstasy as his Dril sperm flooded her insides.

Tsida yelped, slapping at his bald head in panic as she felt ropes of potent sperm spurt into her fertile pussy.

Unconcerned for her light attacks, he simply clenched his eyes shut and drained his lust into her beautiful body.

Norok watched in shock, witnessing his mistress's vagina receive the Dril's seed, knowing the likely consequences. His own cock twitched in jealousy, nestled between her round cushions.

With his orgasm fading Varse remained still, enjoying the afterglow of his bliss. Still holding onto her, he felt her soft snowy skin against his. Whatever the consequences, he'd weather them.

28th of Twic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Outside Omrin.

Xenia and Briza pressed themselves against the settlement's crumbling outer wall, concealing themselves in the darkness of night as a single guard paced the wall above.

Accompanied only by a small group of ten warriors, they waited for the guard to pass before continuing their search. Xenia held the message tightly in her grip, sent from Dominax mere hours after taking Zilrin. In it he had dictated the likely patrol areas of any remaining guards gleaned from Salduin's observations. Yet also just as valuable was the included location of a vulnerability in their old wall, a flaw that Hesin had discovered during their short time in Omrin.

"This looks to be it, ma'am." One of the accompanying guards said in a hushed voice.

Briza assessed the crude bricks in what limited moonlight existed, quickly confirming the statement. A hastily constructed repair from decades earlier, the mortar began to crumble as she applied minimal pressure.

Taking turns prying the individual bricks from their resting place among the fortification, pausing in several instances where the guard passed over them, the group swiftly created a hole large enough for a crouching man to pass through.

Entering the large settlement one by one the group of infiltrators regathered before proceeding. Led by Briza, they moved quickly through the dark streets while avoiding patrolling guards.

The density of the mostly wooden buildings appeared to increase the closer they crept towards the settlement's center, subtly hinting at Omrin's outward expansion throughout past generations. Even the reddish dirt pathways switched to coarse stones as they neared their target, spotting two guards standing on opposite sides of the main entrance.

The group remained hidden behind the nearest building as they assessed the situation. Briza gestured to their nearest archer, using a series of hand motions to order him to wait on the other side of the structure. She then took her place at the edge of the wooden house's rear, readying her own bow.

Both leaning from cover just enough to seek their targets, Briza and her fellow archer loosed their arrows after a quick whistle from her soft lips. The two guards jerked suddenly before collapsing to the ground, bleeding onto the unpolished stone.

Pausing only to ensure that the guards' deaths had remained undetected, Xenia took the lead and rushed to the main entrance.

As the group pushed open the heavy doors, they found themselves inside of the mostly empty throne room, protected only by a single guard that remained slumped back in a wooden chair leaning against the wall.

Xenia quickly hushed the group before her dark eyes fell onto her prey. With her hips swaying seductively, she closed the distance between them and placed her hand over the man's mouth. Before he had even awakened, she dragged her knife across his neck, forcing his eyes to open in shock as he was split open. For several seconds she held him there, waiting until he slipped from consciousness.

Newly alone in the throne room, the group relaxed somewhat as Briza released her controlled stress in the form of a calm breath. She then began to speak, raising her voice slightly. "Search the hold and retrieve Chief Korvis and his daughter. Bring them here unharmed."

"I'll watch the entrance with you." Xenia replied as the other warriors continued down the limited number of off branching corridors, entering into the wooden sections of the building. Xenia whipped the blood from her knife and hands on her revealing loincloth before sliding it into her belt, slowly walking to rejoin Briza near the throne.

The ever so slightly taller woman assessed her female companion with uncertainty, still not quite sure what to make of her. Though they had lived together for just over a month, she still found it difficult to accept that she'd now be sharing Dominax with another woman.

Xenia returned her gaze, letting not an ounce of her confidence slip. Wordlessly, she placed her hands on her womanly hips, exemplifying her feminine form before turning towards the main door.

Briza allowed a silent moment to pass, before finally breaking the silence. "Xenia...what are we even doing here?" She asked, despite knowing full well what fate they'd inflict upon Korvis. "Our feud lies with Chief Manith, not Korvis. To slay a man in cold blood, an ally even, is…"

Xenia turned to regard her, smirking deviously. "How odd, you question our mate's commands despite knowing him far longer. Could his favorite girl really disobey him?"

"Of course not, I'm here, aren't I?" Briza responded coldly, despite the flutter of hope that the word 'favorite' brought her. "Yet the fact that I've known him longer is precisely why I'm concerned. Dominax has always been somewhat interested in the mismanagement of Nitri, yet he's never conveyed a desire to rule himself."

As Briza spoke, she noticed Xenia subtly glance down, stealing a quick glance at her breasts. This was nothing new, as she had repeatedly caught the dark-haired woman sneakily looking at her throughout their time around each other. Though Briza was more than accustomed to the lustful glances from males, even to the point of harshly rejecting their advances when they grew too aggressive, she felt odd having her body looked upon with desire by another female.

"Perhaps you simply never noticed." Xenia stated in what was nearly a mocking tone. "He told me that you two were close, though maybe not as close as either of you had thought."

Briza glared, turning on her heel to face her. Yet despite her anger, she maintained her self-control and kept her voice firm. "You may have found your way into his bed, though you don't get to talk about our relationship that way."

Raising her hands in a disingenuous gesture of defeat, the black-haired woman smiled. "I merely tease, Briza."

Convinced or not, she dropped her hostility for the most part, easing her glare. She then folded her arms, unintentionally pushing up her breasts slightly and drawing an additional sneaky glance from Xenia. "Apologies, though perhaps there is truth in your words. I feel as though...the slaughter has affected him somewhat. Especially considering that Domani has only just been settled, yet he's more focused on conquering land. We should all be home, not...here."

"Yet without his persistence, our children would possess nothing." She stated, placing her hand on her not quite visible baby bump. "With his resolve to possess power, they shall be raised as rulers."

"I'd rather they have a father…" Briza replied, unable to conceal the worry from her voice.

Though before Xenia could reply, their fellow warriors re-emerged into the throne room, holding onto the arms of an overweight man and five younger women. Roughly, they shoved the man to the floor, inciting a cry of protest.

"Korvis, I assume?" Xenia asked, wasting no time as she and Briza turned to stand over him.

Kneeling on the stone floor, the man attempted to rise, only to be pushed back onto his knees by one of the male warriors. Completely naked, he did nothing to conceal his averagely sized cock, even as his daughters nervously watched close by. "Damn you, what is this?!"

"This, old man, is the end of your reign." Xenia replied with a sneer.

One of the warriors approached her, holding out the white knife that Dominax had granted Korvis. "He took down Mindra with this as soon as we entered his quarters."

She took the blade, taking her time to appreciate its odd metal while their prisoners waited with anticipation. She had been present when Dominax performed his strange ritual to transform the blade, yet its light weight continued to baffle her.

"Hold a moment!" Korvis exclaimed looking up at her in a mix of anger and desperation. "That's Chimira Steel, stronger than anything you've ever seen! I know of the only man who knows how to create it. Whoever you happen to be, simply allow my daughters and I to leave this place alive and I shall grant him to you! I swear on my honor."

Amused, Xenia turned her attention from the blade to the kneeling man. "Ah, but who do you think sent us?"

An expression of realization spread over his face. "You're...Chief Dominax's warriors? But...why?"

"High-Chief Dominax as of tonight, though that is of little concern to you. Go to your grave with the knowledge that you are but a necessary step in the ascension of your downfall's architect." Xenia said, before leaning down to whisper into his ear. "Although, you should know that your son Fildir is dead, fallen in battle."

Processing her words, Korvis's eyes went wide at the revelation. Whether he believed her regarding his heir's death or not mattered little, as seconds later she drove the white blade deep into his throat.

Pulling the dagger free, she smirked as she watched him collapse to the floor, clutching his neck in panic.

Briza turned her head away, deeply sickened by Xenia's sadistic display. The actual execution did little to bother her, for she was a warrior. Death was a regular part of daily life. Yet the cruelty had been repulsive. There was no need to divulge that they had learned of Fildir's accidental death from Dominax's letter, nor the disgusting joy that the woman had seemingly taken from its reveal. Thus, Briza gritted her teeth and pointed her gaze elsewhere.

For the second time in mere minutes Xenia cleaned her victim's blood from a weapon, stepping over the body as she approached the group of girls. Horror spread across their faces at the sight of their slain father, as the nearby guards were forced to roughly cover the mouths of three to hush their screams. "Now, which of you goes by the name of 'Dunith'?"

There was a brief hesitation before one stepped forward. With her brunette curls hanging over her breasts, she hardened her face to conceal her nearly visible fear.

Xenia looked her up and down, as if assessing a competitor. "It appears that you are the lucky one, for I have instructions to grant you the title of Chief."

Her siblings looked to her in utter shock, though Dunith simply bowed her head in acknowledgement. "Chi- High-Chief Dominax had informed me of such plans, miss."

"Oh?" Xenia asked with only a hint of suspicion. Though his orders were clear, Dominax hadn't revealed the nature of his 'meeting' with the young woman.

"He warned that this day may come." Dunith responded obediently, revealing very little.

Xenia closed the short distance between them, taking the girl's chin in her moderately gentle grip. "Then, sweet Dunith, do you pledge your loyalty to him? To rule under his command, and join the Domani High-Chiefdom?"

The young woman's eyes looked past Xenia to gaze at her deceased father, instinctively placing her hand on her belly in concern for her likely pregnancy. "I do, miss. I shall serve him well."

Recognizing the subtle gesture Xenia's eyes narrowed, yet she gave no voice to her suspicions. Though potentially gaining yet another female competitor vying for Dominax, no good would come from throwing around clumsy accusations. "Good choice."

With Xenia taking a step back and presenting the white dagger, Dunith eagerly gripped the blade. "And what of my sisters?"

"Exile." Briza finally cut in, pushing aside her personal misgivings to address the new Chief. "They shall not be harmed."

Placing her hands on her hips, Xenia gave Dunith a smirk. "Yes, now come. There is much to be done. We must prepare to announce the unfortunate passing of Chief Korvis in his sleep, his fat heart giving out after learning of his son's death. The population shall know of their new borders, as their new Chief shall be eager to join us after the victory of Dominax in Zilrin."

A small pause passed as Dunith took a final look at Korvis before turning her gaze to Xenia with penetrating ambition, evidently finalizing her decision. "Yes, miss. Hail High-Chief Dominax."

Chapter Text

35th of Fonic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Outside Omrin.

"How...odd." Dominax said, appraising his prisoner. Chained to the stone wall of Zilrin's underground dungeon in a spread-eagle position, Lalian remained completely nude and unable to escape the prying eyes of his examiners. The damp room held three cells, of which two were still occupied.

"Quite." The female guard replied, running her finger down the Lanthian's green undersized cock, as she had brought his manhood to full hardness. "Even castrated, it appears to retain its arousal."

Lalian released a stifled whimper into his cloth gag, unable to escape the woman's touch. Had his testicles not been harshly removed, he held no doubt that precum would already be dripping from his tip.

Dominax stroked his pointed beard, unsure of what to make of the 'man'. Though he had heard countless myths and rumors about the continent's other humanoid species, he hadn't actually encountered one in person. Thus, when his warriors discovered the emasculated Lanthian male hiding underneath The Grand Hall with Manith's harem, his curiosity had peaked. "Such cruelty they enforce on their own population...the utter devotion to the selection of a prime mate. It is...fascinating."

"How...unsurprising that you'd show admiration to those...harpies…" A voice echoed from a cell just behind Dominax. Yet he needn't turn around to know that former Chief Manith lay huddled in its corner. In the two months that followed the attack on Zilrin, the stronger Lanthian had been kept alive, though only barely. His wounds had been somewhat treated, though he had nearly reached the point of starvation. "You don't know half of the horrors they inflict upon us!"

Dominax's face hardened as he slowly moved to the cell door, dismissing the female guard. With a bow, she gave one final stroke to Lalian's poor little cock before leaving them alone in the dungeon. "I've nothing to prove to you. Let it be clear that every breath you take is a mercy on my part. The continued lives of your women even more so."

The statement forced the starving Lanthian to glance over at the adjacent cell, containing his five former human slaves. Though some wished to cut open their pregnant bellies to reveal the growing hybrids inside, Dominax had sternly stamped out the idea. After all, he was no butcher. Rather, three of the women would accompany him back to Domani as he wished to examine the children after birth, while the unfertilized remainders would be sold off.

"Yet even still, I shall allow you to enjoy one last night on Ayphieal, for tomorrow brings your death." Dominax stated coldly. "My warriors have waited far too long to see their dead avenged."

The revelation brought no visible reaction to Manith's expression, for he had been expecting death the moment he fell to Clin. Yet, a question remained on his mind. "Why allow me to live at all? To...merely fester?"

"No, I'd be content to simply end you and be done with this. Every moment you live while Cendra lays buried is an injustice." Dominax explained with visible disgust. "However, I wished to gage the response of your former subjects to my usurpation. Should the need arise, I need only to wield your life as my hostage. Although...you may be disheartened to learn that no such resistance has occurred thus far, as it appears that you may not have been as popular as you believed."

Dominax briefly paused, allowing his words to sink in as an insidious grin began to creep across his face. "Though I cannot say I don't take some enjoyment in your predicament. In a way, by destroying all that I knew, you've killed me. Yet I remain, having already eclipsed you."

Manith remained calm despite his enemy's words, his tattered wings acting to provide whatever cushion they could offer against the hard stone of the wall. "For now, Dominax. For now. Go, rule them. Take more settlements and build this...Empire that you spout on about. We shall see how long it'll take before targets of your own begin to appear on your chest. How many, I wonder, will you weather before they overtake you? Before you're in my position?"

"Ah, you underestimate me, Manith. I shall weather them all." Dominax stated, his silver eyes narrowing. "Magnius will exist under my rule, or not at all."

The muscular Lanthian leaned back further, letting his scared head rest against the wall. "Strong words, though we shall see if they hold merit. Though as for me, I shall go to my grave with satisfaction, for I have lived free. I sought an escape to the cruelty of my species, and so I have. Slay me if you must, though none can steal that from me."

***

The population of Zilrin had quickly come to accept Dominax's rule, providing minimal resistance. Whether they simply desired a fellow human ruler once more, or possessed specific grievances towards Manith's leadership, he couldn't quite say. Yet the result remained the same.

Gathered outside of The Grand Hall, thousands of civilians and warriors chanted towards the hastily constructed platform as Manith was dragged up its creaking stairs. Dominax waited atop its peak, his white cloak fluttering lightly behind him.

The guards forced the Lanthian to his knees in the center of the platform, positioned for all onlookers to view. He turned his head to peer at Dominax, displaying no fear. Yet his firm expression slipped into slight confusion as he realized that his soon to be executioner held no weapon.

"For the destruction of Nitri and the many deaths of Omrin citizens, I, High-Chief Dominax, sentence you to death!" Their new leader exclaimed in his deep voice, inciting a cascade of cheers from the crowd.

Manith turned away, facing forwards as Dominax stepped behind him. Briefly he considered using his damaged wings to attempt to fly away, though pushed the thought aside. Were he to even get off the ground, he knew that the archers would make quick work of him. Better to die somewhat dignified than a fleeing fool.

"Let them be avenged as their butcher leaves this world!" Dominax exclaimed, his silver eyes beginning to glow as he outstretched his hands. Electricity sparked between his fingertips, gathering power.

For an instant, Manith felt what could only be described as fear, standing on death's door. Yet despite the maddened cheers of the crowd the world seemed to melt away into peace, only to be violently brought back as pain erupted through his kneeling body.

Placing his hands level to the Lanthian's head and mere inches from his temples, Dominax sent a flurry of powerful arcs of lightning into the bald green man.

The crowd watched in horror as their new High-Chief erupted into a sadistic laugh, electrocuting Manith's head as his body spasmed. Dominax's power crackled loudly, practically cooking his enemy's green skin as second after second passed by. Finally, mercifully, the electricity ceased, allowing Manith's smoking flesh to collapse in a heap.

Dominax peered down at the newly deceased corpse before shooting long strings of lightning over the crowd and inciting cries of alarm and surprise. They had seen him intentionally demonstrate his unique powers several times in the past two months, filling them with Mystic awe and terror.

"The tyrant is dead, slain by my hand!" Dominax shouted, igniting flames in his outstretched palms. "Though many of you fear my capabilities, know that I shall lead you to greatness! To prosperity!"

The majority of the gathered population eagerly cheered, driven by superstitious fascination. As he had predicted, many had begun to worship him as some type of God, a sentiment that may not have been far off after his encounter with Dorian.

"A new empire shall rise under my guidance, one to unite our people and bring order to Magnius!" Dominax continued, before launching the flames downwards and igniting the corners of the wooden platform. "There shall be no place for butchers such as Manith! No room for chaos! Only my rule."

As the fire slowly began to consume the platform, Dominax turned and began to descend the rickety stairs, leaving Manith's body to the flames.

40th of Fonic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Domani.

Having made no attempt at concealing his approach, Dominax wasn't surprised when his company of warriors was met by an escort of guards outside of Domani's New gates. Riding a lixidion taken from the stables of Zilrin, the relatively young conqueror sat above his companions.

The settlement, though still tiny, had grown considerably in his absence. He had forcibly relocated roughly one thousand new inhabitants from both Omrin and Zilrin into the newly forming capital shortly after his ascension, expanding the community tenfold. A wooden wall now protected Domani, while several crude huts had been constructed to intermix with the mostly tent-filled settlement.

The guards led his group of one hundred inside, including the bound Lalian and Manith's former harem. Riding his reptilian mount through the pathways of Domani, Dominax was pleased to find that many of its inhabitants now bowed as he passed. The escort group slowly dispersed at his command upon dismounting, including a trio of warriors that moved to guide the four prisoners to their new cells.

Arriving at the outside of the large chimira steel building that had been the pod, Dominax found both Briza and Xenia waiting for him inside of a large wooden shack that had been constructed just outside the pod. Though only large enough to accommodate a dozen people, they had covered the walls in soft chimira silk tapestries, along with shelves of Xenia's numerous healing herbs and materials.

The two women quickly rushed over to him, ambushing him in a large combined hug. He felt their gorgeous bodies pressed against his, unable to miss their now present baby bumps.

Yet their now obvious pregnancies weren't the only change, as both women had modified their outfits. Xenia's had entirely been switched out, now completely made of black chimira silk with fine white details that matched her thin tattoos. Though still wearing a rather revealing loincloth, albeit one of much higher quality, her top now consisted of two strips of fabric crossing into an 'X' over her firm breasts. Disconnected sleeves clung tightly to her narrow arms, from her mid bicep to her wrists. Her feet remained bare, as her entire legs remained on display. However, in contrast, Briza had made only a slight change to her outfit, only replacing her ragged loincloth for one of white chimira silk.

They remained together for a long moment before Briza separated and shoved him, though he hardly budged. "Don't leave for so long next time!"

In response, he smirked, allowing his eyes to fall onto their pregnant bellies. "I see the children have progressed nicely in my absence."

"They appear to be growing healthily, so far as I can tell." Xenia replied, tracing her finger over his badly damaged chest plate. "I've even gained some practice in diagnosing pregnancy in the population's women these last few months."

"Very good. You two have handled yourselves well during this...transitional period." Dominax stated with satisfaction. "I'd also like to congratulate both of you in person regarding your success with Omrin. I only wish I could have seen such a perfect plan play out so well!"

Though his words brought a gratified smile to Xenia's pretty face, he couldn't help but observe a slight disgust form in Briza's expression. "Something to say, Briza?"

"Later, perhaps." She replied, gesturing to Xenia with her eyes so subtly that he nearly missed it. "Though for now, I'd simply like to enjoy your return. Come, we'll show you what's changed."

***

Their tour of the growing settlement was kept brief, focusing mainly on their crude forges and defenses, before Dominax returned to the pod. After such a long period from his first encounter with Dorian, he was eager to continue his prodding of the universe.

Entering, he crossed to the center of the chamber, once more gazing upon the strange moon-like symbol that covered most of the floor.

"You've returned...my child." The old man's voice echoed through the chamber as the world drained of color, halting time.

Stepping outside of his frozen body, a familiar sense of unease seeped through Dominax. "I don't believe I'll get used to this…"

The old figure chuckled lightly, closing the distance between them. "It took me several years...though soon this spiritual state will become as natural...as your physical being. Though I'm sure you didn't come just to...visit a forgotten ghost. Come, tell me of your triumphs."

Dominax ignored the man's skeptical tone and began to pace across the metal floor. "Triumphs indeed. Though that is not why I am here. The orb you left behind contained knowledge, though not nearly enough to satisfy me."

Granting the young man a nod of understanding, Dorian folded his arms. "It was merely meant to...provide you a simple life, of which you've...thrown out."

"Yet what of these...powers?" Dominax asked impatiently, coming to a stop and igniting a tiny flame atop his pointed fingertip. "You've granted me the opportunity to learn everything that I've pondered for my entire life, yet I remain completely in the dark."

Watching the flame extinguish, Dorian looked at his son. Rather than frustration and anger, Dominax's voice radiated with a hunger for knowledge. A hunger that Dorian felt no need in denying. "Ah...the same questions I asked myself at your age. I benefited from many...teachers along the way, yet the majority of my knowledge came much later...in life. Yet put simply, all you seek stems...from the fact that you've been Vaidimated."

"Vaidimated?" Dominax asked, as if tasting the word.

"Though all beings have a physical and spiritual state that are...intertwined, only a select few spirits are...strong enough to manipulate reality. You are the only of said beings to live...in this dimension."

"I'm afraid I don't fully understand…" Dominax confessed after a moment.

Dorian held up a hand to quiet the younger man. "One day you will, though for now...simply understand that you are the only being of my blood to walk Ayphieal. In turn, your own children...will inherit your abilities. Yet they will possess a Vek, a type of...spiritual block to naturally hamper their capabilities. The process of Vaidimation...removes said block."

Allowing a moment to pass as he absorbed the explanation, Dominax stroked his pointed beard. "This...block has been removed from me?"

The ghostly figure gave a slow nod. "Yes...my son. Without a Vek, your full potential lies within your grasp. When the time is right...I shall grant you the knowledge of how to Vaidimate your children, though that is for another time…"

"I see." He replied, resuming his pacing as his mind worked through the implications of Dorian's words. Yet as he looked to the floor, his curiosity built once again. "Does this...symbol have anything to do with Vaidimation?" He asked, gesturing to the massive carving of the crescent moon. "Such an image must hold considerable meaning to be displayed so prominently."

"In a way...yes." Dorian confirmed, his wrinkled face holding a kind smile that looked to be on the edge of collapsing. "I first encountered it...in my original dimension, yet it's origin remains elusive. Supposedly...it identified Vaidimated individuals, though that was long before my time…"

"Original dimension?" Dominax asked, turning his attention fully to the ancient ghost. Had he truly never considered that their creator could be of another world? The possibility that Dorian hadn't simply brought himself into existence, along with Ayphieal, but instead traveled from a completely separate universe? "Is such a thing even possible?"

"Indeed...my son." Dorian replied, his voice and cloaked body steadily growing tired as the conversation progressed. "I...I shall grant you all you'd like to know...of how I created Ayphieal. Yet...my strength wanes...once more. I must rest…"

Opening his mouth to argue, Dominax stopped himself before nodding. There'd be no use in forcing the old man to remain. "So be it. We shall speak again."

Slowly fading, Dorian vanished, leaving Dominax alone in the pod.

***

As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, leaving the starless night sky as dark as an empty void, Dominax returned to Briza and Xenia's hut. Pushing through the fabric covered entrance he was greeted by the presence of Briza laying on the bed idly stroking her pregnant belly with her eyes closed. Though he attempted to remain quiet as he stepped inside, the small amount of noise caused her to turn her head towards him.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to wake you." He said, beginning to unstrap his dented chest plate.

Briza rolled to sit on the edge of the bed, stretching her muscles. "I was only half asleep anyways."

Placing his armor on a small table next to the entrance, Dominax did a quick scan of the room. "I take it Xenia hasn't returned from her healing duties?"

Briza shook her head. "No, one of the women went into labor some time ago. I suspect she'll finish shortly. Although…" she started, suddenly looking at him with concern. "Perhaps this is an ideal time for us to speak."

"Agreed." He replied, crossing the room to sit next to her on the bed. "You said we'd discuss Omrin later. I'd like to know what occurred."

She opened her mouth to begin, though stopped herself as she searched for the correct words. When she found them, her brown eyes narrowed. "Haven't I always been loyal to you?"

"Yes, of course Briza." He responded, unsure of where her intentions lay.

"Did I complain when you slept with Xenia and gave her your seed?" She asked calmly.

"I...made no promises of exclusivity." Dominax stated matter-of-factly.

Nodding, she continued. "Yes, I'm well aware. You can be a real ass sometimes, though as I've said before, I find no faults in you wishing to spread your seed beyond our bed. Yet...I'm concerned that Xenia may be using you. Using us."

A thin smile spread across Dominax's face. "Well of course she is."

The statement caused Briza to pause in surprise before anger filled her expression. "Then...why allow her to stay?!"

Placing his hand on her thigh, he kept his voice calm. "Don't be foolish, she's more than proven herself to be useful already. She is ambitious and ruthless, yet her motivations matter little to me."

"And if those ambitions lead her to harming either you or me, what then?"

He paused before answering firmly. "Come to the point. You've yet to tell me what occurred in Omrin. If Xenia did something to cause you concern then simply tell me."

"Dominax...she killed Korvis. Now, I know that was your wish from the beginning, but you weren't there to see it. The...joy she took in the act…" Briza explained. "The cruelty of revealing Fildir's death before slaying him…"

"A necessary act, however unsavory." Dominax interjected coldly. "His death was far more useful to me than his life."

Briza stood up from the bed in anger. "Don't think that I don't know that! I'm a warrior, just as you. I accept that killing is unavoidable at times, yet this was just...wrong. Sadistic."

Dominax stood to join her, placing a strong but comforting hand on her shoulder. "Briza, do you trust me?"

"You know I do, dumbass. It's her that I don't trust."

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Then trust that I know what I'm doing, that I am capable of managing those under my command. I don't question your skill in battle, and thus, you shall refrain from commenting on my leadership."

She looked into his silver eyes with conviction. "I made no such criticisms. I...just want to make sure that you're safe. You know I'd protect you if Xenia attempts anything against you. Even pregnant, I can still kick her ass."

Dominax chuckled, overpowering her as he pushed her onto the bed, holding himself above her to avoid her baby bump. "Of course Briza, though that won't be necessary."

Briza couldn't help but smile at his strength, pinned under his control. Her worries momentarily satiated, she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.

Yet as they made contact, the cloth door was pushed open as the very person they had been discussing entered.

"Well, it appears you two have decided to start without me, is that it?" Xenia stated, folding her arms with a smirk.

Dominax rose from the bed, helping Briza to her feet. "Not quite, though it has been a while."

"Too long." Xenia replied, her hips swaying as she slowly approached them. "Though has little miss swordfighter spoiled the surprises yet?"

Briza's eyes widened slightly. "I...had nearly forgotten…"

"Worry not, I shall do the honors." Xenia said with a playful grin before immediately turning to retrieve a folded piece of black fabric from a shelf against the far wall. She then returned, unfurling the fabric until he realized that it had been sewn into the shape of a man's body from the neck down. "As was your command, our harvesters have been producing as much chimira silk as possible. While we've all been incorporating it into our clothing and tents, it was only right that you'd benefit from it as well. Thus, we had them create a suit of pure chimira silk for you."

Dominax gently took the suit from her hands, feeling its softness. Made from the same material as his cape, he knew that it would be both fire resistant and insulating.

"I had to give them measurements from memory…" Briza added, blushing slightly. Despite the rather intense conversation a mere minute ago, she did her best to act natural around her female competitor. "Though its fit shouldn't be much of a problem, as it is quite stretchy. It'll go perfectly under your armor."

Once again crossing the room on her long feminine legs, Xenia collected a large object wrapped in cloth from a separate shelf, previously nestled between two bundles of various herbs. "Though the main surprise came from our metalworkers." She said, placing the large object in his hands.

Carefully, he unwrapped the cloth until the object was revealed to be a new cuirass, complete with shoulder plates, chest and back plates, and flexible interlaced plates that protected the sides of his legs. White chimira silk Turinis strips hung from a thick belt, providing his groin extra protection.

"Good gods...it's perfect…" He muttered to himself, appreciating its many intricate details.

"You'll of course have to do...well, whatever it is you do to transform it into chimira steel, though our metalworkers did the rest." Xenia explained with her typical smirk, placing her hands on her hips.

"I have no words…" He said, before an idea occurred to him. "Although…"

The two women watched with curiosity as he searched the hut, placing the armor next to his old chest plate and locating a small piece of parchment and ink. Carefully, he began to trace the image of an elaborate crescent moon.

"Instruct the metalworkers to add this symbol." He requested, handing the parchment to Briza. "I first encountered it on the floor of the pod. I shall explain its meaning later, though at present, know that its origin lies directly connected to my powers. What better symbol to display on our banners than our greatest advantage? A proclamation that we know what's best for you."

Observing the symbol, Briza nodded. "It will be done."

"Good." Dominax stated with a quick nod. "You two have done quite well on your own."

"Oh?" Xenia asked with a coy smile as she moved in close. "Shouldn't we be rewarded in that case?"

Taking her meaning, Dominax's silver eyes ran over her body before he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. "Of course, a man can find comfort in having selected competent mates."

Biting her bottom lip, she felt his warmth against her body before she began to remove her revealing top. "A mate that is only yours, my lord." She stated with a confident smirk.

Observing her perfectly shaped breasts, Dominax looked up and glanced at Briza who folded her arms. The movement caused Xenia to look back, before gently pushing herself from his grasp.

"There's no reason to pout, come. Join us." Xenia teased.

"I'm not...pouting." Briza replied with a hint of annoyance as her fellow female crossed over to her.

With methodical movements Xenia began to remove Briza's clothing while Dominax granted the stronger woman a reassuring look. Cautious, she allowed Xenia to untie her top and free her breasts.

"Well...almost as big as mine, aren't they?" Xenia teased, placing her delicate hands on Briza's firm orbs while making no effort to conceal her obvious attraction.

The touch brought faint redness to the female warrior's face, as she had never been touched by another woman before. Yet with Dominax's comforting presence, she made no move to resist.

Dominax crossed over to them, placing his hands on both of his pregnant lovers' shoulders. "You'll find that her main allure is somewhat lower, Xenia."

"Don't encourage her." Briza shot back as she shoved him half playfully, though he didn't budge.

Dragging her fingers down, Xenia caressed Briza's moderate baby bump as she made her way to her groin, stopping just above her white loincloth. "A wise suggestion, my lord." Xenia teased as she shifted her touch to Briza's hips, finding the clasps to her waist straps. She then looked into her eyes with confidence as she momentarily paused. Yet with sudden small movements of her fingers, she sent Briza's lower outfit toppling to the floor.

Taking a step back, Xenia nearly purred in lust as she assessed Briza's nude warrior body. "Well, no wonder you were quick to knock her up…"

The aroused gaze from a fellow female felt strange, though Briza simply turned her head away and placed her hands confidently on her hips, leaving herself exposed.

Dominax gently rubbed Xenia's pregnant belly, his cock hardening quickly. "And you as well. Both of you are more than worthy of bearing my seed."

With a satisfied smile, Xenia removed her own loincloth, exposing herself as well before grabbing their hands and leading them over to the bed. "Come, we shall delay no longer. Let us please you, my lord."

Removing his tunic as he watched Xenia lay on her back, his cock remained hard and ready as she spread her feminine legs. Overwhelmed with desire, he pounced onto the bed and mounted her pregnant body. Yet already wet from the sight of Briza's body, Xenia's pussy offered little resistance as he took charge and pushed his way inside.

"Oooohhh…" Xenia moaned as he penetrated her, feeling the cock that knocked her up deep inside of her once more.

Rocking his hips, he held himself over her as he dominated her alluring form.

Briza watched as he slowly thrusted in and out of her female competitor, feeling a burning jealousy in her heart. Unwilling to simply sit by and allow Xenia to win, she jumped onto the bed and pulled Dominax off of her.

Allowing Briza to roll him onto his back, Dominax watched with intrigue as she quickly mounted him. His cock still slick with Xenia's juices, Briza lowered herself onto his throbbing rod, biting her lip as she penetrated herself with his erection.

"Ah, someone's certainly eager!" Xenia laughed, moving her hand to rub her neglected pussy as she turned her head to watch.

"You're not ahhh fucking him first…" Briza stated with confidence as she bobbed up and down on his shaft.

"You'll both have your chance." Dominax replied with a satisfied smirk as his cock pushed in and out of her tight vagina.

Her feminine fingers working fast to rub against her needy clit, Xenia let out a moan as she watched Briza ride her lover. The sight of both an attractive male and female easily fueled her arousal, forcing her digits to rub frantically.

With her firm breasts bouncing subtly with each movement, Briza's angry expression slowly but steadily softened as she raised her gaze to the wooden ceiling of the hut.

Dominax placed his hand on her baby bump as she took his cock, groaning in satisfaction as he knew his child was growing within. Thoughts of their night under the starless sky ran through his mind, recalling when he had first filled her with his seed.

Mere minutes passed before Xenia cried out, forcing her pussy to cum from her own touch. Briza could only look down in surprise as her fellow female sprayed her pussy juices onto the bed and floor, having only heard gossip from her fellow women about such an act. To encounter a true squirter in the act brought a surprising tingle to her own loins, a feeling that utterly shocked her.

Ravaged by lust, Xenia took a moment to recuperate before rolling over and getting to her knees. No longer content with watching, she then maneuvered herself behind Briza and straddled Dominax's legs.

He watched as Xenia pressed herself into her fellow female's back, reaching around to fondle Briza's breasts.

"What ahhh are you…" Briza began to say, before Xenia slid her hand down to the warrior woman's groin. Then finding her clit, she began to lightly rub as Briza moved up and down on his cock.

The sensation of each thrust mixed with Xenia's caresses brought an involuntary moan from Briza's lips, echoing through the hut. No woman had ever touched her in such an intimate place, yet her body eagerly accepted the attention from Xenia's expert fingers.

"Fuck this perfect little pussy, my lord!" Xenia moaned as she played with her female competitor's sensitive clit, knowing exactly how fast to rub and at which pressure. Had anyone known that she had learned her techniques from her mother, her experienced touch may have been less welcomed. "Listen to her moans...such a little slut…"

"I...ahhhhhh….am not…!" Briza protested, her pussy burning with pleasure. Yet it didn't take long until she nearly screamed as she orgasmed around his cock, leaking juices onto his waist.

Dominax groaned as she clenched down, milking his cock. "Ahhhh...yes…"

Xenia waited with anticipation as Briza worked her way through her ecstasy, watching as Dominax grew closer and closer to climax. Yet just before he had reached his limit, she wrapped her arms around Briza and pulled her off of his cock. Together they fell onto the bed, before Xenia pushed her off and practically jumped onto Dominax. "We're not done here!"

Cock throbbing, he practically growled as he grabbed Xenia and flipped her over onto her back, pinning her. A submissive coo escaped her lips as he forcefully pulled her legs apart, sinking his cock into her snug vagina.

Knowing that he was thrusting with his cock covered in Briza's pussy juices, Xenia moaned loudly as he began to pound into her.

Recovering from her orgasm, Briza rose to her knees on shaky legs, breathing hard from her rough lovemaking.

Grunting wildly, Dominax was certain that nearby huts and tents would hear their cries, yet cared little. For in that moment nothing beyond their small hut existed in his mind.

The sight of the only man she truly loved slamming his erection into her female competitor brought a deep blushing to Briza's face, yet an idea crept into her mind. Slowly and hesitantly she moved closer, nearing Xenia's head. Unsure of her actions, she simply watched for several long moments, before her lust overtook her.

Moaning in bliss, Xenia was pleasantly surprised when Briza suddenly moved to straddle her face, pinning her head between her powerful thighs. Instinctively she reached up and gripped the stronger woman's hips, eagerly pressing her face firmly into her waiting vagina.

Briza yelped as she felt Xenia's tongue against her labia, lapping away as if reflexively. The feeling of another woman's tongue caused her heart to flutter, her loins tingling.

Dominax grinned as he looked into Briza's eyes, slamming his cock against Xenia's cervix. The sight of his pregnant mates interacting so intimately pleased him, for he had chosen well.

Working her tongue as she moaned into Briza's wet lips, Xenia quickly forced Briza's legs to begin quivering. The act of pleasuring another woman filled the healer with arousal, forcing her to cum within minutes of taking Dominax's erection.

He could feel her squirt forcefully around his shaft, lubricating her sopping wet tunnel. The tightness of her pregnant vagina caressed every inch of his large manhood, as if rewarding it for successfully fertilizing her womb.

"Xe...Xenia…" Briza moaned, surprised even at her own voice. She could no longer control herself, greedily rocking her hips against the woman's mouth.

Dominax could hardly contain himself, lost in ecstasy. "Ahhh...such an...ahhh...exquisite sight…"

Clenching her strong legs, Briza trapped Xenia's head as she climaxed, leaking her juices both into the woman's mouth and onto her face. Xenia eagerly lapped up as much as she could manage, never hesitating.

The view of his two females in mutual bliss nearly sent him over the edge, though Dominax managed to pull his cock from Xenia's vagina in time to hold off his inevitable finish. Though intoxicated by the thought of filling her pregnant pussy, there was one final act he desired.

"My lord…?" Xenia asked through the haze of her pleasure, though he simply helped her up onto her knees. Then, guiding Briza simultaneously, he led them to press their pregnant bellies together while remaining on their knees.

Moving to take his position while similarly kneeling on the bed, he pressed his cock between their pregnant baby bumps and began to slide between them.

Both utterly pleasured, the two women gladly obeyed by holding their moderate bumps together, feeling his shaft slide back and forth.

Slowly thrusting between their pregnant bellies, Dominax was flooded with primal satisfaction, for he had impregnated both gorgeous females. His children now grew in their wombs, preparing to add to his legacy.

Smirking, Xenia gently grabbed her own breasts, squeezing them lightly. "Dominax...they're readying themselves...to feed your child…" she teased, stroking her sensitive nipples.

The statement forced a groan from his lips, as he continued to thrust between their bellies. Knowing that their pregnancies were caused by his cock…that they carried his seed….

"Ooooohhhh…" He moaned, his cock pulsating as ropes of potent sperm spurted from his tip, coating their bellies and squirting onto the bed.

Both women looked at each other in satisfaction, hearing the cries of his orgasm.

Rocking his hips through his intense pleasure, Dominax could hardly remain upright as his thighs shook, his balls spewing the same sperm that had knocked up both women.

Slowly, steadily, his orgasm faded, leaving the trio in peace as they remained together. Dominax fell onto the bed, pulling both women down with him. He held them both in his arms, utterly satisfied.

***

"Back away!" The guard yelled as he and Dominax approached the outdoor cage. Nestled against the inward facing side of Domani's outer wall, several children had gathered to gawk and prod at the strange Lanthian imprisoned inside. Yet at the guard's command, they quickly scurried away.

Dominax approached the prisoner, brandishing his newly formed white cuirass. The black suit they had granted him fit perfectly beneath, soft against his skin.

"Oh thank the goddess!" The prisoner exclaimed, rising from his sitting position and clasping the rusted bars of the cage. His average height forced him to hunch over somewhat in the confines of his prison.

Folding his arms, Dominax appraised the strange green man. "Your name is Lalian, correct?" He asked, repeating the name granted by Manith's former harem. Though he had studied the man, Lalian had remained gaged during each encounter.

"Yes, my lord." He confirmed, bowing his head even further in his cramped confines before returning his gaze to his captor.

"I've been informed that you've been incessant in your requests to speak to me. Do not waste this opportunity, Lanthian."

"Yes, thank you my lord." Lalian replied in genuine gratitude, before his words began to flow frantically. "Though I have no knowledge of your intentions for the fate of myself and my former companions, I can imagine a few conclusions. Thus, I believe that it would be wise to demonstrate my usefulness."

An insidious grin came to Dominax's face. "If you believe that I intend to put you to death, you are mistaken. I'd much rather see you returned to The Lanthian Empire to gauge their response."

The green of Lalian's cheeks darkened as anger and fear broke through his already waning composure. "That's...that's unacceptable...I will never go back!"

"Then you had better speak quickly of this 'usefulness' that you seem to be confident in." Dominax stated coldly.

Calming himself, Lalian looked his captor in the eye. "I...apologize. There are several illustrations stashed beneath Zilrin's Grand Hall, consisting of designs for walls, defenses, weapons, and several various buildings. I'd gladly trade their specific location for a place in your service, High-Lord Dominax."

"Ah, quite a unique deception, though I've encountered worse. Some time ago I defeated a man in combat who offered a night with twelve of his sisters in exchange for his life, despite stemming from an all-male band of poachers." He smirked, before stroking his short beard. "Though tell me something, if my warriors were to locate what you claim, what would be the purpose in retaining you?"

"Each design has been made by my hand, and mine alone." Lalian replied with renewed conviction.

"Interesting...though your claim lacks proof, Lanthian. Would you be capable of recreating these designs if given the proper tools?"

Lalian nodded eagerly, before tapping the side of his head with his finger. "Of course, my lord, scarcely a thought escapes my memory. Merely grant me a few days at the most and I shall prove my value."

"Very well." Dominax nodded. "I am not an unreasonable man. Fulfill your end, and you shall be granted your freedom. Such designs would prove to be more valuable than returning you in any case."

Lalian's grip on the rusted bars tightened. "Well...yes, my lord, freedom. At the risk of overstepping...I don't ask to merely serve as a citizen of your realm, but rather, directly under your command."

The statement forced Dominax's eyebrow to raise inquisitively. "Oh?"

Though somewhat hesitant, Lalian forced the words from his mouth. "I...have been a slave from the moment I broke from my egg. Even under Manith I remained nothing more than a servant." He said, exhaling a breath. "Freedom is all I've sought, yet once it's in my grasp, what then? I...do not wish to struggle amongst your people, nor can I return to my homeland. However, under your command and resources, I may finally put my intellect into action. Not only to design wonders, but to create them. Merely grant me the opportunity, my lord, and I shall forge your cities and armies into unmatched splendor. A free man, yet with purpose."

A thin grin overtook Dominax's lips. "A lofty goal for a caged slave. Provide me with proof of your abilities, and I shall grant you that opportunity."

Lalian's hands relaxed. "Thank you, my lord."

The grin faded, replaced with a serious expression. "Though be warned. If this agreement reveals itself to be a waste of my time, returning you to your matriarchal masters will become a mercy that you'll yearn for. Am I clear?"

"Completely." Lalian replied, beginning to smile.

45th of Fonic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Domani.

Armorless and with the sleeves of his suit rolled halfway up his arms, Dominax remained motionless. Waist deep in the gargantuan river near Domani, he felt the soft reddish sand between his toes as he studied the water. Then, reacting quickly, he shot his arms into the water and heaved a large fish into the air.

Bright red with a jagged blue line down its center, the three-foot-long creature writhed in his grip. Possessing teeth that were disturbingly similar to a human's, the bright fish seized up before falling limp in his grasp as his electricity tore through the non-sapient creature's internal organs. Yet even newly dead, it's sinister grin and black eyes appeared as if they could turn on him at any moment.

Yet as he pushed his way through the water to close the small distance between himself and the shore, Dominax noticed a group approaching from Domani. Throwing the unnerving creature onto the sand, he counted ten people in total, led by Clin.

"My lord, these men wish to meet with you." Clin announced as they came to a stop in front of him. Then turning, the blonde-haired warrior began to gesture to each man as he introduced them. "Before you stands Chief Kixanil of Luxi, Chief Priax of Crosia, and Chief Ainir of Avilia."

Even if he had lacked an introduction, it wouldn't have taken long to see the three men standing out from the group, each possessing two guards with their banner symbols etched into various locations on their crude armor. Yet even with their collective confidence, Kixanil nearly seemed to lead his fellow Chiefs.

"It is an honor to stand in your presence, High-Chief Dominax." Kixanil stated with what appeared to be genuine enthusiasm, despite appearing to be at least a decade older than the man they had come to meet. Well-built and brandishing a long brown beard, Kixanil stood just an inch shorter than Dominax himself. Wearing a chest plate scared with scratches, his torso was concealed under an orange tunic that reached his knees.

"No guards?" Priax asked in a deep voice. A short but sturdy man, his long black hair ran down his back in several braids, and his face appeared to be somewhat clean-shaven.

Dominax folded his arms. "Do I appear to be a man who requires guards?"

"I can assure you that Chief Priax meant no offense, it is merely a rarity to encounter a fellow Chief unguarded." Ainir interjected, far older than his companions. At least fifty years of age, his long black and grey beard hung over his slender body. Rather than armor, his bluish tunic hung nearly to the floor as it acted as a robe.

Clin took his place at Dominax's side as Kixanil stepped forwards and cleared his throat. "Though in the interest of saving time, allow me to state that this visit isn't merely a social call. There is business to be done."

"And what might this 'business' be, gentlemen?" Dominax replied in curiosity.

As if enacting a well-rehearsed ceremony Kixanil and his two guards knelt in unison, followed by Ainir, and finally Priax. All nine men on their knees in the soft reddish sand, they bowed their heads submissively.

Dominax's stern expression hinted to none of his eager interest as he watched the men, before Kixanil alone raised his chin to address him. "High-Chief Dominax of Domani, whispers of your recent conquests have found our ears. Tales of your otherworldly abilities have seeped into our holds and claimed the minds of our most spiritual servants." Kixanil began to explain, before spreading his arms to gesture to the group behind him. "Together, the three of us have set aside our differences, and after much discussion, we've come to agree that your actions can only be explained through the work of the gods. Merely grant us a glimpse of your powers in this moment, and together we shall pledge ourselves as your dutiful vassals!"

Eyeing the kneeling group for several long seconds, Dominax considered the man's words. Echoing both Salduin and Xenia's explanations, it appeared that even the mention of his powers were beginning to serve him in unexpected ways.

Then, with an insidious grin creeping onto his face, Dominax slowly outstretched his hands towards the group. Taking his time to nearly feed off their anticipation, lighting abruptly sprang from his fingers and consumed both guards bearing Kixanil's symbol in a web of crackling electricity.

The entirety of the group watched in a mix of horror and fascination as the two men seized violently, only for him to cease his powers once their strained screams had come to an end. The pleasant breeze carried the smell of their charred skin across the shoreline as both guards collapsed into the sand.

Clin averted his gaze with a disgusted grimace, turning away from the horrific scene. He had accompanied the two men mere minutes ago, yet now they lay dead.

"Good gods...the rumors are true…" Ainir commented through his stunned state. "...the rumors are true…"

Returning his gaze towards the standing man, Kixanil raised his hands towards Dominax. "All hail High-Chief Dominax!"

The others followed his lead, repeating his words as Dominax lorded over them.

"All hail High-Chief Dominax!"

***

Hushed whispers echoed quietly through the small hut near Domani's southern gate as a cluster of twenty individuals of average appearance patiently waited.

The man they had been waiting for entered the hut, hastening to seal the door behind him. He then crossed the small room to take his place in front of them, addressing the small gathering. Somewhat thin though athletic, he sported an unkempt mustache and short brown hair. He had been known as one of Domani's stable workers, yet on this night, his purpose lay far beyond feeding lixidions.

"Thank you all for coming, as I'm certain you will all come to regard this meeting with utmost importance." The man began to say, ensuring that his voice was just loud enough for them to all easily hear, yet staying within the thin walls of the wooden hut. "As I'm sure you've all heard, three nearby Chiefdoms have pledged themselves to our High-Chief a mere two days ago. It is for this reason that the time to act has finally come."

The crowd remained silent, as if the very sound of their breathing would incite a swarm of guards to burst through the door.

"We have all witnessed his strange abilities. Though many of us worship different gods, we may still come together in acceptance of the fact that his very existence spits in the face of our beliefs. Our very way of life." The man continued, his tone oozing hatred. "We cannot allow his influence to spread further. He has required only months to subjugate an entire High-Chiefdom and carve out a new unified realm where none existed prior. How long until he takes another settlement? And another?"

The man watched the crowd's reaction as he dramatically clenched his fists. "No longer, my friends. It is our duty to put an end to this rising tyrant. Only Ortis possessed the courage to stand up against Dominax's power grab in the beginning. Though many gathered here were not present for such an event, I say that Ortis shall be a figure we must all strive to emulate, a man whose bravery we must possess."

A man close to the front of the group spoke up during a brief pause. "How do you suggest that we accomplish such a task?"

The speaker smiled confidently. "Ah, a fair question. My friends, change shall not come swiftly. We must bide our time as we grow our numbers. Through patience, we shall be the architects of Dominax's demise."

Murmurs of agreement began to break out, as everyone attempted to control their volume. Only once the many individual conversations slowly came to a stop did the speaker finally resume.

"I cannot promise that our efforts will be without pain or strife. I cannot promise that many of you will avoid death. Yet I can promise that our actions will free thousands, if not millions. Through Ortis's example, we shall become a plague that Dominax cannot avoid." The speaker announced with conviction. "Let no conquer kill our traditions or beliefs.

Thus, The Cult of Ortis was born.

Chapter Text

49th of Fonic, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Domani.

Though skeptical of Lalian's lofty claims, Dominax couldn't help but grin as his guards informed him of the design's completion. Wasting no time, he quickly found his way to Lalian's new prison.

Though only a small hut that was kept constantly guarded, the Lanthian's living conditions had improved dramatically from his former cramped cage of a prison. With a flimsy table planted in the center of the small room, Lalian had spent every waking moment beyond their fateful meeting dutifully reconstructing his lost designs with far more glee than one might expect. For though many may have found the work tedious, Lalian was enraptured as he had carved the intricate lines into the thin wooden slabs.

The reinforced wooden door to the hut squeaked loudly as it opened outwards, allowing Dominax to step inside. It was then resealed, leaving the pair alone.

"I trust my men were not mistaken?" Dominax questioned, his silver eyes falling onto the short stack of chest-wide wooden slabs placed on the desk.

"They were not, you'll find the designs finished as promised." Lalian replied, rising from a small crate that acted as his stool. His eyes momentarily dropped to Dominax's hand, which carried a small fist-sized sack.

Dominax placed the sack on the table and picked up the top slab with caution, as if his grip could somehow cause the slabs to crumble to ash. Yet as he peered down at the complexity of the etchings, an insidious smile began to spread across his face.

Lalian clasped his hands behind his back, somewhat straightening up. "Behold, my masterpiece."

In Dominax's grasp lay the designs for a pyramid shaped fortress, gargantuan in size. Its labyrinthine interior stretched across each slab, containing countless chambers and halls.

"A masterpiece indeed…" Dominax muttered, breaking the short silence when he finally looked up from the designs.

Lalian shifted nervously, meeting the man's gaze. "You are satisfied then, my lord?"

With a firm nod Dominax alleviated Lalian's concerns. "Certainly, you've more than proven your worth. Suffice to say I've never encountered such a structure, as I suspect that even the northern human kingdoms would be hard pressed to produce a building a quarter the size of what you propose. Yet I must know, is such a design even feasible?"

"With the proper materials, I can assure you that my designs will prove to be more solid and long-lasting than any palace or fortification that currently exists on Magnius." Lalian replied with visible pride. "I had originally created these designs for Manith, though it's construction proved to be far too costly at the time. Such a building would take decades to create in any case."

"Granting me your best work outright, Lanthian?"

Lalian shrugged. "I may not get another opportunity. Should you simply have me killed, I only wish that my masterpiece will live on in some form. Yet, I am certain that it shall spare me from your sword, yes?"

With a deep chuckle Dominax moved to Lalian's side of the desk and placed a firm hand on his green shoulder. "In that you are most assuredly correct. You've done well, and thus, I shall uphold my end of the deal."

Lalian bowed his head. "Thank you, my lord."

"You shall be supervised for some time, though you'll be able to move more freely around Domani now. However," He began to explain, removing his hand and picking up the sack once more. Reaching in, he produced a single bar of chimira steel. "For the time being, you shall study this material and deduce if it can be incorporated into any of your designs."

Hesitantly, Lalian took the thick bar into his delicate green hands, instantly comparing it to Dominax's armor. "I've never encountered such a material, my lord. Is a larger quantity available for testing?"

"A small amount, though more shall be created in the coming days. War is on the agenda, Lanthian, and I wish to know if such a material can truly grant my people an edge."

Lalian bowed, unintentionally bending over enough to grant his captor an additional glimpse of the scars where his wings had once been attached. "Of course, my lord."

"Very good, I will instruct a slave to bring you new clothing. Yet keep in mind that everything I grant you can just as easily be stripped away. Serve me loyally, however, and you shall thrive." Dominax said, before his stern expression lightened as he clasped Lalian's forearm firmly. "Welcome to Domani."

1st of Fixuin, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Domani.

"Getting tired yet?" Clin lightheartedly chuckled, his bicep straining.

"You wish." Briza shot back with a smile, though it was obvious that her efforts to defeat the blonde warrior were fruitless. Seated at an outdoor table with their hands locked together, they had been arm wrestling for the better part of the morning.

Of Ayphieal's eight moons, the moon known as Fixuin had reached its peak the previous midday, marking the beginning of the fifth month. As each month held exactly fifty days both Briza and Xenia's pregnancies were nearing their end, a fact that was prominently displayed as Briza appeared as if she could give birth at any moment.

A crowd had gathered around the table, taking an interest in the two warriors as a warm breeze ran through the small settlement.

Briza strained against his strength, desperately attempting to topple his hand. Yet as she fought, she suddenly let out a pained groan as her free hand rushed to her large baby bump.

Clin's eyes went wide with concern, instinctively halting his straining arm and granting Briza the opportunity she had been searching for. Without warning, she suddenly pushed with all her strength, slamming his hand down onto the table.

The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and laughter as Clin shot up from the table, pointing an accusing finger at his opponent as he broke into a smile. "That was dirty!"

Briza simply smirked in mock arrogance and folded her arms. "Just utilizing all of my advantages in battle."

A rumble of chuckles echoed through the observers, including Clin. Yet as the noise slowly subsided Salduin pushed his way through the crowd, stopping just short of the table.

"High-Chief Dominax requests our presence, Clin." The large man announced after the two men had clasped each other's forearms in a gesture of mutual respect.

Briza rose from her seat, cradling her belly. "Did he mention if I should accompany you?"

"I'm afraid not, miss." He confirmed. "One can assume that he wishes for you to rest."

"Rest." She repeated, shaking her head in dismissal as she sat back down.

The two men offered her apologetic expressions before turning to leave.

***

"Ah, so they've finally arrived." Hesin muttered as Clin and Salduin entered the hut. Seated on a crate, his typical hooded cloak had been replaced for one of black chimira silk.

Dressed in his full armor, Dominax placed his hands firmly onto the table that stood in the center of the room. "Yes, come. There is much to discuss."

The three men approached the standing table, joining their leader in hesitation.

Dominax's silver eyes passed from each of them, as if assessing them before he spoke. "Each of you have served me well these past months, and thus, you've already been rewarded. Yet on this day, I wish to extend an offer to all three of you. I shall require skilled and competent men if I am to fulfill my ambitions, of which you've shown yourselves to be. Therefore, I'd like to officially mark you as my advisors."

The trio glanced at each other, taking a moment to ponder their decision before all three nodded in turn. It was not uncommon for a Chief to directly select his advisors, especially when none currently existed. Many would have jumped at the opportunity to climb the ranks early at the creation of an entirely new High-Chiefdom, making the decision far from a difficult one.

"We would be honored, my lord." Salduin answered with conviction, inciting agreement from his companions.

"I'm pleased to hear that." Dominax replied, reaching down before tossing a knife onto the table and folding his arms. "However, I require some type of assurance that your loyalties are as solid as you claim."

Clin eyed the knife with uncertainty. "What would you have us do?"

"A good question." Dominax smiled, his gaze focusing on the blonde warrior. "What I offer contains the potential to uplift you from the masses, to forge yourselves into worthy beings. Yet with such benefits a sacrifice must be made. Thus, to prove your commitment and loyalty, simply remove the fifth digit of your left hand."

The unconcerned tone of his voice did little to quell the men's internal reactions, though none put voice to their misgivings. Rather, they each looked to their leader in surprise before gazing at the inert knife.

"I shall force no man to seize an opening to uplift himself, as only those with the will to grasp such an opportunity are worthy of my attention in any case." Dominax continued. "If you wish to leave, do so now, as you shall not be punished."

Within moments of the explanation coming to an end Salduin reached down and took the knife in his large hand, straightening up. "My lord, I was the first to join you in Nitri, and so I shall be the first to join you now. I had believed that you would lead me to…enlightenment. Knowledge of the immaterial, of our purpose in existence. To the gods. That belief remains true even now, and so I shall gladly accept your request."

Concealing a grin at the man's utter devotion, Dominax watched as Salduin placed his hand onto the table. Then, pausing for only an instant, he brought the top-heavy knife down hard onto his own finger.

Salduin gritted his teeth, lifting his now bloody hand while his finger remained motionless on the table. Dominax moved to grant him a small strip of fabric, which the muscled man pressed firmly against his wound to stifle the bleeding.

Dominax placed a compassionate hand on Salduin's shoulder. "Very good my friend, I am pleased to witness your dedication. There is much that I have already learned from the pod, though we shall speak on it later. For now, go. I've instructed Xenia to wait outside of the hut, as she shall cauterize your injury."

With a quick bow, a bead of sweat rolled down his bald head before he swiftly made his exit from the hut.

"Now then, let's continue." Dominax ordered as he gestured to Clin.

Eyeing the now somewhat red knife laying next to the tiny severed limb, the blonde man took his time as he pondered his decision.

"Just give me that!" Hesin exclaimed in disgust as he snatched the weapon from the table. "You can continue to stand there, though I've made up my mind!"

Both Clin and Dominax looked at his hooded face in curiosity.

Hesin eyed them both before he spoke. "Before the slaughter of Nitri, I...wasn't certain of what I wished to achieve with my life. The Elders had denied me of justice far too many times for me to truly care about fighting or hunting for them, and I am not the kind of man to be content with simply settling down."

"An opinion we can both be certain of." Dominax interjected, though Hesin's words only seemed to stir a concealed guilt inside of Clin.

"Indeed." Hesin replied darkly, as if the words greatly saddened him. "Though an utter tragedy, I can truly say that the slaughter has granted me a purpose, a cause. I wish not only to witness this Empire you speak of, but to build it as well." He said beneath his hood, before glaring directly at Clin as he spoke his next words. "To forge a world where such injustices do not occur. Where the killing of innocents is punished severely. A better world."

Dominax could hardly miss the obvious apologetic expression of the blonde warrior, though Hesin brought the blade down on his own finger before he could question the interaction.

Stifling pained breaths, Hesin granted their leader a respectful nod before quickly moving to the door, clutching his hand.

Now alone with Dominax, Clin picked up the knife from where it had been dropped onto the table, holding it as if it would launch into his throat at a moment's notice.

"The man clearly holds disdain for you. Is there something I should know, Clin?" Dominax asked sternly, no longer able to ignore their animosity. "I cannot allow a rivalry to undermine the efficacy of my advisors."

Shaking his head, Clin kept his gaze locked onto the blade as he gently pressed his thumb against its sharp edge. "I can assure you that he will not affect my judgment. We merely had a disagreement long ago, ancient history as far as I'm concerned."

Stroking his pointed beard, Dominax frowned at him. "We shall see about that. Yet, it is time to decide your fate. Make your choice."

For a long moment Clin made no move other than the tapping of his thumb against the blade, though he finally looked up to peer directly at the other man. "Hesin wishes to create a 'better world', yet I fear we may have different ideals in achieving that goal. I must ask, as one man to another, do you truly believe that your proposed empire will better the lives of those under its rule?"

"I do, Clin." He replied with genuine conviction, keeping his voice firm. "If only one certainty on Ayphieal remains in me, it is that I shall bring peace and stability to this chaotic world."

Clin nodded, clearly pondering the validity of his statement. "If what you say is true, then it is my duty to ensure that such a lofty dream becomes reality."

Placing his clenched hand onto the table with only his finger extended, Clin pushed aside any lingering misgivings as he brought the weapon down hard, sealing his fate. Yet as his expression erupted into agony, he knew that no other option had truly been presented. No other path to redemption.

No other way to forge himself into a good man.

***

10th of Fixuin, 5 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Luxi.

"All hail High-Chief Dominax!" A nearby guard announced as Dominax passed through the main gates of Luxi, mounted atop a fearsome lixidion. Covered in dark blue scales from snout to tail, the lizard-like creature remained docile under its master's control.

Flanked by a small contingent of guards during the short journey, Dominax's trio of newly appointed advisors rode beside him, each with a lixidion of their own.

The group followed the cramped streets of the settlement, passing dozens of citizens as they made their way towards Luxi's Main Hold. Many bowed in admiration towards their new overlord, while others simply gawked at the strange white armored man. Though somewhat less spacious than Omrin, the layout of Luxi appeared instead to be more dense and vertical. Many of the tallest buildings, standing four levels high at the most, even incorporated stone elements into their structures to reinforce their strength.

"My lord, welcome to Luxi!" Chief Kixanil greeted with a quick bow as they dismounted, handing the reins of their lixidions over to a set of eager slaves. "I trust the journey was peaceful?"

Dominax clasped the Chief's forearm as a gesture of comradery. "Of course, with only the typical dangers impeding our path. I am, however, most eager to begin our discussions."

While Dominax was curious to visit one of the new settlements under his rule, the journey hadn't been intended merely for the purpose of sightseeing. Rather, he had ordered a gathering of his vassals in order to discuss their next actions, utilizing Luxi's Main Hold until Domani possessed a proper throne room of its own.

"As am I. Though come, Chief Ainir has yet to arrive." Kixanil explained as he turned to lead the group through the main entrance of the rectangular building. Similar to the other settlements Dominax had visited, the building appeared to be the only structure aside from the outer wall to be completely made of stone. "Though I've also been informed that Chief Dunith won't be attending, as her pregnancy is nearing its conclusion."

"I'm aware. " Dominax replied with a subtle smile, feeling a twinge of pride at the knowledge that he was the father. "The result of a night with her slave, was it not?"

"So she claims, though whispers tell me otherwise." Kixanil remarked in a hushed tone, granting his High-Chief a sideways glance as they emerged into the throne room. A large circular table had been placed in the center of the chamber in preparation for the gathering, at which Chief Priax currently sat.

Leaning back in his wooden chair the squat man may as well have been invisible, for Dominax's full attention had instead been immediately seized by the figure standing atop the table. A female member of The Arkos species, her exotic appearance practically called to him.

Hailing from the strange black sand desert known as The Wandering Sea, her skin was a dark gray with sharp black stripes running along her body. Her long hairless tail curled through the air, somewhat thin and ending in a pointed tip. Two iron-colored horns curled back from just above her forehead, while her nearly feline eyes appeared to be the color of amber. Black as night her silky hair fell in short waves, reaching just above her perky breasts. Though as rumors regarding her species had suggested, she possessed an athletically toned and flexible body, slowly rocking her hips as if imitating a dancing serpent. The sensual display was only heightened by her lack of clothing, with only a delicate silver chain connecting each charcoal shaded nipple to her navel.

"Utter perfection, isn't she?" Kixanil chuckled as he viewed Dominax's clear infatuation.

Eyes tracing her sensual gyrating body, Dominax's gaze fell onto her exposed womanhood, tucked between her firm thighs and instantly coaxing desire from his loins. "Quite, I've never encountered one in person before now."

"Nor had I until I acquired her, a feat nearly too difficult to bother with. Yet, I dare say she may be my most prized possession." Kixanil replied, practically beaming with pride.

Rocking her body while slowly rotating to grant all onlooking a complete view of her alluring form, her bright eyes meet Dominax's own, briefly holding his gaze before turning away. "Does she possess a name?"

"I've allowed her to keep her original name, Wros. Perhaps you could consider it a reward for her impressive obedience as my concubine." He chuckled, oblivious to Wros's jaw tightening ever so slightly in response.

"Wros…" Dominax repeated, tasting the word. "I shall remember that."

***

As it became evident that Chief Ainir's traveling party would not arrive before sundown, Kixanil's guests were shown to their temporary quarters for the night.

Granted the largest of The Main Hold's few rooms, second only to Kixanil's itself, Dominax hadn't yet managed to fall asleep before the sound of a subtle knock tapped on the heavy door.

Taking an animal skin from atop the bed and wrapping it around his nude waist, he reignited a nearby candle through the use of his palm. Then, opening the door with caution, he couldn't help but loose a sinister grin as the faint light flickered over Wros's striped skin.

"May I enter, my lord?" She requested in a hushed tone, hardly loud enough to be heard even in the still silence that permeated through the stone building.

Without a word he gestured for her to enter, sealing the door behind her before moving to light several more candles to illuminate the room. As he did so, he noted that her eyes refused to leave his hands and he summoned short bursts of flame from his palms.

"What brings you here in the dead of night, Arkos?" He asked in a firm voice, cautious of her intentions. Were she to attack without warning, he felt certain that he'd end her before she'd even reach him.

"I wished to speak to our new High-Chief, my lord." She explained, moving to a set of crudely carved chairs opposite of the bed. Aside from her heavily exotic accent she had clearly grown quite accustomed to her master's language, possessing an elegance that even many native speakers lacked. "One cannot skip an opportunity to meet their master's master, yes?"

Rotating the chair to face her, Dominax leaned back as he assessed the strange Arkos, peering into her bright eyes in an attempt to refrain from glancing at her exposed body. There would be time for that later in any case. "Yet you chose to find me in the dead of night. Is it safe to assume that Kixanil is unaware that you are here?"

With a gentle nod, she folded her hands in her lap, unconsciously concealing her most intimate area. "Correct, my lord. I am saddened to say that such a meeting would not be approved by my master. He grants me permission to move about The Main Hold of my own free will, though beyond these walls he remains quite restrictive. To speak to you without his presence would be unthinkable."

"And yet you came." He replied, maintaining his subtle grin. "An odd decision for one with such a controlling master. The man clearly takes great value in possessing you."

A smirk of her own crept onto her pretty face and he began to realize that, in spite of her soft tone, she clearly had a far more confident side lurking just beneath. "Yes, he has taken no other lover since acquiring me, and I suspect that his bond with me stems deeper than a simple attraction."

"Ah, I see. It is quite odd for a man of his position to take only a single concubine. Were we to live in the northern kingdoms and follow their traditions, I suspect he'd make you his bondmate. Though I must admit, I am curious as to how he acquired you in the first place. The Wandering Desert is far from Luxi."

Wros granted him a knowing nod, leaning back slightly in her chair as she somewhat relaxed. "I know the journey all too well. My lord, you sit across from nothing short of a true Arkos."

Dominax waited for her to continue, uncertain of her meaning.

"Not one of the pompous Lords of The Kingdom of Narok, but rather, a true nomad of Wonakaros." She added, shedding more of her gentle facade as she spoke of her homeland.

The statement caused Dominax's silver eyes to widen imperceptibly, recognizing the name from tales brought to Nitri by traders. "If what you say is true, then surely you've lived atop a...Wonik, are they called?" He asked, recalling descriptions of the bizarrely massive creatures said to carry entire villages on their backs

"Wonaks, my lord." She corrected, nearly beaming at the mention of the word. "Though yes. To see one again...to view a Wonak trudging through the black sand…" she continued, visibly excited as her clasped hands lightly squirmed in her lap. "I may never encounter one again though I shall shed any sadness regarding my capture, for I fell as an Arkos should, raiding Narok. They captured me and sold me into slavery."

Though not expecting her lack of regret or anger at her enslavement, Dominax reached over and placed a comforting hand on her smooth thigh. "Quite a unique life for an inhabitant of The Human Basin."

Her smirk only seemed to widen at his sudden touch, though she made no move to reject or accept his advances. Rather, she simply unclasped her hands and moved them to rest on her legs, parting them just enough to once again expose her most intimate area. "So it seems, my lord. Though life as a concubine holds its own benefits."

"You feel that you are being treated well?" He asked, feeling her soft grey skin as he lightly caressed her thigh under his fingers. "I've only known Kixanil a short time, yet any insight into his nature would be valuable."

Releasing the faintest hint of a breath from his touch, Wros playfully looked away as if in thought. "He is a good man, my lord. Controlling, though honest. I...can only find fault in his other aspects."

"Oh? Such as?" He asked, sliding his hand less than an inch closer to the alluring valley between her nude legs.

Turning to meet his eyes once again, she moved her hand to gently place it atop his exploring digits, biting her lip and allowing her tail to curl around the leg of the chair. "He is...adequate in our...private moments. Yet…"

"Go on." Dominax ordered in his deep voice, low enough as to not be heard through the walls.

"I am young, my lord." She began to confess in mock embarrassment, rubbing his fingers tenderly. "I should be utilizing these childbearing years, yes?"

The statement forced a tiny shiver down his spine, his loins urging for her sexually ripe beauty. "Kixanil has yet to father an heir." He replied in understanding, sliding ever so slightly closer.

She nodded, nearly pursing her soft lips at his words. "I believe he may be infertile, my lord. His concubines before me had never fallen pregnant as well. I...worry for my bloodline."

"As anyone should." He said, allowing his eyes to travel over her nude form. "A difficult situation, though one with few solutions."

Letting out a quiet chuckle, her playful smirk grew increasingly confident as she gripped his hand tighter. "So coy, my lord, yet we both know why I'm really here." She explained, slowly pulling his hand closer to her crotch as her true goal was revealed. "The way you look at me...I know you desire to fuck me, my lord."

Brushing the tips of his fingers against her already wet pussy lips, Dominax looked at her as if a predator ready to pounce on his prey. "You have no idea, little Arkos."

"Show me then, my lord." She said, an instant before she arose from her chair and nearly jumped onto him, pressing his lips to her own as she mounted him hungrily.

Violently grabbing her thighs and firm ass, Dominax pulled her in as close as possible, unwilling to hold back. He cared little of Kixanil's affection towards her, knowing that he'd deny himself of nothing.

Grinding her hips against his lap, she reached under to pull away the animal skin until nothing remained between their lust.

Groaning, he gripped his erection, positioning it against her womanhood as she rubbed her ready lower lips against its shaft, coating it in her juices.

"Hurry...my lord…" she begged, frantically pressing against him as her vagina ached for his seed.

Unwilling to delay any longer, he moved his cock and pressed it against her labia, allowing her to easily sink down onto his length.

Groaning, they each attempted to keep their voices low as they knew they could not be caught in such a compromising position.

"Holy Kromak you're...big…" Wros moaned, moving to press her face into his neck as she moved her hips back and forth. "You're…ahhh...even bigger than Kixanil…"

Holding onto her ass, he pulled her as close as possible with each movement, desperately mashing into each other's throbbing lust.

Covering her own mouth, the Arkos could barely contain her moans as her vaginal walls grinded against his cock, knowing that the rest of The Main Hold occupants were fast asleep.

Having always desired to encounter the other species of Magnius, Dominax remained utterly unable to control himself as he frantically fucked her vagina, every inch of his being wishing nothing more than to knock her up. To breed a member of another humanoid species, to spread his lineage beyond even humanity, his loins burned at the thought.

Although very similar to a human's vagina, he noticed very subtle differences. The most noticeable stemmed from an elasticity that was faintly less than human pussies, making them nearly imperceptibly firmer. Yet even with such a minor alteration, Wros's womanhood squished and squirmed as his erection pounded into it.

Muffled by her hand her small moans echoed quietly throughout the room, split on his large shaft. Her long tail waved through the air in pleasured arcs as if dancing.

Biting her neck with primal lust, Dominax reached down and held her firmly to his waist as he stood up, his cock remaining buried deeply inside of her as he turned and pushed her against the wall. His chair fell over, discarded as he pressed her firmly into the stone.

Pinned with her back against the wall, she could do little aside from wrap her athletic legs around his waist as she submitted to his cock.

Pounding in and out, he felt her tail wrap around his leg as she ran her fingers over his back. He knew that were she to wear the typical claw gauntlets of her people at that moment, he'd certainly be dead.

"My lord...breed me…" she moaned into his ear, nibbling on his earlobe. "Claim my womb...ahhh...as your own…"

Furiously smashing into her vagina, he no longer cared if his thrusts could be heard crashing over and over against the stone wall. None would know the true cause of the sound in any case, so long as Kixanil remained asleep.

"Cum inside...ahhh...Lord Dominax...Make me bear...ahhh...your child…"

Unable to hold back any longer, he slammed his cock as deeply as possible, pressing her hard against the wall as he groaned into her neck. His seed spurted from his tip, painting her Arkos insides.

Wros squeezed her toned thighs harder than before, desperately holding onto his waist as she felt the sperm of a man other than her master. The sensation of finally accepting potent seed that could knock her up forced a squeak from her lips, escaping the concealment of her hand.

Remaining interlocked together for what seemed like an eternity, Human and Arkos, the consequences of their actions remained far from their concern as the candlelight flickered over their bare forms.

***

"Welcome, gentlemen." Dominax greeted before sitting down. With the morning having brought both the arrival of Chief Ainir and the relief of a lack of questioning regarding the strange pounding noises emanating from his room, Dominax had gathered his vassals around the large table to initiate the gathering.

"Hail, High-Chief Dominax!" The six men recited, bowing before a gesture from their leader ordered them all to sit. Three Chiefs and three Advisors, their voices echoed off the stone walls of the throne room.

"As you know, I have gathered you all here today to discuss our next course of action. As such, I'd like to indicate The Chiefdom of Falexia, a settlement to our North." Dominax explained, placing a newly refurbished map onto the table.

"I am not familiar with Falexia." Clin replied as he studied the map. Seated to Dominax's immediate left, he followed his leader's finger and located the settlement far upriver. "Though if this map is correct, they'll pose quite a challenge to conquer."

"If that continues to be your aim." Chief Ainir added, granting Dominax a questioning look.

"Indeed it is." Dominax replied, his voice firm and humorless. "Though my speeches addressing Domani's population have concealed little regarding my eventual aspirations, I can tell you with complete certainty that nothing short of an Empire will suffice."

"We've all heard your speeches, my lord." Chief Priax stated, skepticism dripping from his tone. "Yet it may be wise to acknowledge that we are but a simple High-Chiefdom at present. A new one at that, even."

Dominax nodded knowingly, placing his hands calmly onto the table. "Humble beginnings to be sure. Do you all share Priax's doubts?"

The men looked amongst each other, noncommittally waiting for an answer to arise from the group.

Peering at each of them in turn with his piercing eyes, Dominax studied their reactions. Then, his expression exuding a firmness that bordered on menacing, his deep voice broke the short silence. "Have you all forgotten why it is you follow me? Why, in a matter of months, Domani has risen from the remnants of Nitri?"

"Of course not, my lord." Kixanil answered, seated on the opposite side of the table. Ignorant of what had occurred mere hours ago, his words held his typical fierce loyalty. "I believe Priax merely sought to point out that pursuing such a colossal endeavor may prove to be overly ambitious. No human empire has ever formed, for one reason or another."

"Ah, but an empire encompassing the entirety of The Human Basin is but the beginning. The Lanthians, The Arkos, even The Dril shall be pacified. Should it take the remainder of my life to accomplish, it shall be done." Dominax explained in an eerie calmness.

Ainir leaned forwards, his graying beard brushing the wood of the table. "You may be unfortunate enough for that claim to become reality. Yet even still, we shall require resources to achieve even a fraction of that goal."

"I concur." Priax offered before gesturing to Dominax's chest. "The armor you wear, this…'chimira steel' as you call it. Can more be produced for our men?"

"In time, yes." Dominax nodded.

"Then it may be beneficial to delay an attack on Falexia." Salduin cut in. "A short peace would grant us an opportunity to develop Domani further, as we all know that the temporary defenses of the capital would fold against any attack."

"Ah, you give voice to one of my concerns." Dominax replied, a hint of wariness running through his voice. "There is little point in conquering our neighbors only for Domani to be seized with little effort."

"Then it reasons that we should bid our time, my lord." Clin responded.

A short moment passed before Dominax broke the silence. "I'm inclined to agree. A peace of, say, seven months would allow us ample time to prepare."

A chorus of agreement echoed through the throne room, only to be interrupted as Dominax held up a hand to silence them.

"Yet during such a period, I'd require all of you to plan our attack accordingly. The conquest of Falexia shall nearly double our territory if done correctly."

Though a number of small discussions broke out, Kixanil rose from his chair to answer for the group. "It shall be done, my lord."

***

With the gathering concluded, the return journey to Domani felt swift as Dominax led his men. Approaching the settlement's flimsy gates, the lixidions had hardly been hauled away to the stables by a mustached man before Lalian abruptly greeted the group just inside the wall.

"My lord! Come with me, and hurry!" The Lanthian exclaimed in an excited tone, freshly dressed in the cloak and tunic that had been provided for him. Two guards stood on either side of him, tasked with reporting his actions to their High-Chief.

"What is it?" Clin asked, instinctively placing his hand on his hilt.

"Your concubines, my lord! They've given birth!" Lalian replied, turning to lead them. "Come, allow me to lead you to them!"

A small tug of anticipation in the pit of his stomach, Dominax wasted no time as he began to follow the green man.

Traveling through the lake of tents and crude huts, it didn't take long before they arrived outside of the wooden hut that had acted as his temporary home. Stepping inside while his advisors politely waited outside, he was met with the sight of both Briza and Xenia, each holding a small bundle.

Both looking up at the doorway in surprise, they immediately stood up and crossed the room as they realized who had entered.

"Thank the gods you've returned!" Briza exclaimed as both women granted him a quick kiss. "I warned you that I didn’t want to give birth without you!"

"Show me them." Dominax ordered, glancing down intently at the woman's arms in anticipation.

"Of course." Xenia replied kindly, pulling the bundle of white chimira silk just enough to better reveal the face of a newborn. Briza followed her lead, revealing her own child. Both with dark hair and brown eyes, traces of their parentage lay clearly in their facial features. "Meet your daughters, my lord."

Gazing down at the children, a pleased smirk spread across his face. "Have you granted them a name?"

"Cendra." Briza replied in a tone far sweeter than he had ever heard from her. "If that is acceptable."

The name stirred a cacophony of emotions through him, though he nodded. "An admirable name to honor her grandmother."

Xenia stroked her child's black hair with motherly affection, clearly pleased at the result of their copulation. "This one is Vixin, my lord."

"Utterly perfect...you've both done very well." He said with ample satisfaction. "Very well indeed…"

***

The darkness of the pod was nearly consuming, held back only by the illumination of a single candle placed atop the center pedestal.

Standing between two cushions, each holding one of his infant daughters, Dominax held his hands above them both.

A lengthy discussion with Dorian had only just concluded, culminating in the knowledge of Vaidimation finally being granted to Dominax.

"Such beautiful...grandchildren…" the old ghost had remarked. "They deserve to unlock their...full potential."

Mentally reciting the knowledge that had been passed onto him, Dominax concentrated intently, allowing the world to melt away from his consciousness as his entire focus was placed on the two infants at his sides.

"Locate their...Veks…" Dorian had explained, expanding on their previous conversation.

As if peering directly into their souls, a bead of sweat dripped down Dominax's forehead as he observed the aforementioned blocks on their inherited powers.

"They are of your blood...their powers shall be...fearsome…" the old man had said with some hesitancy, knowing their abilities wouldn't be utilized to achieve the peaceful life he had envisioned for his son's family.

His hands shaking, Dominax gripped the Veks with his mind, tearing it from his daughters' souls as they simply cooed obviously. With the block on their powers removed, their brown irises slowly turned silver, exactly matching their father's.

Their Vaidimation complete, Dominax collapsed to his knees, dripping sweat and breathing as if he had just sprinted from Zilrin to Omrin.

Attempting to stand, though failing, he instead simply peered at his newly Vaidimated daughters with pride.

"What power you shall wield...at my side…" He panted, his thoughts drifting. "The first of a house...that shall rule eternally…"

Though the concept of heraldry was primarily a tradition of Northern human kingdoms, the concept had greatly appealed to Dominax since the moment he had encountered it. A house of his own. A dynasty worthy of his legacy.

Having long pondered what such a house of his lineage should be named, only one option truly displayed his legacy.

"The first members…of House Vaid…"

Chapter Text

18th of Fonic, 4 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Near Falexia.

Seven months. Three hundred and fifty days out of a year that contained exactly four hundred. When looking back at the long period of agreed upon peace, only one word came to Dominax's mind. Rebirth. For while they had lost everything after Nitri, Domani had steadily grown to surpass even the size of their ancestral home. Such an effect that forced migration had inflicted on the newly formed settlement's growth, reviving a community that had nearly been wiped out.

Yet citizens were not the only commodity to flow into Domani. In addition to a steady supply of food and valuables, Dominax had ordered a levy of stone from the settlements under his rule. As white and smooth as bone, typical of nearly all stone found under The Human Basin, half went directly into the construction of buildings and residences. The other half held far more value in Dominax's mind, however, as the construction of Lalian's masterpiece had begun in earnest.

Having studied the chimira steel, the odd Lanthian had nearly been frantic in his excitement at its usefulness. Incredibly resilient, non-rusting, and lightweight, it's inclusion into his designs had allowed the grand dream of a pyramid fortress to be nearly doubled in size. Truly colossal in stature and now designed to be built directly around the pod, a gargantuan area had been cleared to make room for such an imposing structure. New stone blocks taller than a grown man seemed to arrive each day, dragged into place and fitted together by workers devoted to their mystical High-Chief.

However, the progress of the last year was but a small comfort in Dominax's mind as he stood at the rear of his command ship, hearing the grunts of his men as they heaved their oars. The peace had ended, leaving only conquest before them as the wooden single-sailed vessel cut its way up the lake-wide river towards Falexia.

Accompanied by eleven identical ships under his command, Dominax could practically feel their anticipation as they neared their target. The minor settlements under Falexia's command along the river had fallen easily, producing resistance that seemed unproportional to their size. Dominax suspected that many of their fighting men had been pulled back to the capital in preparation for their coming invasion, though only time could confirm his theory.

Nude female dancers writhed seductively along the centerline of each vessel, an experiment of sorts devised to work his men into a froth. What better warrior than a man eager to breed? Their swaying hips fueled their lust, driving them to row harder as they tore their way upriver.

The sound of drums began to pound through the air as Falexia came into view, pressed up against the waterfront. Large docks stretched forth from the reddish shore, huddled around the settlement's tall outer wall. The single imposing gate had been sealed shut, blocking any potential intruders.

Cutting through the water with each heave, Briza leaned in close to Dominax as she stood off to his right side. "I wonder if Kixanil and his men are encountering such defenses in Redin." She asked, attempting to make light of the clear danger that slowly approached from the distance. She had been reluctant to leave their daughter in the care of servants back in Domani, a feeling that she suspected Xenia shared as well. Placed in the rearmost ship for her own safety, the healer had been instructed to remain out of danger until the battle had ceased.

"They will stand as little chance against him as Falexia does against us." Dominax replied dryly, folding his arms as a trickle of doubt entered his mind. Had he granted Kixanil a sufficient number of warriors? Or would he have to take Redin himself after Falexia had fallen?

"Arrows!" One of the dancers cried out, instinctively running for cover at the rear of the ship.

"Shields!" Dominax's deep voice boomed as a barrage of arrows arced from Falexia's towering wall. Now brandished in full chimira steel armor, only his head remained unprotected as he raised his hand towards the incoming projectiles. Electricity from his fingertips ripped through the air, tearing apart a large number of the arrows before the remainder slammed into the ship.

The majority deflected off the many white shields held firmly above the deck warriors' heads, yet a stray arrow sent a streak of crimson blood across Briza's face and breasts as it embedded itself deeply into one of the nearby dancers. Grimacing, she attempted to wipe the viscous liquid from her soft skin as the men hurried to resume rowing.

"Faster! We're nearly there!" Clin cried out, seated at the bow of the ship as both he, Salduin, and Hesin did their part to propel the vessel. The sun reflected off of their newly forged chimira steel armor, as if in imitation of their leader.

The ships closed the distance between themselves and Falexia, bracing against several rounds of arrow fire before finally slamming into the wooden docks of the harbor. Hundreds of men flooded off of each vessel, charging down the length of the port as archers continued to cut them down.

Rather than disembarking, Dominax's own archers quickly formed into a rough formation as they attempted to provide cover to the bulk of the men. Though rarely able to find their mark through the crenellations of the wall, the continual barrage of the archers dissuaded many of Falexia's defenders from peeking out from behind safety.

"Ladders, now!" Dominax ordered as he reached the base of the wall, surrounded by his warriors as they attempted to press themselves firmly against the stone.

Dragged from the ships the lithe ladders were frantically hauled as arrows continued to slam into the ground, occasionally forcing the carriers to hop over limp bodies of unfortunate comrades.

"They're using rocks now my lord!" Hesin yelled in irritation as Falexia's defenders began to drop whatever they could scavenge from atop their high wall. A small boulder slammed into one of the ladders as it was hoisted into position, snapping it in half as it collapsed to the ground.

Thrusting his hands towards the top of the wall, Dominax sent a wave of fire that smashed into the hard stone and forced a cry of agony from any who were unguarded behind crenellations.

"Praise High-Chief Dominax!" A man shouted in what could nearly be described as religious fervor as he led the climb up one of the ladders, only for an arrow to embed itself into his head. As his body tumbled from the ladder, another took his place as dozens of warriors scrambled their way towards the peak.

A heavy rock struck a man to Clin's left as he moved to begin his ascent, gritting his teeth as he looked away from the new corpse. Boulders and arrows continued to claim victims with horrific results, and he could hardly hold the images from his recurring dreams at bay.

Dominax mounted the nearest ladder, electricity and fire jumping upwards as Briza and Salduin followed closely behind. Many of the men higher on the ladder continued to tumble as they were slain, though several had managed to reach the top before perishing.

Lightning ripped through several of the guards as Dominax reached the peak of the wall, immediately unsheathing his sword as he went about cutting down the guards crammed atop the stone defenses. His men poured in behind him, providing backup as they moved to claim the towering fortification.

A small group of men managed to make their way down a flight of stairs and push past the guards, opening the main gate and allowing the rest of the men to flood directly inside. Hundreds upon hundreds of able warriors clad in various pieces of white and black armor ravished the guards in a bloodthirsty clash as they entered Faleixa. Several wore the symbol of the newly formed House Vaid, the otherworldly Crescent moon, as they slaughtered their enemies.

Dominax made his way down to the main body of the conflict, hurling fireballs into screaming men and webbing electricity through their warriors. Briza fought just beside him, knowing she'd gladly die at his side.

Clin screamed as an arrow buried itself through his left shoulder, forcing him to stagger and fall onto his back. The noise caused Salduin to look in his direction, his heavy hammer slamming into the face of his current combatant. With a firm nod of acknowledgment from Dominax the large man sprinted to the blonde warrior's side, hoisting him over his shoulder while careful to avoid wounding his companion further. He then rushed towards the exit, knowing that Xenia would already be tending to the dying and wounded.

Silver eyes glowing with burning power, Dominax's insidious laughter echoed over the sounds of battle as he eviscerated the nearest guards. Briza found herself glancing over to him on several occasions, disturbed by his appearance and power.

Slowly but steadily the resolve of Falexia's defenders began to break down as more and more guards continued to fall, pushed back through the streets of the massive settlement. Many began to turn away from the onslaught, fleeing in utter desperation.

***

"The hoard approaches, my love." High-Chief Minax whispered, gripping his concubine's hand tightly. A short and thin man of relative youth, he and his woman remained barricaded in the heart of Falexia's Main Hold.

"All shall be fine, my love." Niria replied, gazing into his eyes. A pale beauty with chin length black hair, a worried smile pulled at the corners of her mouth as she did her best to remain strong. Slightly younger than her High-Chief at the age of nineteen, neither she nor Minax had ever been in as precarious a situation as they currently sat in. Minax had only inherited his position from his father some years earlier, forcing him to rely on advisors that may now lay dead in the street.

"If the worst were to occur…" Minax began, cupping her cheek softly in his hand.

"Stop that, my love. The defense shall hold." She stated in a firmness that betrayed only a hint of her true worry.

"Yet if it doesn't…" He continued, gazing at the beauty of her pale face. Dressed in only a dancer's loincloth and top, the allure of her feminine body forced a twinge of sadness through him. She would have produced exquisite daughters for him, yet that opportunity may now be lost forever. "I...want you to know that I regret nothing."

The statement emboldened her smile, knowing his true meaning. No woman lay beyond the reach of the young High-Chief, yet he had selected her. A pairing centered in love rather than the necessity to breed and produce heirs. A single tear rolled down her pretty face, mere moments before the hastily barricaded door burst inwards.

***

"Falexia has fallen!" The men chanted, surrounding The Main Hold. "Hail High-Chief Dominax!"

Approaching Falexia's throne as his white cloak brushed over the stone floor, Dominax couldn't help but smirk at the sound of his followers as they echoed throughout the settlement. A High-Chief, though only for a moment longer.

Stopping before the carved throne, he turned and gazed upon his followers as they poured into the spacious chamber with clambering fervor. They believed themselves to be servants of a God, the acolytes of a powerful being that they couldn't fully understand. In some ways they were correct, Dominax thought, thinking back to all Dorian had revealed.

Yet peering at their many faces twisted in fervent zeal, standing on the cusp of kingship, Dominax paused at a single thought: What would be his fate if he were to fail? His goal plainly stated and his otherworldly powers proven beyond a doubt, what reaction could possibly be expected if no further victories came forth? Surely nothing short of the total conquest of Magnius would suffice, an aim that he himself had promised. Would they slaughter him, just as he had done to those he considered 'useless'? Would he even stop them, knowing that he had failed?

Suddenly feeling the weight of the tens of thousands under his rule, Dominax pushed aside his misgivings as he sat down with a deep breath. The crowd roared in victory, their shouts crashing off the tall walls of The Main Hold.

A group of warriors emerged from a doorway beside the throne, dragging the struggling bodies of High-Chief Minax and his woman. Brought forth, the young ruler was thrown to his knees in front of Dominax while Niria was held back by strong hands.

"Damn you all!" Minax yelled, knowing better than to stand up. He glared at Dominax, nearly successful in his attempt to hide his fear. His conqueror was only a few years older than himself, yet the white armored usurper stared down at him with an eerie firmness.

The moment lingered as Dominax studied his new prisoners, slowly switching back and forth between the young man and the supple concubine. Then, leaning forwards, he kept his deep voice low as he spoke. "The young High-Chief Minax, I assume? One shouldn't address their guests so harshly."

In response, Minax spit on the white steel of Dominax's boot before returning his glare. "A power-hungry slaughterer shall receive nothing but scorn from me." He said, his words hateful though calm.

His lips thinning, Dominax rested the same boot-covered foot on the young man's shoulder, testing his prisoner's resolve. Minax remained still, his face reddening at the dominating foot.

"Ah, then it seems you can learn your place." Dominax sneered. "Resistance shall only be your enemy here, Minax. Obey, and you may be of some use."

Minax gritted his teeth, burning with a loathing that he gave no voice to.

"You shall accompany my men to call off your remaining forces and proclaim your defeat."

The young High-Chief opened his mouth, though thought better of it and simply lowered his head in submission.

Dominax nodded in satisfaction, removing his foot. "Good." He said, before gesturing Hesin to approach. "Take our remaining men and put down whatever pockets of resistance you encounter throughout the settlement. If Minax makes even the slightest attempt to escape, execute him."

"Yes, my lord." Hesin said with a bow of his head. He then grabbed Minax's arm, yanking him to his feet in annoyance.

"As for the concubine, bring her to The Main Hold's bed chambers. I wish to taste the fruits of our victory." Dominax ordered the warriors restraining Niria.

Minax's eyes immediately went wide, stopping in place and turning back around to face the throne. "N..no, that's unacceptable!"

Hesin sent the back of his hand across the prisoner's face, yanking his arm to continue towards the exit. "Keep your mouth shut!"

Additional warriors moved to force the young man out of the door, practically dragging him as he frantically pleaded. The many men inside the chamber moved to follow, eager to snuff resistance.

"Do you know what this means?" Briza asked as she moved closer to the throne, folding her arms with calm excitement. "The rulership of two entire High-Chiefdoms will grant you more than enough legitimacy to form a kingdom. Three, if Kixanil is successful."

"I am well aware of that." He replied with a knowing smirk. "A large step in the grand design, though only a step."

"There's never been a kingdom in The Lower Human Basin…" she stated with a hint of concern, specks of blood remaining painted on her face and breasts. "The other Chiefdoms aren't likely to take our aggressive expansion lightly."

Dominax nodded, stroking his pointed beard. "I've given thought to such concerns, though we shall worry about them another time. For now, I'd like to prepare a coronation in the coming days."

"We are following the Northern human tradition, then?" She questioned, displaying a sliver of confusion.

"What better way to solidify a new kingdom than to follow the established framework of our neighbors? We cannot afford to leave room for interpretation, Briza. The world must be able to look at our emerging realm and recognize its legitimacy without a doubt."

Briza considered his words before nodding. "I understand. We shall take what traditions benefit us and reject others. It may...confuse our people at first, though they'll adjust."

"I'm pleased you agree. Though come, let's finish this." Dominax commanded, standing up from the throne.

***

The sun steadily dropped towards the horizon, illuminating the sky in a deep orange as the final pocket of resistance imploded inside Falexia. Nothing apart from Dominax's rule remained as he finally made his way back towards The Main Hold.

Upon reaching the former bedroom of High-Chief Minax, he was pleased to see that his guards had obeyed. Pushing the heavy door ajar, he was greeted by the sight of his secondary prize. Dark hair and pale skin, Niria rested on the bed.

Noticing her captor's entrance, she quickly wiped her dark eyes and hurried to her feet. She remained dressed in the same dancer's loincloth that she had been captured in, one of the few remaining reminders of the life she had lost mere hours ago.

The sunset's glow illuminated the room through a single large window on the right wall, orange light flowing over the stone walls as Dominax stepped fully into the bed chamber. Xenia followed him inside, sealing the door behind them.

Dominax eyed the young concubine, granting little care to her evident hesitation. The presence of Xenia only seemed to increase her worry as his eyes dragged over her soft curves. "She will do nicely."

"Agreed." Xenia smirked, her voice lustful as her eyes followed the woman's flat stomach to her enticing midriff.

Unexpectedly, Niria lowered herself to her knees and clasped her hands together in a pleading motion. "Lord Dominax...I shall do everything you command of me. Everything you desire…I shall readily obey. Merely spare the life of High-Chief Minax...and my body and life shall be yours…"

Moving to stand over her, Dominax's eyes seemed to pierce into her soul. "What makes you believe he is still alive?"

Niria's lithe dancer muscles tensed ever so slightly.

Dominax waved his hand in dismissal. "No, he is alive. Yet you shall address him as nothing more than what he is, Minax The Slave."

Xenia crouched down next to her, running her delicate fingers through the concubine's dark hair. "You'd willingly give yourself up to save your former master?"

"He's...more than my master. I'd do anything to prevent his death." She replied, her body shivering slightly at Xenia's sensual touch. "It is all I ask."

"Death may be a mercy for a man in his position, though I may still find a use for him. If this is your only request, I shall make it so." Dominax agreed.

"Thank you, my lord!" Niria exclaimed, pulling away from Xenia as she wrapped her arms around his legs. She then let out a yelp and removed her hands the instant he sent a tiny electric shock through her pale skin.

"Do not thank me quite yet, you still have a purpose to play." Dominax said before turning to Xenia. "Assist me in removing my armor."

Xenia rose to her feet, stretching her flawless legs before moving to obey. Quickly, she unstrapped his armor and placed each piece gently on a nearby desk.

"What is your name, girl?" He asked as the final piece was carefully removed.

Standing up nervously, the pale concubine brushed aside a short strand of hair. "Niria, my lord. Command me as you wish."

"Niria…" Xenia replied, feeling the name brush past her soft lips.

With nothing restricting him, Dominax slowly slipped off his bodysuit until nothing remained to conceal his physique. Disrobed, Niria took a nervous glance at his manhood hanging heavily between his legs.

Xenia chuckled, placing herself mere inches from Niria as she nearly whispered in her ear. "Do you enjoy what you see, little slave? That cock sired my daughter, only imagine what it shall do to you."

A deep red spread across Niria's cheeks, a shade that complemented the setting sun. Whether out of embarrassment or a sudden feminine bond, she grabbed her fellow female's hand for emotional support without considering her actions.

Observing the two beauties, Dominax loosed a hungry grin as he stroked his beard. "Ah, it seems she's taken a liking to you. Inspect her for me, Xenia. We shall see if she is fit to breed."

"Gladly." The aroused healer replied, ignoring the clear surprise on Niria's face at his words. Freeing her hand from the woman's grip, she cupped Niria's pale cheek and lightly rubbed her lip with her thumb. "She's quite beautiful, isn't she?"

Niria's eyes went wide as Xenia pressed her lips against hers, taking ample time in tasting her lover's new slave. The pale beauty released an involuntary breath of pent-up desire, breathing in Xenia's subtle feminine scent. Their lips separated, leaving both women gazing into each other's eyes.

Dominax studied them with intent interest, his body growing in lust as if fueled by a steadily growing fire.

Running her hands to Niria's top, Xenia's nimble fingers worked to untie the skimpy covering until it fluttered to the hard floor. She placed her hands on the slave's sexually ripe orbs, feeling their weight. "A bit small, though they'll be more than enough to feed a healthy baby." She reported, biting her lower lip as the heat between her legs intensified.

"I've yet to encounter any who can surpass the perfection of your breasts." Dominax replied as if stating a fact that pleased him, rather than intending for a complement.

Regardless, Xenia smirked as she slowly dragged her hands along Niria's sides, exploring her exquisite curves before crossing over to rest just below her bellybutton. Subtly caressing the area, Xenia knew that her womb lay just inside. "Tell me slave, do you wish to have our master fill you with his seed? Your poor little womb feels so empty…"

"I...I shall do what is required of me, master…" the pale concubine replied, blushing deeply. The heavy atmosphere of primal breeding urges mixing intricately with the sensation of another woman's touch proved to be nearly overpowering, and she felt herself pressing her thighs together in an aroma of confused desires and nervous excitement.

"Good. There are many rewards for those who obey." Dominax smiled, his mind flooded with the knowledge that the woman's gorgeous body would produce fine offspring. For a moment he considered if Minax had once experienced the same thoughts, only for a twinge of pity to be quickly snuffed out.

Running her hands over Niria's hips, Xenia's pussy throbbed with desire. There was no need to be concerned of the threat that the pale woman posed to young Vixin, for no child of a slave could ever truly rival a member of House Vaid.

"Am I pleasing to you...my lord?" Niria asked, her conflicted breath heavy with lust.

"More than you know." Dominax said as he stepped closer, placing his hands on Xenia's hips as she stood up. His cock had steadily hardened at the display, eager to mate. "I shall need a replacement for Minax to rule as my vassal, Niria. I believe the child we produce tonight should be more than acceptable." He explained, his thoughts recalling how he had done the same to Dunith. The creation of children that could never challenge the throne, yet also secretly carry his capable blood.

"Come, lay down, slave." Xenia commanded as she guided Niria onto the bed.

"And if we are unsuccessful in conceiving this night?" The pale woman asked with genuine curiosity, no longer certain which answer she'd prefer. Xenia gently forced her legs to part as she remained on her back at the very edge of the cushioned bed.

"Then we shall continue to try until my child is in your belly." He said with conviction, caressing his lover's gorgeous asscheeks. "Though give no thought to such worries, as my seed has yet to fail in conception on the first attempt." He explained, knowing that his heightened fertility could only be caused by his unique lineage.

Untying the waist straps holding Niria's loincloth, Xenia took a moment to absorb the intoxicating anticipation. Dying sunlight running over their bodies, she slowly pulled away the crotch covering.

Niria bit her lip as her smooth pussy was revealed, tempted to close her legs though knowing better than to disobey. The expression of pure lust was displayed in full on Xenia's pretty face, as if nothing else existed besides the pussy that lay vulnerable in front of her.

Holding her hips firmly as he stood behind her, Dominax allowed his large breeding pole to press against Xenia's thighs, sliding between them as he pushed his hips forwards. Instinctively, she pressed her legs together more firmly, granting him greater tightness as his shaft slid between her firm legs.

Letting out a chuckle, Xenia felt as his cock slowly slid back and forth between her clenched thighs, gliding over her soft skin. She unhooked her belt, allowing her own loincloth to fall to the floor.

Niria let out a breath as Xenia's hands crept up the length of her inner legs, each nerve igniting in anticipation as her fingers dragged over her delicate skin. Inch by inch her searching digits approached, narrowing in on her groin with agonizing slowness. Then finally, with a gasp, her labia flared in panic as Xenia reached her target.

Back and forth her fingers moved, dancing over her victim's aching pussylips with torturous lightness, as if barely touching. Xenia only pursed her lips in mock pity, taking her precious time as Dominax's cock used her thighs.

Niria could no longer decide if she'd rather have Xenia pull away entirely or dig in with rough abandon. She could merely struggle to remain still as her hips subtly pressed upwards in desire.

Dominax wrapped his arms around Xenia's waist, pressing her flawless form against him as he methodically pumped between her thighs. His hot breath nuzzled against her ear, knowing that she was completely his. Every inch of her was under his control, meant only for his pleasure and seed.

Releasing a moan at his aggressive handling, Xenia could feel her vaginal juices leak down her thighs and lubricate his thrusts. She knew he enjoyed the way she squirted, the way she became wetter than her female competitors. None could serve his body the way she could, even his precious little Briza. "Let her toil away out there, enforcing peace while he chooses to breed in my presence." She thought.

Finally allowing her hand to rest on the young woman's groin, Xenia carefully spread her pale lower lips a small amount. Too many months had passed since she had been able to fully enjoy playing with a pussy, knowing that many women did not share her urges towards her fellow females. She would take her time, not wishing to spoil such an opportunity.

Niria arched her hips under Xenia's touch, her loins burning with a deep need to be bred. The healer's soft touch slipped between her labia, diving only a small amount before pulling back out.

"She appears to be tight, master." Xenia chuckled, feeling the moistness on her fingers. "She'll milk your seed well, though not as well as my pussy."

"Don't become greedy, Xenia." He smirked, his cock sliding back and forth as his hand held her flat stomach firmly. The womb that had granted him a perfect daughter lay just beneath, stroking his arousal. "You share my bed every night with Briza, allow another a turn."

Only the very tip of the sun remained visible, casting its erupting light over the land as Niria yelped, feeling Xenia's probing fingers locate her most sensitive area. A burst of deep euphoria released through her snug tunnel, nearly forcing her over the edge of climax.

"Oh?" Xenia teased, stroking the area once more and inciting a sharp moan. "What do we have here?"

Gripping the sheets, the pale slave could hardly control the shaking of her thighs as pleasure rolled through her. With a cruel rub, then another, and another, Niria cried out as her body shook in climax.

"Good girl...cum for me!" Xenia taunted, rubbing the area mercilessly through the poor girl's orgasm.

The sight of her body writhing in pleasure proved to be Dominax's limit, and he released Xenia from his hold. She let out a dramatic whine as he shifted her aside, wasting no time as he mounted his prize.

Cumming hard, her vagina offered no resistance as he rammed his way inside, hilting her deeply with an echoing groan.

Her pussy soaking, Xenia watched as her lover bucked his hips wildly, pounding his cock furiously. The primal display of masculine virility flooded her loins with both jealousy and lust, thrusting her into action as she pounced to join her fellow female on the bed.

With a motion of her hands, Dominax quickly understood Xenia's intentions and he moved to flip Niria onto her stomach. He held onto her hips, slamming his cock as hard and deep as he could muster.

Lifting Niria's head, Xenia laid down onto her back and maneuvered to position her groin into the woman's face.

Moaning wildly, Niria looked into Xenia's face as her pussy was roughly used.

"Go on, please me slave. I've provided you with enough pleasure." Xenia commanded, her own needy vagina tingling with unsatisfied craving.

No longer caring as her entire being was enraptured by Dominax's passion, the pale young woman lowered her head and began to lap at Xenia's cunt.

Though clearly unskilled, the girl's tongue sent tingles though Xenia as it ran over her labia and clit. The nearly one year that had passed after giving birth had allowed her tightness to somewhat recover, quivering in enjoyment. A deep satisfaction had permitted through Xenia whenever her thoughts had been brought to her used womanhood, knowing that she had completed her primal duty as a female. Her bloodline would persist through Vixin, a daughter that any young mother would be more than satisfied to produce.

The sun dipped completely below the horizon, dispersing in a cascade of mixing colors that spread throughout the sky. The last lingering sunlight of the day trickled over their exposed skin through the window as they roughly made love.

Each violent thrust shook the bed, its wooden supports creaking loudly through the sounds of their elated cries.

"Ooohhhh gods…" Xenia moaned, each movement of the girl's tongue dragging her closer and closer towards her peak.

Guilt had long since fled Niria's mind, knowing that each thrust was sparing Minax's life. Curling her toes in pleasure, she knew she'd do anything to prevent his execution, even baring the child of their new master. Every moan was for him, every lick of her tongue. Though her eggs now belonged to Dominax, her heart remained in Minax's possession.

Ramming his cock as deeply as possible, Dominax's impassioned cries echoed through the bedchamber as he unleashed his seed, orgasming hard as spurt after spurt drained into his fertile young slave.

The sight of her lover cumming inside of another woman pushed Xenia over the edge, forcing her to wrap her legs around Niria's head as she squirted furiously.

Niria closed her eyes, tasting the healer's sweet juices as her tight vagina was flooded with potent sperm.

All she did was for Minax, she told herself.

All she did...

***

19th of Fonic, 4 BVE.
Dril Tundra, City of Shai.

"I'm sure you will all be pleased to know that our agents were successful in sabotaging the siege of Sindi." Varse announced, seated in the Council chamber. "The Amirid Empire will need a considerable amount of time before attempting yet another assault on The Kingdom of Tarahir."

Murmurs of satisfaction broke out, their voices echoing throughout the spacious stone room before dissipating.

Tsida granted him a pleased nod, intentionally seated several feet away. Her petite body nearly ready to give birth at any moment, she caressed the curve of her pregnant belly. Her snow-colored skin seemed to radiate with maternal beauty, catching the eye of several of their fellow representatives.

They all possessed theories as to the identity of the father, yet none could produce a viable accusation. The sudden cohesion of Tsida's allies with Varse's proposals did little to dissuade hushed rumors from spreading like a plague, a fact that was only aided by The Dril's lengthy pregnancy.

"Let them wonder." Varse thought to himself at each scrutinizing glance. "They can do nothing."

From the moment Tsida had pledged her loyalty to him every vote had seemed to end in his favor. Scarcely an assassin was dispatched without his approval, a tax levied against his wishes. Though distasteful, he could not deny that their alliance had brought forth far more prosperity to their people in the last seven months than had occurred in the past decade. Varse almost felt as though he could finally feel secure as Potentate. Almost.

"If that is all, I'd like to conclude this week's meeting early." Varse commented as he rose from his chair.

"Ah, a moment, my Potentate." Representative Ensik interrupted, his blue robed frame rising to his feet as well.

Varse let out a silent breath before gesturing to the tall Dril. "Go ahead, Representative."

"Our spies have brought forth information regarding a newly formed High-Chiefdom in The Lower Human Basin. Domani, I believe they call it." Ensik explained in a calm manner.

Varse nodded, recalling some mention of the name Domani buried in their reports. "What of it?"

The tall Dril cleared his throat. "Would it not be pertinent to intervene before it becomes a problem in earnest?

"Ideally, yes." Varse agreed, moving to place his hands on the back of his now unoccupied chair. "Yet we know of these humans you speak of. We're aware of their unstable history. It is unlikely that a new High-Chiefdom will survive in such unruly surroundings. In any case, the movements of empires holds our primary concerns."

"I understand, my Potentate, though we may be witnessing the emergence of yet another human kingdom. If the worst were to occur, who is to say what consequences we may face if the humans manage to finally unite?" Ensik rebutted, though his stature displayed only the smallest amount of concern for the subject. "It is merely a matter to consider."

"That has never happened Ensik, though I take your meaning. We shall monitor the situation and observe what arises, though for now we have more important concerns. The area that our spies have outlined is large, though inconsequential compared to other human realms." Varse commanded, inciting sounds of agreement from the numerous representatives eager to get on with their day.

"Very well." Ensik agreed, moving to leave the massive table.

As they all made their way to the chamber exit, Varse subtly glanced at Tsida and considered paying her a visit. Though no grin formed on his serious face as he made his decision, he felt his dark blood flare with sudden lust. All thoughts of the word Domani fled his mind, pushed out by far more demanding thoughts.

Chapter Text

38th of Fonic, 4 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Falexia.

Half asleep, Minax's head suddenly jerked up as he heard the dungeon door creak as it was unlocked. A damp draft wafted over his nude body, his wrists and ankles tender from the harsh metal clamps locking him against the stone wall. His slender muscles tensed in anticipation, knowing that he'd be virtually unable to defend himself with his arms locked above his head and his legs slightly parted.

Entering the chamber, Briza and Xenia swiftly resealed the door. Minax watched as they crossed the short distance to his helpless body, the gag in his mouth blocking his questions.

"How strange it must be, toppling from your throne into a dungeon." Xenia commented, her dark eyes studying the bound man. "Do you know why we're here?"

Minax cautiously shook his head, suppressing a trickle of panic as the sensual healer unsheathed a small knife.

"We're here to bring you an offer from High-Chief Dominax." Briza explained, folding her somewhat armored arms. The mention of the man who had usurped Minax forced his nostrils to flare in anger.

"Come now, don't be angry. You may just survive this little situation that your poor defenses brought you." Xenia chided, forcing a shiver through his body as her delicate fingers dragged softly down his side. "Our Lord Dominax can be merciful to those he believes are useful, and he has found a use for you."

"Don't tease him." Briza remarked, granting her female rival a quick glare before returning her attention to their prisoner. "A deal has already been struck with your former concubine, Niria. She has agreed to serve Dominax as Falexia's Regent under his rule, so long as you are spared from execution. If you behave, you are to remain a slave in the court of Niria."

Minax's heart fluttered, finally receiving confirmation that Niria remained alive.

"A gelded slave, little Minax." Xenia interjected, gently running a single finger down his exposed cock with a chuckle.

Fear gripped his entire being at the words, his eyes locking onto the small knife in her hand. Straining to free himself, his restraints dug into his skin without budging.

"I am truly sorry, though Dominax commands it." Briza replied with genuine regret as she looked upon his distressed expression. The castration of prisoners remained a common practice in human territory, yet she knew she didn't have to enjoy the act.

Xenia, contrastingly, smirked at her victim as she cupped the tight little sack that contained all that made him a man. "Don't worry dear Minax, I'll make it quick. One little flick and you'd be a good little slave, impotent and obedient." She teased, slowly stroking his testicles with the blunt face of the knife.

"This option is surely far better than execution." Briza reminded him as a bead of nervous sweat ran down his forehead. "You may have lost your title, though you'll still be able to serve the woman you love."

"You'll even be able to raise her child and heir, Minax. Of course, it will never be of your blood, however, as your line ends with you." Xenia explained in near sadistic enjoyment. "Your fertility will be destroyed in mere moments, though it will matter little. Lord Dominax has already granted sweet Niria a child, little slave."

Eyes widening in shock, Minax pulled against his restraints in utter fury as he cried out into his gag.

"Oh? Don't believe me? I witnessed it myself." Xenia taunted, subtly increasing her grip on his testicals. "I had your sweet Niria's face between my thighs when he bred her."

Briza watched in disgust as tears streamed down Minax's face, desperately attempting to free himself in consuming anger. Having reached her limit, she pushed the dark-haired healer aside and wrenched the knife from her hands. "If you won't get on with it then I will."

Despite his rage Minax tensed and froze as the blade was placed against the base of his sack, ready to geld him.

Tugging at the warrior's arm, Xenia snatched the knife back and shoved her rival a step back. "Careful Briza, you may be skilled with a sword, though I can handle a knife just as well as you."

"I won't stand idly while you torment him, Xenia. Finish the job and be done with this." She replied, unable to hide her disdain. A shaky peace between them had persisted for some months now, though she could no longer hold her tongue.

Xenia's eyes narrowed, allowing Minax's slender muscles to slightly relax as her knife was brought away. "So, Dominax's favorite little trophy gives orders now? How easily that can change…"

Unsheathing her sword Briza pressed the end of the blade against Minax's testicles, once again drawing a muffled whimper from his lips. "Trophy? How little you know healer. I've fought beside Dominax FAR longer than you."

Xenia placed her finger on the tip of the sword, drawing it away from their prisoner's skin with a coy smile. "Yet your loyalty couldn't prevent him from planting his seed in my womb. Tell me, why do you think that is?"

Briza loosed a humorless chuckle. "You believe that makes us equal in his eyes? He uses you, Xenia, just as you use him. You are merely a womb to him, a pretty body that he may lay with. Simply ask yourself a single question, who's child do you believe he'll name as heir? The daughter of a healer, or the child of the woman he was raised aside?"

The subtlest twinge of doubt fell into Xenia's slender stomach, and her eyes narrowed nearly imperceptibly. What a simple question could do to an individual, solidifying decisions in mere seconds.

"What? No longer in the mood for discussion?" Briza scowled as she returned her sword to her belt. "You should know better than to question my commitment to Dominax."

Xenia returned the knife to its position on Minax's skin, prepared to castrate the man. "So be it, Briza. Let's finish this." She replied, allowing her anger to show in her tone though careful to hold her tongue. There was now no question of what she must do, choosing instead to remain silent. Her response would not come as a verbal thrashing or a physical fight, but rather from behind. She could no longer avoid the simple fact of her female rival's threat to Vixin's future. Xenia would be able to sway Dominax's favor towards her own daughter, though certainly not while Briza remained.

A quick slice of the knife was all it took for Minax's transformation into a eunuch to be complete, ending his fertility. As his muffled screams of agony rang through the chamber, Xenia held only one thought.

"Briza must be eliminated."

49th of Fonic, 4 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Domani.

"No, no you're adding too much!" Lalian said, rushing to stand over one of the hundreds of workers that toiled away at the foundations of the colossal pyramid fortress.

The worker sighed with exasperation, standing to meet the Lanthian's green eyes. "Ahhh would it not be possible to lay these stones without mortar? The strength of twenty men could not force a single one of them to budge!"

With the nearby stone block standing taller than both men, Lalian placed his hand lovingly on its white surface. "They are heavy, yes, though I designed that mix of mortar for a purpose. Does it mean nothing to you that you have the privilege of constructing the greatest structure to ever grace the face of Magnius? To serve your Lord Dominax?"

The mention of their leader forced the worker to stiffen in righteous fervor. "Of course I care, Lanthian! You dare question my faith? I have witnessed his powers in person!"

"I question your skill, not your beliefs. Though since you rightly speak of faith, let me remind you that your efforts are in service to a God. Only the greatest standards of material and skill shall enter this project, and thus, the mortar you hold has been designed to possess twice the strength of human mortar." Lalian explained, placing his hand on the man's shoulder. "All we do here shall endure the assault of time, my friend. I shall hear of no further complaints."

The worker swiftly returned to his tasks as Lalian backed away, taking in the sight of organized chaos. Hundreds of Men and women had eagerly volunteered to work on the pyramid, emboldened by their strange beliefs in Dominax's Godhood. He had shown them powers they didn't understand, leaving them to rampant speculation.

Lalian had been placed in command over the project, carefully planning and controlling how his masterpiece would become reality. An insect-like organization had been carefully implemented as dozens of groups hauled the massive stone blocks arriving by both land and water from the lesser settlements, utilizing techniques devised by Lalian himself to move them into place.

The decades that would be required to bring such a structure into being called for the necessity of a temporary stronghold, which had been the first to be constructed near the edge of the slowly forming base that would one day make up the very bottom of the mountainous pyramid. Intended to be consumed and incorporated into the enormous fortress, the stronghold currently possessed a throne room of average size. The left section of the hold held living quarters, while the right contained a large but simple dining room.

Lalian clasped his hands behind his back as he observed, sneakily peering at the females. Both men and women had stripped down to only their lightest tunics during the laborious work, while a growing number of others had simply removed the entirety of their clothing altogether. The beauty of human females drove Lalian's Lanthian mind wild with fantasies, his small castrated cock lightly twitching. Had he still possessed his testicles, he'd love nothing more than to knock up each woman he encountered with his hybrid children. Having studied Chief Manith's newborns mere months ago he knew what to expect from such pregnancies, the children seemingly inheriting the mother's species while retaining the father's features. Yet, his fantasies could never be fulfilled.

"The High-Chief's ship is entering the port!" A man exclaimed, interrupting Lalian's thoughts as many began to make their way towards the river. Crowds began to form to welcome their victorious leader home from yet another successful conquest, filling the riverside port with hundreds of loud citizens. Many of them no doubt expected to see the return of their warrior family members, though Falexia had claimed many souls.

Guards moved quickly to form a wide path for the disembarking warriors, roughly pushing back the rabble. Many bowed as Dominax passed by, the soft breeze of the day picking at his white cloak. Discreetly, he made note of those who appeared less pleased at his return.

After quickly retrieving his gift for his returning master, Lalian rushed to intercept the march of the small army. Utilizing the small amount of prestige granted to him by his position, he managed to make his way easily through the guards' protective defenses. Upon seeing him Dominax immediately ordered his warriors to halt, stopping hundreds of men in their place.

"High-Chief Dominax, allow me to personally welcome you home." Lalian said over the noise of the crowds, lowering himself to one knee.

"You may rise, Lanthian. I wish to rest before the coronation." He replied as a nearby guard harshly kicked back one of the women who had drawn in too close.

Rising from the reddish dirt, Lalian held out the gift, theatrically granting the surrounding sea of people a full view of the object. In his green hands rested a helmet forged to provide both protection and the appearance of a crown, its top lined with several arrow shaped spikes.

Dominax carefully accepted the helmet from the Lanthian's grasp, studying it intently. Exquisitely detailed, he'd need only to transform it into chimira steel. "Ah, a crown worthy of a king. Was this your doing, Lanthian?"

Lalian watched as the crown was handed off to a servant that cradled it gently in her arms. "On my orders, yes my lord."

"How well he plays the part of the humble servant. He must know that my success directly facilitates his own." Dominax thought to himself, placing a firm hand on the green man's shoulder. "Very good, Lalian. Though come, there is much to prepare for. A king shall rise on this day."

***

As the sun hung over the horizon thousands of Domani citizens crowded the exterior of the stronghold, intermixed with individuals originating from across Dominax's newly forming realm. All wished to be present to witness the birth of a new kingdom, yet only the most important beings were fortunate enough to find themselves within the actual throne room. A crowd so numerous, many were pressed against the white stone walls just to make room.

Seated in a throne neatly carved from solid rock, Dominax scanned the noisy gathering with visible satisfaction. He picked out Dunith in the crowd, cradling her son. Kixanil, with 'his' hybrid son. His advisors, his most skilled warriors, all in attendance. Even Xenia carried Cendra and Vixin as she stood off to the right of the throne, holding the two beings that would benefit the most from this particular event.

The entirety of the crowd kneeled at his command, looking up to him in joyous hope. "How very fitting that they should obey, for they must know that my actions shall bring them peace." He thought, an insidious grin spreading across his face. "Their descendants shall live in prosperity and comfort, and they shall thank mine."

Holding the crown, now the pure white of chimira steel, Briza crossed over to the throne from the left. As instructed, she presented it to him, allowing him to take it before returning to her position beside him. He held it over his head, moving slowly to enjoy his triumph as he lowered it. He had intentionally chosen to crown himself, sending a clear message to both those under his rule, and those soon to be under his rule.

As the crown was placed firmly onto his head, the tall chamber erupted into cheers and shouts, a clambering noise that spilled out through the open doors and seized the surrounding sea of humans in ecstatic celebration. The Kingdom of Vaidrin was born, and with it, yet another step in his lofty plan was finalized.

"All hail King Dominax!"

5th of Fixuin, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

In the days that followed the Coronation of King Dominax, Domani had been enlivened by seemingly endless festivities, and Xenia found that she could hardly squeeze through the gathered crowds. Vividly colored powders had been shipped into the city and distributed, their contents hurled through the air in a traditional celebration for such a historic event. Clouds of bright oranges, blues, reds, purples, yellows, and greens permeated through the streets, raining powder down onto the naked bodies of the dancing crowds.

Concealed in a black cloak with its hood pulled over her head, Xenia found that she didn't quite care for the lively tradition, even looking forward to the next rainfall that would wash away the colorful stains. Yet all was not unappealing to her, as there was no end to the naked bodies that grinded and gyrated against her, with men and women openly engaging in public breedings. She passed such a group on her way towards the docks, biting her lip and pulling the cloak closer around her as she viewed the couples locked together in pleasure, striving to conceive soon after the coronation in the hopes that their children would be blessed by their otherworldly ruler.

After what seemed like an eternity she found her target, her cloak coated in the colorful powders. Making her way quickly towards the docked ship, she nodded towards the slaver's hired guards as she boarded, joining the small contingency of other interested purveyors. Lined across the deck and dressed in nothing aside from a slave collar, several slaves of both sexes stood on display. A chain leash secured each of them to the wooden deck, preventing their escape.

Throwing her hood back Xenia located the captain, a short man with noticeable muscles. His bald head was badly scarred, with a white robe wrapped around his body. He bowed his head as she approached. "Ah, Lady Xenia. We've been expecting you."

"You've received my letter then?" She asked, casually moving her shoulders to allow the cloak to move to her back and expose her sensual form.

"Yes, my Lady. I assure you that we have included our best selection of slaves that fit your description." He replied, his eyes taking a hungry glance at her flawless body.

She nodded in response, ignoring his barely concealed glances as she moved to the beginning of the line. "She certainly looks capable."

The captain turned to the first slave, an Arkos female with one eye as the other held a large scar. "Ah yes, this one is quite deadly with a whip. Of course, being an Arkos, I'll have to charge double."

Xenia waved her hand in dismissal, moving down the line.

"Though, if you were to tell me your intentions, I could be far more useful." He stated, following closely behind.

"I've given you enough information, captain. Beauty and skill, that is all you need to understand." She explained, her eyes moving from one slave to the next. She briefly paused as she reached a heavily muscled man, standing a head taller than her.

"Ah yes, he is intended for our other buyers. He could of course make a great pleasure slave, if you so desire…" the captain explained, nodding to the slave's oversized manhood.

Chuckling, she resumed walking. "The King's touch is all I require, slaver."

"Yes, well…" He replied, visibly disappointed. Then as she reached a certain slave he snapped his fingers and pointed. "Now this specimen fits your description perfectly!"

The slave appeared to be quite a young and beautiful brunette, until Xenia's eyes fell onto its tiny cock. Clearly a eunuch, she shook her head in dismissal. "I require a female, captain."

"You requested beauty and skill, did you not? This one has ample skill when it comes to stealth!"

Xenia's soft lips pulled into a frown, studying the slave. Skilled enough to assassinate Briza? Possibly. Yet she'd be unable to gift the slave to Dominax as a cover, as he would never accept a eunuch as a pleasure slave. Or would he?

She shook her head, dismissing the idea as she moved on. She knew her king better than that.

The next two slaves were immediately recognizable as twins, nearly identical were it not for their differing tattoos. Each with short black hair draped over one eye, they appeared to possess the slender bodies of trained dancers.

"Ah, the twins. I must say that I am particularly proud of these two, as they have both been trained to handle a knife." The captain stated.

"Yet can they handle them well?" Xenia retorted, her eyes studying their naked bodies. They were certainly desirable, coaxing arousal in her loins as she looked upon their flexible femininity. Similar to herself, they each held large tattoos that ran over their skin in intricate patterns.

"Yes, my Lady. They will accomplish your tasks, whatever they may be."

"Do you have names?" She asked, addressing the pair directly.

"Pria and Pilsi, miss." They answered in unnerving unison.

A moment passed as Xenia considered her options, before finally nodding. "They will do."

A grin spread across the bald man's scarred face. "Excellent! Then we shall discuss terms."

Smirking, Xenia's hand subtly ran over her firm breasts, dragging down her to alluring hip. "Of course, captain. Though you should know that favors can come to those who are generous."

"Oh?" He questioned, not bothering to hide the desire in his eyes as he looked over her perfect body, her outfit concealing only her most intimate areas. "How generous?"

Playfully rocking her head, her mind worked quickly to surmise how far the slaver would go without having to actually grant him anything. "Let's say...both for the price of one."

"Both?!" He exclaimed, looking around him to see if anyone else had heard as they milled about, inspecting the other slaves.

"Calm yourself captain, I believe other arrangements can be made to easily cover the loss. Don't you agree?" She teased, moving her X shaped top just enough for her bare breast to slip out.

He eyed her exposed nipple with evident temptation, only able to imagine what a night spent with her might be like. "I...am not unreasonable. Perhaps as a gift to our new king, I can allow his beautiful concubine such a price."

"Good. Have the twins delivered to The Royal Stronghold tonight, and I shall prepare your payment." She replied, concealing her breast. Of course, she had absolutely no intention of upholding her veiled offer, as only Dominax was worthy of her beauty.

"Yes, my Lady." He said with a satisfied smile. "It's been a pleasure."

***

"Clin...h...help me!"

Moonlight poured through the trees as he heard the screams of terror and agony, yet the voice came forth from his feet. He didn't need to look down to know who was pleading, her body pinned under the large branch that had fallen onto her during their frantic run. Her neck angled uncomfortably, desperate to keep her face above the low level of water that surrounded the forest cave.

He had attempted to wrench the tree limb from her form, using every ounce of strength that his eleven-year-old body could muster. Yet he had stopped, standing as he turned his gaze towards the chaos of the slaughter through the trees. The creature tore through the camp of warriors, men who his mother had claimed were their enemies. Yet desperately fighting for both their lives and the lives of the women and children among them, they merely appeared to be what they were: humans. Clin's fellow humans, whether enemy or ally.

"Help...y...your mother...my boy…" the woman at his feet pleaded, unable to move. She had caused this, all of it. She had intentionally lured the slumbering creature from its cave all while knowing the death that would follow.

He had helped her lure it of course, following her orders dutifully. What good son would dare disobey his mother in such important circumstances? Yet to witness the carnage in person was an entirely different matter. The desperation of the fighting men, the terror of the fleeing women and children. Each death was as much his fault as it was hers.

"C..Clin…I'm not strong enough…" the woman pleaded, her head barely remaining above the water.

Through the trees his eyes fell onto a single child about his age, standing frozen as he watched Clin and his struggling mother. The screams continued to echo behind the child, prodding no reaction. Clin had destroyed the boy's life and family.

He didn't look down as he placed his foot on his mother's forehead, instead choosing to keep his gaze on the boy. Her confused words turned from panicked anger to drowning gurgles, placing his weight on his foot.

Then...silence.

Clin's eyes burst open as the nightmare ended, hurrying to stifle his screams as the reality of where he currently was seeped into his awareness. Sweating hard, he took several calming breaths.

"You're in Domani...in your own hut. Dominax has been crowned king, and you're recovering from an arrow wound." He thought to himself, running through his calming meditation to ground himself. The stinging pain from his shoulder only helped to speed up the process of bringing himself back to reality.

Yet as his breaths slowed, he felt the familiar rush of emotions building in his chest. Though he had grown far better at defending against them, they proved to be too much to handle on this night, and he allowed tears to silently stream down his face.

***

The twins were already in the Royal bedchambers when Dominax finally entered, eager to enjoy the gifts that Xenia had informed him of. Pria and Pilsi waited patiently, sprawled across the large bed that had been taken from Falexia. Upon hearing him enter they immediately got to their feet, hurrying to greet their new master.

Kneeling before him they both looked up in fascination, undoubtedly aware of the tales of his strange powers. "We are pleased to finally serve you, master."

"Rise." He commanded, assessing their nude forms. They obeyed, standing dutifully before him. "I don't believe I've been fortunate enough to have two twins at once."

"Oh King Dominax, you'll be quite surprised by what we can do." Pria said as they both turned around, their feet sliding apart as they dropped to their elbows. Presenting their exquisite rears and womanhoods, they glanced back at him in anticipation. "So? Which one of us shall you take first?"

Dominax chuckled, removing his crown. "A difficult decision, though come, assist me in removing my armor."

They jumped to their feet, eagerly following his command as they set about undressing him. Their soft hands ran over his body, filling him with lust until at last he joined them in being nude. They then guided him over towards the bed, guiding him to sit.

"Allow us to make your decision easier." Pilsi teased, stepping back as both she and her sister began to sensually dance. He watched as they slowly rocked their hips, their flat abs gyrating like serpents.

"Utter perfection." He said with an insidious grin, basking in their seductive beauty. He stood, placing his hands on Pria's midriff and feeling her slender muscles beneath her soft skin as she slowly danced. "Are you fertile, slave? Or has my concubine intentionally brought me barren gifts?"

"Of course, master." Pilsi answered, pressing in closer to rub against him. "We've been inspected by our slaver's healer. Allow our wombs to bear your bastards…"

"Very good." Dominax responded, feeling lust tighten in his loins. "Though the question remains, who shall receive my seed this night?"

Taking his other hand, Pria guided it downwards until it found her vaginal lips. "Allow me, your majesty…"

Nearly grinding against his side, Pilsi allowed a displeased whine to escape her lips. "No my lord, I shall take your seed. Grant me a baby of your divine blood…"

Feeling the wetness of the slave's pussy against his fingers, he let out a primal roar as he wrapped his arms around both of their slender bodies. "Earn it then, prove your worth as the mother to my potential bastard! We shall see who is the victor."

His erection now fully hardened at the prospect of breeding such seductive slaves, they didn't resist for even a moment as he began to push them to their knees. Then, holding the back of their heads, he pressed their lips together as he slowly slid his cock between their mouths.

Hungrily they moaned, their soft lips dragging over his shaft. They wrapped their arms around each other, their hands exploring each other's body.

Pumping his hips, he pushed his cock back and forth between their lips, groaning at the sensation of two sisters sharing a single cock. Their sensual mouths caressed and licked the rod that would sire their children, massaging each other's small breasts.

Their incestuous touching only increased his pleasure, a reaction that he hadn't expected. He had of course mated with Briza, a woman who was technically his sister through a sort of adoption, yet to actually see fully blooded siblings caress each other in pure lust filled him with new desires.

Pria's hand narrowed in on Pilsi's vagina, sliding up her slender yet strong thighs. She felt the feminine moisture of her twin's arousal, forcing a moan from her own lips.

Dominax released their heads, hurrying to help them to their feet before nearly throwing them onto the bed. They both let out a playful squeak, not expecting the sudden burst of strength.

"My, someone is certainly eager! Come, allow my body to please you, master." Pria said, bending backwards to form an arch of her back as she held herself up with both her legs and hands.

The display of flexibility intrigued Dominax, and he moved into position. With his hands on her hips, he slowly entered her pussy, pushing through the tightness of her womanhood. In response, she groaned loudly, taking his royal cock.

"Gods…" Pilsi murmured, watching as her sister was penetrated. Slowly, he began to rock his hips, pumping back and forth.

"Y..yes Master...use me!" Pria cried out in her strange position, her body open to him.

Pilsi ran her hands over her sister's midriff, feeling her muscles clenching and unclenching as she was fucked by a being they believed to potentially be a God.

"Ahhhh…" Dominax moaned, echoing through the stone chamber of his quarters. Xenia had chosen her gifts well, and he knew that he'd reward her for her selection.

The labia of Pilsi's vagina parted as her fingers entered, seeking to massage her snug tunnel to the sight of her twin's pleasured body. They had spent many nights wrapped together in passion, yet seeing Pria pierced by a large cock always brought a deep wetness to Pilsi's loins.

"My master...my god...grant me your child…" Pria begged, her pussy burning with each thrust. "My womb is...ahhh...ready…"

"No my lord…" Pilsi pleaded, her fingers digging into her sensual folds. "Allow me to take your seed! Please…"

In response, Pria's vaginal muscles seemed to clench in rhythm with his thrusts, as if wishing to milk him of the sperm she so desired.

Dominax groaned, roughly pounding into her body as her sister furiously pleasured herself.

As he felt himself growing closer and closer to climax, Dominax abruptly pulled out, leaving Pria feeling empty at the absence of his manhood. Yet the night was young, and he wished to taste both of his gifts.

Pilsi submissively giggled as he pushed her onto her side, pulling her legs open. The primal strength in his actions forced her to bite her lip in arousal, her pussy aching to become pregnant from his cum.

Utilizing her flexibility to push her leg high into the air, he straddled her other leg as he pressed his tip against her soaking labia. With a push, his cock slowly slid inside, tingles shooting up his shaft as they both moaned.

Pria kneeled next to her sister, her horny legs spread as they practically called for her feminine touch. Happy to oblige, Pilsi reached over between thrusts and gently caressed her twin's throbbing labia.

"Don't cum inside of her…" Pria begged, letting out a gasp as her clit began to be toyed with. "Cum inside of me, master!"

Dominax cared little for her words, focusing entirely on the vagina wrapped around his manhood. Each thrust pressed hard into her cervix, inciting a satisfied groan to ripple through Pilsi.

With her fingers teasing her sister's clit, Pilsi lightly stroked her own nipple with her free hand, knowing that it would one day feed her king's healthy child. Her body burned with the need to bear his baby, to finally have her young womb filled with his love.

Being twins, their vaginas felt nearly indistinguishable as he pounded deeply into Pilsi, minute after minute passing slowly as they were locked together in passion. Steadily he felt his climax approaching once more and knew that a decision would have to be made.

Pulling his cock free he moved to push Pria onto her back, encountering no resistance. With a smirk, she lifted her legs, allowing him to press them behind her head with skillful flexibility.

"Back for more? Come my lord...sire my offspring!" Pria teased.

Mounting her without hesitation, Dominax held her ankles above her head as he pressed into her.

Pilsi watched in jealousy as his cock sank into her sister, who appeared to enjoy every second as he hilted her.

Rocking his hips, his cock swiftly moved in and out of her as he was eager to cum, knowing that his potent sperm would fertilize his gorgeous slave.

"Finish inside...my king...allow my sister to wait until...ahhh...tomorrow night to conceive!" Pria moaned as she was pounded into the sheets.

Lying next to her sister, Pilsi read the clear signs of his imminent orgasm, knowing that she wouldn't be the first to receive his seed. Instead, she reached over and grabbed Pria's nearest hand, wishing to support her twin as she was bred.

Dominax's breaths became increasingly frantic, thrusting harder and harder into her resilient pussy. Pinned under him, she remained completely under his control, her body's only purpose to birth his children.

As he cried out in pleasure Pilsi felt a sudden rush of sibling love, and she quickly moved to kiss her twin deeply on the lips as Dominax began to spurt his sperm into Pria's fertile pussy. She felt Pria's shaking lips, experiencing her own orgasm at the sensation of his cum rocketing against her cervix.

Their loins remained locked together for several minutes, until with a groan, he allowed himself to roll off of her well used body. Utterly satisfied, he wrapped his arms around both young women, holding their seductive forms close to him.

9th of Fixuin, 4 BVE.
Dril Tundra, Near The City of Shai.

Nothing.

As Varse looked down at his newborn son, he felt...nothing. Not the cold of the snowflakes gently landing on his bald head, nor the child's soft white skin as he held it firmly. Its red eyes looked around curiously, most likely searching for its mother. Varse knew Tsida still lay naked on the birthing altar, her body lifeless and cold.

The two assistants stood quietly, having done all they could to salvage the birth when complications arose. Ignoring their presence, Varse felt as though he were truly alone, stranded in the center of the tundra. In reality, they were only a few miles from the capital, having accompanied the pregnant Tsida to complete the birthing ritual. Exposed to the open snow, Dril children were born away from the crowds of the city, only to be returned shortly to spend the rest of their lives safe amongst their people.

"Safety." Varse thought bitterly to himself. "That is what I may have destroyed for them all."

Months of progress, of development, of security, all possibly washed away for the birth of one child. Tsida was gone, and with her went Varse's control over the council. No longer would he be able to push reforms through, to crush proposals that went against the interests of their citizens. His people would suffer for his actions, the result of a single night where he had lost control over his lust.

"You've killed them." He thought, staring into his son's happy eyes. "I've killed them."

"Sir...may we swaddle him?" One of the assistants asked, holding out her hands to take the child.

Snapping from his thoughts, he turned to face her. "Yes...of course." He said as she took him from his arms, watching as the two women began to wrap him in fabric that shared the colors of his mother's clan. They of course suspected that Varse must be the father, a suspicion that only doubled when Tsida had personally requested for him to attend the birth. Yet, neither possessed conclusive evidence as Tsida had made the claim that she simply wished to honor their Potentate. After all, she was a Council Member.

"What should be done with him, my Potentate?" One of the women asked, holding the baby sweetly as if it were her own.

Varse genuinely hadn't expected the question, his mind still moving as if he were in a dream. "He...you shall place him in the care of the next of kin." He ordered, only for his head to snap back to her after a moment. "Wait, no. I will have one of my own men bring him. We will simply return to the Citadel for the moment until arrangements can be made."

Both attendants nodded their heads respectfully.

"You may go, as I wish to remain with the body until help arrives." He commanded, rubbing his eyes with an exhaustion that he hadn't realized he possessed.

"As you wish." One of the women said before they both turned to leave. Varse managed to achieve one last glance at the child, his mind wandering.

"What shall be your future?"

Chapter Text

41st of Fixuin, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Uuuu iiii oouu"

The orb hummed through the dark space of the pod, vibrating in its otherworldly method of communicating data. Placed on the pedestal in the center of the chamber, its ethereal depths called to Dominax as he held his hand steadily over it. As if his mind had wrestled with the orb's internal will for days, he held off the creeping exhaustion. He was close, needing only to push just a bit further.

"Ooouuu uuuu iiii"

At last, success. The vibrational language inside his mind shifted, granting him a flood of images. A vision of Ayphieal's slow formation, the creation of the man-sized orb that would serve as the sun, each moon's careful placement in their circular orbits. He was witnessing the creation of his world itself, ripping a groan from his throat.

The visions slowed, shifting now to the interior of The Chimira as it orbited the newly formed lifeless planet. Dorian stood outside of a set of ten biological tanks, each containing a comatose human floating in a clear liquid. Five males and five females in total, as if paired. He watched the steady stream of mutations, each carefully implemented over the course of what felt to be several months until the human subjects slowly became recognizable as pairs of Arkos, Lanthians, Dril, Lish, and Taziks. He could feel Dorian's satisfaction, as if reliving a memory. A memory that ceased abruptly, leaving Dominax to stumble back as he was returned to reality.

***

"Step forward."

The powerful voice of the new king echoed through the temporary throne room, a chamber filled with numerous people either seeking an audience with their ruler or simply to observe. Chief Kixanil obeyed, parting himself from the crowd as instructed and kneeling before the throne.

Xenia merely smirked at her mate's display of power, noting how quickly he had adapted to his lofty new position. She had chosen well, certain that the silver-eyed baby cradled in her arms would thrive.

Standing near the entrance to the left wing of the Royal Stronghold, she remained both a part of and separate from the gathered audience. She would have of course preferred to take her usual position at Dominax's side, a place that Briza currently stood proud, yet delicate business could wait no longer.

"You're late." Xenia chastised as Pria and Pilsi emerged through the open doorway, coming to a stop just beside her. Her tone was no more than a whisper, just loud enough for them both to hear over the quietly murmuring crowd.

"...for your loyal service, I, King Dominax of House Vaid, grant you command over The High-Chiefdom of Falexia…" Dominax's voice continued to boom through the large chamber, unsheathing his sword.

"We are here now mistress, let us begin. Unburden yourself." Pria whispered back, her hands clasped behind her back as she casually studied the crowd. Identically dressed, both she and her twin wore nothing more than a simple slave loincloth that left their exquisite dancer bodies on near full display, for no master would wish to hide the alluring beauty of his property.

Dominax held the sword close to his vassal's lips, allowing the man to kiss it in acceptance of his new role. "...your descendants shall rule Falexia in my name until such a time as they prove themselves to be unworthy. Serve the people of Vaidrin well, High-Chief Kixanil."

"I've received my reports. The other-" Xenia began, before pausing as cheers erupted through the chamber when Kixanil arose, graciously taking his leave to allow the next man to step up. When the noise had subsided to a manageable pitch, she cleared her throat and resumed. "The other healers have confirmed that you've both fallen pregnant with the king's seed. It appears you two are secure in your positions as breeding slaves, and thus, my end of the bargain is done."

Xenia kept her gaze pointed towards the throne, gently rocking Vixin as she recognized the next man to approach their ruler. The High-Chief of Histia, he had arrived the previous day with no desire to conceal his intentions in bowing before their conqueror. Kneeling, he repeated the same spiritually infused speech he had delivered the moment he had set eyes on the divine King, yet now acting before an audience. "...to swear loyalty to a being with such powers, there remains only one possible course of action. Allow me to serve you, my lord, to..."

"We are both utterly in your debt, mistress." Pilsi replied, placing her hand on her still flat stomach and recounting how her new master had bred her the night after granting her twin his seed. They carried the children of a King in their wombs, an honor they could not deny. "We understand your intention in gifting us to The Lord Dominax, though you have yet to name our target."

The crowd once again cheered as The High-Chief kissed the blade, ensuring that Histia would become yet another domain under Vaidrin's rule. Xenia was unable to deduce if the man had sworn his allegiance under genuine belief in Dominax's God hood, or if he had simply surmised that his time as an independent realm was limited, yet it mattered little. Vaidrin continued to expand by the day.

She nodded her head towards the throne, nearly glaring. "The woman to his right. You recognize her, correct?"

The twins fell silent for a moment before Pria nodded gravely. "Lady Briza, of course."

"Good. Her blood is the price for the life I've granted you both." Xenia explained as the Chief of Eldrin stepped forwards, intent on making a similar vow of submission. "You'll live comfortably here, perhaps even pump out a few of our Lord's babies before he grows tired of you. Of course you'll be taken care of even then, though never delude yourself into believing that you are beyond my grasp. Should even one word slip regarding our bargain, you shall not witness the following sunrise. Is that clear?"

"Of course, mistress." The twins replied in obedient unison, studying their target.

Xenia smirked in satisfaction, pushing aside the black strap of her top to allow Vixin to suckle at her firm young breast. "Wonderful. Now, you will refrain from attacking until we've managed to select a time and place that suits our needs."

As the short ceremony that would bring Eldrin under Dominax's rule ended, the Chief of Inrin took the man's place to conduct his own pledge.

"Death is no stranger to us, mistress. We'd never strike without your command." Pilsi remarked, allowing a smile to tug at her lips at the display of motherly affection.

"You had better hold yourself to that, for your own sake." Xenia said, her eyes remained locked on her female rival. "I trust that your skills with knives will be required, as she has already become weary of me. I suspect she thinks I may even poison her, as her every meal is tested. She is right of course, as I possess the ingredients to force a death that screams of agony could never match, or a night of writhing in such torturous pleasure that a mind couldn't possibly recover from."

"A blade to the back, then?" Pria asked, watching the latest Chief to join The Kingdom of Vaidrin rise to his feet and make his way toward the exit. The approved and planned meetings were completed, allowing the common citizens to approach their King Dominax with whatever problems they wished to address.

"That may be our only option, yes." Xenia confirmed grimly, before her whispers adopted a spiteful tone. "Yet when the moment to strike arrives, I wish for her to know that her death comes by my will. My command. Allow her last thoughts to be the knowledge that she has been bested by Dominax's superior mate."

"It will be done, mistress." Pria responded without hesitation, while Pilsi merely peered at Vixin.

Satisfied, Xenia remained wrapped in her thoughts as a man dressed in a simple reddish tunic and black cape stepped towards the throne accompanied by a younger woman. While he appeared much older than his female companion with short greying hair and frail limbs, the girl had dark brown hair pulled into a messy braid that reached halfway down her back. Dressed in a dark top that left her toned midriff exposed, both her navel and nose held tiny metal piercings. Her athletic legs were concealed behind a skirt that ended halfway down her soft thighs, as if inviting onlookers to crave a closer glance.

"Approach." Briza commanded, eyeing the woman with suspicion. The stranger was clearly a warrior of some sort, though her lithe muscles leaned heavily towards a feminine appearance.

They both bowed at the foot of the throne, before the older man cleared his throat to speak. "It is an honor to stand in your presence, your majesty. I come with a single request, one that I hope you shall find appealing."

"Oh?" Dominax questioned, not bothering to hide his gaze as he peered at the attractive warrior. Rather than displaying intimidation at his seeking look, she seemed to be emboldened by his interest as she subtly shifted to press her modest chest out further.

The old man carried on after a quick breath. "I've come accompanied by my daughter, Sirith. I have trained her myself, and as I'm sure you can imagine, she is very precious to me. If I may be so bold, it is my hope that you will grant an old man the honor that all fathers strive for...as I desire only the best mate for my daughter. Your majesty...we would both be humbled if you added your seed to our bloodline."

The proposal forced an amused grin to spread across Dominax's face. "Quite a bold request for a father to make, is it not?"

The man nodded in understanding. "Yes my lord, though that is our desire. Both Sirith and I have witnessed your powers in person, and whether you are truly a God or not, the prospect of a grandchild with your divine blood is one that would truly honor my line. Merely grant me this request, this privilege of a single breeding, and the loyalty of my family to your crown shall be undying."

Dominax chuckled, milling the thought in his head. "You make a very tempting offer...as I'm inclined to agree. However, you understand that the child resulting from such a breeding shall not be legitimized as a member of House Vaid, do you not?"

"A fate that I am content with. Even a mere bastard of your blood shall truly be an important asset to my family. One cannot entirely describe the true honor and privilege of an opportunity to raise the child of a God." The man answered with what bordered on religious fervor.

"A God." Dominax thought, tasting the word that he had grown accustomed to over the last year. "I shall have to settle that matter soon enough."

Briza studied the woman on offer, displaying no hint of jealousy at her attractive features. She knew that her mate would truly enjoy such a woman, a thought that brought her a small amount of comfort. She only desired him to be happy.

"Very well, you shall have your desire. Return at nightfall." Dominax commanded with satisfaction.

Both father and daughter bowed graciously with visible excitement. "Thank you, my lord!"

***

"Run Hess! It's upon us!" The voice of a child rang out through the forest as screams continued to echo. Hesin didn't flinch at his dying brother's words, his mind already numb from the sight of the creature's vicious slaughter. Instead, his eyes blankly stared through a parting in the trees, locked on the sight of a young boy standing over a struggling woman.

The world shifted, and he found himself running alongside the boy moments after the pained screams of his brother had ceased. The child had grabbed his hand, tugging hard until he followed. Hesin realized that he was only a boy himself, as his short legs struggled through the forest growth.

As the world melted away once more, he peered through his watery eyes at the group of elderly men, each seated in tall chairs. He recognized the room, recalling how the boy had led him to Nitri's Main Hold.

"Such a high claim for an outsider to make towards one of our own. Tell me boy, do you possess proof?" One of the old men had questioned, his tone grave.

The blond-haired boy merely stood silently beside Hesin, making no move to either confess nor deny his involvement in what had occurred. Hesin screamed at the men, pleaded with them as he explained all that he had seen. He had witnessed the boy lure the creature alongside a young woman, seemingly conscious of the blood it would spill. Once all had been divulged, he felt as though a massive weight had left his chest.

"What you describe certainly aligns with the aftermath that our hunters discovered, yet there is nothing connecting young Clin here to the cause of the tragedy." Another elder had explained, seemingly apologetic yet firm in their collective decision. "Even the presence of his mother's corpse can easily be explained away by simply hunting in the wrong area at the inopportune moment. Is that not correct, boy?"

The question had been aimed towards the blond child, and Hesin looked to him all while clinging to the last of his faith. If the boy could simply confess to his part in the slaughter, would simply admit to what he had caused, Hesin knew he'd have justice.

His hopes were slashed away as the boy nodded, looking to Hesin with clear shame as he confirmed the falsehood.

"See child? One cannot punish a member of their own settlement without sufficient proof, and thus, this unfortunate tragedy must be considered an accident until further evidence surfaces." Another of the elders stated, before leaning forward in his lofty chair. "Yet fear not child, despite your accusations against him, young Clin has requested to offer you a place amongst our people. Seeing as your family is now gone, we'd be happy to oblige."

Hesin could only stare at the light stone bricks of the floor as a sickening sensation eased into his being. A flurry of emotions surged through him, anger, sadness, the feeling of utter loss before a dull numbness crept over his mind.

His eyes slowly opened as the memory-filled dream subsided, bringing him back to reality once more. Staring at a ceiling that didn't exist when the memories had occurred, the same numbness ensnared his thoughts even a decade later.

Rubbing his eyes, he let out a deep sigh. Sleep would not return to him this night, as it never did on the rare occasions that his mind decided to drudge up the past. He wondered what Clin would think were he to ever find out that he still dreamed of those events. Would he pity him?

"Fuck your pity." He thought to himself, sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. A brief flush of fatigue overcame him before falling away to allow him to stand. On nights such as these he found no better refuge than the peaceful presence of the river, and he made for the door to his stone hut to make his way to the nearest shore.

***

"He's waiting for you." Briza said to Sirith and her father as they came to a stop outside the royal bed chambers. She looked over the young woman for a final time, seeking any hint of danger. When she found none, she simply nodded and turned to depart.

Pushing open the door, the pair stepped inside with caution. The chamber was illuminated by the flickering light of dozens of red-burning candles, granting them a clear vision of Dominax's nude body lying on the bed. At the sound of their entrance, he peered towards them before moving to stand.

"I expected only Sirith, as was our agreement." Dominax stated with a hint of annoyance, making no move to cover himself as his heavy manhood hung on display.

"Apologies my lord...I do not wish to intrude." The man began to say, keeping his eyes level while his daughter took enjoyment in the view. "I shall wait outside if that is your command. However...if you'd be so kind as to allow me one additional favor...I would request to remain."

With his eyes narrowing in judgment, Dominax could not deny the instant flush of appeal that such a suggestion brought to his loins. Much as the twin's sibling affection had intrigued him greatly, such a taboo act nearly called to him. "Is such really your desire?"

"It is, your majesty. I shall not interfere. I..merely wish to observe such a beautiful act." He replied, placing his hand on Sirith's back with clear fatherly love.

"So be it. Sit, and we shall begin." He ordered, gesturing to a nearby chair that sat at a desk pressed against the wall. The old man obeyed, turning the seat around to aim directly at the large bed.

"Will you force me to wait any longer? I'm eager to start…" Sirith stated, biting her lip in lust as she touched his bare chest.

Taking hold of her top, Dominax carefully pulled it off of her after untying the back strings, discarding it as he looked upon her young breasts. Placing his hands onto them, he met her gaze with intensity. "I shall not wait a second longer."

Releasing a teasing moan, she chuckled. "Are they worthy of feeding your child, my lord?"

"They're utter perfection." He responded, lightly tweaking both firm nipples. His loins ravenous to breed, he then wrapped his arms around her feminine torso and hoisted her off her feet, inciting a flurry of giggles as he threw her onto the bed.

On her back, she slightly spread her legs, drawing his eyes to peer up her short skirt. "Then come, grant me the seed of a king…"

Mounting the bed with a fluid motion, he held himself above her waiting body with one arm, using the other to roughly tear away the thin fabric of her skirt. Her smooth pussy waited for him just beneath, now exposed to the warm air of the bedchamber.

The old man watched as his daughter parted her legs further, granting her mate access to her precious folds. He heard a gasp as Dominax's tip began to press into her, her pitch increasing into a groan as his cock entered her.

Clearly not a virgin, her vagina accepted his length eagerly, hungry for his sperm. "F...father...he's so...large…"

Grunting, Dominax began to pump in and out, his balls tensing at her words. The thought of breeding a man's daughter while he watched flared his craving to mate, to dominate her body with his seed.

Watching his king pump his hips back and forth with his manhood buried inside his beloved daughter, the man felt his own cock hardening beneath his tunic. She would bear the child of a God.

"Oooooohhh yes…fuck me...my lord…." She moaned, laying her arms above her head in submission. She glanced over to her father lovingly, her pussy aching to conceive.

"Take my fertile girl...my lord…" the man said in evident enjoyment, unable to hide the protruding erection through his tunic. "She is yours…"

The utter strangeness of the situation only fueled Dominax, rocking his cock in and out with increasing pleasure. Looking down at her body beneath him, he couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of her perky mounds, her attractively feminine face, and the way her long braid now hung between her breasts. He could feel her lithe muscles moving beneath him in rhythm to his movements, knowing that she'd produce a healthy baby.

"My womb is yours...oooohhhh…." Sirith's voice echoed off the stone walls, the red candlelight dancing over their skin as their loins remained enraptured in pleasure.

"Breed her...my lord…" the man requested in pure lust as he gripped the arms of the chair. To see his daughter writhe in bliss proved to be more arousing than anything he had ever experienced, forcing the manhood that had sired her to throb.

The bed squeaked with each movement, rocking along with their passion. Hitting deeply each time, the slapping of their bodies thrusting against each other filled the room.

Sirith reached up to wrap her hands around her lover, nearly able to smell their mutual arousal and desperation to breed. They had waited until her peak ovulation to make their request, ensuring that her body wished for nothing more than a baby. She could practically feel his sperm waiting to drain into her, his divine potency eager to seek out her eggs. She craved his passion, NEEDED his seed…

Ramming into her pussy with fury, Dominax felt her legs wrap around his waist as she prepared for his climax. His manhood ached, readying to cum.

The man's back slightly arched in pleasure, deriving the entirety of his stimulation only from the sight of their lovemaking. "Yes my lord…oohhh yes...breed Sirith! Claim her womb!"

Grunting hard, the words proved to be too much as they pushed Dominax to climax. He pushed his hips hard against her, as if wishing to bury his cock as deeply as possible.

Sirith moaned in ecstasy, the pleasure of accepting her king's seed nearly intense enough to taste. Her father watched as her fertile vagina was filled, clenching the chair hard as his hard erection began to ejaculate without his touch. He cried out in ragged gasps, spilling his own seed.

Pressing his face into the nape of her neck, Dominax felt the softness of her skin as he calmed himself. Her body was eternally his, draped in red candlelight.

She would birth his child.

45th of Fixuin, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Ah, very good. I was hoping to start immediately." Dominax grinned as he entered the dining chamber of The Royal Stronghold. Seated at the overly large table sat only Salduin, Lalian, and Xenia. Dominax took his place at the head of the table, removing his crown and placing it lovingly on the dark wooden surface.

"May I question your intention with this impromptu meeting, my lord?" Lalian asked, having intentionally chosen a seat nearest the King's.

"And why us three in particular?" Salduin added, placing his heavily muscled arm gently onto the table. "We are of course honored, though the selection is peculiar."

Dominax gazed at them in his typical studying intensity, as if wishing to peer into their souls through his silver eyes. "I wish to settle a religious matter here and now. You three are my most spiritually inclined servants, and thus, I trust only you with what I shall speak of in this moment. That is not to say that I distrust my other advisors, mind you, as I only wish for my words to be understood correctly."

"A religious matter, my lord?" Lalian asked with observable interest.

Dominax nodded. "I have experienced a number of revelations these past days, and I see now that the time has come to form a unified structure for the beliefs of my citizens. For too long I've left them to the torment of speculation. Each household under my domain possesses a variation of the beliefs that I've attempted to coax. They witness my power, they hear my words, yet they fail to grasp their meaning. There shall be no further variation."

Xenia folded her arms, placing her fingers alluringly close to her breast. "You've explained quite openly that your powers originate from the creator. Have you discovered more in that orb of yours?"

Dominax chuckled insidiously. "You make light of the orb, yet indeed I have. My Xenia...I have witnessed creation itself. Not only that of the land we stand on, but of the people, the sun, the moons, ALL."

Salduin leaned in closer, his entire attention focused on their ruler. "Creation? Surely that cannot be true…"

"Ah, but it is." Dominax replied, savoring the man's anticipation. "I made a promise to you that I would share all I knew regarding spiritual matters, our origin, our purpose. I intend to keep that promise, Salduin. Tell me, would you not serve an Emperor who was himself a god?"

Without hesitation the large man nodded firmly. "Of course. You know this, my lord. Was it not the very reason I first pledged myself to you?"

Dominax gestured to the muscled warrior in response. "And thus, the three of you may see my aim. I shall share the secrets of this world, and in return, our people must be made to believe that I am myself a God. Not merely the son of the creator, but a deity in my own right. If this vision of an eternal empire of peace is to succeed, I can see no other alternative."

Xenia's eyes seemed to light up with desire at his explanation, her soft lips curling into a smile.

"Our workers already perceive you as a God, my lord. Why else would they labor every day on the construction of The Grand Pyramid? Not to mention the sheer number that they consist of!" Lalian remarked with more than a hint of pride in his tone.

"You hit my dilemma directly, Lanthian." Dominax replied, steepling his fingers and he placed his elbows on the table. "Each man and woman believe themselves to be in the service of a God. Yet, to what extent? What beliefs have drawn them to this conclusion? That is precisely the question that can no longer be tolerated." He took a deep breath, allowing a short silence to permeate the dinning chamber. "It has become clear to me that faiths, cultures, and traditions separate us all. It is not merely enough to control a world's population, but rather, one must control the very structure of their citizens' lives if ultimate peace is to persist permanently. We must facilitate the creation of ONE religion. ONE culture. ONE unified Empire of like-minded individuals."

The room remained silent for a long moment after the explanation had ceased, though it fell to Lalian to be the first to speak. The Lanthian eunuch casually placed his delicate fingers to conceal a smile of pure joy. "My lord…I have been waiting for such a command." He said, thinking to the pyramid that was slowly rising around The Stronghold day by day, week by week. The appointed architect of a God, from a being who had once been a slave. The Lanthians' cruel traditions would be stamped out, their religion condemned as heresy. "Merely state my part in your plan, and it shall be done."

"I am pleased to hear you say such things, as your efforts will be required first." Dominax stated, smirking to his green inventor. "I shall relinquish all of the knowledge that I have learned to you, and you shall record each word. The task shall then fall to you two." He said, switching his attention to Xenia and Salduin. "You shall oversee the formation of a holy order within Vaidrin. Allow its priests and priestesses to enforce my words, my rule. Specific instructions regarding this task will come later, though know that in this way we shall begin the construction of a lasting peace of ideals and minds."

Both Xenia and Salduin eagerly accept their tasks.

"Very good, then you are dismissed. We shall speak on this more another time." Dominax commanded. All three stood and bowed before making their way towards the door, though he quickly gestured to Lalian before The Lanthian could exit. "Hold a moment, I wish to have a word with you."

Confused, Lalian obeyed and remained still until the other two had left the room. Then after a gesture to approach, he dutifully stepped closer. "Yes, my lord?"

In a low tone, Dominax leaned in close to the green man. "Lalian, I only have one simple request for you to fulfill while you inscribe my teachings."

"Anything, merely name it."

Though clearly hesitant, Dominax slowly opened his mouth to speak. "I wish for you to teach me to write."

The statement was simple enough, though Lalian looked at his king in surprise. "You...cannot write, my lord?" He asked, though regretted his question a moment later as realization quickly pieced together. He had never seen Dominax read or write a single letter, always relinquishing the responsibility to select individuals.

"Almost none of us can." Dominax replied without humor. "It is a skill only the Northern Kingdoms have spread widely. I can assure you that hunting and farming requires very little in the way of reading."

"I see…" Lalian replied, considering the request. "Well, my lord, you may find no greater teacher suited for such a task."

"Ah, very good. Though tell me...would it not be possible for me to learn your people's language as well?"

The Lanthian's green eyes seemed to beam with interest. "Of course, my lord! Who do you believe taught Chief Manith your language?"

Dominax clasped the man's cloaked shoulder in appreciation. "I would like to begin immediately, if such a thing were possible."

"Of course it is!" Lalian exclaimed in excitement. "Though I should warn you. I've been told I have a peculiar gift when it comes to absorbing information. Should you encounter an individual willing to teach me a new language, I may be able to teach it back to you with efficiency. Either that, or act as your translator at the very least."

Dominax's unsettling grin widened in satisfaction. "Excellent, Lalian. You prove your worth to me every day." He said before a sudden hint of sadness trickled through him at the thought of Lalian's castration. Certainly, he would have been overjoyed to breed the green man with a number of his slaves to ensure that his vast intelligence passed down through the generations, yet that would now be impossible.

"Such a waste…"

***

Dominax stroked his pointed beard as he leaned back in his throne, having just dismissed the latest in a long line of visitors seeking his audience. In the wake of his coronation, he had made it a point to show himself to the public whenever possible, allowing any citizen to present their issues directly to The King.

"Let them spout their petty problems, as I will solve them all." He thought to himself, watching as the next in line was brought into the throne room. A pair of men dressed in dull colored tunics, they were accompanied by a fairly attractive woman dressed in a skirt with her breasts exposed. She held one hand close to her chest, wrapped in thin orange fabric.

"You may approach." Briza commanded, standing next to the throne. Salduin and Lalian had been commanded to remain in the chamber as well, choosing to quietly discuss the short spiritual passages that had been provided by the king that very morning. Remaining near the entrance, Dominax wished for Salduin to be near should the presence of danger arise, while Lalian was expected to observe his decisions and learn their human customs.

The trio approached and bowed, visibly intimidated by the four guards flanking the throne. Each man had been equipped in chimira steel armor in the style of their king, as their white cloaks hung lightly behind them.

"Speak." Dominax beckoned, studying the strangers with his strange silver eyes. Dressed in his full armor, he held no doubt that he'd pose quite an intimidating figure.

One of the men straightened up, gathering his courage. Both men had brown hair, though this particular male had grown his out into long braids. "My lord, my brother and I have come to ask that you settle a matter between us. As you can see, it concerns our mate here." He announced, gesturing to the woman.

"Our mate?" Dominax questioned as his eyes narrowed.

The short haired man found his strength, readying to clarify. "Yes my lord, we have both decided to share her bed as equal lovers."

"I see…" Dominax replied. "An odd arrangement between brothers, though get to the heart of the issue quickly."

The longhaired man nodded obediently. "Of course, my lord. The matter revolves around the dilemma of breeding. You see, we each intend to produce children with her, yet we have yet to agree upon who shall sire the firstborn. Though it would be far simpler to continue and allow nature to decide, the knowledge of the paternity of the child is something we both value."

"Ah, as you should value it indeed. Though tell me, if I am to decide who shall proceed first, would it not be far simpler to flip a Northern Kingdom coin? I can have one quickly brought in if the need arises." Dominax asked, casually waving his hand in a dismissive gesture.

The longhaired man's face grew more serious at the proposition. "We had considered such an idea, my lord, before the accident. Some weeks ago, we had fallen into an argument regarding a hunting matter. Weapons were raised, and when our mate attempted to get between us, she was unfortunately injured by my brother's blade."

The explanation clearly made both the brother and the woman uncomfortable, yet Dominax leaned forward. "What sort of injury?" He asked, eyeing the orange fabric.

With a gesture from the man the woman carefully unwrapped the fabric until she could pull it away from her hand. She looked away as the wound was revealed, consisting of several stumps where fingers had once been.

"As you can see...the damage was quite severe." The longhaired man continued. "Now, due to what happened I feel that it would not be right for the man who caused such an injury to be the first to breed with her."

Dominax frowned at the sight of the wounded hand, though he shifted his attention to the man. "I see your concerns, yet as you said yourself, it was an accident. Neither of us shall punish him when you were both at fault. Rather, I shall order your woman to make the final decision of who shall sire her first child."

Both the longhaired man and the woman appeared pleased by the decision, yet the brother let out a disgruntled breath. "My lord...I beg you to reconsider! She still blames me for her injury, and thus, she cannot provide an impartial choice!"

Dominax gritted his teeth at the outburst, lowering his tone to a menacing pitch. "You will hold your tongue." He said, pausing to allow a hint of fear to spread across the man's features. "I have made my decision, and it shall be followed exactly as I have commanded. You will obey her choice as if it were from my own lips. Am I clear?"

The man reluctantly nodded, lowering his head.

"Very well. You will also keep in mind that the punishment for intentionally maiming an individual in the manner you have committed is through the use of Hand Decimation. Were I less understanding to the fact that this incident was a mere accident, that may very well have been your fate." Dominax explained in his firm voice.

The man seemed to freeze at the mention, before nodding once more. "Yes my lord, thank you."

Allowing a moment to pass as he studied the trio, Dominax finally waved his hand in dismissal. "If that is all, you may leave. You shall be visited by my men in the coming weeks to ensure that you've obeyed my orders."

As the trio bowed graciously, Lalian looked up from his inscriptions to turn to Salduin with a questioning expression. "Hand Decimation?"

Keeping his voice quiet as the trio passed by to make their exit, Salduin held out his hand to explain. "It's a harsh punishment that was used amongst the warriors of Nitri." He said, placing his finger on the back of his raised hand. "Two hooks would be put through the center of the hand, all the way through until they emerged from the skin of the palm. Then, two men would each take hold of a hook, tugging in opposite directions until they were ripped free."

The explanation sent a shudder through the Lanthian as a group of ten people shuffled into the chamber. "Barbaric…"

"Approach." Briza ordered as she studied the group, searching for a sign of danger as she had done with all their visitors. All ten were dressed in grey cloaks that concealed much of their forms with hoods pulled over their heads. They stepped as closely to the throne as the four guards would allow, huddled closely.

"Remove your hoods in my presence." Dominax commanded, eyeing the group with suspicion. They obeyed, revealing the faces of ordinary men and women. A single man's appearance coaxed an ounce of recognition in Dominax, a man with short brown hair and a prominent mustache. "Now, you may speak."

The mustached man took the lead, clearly holding a small amount of control over the others. "My lord, a troubling responsibility towards our fellow humans has forced us to seek your audience this day. A responsibility that we all utterly value."

Briza glanced at Dominax with concern at their strange words, her hand on the hilt of her sword.

"You speak of responsibility, though in what regard?" Dominax asked, looking at each individual of the group as if they were children.

The man appeared calm as he continued, folding his arms beneath his cloak. "In regard to the death of tyrants."

As if the word had been a signal, the group erupted into a flurry of movement as they each pulled long knifes from beneath their cloaks, rushing forwards with murderous intent.

Dominax sprang up from his throne, instinctively hurling a blast of electricity through the group. The blast caught several men, sending them crashing backwards and parting the assaulting group into two.

They reached him within moments, hacking and stabbing at his armor as he raised his hands to protect himself. Briza and the guards surged forwards, rushing to protect their God King as their blades tore through the grey cloaks. The assassins were clearly untrained in combat, as their plan seemed to function purely through surprise.

Dominax's hands erupted both flame and electricity as he fought to defend himself, deflecting their many blows with his armor. Their blades fought to slice at gaps in his defenses, only to be quickly pushed back by the counterattack of his guards.

From behind Salduin had rushed to join the fight, slamming his hammer down and splitting the head of a man like an egg. Assaulted from both sides, the group of ten quickly dwindled into a mass of cut and shattered bodies at the foot of the throne.

"You fools…" Dominax sneered with menacing anger, loosing a web of crackling lightning through the pile. Any assassin still clinging to life wailed in agony, their grey cloaks stained red.

"Dominax...are you hurt?" Briza asked in panic, coming up alongside him. Overlooking his form, she quickly spotted a large but manageable cut on his left bicep, one of the few areas of his upper body that remained unprotected.

He raised his hand to quiet her as his eyes fell onto the mustached man's body. Though still alive and gasping in pain, a deep slash across his chest ensured that he wouldn't survive for long. Dominax approached his laying form, standing over the dying man.

The assassin looked up in pure hatred, grimacing from his injuries.

"Tell me, what purpose does your death serve?" Dominax asked in disgust.

Though hardly able to speak, the assassin spit blood onto the king's boot before responding. "I...am but one of many...that will ensure your death…"

"Such hatred…you'd slay the being that would grant you everlasting peace?"

A pained chuckle escaped the man's bloody lips. "P..ea..ce? Is that...your excuse...for tyranny…?"

"Ah, tyranny. Would you rather I stand aside and allow you to slaughter yourselves as you've always done? I will not. What I offer is a future of order and stability, a future that you have nearly ended this day."

"Nearly...yes. Though be warned tyrant...I am not the last…" the man said, gritting his teeth. "The conqueror's death...shall come...at the hands of The Cult of Ortis…"

The mention of a name he had not encountered since the aftermath of Nitri's destruction forced Dominax to momentarily pause in surprise. "Ortis? Let such a hideous name be the last you ever speak..."

The dying man's eyes went wide as Dominax placed his boot on his neck, steadily pushing down. With a crunching pop, the last hint of life left the assassin's eyes.

Chapter Text

36th of Silla, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A hush lingered over the room, crammed with worried faces. They all looked to their new leader, a woman whose gaunt face did little to hide what they must all be feeling. Though once beautiful, the utter panic of the last month had done its damage. When she finally spoke, she stepped up onto a chair to raise herself above the gathering.

"I know you've all suffered, and the news that I bring today will not diminish that hardship. Yet...I must confirm that the rumors are true. Our second safehouse was struck last night in a raid that left no survivors."

The news forced several wails of anguish to echo through the room, located in one of the many newly constructed stone buildings of Domani.

The woman held her hand out to quiet them. "I understand that several of you had brothers, sisters, and friends who resided there. I share your loss, yet let their deaths be a reminder to why we fight! Why The Cult of Ortis must never be stamped out!" She exclaimed, allowing her voice to raise to a dramatic pitch as she attempted to salvage the situation. "Their blood stains the hands of the tyrant!"

Several members cried out in agreement, while others looked around nervously as if The God King himself would strike them down.

"He's hunted us for nearly a full moon, yet we remain! Let his guards interrogate whoever they'd like, as their brutality only proves our cause!"

Again another cheer, though noticeably more subdued than the last. A woman near the rear burst into tears, covering her mouth to regain her composure.

The leader gritted her teeth with concern, lowering her voice to attempt a different approach. "I understand that many of you disagreed with making an attempt on the tyrant's life so soon. I...cannot argue that you were wrong, yet this is the situation in which we've been placed. As such...it comes to this." She said, holding up the thin wooden plates that she gripped tightly. "You've all read these words...this distributed heresy! Not only does he grant himself the title of king, a title that he dares to hold over us all, but now he demands worship as The GOD King!"

A man near the front of the group spit on the floor in disgust, crossing his arms across his chest in a Falexian gesture to ward off evil.

"Whichever settlement you originated from before his mandatory relocation order is irrelevant. We've always fought over our gods, our beliefs, yet now we stand together in the knowledge that he is not among them. It was our right to disagree! To debate! To fight!" the leader announced, scanning the room to gauge their reactions. "He has infected every aspect of our lives! Our traditions, our faiths, our cultures…and now...even our bloodlines. Day by day young women are voluntarily brought before the tyrant, mistakenly believing that they are somehow committing a divine act in service to their God and to their families. They return, babies in their bellies, spreading his vile seed amongst us!"

As she spoke, the group slowly became aware of the soft rumblings of footsteps beyond their stone walls. A hushed whisper called out just beyond the door, far too quiet to make out.

The leader turned her head, feeling her stomach drop at the realization of what was about to occur. Before she could utter another word, the door crashed inwards, followed by a flood of white cloaked warriors.

***

Seated at the dining table Xenia watched as Pilsi preformed her duties, pouring the slave-brewed liquid into Briza's chalice. The female warrior thanked the scantily clad young woman before picking up the drink, beckoning the tiny Pintila towards her. The small bluish creature slithered over the surface of the table towards her, essentially an oversized worm with a sharp barb protruding from its rear. Grabbing it gently in one hand, she kept her eyes on Xenia as she tipped the chalice to drip several drops into the Pintila's circular mouth. Though the creature was resistant to nearly all poisons, it's skin would break out into bright red blemishes if it detected even a miniscule amount.

The Pintila's blue skin seemingly remained the same, allowing the suspicion in Briza's eyes to lessen somewhat as she looked away from Xenia. She allowed the Pintila to scurry back to the center of the large table as it had been trained, finally drinking the liquid with a sense of ease.

Xenia suppressed a smile, returning her attention to her own meal. For many days and many nights, she had experimented with the Pintila, discovering the precise substances and specific quantities of said substances that would slip past the creature's detection. Her life as a healer aided her greatly as she had finally succeeded the previous night, though only to a small extent. Judging by Briza's reaction just now, she had evidently missed the nearly imperceptible spots that had sprouted on the creature's skin. Of course, the poison was FAR too weak to kill her, though it would cause great fatigue over the course of many days.

"Rest easy tonight, Briza, for when the time comes for them to strike you down, you may find yourself too weak to fight back." Xenia thought to herself with satisfaction as she glanced at the twin slaves. Having finished their tasks, they had been ordered to dance atop the table. "Spend your last days well…"

Dominax watched the slaves' gyrating bodies, using his powers to convert a typical helmet into one of chimira steel before handing it off to a servant that swapped it with yet another. He cared little for the slight weariness that such efforts caused him, yet he longed for the day when his children would be able to assist him in this task. Each piece of white armor that he produced would be distributed to only his most skilled warriors, while nearly all now wore the white chimira silk cloaks and black bodysuits that became the face of his army.

Clin entered the dining chamber with a grim expression, crossing the room and kneeling before The God King.

"Rise, tell me what has happened. Did Hesin's infiltration scheme pan out as promised?" Dominax asked, standing up from his chair to face the man

Nodding, Clin joined him on his feet. "Yes my lord, we learned of their last safehouse in Domani."

"And?"

"We executed a raid this morning." The blond warrior reported, unable to look his ruler in the eye. "There were no survivors."

Dominax placed his hands on Clin's shoulders, grinning deviously. "Ah well done! They have paid the price for insurrection!"

"Yes my lord, they have." He replied, holding no joy in his tone.

The grin on Dominax's face lessened. "Come, what is troubling you after such a complete victory?"

Though somewhat hesitant, Clin finally looked into Dominax's silver eyes. "I inspected the aftermath myself. There were...quite a few that appeared to be ordinary citizens…"

"Ordinary? No. Anything but. They willingly engaged in the attempted murder of their ruler."

"I'm aware of their crimes, my lord. I simply...expected otherwise. To engage a fellow warrior in battle is a very different matter than the slaughter of ordinary men and women, no matter where their loyalties lay."

Dominax nodded knowingly, removing his hands. "Tell me, did you pass through the marketplace on your way here?"

"I...did. Why do you ask?"

"What did you see?" Dominax asked in a calm voice.

"I suppose I saw what everyone sees, people going about their day." Clin answered in confusion, only to be prompted to continue. "There were market stalls, buildings, and stacks of various goods. I'm not sure where this…"

"You saw life where that was once only a stretch of field and dirt. You saw prosperity where there was once nothing. You saw my rule, and the beings that it directly benefits." Dominax explained with conviction, attempting to keep the harsh edge out of his tone. He knew that such a man would respond far better without being met with rage. "The...creatures that referred to themselves as The Cult of Ortis threatened to take that all away, to diminish the lives of our people. Without my guiding hand they'd simply revert to the violent and primitive nature that has ruled them since the creation of Ayphieal."

"There is no need to question my loyalty to your rule my lord, as I've more than proven its existence." Clin responded dutifully, holding up his hand to display his missing finger. "I know that what has been done is for the best, as more people will benefit greatly in the long run, yet it...remains difficult to recognize sometimes. You've said that you believe that what we are doing is the right thing to do, the good thing to do, and...I trust you."

"Very good, Clin." He replied in his deep voice. "Rest assured that all those beings beyond these walls will one day look back and thank you for your efforts. We must remain vigilant, as both Hesin and I strongly suspect that this cult has seeped beyond Domani. Yet, the capital is secure for now. Come, my faithful servant of the future, take a seat and join us."

***

49th of Silla, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Does she please you, my God King?" Pria asked, presenting the warm body of a young woman with wavy black curls that toppled over her breasts. Her lightly tanned skin brought a vibrancy to her curves, while faint freckles complimented her youthful face.

"Indeed she does." Dominax replied as his eyes swept over her nude body, taking in every exquisite detail as her cheeks blushed with gratitude. "You've done well Pria. Now go, pregnant women have no place among us this day."

"Thank you, master." The slave replied in understanding before returning to The Royal Stronghold.

In an open area that would one day be the city square if all went as planned, hundreds of men and women had gathered before their God King in visible anticipation. Where market stalls and busy crowds typically utilized the clearing, there now stood a large portion of Domani's nude and fertile population. All couples or individuals who were prepared to breed had attended the ceremony, waiting with an excitement that could nearly be tasted.

As a large, cushioned altar had been temporarily constructed at the future entrance to The Grand Pyramid, Dominax allowed his mate to lay down as he studied the sea of devoted flesh.

"As we move past the horrors of The Cult of Ortis, this day shall be one of celebration! In the wake of their deaths, we shall breed new life into Ayphieal!" Dominax shouted, continuing his lengthy speech after accepting the young girl, one of the most beautiful of the population. With her soft legs spread wide, she readied her exquisite womanhood for his entrance. "The infection of their heresy has been burned away, making room for those who are loyal to all we stand for! Let this be the beginning of a tradition, one where we can look back at our victories and give life to the future! Now, let this Day of New Life truly begin!"

They all remained silent as Dominax mounted the altar, as if the entire city held its breath in anticipation. Several leaned forward to get a better view, knowing they must wait until their God King was the first to enter.

The curly haired girl let out a sensual moan as she was penetrated, initiating a wave of movement throughout the settlement as they all rushed to indulge themselves. Having brought various fabrics and cushions from their homes, many moved to the ground while others threw themselves into each other's arms.

Dominax felt her moist inner walls caressing his erection, peering down at her gorgeously youthful face. She reveled under his muscular body, enthralled by the fact that she had been selected to be his mate. Any woman would have risked her life to be in her position, yet it was her supple vagina accepting his manhood on this day.

Groans and elated screams tore through the settlement as countless penetrations occurred. Their cries rose louder and louder, for they weren't merely engaging in casual sex for the sake of pleasure, but with the full intention of procreation. Every man and woman that lay wrapped in each other's nude forms only held the desire to breed, utterly believing that any child conceived in the presence of their God King must surely be blessed.

With his hips moving in a slow rhythm, Dominax held himself up with one hand while he used the other to cup the young woman's firm breast. Her youthful fertility called to him, beckoning him to give her his seed.

"My lord...my king…" the girl moaned, gyrating her childbearing hips to match his movements. "I am yours…."

He lightly tweaked her hard nipple, hearing the thunderous cries of passion that tore through the sky. Each moan came forth from the mouth of a being that remained utterly devoted to him, a realization that only increased his arousal. Each womb filled on this day would birth a new follower, a new subject to his crown.

"I shall grant them peace and comfort…" Dominax thought to himself as pleasure ran through his mind. "And in return, they shall be mine…"

He looked over the sea of writhing bodies that encompassed the beauty of Domani's female population, the virility of their young men. Many were clumped together as individual couples striving for children that would seal their love. The majority, however, seemed to be strangers, mixing and swapping as females accepted the seed from various lovers. They'd be unaware of the paternity of their children, yet the most potent seed would prevail.

The many women that had shared Dominax's bed remained absent wherever he peered, undoubtedly observing from their homes as they wouldn't dare risk the paternity of their sacred unborn children. Nearly every night had been spent with a new woman, each of them leaving with his seed in their young wombs.

Steadily his thrusts increased, fueled by the view of countless breeding bodies. Mounted atop his short alter, he could practically smell the aroma of their collective sex.

"Yeeesss...give me your DIVINE child...allow me to mother it…" the girl begged, laying her hands above her head to sensually show off her pristine body.

Dominax allowed a tiny zap of electricity from his fingertips through her nipple, inciting a surprised yelp from her before she bit her innocent lip in clear desire. Her womanly form squirmed beneath him, pressed against his battle-hardened musculature.

"Our child...will be beautiful…" she moaned, her breathing deep with satisfaction. Each thrust pressed as deeply as possible, leaving her womb no hope of resisting. Her pussy ached for his sperm, craving to be impregnated.

The bright sun caressed the massive crowd, illuminating their lovemaking for all to see. Minute after minute passed as cries of climax echoed off the stone buildings, coaxing a scene of ecstasy throughout Domani. With all citizens stemming from other nearby settlements, the ceremony acted to unify as neither man nor woman showed any concern of where their partners had originated from.

"Ooooohhhh yesss my God King...harder…" the girl moaned as he steadily increased his speed until he was nearly pounding her into the cushion.

He gazed over his people, noting that many of them had slightly tanned during their time as builders of The Grand Pyramid. He wondered how torturous it must be for Lalian to command them day after day, viewing their alluring forms while unable to act on his biological need.

Smelling the sweet scent of his mate as his cock rammed over and over into her snug tunnel, he let out a breath of satisfaction as he acknowledged his true aims to himself.

"They shall all carry my children, spreading my seed until no single living humanoid remains that isn't descended from me. I shall watch over my people, my children, eternally." He thought to himself, the thought pushing him closer towards a climax. "ALL shall be of my blood, species worth protecting. Humans, Arkos, Lanthian, Tazik, even Lish, it matters little."

"Cum….my lord!" She shouted, reaching up to hold onto him as she pulled him closer. "Mix our blood...give me a child!"

The ceremony had left his people panting hard on the ground, wrapped in the bodies of their lovers as they recovered. The amount of seed that had been spilled would bring forth the next generation of Domani, conceived in devotion to their ruler.

To confirm their beliefs, Dominax raised his hand and loosed a massive web of electricity and flame through the air, forcing startled cries before a cheer of awe erupted through the settlement.

He rammed his hips against hers, holding her firmly as his sperm was unleashed. She wrapped her legs around him, desperately attempting to take as much as she could handle.

They both cried out in passion, locked together as thick ropes of cum spewed into her fertile young womb. Her eyes rolled back as her body spasmed, experiencing an orgasm brought on by her utter fervor towards his godhood. To experience the being whom she truly believed to be a God fill her with his sperm nearly overwhelmed her, leaving her gasping in bliss.

Several individuals who had finished their breeding moved to kneel, bowing in praise as they watched him inseminate his mate. Dominax ignored them, focusing his entire being on his climaxing cock. He groaned as it slowly faded, leaving him chuckling into her ear.

"I shall save you all."

14th of Senin, 4 BVE.
Dril Tundra, The City of Shai.

Buried deep in the heart of The Citadel, one could nearly forget the harsh snows that perpetually blew across all that lay above. The chamber continued to feel unnaturally warm to Varse as he cradled the child in his arms. He had attempted to limit his visits to the hidden sanctum of spies and assassins, yet he could no longer delay the inevitable. Every day that the child continued to be looked after inside The Citadel fed the rumors of its true paternity, an issue that only added to The Potentate's heap of concerns following the death of Tsida.

"This is the boy?" The Dril asked, eying the child with his single red eye. A large scar had carved away the other, partially concealed behind a black cloth tied around the man's hairless head. The pointed tip of his left ear had been torn away, granting him a lopsided appearance from the neck up.

"Indeed." Varse replied gravely as his body was soaked in a deep numbness. "Do you understand your task?"

The man nodded, flexing the lean muscle in his neck that had been solidified through decades of combat. "Aye, my Potentate. Your message was clear.

"Though not clear enough, as there's been an adjustment. Your men will no longer deliver him to Clan Tirrus, but rather to the city of my clan, Ishtai. Additionally, his caretaker shall not be selected among your spies, but YOU specifically. You shall be granted a residency in Ishtai, and once there, you shall train the boy in your...ways. Is that clear?"

The Dril appeared to be taken aback before quickly regaining composure. "Sir...surely you must realize that such a task shall remove me from your service. Is it wise to waste your best man on this...child?"

Varse nodded humorlessly. "Indeed, Vesh. You may be one of our most excellent agents, though this task falls far closer to my own interests than I'd prefer."

Vesh gave him an amused look, clearly aware of the rumors. "I understand, my Potentate."

"Then waste no further moment. Gather your belongings, as you shall depart before nightfall."

"My belongings are merely the clothing that I currently wear. A necessary restriction of such a life as this, you see?" Vesh chuckled in a laugh that only disturbed Varse before holding out his hands to take the child. "I shall leave now if you'll permit me."

Varse glanced down at the child, feeling a tingle of regret poke through his numbness. He handed him to Vesh before lowering his arms as if an extreme weight had been relieved. "Raise him well, Vesh, as if he were your own. The time will come when he will be summoned to return and serve his people. On that day...I can only hope he is prepared."

"As you command, my Potentate." The Dril said, nodding his head respectfully before turning to depart.

In a massive hidden chamber that sickened him, filled with warm air that felt unnatural to him, and surrounded by various agents of species whose presence unnerved him, Varse watched as his only son was carried away.

21st of Senin, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Poor little slave…you'll never be able to breed now…" the words flowed through Lalian's mind as he laid on his cot, thinking back to a particularly cruel Lanthian female that he had briefly served shortly after his castration. His green hand slowly stroked his short shaft, maintaining the semi-hard erection that he was still capable of.

"Does this little cock want to knock me up?" He remembered her asking, just before she had flicked the tip of his cock. "Well, that's impossible now, isn't it?"

Lalian bit his lip in lust, remembering how humiliated he had felt. She had then caressed the scar of where his testicles had once been, smirking. "So unfortunate...little slaves like you don't get to continue their bloodlines. I bet you would have loooooved to get my fertile body pregnant…"

His hips bucked slightly at the memory, remembering the softness of her fingertips and the deep green of embarrassment that had been brought to his cheeks. He groaned, increasing the speed of his strokes.

Images of the nude human females ran through his mind, each of them working hard to build his masterpiece. Their alluring curves...their human beauty…

The form of Xenia came into his mind, as sensual and seductive as ever. Her perfect thighs... the thin tattoos that ran over her soft skin...Lalian could only groan at the thought. Yet his mind shifted once more, and he thought back to the days of her pregnancy. Her belly had swelled with The God King's daughter, her maternal glow only adding to her feminine perfection.

He could imagine her now, laying nude on his cot. She'd look into his eyes, caressing her pregnant belly before whispering in her womanly voice. "You could never give me a child like Dominax did."

Lalian's green body seized as he groaned, gently bucking his hips as his gelded cock climaxed. The typical greatly lessened pleasure ran through his body, with no hint of Lanthian sperm emerging from his tip. The little excuse of an orgasm faded quickly, leaving a lingering frustration deep inside as his body relaxed.

He let out a sigh as he stared at the stone ceiling, cursing that he must be tormented by Lanthian flesh. Were he to be born a human, his castration would have eliminated his arousal rather than forcing him to endure the unending cruelty of a continual lust that he could never fully satisfy.

The small room remained quiet for several long moments before a knock began to pound on the door.

Lalian quickly redressed himself in his tunic and cloak before hurrying to open the door, greeted by the familiar presence of one of the servants appointed to him.

"My lord, a message for The God King has arrived." The boy swiftly explained, holding out the small wooden cylinder as he had done many times before.

"Ah very good." Lalian replied as he took the cylinder, attempting to ease the swift transition from such a private moment for himself. He waved the boy away, sealing the door.

Accustomed to his duty, Lalian removed the message from the cylinder and began to read, knowing that he'd have to recite each word to his God King. Consisting of several numbered wooden sticks, the tiny symbols of the message were carved into the surface of each stick. A typical method of communication, the writer would be able to include as many sticks as was necessary to carry the entirety of each message.

"To The Proclaimed God King Dominax of House Vaid, I speak on behalf of the High-Chiefs of Valia, Drifia, Arcia, Salrin, Ardin, and Ravrin, all settlements that have yet to fall to your tyranny. We are well aware of your claims to Godhood, yet unlike a number of our acquaintances we shall not simply give over our lands and kneel in impotent worship. However, you are a warrior, and for that we feel no shame in admitting respect. The kingdom you have carved for yourself demonstrates your ability, regardless of our beliefs. It is for this reason that we come to you with a wager. Though we have no doubt that you shall eventually march against us, we'd prefer to avoid such a devastating waste of time and men. Thus, it comes to this: your army against our collective warriors. One final battle to determine who shall hold these lands. Defeat us, and we shall gladly pledge ourselves and our High-Chiefdoms to you. Yet fall, and we shall show no mercy in moving in to claim Vaidrin for ourselves. Whatever the outcome, Vaidrin shall join the northern kingdoms as a great realm throughout history, under your leadership or ours. We trust that you are a man of honor, and as such, we shall allow you to select the location of our conflict. Yet be warned, take no more than three months to gather your warriors, for we shall strike back at the dishonor of receiving no reply.

Signed, High-Chief Linnax of Valia."

Lalian examined the bottom of the cylinder, confirming that it held the seal of Valia. He sighed, placing it down gently onto a nearby desk as he rubbed his eyes.

"This shall not bode well."

Chapter Text

21st of Senin, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"They dare prod their predator?" Dominax asked in a low voice, seated at the head of the dining table.

"It appears so, my lord." Lalian replied, nervously keeping his attention aimed harmlessly at the floor as he remained standing. His green fingers fidgeted at the hem of his expensive cloak while the other hand held the message cylinder.

"Perhaps this is for the best. Surely any proposal that ends with fewer civilian deaths should be considered, should it not?" Clin added with conviction. Seated at the table, he was joined by Salduin, Hesin, and Briza.

"They offered no proposal, only a promise of invasion should we refuse." Salduin interjected. "However, I happen to agree. We cannot fail under the guidance of our God King."

Dominax held his hand out to quiet them with a scowl. "Gentlemen, we can discuss the ethics of their plan another day. If we are to meet them in battle, we must be prepared. To begin, they've allowed us to select the location of our conflict." He said before gritting his teeth in subtle anger as he thought to himself. "Not a single man shall allow me anything, as I shall take what I seek."

"I shall send scouting parties to survey potential sites immediately." Hesin said with a nod before stroking his hairless chin. "Although...I do see an alternative. Could we not deploy an invasion force of our own to attack before they are prepared? Surely taking them by surprise would provide us a tremendous advantage!"

Both Dominax and Salduin seemed to consider the idea, though Clin and Briza appeared to be repelled by the suggestion.

"Surely you jest, they've offered us an ideal opportunity to settle this matter in a single battle and you wish to discard it?" Briza asked with her arms folded onto the table to support herself. Her strong yet feminine face had developed subtle bags under her eyes over the past weeks, just noticeable enough to hint at her consistent yet unexplainable exhaustion. "Even if we are to be successful in an initial attack on one of their settlements, such an act of aggression would bring the rest of their forces down upon us. We'd ignite a completely avoidable war!"

Hesin held out his hands in frustration. "I was merely pointing out a possibility…"

Dominax broke in once more, maintaining his deep voice in a low volume that bordered on menacing. "No, Briza is right in this case Hesin, though I will not deny the appeal of such an approach. However, see to it that your spies find their way into their ranks. I wish to know the extent of their power, the manner in which they train, the types of armor and weapons that they employ. Everything."

"It will be done, my lord." Hesin nodded in a serious manner.

"As for our own warriors, we've distributed the chimira steel armor that you've converted." Briza confirmed. "Though only a few hundred have full sets at this time, every single member of our army has been issued a chimira silk one-suit."

Dominax steepled his fingers with a hint of satisfaction. "Very good. We shall await the findings of our scouts." He commanded, standing from his seat. "You are dismissed."

1st of Iahta, 4 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Inrin.

The crowds of Inrin gathered around the settlement center, listening to the woman's words. One of The God King's newly appointed Sages, she wore only the most provocative and revealing clothing as she conducted her monthly teachings to usher in the final month of the year.

"Let there be no uncertainty, for just as we thank the creator for the ground we tread, so too must we look to his godly seed in the form of our beloved God King Dominax! We near the end of this year, yet he shall bring…" the Sage continued on with fervor, spreading the beliefs of Dominax's mandatory new religion. She seemed to relish in the desire filled gazes of her audience, knowing that it was but one of her duties to promote and deliver sexual gratification. After all, The God King commands his subjects to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh, to delve into the carnal ecstasy of procreation and breed new life onto Ayphieal.

She recognized dozens of men and women interlaced throughout the crowd who had shared her bed in the past few days alone, knowing that it was her duty to serve Dominax's citizens. She obeyed the tenants of her position fervently, even beginning to experience the first signs of pregnancy after enjoying such a plethora of male seed.

"...The God King knows what is best for us all, as he has already delivered us far more security than we have ever-" the sage's words were cut off abruptly as an arrow struck her in the chest. She stood motionless, taking a gasping breath before collapsing to the ground.

Screams erupted from the crowd as panic engulfed the population, sending them into hysterics as guards immediately moved to seek out the source of the arrow.

A single man burst from the crowd as he held a bow high over his head for all to see, standing over the sage's body as he began to shout over the commotion. It took little more than a few moments for the guards to reach him, quickly striking him down in a flurry of sharp spears. Yet, as the man fell dead, his short words struck far more fear into all those surrounding him than the sudden arrow had.

"Long live The Cult of Ortis!"

8th of Onis, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Dominax heard the soft sounds of insects throughout the warm surrounding rainforest, blanketed under moonlight as he stood atop the Royal Stronghold. Dressed only in his black one-suit and connected white cloak, he was grateful for the chimira silk's insulating properties on such a warm night.

He gazed out over his capital city, allowing the peaceful rustling of the numerous palm trees to quiet his misgivings regarding the coming battle. He'd need only to direct his attention to the rear of the Stronghold to be granted proof of Vaidrin's might, as progress on The Grand Pyramid had proceeded quickly. No longer could the strange pod chamber be viewed from ground level, as it had nearly been consumed in the steadily growing mass of white stone blocks.

"Dominax, are you up here?" A motherly voice came from the roof's entrance, a mere moment before Briza appeared. The sight of Cendra being carried in her arms sent a calming sensation throughout Dominax, and he moved to greet her.

"You two are still awake?" He asked in a low tone.

"Cendra has been restless…" Briza explained, her eyes and voice displaying just how tired she truly felt. She wore no clothing, allowing the soft breeze to roll over her exposed skin. "Xenia and I noticed that you were absent from our bed. Tell me Dominax, what's troubling you?"

He wrapped his arms around her nude warrior waist, holding both her and their child closely. "Much attempts to trouble me these days, yet none succeeds." He lied, looking down into Cendra's silver eyes. "I merely needed a moment to ponder."

"I understand." Briza replied as she gently pulled away, allowing her to place Cendra down on her feet. The two-year-old quickly began to explore, moving clumsily but happily. "Come, speak to me. There is no reason to burden yourself alone."

They moved to the edge of the roof, leaning against the crenellations while carefully keeping an eye on the wandering Cendra.

"You should get some rest; you appear utterly exhausted. Have you consulted Xenia?" He asked, stroking his black beard.

Briza nodded, folding her toned arms whose strength felt depleted. "I have, though she claims to be unable to seek the cause of my fatigue."

"I see…" He replied with a hint of concern, turning his head to appreciate her naked form.

"What's that smirk for?" She smiled, playfully shoving him while safe in the knowledge that none could see them. "I know that look…"

"I was merely thinking back to Cendra's conception, that night back in the forest. It...seems an eternity ago…"

The memory brought a mixture of both sadness and joy to Briza's eyes, and she gently wrapped her arm around his as she glanced at their daughter. "So much has changed...What do you think mother would have thought about her grandchild? I'm sure it wouldn't have been much of a surprise for her to find out that you are the father."

Dominax's jaw tightened, and he allowed a long moment to pass before replying. "We produced a strong and healthy child, there is no doubt that she'd be proud."

The somewhat impersonal answer caused yet another silent moment to pass, and Briza leaned her head against him in exhaustion. "I...am weary of this battle…"

"Oh?" He asked, watching as Cendra giggled while attempting to run. The breeze pulled softly at her long black hair, the exact color of his own. "I would understand if you decided to remain in Domani until your condition clears."

"That's not what I meant; I will be more than ready to fight again when the time comes." She responded, squeezing his arm slightly. "I only wonder what must come next if we are victorious. Vaidrin will become just as powerful as one of the Northern Kingdoms, yet what then?"

An insidious grin pulled at his lips. "Then we move on, Briza. You know that only death shall separate me from my goal."

"That's why I'm concerned. We've conquered Chiefdoms, High-Chiefdom, and we may conjure this strange alliance. Yet...well as you say, it will not be enough for you. I...fear the moment when this battle is through, and you set your sights on conquering another Kingdom."

"It shall be necessary, as there is no other way to enact my eternal peace. Surely you of all people understand this, considering the fate of Nitri." Dominax reaffirmed with as much conviction as he always held when speaking of such matters.

She bit her lip, considering her next words. "I know, Dominax. I truly know. I...simply worry for your safety." Briza explained before nodding to Cendra. "For her safety."

The statement brought a faint glow to Dominax's silver eyes, and his face hardened. "Trust me when I say that no living being shall ever harm her. Every action that I take only ensures that she shall flourish, as she and her descendants shall hold more power than any former king or emperor on Magnius."

Briza merely nodded soberly, closing her eyes as she listened to the distant sounds of faraway animals that bordered on her awareness. She knew that there'd be no arguing with him on this matter.

A long moment passed as they simply enjoyed the night air until she finally straightened up. "I suppose I will try to get her to sleep for a few hours." She said, moving to retrieve Cendra from where she had been playing. She then approached him once more, allowing him to say goodnight to his daughter. "Dominax...I hope you know that I love you. Truly. Wherever your ambitions take you…I shall be by your side. I promise."

He granted her a deep kiss, holding them both tightly before releasing. He allowed his fingers to gently slide from her bare rear as she turned away, the softness of her skin tantalizing on his fingertips.

As soon as she had left, he moved to gaze out at Domani once more, uncertain of how many minutes passed before he turned away for a final time. Leaving the roof, he made his way through The Royal Stronghold's corridors before stopping the moment he encountered the first female guard that he could find.

A woman who appeared to be in her late twenties, she was dressed in a complete set of white chimira steel armor. Her light brown hair peaked out from beneath her helmet while her mature, yet attractive face remained mostly visible through the helmet's openings. Her black one-suit clung tightly to her body, highlighting every inch of her womanly form. Possessing the curves that accompanied overly wide childbearing hips and somewhat large breasts hidden beneath her chest plate, her sensual body had practically been formed to breed. The small but mostly visible muscles only complemented her feminine shape, granting him no doubt that she was quite a capable warrior.

Dutifully she bowed as he passed, only to straighten up in confusion as he came to a stop before her. Clearing her throat quickly, she attempted to display her most confident tone. "I am at your service, my God King."

Studying her, he could almost taste her anticipation before finally speaking. Yet when he did, his blunt words only provoked surprise. "Tell me, would you like me to impregnate you?"

Her expression appeared as if someone had just granted her a kingdom of her own, mixing both shock, embarrassment, and bursting joy. She hurried to collect herself, remaining still. "I...well I'd...I'd be honored, my God King!"

Satisfied, Dominax nodded with a smirk. "Very well, come with me."

***

Walking beyond the perimeter of Domani's outer wall, Dominax had only just managed to slip out of his one-suit before he was beset upon by his intended mate. Having quickly discarded her armor to the dirt, she pressed her firm body against his own, running her hands along his chest.

Her one-suit's silky fabric remained the only barrier between their forms, causing Dominax to practically tear at it with a consuming hunger for her body. Their lips attacked one another, sharing each other's saliva in a furious kiss.

The guard pushed his hands away, taking over the act of undressing herself. Slowly, she removed her black one-suit, revealing her womanly curves. The moonlight dripped through the tree branches, cascading lightly over her nurturing body. The display hardened his manhood further, and he acknowledged to himself that he had chosen tonight's breeding partner well.

"Truly exquisite hips, you shall encounter no issue birthing my child." He said, pitching his voice in a manner that nearly oozed lustful desire.

With her cheeks reddening at his words, she quickly bowed her head in gratitude before slowly lowering herself to her knees. "Such would be an absolute honor...my God King."

The sensation of her soft lips grazing his shaft sent a tingle through him, a feeling amplified by the openness of their location. There were many places that he could have utilized while Briza and Xenia slept in The Royal Quarters, yet he had selected a slight risk. What would his other guards have thought if they could see him, actively choosing to procreate beyond the safety of their protection? It mattered little to him.

Her lips traveled up and down his cock, back and forth with a light pressure. It was as if she was worshiping his manhood, both tasting and smelling the scent of her ruler. She knew that this very rod would sire her firstborn, claiming her.

Yet unable to hold back any longer she moved to allow the tip to side past her lips, slowly accepting it into her sensual mouth.

Groaning, Dominax pushed his hips forward and slid in further, the underside of his shaft rubbing against her loving tongue. The intrusion nearly forced a gag to utter from her as it steadily slid down her throat, yet she remained in control over herself until he had pushed as deeply as he could manage.

Slightly watery at the strain from his manhood's size, her eyes pointed up to gaze at him in utter devotion. Her tongue pleased a living God as it massaged his shaft, desiring to serve him in any way he wished. He suspected that she'd gladly die for him, a thought that both disturbed and intrigued him.

"If all were to share your faith, what might a man in my position do with such potential?" He thought to himself, loosing an insidious grin.

Holding her head firmly he began to pump his hips as she remained on her knees. Her saliva coated his cock, lubing it to ease her efforts. Though not quite as tight as many of the young vaginas he had sampled, the workings of her mouth brought a satisfied expression to his face.

Reaching just under his shaft, she took hold of his testicles with a tender carefulness that fully demonstrated her loyalty. She held them in her hand, assessing their mature weight. The guard was well aware of the sheer quantity of young women that her God King had knocked up, knowing fully that the orbs in her hand contained the sperm that would cause her to fall pregnant. The thought brought a shudder of yearning through her loins, already preparing for his entrance.

Eventually, she slid his staff from her mouth, freeing it to hang heavily as saliva dripped to the dirt. "My lord, I can wait no longer…"

He nodded in acknowledgment, allowing her to finally stand and turn around. Yet to his surprise she not only bent over, but also lifted her leg to remove any concept of resistance as she used her hand to hold herself up against the nearest tree. Her waiting pussy was ready, begging to be his.

Happy to oblige, he grabbed her strong leg and hoisted it higher, turning her nearly onto her side as she remained standing. With his other he lined up his cock, pressing it into the soaking wet folds of her womanhood.

They each released a groan as he pressed forwards, sinking into her tight tunnel. The sounds of night insects were drowned out as they slammed together fully, wasting no time in delving into their rough procreation.

The light humidity of the nearly tropical forest drove a sensation of wildness into Dominax, encompassed entirely by nature as they mated. Did their ancestors breed in such a way? Cock inserted into vagina, surrounded by nothing more than trees?

His rough pounding rocked her feminine warrior body, forcing her to use her strength to hold herself upright. The smooth texture of the tree in front of her could almost be thought of as soft and malleable, providing a comfortable surface to brace her palms against.

Dominax compared his latest conquest of flesh to those that came before. There was nothing quite as superb as entering a female's pussy, knowing fully that he intended to breed with her. The deep satisfaction that he gained each time he emptied his seed into a fertile womb could not be surpassed, and he understood that some may even accuse him of possessing an addiction to it. There had been no end to the stream of volunteers that presented themselves each day to him, hoping they'd be the lucky one to warm The God King's bed for a single night.

The knowledge that nearly all his partners had departed pregnant caused his mystical silver eyes to lightly glow, his balls aching as he continued to slam into her supple body. His offspring would dominate the planet, in all things.

The guard remained unable to hold in her moans, echoing her cries of passion throughout their night cloaked surroundings. "Yeeesss…! Let a holy child...of The God King...spring forth from my loins...!"

Dominax grinned at her devotion, his cock gripped by ecstasy. Her vagina muscles quivered, anticipating the moment that his seed would spew into her depths.

He placed his hand on her firm rump, enjoying its soft cushions and the added leverage that it granted him. The guard's wetness nearly surpassed what Xenia was capable of, her juices leaking onto the forest ground. Such wetness only increased dramatically as her body seized, orgasming intensity around his cock.

Her shapely leg shook as it struggled to support her in the midst of bliss, forcing Dominax to assist in steadying her without slowing for an instant. Both the physical pleasure of his body and the psychological satisfaction of taking the manhood of her God had proven to be overwhelming, and she could only gasp as her climax slowly subsided.

Hitting her deepest depths with each thrust, he felt no doubt that she'd be bruised the following morning, and he quietly deemed it necessary to order another guard to take over her responsibilities for however long she required.

"Such an obedient little creature, one must be rewarded for their loyal service." He thought to himself, granting her butt a swift spank. Had any other ruler reaped such sweet fruits for their labors as had he?

The tell-tale indication of an impending climax neared each minute that passed, steadily approaching until there was little that he could do to fend against it. His body clenched as his hips rocked back and forth, and he released a deep groan as the first ropes of cum erupted from his tip.

Holding onto her tightly, his sensitivity blazed as he hilted her fully, spurting his sperm into her fertile field. She cried out in complete devotion, allowing light tears of gratitude to roll down her soft cheeks as she accepted her God's seed.

18th of Onis, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Visti.

Entering the massive throne room for the first time in weeks, Irith couldn't help but feel intimidated by the towering columns that lined the chamber. Though mostly constructed of white stone, the deep blue shades expressed on every banner and guard seemed to claim the gargantuan room.

Her hips swayed seductively as she moved, a skill that she had learned early on would draw the attention of all nearby males. She didn't particularly mind that every guard seemed to pay close attention to her, so long as they kept their distance.

Accompanying her and matching each stride of her long and shapely legs was her brother, Enil. The fact that they were twins came as no surprise to strangers, as their familial similarities were clear. Yet where his toned muscles indicated the masculinity of a young man, Irith couldn't be thought of as anything but purely feminine. Her noticeable breasts hung firmly on her chest, held by a light fabric top that left much on display. A thin skirt hugged her waist, parting to tantalizingly display the entirety of her left thigh. Though both twins were topped by hair that bordered on dark brown or even black, Enil's short cut contrasted with Irith's long ponytail that extended from a head of chin length hair. Their combined attractiveness was only increased by their eyes, each a rare light blue in a sea of commonly brown-eyed individuals.

They approached the throne before kneeling, bowing their heads in respect.

"Rise." King Siril commanded, a man hidden behind a white beard and blue robe. His piercing eyes studied the pair, tracing over the identical white tattoos on each twin's midriff as they obeyed.

"You summoned me, my lord?" Enil asked, bare chested aside from a heavy cloak.

The king nodded, seated while his assistant stood closely to the throne. "Minister Ovax and I have once more received a call for your assistance." He announced, gesturing to the brown-haired assistant dressed in a blue tunic.

"I see. I shall prepare my men, though I'll need details if we are to set off." Enil replied, and Irith could already see his mind making mental preparations.

"Very well commander." The king replied with little interest as he waved his hand to the assistant.

Minister Ovax perked up slightly, folding his hands behind his back. "You are to take your forces to Valia, a High-Chiefdom about as south in The Human Basin as one can go."

Irith looked down at the floor, feeling a slight discomfort as the assistant eyed her gorgeous body. Unlike others that visibly found her alluring, his gaze felt...strange, as though there was something not quite right with the man.

"A High-Chiefdom? Are their disputes not a little beneath our concerns?" Enil asked as one of his brows were raised. "Could they truly pay enough to attract my men's aid?"

The King stroked his beard calmly. "Truthfully? Not quite. They offer little in return, yet Minister Ovax has explained other aspects of such a decision to me that would be just as beneficial."

"Oh?" Irith asked, receiving a look from the three men that immediately indicated to her that they didn't expect her to speak in such a meeting. Though trained in combat by her brother and just as skilled in leading warriors as he was, she had to remind herself that she was merely his second in command. The gap in prestige meant little to her, however, as she only desired to serve the last living member of her family.

"Go on, explain." Enil calmly demanded, feeling a slight flare of rage at their disapproval of Irith's presence. The glances from Ovax only fueled his anger, and he wondered if he'd have to strangle the minister to cease his visible lust towards his twin.

"The battle that Valia's High-Chief has requested your assistance in has certain...political concerns attached to it." Minister Ovax explained with a sly grin. "It is no secret that a new minor Kingdom has somehow managed to claw its way into existence among their savagery, yet it shall more than double its land size if Valia is defeated. That is...unacceptable."

Enil folded his arms as he thought, turning his attention to the king. "Have they taken into account that none of my men speak their language, myself included?"

King Siril brushed the comment aside. "It matters little, you'll be provided with a translator. In any case, the battle will not occur for some time. If you'd wish, I can have a scholar teach you key phrases in the meantime."

"I understand…" Enil replied, and Irith could sense his faint misgivings in his tone. "If that is your command, my lord, I shall obey."

6th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Briza removed her clothing and carefully placed each piece of cloth and armor onto the sand of the river shore, far enough away from the water to ensure that they'd remain dry.

She let out a breath as her skin touched the slightly cold water, a sharp contrast to the surrounding warm air and bright sun. Slowly, she waded into the river until it reached her navel, allowing her to lower herself quickly as she plunged her head beneath the waves, only to re-emerge and throw back her drenched hair.

Only the distant noises of busy Domani gave any hint to other humans, as she had intentionally waited to bathe when the majority of the population would be in the market or out hunting. The need for a woman of her position to utilize the river to wash herself was long gone, as even Dominax had begun to use prepared baths at the expense of his slaves' efforts. The thought brought a twinge of sadness to her chest, yet she'd continue to bathe as their mother had taught her.

The water soothed her aching muscles, helping to ease the fatigue that she had been experiencing for far too long now. Were it not for the Pintila worm's tests she'd have no doubt that Xenia had somehow possessed a hand in causing her ailments, a possibility that she still hadn't ruled out completely.

Her peaceful reflection lasted only a short while, as the sound of feet against sand was brought into her awareness. Letting out an annoyed sigh, she turned to meet the newcomer.

Yet not one individual approached, but rather, two young women. Immediately recognizing Pria and Pilsi, Briza rose to her full height and began to exit the water.

"Greetings, Lady Briza." They said in unison, granting her a quick bow.

"Does Dominax summon me?" Briza asked in confusion, making no move to conceal her nude body as she stood before them.

Pria shook her head. "No, Lady Xenia has merely granted us permission to bathe on our own today."

Briza placed her hands on her hips, wondering what her next move should be as the twin slaves undressed. While the thin cloth fell away from their skin Briza remarked to herself just how much their post-pregnancy bodies had recovered in the week since their mutual births. She didn't particularly feel drawn to other females quite in the way that Xenia always had, yet even she could acknowledge the exquisite beauty of a feminine form when she encountered one of such desirability.

"I don't think I've had an opportunity to congratulate you two on your births. Both daughters?" Briza asked, deciding that their presence would not be enough of an annoyance to leave despite wishing to be alone for the moment. "I couldn't imagine allowing Cendra to be given away."

Though her tone was genuine, the comment brought a scornful expression to Pilsi's face that she quickly attempted to hide. "The God King has allowed us to nurture them for a while longer. They...are our first born after all."

"It is our lord's command in any case." Pria commented, possessing a light tone as if the concept meant nothing to her. "If he desires to give away every child I produce for him, I'll do so in a heartbeat."

The slave's twin clearly felt differently, and Briza had to subtly bite her lip to refrain from arguing with Pria's clear fanaticism. The decision by Dominax to distribute any of his children born to a slave throughout the kingdom had been one that disturbed Briza. Though there was no limit to the number of individuals that desired to raise one of their beloved God King's children, the command came off as oddly cold. Certainly, babies with enslaved mothers were widely considered to be lesser, though could Dominax truly place their value under Cendra or Vixin?

"You are a...loyal one." Briza replied, standing firmly while concealing the fatigue that prodded her strong legs to begin shaking.

"Indeed. However, don't allow us to disrupt your bath, my Lady. We shall not bother you." Pria stated as both twins held their folded clothes neatly in their arms.

Briza eyed them as her body threatened to collapse to the sand and fall asleep for countless hours. She nodded, turning back towards the river as every muscle yearned for the water's soothing relaxation. "Understood."

Yet now slowly walking with her back turned to them, she hadn't noticed the harsh daggers folded in the slaves' clothing. She was unable to see the twins carefully slide them out from the cloth. She didn't bother to turn around at the sound of fabric dropping to the sand, followed by their approaching footsteps.

Inches from the water, Briza's shoulder erupted into a flash of deep pain, forcing a cry from her lips. Her hand shot to the source as she collapsed to her knees, feeling a gushing wound where Pria's dagger had quickly struck. She rose shakily back to her feet, turning around to glimpse her attackers.

Pilsi struck next, opening a wide cut on Briza's arm as she attempted to defend herself.

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MINDS?" Briza screamed, gradually backing into the water as the twins watched her movements.

"Apologies, my Lady." Pria said with a grin. "This is the price."

Circling her as the water reached their knees, Briza made a clumsy attempt to maneuver away from a slash, only for the weapon to dig into her skin. "PRICE?"

"The price for the privilege of serving The God King." Pria explained in an eerily calm voice. "We would not have been granted the opportunity to bear his children were it not for the benevolence of Lady Xenia."

Briza gritted her teeth in pain, unsurprised at the revelation as she thought to herself. "Of course that vile cunt is responsible…"

"There was no other way, we must fulfill our bargain." Pilsi added, seemingly apologetic as she dodged one of Briza's fists before driving her knife into her abdomen.

Briza cried out in agony, holding the deep cut tightly as she spoke through teeth clenched in pain. "You don't...have to do this! Allow me to inform Dominax...he'll set things right…!"

"God King Dominax, my lady." Pria corrected as she gleefully punctured Briza's left forearm with a swift jab. "Though it is already too late."

Feeling blood pouring into the river, Briza attempted desperately to fight them off with one hand while her other did little to stifle the flow of red liquid. "Bring me to a healer...I'll survive..! Your God King...wouldn't wish for me...to die! Do you not...obey him?!"

"Our service to him will outweigh the death of a simple concubine." Pria teased in her fanatical tone. "Though tell me, are you exhausted Lady Briza? I've heard tales claiming that you're quite the warrior, yet you fight as though you've been drugged. Were the stories false?"

Briza grimaced as her suspicions were confirmed. "Y...you? This fatigue...comes by your doing?"

"Xenia's idea, my Lady." Pilsi replied, tearing a large slash across her victim's back as they continued to circle her.

Pria stepped out of the way of a punch, burying her blade into the attacking arm. "Your reflexes are lagging quite a bit. A shame, I had hoped to drag this out longer."

Loosing a scream as Pilsi dropped low and stabbed her thigh, Briza collapsed into the shallow water. Within moments the twins were upon her, discarding their weapons and wrestling her exhausted body.

Nude forms intertwined, Briza thrashed as they forced her head underwater while she lay on her back. Images of her daughter flashed through her mind, causing her to fight with any remaining strength that she possessed. "Cendra...I can't leave you like this…"

They held her firmly, grabbing her frantic fists as they overpowered her bleeding form. Briza could hardly see through the red stained water, unable to take a breath. Her legs kicked wildly, desperate to free herself.

Slowly, as her vision faded, only three figures remained. She could see her mother, the elder Cendra as she stood next to Dominax. The younger Cendra remained in her arms, happily cradled in her grandmother's grasp. There was no hint of Dominax's white armor or crown, merely the way he had always been. The way she remembered him.

The image slowly became clearer as her muscles began to stop struggling. She felt the world slipping away, far beyond her grasp. She knew she had failed her daughter, failed Dominax.

"Protect her...my love…"

A deep silence encompassed the twins as their victim ceased her struggles, leaving only the peaceful sounds of the river.

Chapter Text

7th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

No one made a noise as Dominax stared down at her, silent.

They had been in the small room for what seemed like an eternity, far too cramped to be considered comfortable. In the center sat a large stone slab, yet it was the body laid atop its cold surface that held their attention. Nude, Briza had been carefully brought into the ritual viewing chamber at the command of The God King.

Xenia carefully placed her hand on Dominax's arm, only for him to quickly pull away.

"Out. Everyone." Dominax commanded without a hint of emotion. "Now."

Obeying, each advisor cautiously made their way towards the exit, allowing the ruler his solitude. Clin made no move to conceal his misery at the loss, taking a final glance at the body before leaving.

Quiet once more, Dominax remained still for several seconds. Then, raising his palm, he felt a flare of unbridled rage as a flame grew quickly in his hand. "They drowned her...just like mother…" He thought to himself while the blazing fire enlarged, increasing with intensity until...it distinguished. A deep emptiness fell into his stomach, and he placed his hand onto the slab to steady himself. A tear rolled down his cheek, then another, and another.

He was alone. Far more alone than he had ever been. His birth mother, his adopted mother, and now Briza. Truly no one remained from before his throne, before Domani and Vaidrin. Yes, his advisors had once been citizens of Nitri alongside him, yet such acquaintances could hardly be compared to family. They were truly gone.

"I failed you, Cendra." Dominax whispered, speaking to the elder Cendra. "I promised to keep her safe. I failed."

A long moment passed as he regained control, removing his crown. He thought of the younger Cendra, their daughter.

"I shall never fail her." He said, slightly raising his voice.

A mix of anger and emptiness wrestled inside of him, threatening to consume him as yet another long moment of absolute stillness overcame the small chamber.

Moving to her face and leaning closer, he gritted his teeth. "They shall be punished. All who acted in your death. I shall find them."

Placing his hand on her cheek, he felt cold skin where there had once been warmth. A warmth that had shared his bed countless times.

"Rest easy in death, Briza."

8th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Xenia reclined on the royal bed, smirking as she watched the pair of twin slaves dance seductively. She'd never need to share a bed with Briza ever again, a thought that greatly pleased her.

"Such good girls...you've performed your purpose far better than I could have hoped." She complimented, gazing over their writhing forms as her own body remained nude on the silky sheets. The sight coaxed a warm sensation to spread throughout her loins, and her delicate fingers traced over her tattooed midriff in excitement.

"Thank you, mistress." Both Pria and Pilsi replied in unison, rocking their hips rhythmically.

"It is...unfortunate that you killed her in a manner that seems to upset Dominax even further, though you've more than repaid my generosity." Xenia stated, allowing her fingers to travel into the growing wetness between her soft thighs.

"The slut's end was necessary, as you've said." Pria remarked, dragging her hands over her own body in a way that she knew would entice her mistress.

Bringing the now slick fingers to her mouth, Xenia used her sensual tongue to taste her own juices before resting a finger on her lips. She then seemed to ponder for a moment before a devious smirk spread over her features. "You know, I believe you two have earned a reward. Yet, I'd like to...experiment a bit. Why shouldn't we allow a lucky individual to witness your 'gift'?"

Intrigued, Pilsi straightened up. "If you wish, mistress. Do you have someone particular in mind?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." Xenia said, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial tone. "Would you two like to tease a Lanthian?"

Smiling to each other, they both nodded eagerly.

"Very well, bring Lalian to me. Give no hint to what we have planned for him, understood?"

"Yes mistress." They replied, quickly concealing their nudity in thin shrouds before departing.

Xenia leaned her head back, granted several minutes to herself. She imagined the moment that Briza's assassins revealed her involvement, replaying the description of the event from Pria. She chuckled to herself, wishing she had been there to deliver the final blow herself.

Eventually the slaves returned, followed closely by Lalian dressed in his typical cloak and tunic. Instantly his attention was drawn to Xenia's naked form, her most intimate areas covered by her hands.

"You...summoned me?" Lalian asked with hints of confusion and intrigue as he began to nervously fidget with his green fingers. "I...don't believe I should be in this room while The God King is away."

"Is that so?" Xenia questioned in her sultry voice as she removed her hand from her firm breasts. "What could possibly be the matter? Are you not pleased with the view you've been granted?"

With his flustered cheeks swiftly turning deep green, Lalian was unable to keep his wandering eyes from her exposed mounds. Such breasts had found themselves in his mind countless times, yet now they truly lay before him. "Xenia…I find this to be very... wrong. You are The God King's concubine…."

Chuckling, she rose from the bed, maneuvering her feminine legs with ample enticement until she was standing before him. Returning her other hand to her side, her fertile womanhood was revealed for him to see. "Oh? Little Lanthian...you may be intelligent, though do you truly think I'd wish for you to fuck me?"

Green eyes drawn to her groin, he managed to force himself to glance at her face in anger. "I...well, did you merely summon me to fling insults?"

The twins giggled as Xenia shrugged. "In a way, yes. However, I believe you'll enjoy it by the time we are finished here. Now, remove your clothing."

Surprised by her bluntness, Lalian took a nervous step backwards, only for the twins to swiftly move to block the exit. Thinking quickly, though still unsure of their intentions, Lalian glared at her. "Whatever this is...move with caution. You stand in a stronghold of MY design. The God King would be EXTREMELY unpleased if I were to go missing."

"That's what you believe this is? A crude assassination? Do not be foolish, I'd NEVER slay an advisor to The God King." Xenia lied, stepping closer. "So crude...I am merely allowing you to watch me enjoy my slaves. Surely you should thank me for such generosity!"

Surprised, Lalian's eyes seemed to light up with renewed intrigue. "Y..you'd allow such a thing?"

"Of course, little Lalian. We are aware that you are still able to achieve an erection, though I'd very much like to witness what the climax of a castrated Lanthian appears like." Xenia replied, granting Pilsi a signal that she had used several times in the past. Understanding instantly, the slave moved to retrieve a set of metal cuffs from beside the large bed. Taking them, Xenia held them out for Lalian to see. "Yet in return, you are going to stand there with your hands chained behind your back. If you are able to orgasm merely from the sight of us together, then I shall consider refraining from informing Dominax of this little encounter. You are still able to orgasm in your...condition, correct?"

Opening his mouth in shock, Lalian took yet another step backwards. "I…won't allow you to humiliate me in such a way, Xenia!" He replied, unable to hold back memories from his past. The female Lanthians had been just as cruel, finding seemingly unending ways to embarrass and tease him. "I am a slave no longer…."

"But of course you will." Xenia said with a calm assurance as she smirked at her prey. "Because if you don't, I may just have to claim that you attempted to force yourself upon me when Dominax returns from burying Briza in Nitri's ruins. I'd very much like to avoid that if possible."

"That's...he wouldn't believe that! No one would!" He shouted, yet his swift mind informed him that such a risk would be too great.

Placing her free hand on her hip, Xenia began to grow impatient. "If you'd like to test that opinion then so be it, though I'll only grant you ten more seconds to decide."

Panicked, Lalian considered his options as she slowly counted down. With a regretful breath of defeat, he began to take off his cloak. The three women watched with curiosity as he removed his tunic, only for them to burst into laughter at the sight of his undersized manhood. Gritting his teeth in rage, he nervously moved to cover himself until their laughter died down.

"Such a pretty little cock!" Xenia chuckled before grabbing his arm and locking a cuff around his wrist. She then pulled both of his arms behind his back, locking them together and removing his ability to cover himself.

"Mistress...I believe he's growing hard already!" Pria exclaimed, moving in to caress Xenia's arm.

Before he could defend himself, Pilsi once more returned from the side of the bed, possessing a cloth gag that she hastily covered his mouth with. Unable to speak, he could only mutter angrily into the gag as his cock slowly hardened at their laughter.

"Very good, the Lanthian learns his place quickly! It seems your famed intellect is true." Xenia teased, slowly leading her slaves onto the bed. They tossed aside their thin shrouds, joining her in nudity as they laid down.

Hands exploring feminine curves, soft moans emitted from the trio as they pressed against each other, allowing their seeking fingers to find their most intimate areas.

Lalian could hardly accept what he was seeing, experiencing the view of such beautiful human females. The way they moved, the way they gasped...every aspect tugged at his desires.

"Do you enjoy what you see, Lanthian?" Pria moaned, dragging her fingers over her twin's aching labia as Xenia stroked her inner thigh. "Do The God King's possessions please your eyes? We are but breeders for his children...."

Pilsi pressed her lips against Xenia's, taking in her scent as she reached around to grasp her mistress's rump.

Stifling a groan, Lalian squirmed in his restraints as he watched the display of intense sexuality. His rage remained, of course, yet he could not deny the consuming effect that such sights were playing over his mind.

Xenia slid her hand up Pria's thigh, gently sinking her fingers into her moist womanhood. She felt the slave's internal muscles tensing around her, caressing her intruding digits. Each probing movement enticed a reaction, causing her body to shift internally or release an expression of visual pleasure.

Spreading her legs wider, Pria nearly grinded against her mistress's hand as if she were an animal in heat, moving her hands to cup her firm breasts.

Separating her lips from her slave's, Xenia chuckled as she viewed Lalian's twitching erection. "Didn't I warn you that you'd enjoy this? Come little Lalian, does it excite you to see bodies that you shall never fertilize?"

A larger twitch of his cock informed Xenia of all she needed to know, inciting yet another chuckle. "Oh, quite a noticeable reaction to such cruel words...could you possibly enjoy such a harsh tone?"

Lalian watched as Pilsi slowly lowered herself, carefully pressing her lips to one of Xenia's nipples as he groaned. His mind wandered back to his many former female masters' torments, words that now seemed to echo from Xenia's lips.

"You reveal yourself more and more, Lalian. Such an intelligent creature, it surely must eat at you that you are unable to pass down your abilities to an offspring you will never have…" she teased, arching her hips in anticipation as Pilsi moved from her nipple down to her navel.

Uttering a whimper into the gag, he watched as Pilsi approached Xenia's loins, moving with deliberate slowness. A delighted moan escaped Xenia as she made contact, using her tongue to taste the tattooed woman's juices.

"Mmhhmm...watch Lalian, watch as she pleases the vagina that birthed The God King's daughter…" Xenia groaned, moving her fingers to target Pria's sensitive clit. "Such a womb is intended for his royal seed only...NEVER for your sterile cock…"

Lalian clenched his eyes as a flush of desire overcame him, washing through his body and bringing him ever closer to his limit. Such words struck directly at the heart of his begrudging fantasies, stabbing a piece of his subconscious that felt both deep sorrow and utter arousal at the reality of his castration. He'd never have any children, never watch a lover's belly swell with his child. The removal of his fertility devastated him, denying him in a way that forced his manhood to quiver in submission.

He opened his eyes as he regained control over himself, witnessing Xenia's cries of passion as her slave's tongue massaged her womanhood. Pria's hand covered her mouth, barely muffling herself as Xenia's fingers rubbed into her most sensitive areas with the skill and knowledge that only a fellow female could muster.

Pilsi lapped at her mistress's ample juices, only to stick out her tongue fully as Xenia's squirting climax drenched her face. The tattooed woman's powerful thighs clenched her slave's head for several moments before finally releasing her, allowing her to continue her oral work.

"Oooohhhh Lalian…." Xenia moaned, lightly stroking her nipple with her freehand. "Such a shame for...ahhh...a bloodline as gifted as yours...to end. Cum for me little Lanthian...indulge in your….ahhh...shame…"

Lalian's legs quivered, pressed against the edge of climax without a single ounce of stimulation. His mind...his body...the entirely of his being flared with lust at her cruel words and enchanting display of sexual passion. So close to his limit…

"Your pretty little cock...ahhh...shall NEVER breed, yet The God King...ahhh…may use our wombs to his heart's content…." Xenia moaned, her fingers nearly making Pria scream in ecstasy.

There it was. His limit. Lalian trembled, his body seizing as he experienced a completely hands-free ejaculation. The sensation was far stranger than he had anticipated, lacking any grounding that the stroking of a hand or vagina may provide, and he groaned into his gag as a viscous stream of completely clear liquid dribbled from his convulsing cock.

Xenia's chuckles filled the room, mixing with the scent of aroused females. "Ah...the little Lanthian obeys once more! Good boy...did I not...ahhh...utter the truth when I said you'd enjoy it?"

Lalian whimpered, subtly shaking as the sperm-free liquid leaked to the ground in a tiny unnoticeable puddle. No moment prior to this instant had ever made him feel as weak, as submissive. It was as if he had never escaped The Lanthian Empire, continually becoming the plaything of other beings. He had only traded Lanthian masters for Human masters.

"She...shall pay for this…" He thought to himself, standing passively as their lovemaking continued on the bed. "I am a slave...no longer…"

9th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Dril Tundra, City of Shai.

Varse held up his hand to silence the many Council members as several angry discussions broke out around the table, yet they disregarded his command and continued. Studying them for a moment, he then slammed his hands onto the stone table in a show of force that they had not before witnessed from him. "SILENCE."

The act paid off quickly, as the conversations suddenly died off until the Council chamber was left voided by a lingering quiet.

Standing from his seat, Varse lowered his pitch. "Your concerns have been acknowledged, yet I must again state that the situation is under control. The new Kingdom of Vaidrin is undoubtedly a problem, yet steps have already been taken to subvert its power."

"You were the one to claim that the conflict occurring in The Lower Human Basin was unnoteworthy, yet look where that has led us!" Representative Vilsak countered, a man whose loyalty had been purchased under Tsida's influence. Like many others, her death had evidently severed his support.

Varse's hard face remained firm as the chamber erupted into agreement. "We had no knowledge that such drastic events would occur, Vilsak. I seem to recall that you yourself shared my opinion at the time, did you not?"

While Vilsak appeared to fall back at the accusation, Representative Sinshi thrusted his snow-colored finger towards their Potentate. "Yet steps should have been taken sooner! No Potentate before you has EVER allowed the southern humans to band together under their watch! I'm afraid this remains a black spot on your reign, my Potentate…"

The evident satisfaction on Sinshi's face nearly made Varse's blood boil, and it took every ounce of control to prevent himself from leaping across the chamber to strangle him. Not to death, of course, as he'd never consider slaying a fellow Dril, yet the temptation to put the fat Representative in his place remained strong. "What should have been done is irrelevant now. For the present, I have already ordered our agent in The Kingdom of Harin to advise their king to aid Vaidrin's opposing High-Chiefdoms. I am confident that Minister Ovax shall not fail us."

"Yet if the forces he sends are not enough to overcome Vaidrin, what then?" Representative Ensik questioned as his face screwed into an expression of disgust. "This...God King...as much as it sickens me to say, is he not a significant variable in all of this? He has forced his people to worship him as some...deity. We've all heard the rumors regarding his abilities. Is it not inconceivable that there may be some truth to them?"

Representative Vilsak immediately waved his hand, dismissing the idea. "I can assure you that such claims are merely rumors lacking in credibility. Such witnesses to his abilities can easily be disregarded as over overzealous or bribed. He is but a young human, a human that can be killed."

Varse rubbed his bald head in contemplation, weary of the constant arguing that had seized the council. "I fear that the death of such a man would only unify his worshipers further. We may kill him if necessary, though we must avoid creating a martyr."

"Had you ordered our assassins to slay him sooner, such a problem would never have been considered." Sinshi replied, stroking his chin in a mock attempt to conceal his grin. "The moment we received news of this young upstart is the moment this human should have been eliminated."

Varse aimed a scowl at his fellow Dril. "I'll remind you that our aim is to destabilize outside realms, not to murder every sentient being with ambition. Was it not my own predecessor who spoke of the benefits of such upstarts, as they create chaos and sow the seeds of unrest in our neighbors?"

Tapping his finger in annoyance Vilsak rolled his eyes. "Such benefits may be our undoing. What we have witnessed can only be described as truly historic, as we must acknowledge that even the most chaotic region of Magnius is not immune from becoming stable. We have manipulated emperors and kings into their own downfall, yet they continue to spring up across the continent. There may be a time...when we can no longer ensure that all realms are too weak to threaten us."

The chamber erupted into discourse, with nearly every Representative hurling accusations of blasphemy towards the statement. For a single moment, Varse experienced a slight sense of ease as their anger was aimed elsewhere. It couldn't last, and eventually he was forced to once again smack the table to bring the room under control.

"ENOUGH OF THIS, we cannot continue to bicker endlessly!" Varse shouted before once again calming himself to his usual stern tone. "We shall await the results of the battle and move onward from there! You are dismissed!"

Angrily, each Representative steadily rose to their feet before making their way towards the exit. In a matter of moments what was once a chamber crammed with loud arguments was emptied, leaving Varse alone.

9th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Cendra giggled in Clin's arms, pressing her face lovingly into his chest.

"Poor girl...if only we were all as blissfully ignorant…" He muttered to himself, looking down at the child with pity. He had vowed to watch over her as her father was away, relying on the assistance of female servants to provide her more intimate care in the absence of her now deceased mother.

The door to the dining room was heaved open by guards, allowing the entrance of Hesin. The cloaked man needed only a glimpse of Cendra in Clin's arms before he grimaced. "Are you certain that you are the best man to watch over her? Children tend to die around you."

Clin felt a sickening sensation of guilt slide into his stomach at the man's visceral anger. "Say what you must about our past, yet NO ONE shall harm The God King's daughter under my watch."

"That had better be true." Hesin replied coldly. "In any case, I've been commanded to inform you that Lalian has received a message from The God King. He has selected the location of the battle, and you are to ready our warriors to depart the moment he returns. Is that understood?"

Clin nodded once, and only Cendra's playful noises persisted through the following silence.

"That is all then." Hesin replied, already turning to leave.

"Hesin, I'm sorry." Clin's voice said in a measured tone, stopping the cloaked man in his tracks. With the images of their first encounter so many years ago always in the back of his mind, Clin wasn't quite sure what had forced him to apologize to the man for the first time in a decade.

Turning around to face his acquaintance, Hesin's expression remained firm and distant. He appeared to weigh potential responses, only to remain silent in the end.

Clin remembered how he had pulled the young Hesin by the hand, fleeing through the forest as they escaped the horrific creature's slaughter. He remembered the screams, horrific cries of agony that seemed to plague his dreams. Screams that he and his mother had caused…

As neither man spoke another word, Hesin eventually turned back around and made his exit. The heavy doors of the dining chamber sealed behind him.

12th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Between Arcia and Drifia.

"These savages…" Enil whispered under his breath as he entered the tent, discarding his armor. Nestled into the heart of the massive camp on the border of God King Dominax's selected field, they had waited for FAR too long for their enemy to arrive. The translator did little to stifle the growing tensions between Enil's men and the collective warriors of The Southern High-Chiefdoms, and he had begun to wonder if they'd tear themselves apart before Dominax's forces even arrived.

Seated on the fabrics that made up their beds, Irith placed her half-polished sword down beside her to grant her twin her full attention. "I take it there was another incident?"

Enil grunted in response. "One of our men simply questioned why they allow so many females to fight alongside them. They took it poorly, to say the least."

Irith nodded in understanding, her bright blue eyes gazing at him in her usual sensual way. "If the matter is dealt with then come, relax."

Eager to focus his mind elsewhere, he huffed before moving to lower himself, settling down next to her. "Such would be nice, though I fear I won't relax until we are far from these people."

"Would you like me to unburden you?" She asked casually, already placing her hand on his thigh.

Granting her a swift nod, he felt his muscles straining as he lowered himself to lay on his back.

As she had many times before, Irith slipped her fingers beneath his blue tunic, traveling up his thigh until she located her target. Her delicate fingers lightly wrapped around her twin's manhood, feeling it begin to stiffen at her touch.

Looking at the ceiling of the tent as her hand went to work stroking up and down, Enil let a subtle shudder ripple through his body at her skillful touch.

"You know, I may also be relieved when all this is finally done with. These men are far too...aggressive." Irith commented, tilting her head slightly in a manner that Enil found was nothing short of adorable.

His cock hardened further at her words, though his expression became far more intense. "Has anyone...touched you?"

"Of course not Enil." Irith replied with a content smirk. "At least not in the ways you've forbidden. There has occasionally been the odd groping hand, though such hands quickly learn the error of their ways."

"Good." He replied, allowing his eyes to close as he tried to simply enjoy her caresses. His virgin twin, a young woman that always seems to flare the desires of men. There was no way to reliably count the sheer number of individuals who had approached Enil, offering hefty sums in exchange for Irith as their bondmate. He had denied them all, of course.

Irith's pretty lips smirked as she toyed with her twin, her seated position allowing her ponytail to easily reach the floor. She had never touched any man other than Enil, though even then their interactions had never progressed to full intercourse, as was his rule.

"I wonder if it would not be possible to simply leave right now, this very moment. Would King Siril execute us for such disobedience?" He asked, eyeing her perfectly shaped breasts to aid in his enjoyment.

"Ah, today must have been worse than usual for you to ponder such things." She replied, removing her hand. "Come, let me release your stress in our alternative method."

Hesitating for only an instant, Enil sat up and allowed her to rotate her body so that they were facing each other. Then, parting his legs somewhat, he watched as she moved her delicate feet towards his crotch.

Her toes traveled up his thigh as she took visible amusement in his anticipation before reaching his shaft. There, she pressed his erection between both of her soft soles, beginning to lightly stroke up and down.

A groan slipped from his lips, and he allowed his eyes to travel over her flawless body. "Oh gods...Irith…"

Chuckling, she removed her top to grant him a full view of her perfectly shaped breasts, young and full. "You know it always works on you, Enil." She teased, taking her time in dragging out each movement for as long as she felt was best.

Another groan slipped from his mouth, far more submissive than a man of his strength would ever be expected to utter.

Irith merely pursed her lips. There was nothing that she would not do to help a member of her family, especially now that she and Enil were the last two survivors. "This is for his enjoyment, Irith. Do your best for your only brother." She thought.

Enil clenched his teeth in satisfaction, watching as Irith's fingers ran tantalizingly over her own body. With her legs parted, she raised her skirt to reveal her virgin vagina, exemplifying the very definition of a desirable female.

Moving over her thighs her fingers narrowly missed her labia, slowly dragging over her midriff and navel. She carefully traced over her white tattoos, marks that were unique to each pair of twins in The Kingdom of Harin.

Enil felt his own tattoo, reveling in their familial connection until it proved to be too much to bear. He gasped, unloading arcing jets of sperm that landed on her midriff.

Letting out a satisfied chuckle, Irith carefully removed her feet from his cock, leaning back to avoid the creation of a bigger mess as the sperm had already begun to leak past her flat belly.

Enil released his pent-up breath as he took a moment to recover before leaning forwards. He wiped a portion of his seed aside, moving to plant a gentle kiss on her stomach where he knew that her fertile womb lay just beneath. "Thank you, Irith." He said in a genuine tone.

She cupped his cheek in sisterly love, feeling his cum on her skin. His seed would always be on the outside, as he had forbidden himself from taking her virginity. Such an act would only come from a man he deemed worthy, a man who would father her children.

***

Only an hour would pass before he arrived, The God King. Flanked by neatly organized rows of thousands of men and women, Dominax sat atop his black lixidion as he gazed over what would soon be their battlefield. There had been no attempt at concealing their approach, leaving him unsurprised as he viewed his enemy already gathering into similar formations.

Leading the bulk of their forces, Dominax had ensured that the several hundred nearest to his position had been outfitted in full sets of white chimira steel armor, the bright sunlight gleaming off their pristine surfaces. The white cloaks of his army fluttered behind them in a sea of snow-colored fabrics.

Both Clin and Salduin commanded smaller sections beside the main core of warriors, while Hesin led the supporting archers. A deep rumbling of drums rang out from their enemy, only to be met with pounding echoes of their own.

A simple command from Dominax initiated a charge of thousands, each rushing to meet their enemy.

He could hardly contain his rising rage as the enemy charged towards him in turn, digging his fingers into his lixidion's reins with each thought of Briza's cold corpse.

The charging lixidions accompanying Dominax were the first to slam into the enemy's defenses, their monstrous reptilian bodies and claws tearing through their opponents.

Lightning erupted from Dominax's hands as the creature beneath him delved into savage attacks, ripping into any living thing that it encountered. He could feel the barrier holding back the reality of Briza's loss unraveling as his powers ripped through screaming warriors, sending their mangled bodies to the dirt.

Unending bursts of arrows ricocheted off the white armor of The God King's warriors, while the lesser equipped were forced to seek protection behind their own shields as the two armies slammed against each other.

The black lixidion beneath Dominax let out a horrifying screech as a lucky knife found its way into the beast's eye, causing it to rise onto its hind legs. Dominax held on tightly until death forced the creature's legs to buckle, sending it collapsing onto its side as its rider was thrown to the muddy ground.

Within seconds Dominax was swarmed by opportunist warriors, each attempting to strike him down as he hurried to regain his feet. Several blows of swords and spears managed to graze the gaps in his armor deeply enough to draw blood, forcing a rage filled scream from The God King as he loosed a wave of flame that consumed his attackers in fiery agony.

Forced to fight on his feet, flurries of lightning and fire erupted from his palms with sadistic intensity. The barrier in his mind had toppled over, subjecting him to an assault of emotions. He had failed Briza. He had allowed his enemies to drown her just as his mother had been. The chaos of Magnius had once more claimed his family.

Surrounding enemy warriors began to flee in terror as webs of electricity pulverized their companions, with The God King's flames igniting all nearby plant life trampled under hundreds of feet. Each individual that ran away was quickly replaced by a companion that would also fall or flee the moment they had reached their limit.

Dominax's powers crackled from his fingertips as they never had before, unleashing a visceral cascade of destruction as he gave in to his frustrations and anger. His silver eyes began to glow, blazing with electric intensity.

"Briza…" The name echoed through his mind, leaving no room to hide from the reality of what he had lost. The pain fueled his powers, fueled his sadistic rage.

"BRIZA…."

***

Xenia watched in a mix of awe and horror from the outskirts of the battle, unable to take her eyes away from the explosions of electricity and flame. "What have I created…"

She could only allow herself a moment of intrigue at her question as the newly patched up warrior in front of her was dragged away by slaves, only for yet another man with several deep gashes on his chest to be thrown down at her feet.

There was no hope for the injured man, that much was immediately clear to her as she ordered the slaves to remove him. Yet as they did so, the voice of another slave caught her attention.

"Move her aside, this man is an advisor to The God King!" The slave shouted as one of the several other healers pushed her current patient aside to make room for the groaning warrior being dragged over to her. The moment Xenia turned her head to view who they were discussing, recognition swept in.

"Hesin?" She asked as she sprinted over, pushing aside the fellow healer. "Step away!"

They obeyed, granting her room to tend to the man. Xenia grimaced as she gazed down at him, studying the massive claw-like slashes that had torn away at his beardless face while only a deep slash remained where his left eye had once been.

Hesin reached up and grabbed her hand, squeezing it hard as he gritted his teeth. "Their lixidions...flanked...us…"

"Remain still Hesin." Xenia ordered, already gathering a mixture of herbs and medicines with her free hand. "Your injuries are...treatable, though you must remain still."

"T..they...flanked…" He began to repeat, only for his grip to weaken until he lost consciousness completely.

***

Irith pounded her fists at the large men as they dragged her away from her brother's fallen body, screaming obscenities in a language that she knew they couldn't understand. She could see Enil laying completely still on his back, the arrow that had slain him remaining buried in his neck.

Their words remained strange as they dragged her, yet her brief lessons with Ovax's translator allowed her to recognize at least one word common among the shouts: surrender.

"RELEASE ME!" She shouted, tears rolling down her pretty face as her allies dragged her through the mud. "ENIL!"

They brought her before the man she recognized as High-Chief Linnax, coated in a mixture of mud and red chunks that she dared not ponder. The sight of the leader of her allies did little to quell her turmoil as the image of Enil's body lingered in her mind, causing her to strike out at him helplessly as the sounds of the battle continued to erupt all around her. "WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER AGREED TO COME! THIS IS NOT OUR WAR!"

Her sobs were interrupted as Linnax roughly grabbed her, wrenching her arms behind her back and tying them tightly. His commands to his men continued in their unfamiliar language, yet the men roughly dragged her along as Linnax seemingly shouted for his men to cease their fighting.

Within moments, the fate of Vaidrin was sealed.

Chapter Text

12th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Lower Human Basin, Between Arcia and Drifia.

In the moments that followed the chaotic surrender of High-Chief Linnax, a calm silence had spread over the massive field. What was once a lush clearing in the dense trees had been filled with countless fires burning away the green vegetation, littered with countless bodies.

White armored warriors escorted Linnax through their ranks, each one stained and battle worn. The High-Chief and a handful of his warriors were brought before The God King himself, causing them to hurry to their knees in a clumsy bow.

"Speak, and we shall see if you hold true to your word." Dominax commanded, folding his arms as he looked down at the men. The explosive rage he had experienced had subsided enough to be brought back under control, remaining bubbling just behind his stern frame.

Linnax cleared his throat, looking up to gaze at the white armored ruler. "God King Dominax of House Vaid, I once again speak on behalf of my allies. You have fulfilled your end of our bargain, and thus, I fulfill mine. We pledge ourselves to you as loyal vassals of your Kingdom, and humble servants of your reign. Long live The God King!"

Shouts of victory erupted through the warriors surrounding them, and Dominax allowed them a moment to celebrate before ordering them to quiet. "Very well High-Chief Linnax, I accept your surrender. You may rise."

"Ah but that is not all I bring to you, my God King. As a gesture of good faith, I offer you a gift!" Linnax began to say, gesturing to his guards. They made a move to leave, only to be stopped in their tracks by Dominax's men.

Dominax waved them aside, and the warriors begrudgingly allowed Linnax's guards to briefly depart. They returned moments later, dragging along a female prisoner with her arms bound behind her back.

Irith struggled in the guards' grip as they dragged her towards The God King, shouting hysterically in her native language. Dominax's jaw tightened the moment his silver eyes fell upon her, as even coated in mud she exuded an alluring beauty that rivaled even the most attractive females he had encountered throughout his short life.

Linnax chuckled at Dominax's intense gaze, stroking his long beard. "Ah yes, quite the same reaction I had myself. Clean the muck of battle from her skin and you shall find a mate worthy of your name. That is my gift to you, in the hopes that my allies and I retain our titles under your rule."

"How did you acquire such an...enchanting female? I do not recognize the tongue." Dominax questioned, listening to her strange words as she shouted at her captors.

"She hails from The Northern Kingdom of Harin, your majesty." Linnax explained, attempting to cup her chin before she nearly bit him. "Though her brother was our ally, such pacts are irrelevant now, are they not?"

A warm breeze carried the stench of the battle's aftermath as Dominax pondered. "Very well, she must be taught our language in time, though I accept her. You shall retain your positions as my vassals, though there shall be a small amount of restructuring. Let us be done with such...hostilities and join together as a kingdom worthy to rival The Northern Humans!"

Bursts of exclamations erupted once more, allowing Linnax and his men to breathe in relief.

39th of Twic, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Staring up at the white stone ceiling of The Royal Stronghold while lying on his back, Hesin gritted his teeth in annoyance as he heard the door creak open. "If you've come to spread your legs for me, I believe I've already told you that I am not in the mood." Hesin said without looking at who he assumed to be one of the few slaves The God King had assigned to serve his advisors. Each word forced tingles of pain to shoot through his damaged face, causing him to wince.

"I apologize for the intrusion." A male voice came from the entrance as the door was resealed, and he immediately recognized it to be Clin's.

"Ahh...an intrusion indeed. Why do you persist in your visits?" Hesin asked as he turned his head to view the man with visible pain.

Clin studied Hesin's injuries, noting Xenia's work to close the large gashes ripped across the hooded man's face by the Lixidion's vicious claws. With his bandages removed, he acknowledged how lucky his companion had been in only losing his left eye, as the wounds dangerously approached his right. "Can a man not check in on an acquaintance?"

Hesin let out a humorless chuckle. "When regarding you? No. You've had your look, now go."

Clasping his hands behind his back, Clin's gaze fell to the floor for several seconds before he finally spoke. "Hesin...I'd like to speak of what happened that night."

The statement froze the injured man, only for his scowl to deepen. "You...dredge up the past...as I lay in pain? Can I not be granted a moment of peace?"

"You know I would not speak of such things if they were not important. How long has it been since we discussed it, TRULY discussed it? Have we ever?"

Hesin waved his hand in dismissal. "I've stated my peace, every life that creature took is on your hands. I've nothing more to say."

"I've accepted that, though a question has remained firmly planted in my mind these last years, and in light of your injuries I fear that one of us may die before I receive another opportunity to ask." Clin explained, taking a breath. "Why haven't you informed Dominax?"

The question had struck deeply at what Hesin himself had LONG pondered, yet it came as no surprise. "Ah, so the moment arrives. Tell me...do you truly believe that he'd take my word on a matter that occurred so long ago?"

"Actually, I do. He trusts us both, yet such information of what I've done would at the very least destroy my credibility in his eyes. Yet...you remain silent. Why?"

Hesin shook his head in disgust. "You continue to fail in understanding a simple point Clin, I do NOT care if he'd believe my claims. I do NOT care that The Elders once rejected them as well. To see you punished for what you've done...no longer interests me. Even your death shall not bring back my people, my family, my...brother."

Clin ran his hand through his blonde hair in exasperation. "Then...what can I possibly do? I saved you from the creature, I vouched for you to be accepted into Nitri, and I've apologized countless times. I…"

"Ah fuck your apologies." Hesin said in a resentful tone as he turned to stare at the ceiling once more. "They are NOTHING. Dominax could slay you the moment I reveal what happened...and it would mean little. Listen closely Clin, as I shall only say this once: Confess. Tell him yourself. You could have admitted your part in the attack all those years ago when The Elders questioned you, yet you denied your involvement."

"I was a child!" Clin exclaimed, finally allowing his frustrations to leak into the open.

"Yet you are a man now!" Hesin countered, pushing through the pain radiating from his injuries. "You continued to remain silent on the matter even until the day The elders were slain! NOTHING is preventing you from confessing your guilt to our new ruler. Only then, when you finally admit what you've done and face whatever consequences may arise, will I breathe a sigh of relief for my lost people."

The blonde warrior remained speechless, standing over the one man he had wronged more than any other. When his voice eventually came, it arrived in a low whisper. "You know I cannot do that…"

"Then expect no forgiveness from me." Hesin replied, turning his head away to gaze out of the window.

***

Dominax's steps echoed through the cramped passageway as he and Lalian descended into The Royal Stronghold's dungeon. The flame extending from his outstretched palm flickered over the white stone walls, illuminating their passage before extinguishing as they reached the main chamber whose walls held several lit torches. There, huddled in the corner of the main cell, sat his prize.

"What has become of her progress in your lessons?" He asked Lalian, unable to take his eyes off Irith as she glared angrily at him.

"She learns swiftly, though...I'll admit that my knowledge of her language is a bit basic." Lalian replied. "Still...her resistance to my attempts in mentoring her has somewhat lessened."

"That is adequate, Lalian. Yet I'd like to add a few more furnishings to her cell. Has she spoken of her tastes for such things?" Dominax asked, studying the many fabrics and cushions that had been granted to her to ensure her prison was comfortable.

A string of furious shouts erupted from Irith as she jumped to her feet, approaching the bars of her cell.

"Would you...like me to translate, my lord?" Lalian nervously asked.

"No." Dominax replied in disappointment, turning to leave. "Continue your work, Lalian. In time she shall understand."

18th of Fonic, 3 BVE.
Dril Tundra, Near The City of Shai.

There was truly no other location that made Varse feel closer to his ancestors than the ice caves to the South of Shai. Running his hand over the translucent blue walls of the colossal crack that formed the main passageway, he could only close his eyes and wonder at just how many ancient Dril had lived out their lives inside of its inner chambers.

He led the small group of ten Dril deeper into the cave system, each one a volunteer intent on enjoying the deeply spiritual state that such a location typically brought on. This journey was nothing new of course, as nearly all Dril would make several pilgrimages to the theorized origin location of their ancestors.

They entered one of the meditation chambers, a circular room carved from the thick ice that contained a large pool of water in its center that bordered on freezing. Upon disrobing, all ten entered the water and remained still, allowing their body temperature to lower drastically over the course of an hour.

Varse was more than grateful for the break from his duties that the pilgrimage allowed, as tensions among The Council had only deepened. The plan to aid the southern humans in defeating Vaidrin had failed, causing what could only be described as a complete breakdown in The Council's cohesion. There was no end to their bickering, their verbal conflicts….

The moment their bodies achieved an internal temperature that would certainly kill any other humanoid species, the group of ten departed the water and divided to lay upon ice slabs carved into cutouts in the chamber's walls. They then closed their eyes, knowing that their extremely low temperature and reduced heart rate would place them into a deep sleep that would melt away the physical world and subject them to a period of semi-conscious meditation.

Varse allowed an inward calm to claim him as his mind seemed to fall from his body, embraced in darkness that slowly consumed him as each minute ticked by. The physical world became increasingly distant as he was left alone inside of himself, until forms began to take shape. He could see the faces of his mother and father, slowly becoming clearer until he could see them fully standing beside a river. He recognized this river...the icy waters that separates The Shai Domain from the swamplands of The Endless Crimson. He could see himself, a simple child playing in the slush of wet snow.

"Memories this time…"

The sky became dark, and he was suddenly back in their small home in Ishtai. His eyes opened at the sound of a scream, and he raced from his bed in time to see several Male Lish fleeing through the entrance, their colorful amphibian-like skin glistening in the moonlight as they carried away his parents.

Varse groaned in his meditation, not allowing the memory to continue. He already vividly remembered how he had chased them all the way to the river shore, only to find that his parents were long gone along with several other Dril victims. At the time he already knew that none would ever be seen again, as such kidnapping raids were far from rare along the border.

He rubbed his hairless head as he brought himself back to reality. Such bad meditation experiences were known to occasionally occur, and he knew that it would take several minutes before he'd be able to make another attempt.

"No matter…" he muttered to him, rising from the slab. He looked over his sleeping companions, knowing that they would not wake for a number of days.

The soft echoes of a small animal quietly sounded through the passageways as Varse remained seated on the slab, attempting to relax. He traced his fingers over his tattoos, knowing that his connection to his clan always aided in calming himself. Yet as he did so, he observed that the echoes of the animal were approaching, moving slowly as if the creature didn't wish to disturb them.

In surprise, he realized that the echoes sounded distinctly like footsteps, and he quickly weighed the possibility of another lone Dril wandering the cave's corridors. Unlikely, as nearly everyone made the pilgrimage in groups, yet not impossible…

Unfortunately, any hope of a peaceful encounter was destroyed the moment the being entered the chamber, allowing Varse to gaze upon a man dressed entirely in whatever insulating clothing he could seemingly scavenge. Though hard to make out under the layers of crude warmth-preserving fabric, the man was unmistakably a male Arkos.

Visibly startled to find Varse awake, the intruder rushed at him while pulling a rusty knife from beneath his clothing. Instinct took over as Varse jumped to his feet, preparing to defend himself.

Possessing only basic training in self-defense, Varse only managed to barely move out of the way of his attacker, putting a slight distance between them. He raised his hands to prepare for the next strike, stepping back to avoid a slash before swinging his fists into the Arkos's jaw. The man moaned in pain, taken off guard for only an instant.

Could a disgruntled Representative have sent an assassin against him? The man didn't fight particularly well...yet it was possible. Though if so, who? Sinshi?

Letting out a rage filled scream the Arkos brought his knife down hard, allowing Varse only a split second to intercept his wrist and disarm him clumsily. The blade clambered to the frozen floor, the sound of their scuffle doing nothing to disturb the other members of his group. He knew that only physical pain or their own willpower would awaken them, leaving him alone to fight for himself.

The Arkos charged into Varse, crashing into him as they both toppled to the ground. Varse blocked each punch that the man threw, his fists smashing against Varse's forearms.

"Die Dril! You...killed her! You killed...her!" The Arkos furiously screamed, and Varse realized that he recognized the voice. It sounded so familiar...touching his memory.

His eyes went wide with realization, recalling Tsida's slave. The Arkos had greeted him on his first visit to her lavish residence, only to later join them in bed. "NOROK?"

The sound of his name froze the Arkos, only for him to double his efforts as his fist slammed into the side of Varse's head. "You damned Dril! You killed her! Killed…killed…killed her!"

Continuing to block with his right hand, Varse stretched out with his left to seek anything that would get the crazed Arkos off him. "Of course I didn't! Childbirth claimed Tsida, you know this you damned fool!"

"She died giving birth to YOUR child! YOUR accursed offspring!" Norok shouted with unsatiated rage.

Sweeping over the floor, Varse's seeking arm felt slight movement as it passed over a loose section of the icy ground. His fingers hurried to it, struggling to get a grip on the broken chunk of ice.

"I LOVED her!" Norok screamed, landing several blows. "Yet YOUR seed butchered her!"

Finally gaining a grip on the piece of loose ice, Varse heaved the chunk upwards, smashing it into Norok's head. The Arkos shifted to his side, stunned by pain as drops of blood dripped to the frozen ground. Seeing his opportunity, Varse wrenched his attacker off of him, kicking him into the chamber's water.

Norok shrieked as he was engulfed in the near freezing water, soaking his clothing as he scrambled to escape the dark pool. Varse rose to his feet as he watched the Arkos stumble out of the room, fleeing as quickly as he could manage.

Varse hurried to collect the rusty knife before moving to pursue the former slave, navigating the winding tunnels until he finally reached the main entrance of the cave system.

The harsh winds dragged along the snow dunes, and he could just make out the figure of an Arkos through the freezing haze. He ran as fast as he could manage, holding his head with his free hand as the man's attacks had opened a cut on his cheek. Relentlessly he pursued, striving towards the distant being until it finally collapsed to the snow.

Slowing his pace, Varse cautiously approached until it was clear that Norok was no longer breathing, his body as stiff as ice.

"Ahh...you fool, what could you have hoped to gain?" Varse asked the lifeless body, its drenched clothing already becoming ice. He looked at his hand, seeing the black blood from his small wound. "A damn shame…"

Standing completely nude in temperatures that had just killed his attacker, Varse tossed the rusty knife into the snow as he turned back towards the cave system.

6th of Fixuin, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Seated at the desk centered in a chamber he had made into his temporary private study, Dominax let his head sink into his hands. Three months. One hundred and fifty long days since an unknown assassin had ripped Briza away from him. One hundred and fifty days since he had heard her resilient voice.

The lingering silence gave only faint hints of the world beyond The Royal Stronghold. Shouts of advertisement echoing from the main market, a child noisily playing near the entrance. Yet farther away, he could hear the sounds of clashing swords as his warriors trained, the distant pounding of the forges as they shaped armor ready for him to convert into chimira steel. Countless people, families, lovers, warriors, hunters, all now under the protection of his fully united Vaidrin Kingdom. A realm as powerful as one of the colossal Northern Human Kingdoms, yet to what end?

He knew the basic answer of course, unable to imagine ceasing his conquests until all beings lay under his rule. Yet the essence of the question remained simple: why? Why inflict his reign over the entirety of Magnius? Why enforce an eternal peace to protect living creatures from themselves? Why...when he remained unable to protect even those closest to him? Over and over he had failed, burying the bodies of the only two family members he had been granted. Only his children remained, and he felt his hands subtly shake as he wondered if he'd fail them as well.

"Never."

With a sigh he lowered his hands, forcing himself to return to his work. He had spent the better half of the warm day engraving symbols into message cylinders, recounting Lalian's teaching as he practiced his writing. The clever Lanthian had concluded his reading lessons, yet his ability to carve messages remained...unrefined.

The door creaked as it was gently pushed open, allowing Pria to step inside wearing her typical revealing slave attire. She stopped after closing the door once more, obediently waiting for her master's attention.

"Did I not express my wish to be alone on this day?" Dominax asked as he looked up at her, his silver eyes filled with annoyance.

She nodded with a slight hint of apology. "Yes, my lord. However, I believe that bringing you the news that my sister is with child again may better your mood."

"Very good." Dominax replied in his deep voice before returning his attention to the cylinder. "You may go."

Pausing for a moment, Pria mustered the courage to slowly walk towards the desk, clasping her hands behind her back as she did her best to seductively sway her dancer's hips. "My lord...I understand your wish to be alone, yet could you truly desire to suffer in solitude? Surely one would think that you'd like to let your mind rest in the company of a mate…"

He looked up from his desk, carefully studying her inviting movements. "If that is what I wanted, I'd inform you. Tend to your sister."

She moved around the heavy wooden table, cautiously placing her hand on his shoulder as she leaned in close to his ear. The risks of disobedience remained at the foremost of her mind, fully understanding the potential consequences if she overstepped his patience. "Of course my lord, I shall. I would, however, like to return to her in a similar condition…"

Dominax felt her warm breath against his skin, keenly aware of the sensation of her soft lips brushing against his ear. His body's immediate reaction was one of budding interest, having been more than a little experienced in the bliss that her lower folds could bring. "Careful, woman. It would be unwise to prod me at this time."

Pria's hands rolled over the silky material of his black one-suit, releasing an exotic purr as her fingertips dragged over the muscles of his shoulders. "I would not dare to intrude, master...I merely offer the company of your loyal slave. My fertile body would be honored to carry yet another of The God King's holy babies…"

He placed the message cylinder on the desk, allowing his attention to shift fully to the woman. The display in persistence as an aroused female seeking to be bred by him proved to be overly tempting, yet the loss of Briza stubbornly clung to the back of his mind.

"Pilsi may have fallen pregnant first this time...yet I shall not be far behind…" she stated, nuzzling his neck. "Allow my body to fulfill its purpose yet again…"

With a cold expression Dominax slowly rose from the chair. The lingering image of Briza slowly intermixed with that of his captive Irith, drawing an odd sense of longing from him as he cupped Pria's jaw in a pleasant grip to gaze into her eyes. His hold was soft, yet firm enough to force a slight amount of uncertainty in her gaze. "You've disturbed me Pria, yet I am not one to scorn benevolent offerings."

Pria's deeply brown eyes ignited with glee, only to widen in surprise as he rotated her to face the door. He then forced her to bend over the desk, coaxing a gasp of excitement from her as he roughly tore away the bottom half of her attire.

Her bare rump lay exposed and vulnerable, and she bit her lip as she felt his noticeable bulge brush against her through the thin yet resilient fabric of his one-suit.

Dominax could feel his lust increasing as the image of Irith slowly took hold inside his mind, forcing Briza into the background as he unsealed the one-suit's groin slit. The opening allowed his manhood to poke through, already hardening as the warm air of the study surrounded his exposed erection.

About to receive what she had sought after, Pria's lithe body faintly arched as she felt his tip press against her waiting labia. Her womanhood tingled with anticipation, wanting, needing to be filled. "Yes, master...my womb is empty without the presence of your child…"

Placing his hands on her asscheeks, he allowed himself a smirk as he appreciated her sensual beauty. She had already birthed him a healthy baby, a daughter graciously accepted by a family of his worshipful citizens. The child's new family would be secretly observed, a spare heir in the unlikely event of both Cendra and Vixin's deaths.

Pria stopped herself from covering her mouth as he pushed his manhood into her depths, choosing instead to moan openly and loudly for any potential listeners to hear. The white stone walls were overly thick, yet she hoped that her cries would echo beyond the study.

"Let them hear my pleasure...let them ALL hear how I serve My God King!" Pria thought as Dominax hilted her, allowing a deep groan to ooze from his lungs.

His hips moved steadily, not wishing to rush as he slid in and out of her vagina. The slight changes resulting from having given birth were similar to her twin's, though he noted just how much their womanhoods had recovered. No doubt Xenia was to thank, utilizing her healing knowledge to instruct them both in exercises that would tighten their vaginal muscles.

The soft skin of her rear lightly reddened under his grip, holding her firmly as he drove his shaft deeply with each thrust. The female form remained so...exquisite to him, so alluring. He had lately found himself commanding his volunteered breeding partners to simply exhibit their nude bodies for him, taking long moments to appreciate their delectable curves before finally mating with them. He often enjoyed imagining how their bellies would swell with his unborn children, a thought that he could almost consider himself to be entirely addicted to.

"Ooooohhhh my lord...I am yours…." Pria muttered, her palms flat on the desk. Her athletic abs pressed against the smooth wood, her body responding to each of his powerful movements.

He could feel the image of Briza tugging at his subconscious, quickly concealed by Irith each time. Dominax's memory replayed the image of his prisoner's flawless features, as nearly every inch of her was nearly irresistible. There was something peculiar about that northern girl...a defiant demeanor that intrigued him enough that he had decided to refrain from using her against her will. There was a softness underneath Irith's hostile front, a being with far too much potential to simply break and breed.

Pria's moans broke him from his thoughts, her sensually deep breathing almost gasping with each thrust. She was utterly gorgeous, truly worthy of his seed, yet he continued to find himself fantasizing about his captive Irith. Such thoughts increased his speed, pumping roughly into Pria's pussy.

Their skin slapped together each time, his groin against her bare cheeks. The desk seemed to creak from the force of his thrusts, its sturdy structure rocking under his assault.

Dominax could no longer focus on Briza, no longer feel the sting of her loss as his entire being gradually centered on the intensity of their lovemaking.

Her fingernails dug into the desk, crying out in mutual bliss as her body was utterly claimed by her master's cock. She wished for all of Magnius to witness their procreation, for the entirety of the world to watch as she squirmed in orgasm. Her legs squeezed together, clenching as she climaxed.

The added tightness of her constricting thighs could not hold him back, his manhood easily ramming through her resistance without slowing.

She regained her composure, the noise of their passion steadily rising as she spread her legs apart in desperation to feel him deeper. Such a wish was impossible, as each rhythmic stab of his cock already slammed against her cervix.

Dominax could feel himself approaching his climax, sensing his body's endless obsession with the need to reproduce. He pulled his cock free from her vagina, squeezing her asscheeks as he attempted to calm himself. He was far from finished with his supple slave.

Utilizing his muscles to turn her over onto her back, Pria narrowed her eyes in interest as she fought to regain her breath. He pulled her forwards, forcing her to sit upright on the edge of the table.

Grabbing her thigh with his free hand, he used his other to move his shaft into position. Gazing into her eyes, he watched her mouth open in lust as his manhood once again sunk into her aching loins.

Her love for her God King, her fanatical loyalty she felt towards him...she leaned forwards and pressed her lips against his as he resumed his thrusts. Pria tasted his scent, her spread thighs quivering with yearning.

His hand made quick work of her revealing top, tearing at the ties holding it together before throwing it harshly to the floor.

Their lips parted as Dominax slid his arm behind her back, holding her firmly as his other hand shifted to her hip.

"Oooohhhh….cum inside….my lord…" she begged, desiring nothing more than for his seed to take hold in her womb for the second time. Her body existed only to bear The God King's holy children, to worship him with her womanhood.

Pria's firm breasts jiggled as she was roughly pounded, their youthful roundness catching his eyes more than once. He thought of Irith's barely concealed chest, wondering if he could still cultivate her as a potential ally if he forcefully removed her clothing with his teeth.

Pria wrapped her arms around his neck, unable to look upon anything other than his face as he ravished her. Her entire being demanded to become pregnant again, craving the sensation of new life developing inside of her.

Dominax could feel himself growing closer to his climax, the minutes dragging by as their loins continued to smash into each other. He pushed his manhood as deeply as it could go, gasping while he watched satisfaction spread across Pria's face as sperm spewed into her waiting body.

Letting out a breath, he slowly calmed himself, feeling his warm seed buried in her vagina. In the afterglow of their procreation, he felt the image of Briza returning to focus inside his mind, and within moments his brief reprieve from his sorrow came to an end.

Chapter Text

2nd of Silla, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Irith pressed her back against the cold white stone of her spacious cell, holding her knees to her chest as she heard footsteps descending the dungeon's main steps. She knew who the noises would bring, of course, as there were only two individuals that ever visited her. Lalian's tutoring sessions wouldn't commence until the latter half of the day, leaving only one other possibility.

Her predictions were confirmed as The God King's foot left the final step, striding over to her cell with a grin. The man observed her surroundings, pausing briefly to assess the lavish furnishings of her decorated prison.

His visits had become odd engagements, as Irith both resented and hoped for his return. She glared at him in spite, unwilling to be his plaything while simultaneously longing to speak to another human, ANY human. His presence offered brief reprieves from her isolation, no matter how detestable such a man could be.

Dominax slid his key into the cell door, hearing a click as it was unlocked. It swung open with a squeak, allowing him to step inside and reseal it behind him. He then crossed over to her, lacking his armor and weapons.

She hated how vulnerable he appeared. She was keenly aware that his powers could kill her within moments if she attempted to harm him, a fact that he evidently knew as well. Irith could only remain against the wall, submissive before him.

He lowered himself to the floor, taking a seat on a padded cushion mere inches from her. Four months had passed since her capture, half of a year to delve from fiery hatred to the merely cold reception she now displayed towards him.

Irith had been bathed regularly by slaves, forced to dress in finely crafted yet simple clothing for her captor. The loincloth of her outfit hung between her thighs, concealing her most intimate areas from his view. What an urge he felt to rip it away, to claim his property...yet he restrained himself. His behavior towards her remained perplexing even to himself, as he had denied himself absolutely nothing from the moment of his ascension to his throne. No female lay beyond his reach, no desire was left unquenchable, yet his fingertips hadn't even gone so far as to brush the softness of Irith's fair skin. Only a faint awareness tugging at the back of his mind gave any explanation to his actions, yet the feeling remained just faint enough that it sat lightly in indiscernibility.

"You may have noticed that Lalian has not accompanied me today." Dominax began, speaking slowly to give her time to recognize each word. "He believes that your ability to understand our language has progressed to the point that his assistance is no longer necessary. Do you agree?"

Irith's gorgeous blue eyes studied him carefully with suspicion, remaining silent.

"I'll have to assume that you do." He replied after a moment. "Now tell me, are you comfortable here? I've noticed you still refuse to use the chairs or cushions I've provided you."

"I do not need your…"she began, seeming to search for the correct word. "gifts…"

"I see." He stroked his beard, quickly concealing his disappointment. "Then I suppose we should continue from yesterday's conversation. Do you still refuse to speak of your family?"

Without hesitation Irith glared intensely. "With you? Yes."

"How unfortunate. I would very much like to hear of this Enil that High-Chief Linnax spoke of."

"Keep my...brother's name...away from your mouth!" Irith yelled defiantly as her words came in heavily accented clusters.

A slight grin pulled at Dominax's lips. "Brother? Yes, Linnax was clear on that fact. I suspect you may place the blame for his death on me, yet you should know that I held no control over such matters. Had he survived the battle, I would not have allowed his talents as a commander to go to waste."

Irith prepared to rebuke his statement with a newly reignited fury, yet her limited knowledge of his language only allowed her to utter a simple sentence. "Your army...your fault."

His silver eyes traveled over her sweet lips, noting her flawless facial features with a hint of arousal as he pondered her words. "In a way, you may be correct. Many have died under my orders, yet surely after all this time you must recognize the greater design of such violence."

"I see a man searching for...reasons." She said before quickly correcting herself. "Excuses."

"Ah, but are such excuses devoid of ALL merit? One has only to glance at Domani as an example of the prosperity that my rule has created. Yes, many individuals may fall in the process, yet the outcome of my conquest outweighs such a price."

Irith waved her hand in dismissal as she turned her head away. Enil would still be by her side, alive and well within The Kingdom of Harin's borders if they had never been ordered to defend against Vaidrin's aggressive expansion.

Silence filled the dungeon as he allowed her lack of response to linger. "Do not make the mistake that I expect you to accept such matters quickly. I often find myself questioning this path as of late, an approach laid with such bloodshed and loss that the end goal frequently becomes murky." He explained, allowing his thoughts to briefly fall back upon Briza.

With curiosity, Irith turned her head back towards him and was shocked to witness the obvious battle of conflicting emotions across his face. He appeared to be deeply lost in reflection, only for his expression to harden as his mind returned to the present.

"Many shall die by my actions. Tens, possibly hundreds of thousands. They shall parish defending cultures and traditions I shall strip away. Yet, when I've had my say and all of Magnius is under my reign, their descendants shall thrive in my eternal peace."

Her glare remained, yet it somewhat lightened despite the harsh reality of his words. His ambitions may very well be insane, yet she hadn't expected to see such confliction in the brutal conqueror. He had displayed nothing apart from a knowing confidence during their past meetings, allowing no hint that he may question his cruel decisions. Today had allowed a tiny glimpse into his misgivings, yet such a glimpse was enough to spark a small curiosity in her.

Dominax gestured to her as he continued. "Merely look to yourself as an example. Though I replace your native language with my own, we may now communicate without assistance. To have ONE language, ONE culture, ONE Empire across the entirety of the continent, we shall vastly eliminate the primary sources of conflict among sapient beings."

Instinctively grimacing at the thought of her homeland's traditions being swept away, Irith once again turned her head in disgust. She had been subjected to numerous similar explanations from him in the past months, yet she realized that she no longer experienced an intense fury at such propositions as she had before.

After a moment Dominax slowly rose to his feet, standing over her. "That shall be all for today, as my duties to my throne require me elsewhere. You continue to resist me? So be it. I shall once again remind you that you will not be forced nor broken into obedience." He said, walking over to the cell door. "I hope to one day depart from this cell with you by my side, allies in turn. Yet, until that day you shall not be mistreated, as is my word."

Irith watched as he left the dungeon, allowing one thought to course through her mind as his white cloak disappeared up the dungeon steps. "Eternal Peace?"

50th of Silla, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"A difficult choice…"

How could a King possibly pick his mate for the evening when all three waiting women were beyond beautiful? Such was Dominax's dilemma, having sealed the throne room from outsiders in order to enjoy a moment of privacy.

The three females stood before him, each lacking even an inch of fabric to hide their forms as they did their best to draw their God King's attention. Each an eager volunteer, all of them would no doubt experience the warm bliss of his seed eventually, yet only one would be lucky enough to be bred on this day.

Stroking his beard as he assessed them, he felt the soft hands of Pria and Pilsi on his forearms, each lounging nude on cushions placed on both sides of the throne. Advanced halfway into their latest pregnancies, the twin slaves caressed their round bellies in relaxation, both exquisite examples of the alluring beauty of female fertility.

Yet as captivating as his slaves were, his attention remained firmly on the trio. Two brunettes and a dark-haired girl, they appeared fit and healthy, though with differing proportions. The brunette holding the left position of the trio appeared soft and motherly, displaying large breasts that matched her womanly hips. The dark-haired female held the center, her skin tanned from a life of laboring on the construction of The Grand Pyramid throughout many long days. Her body sported hard yet feminine muscles, allowing her to smirk as she subtly showed off her toned abs. The last, a girl far shorter than her competing females, stood on the right. Her chin-length hair was visibly darker than the other brunette's, complementing her slightly tanned skin that wasn't quite as tanned as the center girl's. Her small body appeared rather skinny, possessing curves that hinted at the fact that she had only just reached the age of adulthood.

The display of breeding material incited a raw lust in Dominax's loins, just as he had been certain they would. Hundreds of days later and the sting of Briza's death continued to cut away at him, causing him to seek an abundance of distractions. Even recent reports that two additional High-Chiefdoms had fallen under his rule did little to stifle his thoughts, yet the firm grip of a woman's loins at least provided a consistent, albeit temporary solace.

"Rotate once more, The God King shall indulge in all of you." Pria commanded, chuckling as her fingers ran over her royal lover's arm.

The three obeyed, turning to display their backsides. Though Dominax made a mental note to rein in his slave, his eyes moved over the soft skin of the beings before him. The two taller females displayed similar sized rears, round and firm as all should be. The younger girl, however, possessed an ass that could only be described as small and adorable.

Though Dominax typically found himself drawn towards women with wide hips and rumps that resembled goddesses of fertility, he found himself eyeing the smaller girl with interest. To mate with such a short and skinny woman would certainly be a change.

"You." He said as they turned back around, gesturing to the girl on the right. "You may approach."

The immediate sounds of disappointment emitted from the other women's mouths, though they quickly quieted after a wave of his hand. Pria slid her hand down, opening the groin slid in Dominax's one-suit to allow his manhood to slide out.

"You two may stay and watch if you so wish, yet I expect you to earn your place." He stated as his cock already began to harden. His intended mate eyed his growing erection with an innocent hesitation mixed with visible anticipation. Every inch of her, every movement and mannerism indicated her inexperience.

"Take your seat." Pria giggled seductively, standing to assist the young woman in straddling her king on his throne. She then turned to the other two females, cradling her pregnant belly. "Have you two ever spent a night with a fellow woman?"

Blushing slightly, the brunette shook her head while the black-haired woman smirked. "Of course, ma'am."

Feeling the girl's thighs against his as she nervously settled into his lap, Dominax marveled at how even a lowly slave could receive an inkling of respect simply due to his ownership of her. The God King as her master, Pria could act as commanding as he allowed her to be.

"Oh? Then I suspect you'll take the lead in entertaining our God King." Pria remarked, gesturing for the two waiting women to come together. They immediately understood her wishes, gazing upon each other in the knowledge that they'd soon be lovers for the night.

"My lord...I am ready…" the girl on his lap announced, releasing a hot breath of nervous excitement as she felt his hard shaft pressed against her midriff.

Needing no further encouragement, Dominax gently placed his hands on her hips, slowly guiding the young woman to raise slightly and position herself above his waiting manhood. As she sunk down, her tight vagina squeezed around him, sliding his tip into her depths.

Gazing into his silver eyes with a fervent loyalty that his worshipers typically employed, she released a high-pitched squeak as she hilted his shaft as deep as it could go.

The surprise at the realization that she was not a virgin was immediate, yet her ample tightness informed him that her sexual experience was indeed limited. Her vagina quivered around him, lubricated by juices built up in anticipation of who he would choose.

Jealousy radiated from the other women, yet they moved together within moments. Hands readily exploring each other, it became clear that they wished to satisfy The God King's sight as soon as they were able to.

Holding her hips firmly, he helped the young woman move up and down in his lap, grinding his manhood in and out of her lower lips.

Pria reseated herself beside her master, both her and her twin shifting their attention between the intimate lovemaking and the two fondling women.

The black-haired girl pressed her lips against her partner's, inhaling her feminine scent as her hands moved over her wide hips. Though never having touched another female in such a way, the brunette seemed to quickly adjust to the new experience, closing her eyes to bask in her partner's seductive allure.

Pilsi reached over, caressing the young woman's thigh. The girl's hips rocked rhythmically, burying Dominax's cock inside her snug tunnel with each intense movement.

The display of supple female sensuality from his 'entertainment' fed his arousal, watching as the toned woman lowered her head to suckle at her partner's engorged nipple. The brunette moaned loudly, holding the woman's head lovingly to her breasts.

"Is she tight master?" Pria asked, allowing her fingers to trace over her own labia.

“Indeed…” He growled, gritting his teeth as his erection stirred her insides.

The black-haired woman began to lower herself further, playfully pulling her partner to the stone ground. She wasted no time in pouncing onto the brunette, forcing her legs apart and pressing their groins together. In a flowing rhythm they began to grind against each other, inciting moans of carnal enjoyment.

With her cheeks flush with arousal, the young woman atop Dominax pressed herself against his chest, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck as if holding on in fear that someone could possibly rip her away and end her ecstasy.

He felt her perky nipples through the thin fabric of his one-suit as her warm breath caressed his skin, forcing tiny hairs to raise on the back of his head. She granted him a soft kiss just under his ear, her hips moving up and down on his large shaft.

Pria bit her lip at their lovemaking, digging her fingers into her pregnant pussy as she lay atop her cushion. Her free hand snaked to her own breast, feeling its fullness.

With a gesture from Dominax Pilsi obediently stood up from her cushion, allowing her master to reach over and place his hand onto her belly. His fingers ran over her delicate skin, carefully massaging her baby bump.

To touch Pilsi and know that she carried his child brought nearly as much satisfaction to his loins as the skinny young woman’s vagina, forcing his erection to twitch within her depths. Such a thought flared the deepest instincts within his mind, calling to the overwhelming urge to breed that all living creatures shared.

Pilsi lovingly placed her hand atop his, holding it firmly against her stomach as she watched him mate with another female. The act would certainly leave the young woman pregnant, her skinny body swelling with The God King’s child.

The moans of the two intertwined women on the floor steadily grew louder, causing their juices to leak onto the white stone of the chamber’s floor within minutes. It became clear that the dark-haired girl held the lead, guiding her lover towards a quivering orgasm.

Pria’s fingers gradually became frantic, caressing her most intensely sensitive areas within her loins. Her body nearly seemed to radiate maternal beauty, pleasuring herself as she caressed her pregnant belly.

The cries of the two women finally peaked, sending their bodies into spasms as they each climaxed. Their writhing female forms seized, leaking their sexual juices against each other’s labia.

Within moments of witnessing their display, the blissful sensation pulsing through Dominax’s cock became far too much to bear, forcing him to push his hips upwards and drive his manhood as deep as possible into her moist pussy. The young woman released a joyful whine, holding onto him tightly as she felt his seed spurt into her skinny body.

Pilsi felt Dominax’s grip on her bump tighten as he orgasmed, just enough that it would not harm her unborn child. His hand quivered, and her lips parted subtly in rising lust at his virility. Though he sought to knock up his current partner, Pilsi couldn’t help but blush at his visible satisfaction that he had impregnated her.

The loud noises of chaotic sex slowly dissipated from the throne room, leaving only their soft breaths to quietly echo through the large chamber.

38th of Senin, 3 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A light draft quietly swept through The Royal Stronghold's corridors as Lalian made his way towards Hesin's quarters. The door creaked open, allowing the nervous Lanthian to slip inside while holding a small object wrapped in fabric.

The hooded man instinctively whirled to face the intruder from his place at a nearby desk, only to ease his expression when he recognized Lalian's green skin. "You've certainly taken your time, and I believe I asked you to knock when you arrive."

"Apologies, I came the moment the metal workers were finished." Lalian replied, unintentionally tightening his grip on the object as he held it out for the man to take. "King Dominax has already converted it, as per your request."

With caution, Hesin accepted the object into his grasp, feeling its lightweight. Fingers moving slowly, he unwrapped the fabric, allowing it to fall away and reveal a smooth mask capable of concealing an individual's entire face. His thumb ran over its white steel surface, assessing the mask's exquisite craftsmanship. Only a single eye hole gave any resemblance to human facial features, cut out to allow Hesin's remaining eye to see when wearing the mask. It presented no mouth, no nose, only a smooth white surface to conceal the wearer's intentions.

"You've done well, Lalian." Hesin said, carefully placing the mask to conceal his own face. His voice became slightly muffled, causing his tone to lose a small amount of humanity. “I’m sure the people of Domani have had enough of staring at these ugly scars. Are you capable of producing more?”

Lalian nodded with a hint of pride. “I’ll inform the metal workers to begin right away. Do you have a specific number in mind?”

Hesin waved his hand dismissively. “A dozen or more should suffice for now. The God King wishes for me to initiate the creation of an Order of sorts, a group capable of dealing with delicate assignments for the kingdom.”

“I see…”

“You’ll want to keep that to yourself for now, little Lanthian. I’ll inform The God King that you’ve done as I’ve asked.” Hesin stated, turning his attention back towards the desk.

Lalian raised a finger. “If I could be so bold, I do have a request…”

“Oh?” Hesin replied in genuine curiosity. He turned back around to face the green man, folding his arms.

“I…well, there is a difficult matter that has arisen.” Lalian began to say, lowering his voice into a conspiratorial tone. “I would be most grateful if you could provide aid…”

“Then you must explain, little Lanthian.”

Lalian cleared his throat, knowing what he must say all while wishing that he would simply leave. “A…difficult matter has arisen, and-”

“Yes, you’ve said that. Continue.”

“...and, it is a matter that concerns Lady Xenia. A particularly unacceptable event occurred between us some time ago…and I am no longer capable of moving past it.”

Hesin remained silent for a moment, before releasing an amused chuckle. “I assume I do not need to tell you that I will not harm a concubine of Dominax, correct?”

The green man’s voice became slightly frantic, as if trying to expel his words as quickly as possible. “Oh no no! I do NOT wish for you to harm her; I merely want you to observe her! See if you are able to find unpleasant secrets of hers, and I shall do the rest…”

“Interesting…” Hesin remarked, peering at Lalian with his remaining eye. The expressionless mask sent a hint of unease through the green man, forcing him to nervously fidget with his fingers. “I have no particular quarrel with Xenia.”

“Merely observe, Hesin. That is all I ask…” Lalian replied, with only the spiteful memory of Xenia’s humiliation forcing him to continue. “Report any information to me that may lead to her downfall. Do this for me…and I shall grant you whatever favor you’d wish.”

A moment paused before Hesin finally responded, forcing Lalian to endure several seconds gazing at the expressionless face while wondering if he had made a terrible mistake in making such a treasonous request.

“I shall consider it little Lanthian…yet I expect you to uphold your end of the deal, whatever it may be.”

Letting out a relieved breath, Lalian bowed his head in gratitude. “Thank you Hesin, I shall uphold my word.”

Hesin nodded, his mask giving no hint of his intentions. “Very well, now go. I have much to do.”

No further command was necessary for Lalian to make his exit as quickly as possible, taking a moment to breathe as he entered the corridor. He had taken a colossal risk in even attempting to move against The God King’s concubine, yet it had paid off.

As he walked down the hallway a bead of sweat ran down his forehead, the cruel words of Xenia echoing through his memory.

“Your pretty little cock shall NEVER breed….”

A sting of humiliation and anger flushed through him once more, and he decided that he had made the correct choice.

***

"Ah….The King returns…." Dorian's voice crept through the darkness of the pod's chamber, seeping around Dominax's form. "Has a month already passed...since our last discussion?"

Dominax casually brushed a speck of dust from his shoulder. "I wished to grant you time to regain your strength."

The image of Dorian's ghostly figure came into view through the darkness, huddled in his dark cloak. "Regain? No, my son...you misunderstand. I am far too gone...to simply recuperate now. Each of our meetings...saps more of my strength...and when it is gone, so am I. Permanently…"

The revelation caused Dominax to stiffen. "Gone? Truly?"

"Entirely...my son. Utilize these meetings wisely...for they interrupt an old man's eternal sleep…"

"Eternal sleep?" Dominax thought to himself, before stroking his short beard as he spoke. "Then I suppose we should not waste words, as I had hoped to speak to you of my guest."

"Your prisoner...correct? The woman...you spoke of in our...previous discussion?"

Nodding, Dominax began to pace along the symbol carved into the floor. "Irith. There is...an oddity about her, one that stays my hand in ways that I wouldn't have previously considered."

"Oh? You...care for her?"

"Nothing quite as simple and primitive as that. You'll recall that I sensed a...connection to her the moment she was gifted to me." Dominax explained, feeling his cloak gently flowing behind him as he walked. "Believe me when I say that she is extraordinarily attractive, yet I've encountered countless beautiful women without sensing anything similar."

The transparent form of Dorian could hardly be observed through the darkness, yet he smiled knowingly at his son's words.

"I...cannot lie that I haven't been tempted to simply go into her cell and force myself upon her. Truthfully...such a temptation has become nearly constant, yet the sensation that I shouldn't harm her has prevented me thus far."

"But of course...my son…" Dorian faintly chuckled.

Dominax spun on his heel, turning to face the lighthearted laughter with a glare. "Of course? Then seeking your knowledge in this matter was not a waste?"

"Oh, not at all...your little problem is quite clear. Tell me, do you recall my teachings...regarding familial connections?" Dorian asked, receiving a quick nod from Dominax before continuing. "Show me."

Gritting his teeth at receiving a command, Dominax hesitated before closing his eyes. Concentrating, he slowly reopened his silver eyes to see the spectral rope binding father to son, traveling from his core across the room to the old ghost. He sensed hundreds of spiritual lines extending from his own kingly core, reaching across the fabric of reality to his many unknown offspring spread throughout his kingdom. He could feel Cendra and Vixin's lines, their souls bound to him as their father.

"You've been busy...in your time as ruler…" Dorian chuckled, sensing his countless grandchildren through Dominax. "Remember my words...regarding conception...my son. Just as sperm and egg combine to make a child….so too do souls. A piece of the father's soul...and the mother's combine to form the offspring…"

"I am aware. Do not think I'd forget your teachings easily, yet I see little of how this relates to Irith."

"It has...everything to do with her. You are of my blood, my son...and with such power lay subtle abilities." The old man explained, his tone heavy with an unnerving mysticism. "You easily sense your own bloodline...of course, yet you may also sense...the bloodlines of other beings. You see Irith, you see the essence of her soul...and you see the potential that mating with such a soul could create…"

Dominax's pacing came to an abrupt stop, placing him in the center of the large floor symbol.

"If you feel such potential this intensely...then the possibility of producing...an exceptionally powerful offspring with her is high…" Dorian explained, his translucent form moving slowly through the darkness.

"Ah...I see…" Dominax replied, grinning insidiously as his mind quickly worked to accept the implications.

"There is no certainty that children...resulting from such a pairing will be as powerful as their potential...suggests, yet the chances are high my son. Mate with Irith...and you may just produce an heir...worthy of your power." Dorian finished explaining, his voice strained from the enormous effort that was required to communicate.

Dominax's unwavering grin only grew wider as his silver eyes began to faintly glow, ambition radiating through his mind. "A worthy heir indeed. I must ponder this further…"

"Go then...do so on your own, as my strength is fading." Dorian replied, his image growing fainter.

"Yes, though tell me Dorian, would it not simply be easier to speak in person?" Dominax asked, giving voice to a thought he had held for some time. "Could you not descend from The Chimira, or allow me to board? I'd...be very interested in visiting the vessel that I was conceived aboard."

"No." Dorian replied without hesitation.

Dominax waited for the old ghost to elaborate, yet Dorian remained silent. "No?"

The man nodded firmly. "Such a thing is impossible...my son."

"And why would that be?"

No answer came forth as the figure of Dorian slowly became nearly imperceptible.

Tightening his mouth with a hint of frustration, Dominax turned and approached the sealed entrance of the pod chamber. "More vagaries? So be it. If you do not wish to meet me in the flesh, I shall not force you."

"No, my son...you could not possibly understand...just how BADLY I wish to be with you, to embrace you with my own arms…"

Dominax stopped walking and whirled around to face the direction of the old man, allowing his frustration to leak through his control. "You wish, yet are you not a God? The creator? Yet you...wish? Oh, I wish too, Dorian. I wish that you had descended from your ship the day they drowned my mother."

As his words came harsher than Dominax intended, the effect that they inflicted upon Dorian was immediately visible on the old man's hooded face.

Silence lingered in the chamber, only interrupted when Dorian finally spoke. "You speak...of what you do not understand…"

"Make me understand!" Dominax exclaimed, returning to the center of the chamber.

Dorian hesitated, observing his son as he pondered. Then, with a reluctant nod, he waved his hand through the air.

Instantly, Dominax's mind was assaulted with visions, forcing him to take a clumsy step backwards as he viewed the interior of The Chimira. The colossal flying ship's ancient corridors weaved endlessly, stretching for miles until the visions centered on a single chamber at the heart of the vessel. There, in the depths of the floating structure, a large metal throne sat surrounded by dozens of otherworldly machines, their many wires and tubes winding into the body of a man.

Dominax let out a horrified gasp, immediately sensing his familial connections to the man in a manner that left no doubt to his identity. The old decaying body nestled on the throne was that of Dorian, unmistakably deceased.

"My boy...never doubt that I would be with you...if such a thing were possible." Dorian's voice echoed beyond the vision, his tone drenched in despair. "Yet I am not merely...projecting my soul to you...from afar. I am truly dead...my son. The machines...could only sustain my body...for a few short years after you were born. I knew my time was limited…"

Dominax gazed upon his father's corpse, unable, unwilling to move. He stood still, frozen in time.

"There was...SO much more I had hoped to create...yet I must rest eternally." Dorian explained, struggling to continue speaking. "A body...is only a soul taking physical form...yet my body could not sustain the power of my soul indefinitely. The power of our bloodline killed my father...killed me...and will one day kill you if given enough time. You may live a thousand years...my son...yet you shall one day join us all in endless sleep. No man lives forever."

The vision slowly faded, bringing Dominax back to the reality of the pod chamber. He wanted to fall to his knees, to collapse to the floor, yet he forced himself to remain standing.

"I must go now...my boy. We will speak again soon...yet I must return to my peaceful slumber…" Dorian explained, his ghostly form finally fading from view.

Left entirely alone, Dominax made no move, no sound.

His father was dead. Their creator was dead. The Chimira remained hovering over the surface of Ayphieal, no living being at the helm.

A deep sensation of dread poured into him, realizing that no God watched over them. No gods protected their world. They were but a single planet, alone in an endless void with no divine beings to guide them.

Finally taking careful steps, Dominax slowly made his way to the exit of the pod. How could he inform his followers and citizens that their true God was deceased, floating on a decrepit throne high above them? How could he tell them that The Creator was gone, leaving them on their own?

The door slid open, revealing a corridor of white stone deep inside The Grand Pyramid as the structure had slowly buried the pod inside of itself over the years. The large pod chamber was now no more than yet another room in the massive fortress.

Would he tell them?

Chapter Text

25th of Onis, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A slight breeze tugged gently at Irith's skirt as she walked beside Dominax, strolling along the outside of The Grand Pyramid. The colossal structure's angled walls towered over them despite being less than a quarter of the way completed.

Having allowed Irith to wear clothing that recreated her original outfit in white chimira silk, the thin fabric complimented her flawless form as they walked together, surrounded by guards in a circular formation. Such outings from her spacious cell had become more consistent, granting her brief periods of partial freedom.

"Have you considered my offer?" Dominax asked, gazing up at the distant Chimira starship of The Creator, its form remaining utterly still as its surface was pummeled by fragile clouds. Over a year had passed since his enlightenment of the fact of his father's death yet he could not help but feel unsettled each time he gazed upon the unreachable vessel, aware that his citizens did not suspect that their true God lay rotting aboard.

"Of course, you do not grant me a day where you do not ask." Irith replied, clasping her hands behind her back as she moved. Though her voice continued to drip with the accent of Northern Human Nobility, her skill in the language of Vaidrin had increased considerably.

"Oh? Then I suppose it annoys you to be brought out here, bombarded with questions as you are granted fresh air?" Dominax asked with a chuckle, cradling his helmet crown in his left arm.

"Those were not my words. I...am thankful for the freedom, limited as it is." Irith replied begrudgingly, and Dominax remarked to himself how he could never have expected such words from her two years ago. "You've explained the potential of our...offspring...yet many questions remain."

Dominax nearly pounced onto her at the mention of offspring, nearly tore away her revealing clothing with the intent to ravish her. Instead, he simply refocused his attention to a nearby passing palm tree, banishing the thought from his mind. "Do you doubt that I speak the truth?"

Irith shook her head. "Not quite. I have no doubt that you may lie to me when it suits you, yet my…" she began, searching for the correct word in her new language. "...misgivings fall elsewhere. This...southern tradition, these har..harims? The concept is foreign to me."

"Ah, harems." Dominax corrected. "Your people pair each other as bondmates, yet we are not nearly as exclusive as to only possess a single mate."

"My point exactly, a bondmate is for life, while you southerners hold multiple women. You cannot ask me to...be a slave! A mere tool for breeding."

"A slave? Oh, you shall be MUCH more than that, Irith. You shall be my concubine, a primary mate." Dominax explained with a hint of pride.

"Your foreign titles…" she muttered, each stride flexing her long feminine legs. "A slave is a slave, regardless of their name."

Dominax shook his head with a chuckle. "Would you truly expect me to waste my time speaking to you if I desired a simple slave? No, a concubine is worth FAR more than you believe. Though a man's harem may possess any number of slaves and concubines, only the children of concubines may be considered legitimate, inheritors of their father's legacy."

The effect of his words seemed to ease her resistance a small amount, comforted by the fact that her children would not be as disposable as she previously believed. "Oh? Why such callousness towards the offspring of slaves?"

"An individual who allows themselves to be enslaved displays their weakness, and thus, offspring of their blood are lesser." Dominax explained in a firm voice as the sounds of construction continued to echo from the pyramid.

Unwilling to argue the point she merely shook her head. "Such an utterly bizarre land."

"Yet it is a land your descendants may one day rule." Dominax replied, redirecting the discussion to his original question. "You know the consequences of what I offer, the power that you would possess at my side."

Irith picked at her fingernail with her thumb, an unconscious tick that tended to occur as she receded deeper into contemplation. "Power? You should know by now that such a thing is irrelevant to me." She said, weighing his words. The subtle awareness that the guards behind her would undoubtedly be gazing at her rear meant nothing to her as she walked with a fortitude that hinted little at her inner turmoil.

"For now, yet power comes in many forms. For example, stability. Do you believe that you shall find a single existence on Ayphieal more secure than a life as my concubine?" Dominax asked, turning his head to her as they walked. His eyes narrowed, gambling with his next words. "Surely Enil would have wished for you to be safe, would he not?"

Her lips tightened, slowing her pace slightly.

When she didn't respond, Dominax concealed a grin. "Ah, but such thoughts can be saved for another day. Take your time, as I shall grant you one year to decide your fate. At the end, if you should make the error of wishing to leave, I shall allow you to return to Harin. Such is my word."

12th of Twic, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Tarin.

"What could possibly be taking that infernal woman so long?" High-Chief Girnax asked as he paced about the small meeting room nestled inside The Main Keep of Tarin.

"Aye, she's The God King's woman. Such words should be kept inside, lest you risk bringing his wrath down upon us all." High-Chief Foin protested with visible caution. He had placed himself in one of the intricately carved chairs neatly tucked into the moderately sized table seated in the center of the room. Beside him rested High-Chief Voris, a man far older than either of his younger 'companions'. The old man let out a snort of agreement, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed.

The door shot open, allowing Xenia to stroll into the room wearing her typical smirk. Salduin stood directly behind her, his large frame towering over her as he sealed the door behind them.

"Ah, are we to finally be free of our anticipation?" Girnax asked slyly, granting the pair a sarcastic bow. "One can hardly contain themselves when waiting to meet The God King's woman."

"Careful of your tone." Salduin stated bluntly, folding his muscular arms.

Xenia's seductive hips swayed as she approached the table, claiming a seat of her own. "Apologies, our inspection of Tarin could not be rushed."

High Chief Voris bowed his head as he jostled himself fully awake, displaying the respect he would have granted any of his guests, regardless of the hostile circumstances that had brought them all together. "Lady Xenia, the people of Tarin are honored to host this…" He began, attempting to recall the word The God King's messenger had used. "...diplomatic summit."

Xenia turned her head to Salduin. "You see? Some beings still possess the capacity to be cordial after a defeat." She chuckled, ignoring a lustful glance from Foin as she turned to address the gathered rulers. "Well gentlemen, you are in quite a unique position."

Salduin remained standing beside Xenia's chair, glancing at the High-Chiefs with little interest. He would not have come if Dominax hadn't ordered him to, evidently uncertain of sending regular guards to protect his beloved concubine in the presence of conquered vassals.

Girnax continued to pace, scowling. "And what position might that be?"

"Your God King brings an offer." Xenia replied, eyeing the defiant man like a female Avidion hunting her prey. "It is no secret that nearly all High-Chiefdoms bordering The Northern Human Kingdoms now lay under the rule of Vaidrin."

Voris held up a withered finger. "With the exception of Pir and Niria. They continue to resist you." The old man commented, as if testing Xenia.

"They resist US. Do not forget where your loyalties now lay." She responded, pursing her lips seductively. "They resist our inevitable conquest, just as you three once did less than a year ago. Yet it is not their inevitable defeat that we must discuss, but rather, the consequences of their defeat."

"Such as?" Foin asked.

A smirk spread across her face. "We are on the verge of a metamorphosis, of a human empire…"

A range of reactions overtook their faces, culminating in Voris waving his hand in dismissal. "There has never been such a thing in all of our history."

Xenia nodded knowingly. "You speak the truth, yet its creation nears. As plans to invade Pir and Niria are being formed, God King Dominax has expressed his intentions to finally crown himself Emperor of his lands."

Girnax chuckled without humor. "It appears that gruesome conquests truly pay off in the end. I wonder if he'll think of the innocents that were murdered for such a crown."

"Some might take those words as treason." Salduin remarked, placing his hand on the hilt of his hammer.

Xenia laid a calming hand on the large man's forearm. "Come now Salduin, Girnax knows his place. He knows that he shall not overstep."

Girnax glared at her smile, though his mouth remained closed.

"Now, one of you stands to gain heavily in this matter." Xenia began to explain. "The management of these lands has nearly doubled in the past year, and thus, Vaidrin shall be separated into two distinct kingdoms the moment the Empire officially forms. Due to this decision, God King Dominax is in need of a new king to serve under his rule. As leaders of the largest High-Chiefdoms in this region, YOU three are his primary candidates."

Amused, the three men broke into discussion, only for Xenia to gesture for them to quiet themselves.

"Such an offer comes with a price, however, and the individual who can withstand this 'price' shall be granted the title of king." She continued, soaking in their anticipation.

Salduin turned his head to her in curiosity, as there had been no mention of a price prior to their departure from Domani.

"God King Dominax shall not allow…oh how did he put it?" She paused, playfully placing her finger to her bottom lip in contemplation. "He shall not allow 'lesser men' to rule a kingdom they did not earn, nor forge a legacy they did not create. Therefore, the man who accepts shall be castrated."

The collective men instinctively recoiled, while Voris threw out his hands in disbelief. "For what possible purpose? Simple cruelty?!"

"It's very simple, if you accept the crown, you shall be granted an heir of his holy blood, a child conceived with whichever of your concubines you wish. The pregnancy shall be portrayed to the public and to history as though you were the father, cementing the child's legitimacy as the inheritor of your kingdom. A fair price for such generosity, is it not?" She asked, her eyes running over them with barely concealed sadism.

Girnax placed his hands on the table, leaning in towards her. "If this is what your king considers to be a joke, I DON'T appreciate the gesture."

Salduin stepped closer, placing his own hand on the table to meet the man's furious gaze. He would defend her in an instant, even while his own mind wrestled with the callousness of Dominax's offer.

"Your God King now, Girnax. Should I inform him that you refuse his gracious offer of kingship?" She replied smugly.

"Of course! No man would allow such a thing!"

"A Shame, it seems even a kingdom could not tempt you to part with your balls." She said, turning to address the remaining two men. "And what of you? Shall you consider his offer? You may already have children, Voris, though you must disinherit every last one of them as well. There can be no challengers to 'your' newborn."

The old man appeared perplexed, glancing at his fellow High-Chiefs with concern. "What you ask...is unacceptable! We have ruled these lands for generations! Now we must disgrace ourselves for...a demented God King?" He exclaimed, dropping any hint of his previous cordiality.

"But of course, you have all ruled separately. Divided. You've slaughtered each other, destroyed each other, fighting your petty wars while the Northern Humans watch and laugh. Dominax has brought an end to such conflicts, and in return you shall warm the throne of this newly united kingdom until his secret child is prepared to rule." Xenia explained, taking great enjoyment in their anger. "He has mercifully allowed you the opportunity to rule the entirety of the lands you have mistreated for so long, yet your seed shall not inherit them."

Girnax paced away from the table stroking his chin with rage. "The...audacity to call us all here, to waste our time with unreasonable offers...it is beyond me why so many Chiefs have willingly knelt before him…"

Finally, Salduin opened his mouth, brushing aside his concealed misgivings. "They join us because they see the benefits of worshiping a true God. You yourself have witnessed his power, and now you shall witness his peace."

Girnax released a humorless chuckle. "Peace? Perhaps for the moment, until he calls upon us to fight in his meaningless conquests."

"THAT...is not why we are here." Xenia replied, unable to contain a flare of anger. She had invested everything into the possibility of Dominax's success, her life, her daughter, her future. To have this man, this High-Chief question Dominax…it took several seconds to regain her mask of seduction. "Gentlemen...what you must appreciate is the fact that such an offer only ensures the removal of future glory. YOU shall be a king, with all the benefits that are befitting of the title. You as an individual shall reap the prestige, rather than extending it through a potential bloodline."

Foin tapped his fingers against the hard wood, clearly considering the idea far more than his counterparts. "An extraordinary life that produces no legacy? You ask for a difficult exchange, Lady Xenia."

Xenia watched the man's eyes take subtle glances at her alluring chest, more than happy to entice him as she smirked at him. She arched her back nearly imperceptibly, pushing her breasts out to appear just the faintest amount larger. "You are the youngest of these three, are you not, Foin? You've yet to produce any children. Perhaps...it may be the easiest for you to accept the potential child as your own…"

Girnax let out a breath of disgust. "You tempt the man with his own cuckolding? So be it, leave it to a lesser man to accept the God King's child as his own!"

"Careful, this man may one day be your new king." Xenia smiled at Foin, her eyes narrowing like a temptress while knowing she'd never allow a man lesser than Dominax to taste her. She then turned her attention to Voris. "Or...shall it be you?"

The old man closed his eyes in contemplation, shaking his head. "I am sorry, but God King Dominax requests too much for too little. Every man is entitled to his own bloodline, to the success of his own family. To attempt to usurp our legacies with his own seed...is an insult."

"That is most unfortunate, though I am sure he shall accept your decision." Xenia replied with no hint of concern as her attention returned to Foin. "Well? It falls to you, boy. A kingdom, or a bloodline?"

All beings in the room turned to gaze at the young man, uncertain of his answer as curiosity remained plainly displayed on his face. Salduin cleared his throat, knowing that no rational man could possibly accept such an arrangement.

"I...understand the hesitation you all show...though it is an offer I must accept." Foin finally replied, interweaving his fingers as they rested on the table. "There is much to be achieved as king, and I can assure you that these lands will flourish under my rule!"

"Ah, perfect...a man willing to step up and claim his reward!" Xenia exclaimed with a seductive smirk.

Girnax threw up his hands in disgust, turning away from the gathering. "I shall never be surprised at just how low someone would degrade themselves for a sliver of power…"

Xenia chuckled, ignoring the defiant man as she reached across the table to gently clasp Foin's hands. "Congratulations, King Foin...may you always be remembered throughout history. I shall bring this fantastic news to The God King, as well as whichever of your concubines you choose to be the mother of 'your' future heir."

"I...shall await the day that our great Empire finally rises…" the young man replied, displaying just a hint of nervousness.

"Soon, boy. Very soon." Xenia stated. "No more than one year shall pass before God King Dominax plans to enact his designs. Until then rest easy, as it'll take quite a while to recover from tonight's gelding. I do have experience in such matters…"

"Tonight?" Foin asked, his worries spreading further across his face.

Xenia smiled, tightening her grip on his hands ever so slightly. "Of course...you wouldn't want to delay your new reality, would you?"

15th of Twic, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Near Falexia.

The beautifully vibrant trees and vines, the gentle calls of faraway creatures throughout the tropical forest, it was all starting to make Xenia sick to her stomach.

They had departed from Tarin by ship, yet the vast river of the Port settlement could only take them so far. Their group of three dozen white cloaked guards and Foin's chosen concubine would have to travel by foot to the nearest port, lest they be forced to encircle the entirety of Vaidrin by ship to reach Domani.

Life as a concubine, each day surrounded by the sound of progress as workers struggled to construct the stone buildings of the steadily growing capital, surrounded by servants and slaves. Such was the rightful existence of Xenia. She had spent the majority of her life in her simple hut, nestled deep inside the humid rainforest with only occasional visitors. The thought of returning to such a life revolted her, with each tiny rustle of leaves reminding her of her past life as a lonely healer. She had tasted the fruits of luxury, unwilling to, UNABLE to step away. With such thoughts, she couldn't help but long for a swift end to her diplomatic mission.

She had bit her lip in frustration when the captain of the guards suggested they stop and erect their camp for the steadily approaching night, even while knowing that the decision was the correct one to make. Home called to her, yet traveling through the night was a sure method of running into horrific nocturnal creatures. Thus, less than an hour after the man's suggestion, she found herself laying nude inside her large and ostentatious tent.

"I shall see you soon, my princess." She muttered to herself while clutching her dagger in both hands near her breasts, the white blade holding the inscription of Vixin's name.

Hardly any time remained after extinguishing the tent's candle before Xenia heard the faint sounds of footsteps pass by the fabric entrance, instantly forcing her dark eyes to flutter open. She waited, clutching the weapon in preparation to spring to her feet in a moment's notice...yet no further sound approached. It had been so subtle, so missable, only the light slapping of feet against reddish mud. Could she have possibly imagined such noises, her mind restless?

With only one way to know for certain, Xenia wrapped her naked body in a thin shroud before peeking her head out, her dagger ready to strike any unwanted visitor. She was met with nothing but silence, the ground marked with dozens of footprints from her guards from earlier in the day. Yet as she peered closely, the path of one such pair of tracks caught her attention, making its way towards the edge of camp.

Emerging from the tent, her bare feet sunk lightly into the slippery mud, staining her delicate skin as she began to follow the tracks. She took only a quick glance at the other tents, ready to call out to her guards the moment she encountered danger.

Step by step she followed the footprints, approaching the edge of the forest as her curiosity drove her further. She carefully pushed past the vegetation, their leaves illuminated by the moonlight of Twic.

As she continued to delve into the forest, the faint echoes of weeping began to pour from an upcoming clearing. Xenia slowed her pace, just able to make out the outline of a large man kneeling.

Gazing through the dense vegetation, she covered her mouth in surprise as she recognized the man to be Salduin, his knees planted firmly in the mud. He held what appeared to be a strip of leather ripped from a Turinis skirt, sobbing uncontrollably in the moonlight.

Xenia watched in awe, uncertain if she should make her presence known in such a private moment. Instead, she simply remained silent, an unseen observer to a large man's evident grief.

She could hardly pry herself away from the bizarre scene, only able to force herself to finally retreat when his agonizing moans of sorrow began to slow to a trickle. She swiftly made her way back to camp, doing her best to conceal her previous tracks that may inform Salduin of her intrusion. She reentered her tent, throwing the now dirty shroud from her slender shoulders with a breath of excitement.

"What on all of Ayphieal…" she quietly whispered to herself, smirking wildly.

17th of Twic, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Tarin.

"So, this is the offering a future king provides for his crown?" Dominax questioned, his eyes rolling over the exquisite form of the woman before him. Seated on his throne, he appeared to leer over her as if inspecting his prey. Her lithe body looked to be that of a dancer, with firm abs and alluring hips. Her head was topped with brunette braids running down her back, decorated with numerous brightly colored beads.

"Of course, High-Chief Foin was more than happy to fulfill his end of the bargain. Ah, well he didn't quite enjoy his gelding." Xenia replied with a smile, thinking back to the man's whimpers. "Who you have before you is Enalia, Foin's finest concubine."

The woman bowed low in respect before straightening up. "I am...at your service, your majesty. High-Chief Foin has explained the situation to me, and I gladly accept your demands."

"Awe, as if you had a choice, sweet girl." Xenia teased in mock pity, cupping the woman's chin. She then gestured to a pair of female guards standing nearby. "Show her to the royal chambers, and have the slaves prepare her for The God King."

The pair obediently obeyed, guiding the woman out of the throne room.

***

The door creaked open as Dominax entered, his blood boiling after several hours of anticipation. His eyes immediately fell to the large bed, its cushioned surface holding the slender body of Enalia.

The woman lay nude, the delectable valley between her legs covered by a thin sheet of chimira silk. She gazed at him, smiling enticingly as she moved to stand. The fabric fell away, revealing her smooth womanhood as she strode sensually over to him.

"My lord...it is cruel to force me to wait so long." She smiled, placing her hand gently on his chest plate. She ran her finger over the white metal, feeling it's cold surface.

Dominax unlatched the straps holding his armor together, beginning to remove each piece carefully. "Matters of the court waits for no man, yet I cannot say I didn't keep you in my mind."

"Oh?" She replied, assisting him in removing the lightweight steel. "Could The God King possibly fixate on such a simple concubine?"

"More than you know." He nearly growled, finally removing his one-suit to leave nothing between his skin and Enalia. He leaned down, swiftly wrapping his arms around the woman's feminine thighs and hoisting her upwards. With a few steps, he tossed her onto the bed, receiving a playful yelp from her lips as he pounced onto her.

Enalia wrapped her arms around his torso, holding him closely as she pressed her lips against his ear. "When Foin informed me of your intentions…I was taken aback. Yet after the long journey to Domani...I cannot help but feel honored…"

Running his hands over her body as she remained pinned beneath him, he slithered his fingers down towards her waiting pussy. Her beautiful body felt ready, a sensation only confirmed as his digits encountered her wetness.

"Honored? Good...as you shall serve a crucial purpose…" He whispered, nibbling her slender neck as he maneuvered his manhood to press against her soaking lower lips. With a thrust, they each moaned in mutual satisfaction, their loins finally tasting each other. "You shall bear my child…"

Enalia moaned into his ear, eagerly accepting each thrust as he grinded his hips against hers. "You shall make me...a queen…my lord…"

Sliding in and out, his manhood stirred the insides of a pussy belonging to another man. He nearly wished that Foin himself had decided to accompany her, able to watch his concubine roll in ecstasy of another's cock.

"My King...my Emperor…" she cried out, slowly pounded into the bed with each movement.

"Soon…" He replied, their bodies locked together in unquenchable lust. "...soon. The Empire shall rise…"

"Then grant me the son...of a future Emperor…" she groaned, pressing her hips against him to match each of his thrusts.

Using one hand to hold himself up, he placed the other on her hip, allowing him to gaze down at her beauty as she accepted his cock with each passing moment. She knew the consequences, DESIRED them, knowing that each movement dragged towards a climax that would sire her child.

"I...ahh...had wanted Foin to be my child's father...ahhh...though I should have known that only a God's holy child...ahhh...would suffice…"

Dominax grinned insidiously. "Come then, let us...ahhh...send you back to your mate nice and...ahhhh...pregnant…"

"Yes...my lord…" she moaned, laying her hands above her head and closing her eyes to simply bask in the moment. Her moderate breasts rocked with each pump into her body, gently swaying their fullness.

He moved his hand, gently caressing her hard nipple. The soft strokes of his digits sent quivers through her, as if begging him to continue.

The desire to cum slowly arose inside of him, yet he was FAR from finished with such a savory concubine. He pushed himself into a kneeling position, grabbing onto her hips and gently maneuvering her onto her belly where she put herself on her hands and knees. The curvature of her feminine back, the roundness of her rear, her body demanded his attention.

Barely wasting a moment, he plunged his cock deep inside of her once more, holding onto her lithe waist as he continued to slam into her again and again.

Her hands gripped the sheets, shuddering with a climax as she nearly begged him to speed up. He eagerly obliged, pistoning his erection with frantic abandon.

"OHHH...my God King….I NEED you…" she cried, her womanhood stretched around his large shaft.

Satisfied with her words, Dominax granted her ass a light spank, turning the soft skin slightly red. "Did Foin...ahhh…ever receive such moans…?"

"He is...ahhh...but a eunuch now...my lord…" she groaned, enjoying the wet slapping of their bodies against each other.

With each passing moment, she pushed her legs farther and farther apart, displaying the lust of an animal in heat as her body begged to be fucked by her God. Her pussy burned with arousal, shuttering from the pleasure.

Dominax reached forwards, taking hold of several of her long braids. He held them firmly, granting her occasional tugs that forced moans to slip from her mouth.

"I want it…" she groaned, lost in the passion of their mating. "I need your seed…"

He could only grin, knowing that the baby he'd soon put into her belly shall rule the entirety of a kingdom. The child would be of Foin's dynasty, yet the man would always know who the true father was.

Images of his future Empire trickled through his head, knowing just how close such a goal was to his grasp. He moaned, slowly approaching his orgasm as he thought of the entirety of Magnius under his rule. Kings would kneel before him, loyal servants to his eternal peace.

"Give me an heir...my lord…" Enalia moaned, her body shaking with bliss.

He would claim everything.

Slamming his hips hard against her bare asscheeks, he roared as a wave of sperm erupted from his tip. His seed flooded her body, planted deeply where Foin's now useless seed would never go.

He would save them all.

Chapter Text

2nd of Silla, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Hesin entered the throne room, ignoring the guards as they attempted to refrain from staring at his unsettling mask. He appeared to be the last of Dominax's advisors to enter, all called upon by The God King for a private announcement.

He found a place beside Salduin, all except Xenia standing before Dominax. The sensual healer remained by his side, standing proudly as she held the four-year-old Vixin in her arms. Just as Lalian had asked, Hesin had been diligent to keep his eye on her. She had a...frustrating talent of avoiding scandal, as her actions granted him little more than petty gossip to report back to The Lanthian. The frequent dalliance with a female slave, the occasional cruel punishment of a subordinate, nothing that the entirety of the court was not already aware of.

Eye narrowing as he gazed at her alluring body, Hesin grinned to himself. She'd make a mistake eventually, and when she finally did, he'd be there to report it all. Every. Detail.

Dominax arose from his throne as the chamber's doors were sealed, standing above the group of four men. Instinctively they bowed, with Lalian lowering himself the furthest before they all straightened up.

Folding his arms behind his back, The God King brandished an insidious grin. "I am pleased that we could all be in the capital at this time, as I have received excellent news." He said before nodding in The Lanthian's direction. "Just this morning Lalian and I received confirmation that High-Chief Foin's men have subjugated the Chiefdom of Pir, expanding our borders further."

"Was such an outcome ever in question? The guidance of a God cannot fail." Salduin stated firmly, granting no hint of the sliver of doubt that crept through his core. Shifting his view slightly to the right, he watched as Xenia granted him a knowing smirk, just subtle enough for him to wonder if it had simply been his imagination.

"In truth, no. Such was inevitable. We have forged an unwavering faith in our people, a wave of fervor that Pir could not have hoped to stand against." Dominax replied with visible amusement. "Only Niria remains before our borders finally caress The Northern Kingdoms, which brings us to the subject at hand. High-Chief Tilnir of Niria has informed me that he is prepared to join us peacefully."

Lalian held up the message cylinder that had delivered the information. "Specifically, he wishes to sign a treaty that will pledge himself and his lands to the crown of Vaidrin."

Clin nodded with relieved satisfaction. "The man wishes to prevent bloodshed? A very honorable choice."

"Indeed. In the coming months we shall make preparations to travel to Niria, as I wish to demonstrate the full power of our newly organized legion in person." Dominax continued. "Allow them to witness the might of the realm they will soon belong to. We shall march peacefully through their streets and sign the treaty for all to see."

"Is such a show of force necessary?" Salduin asked, folding his massive arms. "I see no reason to gather our warriors into a single settlement when their presence could be utilized elsewhere."

"Ah, such a display is indeed necessary, my friend." Dominax chuckled. "For I intend not only to accept Niria into our borders...but to officially crown myself as Emperor."

A reaction of pleased surprise intermingled throughout the group, as even Xenia's mouth opened in shock before sinking into an ambition filled smirk.

Hesin stroked his chin in contemplation, peering through his mask. "I would say it's about time, we have waited long enough for a human empire!"

"Human at first, Hesin." Lalian calmly corrected. "The whores of my homeland shall fall to us as well, as there shall be no inch of Magnius that will resist our eternal peace."

Dominax glanced approvingly at the green man. "We stand on the verge of a new age, one of order and progress. Vaidrin has merely been an experiment, a sliver of what we shall bring to bear. For when the moment arrives, the instant The Empire is finally born, such is the moment we truly begin."

***

Laying atop the expensive cot that had been placed in her cell, Irith stared up at the stone ceiling of the dungeon as her right hand brushed over her thigh. She had spent nearly three years inside her spacious cage, slowly growing more accustomed to her captor's luxurious gifts.

Glancing over at the stairs leading up to the exit, she was assured that she was alone before finally allowing herself to relax. She gently placed her left hand onto her midriff, lightly caressing her flawless skin as she released a breath of pent-up arousal.

Her fingers traced over her body, patiently exploring her delectable form as the heat fluttering deeply in her loins steadily increased. There was no reason to rush, no incentive to quicken her pace until she was fully prepared.

Gliding over her virgin skin, her fingers made their way up towards her full breasts, igniting every nerve they passed over. With delicate movements she pulled away the thin fabric holding her round mounds, allowing her perky nipples to taste the cold air of the dungeon.

Carefully, she ran her fingers over her sensitive buds, parting her lips slightly in building lust. She softly squeezed her breasts, feeling their firmness before continuing to stroke her chest.

Allowing her beautiful blue eyes to close, her imagination played with her senses, conjuring the image of a lover fondling her alluring form inside her mind. She moaned, sliding one hand down towards her navel.

The lover came into sharper focus, a body crafted by the gods, his masculine hands holding her firmly beneath him. Her fingers crept past her belly button, her flat stomach tingling with desire as she began to spread her feminine thighs. Her fantasy became clearer, allowing her to see that the man's face was that of Dominax.

She attempted to brush her captor from her thoughts, focusing instead on the sensation between her legs as her fingers reached their target. Pushing aside her asymmetrical skirt, she ran her digits lightly over her virgin slit, feeling her wetness increasing as her outer labia slightly parted.

The intrusion of Dominax into her thoughts came as no surprise, as the image of his face and body had begun to make their appearance in her intimate moments several months ago.

Pressing slightly deeper with each caress, she used her center finger to tenderly slide between her folds. She moved it up and down the length of her tight entrance, gliding between her lower lips and passing over her clitoris each time.

The imaginary form of Dominax returned to her mind, his hands running tenderly over her body as he stubbornly clung to her thoughts. She released a frustrated moan, unable to think of anyone else as she massaged her soaking womanhood. In all the past three years she hadn't spoken to another human besides her captor, as even Lalian had stopped making an appearance in her solitary dungeon. Only Dominax.

Pressing her head slightly back into the cushion of the cot Irith's breathing remained deep and lustful, caressing her breast as her finger stimulated her entrance. The internal heat of her desire gradually increased with each passing moment, imagining the moment she would press her lover's cock between her legs. She could almost feel it, almost sense its weight.

Every time Dominax came to speak to her she was forced to ignore his body, forced to ignore his hard muscles just beneath his black one-suit. She attempted to think back to before her imprisonment, trying to visualize other males to distract herself. She thought back to the countless war camps she and Enil had stayed in, thought to her fellow warriors as they bathed openly. Yet despite her efforts only the thought of Dominax remained, his imaginary manhood sliding deeply where no man had ever been fortunate enough to enter.

Her hand left her breast, moving downwards until she was able to spread her labia open further, pulling back her clitoral hood to allow herself easier access to her most sensitive area.

Irith's stroking finger pulled away, instead shifting to use two fingers to rub her clitoris in a circular motion. Each movement built the heat of arousal in her core, causing her thighs to begin to quiver.

She thought of her captor's throbbing cock, claiming her precious virginity with each hard thrust. She wanted to feel him against her cervix, knowing that at any moment he could erupt.

Her circling movements steadily quickened, now fully intent on satisfying her desire. Fast and faster, her fingers stimulated her sensitive bud until her vagina felt as though it were on fire.

She could imagine his climax, imagine the moment he would finally drive his cock as deep as he could and spurt his life creating seed into her womb, granting her the family she had always sought.

Throwing her head back and arching her hips, her burning arousal finally reached its boiling point, forcing her to seize in shaking ecstasy as she found her orgasm.

The moment it faded she relaxed her muscles, lying flat on the cot as she basked in the feminine afterglow of her pleasure.

She opened her blue eyes, taking deep breaths as she returned to reality.

"What...have you done to me…?"

41st of Senin, 1 BVE.
Dril Tundra, City of Nelzarshi.

The stone towers of Nelzarshi stretched into the snow weeping sky, their heights rivaling even the tallest buildings of the capital. Named 'The Anvil' in the Dril tongue for the unique shape of the peninsula that it sat atop, Varse could find no other title that better suited the prominent port city as he gazed down from the roof of the local Tower of Departure.

Having spent a considerable amount of time traveling by land to reach the port city, he was quite eager to set sail. With the information gained through spies that the creation of a Human Empire was imminent, The Council had fallen into shambles. Their unending debates and accusations of blame had shoved Varse's nerves and patience to their breaking point, yet he would not simply wait around for an unfortunate 'accident' to befall him. The thought that another Dril may use an outsider to assassinate him sickened him to his very core, yet the possibility remained all too real in a time as unprecedented as this.

The human 'God King' remained The Council's priority, and though many agreed that the man's death could potentially create a martyr more dangerous than a living man, it was decided that he could not be left alive to continue his expansion.

"My Potentate? Are you ready to begin?" The ceremonial Cut-Master asked from behind, standing near the altar placed in the center of the flat roof. A Dril of considerable age, he wore a flowing white and black robe that seemed uncontrollable in the harsh morning wind.

"Of course…" Varse quickly replied, snapped out of his thoughts as he turned around. He viewed the group of Dril guards that would discretely accompany him on his journey, ten capable men who would all give their lives for his in an instant. Any one of them could have completed their diplomatic mission on their own, yet Varse desperately sought to put some distance between himself and The Council, even if only temporarily.

They would travel to The Wandering Desert, the black sand covered homeland of the Arkos situated on the far side of Magnius. They would seek the court of The Kromak, and there, Varse would find the answer to his little God King problem. After all, Holy Kromak did owe The Council his life.

"I must say, I have never had the honor of performing the departure ritual on a Potentate." The cut-master mused, unsheathing his ceremonial dagger.

"Do not expect to grow used to it." Varse replied coldly, loosening his wrist cuff as he approached the altar. He then slid his robe sleeve several inches up his arm, exposing the majority of the marble-colored skin of his forearm.

"One can only pray that you are correct." The man replied in a solemn tone. "Now, hold out your hand."

Giving no hint to his reluctance, Varse held his palm upright just above the surface of the altar, the stone's edges carved slightly upwards to form a bowl-like shape. While certainly an unpleasant experience, all Dril that departed their snow blanketed homeland were required to endure the same ritual.

The cut-master laid the edge of his blade on Varse's inner forearm, pausing as he closed his eyes. "May your blood remain while your body departs, may you return to us, unharmed…"

Varse gritted his teeth as the dagger sliced across his skin, leaving a gash just deep enough to allow his dark blood to spill forth, leaking into the altar. The cut master allowed it to drain for several seconds, and just as Varse was beginning to feel lightheaded the man removed a strip of cloth from his robe and applied it to the wound.

Varse stepped back, making room for the next member of his group to place their hand above the bowl. He glanced upwards as he held the cloth tightly, gazing at the winged creatures circling above them. Known as Idrae, their fur covered forms would swoop down the moment the group departed the roof to drink the combined blood. Completely eyeless, their keen sense of smell always attracted them to nearby Dril blood.

Of all the rituals and traditions of his people, Varese could only find himself reluctant to engage in this particular ceremony. While the idea of leaving a small portion of his blood in his homeland would have been comforting in the past, it now felt like a wasted gesture. His blood would have already been in the safety of the Shai Domain, as his son remained alive and well.

The cut-master took his time collecting the blood of Varse's companions, making his slices separate from previous scars on the rare few who had already departed in the past. As if crude tally marks, the scars would display the number of occasions that an individual had left The Dril Tundra throughout their life.

When the ritual finally came to an end, the cut-master carefully cleaned his blade before they all made their way towards the tower's entrance. Within seconds the numerous Idrae dropped from the sky, violently fighting each other to dip their long beaks into the dark liquid.

Varse's face hardened as he held his wound, mentally preparing himself for the long voyage to The Wandering Desert.

“The God King's days were limited…”

39th of Iahta, 1 BVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Niria.

The streets of Niria bloated with crowds of nervous onlookers as tens of thousands of men, women, and children gathered to witness the arrival of their new lords. With the towering settlement gates parted wide to welcome the approaching invasion, a hush seeped through the masses as the booming of drums grew closer and closer.

Nirian warriors gradually pushed through the swarm of citizens, parting the sea of humans to form a straight path for the coming Legion that led all the way to The Main Hold.

Riding atop a massive gray lixidion draped in white cloth, the fully armored form of The God King led rows upon rows of white cloaked warriors through the gates. Both Clin and Hesin flanked Dominax on their own mounts while Salduin rode just behind, sitting tall on the monstrous creatures.

Cries of adulation, alarm, and dissent intermixed as the river of white armored men poured down the main street, marching towards the large stone structure placed in the center of the settlement.

A caravan of numerous intricately carved thrones remained nestled in the center of the moving legion, carried by subservient slaves and protected as each one held a valuable member of Dominax's royal Court. Xenia, Lalian, even Irith were granted their own seat, hoisted into the air as if they were rulers in their own right. Cendra and Vixin both sat on Xenia's lap, gazing out with curiosity as they passed by their father's new subjects.

Irith wearily smiled down at the crowds, retaining her composure even as she felt the cold steel of the shackle locked around her left wrist, connected to her throne by a chain. She waved with her right hand, wrestling with her emotions. Could she truly accept Dominax as her lover, to submit to him despite all he had done? Her time to decide was nearing its end.

The drums continued to pound as Dominax approached The Main Hold, entering the wide courtyard packed to the brim with curious observers. As instructed his target waited patiently, surrounded by his own guards. A lanky but fit man, High-Chief Tilnir knelt as Dominax's lixidion came to a halt before him.

"God King Dominax of House Vaid, I, High-Chief Tilnir of Niria, humbly welcome you to our great settlement!" The man announced from the ground, gazing upwards at his conqueror. "I humbly bow before you and pledge myself to your crown in the hope that we may all prosper under your rule!"

Unsure what to make of the display, the people watched as Dominax wordlessly dismounted from the oversized reptile and walked to stand over their leader. After an agonizing moment of silence, he held out his hand, inciting a roar of elation as he mercifully lifted Tilnir to his feet.

Dominax let out an imperceptible breath of relief, knowing that their act had paid off. Had the crowds known that he and Tilnir had planned this moment for several weeks, their reaction would certainly have been less than joyful.

"Rise, as this is not a day of subjugation, but of peace!" Dominax announced in his most convincing tone. He then turned around, shifting to address the rowdy crowds. "Let us come together, joined as one! A single realm, one that may endure the chaos of our world!"

Eruptions of agreement burst throughout the population, as faced with rows of fearsome legionaries many who would otherwise voice their dissent remained silent.

"You shall no longer fight amongst each other, no longer die over trivial squabbles!"

As he spoke, several slaves struggled to haul a large white stone from the rear of the legion, having been transported with the rest of the supplies. About the height and width of an average man, it had been carved to possess four symmetrical sides that tapered on the top and bottom until the tip came to a dull point, while the bottom remained flat. Nearly the entirety of its surface had been etched with symbols, detailing an approved version of The God King's life and the history of Vaidrin. Yet its true value lay near the bottom, an official declaration of the birth of a new empire.

"Grant me your obedience, your loyalty, and I shall ensure that your descendants thrive in an unending period of tranquility! An EMPIRE of eternal peace!" Dominax continued, grinning as if a hungry predator about to unleash himself upon his prey.

The slaves carefully lowered the stone onto the ground in front of their master, ensuring that the only side presenting a rectangular section of unetched surface faced the two leaders.

"Let this day be a symbol of hope to all, for today, an empire shall RISE!" Dominax nearly screamed, raising his hands towards the stone. Radiating power, electricity burst from his fingertips and leapt towards the smoothly blank area of its surface.

He felt his power tearing across the fabric of reality, directing his will to precisely guide the strings of lightning that forced screams of alarm from the crowd. Carefully, he began to carve, eviscerating and warping the stone surface until the moon shaped symbol of house Vaid was created to fill half of the blank space. Satisfied with his work, he then threw his hands into the air, erupting a crackling web of power that roared throughout the sky.

"LET THE VAID EMPIRE...EMERGE!"

The crowds shouted in a mix of awe and horror at the otherworldly display, as many immediately began to kneel in prayer. For several seconds High-Chief Tilnir remained absolutely frozen, only to be jostled back to reality as one of his servants placed a hammer and rod into his waiting hands.

Just as they had agreed upon, Tilnir approached the stone and readied the metal rod. With one end forged into the shape of Niria's traditional banner symbol, he lined it up carefully next to House Vaid's carved crescent moon. Then, slamming the other end of the rod with his hammer, Tilnir pounded the symbol into the stone with each hit, only stopping when the shape had been permanently etched into the stone's surface. The 'treaty' he desired had been sealed, forever.

"Long live The Vaid Empire!" Tilnir finally shouted, unable to conceal his trembling as the crowd began to chant.

"LONG LIVE THE GOD EMPEROR!"

***

Celebrations continued to erupt throughout Niria days after the treaty had officially been signed, allowing Dominax to hear faint echoes of rowdy festivity even as he entered a large chamber within The Main Hold's thick walls.

His invited guests intermingled as they waited, all members of his Order of Sages. Their numbers had gradually increased over the last few years, with the eventual goal of providing one Sage for each settlement of The Empire. They filled the chamber, either standing to speak to each other or lounging on the numerous cushions and fine fabrics that littered the room. They wore no hint of clothing, displaying their beautiful bodies as the pinnacle of what humans should be. The females vastly outnumbered the few males, dominating the room with captivating femininity.

The moment they heard their master push open the heavy doors they all turned their attention towards him, hurrying to place themselves on their knees in a worshipful bow. He came to a stop, clasping his hands behind his back as he assessed his law givers. Wearing only his one-suit, he smirked with satisfaction.

"Rise my friends, as you have all done well." He commanded, watching as they immediately obeyed. "We have entered a period of enlightenment, with all of you acting as the shepherds of truth."

"As is the God Emperor's will…" the nearest Sage added, her thighs shifting ever so slightly in anticipation of what was about to occur.

Dominax nodded before pointing to two nearby women. "You, come and remove my one-suit that I may join you in our natural state of nudity." He ordered, noticing how they eagerly obeyed. They approached, wasting no time as their soft hands fondled over his body, working to unclothe him. "Today, we join the masses in a celebration of our own, yet we also serve a higher purpose. Reveal in the company of each other, enjoy the pleasures of one another's flesh, yet in the end remember your duty. The next generation of Sages shall spring from our loins, as today is only the start!"

The two women pulled down his one-suit, revealing his form to all onlookers. The divine body of their God stood before them, exposed.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, he began to walk through the chamber, surrounded by naked men and women as he began to select his mates for the evening. "You may all begin. Bring new life onto Ayphieal!"

At The God Emperor's command, they began their orgy, intermixed as they themselves found a partner or two. Within minutes aroused muttering began to echo through the large chamber as dozens of Sages began to caress and explore each other.

Satisfied with his selections Dominax made his way towards the most luxurious cushion, holding two women firmly in his arms as he pulled them downwards. They began to press their lips against his skin, kissing his neck and chest with evident desire.

Echoes of groaning penetrations rang throughout the gathering, as the few males pressed themselves into their partners while other women caressed and massaged their bodies. Females who were not currently fawning over the men instead began to separate into groups, their delicate fingers seeking to taste every inch of each other.

The first of Dominax's women mounted him, sliding herself down onto his shaft with evident glee as several other females stroked his body lovingly. The opportunity to please their true God could not be wasted, and they used the entirety of their craveable forms to worship him.

As the woman rode up and down upon his manhood, he gazed out at the naked crowds surrounding him, watching their bodies writhe in holy pleasure. Such was the purpose of the holy order, the duty of a Sage. Just as Dominax would grant the people of Magnius eternal peace, so too would The Sages teach them to enjoy the carnal pleasures that their creator had granted them.

The virtue of lust within his emerging religion served dual purposes, to ensnare his worshipers in desire and ensure that each generation of followers grew larger than the last. Though it was a calculated message to spread, his belief remained genuine. Dorian had created a new universe, a new planet where they should have thrived. The purpose remained life itself, to experience the pleasures of reality. Humans, Dril, Tazik, all species naturally held an inner desire to breed and procreate. Was it not logical that the purpose of life may lay within the greatest urge of all living beings?

Feeling as though he were nearing his climax after a long moment of intense riding, Dominax pulled his rod out of his current partner and shifted onto the next. His erection would taste as many hungry vaginas as he could muster before he'd allow himself to finish.

Moans cascaded over the stone walls, bouncing off of newly hung banners of The Vaid Empire. The crescent moon of House Vaid decorated the high walls, dominating all who lay below.

The writhing bodies of The Sages continued to shift and intermix, changing positions and partners. Cock buried into vagina, vulva grinding against vulva, tongue sliding between labia, the chamber contained every example of erotic pairing.

Dominax moved from one woman to another, then another, and another, exploring each of their depths in intense interlockings of their loins as he pounded into them. Each partner brought him closer and closer to his limit, barely able to pull away before it became too late to escape.

Each did their best to milk his holy seed, wishing to claim it as their own despite knowing how he planned to utilize tonight's climax. Their bodies craved to bear his divine gift of a child, their vaginas accepting his shaft as if they were goddesses of fertility.

He grinned with satisfaction at their overwhelming passion, representing the beliefs that the entirety of his worshipers should possess. To reproduce, to bring new life into their world, truly nothing could be more holy.

As he began to sense that he could no longer postpone his inevitable orgasm, he signaled to the only slave permitted to watch the holy orgy. She quickly made her way over to him, maneuvering between the many thrusting and grinding bodies as she carried a white steel chalice.

Holding his current partner's legs as he pounded her into the cushion, The God Emperor continued to thrust for as long as he could muster until he felt himself pass the point of no return. His sensitivity flared, feeling his seed preparing for an immediate expulsion.

Quickly, he pulled his cock free from the woman's quivering womanhood, allowing the young slave girl to reach down from behind and grab his cock. She swiftly placed the chalice directly under his tip, stroking his shaft throughout his orgasm as his sperm squirted into the overly decorated cup.

Groaning as the young woman milked him, he felt her delicate hands caress his pulsating testicles in an attempt to coax out as much seed as possible. The intensity of his climax slowly faded, leaving behind a healthy quantity of viscous liquid inside the cup.

The slave's hand left his shaft, already moving to fulfill her duties. Dominax merely turned around, slumping onto the cushion as his latest partners eagerly moved to gather around the slave.

Though every female within the chamber represented the peak of seduction and attraction, the slave watched as Dominax pointed towards the individuals he found to be above the rest.

The slave guided the first woman onto her back, spreading her legs and placing a small cushion under her rear to keep her pelvis angled upward. Then, tipping the chalice carefully, the slave used two fingers to hold open the woman's labia as she dripped a small portion of The God Emperor's absurdly potent sperm directly into her waiting vagina.

A light whimper of satisfaction escaped The Sage's mouth, feeling the sacred seed of her God sliding towards her cervix.

Dominax's next choice was placed onto her back in a similar manner, allowing the slave to repeat the process. One after another five lucky Sages were granted just enough sperm to ensure a viable insemination, dividing the collected sample.

The God Emperor gazed up at the banners, hearing the sounds of the last participants reaching their own finishes.

A new Empire had arisen, one that would consume all it encountered. The hostility of the other realms would surely increase when they received the news, yet their resistance could only last so long. An insidious grin kept across his face.

"A worthy start."

Chapter Text

2nd of Onis, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Wonakaros, Southern Coastline.

The harsh sea winds tore at Varse's robe as he emerged onto the deck of their tiny vessel, clutching the rope railing of the stairs tightly as they rolled over the waves. His scowl hardened as he felt the salty breeze caress his skin, doing his best to keep his balance. The sea was no place for a true Dril.

"Captain, are the claims true? Have you spotted land?" He asked, his short cape fluttering around him as he peered back to the wheel of the ship.

An Arkos, the old captain had transported many agents of the Shai Domain to his homeland over the decades. In response to his master's question, the outsider chuckled and nodded towards the bow. "Have a look for yourself, master Potentate."

Varse pitched his gaze forwards, following the bowsprit as it pointed into the distance. Squinting, he could just make out a black form on the edge of the horizon, hardly visible to his untrained eyes. The sight caused his internal tension to ease, grateful to finally view his escape from the wooden heap that the captain called a ship.

Ducking back down into the single hold, Varse stood before the ten fellow Dril that would accompany him. Dressed in short robes, they each were topped by capes similar in length and style to his own. They remained quiet, lying in cluttered cots and enduring the rocking of the ship that their bodies were entirely unaccustomed to.

"We are nearing our destination, gentlemen. This watery endeavor will soon cease."

The nearest man sat up using shaking arms to steady himself. "My Potentate, The Wandering Desert will be far less...forgiving…" He said, seemingly on the edge of spilling his latest meal as the vessel maneuvered through the waves.

"Indeed." Varse replied grimly, displaying no false confidence nor hope to his men. "The sands are not a place we Dril were created to tread, as some of you already know intimately. Yet our purpose is clear, a necessary service for the good of all our brothers and sisters back home."

"Our ancestors...shall not let us fail. We-" another Dril began, just before a harsh roll of the ship toppled him from his cot.

Varse's jaw harden as he quickly moved to assist the fallen man. "I ask that you all closely follow the instructions of the native guides when we arrive, even those of you who have previously been sent to this accursed place in the past. They are outsiders, of course, yet their knowledge may determine the success of our journey."

Though clearly reluctant, none of the ten men voiced their disapproval.

***

Several hours passed before they reached the shoreline, continuing to sail along the coast until they spotted their hired guides residing inside of a large tent surrounded by a tiny herd of feathered creatures. The captain dropped the anchor, remaining onboard while two of his crew members brought the Dril to land by rowboat. There would be no payment until The Potentate was returned safely to Nelzarshi.

The warm sunlight felt bizarre on Varse's pale skin, neither too hot nor too cold. He took his first step onto the beach, feeling the black sand under his foot wrappings.

An endless sea of darkness stretched out before him as far as he could see, sprinkled with patches of charom stems. The strange coral-like plants easily surpassed the height of an average humanoid, displaying countless vibrant colors that contrasted magnificently against the black sand, while emitting an otherworldly glow during the night.

Varse hardly felt a wave caress his feet as he studied the landscape, awed at a sight that had only ever been described in writing. The sounds of the rough sea that had tormented his men became little more than a nudge at his awareness, no longer his concern.

He nearly hadn't noticed when two Arkos males emerged from their tent and began to make their way towards him dressed in dirty rags. They appeared skinny and agile, an adult accompanied by a boy just on the cusp of manhood. The left iron-colored horn of the adult was missing, presumably snapped off during his travels. The fingers of his right hand brandished the gauntlet traditional to his species, capping his fingers with harsh metal claws that hinted of rust.

The adult Arkos kneeled before Varse, shooting a disapproving glare at the boy when he remained standing. The young man took the silent command instantly, hurriedly lowering himself to his knees.

"I take it that you are our guides?" Varse asked, turning to face the pair.

Regaining his feet, the Arkos pulled the boy upwards with a hard yank of his arm. "Of course, master Potentate. Holy Kromak is quite eager to make your acquaintance in person." The heavily accented man said in the language of the Dril.

"And your name?"

"Horos” The guide answered, watching as Varse looked expectantly down at his younger companion. "The boy has not yet earned a name, master Potentate. Pay him no mind."

"Very well, we shall delay no further." Varse replied, accepting a white shroud from the outstretched hand of one of his men. He wrapped the fabric around his hairless head, protecting his skin from the unfamiliar intensity of the sun. "Tell me, is it true that only a full blooded Arkos may enter Arkos-Tul?"

Horos bowed his head in exaggerated apology. "Indeed, my lord. Even a being such as yourself shall not even be permitted to merely gaze upon the great holy city. It is forbidden…"

"Even for a Dril?" One of the nearest guards asked, seemingly taken aback.

The young man's tail quivered in annoyance at the question, and he muttered under his breath in his native language.

The older Arkos quickly backhanded the boy, sending him to the ground. "Apologies, my lords. This runt has yet to learn to hold his tongue. Let us depart, as Holy Kromak fully intends to honor your request to speak in person. He shall meet us halfway between Arkos-Tul and the shore, deep into the true desert."

"Agreed." Varse replied, wasting no time in following the guide over to the herd of feathered creatures waiting just outside their tent. Quadrupedal beasts, Varse recognized from his pre-expedition studies that they were referred to by locals as Onaks. Their bulbous bodies stood on four thin legs the color of bone, with an oval shaped head supported by a long neck. Their mouths appeared to consist of four beaks, each sporting an eye and converging together into a single sharp point.

With only seven Onaks milling about, the group broke into pairs, two men per beast.

***

Mile after mile, hour after hour, the group of thirteen trudged deeper into the desert atop their Onaks. Only the quiet sound of shifting sand enveloped their world, interrupted occasionally by the cries and squeaks of unseen creatures.

By the time the sun began to set for the first day of their journey Varse was more than grateful for the white shroud. Though the temperature remained FAR more moderate than that of the Tazik Desert, the sunlight beating down upon his body would have certainly blistered his Dril skin. He kept his hands folded beneath the protection of his cape, his red eyes full of determination as they peered out from a slit in his headwrap.

The sunlight faded, dipping below the horizon and plunging them into a vast sea of darkness. In awe, the Dril men observed as the patches of charom stems slowly began to illuminate, spotting the landscape with splashes of vibrant blues, greens, and purples. They reminded Varse of an obscure painter from his childhood in Ishtai, wildly sprinkling his paint in maddening patterns that seemed to hold no meaning.

Their Arkos guide brought the group to a halt when he had found a suitable place to settle down for the night. The tent was pitched, the Onaks were lashed to the ground, and Horos set about planting a ring of torches into the sand to encircle their camp.

"Would the light not give away our position?" One of the Dril had asked, only to receive an adamant shake of Horos's head.

"There are far worse fates in this desert than being spotted, my friend."

The solemn statement coaxed no further question.

***

Varse would have expected a night spent on the ground to be quite uncomfortable, yet he found the sand to be rather pleasant. Within minutes he was asleep with his robe pulled close to his body, having given up his place inside of the small tent to one of his men.

Under the open night sky of a foreign land he dreamt of home, of ice, of the snow that had always enveloped his world. A twinge of longing poked at his chest, a yearning to return to his people. There was a sense of guilt waving throughout his dreams, as he was met with an understanding that every Dril spy The Council had deployed from their lands must surely have felt a similar longing to return.

A subtle crunching of sand weaved through his unconscious thoughts, hardly noticeable. The sound steadily intensified, becoming harder to ignore until Varse was jarred awake by the sensation of something sharp scraping against his skin.

Every instinct cried out to remain still as he returned to consciousness, momentarily unaware of where he was. The events of the day returned within moments, and he allowed his eyes to creep open a sliver.

The culprit for the slight pain in his leg was immediately revealed, as through the darkness Varse made out the figure of a creature leering over his once sleeping form. With skin as black as the sand, its bipedal body was topped with a nearly egg-shaped head, its smooth-skinned cranium split halfway down its featureless face to reveal a vicious smile of jagged teeth. Its lanky frame granted it an almost skeletal appearance, hunched over to inspect its prey. Its fingers and toes were ripped open from the growth of short claws, the same sharp objects that were now lightly slicing Varse's thigh as the monstrosity assessed him with its foot.

With incredibly slow and calculated movements, Varse slid the concealed blade from the wrist of his robe under the guise of sleep. He positioned the blade's tiny handle into his palm, clutching it as he readied himself to strike.

He immediately halted his intentions as another of the creatures walked by within view of his barely open eyes, filling him with the uneasy realization that he had no knowledge of just how many were potentially lurking within the camp.

An agonized scream rang out from the Dril to his left, causing him to push aside his calculations and burst into action. Thrusting his torso into an upright position, Varse rammed his blade entirely through the ankle of the creature inspecting him. A horrifying wail ripped through the wide mouth of the beast, sickening Varse to his core. It pulled away, yanking the small blade from its wielder's grasp.

Jumping to his feet, Varese was met with the awful reality of the creatures’ numbers, as five had found their way into the tiny camp through a break in the torch ring. One Dril already lay dead, his throat quietly devoured by a crouching monstrosity. The Dril that had loosed the initial scream lay on the ground, his legs kicking as his attacker's claws remained buried in his chest.

Varse positioned himself into a crude self-defense stance, an instant before Horos burst from the flaps of the tent. The raggedy Arkos ripped the nearest torch from the sand, crying out as he hurled himself in the direction of the creatures.

Their wide mouths hissed as he swung the torch in wide arcs, slowly pushing them back as they retreated from the flame. Taking several steps back towards the edge of camp they finally turned and sprinted away, disappearing into the surrounding darkness.

"By Holy Kromak, the bastards shall not return this night!" Horos yelled before gazing down at the dying Dril. "Ah, your man is injured!"

Kneeling down beside him, Horos studied his wounds. Little could be done, as the Dril continued to kick in pain before slowly fading into death.

"What were those...things…" Varse asked, peering into the blackness of the desert.

Horos closed the eyes of the dead Dril before slowly rising back to his feet. "They are but a few of the dangers that the night holds, master Potentate. The wind must have extinguished a few of the torches."

Varse rubbed his hairless head, closing his red eyes in disgust.

"We truly find ourselves in a damned realm…"

***

The dead were buried on Varse's orders, given graves of sand that were a continent away from their rightful place among the Ice Tombs of their ancestors. Yet so long as a portion of their blood remained in their homeland, their resting place would have to do.

Eleven of their group remained, riding through the desert by day and sleeping wearily by night. Precautions were taken with the utmost care after their incident, waking up in rotations to ensure that their torches were still lit.

Up and down the dunes they surfed, their Onaks tirelessly traversing the endless sands on their thin legs. The monotony of their journey was occasionally interrupted when they passed through small forests of charom stems, dense clusters of tall colorful growths. Varse ran his hand over the surface of one of the plants as they passed, feeling its stone-hard skin.

As they left the latest charom cluster all Dril quickly gasped, as far into the distance they were finally met with the sight of a legendary Wonak. Though quite far away, the details of the massive six-legged creature were visible enough to make out the structures built atop its armored back. Its leathery tail dragged behind it, acting as the entrance to the village it carried.

Lumbering over the hot sands, the Wonak appeared to be traveling in the direction of the cluster that the group was departing, undoubtedly intending to feast upon the hard vegetation with its powerful hooked jaw. Varse was almost disappointed that they'd be long gone by the time it arrived.

"Ah, any of you masters ever traveled aboard a Holy Wonak village?" Horos asked, chuckling at the evident amazement of the Dril.

They all answered in the negative.

"Truly, no?" The boy asked in surprise. "You snow dwellers are utterly bizarre."

***

One could only roam the desert for so long before their mind began to wander. The endless hours of riding seemed to always push Varse to delve into his thoughts, assessing every detail of their perilous mission.

Should they survive their journey and reach Kromak's camp, their goal would still be unguaranteed. They were deep into the lands of a potential enemy to their people, only considered as potentially harmful due to the fact that The Shai Domain had worked its way into his ranks. Kromak knew of the existence of their spies, knew of the power they held over him, yet there was no certainty that he wouldn't simply dispose of a small group of pesky Dril who carried demands.

Yet, he did owe them after all. For countless generations The Council's spies had spread the prophecy among the population of The Wandering Desert, a belief that a leader born of the gods would unite and protect all Arkos. The moment a child born with two sets of arms emerged, as had happened in the past, The Dril Council wrapped their influence around the so-called "child marked by the gods" and made him theirs. This prophesied Holy Kromak, worshiped as both a God and a savior, ruled over the Arkos population just as the Dril saw fit. An experiment, of sorts.

This...human God King, now God Emperor...could not be tolerated. The Council would make rulers, manipulate the rise and downfall of outside realms, and even pull the strings of a Kromak. Emperor Dominax was not one of their creations, was not a man whose actions could be driven in whichever way The Council saw fit.

Kromak's loyalties had been steady thus far, yet as Varse neared the day he'd actually stand before the false God, he felt himself growing weary of just how deep said loyalties lay.

A squawking cry from up ahead broke Varse from his thoughts. Looking towards the younger Arkos's Onak, he watched in horror as the jaws of a massive serpent sprang from the sand and sunk its fangs into the leg of the panicking mount. Its black scales rattled as it slithered out of its buried hiding place, easily four times the length of a man and just as thick. Its long body was split into numerous tails extending from just below the head, as if a living whip with several ends. It rose up onto its tails as the Onak collapsed to the ground, using its appendages to propel itself forwards as if an aquatic tentacled beast.

The group scrambled to get out of its way, yet its savage jaws tore into the nearest Dril. Its tails swung, crashing through the thin legs of several Onaks with sickening cracks of bone.

Varse was tossed to the ground, forcing him to scramble to his feet as the serpent struck at his companions in quick but precise bites. Its fangs met flesh, swiftly withdrawing each time to allow its venom to do its work.

Within moments five Dril were left writhing on the floor, foam leaking from their spasming mouths. The rest dodged and struck at the creature with their small blades, carving gashes that spewed dark blood.

Its slithering body arced towards the younger Arkos, pinned beneath his deceased Onak. Horos roared with panicked furry, rushing to intercept the serpent before it could reach the boy. Its fangs sank into the young man's frantic arm, just as Horos rammed his rusty gauntlet downwards, sinking his armored claws as deep as possible into the top of the creature's head.

The serpent hissed in pain, rearing its head in violent death throes that sent Horos stumbling onto his back. Its many tails twitched and shuddered, and within moments it allowed its head to collapse to the sand. A low groan escaped its lip-less mouth, too similar to the sound of a dying humanoid than Varse would have expected.

Varse sprinted to his injured men, assessing the damage as out of the corner of his eye he watched Horos hurry to the boy's spasming body. The dying members of their group slowly weakened, becoming silently still.

"Ohhh….you foolish boy…" Horos groaned in visible sorrow, placing his hand on his young chest.

"My Potentate…" one of the surviving Dril quietly said as he struggled to his feet. "My arm...it's broken…"

A tear fell from Horos's eye as he gazed down at the young man. "My boy...I grant you the name...of Roak, my father. It is earned…"

The Dril stood among their dead, unwilling to make a sound.

"Now...we are six." Varse thought to himself.

***

The remainder of the day was spent almost entirely in silence as they traveled, shuffling along joylessly.

Of the Onaks that hadn't been outright killed by the serpent, only two were left mostly unharmed. The rest were all too wounded to continue, with broken legs and shattered ribs. With two riders each, the group rotated every hour while the rest walked.

Varse granted his hourly turn upon one of the Onaks to an injured Dril, choosing instead to shuffle through the dark sand. Step...by step...by step…

Every life they lost was in service to their people, every grueling minute they spent toiling away in this gods forsaken desert was to ensure the survival of The Shai Domain. He'd-

His eyes fell onto the Dril walking in front of him. The man appeared to be mostly unharmed, aside from a light cut on the back of his forearm that had presumably been created during the fight with the serpent. Many others of the group possessed similar cuts, yet…

Varse's heart sank, and his jaw tightened when he saw it, a drop of bright orange blood dripping from the cut and running down the man's white skin.

"HALT. ALL OF YOU."

All came to a sudden stop at Varse's command, turning to look at him with concern.

"My Potentate, what is wrong?"

Wordlessly, Varse's finger pointed to the man. Several saw the blood and gasped, taking a step backwards.

The man looked at them in genuine confusion, turning back towards Varse for answers. "I...don't understand, what's the matter my Potentate?"

One of the Dril spit onto the ground in disgust, holding his hands out as he backed away. "He's…a hybrid! With Lish blood no less"

The others who hadn't glanced at the wound immediately went wide eyed in surprise, reaching for their knives.

"Wait! Stop this! I can explain!" The man cried out.

Horos dismounted, readying his gauntlet in uncertainty. "What is this? What has this man done to earn this ire?"

"He's and imposter, a half breed!" The nearest Dril explained with a scowl. "A Dril with a parent from another species always inherits the blood of the outsider. They lose their ability to survive unassisted in the cold of the tundra without our natural blood. I’d wager that's why you were so eager to volunteer for this mission, yes Zeril? Unable to withstand your own homeland, so you seek the desert?"

"Xilik, please! I've served with you for years!" Zeril pleaded. "You know me! All of you do!"

Varse stepped towards the hybrid, causing the man to slowly lower himself to his knees in a begging gesture. "I am truly sorry, though you know our laws, our ways. Your existence threatens our species, and for that you cannot be tolerated."

"My Potentate...I've served our people with my life...I've-"

"Enough." Varse replied, removing his blade from his sleeve. "You could have a dozen children with full blooded Dril females, yet they'd all inherit your blood. This is the unfortunate reality we are in. You'd weaken us." He explained sternly, standing over Zeril. There was no hatred as many of the other members of the group, for he simply had to uphold his duty to protect his people in all ways. Such was life.

"But I...I'll leave, I'll walk into the desert and never return!" Zeril pleaded, his mind working as fast as possible to preserve himself. "No Dril shall ever lay eyes upon me, no lesser child shall spring from my loins!"

Varse held up a hand to quiet him. "Be silent. You are still half Dril, and thus, die with dignity. There is no alternative."

"I…" Zeril began, though his words came to a stop. He merely gazed up at his executioner, before finally bowing his head and accepting his fate. "If...for the greater good of all Dril...I request that you make it quick."

Varse nodded grimly. "For your service, be assured that I shall." He said as he lifted the man's chin. Holding the hilt of his blade tightly, he pressed the cold metal to the man's throat.

With a quick slash of his hand, the hybrid met his fate.

***

Day after day they walked, pressing deeper and deeper into the endless dunes.

To tread upon sand was a far different sensation than the frozen ice of Shai, and Varse longed to once more step upon solid ground. His muscles ached, yet he pressed on uncomplaining and unyielding.

Creatures of all shapes and forms crossed their path, forcing Horos to periodically break his oppressive silence to instruct the dwindling group on how they must proceed. Slithering creatures with no eyes, hopping six legged reptiles that eerily mimicked their speech, a caravan of shinny bulbs that used flippers to paddle across the sand, even a tiny hive of buzzing finger sized parasites that sought out the orifices of other creatures.

Every step provided the possibility of an attack from an unseen foe buried beneath their feet. Yet, what was left of their luck remained, and before they had all reached their breaking point the sight of a large gathering of oversized tents came into view on the horizon just as the sun was beginning to creep beneath the dunes.

"You'll find what you seek in there." Horos replied, far less subservient and friendly than before.

"Thank the gods…" one of the Dril replied, hardly able to stand.

They carried along with renewed vigor, finally reaching their destination within an hour just as the desert was once again plunged into bioluminescence spotted darkness.

Nearing the edge of the tent city they were met by the presence of numerous guards patrolling the outline of the massive camp. Varse unwrapped his shroud, peering at the Arkos males with his piercing eyes.

"I am Varse of Clan Chalvarrus, Potentate of The Shai Domain. I demand to speak to The Holy Kromak." He announced with a conviction that gave no hint to his underlying exhaustion.

"We've been expecting you, master Potentate." The guards replied, bowing.

***

Ushered through the entrance of the largest tent, the surviving Dril were met with the spectacular sight of dozens of Arkos females, their toned bodies writhing in exotic dances as several guards stood tall and proud along the circular fabric wall. Smoke twirled calmly through the air, smelling of a bizarre aroma that Varse did not recognize. Candles illuminated most of the interior, aside from a towering throne that remained against the far wall. Draped partially in darkness, the seated figure cradled two nude females in his lap, their seductive faces smirking as the Dril entered.

"Approach, our honored friends." The deep voice boomed through the tent, emitting from the seated Arkos in the language of the Dril. His heavily muscled legs hung openly in the candlelight, with occasional flickers revealing his powerful exposed chest. The man was built like a giant, and Varse noted that he indeed possessed four arms, two on each side that caressed the smooth dark gray skin of his presumed lovers.

Varse stepped towards the throne, displaying his proudly stern face. He would not fail his people, would not allow their journey to go to waste. "You must be The Holy Kromak."

The man chuckled lightly, his voice echoing through the tent. "Of course...yet you may call me Krom, master Potentate. Only my closest companions may refer to me as such."

"Very well, Krom. I presume you know why I am here?" Varse asked, showing no surprise at the man's fluent knowledge of his language. He was raised by Dril after all.

"I have my theories. Your message came at a rather...interesting interval, so close in proximity to the formation of Magnius's newest little Empire."

Varse nodded firmly. "Your perception does not fail you, yet would it not be possible for us to speak without so many functioning ears?"

Krom chuckled once again, gesturing to the many people inside the tent. "Ah, you fear that information may slip from their lips? Come now, Master Potentate, you Dril fail to understand just how powerful devotion can be. My followers would gladly end their own lives before they'd consider betraying their living deity. Furthermore, your troubles in properly dealing with this 'God Emperor' may also lay in a similar vein." He explained, before waving a hand in dismissal. "In any case, nearly none of the beings you see here have any familiarity with your language."

Varse rubbed his head in contemplation as he scowled. "Very well then, the responsibility shall fall on you if any of what we discuss here leaks from this tent."

Krom placed his powerful hand to his chest, a flicker of candlelight revealing his sly grin. "I accept the responsibility. Now be upfront with me Varse, what must be my part in this charade you play with the human?"

Glancing around the room at the many nude dancers and guards, Varse straightened up proudly. "In plain terms, The Council requests a use of force strong enough to topple Emperor Dominax from his ever-growing throne."

"Ah, so war, is it?" Krom questioned, stroking the dark hair of the concubine nestled on his left leg. "A clash of Akros and Humans, so the Dril may feel safer?"

Varse's red eyes narrowed at the man's tone. "The fall of The God Emperor would benefit us all. Do you believe, Krom, that he'll simply halt at the edge of The Wandering Desert when the rest of us have fallen? Then what of his descendants? Will you simply hope they'll grant you mercy once more?"

"Their new Empire is spreading, yes, though they have yet to expand beyond The Human Basin. The God Emperor conquers humans, subjugates humans, and is worshiped by humans."

"Humans currently, Krom. We have every reason to believe that he shall turn his gaze outwards in due time." Varse explained. "None have come close to slowing his advance, yet we predict that a conflict with strong, faith bound Arkos on a full scale would be more than enough to put an end to our mutual problem."

Krom appeared to glance down at his female mates, his face hardly visible in the candlelight. "A slaughter of Arkos, for Dril." He said, gesturing to a nearby servant. She handed him a long, thin pipe topped with several tiny vials locked into the shaft. He pressed its end to his lips, inhaling before a deep cloud of smoke oozed from his nostrils.

"For the greater good." Varse corrected. "Yet do not forget, the Dril have done more than our fair share to benefit you. Need I say more, and test if your claims of our security in this language are true?"

The muscular Arkos remained silent for a long moment, three of his hands idly exploring the two females' curves in thought. "Potentate Varse, you request a war that shall harm my people, a war that I cannot grant you. However, there are alternatives…"

"Such as?" Varse asked as his patience wore thin. He could hardly remain standing, could hardly retain his composure after their journey.

"I can grant to you the service of my Tolkarik Assassins." Krom replied with visible amusement, inhaling the pipe once again before handing it off to the servant. He appeared as if a mystical beast, breathing smoke from his nostrils as he leaned back on his throne. "A contract on the human's life, free of charge in light of our previous dealings."

Varse stiffened at the name, recalling tales of the legendary female assassins that served The Holy Kromak. However, he retained his guise of pride. "Do you believe I'd cross the desert to request something that my own agents could accomplish themselves?"

Krom chuckled. "Then why haven't you? Why have I not received news that The God Emperor is dead? No, master Potentate, you ask for the death of a living God. Ordinary assassins shall never be sufficient. However, you know the reputation of my girls."

Varse stroked his chin as he considered the idea. The subtle approach could be more efficient when compared to a full war that could last years...yet would it be enough? "An interesting proposal...yet I'd like to assess them before we agree to any arrangements."

"Ah, but master Potentate, they are already here…" Krom said with satisfaction, gesturing behind Varse.

As Varse turned around, he was met with the sight of all four remaining Dril standing frozen, terror in their eyes as they each had a sharp fingered gauntlet pressed against their necks, their mouths covered from an assassin behind each of them. The rest of the crowd continued on as if nothing was happening, swinging their hips seductively.

"Careful friends, their claws are tipped with a particularly powerful venom." Krom said with amusement. "Your bodies will slowly shut down, paralyzing you until even your lungs refuse to move."

"Unhand them." Varse replied, turning back to glare at the seated Arkos. His piercing eyes boiled with rage, unwilling to watch a fellow Dril treated in such a manner.

Krom waved his hand, and the female assassins released their prey and backed away. "A mere demonstration, Potentate Varse, yet now you must see how generous I am to allow you to leave this tent. You need me, just as I needed you."

"Your death would come swiftly if any of us were to disappear." Varse replied with a venom of his own in his voice.

"Then we are both fortunate, for that was never my intention." Krom stated with a sly grin. "Now tell me, do we have an agreement?"

A moment of silence passed before Varse nodded. "They are adequate for the task."

"Excellent!" The Arkos said with a clap of two of his strong hands. "We shall refine the details of the contract later, yet you must surely be exhausted from your travels. Come, you are at the service of my hospitality!"

With a gesture of the Kromak a nearby dancer approached Varse, caressing his arm gently.

"She shall escort you to your tent and assist you in recuperating. Request food, women, even boys if you'd prefer. A guest of my court shall have all they require!"

Varse eyed the girl sternly, pulling his arm away. "If that is the case, then I request that my companions each receive the same treatment." He demanded defiantly. "Furthermore, I require that Horos be compensated tenfold for the service of keeping us alive, else we have no deal."

Though surprised, Krom merely shrugged his powerful shoulders. "If that is what you insist...then so be it."

***

Finally settling down where no accursed sand may touch him, Varse released a breath of exhaustion as he allowed the servant girl to remove his dirty robe before he laid down onto the lavish cushion of his own tent. He dismissed her with a wave, closing his eyes.

He felt the cushion move slightly and opened his eyes to see that she hadn't departed. Rather, she had instead moved towards him, crawling like a predator about to leap onto her prey.

Once more he dismissed her, yet she either did not understand or simply didn't care. Her job was to please him, and she would not fail. She whispered in her native language, foreign to his ears as her hand brushed his leg.

"Damn you woman, do you not listen?" He asked in an annoyed tone, knowing she could not understand him. He watched her approach, felt her soft skin against his.

A raging lust stirred in his loins, and he clenched his teeth. His hands covered his manhood, feeling it slowly grow as she caressed his lower half.

"A damned Arkos…" He muttered, feeling a slight guilt at his attraction to a female other than a Dril. Her long black hair hung over her budding breasts, parted by her curled horns.

The feeling of her flexible tail slithering along his calf forced a slight groan from his stern lips, and he slowly uncovered his erection.

The Arkos girl eyed his Dril shaft, smirking with desire. She leaned down, pressing her beautiful lips to its tip. Her tongue teased his glands, tasting an arousal that had been ignored during his travels.

Varse arched his back somewhat as she slid down, engulfing his erection into her supple mouth. She moved up and down, worshiping his cock. His exhaustion was pushed aside, replaced with a flow of tingling stimulation.

His thoughts slid back to the hybrid they had encountered, knowing the danger of their entanglement. His men knew not to spill their seed where it may take hold, a duty he himself must remain committed to as well. Only the womb of a Dril was worthy of Dril sperm, yet simple oral enjoyment couldn't be harmful to anyone…

Her soft hands massaged the pure white skin of his thighs, peering up at him as her head continued to move. Her skillful tongue had been trained for this very purpose, activating every pleasure center along his shaft and tip.

He reached down to take hold of her horns, wishing to satiate his biological need as he guided her head downwards. His manhood slid into her throat, yet the young Arkos woman merely moaned. How many lovers had this beauty serviced? How many nights were spent pleasing the guests of The Kromak? Varse cared little.

The bright orange of her feline eyes peered back at him, as if studying his strange Dril features. He realized that he must surely be the first of his species that she had ever seen, a new humanoid for her mouth to please.

Her dark gray hand sneaked down her toned torso, locating her throbbing arousal between her nimble legs. He felt her mouth tense around his shaft, a silent moan as she teased her waiting lips.

With a gentle touch of her free hand, she released his grip on her horns, allowing her to slide his cock from her mouth with a hungry grin. She then maneuvered her exotic body gracefully, mounting her intended mate. The sensitive skin of his erection rubbed against her pelvis, white on gray.

Adamant in his convictions he grabbed her thighs, causing her to stop as she moved to lower herself onto his hard manhood. Their potential children, even if slightly less likely to be conceived due to their opposing species, would undoubtedly have Arkos blood. Such an abomination could not be allowed to occur.

Confused, she looked down at him and questioned him in her unfamiliar language. He merely shook his head, increasing his grip when she tried to descend once again.

There was no convincing her, she wanted his cock. Her eagerness forced an idea to slip into Varse’s mind, a desire he had considered attempting in the past. If she truly wanted to feel him inside of her, she would.

Reaching around to cup her firm rear, he pulled her ever so slightly forwards, using his other hand to guide his manhood. He lowered her further, allowing his tip to press against the girl's puckered anus.

Her orange eyes went wide with realization, replying once more in a way he couldn't understand. Instead, he moved his hand to grip the base of her tail, holding it tightly as he pushed his hips up towards her.

Her mouth opened with shock as he entered her ass, struggling to sink into its tight embrace. She squirmed atop his lap, yet provided no resistance as a deep moan escaped his lips.

She allowed her body to lower, moving slowly as she accepted his manhood fully into her inexperienced rump. He hilted her fully, surprised by just how snug she felt.

A short moment passed as she adjusted to the new object inside of her, releasing a slight whine of both pain and pleasure as she began to move up and down.

Varse gritted his teeth, rocking his hips against her as he attempted to be as gentle as his arousal would permit. She leaned back, supporting herself with her arms. He watched as her silky black hair tumbled over her shoulders, flowing down her back.

Placing his hands on her hips for leverage, his beaten and exhausted muscles ached, yet he continued to thrust up into her. His eyes lingered over her exposed body, tracing her abs up to her perky breasts tipped by dark nipples. She appeared capable, flexible, and if she was a mere servant, the pesky human stood no chance against the Tolkariks.

His hands ran over her smooth thighs, feeling her striped skin. Such a beautiful creature, nearly as desirable as a female Dril. The comparison brought him back to the moment he had become a man, a night spent along the frozen beach of Ishtai with a childhood friend. Such a young and naive Varse, unsuspecting of the responsibilities that would one day weigh him down into dust…

The servant groaned, bringing one hand back to her front to slide between her legs. She found her moist sex, its dark labia begging for penetration. A single finger gently brushed her clitoris, sending light waves of stimulation through her that only increased her tightness as her internal muscles clenched down around him.

He watched as she spread her lower lips with her nimble fingers, displaying the wetness their encounter had caused her. She slipped her middle digit inside, leaning her head back to gaze up at the top of the tent.

Varse's mind once more traveled backwards, remembering the exquisite details of Tsida's body as they had mated. He found his breath increasing, remembering the climax that had created their son.

Increasing in speed, his manhood slid in and out of her tight rear, causing her tail to writhe in the air. The servant's fingers worked quickly, bringing her ever closer to the edge of bliss. Her hips slammed down repeatedly, plunging him deeper and deeper into her ass with each thrust.

Muscles straining, breathing heavily, he felt himself slip into orgasm, bucking his exhausted hips. The Arkos girl let out a satisfied whine, furiously pleasuring herself as she felt his seed squirting into her tight tunnel. Within moments she achieved her own climax, her athletic body seizing atop him.

Utterly spent, Varse allowed himself to fully sink into the cushion, finding the sense of satisfaction he had sought. The satisfaction of protecting his people, of ensuring their future, intermixed with the sensual post copulation bliss.

Yet as he closed his tired red eyes, the memory of Tsida's lifeless body atop her altar came into full view, and his momentary peace vanished from his grasp.

Chapter Text

9th of Onis, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"High-Chief Foin, approach." The God Emperor commanded, seated atop his throne. The gathered crowd watched in hushed silence as the man stepped forwards, accompanied by his future queen Enalia as she cradled his heir.

Xenia smirked at the pair as she stood to the side of the throne, thinking back to the moment her knife had completed its work on the man's testicles. Foin's castration had been kept secret from the general population of course, yet she noted the telltale signs of a eunuch as he kneeled at Dominax's feet. The softening of skin, the subtle loss of muscle definition, Foin expressed them all.

The child wrapped in Enalia's arms amused Xenia further. The boy's features were uncannily similar to Dominax's own, from the structure of his face to the black hair atop his little head.

"The Empire requires your service, High-Chief Foin, for there are two kingdoms under our yoke. Vaidrin and Domexia." Dominax announced in his booming voice as he arose to stand over the kneeling couple.

Xenia gently nudged Salduin, as he stood directly to her side. The large man leaned down, positioning his ear so that she may whisper. "One has to wonder why our benevolent God Emperor did not select one of his loyal advisors to rule Domexia."

Salduin shrugged her inciting comment off. "We will serve in whatever way he requires, no more no less."

Dominax held his hand out towards Foin, palm facing downwards. "Do you accept the mantle of this position, this duty, as King of Domexia?"

Xenia whispered once more. "I have been meaning to speak to you about our little diplomatic journey." She said, choosing her words carefully. "What would bring such a strong man like you to tears, hiding away alone in the trees?"

Salduin froze at her words, watching as Foin kissed The God Emperor's hand in submission.

"No denial? Very good, I respect a man true to his word." Xenia continued, speaking just loud enough for the large man to hear over the murmuring crowd.

"Then rise once more High-Chief Foin, rise as a King!" Dominax commanded, inciting the crowd into cheers as the secret eunuch regained his feet.

"What is your aim, Xenia? To insult?" Salduin replied calmly.

"Of course not, I merely seek an ally at court." She replied, nodding to onlookers with a falsely kind smile. "An alliance that remains mutually beneficial, for you shall heed my suggestions, and I shall remain quiet on this matter."

Flames erupted into Dominax's palms, holding them to his sides. "Then may the mantle of Domexia's wellbeing rest upon your shoulders, may your descendants watch over its people, and may your kingdom serve The Empire well!" He shouted, launching two flames into the air. The balls of fire crashed into the chamber's ceiling, bursting with a splash of flame that dissipated above the crowd. They all cheered in awe, bowing before the throne.

"That's a funny way of making friends." Salduin replied to Xenia when the noise finally faded enough for his whispers to be heard. "The God Emperor shall not grant your claims more than a passing thought without proof, little healer."

Xenia shrugged. "Worth a try at least." She said lighthearted, giving no voice to her thoughts. “Proof? So be it…”

Foin and 'his' family took their place at Dominax's side, allowing him to address the audience directly. "We have entered into a new age, one that requires change if The Empire is to thrive efficiently! Thus, on this day, we shall see the first of many reforms, beginning with titles. High-Chiefdoms? No longer, for they shall be reorganized into Districts ruled by High Lords. No longer will we have settlements, for instead we shall have cities ruled by Lords, towns governed by mayors, and even simple villages each controlled by an administrator. Size shall dictate the classification of each former settlement, a clear and organized hierarchy under the throne of The Vaid Empire!"

Once more the crowd cheered as they remained on their knees, utterly filling the temporary throne room. Dominax dismissed them with a wave of his hand, reclaiming his seat upon the Throne.

23rd of Onis, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, North of Domani.

Vibrant tropical leaves cascaded from the palm trees nestled against the colossally wide river as both Dominax and Irith rode atop his lixidion. The creature's reptilian claws slashed into the reddish sand with each rapid step, hurling itself towards its intended destination.

Seated just behind The God Emperor, Irith's arms remained wrapped around his torso for stability, pressing her body against him as his cloak flowed wildly around her in a protective embrace. She felt the cold white steel of his armor against her fair skin, clenching her strong thighs with each gallop of the lixidion. She could only bite her lip at the memory of her sensual fantasies, holding herself closely to him while giving no voice to her thoughts.

Their journey seemed to drag on and on, yet she hadn't bothered to ask where he was taking her. His order for her to accompany him had come coldly, granting no room for questions nor concessions. They departed alone, no guards, no shackles, merely the two of them to ride upriver.

Dominax finally yanked his reins, steering the lixidion from the beach to plunge deeper into the humid rainforest. The creature galloped through the trees with ease, tearing apart shrubs and oversized leaves until the target of their journey came into view just as Irith peered forwards, spotting the hints of a wall through the dense vegetation. Vines appeared to be in the process of overtaking the battlements as if the forest was attempting to reclaim a structure that hadn't been cared for in years.

They began to follow the outline of the wall deeper into the foliage, tracing its outline for several minutes before eventually emerging from the tree line into a wide clearing. A dilapidated gate came into view, and Irith realized that they had followed the outer wall of a deserted settlement.

Small piles of decaying wood remained where outlying houses may have once stood, overgrown until they were almost entirely unrecognizable. The pair passed through the East facing gate, its heavy wooden doors clinging to rusted hinges as it had been presumably left wide open by curious scavengers.

Irith's lips parted in awe as the lixidion slowed its pace, allowing her to gaze out at the extent of the damage as it somberly pranced down what might have once been a main street, yet was now only a muddy overgrowth. Nearly all of the structures protected inside of the settlement's encircling wall had been burned to the ground, as even the most intact buildings were lucky to still possess two remaining walls at the most. Vines and countless plants had replaced the human inhabitants, with many small creatures stalking through the growing vegetation. Only a single stone building stood taller than two floors, its top appearing to be collapsed inwards.

"What...happened here?" Irith asked, her flowing yet precise accent continuing to cling to her words as she loosened her grip around him to straighten up.

Making no reply, he brought the lixidion towards what remained of the center of the settlement. Hundreds of foot sized stones and wooden poles encircled the center, seemingly intended to have been spaced evenly. An obelisk that stood at the height of an average human towered above the rest, and Irith slowly made out the names of both Briza and Cendra carved into its pale surface as they approached.

Bringing the beast to a halt Dominax dismounted before helping Irith to the ground, uttering nothing as he stepped towards the obelisk. With a cold expression he carefully removed the few hints of plant life that had begun to cling to its newly carved surface.

Irith watched with cautious curiosity as the breeze gently rustled the vegetation, making no move to interrupt him. When he finally turned around to face her, she was surprised to be met with the most hard and oppressive gaze she had ever observed from him. His silver eyes met hers, oozing suppressed rage that leaked from his core.

"This...is Nitri." Dominax finally stated, removing his crown helmet. "The place of my birth. The place of my death. And the place of my rebirth."

Irith looked around her, unfamiliar with the name Nitri. That came as no surprise, as it appeared to be significantly smaller than many of the noteworthy settlements of the region. "Death?"

Dominax gave a firm nod. "In a sense, yes."

Uncertain of his meaning, she gestured to the nearest wooden pole jutting from the ground. "Are these...markers of some kind? Burials?"

"Indeed. You stand on the graves of all those who were slain by Chief Manith’s warriors, a Lanthian I executed some time ago. The lucky few of the dead who still possessed living family members after the attack were granted their own individual resting places, while the rest were buried in heaps of up to ten."

The statement sent a shiver through her body, and the extent of the slaughter became clearer as she noted just how many markers lay planted in the dirt.

Dominax gestured for her to come closer, standing side by side before the obelisk. He closed his eyes, subconsciously touching his hand to his chest where the deep scar that ran from his left shoulder to his right hip lay beneath.

The silence lingered until Irith turned towards him, using her calmest voice as she finally spoke. "Dominax...why did you bring me here?"

"We came so that you could understand." He replied, opening his eyes to gaze at the obelisk. "In the years since our first meeting, in all our countless conversations, there remains no string of words that can accurately express...my intentions. For myself, and for you."

"You've certainly tried." Irith replied with only the smallest hint of resentment. "I've heard your explanations, heard what purpose I'd serve as your concubine."

"So you have." He said, pausing only briefly before kneeling down. Then, cupping his free hand to gather a small pile of dirt, he rose to his feet with a sorrowful heaviness. "I've explained the goal of The Empire, the eternal peace that I shall create. I've attempted to justify my actions, my battles, the blood spilled by my name and hand. I've told you all of this before...yet now I show you the physical form of my ambitions." He said, holding out the soil for her to see.

Irith eyed him with skepticism. "You've never given me the impression that your ambitions are...dirt."

"But indeed they are. The dirt of a fallen civilization, the soil holding the bones of a dead population. It is the very purpose of my existence." He explained, allowing the tiny pile to fall from his hand. "I aim to prevent...this. Destruction, slaughter."

"I'm aware of that, Dominax." She replied, letting out a breath as she felt a slight tingle in her chest. It was one thing to listen to his words while locked in a dungeon, and an entirely different feeling to stand over the death in which he spoke.

Dominax paused, calculating his next words with caution. "Your brother fell against my warriors. I...cannot apologize for his death, yet I hope you may at least understand the purpose."

Irith's lips slightly parted to speak, only to fall closed again. In truth, she had blamed him for Enil's death, yet her resentment had softened over the years.

"We've all lost family." He stated, softly laying his hand to rest upon the surface of the obelisk. "I shall create a world in which that may never again occur, yet such a thing requires sacrifices. Were the entirety of Magnius to simply lay down their weapons, I'd eagerly accept a bloodless victory. Yet, you know better than anyone that such hopes are for fools."

Irith nodded, restraining her emotions from flowing as tears. "I...know, Dominax. I know." She wanted to say more, to finally bring her conflicting feelings and urges together in a way she may understand, yet nothing came forth.

"We are nearing the day when you must make your choice, Irith." Dominax said. "I do not ask for your forgiveness, nor do I need it. I...merely hope that you may understand enough to join my court, as there is no limit to the order and stability that we shall create together."

"I'm certain there is much I can do while I warm your bed." Irith replied with cold sarcasm, even while her body pushed daggers of desire for such a fate through the emotion he had stirred up.

Dominax shook his head, releasing a frustrated breath. A long silence lingered between them, only broken when he finally turned to face her directly. "You fear that you will be nothing more than a pleasure slave? Breeding stock?"

Irith folded her arms, attempting to quell her inner turmoil. Lingering emptiness from her brother's loss, a tingle of her loins at the prospect of bearing an Emperor's heir, resentment at her imprisonment, a lust to birth a family of her own, all mixing into a concoction of Dominax's creation. "Not quite. I am not blind to the kindness you've shown me, to the effort you've placed in convincing me. Other rulers would have forced themselves upon me, enslaved me, yet you've shown restraint. With all your claims of granting me purpose...I merely wonder if your interest in me is misplaced, perhaps even unknowingly. Is it possible…that the interest you hold in me will fade the moment I birth the child you seek?"

"Ah...foolish woman." Dominax sneered. "Take note of where you stand. My family lays dead beneath you. Cendra, my...Briza. They remain irretrievable, never to return. I...failed them, failed myself, for even Briza's killer has slipped through my grasp. I…" He began to say, only to wave off the remark. "Then I encountered you, and in you I saw a future I could cultivate. A new family, a new mate. A new path towards a legacy that may sit atop the foundation that is The Empire."

Despite his harsh tone, Irith's heart quickened imperceptibly at the mention of what she had always sought. "You speak once more of family?"

"Of course, a family that shall be worthy of my throne, worthy of leading The Empire to prosperity." He said, only to allow his tone to somewhat soften. "I...shall be blunt with you. In addition to our potential as a pair, I...seek a mother for my daughters, as I've allowed chaos to claim the life of the woman who should have raised them. Xenia is...Xenia, and she shall be adequate as their caretaker for now. Yet, I simply fear...that I may not possess the capacity for the love that a child of my blood deserves."

Concealing her smile, Irith unfolded her arms. "Cendra and...Vixin, correct?"

Dominax nodded. "Indeed. I shall never hide my commitment to ensuring that my dynasty receives only the greatest existence. I believe that you are a piece of that existence, a mate truly worthy of bearing the future members of House Vaid."

Irith's jaw tightened in reaction, finally standing before the future she had dreamed of. She was alone, the only family she had experienced ending the moment Enil had fallen. She had clung to him so tightly, supporting her brother in every way possible.

"Briza...is gone, yet I still see hope when I speak to you."

Slowly, Irith carefully reached over and clasped his hand in hers. Specks of the dirt remained, pressed between their palms.

Dominax turned his head towards her, sternly studying her as they remained silent. Her long braid wiggled lightly in the warm breeze, as if a curious serpent that gazed up at him with her endlessly blue eyes.

No words passed from her lips as she remained still, their hands clasped together in front of the white obelisk.

Coldly, he turned his head towards the grave after what seemed to be an eternity, grimacing as his eyes traveled over the carving of Briza's name. "You have been...to the place I value the most. Now, I ask that you leave."

In confusion, Irith allowed her fingers to slip from his grasp.

"Take the lixidion, as I have instructed Clin to retrieve me in two days. Return to your home, either in Harin, or in Domani." Dominax commanded in a flat tone. "The choice must be made, Irith. Flee to the life you previously possessed or rise to accept your place at my side."

Taking a cautious step back she eyed the reptilian creature, an escape from her lengthy imprisonment in either option.

"I've made such a choice for hundreds of slaves, yet I shall not make it for you. A being of value forges their own path."

Irith wished to say more, peering up at his firm expression, yet she only nodded and began to make her way towards the beast. Carefully, she mounted the lixidion, trapping it between her powerful thighs as she took command of its reins.

She maneuvered the beast to turn around, finding herself surprisingly reluctant to depart from her captor. Curiosity got the better of her, causing her to take one last look back at The God Emperor as she slowly set off towards the gate. He had knelt down, planting his knees onto the grave as he hung his head low.

Returning her attention forwards Irith flicked her reins, inciting the lixidion to speed off through the gaping exit.

34th of Onis, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Dominax strolled along the polished white stone of what would one day be The Grand Pyramid's oversized new throne room, armorless and alone. Rows of pillars towered over him, leading to the platform that would hold the throne of The Empire. The gargantuan chamber's lofty walls were nearly complete, accompanied by archways that would soon support the heavy weight of the ceiling. With their designs conjured from Lalian's unmatched mind, Dominax held no doubt of their stability.

The red illumination of sunset poured through the top of the unfinished chamber, bathing The God Emperor in fading sunlight as he contemplated alone. The evening always brought the end to his faithful worshipers' construction, leaving the quarter-completed pyramid in a peaceful silence that Dominax yearned for.

He approached the edge of one of the trenches that would be filled with water to act as baths for the many slaves of his harem, peering down into it. Various building materials littered the chamber, including several lounge cushions that would be lined against the walls to allow his slaves to lay back and relax as they displayed their beauty to any who sought an audience with The God Emperor. For now, the cushions lay scattered, testing how best to plan the decorations after construction had been completed.

Eleven days with no sign of Irith's return was enough to make any sane man certain of her rejection, yet a piece of him clung to the hope that she may return to Domani and accept his offer. Her face remained firmly planted in his subconscious, a stinging reminder that he may have failed.

The massive main doors began to creak open, large enough for an entire building to comfortably fit through. Dominax turned his head in annoyance, only to see the form of a woman enter. With surprise he found himself gazing upon Irith as she approached, her long legs moving with confidence.

Dominax turned his head back towards the trench. "You've returned."

"Your guards said you'd be here." She replied, coming to a stop just beside him. Together they peered into the trench, surrounded by solitary silence.

"I had assumed that you fled to Harin." He replied coldly.

Irith folded her hands behind her back. "I needed…" She began searching for the word. "...time. Time to think, time to ensure that I was making the right decision."

"Oh? And what have you found in your...time?"

Slowly she turned to face him, studying the man who had consumed her fate. "I found...that there is truly no other option. I can return to my former King, an empty life that has become far more desolate without Enil. Or...I may remain, a course that offers the possibility to build something real, something worthwhile."

"Then you've chosen to stay?" Dominax asked as he turned towards her, meeting her blue gaze with a sliver of elation.

Irith nodded, unable to contain the fire of yearning from her eyes. The yearning for purpose, for a future, for…"You've granted me a gift, Dominax. One that I cannot refuse. I...want the family you offer, want it more than anything I've ever desired. There is no one left waiting for me back home, only ahead. I…"

Dominax leaned forwards, pressing his lips against hers. He tasted her sweet scent, a sensation he had desired every day for the last two years.

They finally separated, leaving Irith momentarily speechless before she cautiously reached out and gently clasped his hands in hers. "This...I…" she stammered, only to lean back in. Her grip tightened, the stirring in her loins begging to act on the unshakable thoughts that had plagued her for months.

Their lips parted, and he already longed to feel her warmth once more. "You've chosen well, my Empress. You shall have what you seek, for you have sought it willingly." He said, and though his words came coldly, he was surprised by the surging wave of relief that coursed through him. Could this being truly have made such an impact upon him?

She pulled herself closer, their chests nearly touching. "Then you've spoken truthfully?"

"Indeed." He replied as he let go of her hands, instead placing his own on her tight waist. The feeling of her bare skin nearly sent a shiver through his body, craving her touch.

An overjoyed grin played across her sensual face, and she pulled him into yet another kiss as their bodies met. Finally, she felt the hard muscles beneath his one-suit, flaming her feminine yearning.

Feeling her firm breasts against him, he moved to gently nibble her neck before whispering in her ear. "Here is the defining moment, a crossroads of fate. Seize it, make it your own."

Irith bit her lip, holding him close. Her soft hand slithered down his surface, pausing only for a moment before caressing the bulge of his manhood through the chimira-silk. A moan escaped her lips, feeling its size. "I've...waited so long…"

"As have I." He said, caressing the gorgeous curves of her wide hips. "I shall wait no longer…"

The heat of their mutual lust burned between them, male against female. Dominax carefully led her away from the trench, moving towards one of the miscellaneous cushions. With a hard yank he pulled away the dusty protective sheet, revealing the immaculate silky orange-gold fabric beneath.

Irith released a playful cry as he pushed her onto the cushion, witnessing the hunger in his silver eyes as he pounced on top of her.

Pulling away her revealing top, Dominax gazed upon his prize, two utterly flawless breasts. He took them gently into his hands, feeling their weight as she laid back in an aura of feminine beauty.

She placed a hand on his forearm as he moved to open the groin slit of his suit, granting him a far more loving smirk than she had ever displayed in his presence. "No, my Emperor...I shall see all of you if I am to accept you…"

Gazing into her eyes he nodded in response, straightening up before beginning to remove his one-suit. The black fabric slid down his torso, revealing every inch of his skin until he was entirely nude before her.

Irith's virgin womanhood tingled with desire, finally greeted by the sight of his bare cock as he remained kneeling between her legs. She studied the powerful body of the man claiming to be a living God, making note of each of his many deep scars.

In turn, Dominax reached down to unfasten her belt, slowly pulling away her skirt. At long last, as the fabric gently fell away, he viewed the holy valley between her womanly legs. Young and fertile, its soft pink lips waited for his seed. The white tattoos decorating her abdomen ended just above her crotch, as if inviting him to venture forth.

"You are...flawless." He said, placing his hands onto her strong thighs. His cock throbbed, desperate to plunge into her warm embrace.

"Please...be gentle." She requested, laying her hand on his. "No man has touched me."

Granting her a nod, Dominax carefully leaned over her, holding himself above her as he used one hand to gently caress her moist folds.

Irith released an aroused whine, never having felt the sensation of another's fingers against her womanhood. Her body reacted with a mix of hesitation and excitement, already wet from unbearable anticipation.

His fingers brushed over her labia, feeling just how utterly ready they were to accept his cock. His lust raged through his body, threatening to overtake him if he did not act.

Carefully, he lined up his tip, allowing it to touch her folds for the first time. She gazed into his eyes, feeling an intense trust as she nodded for him to continue. He slowly pressed forwards, sliding his cock just past the tight entrance to her virgin vagina.

She shivered with lust, a pressure building in her groin as it began to stretch around his manhood. With great care he reached her hymen, moving incredibly slowly as he gently pushed past its thin barrier.

A slight cry passed through her lips at the pain of her virginity tearing away, causing her to grab his arms tightly as her back began to arch.

Creeping forwards his cock pushed deeper and deeper, taking ample time to minimize her pain. She gradually adjusted to his size, allowing him to venture further. Eventually, with painstaking slowness he pressed against her cervix, filling her entirely.

She held onto him firmly, her body finally experiencing the sensation of a man. The limitations of her mere fingers were fully evident, for truly no other feeling may compare to true copulation. The young and pliable walls of her vagina caressed his shaft, holding it tightly as if it were desperate to never release him.

A small trickle of blood leaked from her lower lips, the final remnants of her virginity dripping away. The red stained the silk of the cushion, a permanent reminder of the interlocking of their loins.

Taking great care, he began to pump his hips, sliding in and out of her goddess-like body. Her existence served his ambitions, served his plans, yet the reluctance to hurt her came from an affection that was begrudgingly genuine.

Irith gazed into his eyes, pushing through the pain as pleasure steadily built inside of her. His large shaft was created only to breed, a fate her womb craved.

"Am I hurting you, my little Empress?" He asked, releasing a breath of pent-up arousal.

She shook her head, gritting her teeth as he moved in and out of her snug tunnel with short and slow thrusts.

Pleased, he gradually increased his speed, his cock burning with pleasure. He had claimed her, a goal long in the making. To finally taste her sweet depths, to breed a pussy truly worthy of his seed, the hardness of his erection was nearly painful.

He leaned in, pressing their lips together as he rocked his hips back and forth atop her. She closed her eyes, lost in the moment she truly became a woman. A moan passed from her lips, her body quivering each time he sank himself fully.

Their interlocked bodies bathed in the light of the setting sun, the red illumination slowly fading with each passing minute. Dominax used his left hand to travel to her side, caressing her smooth skin as her grip tightened on his right. Her now free hand moved to the back of his head, running her fingers passionately through his dark hair.

His left hand settled onto her breast, a perfectly round orb of womanly flesh that would soon nurture his children. The image of his potential son ran through his mind, suckling from his mother's perky nipple. Dominax shuddered, gently biting Irith's bottom lip in primal heat.

Irith held him closely, feeling his powerful form atop her. The delicate fingers of her left hand traveled along his muscles, imagining the battles he must have fought. His seed was certain to grant her strong and healthy children, the family she had always desired. The memory of their own conflict poured through her, recalling the power he had wielded as their opposing armies had collided. The fear she had felt upon witnessing the fire and lightning radiating from his fingers from across the battlefield...she groaned against him.

The exceptional tightness of her vagina drove Dominax wild, its walls squeezing and caressing every inch of his shaft. Yet where he had roughly pounded himself into countless slave girls and worshipers, he found himself thrusting into Irith with a slow yet deep intensity. Each thrust felt electrified, a steady rhythm pushing their loins together then apart.

Irith nuzzled his neck, each sensual moan tingling against his skin as she whispered into his ear. "I want...your seed, my God Emperor...oooohhh…"

Dominax's jaw tightened as lust raged through him, his balls aching with anticipation. Two long years of waiting, of subtle manipulation, and her womb would finally be his. He could have forced himself upon her at any time, tasted the delectable pleasures of her body against her will yet it would have all been a waste. Though he would have gained the powerful heir he desired, he needed her mind, her willingness. He needed…Dominax could not bring himself to admit that he desired her heart. What was love to a God Emperor if not a weakness?

"Dominax...oooohhhh I want you, please...finish inside…" Irith moaned, knowing full well of what she asked for. Through their endless talks she had learned of his unmatched potency, knowing that his seed was almost certain to get her fertile young body pregnant. She wanted it, craved the pleasure of motherhood. She kissed his neck before brushing her sensual lips against his ear. "Give me your child...and I shall be eternally yours…."

Wrapping his arms around her neck Dominax held her as close as possible, his body pinning her beneath him as he continued to buck his hips against her. She groaned in bliss, their flesh grinding into each other.

His arousal burned brighter, and brighter, every ounce of his existence desiring only to knock up the gorgeous female beneath him. Her womanhood quivered, desperate for his baby.

Groaning like a ferocious lixidion breeding its mate, Dominax plunged his cock into her depths, his tip pressed against her cervix as he began to orgasm.

Irith gasped in pleasure, wrapping her strong feminine legs around his waist and holding onto him as tightly as possible. His viscous liquid spurted into her, causing her to clench her eyes shut and bask in the moment of their child's conception. Her body screamed in ecstasy, receiving the very thing she had wished for. The father she had never known, the mother who had perished in childbirth, and the twin brother fallen in battle. Only she remained, a woman who lived to support her kin yet held none to speak of. She would birth her own, create a new purpose and legacy for herself. She would finally be...content.

Breathing heavily, they remained locked together, cradling each other as the night sky swept away the red illumination overhead. Utterly satisfied, Dominax could hardly move, hardly think about anything beyond the walls of the future throne room. Hundreds of thousands of lives depended on his rule, yet in that moment only his Empress held value.

Dominax felt a trickle of liquid against his neck, and he pulled his head back in surprise to see tears streaming down Irith's gorgeous cheeks. "Are you...in pain?"

Irith shook her head, smiling up at him. "No Dominax...that was...perfect." She said, pulling him back down to lay atop her. He remained buried in her womanhood, neither of them wanting their loins to depart.

"Yes...perfect."

Chapter Text

41st of Fonic, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Bring him in." The order seeped through Dominax's insidious grin, seated in his lofty place at the head of the table. The newly completed dinning chamber of The Grand Pyramid flowed with slaves and royal servants, each attending to prominent guests partaking in the monthly feast.

The massive chamber was sectioned into three raised levels, each a human's height higher than the last and possessing its own table intricately carved of stone. The main doors led directly onto the lowest level, each step-like tier gaining in height as they proceeded to the far wall of the chamber. The sloping floor connecting each level was etched into stairs, creating a single hill-like floor with shallow gutters carrying trickling water along the outer walls of the chamber.

Surrounded by the most prominent of his guests at the top table, Dominax steepled his fingers as he watched the nearest slave girl descend the steps to retrieve their latest guest. The necessity for such gatherings was clear to him, albeit begrudgingly. The God Emperor enjoyed lording upon his throne, listening to the requests of the commoners and issuing decisions that may settle their grievances. Yet to be surrounded by his underlings, the lower rulers of The Empire's lands? Dominax was only grateful for the enormous chamber's open and spacious feeling.

His two concubine Empresses sat closely beside him, Irith cradling her heavily pregnant belly while Xenia studied the female slaves dancing erotically atop the table with visible delight. Steps carved into each stone table allowed the women to easily take their place in the center, the majority of the table acting as a stage more so than a surface to eat upon. Lalian's food remained untouched, his entire focus centered on the writhing females. Both Cendra and Vixin were intended to flank their father's lovers, yet Cendra had opted to settle herself directly in Clin's lap. The young princess innocently snuggled against the blonde warrior's chest, who clumsily held her as if not quite certain how to handle the affectionate child.

The departed slave soon returned, leading along a pair of dark-haired humans. The visibly older of the pair, a squat and somewhat stocky man with a tanned complexion, was immediately recognizable as High-Chief Galis of Elmia. The independent ruler of a lonely settlement to the East, the man had requested to speak before The God Emperor. Yet, it was the second of the pair that caught Dominax's silver eyes. The young woman was nearly the same height as her male companion, dressed in a thin skirt that ended halfway down her shapely thighs. Her moderate breasts were held by a typical wrapped top, leaving the remainder of her torso exposed. Her black hair was cut neatly to just above chin length, while her body seemed to draw gazes towards her wide hips and round rump.

Galis kneeled, bowing his head as he yanked the girl's wrists to follow his example.

"Rise, High-Chief Galis, and join us as our honored guests." Dominax commanded, gesturing towards an empty chair. "I apologize, as we hadn't expected you to bring company." He continued, waving dismissively at High Lord Voris of the Tarin District. The old man snorted in annoyance though arose to grant the woman his seat before shuffling off.

"Apologies, God Emperor Dominax. I am pleased to present my daughter, Elmia." Galis replied as he took his place at the table, gesturing to his companion. He spoke with a faint accent, harsh and seemingly unrefined. The girl bowed her head respectfully, eyeing Dominax with curiosity.

Salduin chuckled lightheartedly, seated beside Clin. "Elmia? Named for your settlement, or the settlement for her?"

"The former. We are an ancient people, my lord." Galis remarked firmly.

"So I've heard." Dominax replied dryly. "You are free to indulge in our food, the sight of our women, yet let us address the purpose of your requested meeting without delay. Are you here to pledge yourself to The Empire, Galis? The last human High-Chiefdom, finally prepared to fall beneath The Throne of Vaid?"

Elmia glanced nervously towards her father, yet the man's expression remained firm. "You give voice to what my people have pondered since the moment rumors of your Godhood caressed our borders. Yet, I come with something...more. An offer."

Hesin eyed the man suspiciously through the legs of the dancing slaves, his one-eyed mask laying on the table as he ate. He had placed himself directly across from Clin, attempting to be as far away from the man as he could manage "Of what sort? You must surely know that it is an honor to dine in the presence of The God Emperor, yet you risk a test of our patience?"

The dark-haired High-Chief bowed his head once more. "Of course, and thus I would not have requested such an honor if I did not bring something of true value. Indeed, we are prepared to pledge ourselves to The Vaid Empire your holiness, as many of our people have already converted to your worship. Yet, we stand on an opportunity with such a joining, a chance to elevate Elmia to greatness in a way that shall only benefit The Empire further. You know of our struggles in the East. The Human Basin's rainforests constrict us on all sides more so than any other region! We've hardly expanded beyond our ancient borders, as only the lands we've fought to secure over generations provide protection against the forest's wildlife."

"I've read of your wildlife." Lalian interjected with a shiver, momentarily taking his Lanthian eyes off a dancing slave spreading her bare legs for him. "Such hideous monstrosities...I am only grateful that the mighty river separates us from the worst of these lands."

Xenia teasingly smirked at the green man before turning her attention towards Galis. "Then what could a High-Chiefdom surrounded by such difficulties possibly provide The Empire?"

"Ah, knowledge, Empress Xenia." He replied with an ambitious grin. "We have struggled to gain more than a foothold in the East for centuries. Little progress has been made, but you? An Empire with legions ready to serve? You'd make short work of our wild tormentors. Thus, I offer you this. Provide us resources, manpower, warriors, and we shall use our knowledge of the landscape and wildlife to clear away the danger such creatures provide. We shall found colonies under the rule of The Empire and initiate the formation of an entirely new Kingdom in lands that are otherwise unconquerable."

Xenia watched Dominax lean back in his seat, considering the proposition. She felt Vixin's small hands nudge her thigh, and she turned to pick the child up from her chair. Xenia pulled her top to expose her breast, allowing the six-year-old princess to begin gently suckling at her perky nipple. She caught the sneaky gaze of Lalian as he attempted to quickly look away, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and utter hatred.

"An interesting offer Galis, one that is mutually beneficial to be sure." Dominax said as he casually rested his hand onto Irith's belly, caressing it gently. The Empress placed her hand onto his, both of them feeling the developing child inside. "I have given some thought as to how the East should be pacified. Truthfully I cannot spare the resources to forcibly gain a foothold while The Northern Kingdoms turn their eyes upon us, yet local knowledge may make it possible."

"Such would be a slow process to be sure, yet one that is more than worthwhile, your holiness." Galis replied with enthusiasm. "The Empire's lands would nearly double in size, as well as alleviate generations of strife amongst my people."

"And benefit you personally, correct?" Hesin questioned with a skeptical glare. "What would a man such as yourself request for this...generous offer of cooperation?"

Galis and Elmia shared a glance of worry. "That...is true, Lord Hesin. We do have requests of our own. To be blunt...in return for pledging ourselves to The Vaid Empire and providing our knowledge it is my desire that I be granted the title of King over the new Kingdom that shall arise from our unification."

Dominax chuckled, though he did not dismiss the prospect outright. Galis wasn't Foin, wasn't a man sticking out his hand to accept a position he hadn't earned. He'd provide knowledge, guidance, a true contribution to the founding of the realm he requested. Yet...the fact remained; such a thing would still be impossible without the fruits of Dominax's actions. The inheritor of The God Emperor's efforts must be of his blood. "Ah, there is a price for such a request, Galis."

The dark-haired man nodded knowingly, a look of solace in his eyes as he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial tone. He chose his next words very...carefully. "Yes your holiness, I am just as aware of the unspoken truth of King Foin as the rest of you at this table. The whispers of what was done to the man...of the reality of his heir, there must be no human ruler who hasn't at least overheard such rumors."

A malicious smile played across Dominax's face, his silver eyes slightly glowing. "Interesting, then you know of what I require."

"I...do, your holiness." Galis replied, taking a final glance at his daughter before continuing. "That is why I have brought an...offering of sorts, an alternative. The fate of King Foin's bloodline is one that no man should accept...one I'll avoid at all costs. Thus, I offer the company of Elmia here, in the hopes that she shall provide me a worthy heir, if you take my meaning…"

Dominax's grin only widened with amusement, receiving an accepting bow of the head from Elmia. Such a bold man, aiming to avoid his cuckolding by providing the womb of his own daughter. Such behavior was not unfounded, however, for the greatest compliment a human male could receive is the stated desire of another to sleep with his daughter. Such a statement directly praised a man's seed, for it proved that he had sired an individual worthy of breeding. Yet, to have a father directly offer his daughter's body was...rarer.

"It is my intention to make said grandchild the heir to my potential throne, father known or otherwise…" Galis continued, leaving the offer that all at the table understood unsaid.

"An intriguing alternative…" Dominax said, studying Elmia's womanly features. His bloodline would continue on Galis's throne, just as it would on Foin's. Known by many, yet unacknowledged as a potential threat to Dominax's true heirs. He felt Irith's hand tighten nearly imperceptibly on his own, yet she made no objection. They were not in The Northern Kingdoms, were not bondmates, and thus his loins would act as he saw fit. "I am tempted to accept, as the East shall eternally lay in my ambitions. It must be stabilized and developed eventually, with or without your guidance."

Galis's expression eased somewhat in relief. "Then what better time to act?"

Dominax nodded. "I shall indeed consider your offer, High-Chief Galis. In the meantime, stay. Enjoy the pleasures of Domani. I believe Elmia shall find herself preoccupied one of these nights…"

A sly grin crept onto Elmia's lips, folding her hands in her lap. "One can hope. If I am to find myself with child while under your hospitality...then my father and I shall know that we truly carry your divine favor."

45th of Fonic, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A knock of the door came into the later parts of the evening, just as the majority of Domani's population prepared to settle down for the night amongst their families and lovers.

Dominax's fingers slipped from Irith's grasp as she watched him stand from the royal bed, the comforts of which she hadn't yet grown accustomed to in any real way. Several months of luxury could not stand against a lifetime of encampment tents, even when considering her spoiled time as Dominax's prisoner. Still, she wished that Enil could see her now, to rest peacefully knowing that she was secure in the life they had never truly considered to be within their reach.

Draping himself in an exquisite robe of white chimira-silk, Dominax opened the door to be greeted by the presence of Xenia as the guards outside the door remained kneeling to greet her. "Ah, we had wondered when you'd return for the night."

"Apologies, though certain business required my attention." She replied as she clasped her hands behind her back, granting him the smirk that he had been on the receiving end of for six years now. "I believe it shall interest you as well, for it concerns our little guest…"

"Oh? Then perhaps I shall pay the bearer of a future King a visit." He replied, utterly intrigued by the sensual glimmer in Xenia's eyes. Elmia had been granted ample time to settle into her temporary Domanian life, and thus it was time for her to fulfill her purpose.

"My thoughts exactly." Xenia replied before leaning to peer past him into the room. "You may come if you'd like, little Northern Flower…"

Oh, how the healer's words could put Irith on edge...always sensing as if every movement and action was somehow studied by the dark-haired concubine. Irith merely shook her head, placing her hand tenderly onto her belly as she cradled the fragile life inside. "I shall not interrupt. Go, do what you must."

"Very well, we shall return shortly." Dominax said before he offered his hand to his lover. Xenia accepted the gesture, wrapping his arm in hers as she led him away from the door.

"Such a prude…" Xenia chuckled with only the slightest hint of venom in her voice as they slowly followed along the winding corridors. It was impossible to discern where the old passageways of The Royal Stronghold ended and the new halls of The Grand Pyramid began. The smaller structure had been entirely consumed, buried within the gargantuan walls of the unfinished Pyramid and incorporated as a small collection of miscellaneous chambers waiting to be repurposed. Only the royal sleeping quarters and throne room retained their original purpose as the completed lower sections of the Pyramid were gradually put into use, a temporary measure until their larger counterparts were fully built.

"You know that's not true." He replied as they navigated the maze-like halls. Each servant and guard they passed along the wide corridors bowed in holy respect, often lowering themselves fully to the stone floor while muttering semi-audible prayers. The ornately carved white walls of the passageways flickered warmly with torchlight, as if it were an endless cozy tomb for a dead God.

Deeper and deeper they traveled, descending various main stairways until they were certainly below ground. What could be seen from the surface was merely the beginning, for a network of uncountable chambers and tunnels continued below the surface. Just as opulent and finely constructed as the rest of the structure, it was entirely possible to become lost amongst the organized yet vast complex of underground rooms and passageways. Slave quarters, baths, storage chambers, all could be found beneath The Capital.

They traversed the final hall, greeted by a wooden door that Xenia quickly unlocked. As he entered the room, his silver eyes were instantly drawn to its center, as the nude form of Elmia hung from the ceiling by her bound wrists. Similarly, chains restrained her ankles to the cool floor, stretching her curvy body. Both Pria and Pilsi attended to their prisoner, each holding colorful feathers that they appeared to take great pleasure in running meticulously over the helpless girl's delicate skin. Elmia moaned into the gag wrapped around her mouth, her body straining and squirming with each movement of the cruel feathers.

"Welcome, my God Emperor. Mistress Xenia has prepared quite the mate for you tonight…" Pria purred, her feather gliding over the sensitive abs of The High-Chief's daughter. Torchlight flickered over the white walls, illuminating a variety of instruments and chains intended for crude purposes.

"Is that so?" He questioned, feeling a rising tension as he watched the girl struggle in her bindings. The future of an entire kingdom lay upon Elmia's womb, a union that must NOT be risked. "You overstep, my Empress. What do you believe shall happen when she leaves this chamber and informs Galis?"

Xenia slipped her arm from his embrace, sensually striding over to her victim. Encircling her as if taunting her prey, her fingernails lightly traced over Elmia's midriff, causing the girl to nearly shake as her chains rattled. "Oh, worry not my lord, this one here is quite the freak. The day your bargain was struck she approached me and asked...no, begged for this...a girl truly after my own heart. She shall fulfill her father's end of the deal, on her terms…"

An insidious grin poked at Dominax's lips as he folded his arms. "She requested this? A temporary dungeon?"

"Oh yes, master." Pilsi replied as her feather ran lightly up and down Elmia's side. The twin slave appeared to be in the final stages of pregnancy, the latest of many. "We've spent the last hour preparing her for you."

Elmia's muffled moans echoed quietly through the small chamber, nodding to him as the tip of Pria's feather attacked her underarm.

"Very well, it appears that we've had quite the curiosity fall into our grasp." He said, gesturing from Pilsi to his robe. The pregnant slave hurried over to him, her nimble fingers caressing his chest as she slowly pulled away the fine fabric. The robe cascaded to the floor, leaving him bare before his females. "I shall waste no time in sampling this gorgeous oddity."

With a signal from Xenia the twins set about unchaining their victim, allowing Elmia to stand on shaking legs as her hands were released. Their mistress waved them off with a dismissive hand, pulling away Elmia's gag. "You two may go, as we shall delve into this delectable feast on our own." She commanded, just before harshly grabbing Elmia's short black hair and pulling her into a hard kiss.

Both twins bowed obediently, making their way towards the door. Dominax approached his lovers for the night, placing his hands on their womanly hips.

Their lips separating with a lingering tenderness, Elmia turned to gaze upon the source of the numerous rumors that had crept their way into her lands. She made no move to cover herself, but instead seemed to openly display her voluptuous form with glee. "Your holiness...I've eagerly awaited this moment…"

His hands gently caressed her skin, exploring her curves as he assessed his mate. "Galis's seed has done well, for you are truly worthy of bearing a king. Tell me, does your father know of your...interests?" He asked, nodding to the hanging chains.

Steadily, Elmia gained control over her quivering legs, her face flush with arousal after the lengthy torment. "Oh yes, he's aware. He disapproves, of course...yet he's made no move to discourage such activities…"

Xenia grasped their hands, slowly leading them over towards a wooden table. "Come then, let us attempt to coax moans that shall reach poor old Galis!"

Elmia eagerly obeyed, taking a seat upon the table and resting her womanly rump on the smooth wooden surface. Several leather straps had been fastened directly to the wood, yet before laying down to accept her place she rested her hand lovingly upon Dominax's scarred chest. "Hold a moment...I must know something. Holy God Emperor Dominax...tell me, are the rumors...true?"

In response he slowly lifted his hand between them, allowing her to watch in amazement as electricity danced within flame upon his palm. "Every. Word."

Elmia's eyes burned with a mixture of awe and passion, pressing her lips deeply against his before finally laying on her back. "My god...I could never doubt your worship…"

"That god is about to put a baby in your belly, little whore…" Xenia teased, already working to secure the straps after pulling Elmia's arms high above her head, binding her to the table. The young woman's legs were then parted, restraining her knees as far apart as possible. Xenia ran her finger over the girl's vulnerable vagina, returning her now soaking wet finger to her lips as she sensually licked away the juices. "My lord, she is UTTERLY ready…"

Taking the initiative, Dominax lined himself up with the waist high table, her womanhood in the perfect position to be used. He lightly slapped her waiting labia with his shaft, beginning to slide it over her folds with a slight rocking of his hips.

Elmia moaned, feeling the cock that would sire her child sliding against her sex. "Oooohhh your holiness...please, I can wait no longer!"

"As you wish." He replied with a sneer, pulling back before driving his tip to part her lower lips. A groan escaped her bound form as he slowly pushed into her, sinking into her depths.

Xenia fondled her firm breast as she watched her mate penetrate the girl's eager womanhood, feeling an ache deep within her womb. Her loins tingled, demanding attention.

Elmia was far from the tightest lover he had encountered, a result of a past of promiscuity. Yet her soaking tunnel caressed his manhood lovingly, desperate to satiate the lust that the cruel twins had built inside her. She felt Xenia caress her restrained arm, felt the intensity of a woman watching her lover breed another female.

Leaving her place at the side of the table only briefly Xenia retrieved two of the feathers, returning to stand over her victim with a smirk. Slowly, as Dominax rocked his hips in and out of the girl's vagina, Xenia ran her fine tipped instruments over Elmia's torso.

The feather danced over her ribs, inciting the helpless girl to giggle as she clenched her abs. Dominax felt her tighten slightly at the added stimulation, sliding in and out as he used her spread thighs for leverage.

Up and down the feather swept, electrifying every nerve it passed over as it traveled down to her navel, then back up to the underside of her shapely breasts. Elmia swooned under the light assault, her body pierced on The God Emperor's cock.

"H...harder...your holiness…" she moaned, her fingers curling above her head. He eagerly obliged, his hips slamming into her with each thrust.

"My, what a little slut we have in our possession!" Xenia chuckled, her feather arcing upwards to slowly encircle Elmia's left nipple.

"I ooooohhhh….am yours, my lord…." She moaned in response, utterly open and exposed to their desires. The leather straps held firm against her skin, pinning her to the table with no hope of escape. She bit her lip, leaning her head back to bask in her bound predicament.

Like a blade cutting down a foe, the feather ran across the side of Elmia's sensitive bud, its thin edge running over the pink surface. Xenia watched her victim squirm, delighted by the view.

With each thrust of his hips the table lightly squeaked, the tingling sensation of raw sex trickling throughout his large cock. She could not resist, nor did she desire to in the slightest. The entirety of her existence narrowed down to a single, beautiful moment of complete submission to her God Emperor. Her body craved his length, begging to be his.

"Your thighs are quivering Elmia…" Xenia breathed as her feather increased its pace at brushing the girl's nipple, her voice flowing with arousal. "Such a sensitive little thing, aren't you?"

Elmia moaned, shifting in her bindings as her womanhood was ravished by Dominax. "P..please...don't...aaahhh...stop!"

"Never, for a king...aaahhh...shall be sired this night…" Dominax replied, their loins slamming together.

A wave of lust overcame Xenia, finally deciding that she had solely indulged her sight long enough. She unhooked the belt of her loincloth, allowing it to flutter to the ground before gracefully mounting the table. Positioning herself to face Dominax she straddled Elmia's face, hovering her bare sex above her lips. "Please your mistress, slut…"

Elmia beamed with eagerness as she licked the outer folds of Xenia's labia, tasting her ample wetness. In response, Xenia lowered herself further, pressing her lower lips against the girl's lips.

Dominax watched with interest as Elmia's tongue plunged into her slit, greedily lapping at her tormenter's juices. Xenia fondled her own breast with her free hand, her breath heavy as her hips subtly rocked against the young woman's mouth.

With the strength of a God he continued to slam into her needy vagina, thrusting wildly. Xenia reached down, griping Elmia's throat while resuming her cruel strokes of the feather. Her hand lightly squeezed, beginning to choke the poor girl.

Elmia squirmed under her attackers, unable to breath as Dominax's tip crashed into her deepest depths with each movement. Her body seized, ecstasy washing through her as she succumbed to orgasm.

Xenia laughed through her moans, holding the girl's neck firmly before finally easing her grip. "This is...ahhh...quite a first, cum for me...aahhh...little slut!"

Able to breathe once more she inhaled the sweet feminine scent of Xenia's loins, deepening her climax as she quivered helplessly. The feather targeted her underarm with sadistic precision, causing her to strain her bindings in a vain attempt to lower her arms.

Xenia felt her victim struggle beneath her, Elmia's cries muffled by her womanhood. Again she increased her grip, repeatedly stifling her breath before easing after several grueling moments.

"Careful...aaahhh...Xenia, her father will...aaahhh...notice bruises…" The soft skin of Elmia's thighs slightly reddened under Dominax's grip, his lust insatiable after such a sight. Her womb called to him, intoxicatingly close.

"Oh? Could such a man...ooohhh...truly make a protest to a god?" She moaned, her feather licking up and down Elmia's underarm. "Perhaps he'd even thank you...aahhhh...for exposing what an utter slut his precious daughter is!"

Elmia shuttered in pleasure, once again feeling the constricting grip around her delicate neck. Such words plunged her deeper into bliss, her body aching in meek obedience. If Galis could see her now...could see her conquered in such a way…

Juices flowed around Dominax's shaft as Elmia was once more overtaken by climax, the leather straps unyielding to her struggles. He was close, so very close…

Xenia leaned forwards, granting Dominax a deep kiss before gazing into his eyes. "She is yours...my master, my God Emperor...claim her. Fill her womb with your child...as is your right!"

Dominax reached out and cupped Xenia's chin, holding her firmly. "I shall, have no doubt...ahhh...of that…"

Pursing her gorgeous lips Xenia eased herself from his grasp, her hips grinding firmly against the young woman's tongue, a tongue that desperately explored the vagina that had already bore The God Emperor a daughter. There was no hope that Elmia's bastard would ever be a threat to Vixin, for Vixin was the TRUE heir to House Vaid. Yes, little Cendra had technically been born first, yet without her overstepping mother there remained no shield to block Xenia's intricate influence. She bit her lip, her shapely thighs quenching around Elmia's head as she climaxed at the thought. Her abundant juices squirted furiously, soaking the girl's face.

Yes, she'd ensure that Vixin rose above the rest, a true Empress in the making. Not Cendra, nor whatever vile spawn emerged from Irith's spoiled loins. "Tread lightly Irith, for you may find yourself on the end of a blade of your own making…" she thought to herself, riding out the remnants of her pleasure.

Faster, harder, Dominax could not tame his powerful thrusts. The edge of his limits was steadily approaching, each moment pushing him closer. He could not be stopped, for nothing in the world could prevent his seed from flooding his mate's womanhood.

The instant of ecstasy struck, engulfing his cock in screaming sensitivity as the orgasm that would decide the destiny of a Kingdom flowed through him. Thick ropes of cum erupted from his tip as he continued to thrust, pushing himself through the agonizing sensitivity before finally ramming his shaft fully inside for a final time. His testicles pulsed, pumping streaming jets of divine seed into his lover's fertile body.

Bound, breathless, and drenched in feminine fluids, Elmia groaned deeply into Xenia's lower lips as she achieved her third climax. Her body cried out in joy, receiving the sperm that would create a future King.

The course of history had been settled, for the fate of the East lay entirely in their interlocked loins.

Only now could the birth of The Empire's third Kingdom truly begin.

17th of Fixuin, 1 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The streets of the capital swarmed with humans as they went about their day. Herbalists hauling their crops to the market atop colorfully scaled Lixidions, metalworkers making their way to their forges, merchants bartering their wares for other valuable, slaves scurrying about to fulfill their masters' tasks, even several Sages either preforming public matings or loudly preaching the dictates of The God Emperor's blossoming religion.

In all the commotion it was not difficult to overlook the four robed figures maneuvering through the crowd. Even still, their odd appearance managed to draw the attention of several passers-by, for all possessed the telltale curved horns and dark gray skin of the Arkos species. Other Arkos individuals resided within the city here or there, and thus no one made a move to question nor expel the four concealed women.

"Magnificent..." One of the Arkos women stated in a hushed tone, gazing up at The Grand Pyramid as it had already begun to tower over Domani. The clattering of construction continued to ring out across the city, as thousands of servants slaved away under the sun.

"The beacon of a tyrant." Another countered in their native language, holding her poisoned gauntlet close to her body beneath her robe as a nude slave nearby bumped into her. "A challenge we shall meet."

"Then come, we are nearly there." A third replied, leading them down a branching alleyway. They would observe their target, memorize his schedule and habits. Only then, when the optimal opportunity presented itself, Holy Kromak's will would finally be done.

"Rest easy upon your throne, tyrant, for your followers shall soon be in need of a new god."

Chapter Text

26th of Silla, 1 AVE.
The Human Basin, Elmia.

A bead of sweat rolled down Salduin's bald head and fell onto the wooden table as he leaned over the map etched into its ebony surface. He quickly whipped it away with a grunt, feeling the sticky humidity permeate around the guard tower atop Elmia's surrounding wall.

"If we are to secure this area…" King Galis began as he searched the map before finally planting his finger. "...here, we shall require a minimum of five hundred men to settle the beginnings of a colony. The rest of the legions can then begin to sanitize the surrounding wildlife, though an initial foothold shall serve us best."

They had discussed logistics for a full three hours upon the open topped tower, overlooking the camp of several thousand warriors encamped at the base of the wall. The plan was simple: The Empire would settle colonies along the shoreline of the river to secure a supply line before delving deeper into the surrounding lands.

Clin wiped his forehead, the third of the trio standing around the table. The rainforests throughout Vaidrin were far more temperate when compared to Elmia, especially in terms of density. The trees around the Eastern city were as constricting as a serpent, their man-sized leaves toppling over the outer wall. "Very well, I shall lead said men myself."

"You? Come now lad, what manner of King shall I become if I allow others to fight my battles?" Galis asked lightheartedly. "No Lord Clin, I’d rather have you at my side instead."

"If that is your wish, your majesty." The younger man replied with a respectful nod. Your majesty. The title didn't quite feel right on his tongue yet, for after all the man was only the ruler of the small District of Elmia, newly absorbed into The Empire's domain. Such would change however, for Clin was prepared to fight tooth and nail to ensure that all under the newly forming kingdom's borders would thrive in prosperity. It was his duty, no less. "I'll inform The God Emperor of your suggestions and we shall ready the men to depart within days."

"Yes...The God Emperor." The King replied, tasting the tiniest hint of fear. The pregnancy of Elmia, now Princess Elmia, had begun to truly show days ago yet the older ruler remained wary of his position. "He seems to place tremendous trust in you two. You'll speak of the efforts my people and I have already begun to invest in this enormous task, won't you?"

Salduin had only just opened his mouth to reply when the yells of a female guard rang out below, calling up to the trio. "My lords, The Empress Irith! She is pushing!"

***

Dominax held Irith's hand firmly, feeling her tight grip as if she were clinging to the edge of an endless chasm. Her loud cries echoed through the chamber, situated at the top of Elmia's Main Stronghold. The temporary quarters had been swiftly made fit for The God Emperor, yet its luxurious furnishing remained the furthest thing from the minds of the individuals huddled around the bed.

Xenia stood between Irith's spread legs, the only healer trusted with the task of leading a fellow Concubine Empress through a birth. Several slaves remained at her side, prepared to assist in whatever way she required.

"Nearly there." Dominax said in a firm voice, sounding both harsh and encouraging in a way that only he seemed to be able to manage. His silver eyes burned into hers, unwavering.

Throughout the visceral ordeal Hesin remained standing beside the door, permitted to witness the birth of the divine child as a member of The God Emperor's Council of Advisors. The immensity of such an honor was something he was not prepared to refuse, yet as he held his mask in his folded arms, he felt more out of place than ever. The gorgeous body of The Empress lay bare and spread for all to see, an intoxicating sight even given the circumstances.

"It's coming, keep pushing!" Xenia commanded, giving no hint to the secret joy she took in hearing Irith's cries.

A warm breeze swept in through the wide balcony as the door to the chamber opened, allowing Clin and Salduin to step inside. The two men had become drenched in sweat after their lengthy sprint from the outer wall, arriving just in time to witness the child's head emerge from Irith's delicate folds.

Her screams cascaded through the room as Dominax leaned in closer, pressing his lips near her ear. "Grant me an heir…" his voice dripped with ambition, uncertain of what the birth may bring. Though he had sensed his connection to the child in her womb long ago, he hadn't yet allowed himself to delve further. The spiritual bond linking father to offspring were clear to observe with only the faintest of effort, but further details of the child's soul were less so. The sex, its potential power, all could be viewed if he would only push a little deeper. Yet...he hadn't, wouldn't. The future of The Empire may rest between Irith's legs, slowly expelled inch by inch as her vaginal muscles labored to birth the baby, though he simply would not delve deeper. Only when it finally emerged fully into the world would he explore the child's potential.

Hesin's single eye widened in awe at the beautiful moment of Irith's final push, an effort that at long last caused the child to slip from her loins and into Xenia's waiting hands. The tiny human took its first breath, bursting into ragged cries.

"God Emperor Dominax…" Xenia began, assessing the infant as if she held her prey. "You have a daughter…"

The unmistakable twinge of disappointment struck Dominax like a small stone, noticeable but something to be quickly deflected. Such a result was probable, even expected as an average of two of every three births among humans resulted in a female. Yes, an Empress would indeed face stronger challenges to her rule than an Emperor, though the daughter of The God Emperor himself could be quite the viable heir if tutored properly. Not ideal to be sure, yet none of it would matter if she held what he sought…

"Give her to me." He commanded, accepting the child from Xenia's offering hands a moment later.

"M...my love…" Irith said weakly, gripping his arm.

"A moment." Was his only response, focusing his entire attention onto the squirming newborn. He closed his eyes, instead peering into her soul through his own. She was there, a flicker of life in the darkness. The power of her blood radiated from her being...yet the previous sting of disappointment was nothing compared to the war hammer that slammed through his thoughts. The potential he had sensed in breeding Irith, the power that their children held the possibility of possessing...resulted in a daughter no more powerful than Cendra or Vixin. Even Vaidimated she would not surpass her sisters, a realization that drained away his electrified anticipation.

"Come here...child…" Irith said in a near whisper as Dominax cautiously handed the infant to her mother. She accepted her with eager arms, cradling her as if she held her own heart. "My love...she is perfect…"

Dominax stared down at the pair, watching as Irith began to weep with joy. "Yes. Perfect." The bitterness in his voice could only be disguised to a point, causing her to glance up at him in confusion.

"Is she...what you sought?" Irith asked in her flowing accent, a lingering reminder of her past.

The sternness of Dominax's expression eased, and he gently caressed his mate's dark hair as she lay in motherly beauty. "She is...adequate, my love. We have more than enough time to sire an heir of greater power, yet for the moment she shall suffice."

Reaching over Irith grabbed the fabric of his sleeve, using the remainder of her strength to ease him towards her side. "No...she is more than adequate. She is...ours." She said with a quiet fierceness as she held both The God Emperor and their child close to her. Tears continued to stream down her gorgeous face, as for the first time she held in her grasp the very thing she had always sought. "Our little…"

"Nafalya" Dominax replied after a moment of searching. "Princess Nafalya of House Vaid, current heir to the throne of The Empire."

As the couple held their new daughter, unified, they did not see the subtle scowl that crept across Xenia's face.

***

The gentle waves of the river quietly lapped at the reddish shore hugging the border of Elmia, far from the busy streets of the city center. Only the faintest hints of the bustling market occasionally nudged the peaceful scenery, until Xenia's foot slammed furiously into the water as she stomped repeatedly at the soft, muddy sand below.

"THE HEIR!? THAT LITTLE RUNT!?" She screamed, unrelenting in her assault.

Having whisked herself away shortly after the birth in the guise of granting the couple time to enjoy their newborn alone, the unquenchable fury at the revelation flowed through her without restraint.

"YOU VILE...EVIL...SLUT!" She yelled in rage as she crashed to her knees, savagely clawing at the wet ground. Tears began to stream down her face, cheeks reddening by anger and excursion. "YOU...I'LL…."

The face of Vixin seeped through her mind, and she began to pound her fists into the sand. Her daughter should...no, MUST be the heir! There was no other acceptable fate for her precious baby than the throne. Absolutely none. As a daughter of Dominax, Vixin would prosper regardless, yet Xenia would rather throw herself from the western mountains than allow Vixin's fate to be anything less than a true Empress.

Squeezing her hands through the muddy surface, Xenia's nails pushed into her palms in utter anger, deep enough to draw tiny trickles of crimson blood. This outrage could NOT be tolerated. Cendra, nor Nafalya, nor any further vile spawn that slipped from Irith's whore legs would stand in Vixin's way.

"YOU'VE…" she continued to shout, only to finally reign herself in and lower her voice to a growl that oozed with hatred. "You've overstepped your place...slut. I'll put you in the same hole as Briza…"

10th of Thriduin, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Crackling webs of power radiated from Dominax's outstretched hands, swirling around the curved walls of the pod's inner chamber in a vortex of electricity.

"Good...hold it...maintain its flow…" Dorian's voice crept through the chamber, no louder than a whisper despite the roaring echoes of the vortex. It mattered little, for his words poured directly through Dominax's mind rather than his ears.

Dominax thought back to The Battle of Unification, savoring the wild power that had flowed through him when he had decimated Linnax's army. The moment had been so pure, so freeing...yet the emotions that had fueled such actions began to trickle back to him. He had hoped that the birth of a truly worthy heir would have provided enough distraction to rid himself of the majority of his loss, yet what he received instead was…Nafalya. Even months after the birth of his third daughter, the sting of Briza's assassination lingered just as firmly as before.

Rage. He could feel it building once more, familiar as it pushed back his sorrow and fueled the ferocity of the vortex. The air was ecstatic with power, wishing to burst free of the spacious chamber.

"No...my boy, enough…" Dorian said as his ghostly image flickered, hardly able to hold together. "Cease for a moment…."

Cease? How could he stop now, lightning erupting from his fingertips as he poured pure emotion, anger, sorrow, even guilt. He had failed Briza, her death left unavenged. Of course, the most likely suspect remained The Cult of Ortis, yet who had done the deed? Whose blades had cut his beloved down? Whose hands had held her under the water as she gasped for breath? Dominax gritted his teeth, the vortex spinning faster and faster until the chamber became enraptured in chaos.

"I...said...ENOUGH!" Dorian yelled, echoing painfully in Dominax's mind. His concentration faltered, causing his swirling power to unravel and dissipate.

Dominax furiously whirled to face the ancient being of The Creator as darkness returned to fill the chamber. "Hold your tongue old man! Could you not sense the power I brought forth?!"

In response Dorian raised a calming translucent hand. "Indeed...yet what is power...without control? For a moment you maintained your hold...upon your abilities, yet they freed themselves...from your grasp…"

"THAT is-" He began to reply, only to cut himself off and start again as he slowly calmed himself after such an intense flow of power. "You are incorrect. They did not escape me."

"Call it what you like...yet you were losing control. There is no value in power…that cannot be properly wielded.”

Rubbing his forehead, Dominax released a humorless chuckle. “Linnax’s dead warriors must have missed that lesson.”

“Ah yes…you tore them apart, yet how many…of your own people did you slaughter that day?” Dorian questioned, slowly encircling the outer wall. “What good…can power bring…if it destroys everything you care about?"

The question lingered for several moments, before Dorian’s ghostly figure began to slowly fade. “Our time together…has come to an end for the day…my boy. Continue to train…to hone your emotions…and I shall return when I’ve regained strength…”

As Dorian faded entirely from view, Dominax could not help but repeat his words. The old man’s teachings were rarely direct, and though there had indeed been many casualties during The Battle of Unification that Dominax’s own powers had inflicted against his men, the result of their victory had been objectively beneficial. There would be no Empire had they failed, no stability that his rule provides. No, there had to be something he was missing…

As he left the chamber, he was immediately greeted by the sight of Pria, waiting patiently beside the entrance. She granted him a graceful bow, her devious eyes locked onto him. "Your holiness."

The sight of a familiar face was calming after such a lengthy training session, somewhat improving his mood even as his jaw tightened in slight annoyance. "Speak girl, I wish to be alone for the moment."

Perking up, she smirked seductively at her master. "It'll only take a short time, as there is a visitor waiting in the throne room. He brings offerings."

"Can he not be handled without my presence? Throw them with the rest."

Pria folded her hands behind her back, tilting her head slyly. "Of course, your holiness, yet I think these offerings will be particularly interesting to you."

For a brief moment he considered her words, finally granting her a wave of his hand. "Very well then, bring me to this visitor."

With an obedient nod she began to walk down the corridor, just ahead of her master. With each step she carefully swayed her hips, granting him an enticing show.

After several minutes navigating the long hallways of The Grand Pyramid they reached the temporary throne room, greeted by two fully armored guards on each side of the internal entrance. The two men bowed before turning around, heaving the heavy doors open.

Dominax strode into the room, his white cloak hanging behind him as his eye fell upon the small group of five that waited patiently in the center. A single slightly overweight human man appeared to be in command, flanked by four female Arkos slaves. Dressed in a dingy white robe that ended just past his knees, the man held four chains that each connected to harsh metal collars locked around the necks of the women. The striking beauty of the horned females were concealed only by thin loincloths, their petite breasts proudly displayed.

"Ah, The God Emperor himself!" The man joyfully exclaimed, lowering himself to his knees. "Such a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

In response Dominax held his hand up to quiet the man, strolling passed him as his visitors watched in confusion. He approached his throne, taking a seat as he placed himself just above the group. Then, with a nod, he spoke. "You may stand and state your purpose."

Momentarily taken aback the man cautiously rose to his feet, loosely holding two chains in each hand. "Ah yes...my lord. I am known as Unis, and I bring the gifts of The Great Torakeom, King of Narok. His majesty offers these slaves in the hope of forging a mutually beneficial bond, one where you may point your gaze elsewhere during your Empire's...uh, expansion."

"Interesting…" Dominax replied, stroking his pointed beard. "I find it odd that this King Torakeom would entrust such a gift to a human messenger. Could he not face me himself?"

A slight redness flared in Unis's round cheeks, yet his voice remained cordial. "His majesty is a busy man, as I'm sure you understand my lord. He merely wishes to ensure that Arkos lands remain Arkos lands, and human lands remain human lands. Yet I am no mere messenger, for I have facilitated the trade of metals and precious stones between Narok and The Human Basin long before your Empire emerged."

"A merchant then?" He replied before shrugging the matter aside. Trade between the humans and the mountain dwelling Kingdom of Narok had been long established, and if King Torakeom desired for a simple merchant to represent him then what did it matter? "Very well, I'm certain Torakeom will be interested to know that my aims lay elsewhere for the time being."

Unis glanced over at the slaves, returning his attention toward the throne with a wide smile. "Excellent, your holiness! That shall suffice for the moment. For now, allow me to introduce the offerings that his majesty deems worthy to serve you."

With a limp tug on the chains the women stepped forwards, their feline pupils hungrily studying their new owner while their long tails swayed back and forth.

"Here we have Harkeom and Janos," Unis announced enthusiastically, gesturing to his right. The first if the pair easily possessed the longest hair of the group, her dark strands draped over her perky breasts. In contrast, the second had only a small ponytail, pulled back in a tight braid. "and Nalos and Cloram." He concluded, shifting to his left. Nalos's black locks flowed down to her shoulders in gorgeous waves, while Cloram kept her hair neat and chin length. The vicious stripes of their species decorated their smooth gray skin, their bodies appearing slim and athletic with small visible muscles. They appeared fierce, deadly, and Dominax briefly considered if perhaps their services could be better utilized under Hesin's training. A thought for another day.

All four women stepped forwards, bowing low before speaking. "We are pleased to be at your mercy, master."

With a satisfied nod Dominax turned towards Pria as she waited beside the throne. "Have these four bathed and inspected as per usual, then escort them to my chambers. Tonight I shall assess these offerings."

***

As her three companions paced about the royal chambers, Harkeom hummed to herself while she lounged on the oversized bed. She felt the soft chimira-silk sheets against her skin, basking in the luxury of the room. There was no harm in enjoying the perks of their target, their new 'master'. Oh, they would be his good little slaves of course, until the time came to enact Holy Kromak's will.

How easy it had been to gain Unis's assistance, a simple bribe and a quick hour alone with her mouth. The fat man had been a shaking mess by the end of their private session, yet she suspected he'd shudder far harder when the end result of their plan came into fruition.

They'd have to act before the year was out, on the off chance that their new master would decide to send an envoy of his own to Narok and discover that King Torakeom held no knowledge of his supposed 'offerings'. Yet there was no rush, as even one walk through The Grand Pyramid revealed more guards than they were comfortable with. All four women were FAR too valuable to The Holy Kromak to simply cut down Dominax at their first opportunity, only to perish during an escape. No, they'd take their time, gain his trust.

A click of the door's lock sent a tingle of excitement through Harkeom, causing her to sit up in anticipation. Thank Kromak that Dominax was attractive, for she'd at least get to enjoy her temporary life. She'd likely bear at least one of his children as their task progressed, though that mattered little. It would hardly be the first time such actions were necessary.

Pushing open the door, Dominax loosed a chuckle as he stepped inside. To be greeted by the sight of four beauties was all a man could hope for. The Arkos women swiftly gathered, kneeling submissively at his feet.

"Come now, rise. Xenia has assessed you as worthy, and thus you shall be treated as such." He commanded, sealing the door behind him and cutting them off from the rest of the world. There was no escape for either Dominax nor his slaves. To slay him now would lead to catastrophe, for their only exit remained protected by guards standing just outside. Any further warriors patrolling the halls would immediately call for help the moment they spotted danger, an utterly foolish way to waste the skills of Tolkarik Assassins.

Regaining their feet, they moved in closer, feigning to vie for his attention as they pressed their toned bodies against him. Slowly, they assisted him in removing his armor, their skilled fingers dragging over his firm form. Next came his one-suit, their hands methodically stripping it down his body until he was left entirely nude.

Harkeom bit her lip in genuine attraction, her gray body flaring with slight lust as she observed his hard muscles. Their last target had been strictly business, yet Dominax? She'd enjoy this, judging by the size of his breeding rod.

Gently he guided the group towards the bed, pausing only when all four lay on their backs. They watched seductively as he moved to Nalos, nestled in the center left of the bed. Touching her lithe shin, he slowly slid his hand upwards, moving to kneel between her legs on the bed as he spoke. "Concubine Empress Xenia has spoken of the inspection she performed on each of you, and it has come to my attention that one of you four has retained your hymen." He said, his hand inching up her thigh. "Let us seal our newly forged union, master and servant, by beginning with the virgin."

Nalos's cheeks burned with anticipation, her hips subtly arching as his hand grew closer, and closer. He slipped beneath her loincloth, closing the distance until she released a moan of desire as his digits reached their target.

The revelation that Nalos retained her virginity came only as a light surprise to Harkeom, for the wavy-haired young woman remained one of The Order's newest recruits. Even so, she could only watch with curiosity as Janos maneuvered herself onto her knees, leaning over Cloram who lay to the center right.

"Allow me to assist you, master." A sultry voice came from Janos as she lowered herself further and moved towards Dominax's groin. Her soft lips grazed the side of his shaft, allowing him to feel her warm breath.

Cloram appeared not to be concerned in the slightest with having the ponytailed Janos laying across her lap, for she merely reached down and began to fondle the woman's feminine rump with both hands.

Unwilling to simply watch her companions' enjoyment, Harkeom quickly moved to emulate Janos. Placing herself onto her stomach she took charge of the left side of Dominax's cock, licking up and down as her counterpart matched her rhythm.

With two pointed tongues lapping at his manhood he groaned in delight, swiftly achieving his full hardness. Before the night was over, they'd all be pierced on his cock.

Lifting Nalos's loincloth carefully as if removing a rare artifact, he revealed her lower lips. A pretty, sweet Arkos vagina lay before him, untouched by another's seed. She spread her legs further, granting him a full view.

Harkeom tasted his scent, wondering just how many females had groaned beneath its size. Did she truly taste him, or the juices of a thousand lovers? The question brought a dampness to her loins, a tingle that demanded satisfaction.

The nerves of his shaft were set ablaze by their tongues, sliding up and down his length. He watched as Nalos playfully caressed her own breasts, her fingers skimming both dark gray nipples. He moved his hands to hold the heads of the pair licking his manhood, pressing them closer together as he began to slowly thrust between their lips.

Submissively Harkeom closed her eyes, reaching under to tease her own lower folds. Her tongue slid to the underside of his moving shaft, nearly dueling with Janos's as he continued to use their mouths.

When he had nearly had enough Dominax released them, guiding them away as his solid erection hung heavily in the air. "It's time, little Nalos."

The two Arkos women returned to their knees, watching Nalos nearly imperceptibly shudder with excitement. He leaned over her, holding himself above her carefully trained body.

As if seeking support from her companions, Nalos gripped both Harkeom and Cloram's hands, holding tightly as she felt his tip press against her entrance. "I'm...ready, master. Make me yours."

Indeed he did, pushing his hips forwards and carefully sinking his rod into her tight tunnel. Harkeom felt the young woman's grip tighten, releasing a pained groan as she accepted his girth. Janos slipped her hand beneath her own loincloth, feeling her wetness at the sight.

Dominax eased himself into her trembling body, sliding deeply before beginning to gently thrust. Cloram reached over, tenderly teasing Nalos's sensitive nipple.

"She's tight, isn't she master? I can see it in your expression…" Harkeom seductively whispered, her long tail swaying behind her.

"She is...magnificent…" Dominax moaned, pumping his hips.

In only a few minutes Cloram could hardly stand the sight any longer, grabbing Janos's tail with both hands. Carefully, she guided the flexible appendage over to herself, positioning it between her spread legs.

"Oh?" Janos smirked, sliding her tail against the woman's folds. "You truly are a whore, Cloram…"

"Keep your lips shut." Cloram replied playfully, pressing the tail harder against her tingling loins. Her vagina begged for attention, NEEDING to be used, and as Janos slipped between her waiting labia, she received what she desired. The smooth, pointed appendage glided into her depths, as if it were a thin yet overly long cock.

The odd sight only drove Dominax further, fueling his obsession with seeding his mate. He watched as Janos maneuvered her tail in and out of her fellow Arkos, an amused grin on her lips.

Every moment brought him closer towards a climax that needed to be held at bay, for he was far from finished. His hips rocked rhythmically, pounding into Nalos's inexperienced body in just the right way as he paid careful attention to her moans and quivers. Finally, her once virgin pussy clenched harder around him, climaxing. He pulled his cock from her clinging depths, narrowly avoiding an orgasm of his own.

As if moving in for a kill, Harkeom gracefully mounted the convulsing young woman and pinned her to the bed as she raised her own rear. The loincloth hung from her waist, concealing nothing. "My turn, master. Make me shudder like you did her…"

After only a moment to collect himself, he lined up his cock with her ready womanhood and rammed forwards, claiming his property. She clenched the sheets in tightened fists, crying out as she stretched around him. To be filled so utterly…

Cloram squirmed as the tail slid in and out, grinding into her most sensitive areas. Harkeom's own tail gently traced the scars spread across Dominax's chest, twitching with each thrust. She ran her fingers through Nalos's wavy hair, the young woman's pleasured form recovering below her.

Dominax grabbed his current mate's firm ass, holding tight as he relentlessly attacked her womanhood. She could merely groan under his assault, openly presenting herself for his use.

Janos rubbed her thighs together, watching her mentor get utterly pounded by their 'master'. The fiercest fighter Janos had witnessed in The Tolkarik Order, taking their target’s cock as if nothing else in Magnius lay in their concerns.

Thrust after thrust, Cloram waited as long as she could manage before finally deciding that Harkeom had received her fair share. She pulled the tail from her soaking twat, feeling empty without it as she spread her legs. "Master, please...I shall wait no longer…"

In response, Dominax granted Harkeom's well used body a rough spank, yanking his cock free of her embrace and moving over to his next lover. In a haze of lust and pleasure Harkeom watched as he penetrated her companion, her own vagina quivering for more.

The girth of Janos's tail lay as nothing when compared to his cock, truly filling her tunnel and he entered her. Little more than a few minutes were required before her impassioned screams echoed off the walls, her body shaking as she squirted around his rod.

Janos claimed her turn next, and for nearly the next hour the group of four women continued on, rotating. One after the other his cock plowed into them, rocking their flawless forms before moving on to the next vagina waiting to accept him.

Their cries rang out through the night, muscles straining and breathing hard. Every movement brought Dominax closer to his climax, only for him to pull out and delay the inevitable.

Finally, as her lower folds ached from use, Harkeom once more mounted his erection, straddling his waist as he lay on his back. She lowered herself, shuddering in bliss as he pushed into her.

This man...this God Emperor would one day fall at her hands, a thought that nearly brought a twinge of disappointment to her as she bounced up and down upon his shaft. To slay such an experienced lover was nearly tragic...

Her body craved him, her feminine urges burning greater than they ever had before. He would die, yes, but in the meantime perhaps she would at least be lucky enough to bear the child of such a glorious cock.

Knowing that she'd soon need to switch with one of her companions, Harkeom instead sped up. With him beneath her she rode harder, attempting to milk his seed before any of the other three could be granted a chance. She held the lead over the mission, she decided their next move, and she'd be the one to bring him to orgasm this night.

"I'm...ahhhh...nearly there…" he warned her, holding her hips firmly.

She merely continued, unyielding. "B...breed me...master…." She requested in her sultry voice, their hips slamming together repeatedly.

He groaned beneath her, guiding her as he held her. Finally, his loins aching unbearably, he allowed himself to cum.

The God Emperor nearly roared as he cried out, pushing his hips upwards into her twat. She opened her mouth, leaning back slightly as she savored the sensation of his seed.

Thick ropes of pent-up sperm spurted into her fertile Arkos vagina, hungry to conceive a child. His entire being ached, focusing fully on the erupting ecstasy that threatened to overtake him.

With a final groan his climax faded, leaving their bodies intertwined.

"Such a shame…that you must die." Harkeom thought to herself, stroking her midriff as she felt his warm seed inside of her. "Kromak's will must be done."

5th of Fixuin, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Steel against steel, daggers striking against daggers, the training hall of The Hesian Order was flooded with the persistent noises of a dozen human pairs locked in orderly combat. Nestled deep inside the unfinished Grand Pyramid the training hall had been one of the first chambers to be completed, circular in shape and topped with a curved dome.

Hesin strolled along the line of fighters, making corrections in their stances where necessary. Four years of training had produced apprentices worthy of serving The Empire, each utilizing their own white masks identical to Hesin's, though with two eye slits as opposed to his own.

When Dominax had first tasked him with founding an assassin order in service to the realm, there had been very little guidance. Hesin held no prior involvement in such organizations, no experience in training others to hone their skills as he had done himself. Yet when The God Emperor, King at the time, grants you a task, you do it, and do it well. Hesin was not about to relinquish the only responsibility he had ever been granted. His purpose was now clear, granting him a way to give his life...anything, meaning, value, something to look upon and think "I did this, no other man can claim it.".

Once satisfied with his pupils' efforts for the day Hesin raised his hand and snapped his fingers, instantly causing each man and woman in the room to cease their attacks and spin around to face their mentor, kneeling obediently.

"You've done well today; I see that many of you have taken yesterday's lessons to heart." He said, lording over them. If they had known just how hard he himself had been training to stay ahead of them he doubted they'd demonstrate as much respect as they now did. "However, there is still much to be done. The God Emperor expects nothing short of excellence from you, and that is what we shall deliver. You serve not only his holiness, but the citizens of our great Empire. Each mistake you make is a failure upon every one of them, a failure upon your duty."

He stood against the gazes of their many expressionless masks, their emotions and intentions concealed beneath just as intended. Their bodies were draped in revealing yet flowing white robes, topped with a hood each as they emulated Hesin's own attire. All were younger than him, no older than two decades for he was still a young man himself. Even still, they appeared to look up to him in expectant silence, taking in the bits of knowledge that he was able to provide.

"In time, each of you will hold the heavy mantle of upholding The Empire's safety and security, both inward and outward. You shall uproot unlawful deviants, criminals, traitors, heretics, and bring them into the justice of The Sages. You shall eliminate rulers that threaten The Empire, including vassals of The Empire itself. You shall do all this...and fall in the service of our people and our God Emperor."

"HONOR, MASTER." They responded in unison, bowing their heads.

A grin of pride crept across Hesin's scarred face, hidden from their sight. "I am...pleased with your progress thus far, and so I come with a task that shall test our Order's worth. My command is simple, The Concubine Empress Xenia must be observed at all times."

The steel masks concealed any hint of surprise at his words, if there was any at all. Xenia was not of House Vaid, not by blood. The Hesian Order would protect her with their lives, yet an intrusion of her privacy would be accepted as far less heretical than a descendant of The God Emperor.

"You will shift each hour, two observers at a time. I want everything she does to be recorded and brought to me, not a single exception. Am I clear?" He asked, studying each of them. He had granted Lalian his word, yet neither he nor The Lanthian himself were able to find a shred of evidence against her large enough that it may orchestrate her downfall. With Hesin allotting the majority of his waking moments to his own training and that of his apprentices, and Lalian continuing to painstakingly oversee the construction of The Grand Pyramid, there was hardly a moment to keep track of their mutual target. That ended now, for whatever the cause of Lalian's resentment Hesin would uphold his end of the bargain.

Every hooded head nodded in understanding, and he lowered his voice a miniscule amount. "You shall remain unseen...for the punishment of discovery shall be severe." He said in a menacing tone, his single eye peering intently through his mask. A long moment of silence lingered as he allowed the statement to sink in, until he finally snapped his fingers once more. "That is all for today. You are dismissed, rest for the night and we shall resume in the morning."

"Honor, Master." They replied to his command, each standing up and beginning to gracefully make their way toward the far end of The Training Hall where a single stone door concealed the stairway to their many dorms beneath the ground.

Chapter Text

26th of Senin, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The clambering of swords and spears echoed over the outer walls of Domani as thousands upon thousands of men and women performed the training drills of their instructors.

Dominax swung his sword lightly, its blade no more than blunt wood as it connected with Cendra's own. The smaller sword attempted to deflect the attack, only to be clumsily pushed aside as the larger slapped her side.

"OWW!" She cried, taking a step back as she rubbed the area with her free hand.

"Pain is the punishment for failure." He responded coldly, even as he knelt to tend to her wound. The delicate skin was slightly reddening, certain to leave a bruise but nothing more. "Yet what is pain to a Vaid? Come, try again."

Though momentarily hesitant, the young Princess of House Vaid nodded before stepping back and readying herself. Wearing a skirt of dark chimira-silk that matched her long flowing hair, her silver eyes locked onto her father as she moved into the defensive stance that he had taught her.

After grabbing her shoulders and making quick adjustments to her stance, he stepped back himself and prepared to strike. Cendra was young, far too young to be trained in such a manner in The Northern Kingdoms, yet that was but another reason that the pompous kings would soon fall. Many children her age and younger littered the training grounds, their training beginning at the age of five.

Once more he swung towards her gently, watching as she countered his light attack and deflected it away from her.

"Ah, very good!" He said, seeing a smile of satisfaction spread across her face.

"I did it da-" she began to exclaim, though quickly corrected herself. "Father!"

"Indeed, yet there is much to be done. You are the inheritor of my legacy, along with your sisters. Let not a single common man nor woman hold a skill that you do not already possess."

Her little grin dropped slightly, losing the confidence she had displayed just moments ago. "Do you think...I'm worthy?"

"Of course child, though only if you seize the gifts that your blood brings you." He replied, towering over her small frame as he approached her. "You have an advantage, but such power is useless in the hands of a contented being. Coax it forth, feed it, and blossom into the Vaid you must become."

With a little nod, it became clear that his words brought her no comfort. She peered around her at the countless warriors surrounding her, each focused on their own training.

Dominax knelt down and placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder as he gazed into her young eyes, seeing his own. "Do not fail me, my flower."

She watched him stand and call over to Clin, as the blonde warrior was already engaged in his own duel nearby. The man quickly ceased fighting, and Cendra felt a warmth in her chest as she watched him stroll over to them.

When he was only a few meters away Clin bowed respectfully, before lightly chuckling as Cendra sprinted over to him and wrapped her arms around his legs. "Well hello there, how is the mighty princess fairing?"

"She is advancing quickly, though you must continue her training for the day." Dominax commanded, tossing the man the wooden sword.

Clin caught the blade with his free hand, sheathing his metal weapon with his other. "Very well your holiness." He said before glancing down at Cendra. "Show me what you can do."

Dutifully she released her hold on his legs, quickly moving into the defensive position that she had just perfected.

"Carry on." Dominax said with a wave of his hand, turning to walk towards the nearby tent that had been raised in the center of the temporary training grounds. The sound of wood striking wood rang out behind him as the pair engaged, playfully swinging their swords at one another.

With a weary breath he removed his crown, pushing aside the fabric entrance. Inside, he was met with the presence of Irith as she lay on a cushioned bench, cradling Nafalya to her breast. A slave girl stood beside her, ready to serve her mistress at a moment's command.

Dominax made his way over to the only other piece of furniture in the room, a wide table that remained pressed against the far wall. He lay his crown upon it, leaning over as he peered at the many wooden slabs spread across its surface. Maps of The Northern Kingdoms, intel from his scouts, rough estimates of their adversaries' manpower from his spies. All lay as a cluttered mess, yet they were the key to a successful invasion.

"My love, how goes her training?" Irith asked as she stood up and carefully approached his side.

"She is adequate for her age, yet the rest of our forces will need time." He replied, rubbing his eyes in annoyance.

"We receive new recruits every day eager to join their God Emperor in conquest. Are they not enough?"

Dominax turned to her, placing his hands onto her wide hips. "For my purposes? No. The Northern Kingdoms have stood for centuries, Harin in particular since the beginning of humanity's presence on Ayphieal. If we are to break them, I must be certain of our forces. Only then will I initiate an invasion."

Irith returned a peculiar expression, a mix of understanding and slight shame. Harin was her homeland, her accent a constant reminder of that fact, yet she had provided as much information as she was capable. The necessity of The North's fall to The Empire was clear, though she didn't have to feel particularly proud of her part in it.

Dominax's expression softened slightly, glancing down at their child suckling her firm breast. "Ah but that is a discussion for another time. We must bask in our peace while we can." He said, leaning in to press his lips against hers and take in the sweet scent of her femininity as she nursed their child.

"Yes my love, the Eastern colonies continue to grow while the strength of The Empire solidifies daily. Let your mind fall to other matters." She said, her eyes gesturing to Nafalya.

"Of course." He agreed with an insidious grin, his hand raising to caress her unoccupied breast through the thin fabric of her top. "Can a man truly focus on other matters when his Empress appears as you do?"

Though not what she had intended, Irith allowed herself to release a breath of fresh arousal.

His other hand moved downwards, exploring the soft skin of her womanly curves. She nearly appeared to glow with womanly beauty, caring for an offspring in a way only a mother could. He leaned over, gently biting her neck in primal lust.

Lightly moaning, Irith gestured to the slave girl, waiting as she obediently crossed the large tent and carefully accepted Nafalya into her arms. She took the infant safely away, rocking it gently as she observed the royal pair locked in passion.

Hands continuing to move and massage her gorgeous body Dominax held her closely as their lips met once more, tongues eager to dance.

Irith felt his powerful muscles against her body, lightly grinding herself against his form. She felt the man who had knocked her up, her body burning for his touch.

With more force than he had intended he moved behind her, bending her over the table as he worked to free his already hardening cock. She merely bit her lip, completely at his mercy. She quickly unbuckled her revealing skirt, allowing it to fall lightly to the ground.

His heavy erection slapped down between the cushions of her rump, nestled between her firm cheeks. Then placing his hands upon her shapely rear, he took a moment to appreciate the flawless sight. "Utter perfection...Nafalya had better inherit this gorgeous ass of yours."

Irith's warm breath remained saturated with anticipation, her loins moist in preparation.

"You know, I think I'll explore this beautiful asset of yours further…" he said, spanking her hard before reaching under to fondle her womanhood. His teasing fingers tasted her wetness, becoming slick with her juices just as intended.

"My love?" She questioned as he moved his wet hand from between her legs, instead beginning to stroke his own length. Realization suddenly struck her as he pulled back, pressing his now slightly wet tip against her puckered hole. She peered back in hesitation, her voice both aroused and fearful. "My lord...we haven't made such an attempt before…"

Feeling the tightness of her asshole as he pressed a tiny amount forwards, he tenderly caressed her rear. "A new experience to be sure, though shall I deny myself a single inch of your perfection?"

Irith met his gaze, looking back into his silver eyes. He had stripped her virginity away, the first man to taste her sweet depths. He had claimed her womb, his seed siring her firstborn. Now...he would take her ass, her squeezing tunnel his to enjoy. She could of course say no, yet as she looked back towards him only a deepening sense of trust sparked inside her chest. "Very well...take me, my love." She said, though in a quieter voice she continued. "Make me scream."

Holding her hips for leverage he pushed forwards, sinking his cock inch by inch into her rump. Her fingers dug into the table, a low whine escaping her clenched lips as she felt herself stretching around his girth. Echoes of the pain of their first lovemaking seeped through her mind, along with the pleasure of that beautiful moment when she had fully become a woman.

Dominax gasped, feeling just how extraordinarily tight her ass truly was. She squeezed down around him, gripping his manhood deep inside of her.

Her legs began to quiver as he forced his way half inside, feeling him begin to make slow thrusts in and out. Not yet entirely inside, he remained cautious as to avoid hurting her.

In and out he slowly eased himself, slowly penetrating deeper with each movement. There was no rush, only the two of them interlocked in the passion of each other's bodies.

Each thrust became just noticeably more bearable as her ass grew used to his presence. Could Enil have possibly predicted that his absolute protection of her virginity would lead to such a moment? Her body unspoiled by the countless eager males whom she had served beside in battle, untainted for the inevitable man who would eventually prove himself worthy of her beauty? If he could see his twin now, bent over with her gorgeous ass fully under the mercy of her lover, would he be proud?

Dominax spanked her once more, his thrusts finally plunging fully into her depths after several long minutes. To have his entire cock buried inside of his stunning Concubine Empress would always lay as the greatest vise a man could hope for on Magnius, whichever hole he chose. Her rear lacked the primal risk of fertilization, yet its added snugness allowed him to feel closer to her than he ever had before.

Grunting, moaning, each echo of their pleasure easily pushed through the thin fabric of the tent, reaching the ears of many of the nearby warriors. It mattered little to The God Emperor. He simply let them listen, to bask in his holy bliss. They'd only train harder, flustered by newfound lust.

In turn, Dominax could hear the high-pitched grunts of Cendra as she dueled with Clin, the young princess blissfully unaware of her father's current actions. She remained a continuous reminder of Briza, a lingering whisper of his failure. Yet as his hips repeatedly slapped against Irith's own, the ecstasy of the moment allowed him to briefly push aside his guilt and reflect. The virality of his seed had sired her, a being capable of becoming truly fearsome given enough time and training. In that...he could at least be proud.

Irith gritted her teeth between each movement, feeling his shaft slide back and forth. She was utterly pierced on his manhood, her ass screaming in both pain and pleasure. The sensation was FAR from what she was used to, submissively positioned over a table with her rump in the air. It was impossible to contain the burning in her loins, desperate for more of his body despite the pain.

His hands caressed the outer shape of her asscheeks, fully aware of their captivating curves that lured the eyes of any men that she passed, including many women. Could they truly be blamed? Her body was enchanting, every inch as tantalizing as a chest piled with gold. There was no limit to the amount of men who yearned for her touch, yet she remained entirely his.

Dominax groaned at the thought, fully aware that such an alluring creature could only be destined to bear the heir of The God Emperor. No other seed could possibly be worthy of her womb.

The product of their passion cued quietly in the arms of the nearby slave, who remained seated as she gently rocked Nafalya. Holding their child, she watched her master with a keen interest. Each thrust filled her with arousal, her loins moistened as she wondered when his holiness would fill her belly with a baby of her own.

***

Clin heard every wet slap, every toe curling thrust of the couple's noisy session. Minute after minute dragged on as he did his best to ignore the sounds, instead focusing on the clumsy swings of Cendra's sword.

"That was...good." He said politely as he easily batted away a flurry of crude strikes. "Perhaps try again, little warrior."

She nodded with determination, returning to her initial stance as she restarted her aggressive sequence of blows.

After a month in the depths of Elmia's rainforests he found the calmer atmosphere of Domani's training fields to be refreshing. No longer would he have to wonder when the next horrifying creature would leap from the foliage to tear his throat out, at least for the moment. The God Emperor was planning to return to Elmia within days, a journey that Clin took no joy partaking in.

Irith's moans increased in pitch, ringing out before her sensual voice followed closely behind. "By the gods yeeeesss….I love you….! Please cum inside...I must feel your warmth!"

Her cries lured Clin's attention away for a split second, just long enough for Cendra's sword to slap against his waist. He yelped from the stinging pain of the wood, taking a step back.

"Ha! I got you!" The little princess exclaimed in excitement, ignoring the sounds of the royal pair as they continued to slam into each other. "You're dead!"

"Very good Cendra." He said through clenched teeth, grinning as the pain quickly faded. "Once more. Humans may fall from a single hit, yet you may encounter creatures who do not."

As Cendra eagerly moved back into position Clin couldn't help but imagine Irith, fully on display as she moaned in pleasure. The thought of what must be occurring inside the tent stirred his loins, deflecting a slash of the small wooden sword.

He could have easily excused himself to find the nearest slave to relieve his arousal, yet that had never been his preference. A single woman, bound to him for life just as he was bound to her. That was his ideal mate.

Yet...who could love such an unforgivable past?

Cendra's sword gleaned off his blade once more.

***

"Dominax...oooohhhh...I need you…" Irith moaned, leaning to press her forehead against the solid surface of the table. Her strong thighs quivered as though she were in heat, her rump granting him full access.

His fingertips dug into her precious skin, leaving red marks as he held on as if the fate of The Empire lay upon their union. "Mother of my heir...I shall hear you beg…"

She groaned in response, drowning in a sensation she had never before experienced. "It is a shame...aaahhhh...to waste your holy seed…yet please, you must spill it inside…"

Hardly able to hold back any longer under such excruciating tightness, his cock tingled wildly inside her constricting rear. Sliding in and out, each moment brought him closer and closer to his limit until…

A roar of passion tore through the tent as he slammed his hips against her shapely ass, driving his rod hard into her body as a flood of sperm ejected from his tip.

She could merely whine in satisfaction, feeling her ass accept his divine juices as she closed her eyes in wordless gratitude to Enil. All he had done had led to this moment, every decision made to protect her resulting in a life of true value. A family to care for, a mate to explore hidden pleasures, all owed to her fallen twin.

"I love you...Dominax…" she muttered, feeling his thick seed leaking down her thighs.

"As do I."

2nd of Iahta, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Near Domani.

A groan escaped Harkeom's lips as her Arkos body writhed under her master. In turn, the sturdy wooden hull of the ship creaked around them, as if taking enjoyment from their breeding.

Several months had passed since Dominax had stepped foot in Elmia, and though he had left the majority of their development plans under the command of King Galis, it was time to make an appearance.

He held her tightly beneath him, unloading his cum into her womb in ferocious spurts until both of them were reduced to a panting mess. Harkeom's toned legs remained wrapped around him, refusing to let go of a final, glorious moment. She had already borne a child for him, as had all four Arkos females of her group, yet she wanted to make this second insemination last for as long as possible.

"You are...glorious…" Dominax moaned, pressing his mouth against her dark gray neck. "I'm tempted to keep this one...after that." He said, reaching under to caress her flat stomach.

She merely nuzzled against him, caring little for the fate of their previous child. It had been taken away, granted to a childless worshiper of The God Emperor. This one would have a...somewhat different fate.

In the bowels of the ship he rolled off of her to look up at the underside of the deck. No noise came from above, no footsteps nor a single commanding shout of sailors. Simply a quiet night, peacefully sailing down river.

"Master…" Harkeom began, turning her head to face him. "You've been very kind to me in our time together."

He met her eyes, simply grinning in the afterglow of their mating.

"It has been quite an enjoyable experience serving you." She said, caressing his pointed beard with her nearest hand while the right rested near the edge of the bed. Slowly, she reached between the cushion and the bedframe, taking hold of an object. "It truly is a tragedy that this must come to an end."

Exhausted, it took nearly a second for her words to register. His silver eyes went wide as her other hand returned from the side of the bed, slashing downwards with vicious speed. Rather than sharp Arkos fingernails to dig into his flesh, her fingers were now clad in a deadly gauntlet traditional to her people. The pointed fingertips ripped through his skin as he attempted to roll away, slashing open deep gashes down his right side.

Crying out in pain he fell from the bed, frantically regaining his feet even as Harkeom raised to her full height upon the bed. "DAMN YOU WOMAN!" He shouted, wincing as his hand brushed the fresh cuts oozing red blood.

The door to the royal quarters swung open in reaction to the noise, allowing Janos, Cloram, and Nalos to step inside. Though remaining nude as were the requirements of their servitude, each of their right hands were equipped with similar gauntlets. They strolled into the room, appearing calm yet ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Dominax shouted, already raising his bloody hands to defend himself. He felt faintly wobbly, straining to stay upright just enough to be noticeable.

"That's quite a wound, master." Nalos teased, showing no affection to the man who had taken her virginity and sired her firstborn. "You may want to sit down, lest you make your final moments more unpleasant than they ought to be."

"We left you three in Domani!" He said, holding his ground. They slowly encircled him, weary of the electricity flickering to life in his palms.

"Distance will not stall our purpose. You granted us an opportunity, and we seized it." Cloram explained, her tail slithering excitedly. "Such few guards and sailors are hardly suitable protection for a man proclaiming himself to be a God."

Dominax gritted his teeth, slightly stumbling. "Who wills this? The North? Torakeom? They shall fall when I've rid myself of you pests!"

"Careful, your majesty. Are your limbs beginning to disobey?" Janos questioned, watching as he struggled to retain his balance. "The claws of a Tolkarik assassin can be quite harsh. I can't imagine how much poison such deep cuts carried…"

Dominax grimaced in response, already feeling his arms and legs begin to shutter. If what she said was true, how little time did he have left?

"I would have liked to grant you a far more peaceful death, yet this must be done." Harkeom said, surprising even herself at the amount of pity her voice carried. "The poison will slowly paralyze every muscle in your body, until even your lungs refuse to move. Simply stand down...and I shall ease your suffering."

A bead of sweat rolled down his face as he glared, his silver eyes beginning to slightly glow as power surged through his body. It was possible to eliminate some of the poison coursing through his veins, though the dosage he had received would have easily and swiftly killed ten men. Internally burning away the poison would only hold off death for so long…

Fingers shaking, a web of lightning crackled from his outstretched hands towards the nearest assassin. Nalos quickly rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding electrocution as all four Arkos women burst into action.

The first strike came from behind, a blow sent by Cloram that forced Dominax to spin out of the way. Weaponless, he launched a flash of power that sent her flying backwards just before he rolled towards the bed. Above the bedframe sat two decorative spears, mounted to the wall. He rolled under a swipe from Harkeom, jumping onto the bed and grabbing one of the spears just in time for a slash to open a long cut down his nude back.

Swinging the spear he slammed the bottom end into his attacker's jaw, sending Janos howling backwards as he leaped from the bed. The amount of concentration required to hold off the poison was already becoming straining, forcing his legs to shake harder as he deflected a strike from Harkeom.

"You can't escape your fate! Slay us, and the poison shall claim you even still!" Nalos shouted, stepping out of the way of his spear. "You're a dead man, a fading soul!"

Roaring with fury Dominax launched a burst of flame, causing Cloram's eyes to go wide as she moved to evade. She was too late, however, as the burning inferno wrapped around her and sent her to the floor.

Harkeom ignored her screaming companion as she continued to attack, dodging, spinning, slashing, all in an attempt to break through his defense. So long as they applied enough pressure in the frequency of their strikes, he'd have little concentration to spare on launching further blows of his power.

The spear spun through the air, twirling as he barely managed to keep them at bay. Every moment saw the effects of the poison gradually taking hold despite his efforts, numbing each muscle. He could hardly stand, fueled entirely by rage and desperation.

Everything he had worked for, everything he had lost, only to fall from the poison of slaves. The Empire he had built from a dying group of survivors would now be leaderless, left to the mercy of ambitious lesser beings.

Pushing back their assault enough to momentarily launch his power, he sent an arc of electricity hurling towards Janos. The Arkos woman seized as lightning burst through her body, frying every nerve until she could only collapse to the floor.

Nalos eyed the still burning body of Cloram, observing that the flame had seeped into the wooden deck beneath their feet. Slowly, the fire began to grow.

Harkeom jumped out of the way of another burst, moving in closer. Half of the group was gone, ensuring that the two remaining women would need to provide double the effort to prevent him from attacking.

Like a man driven wild he fought to stay standing, even as a tiny amount of smoke began to fill the room. Naked and bleeding heavily, his rage drove him to his limit. He began to stumble, the muscles in his legs finally beginning to succumb to the poison.

Nalos coughed as the smoke entered her lungs, distracting her just enough to allow Dominax's spear to slip past her offense and slide through her chest. Utter bewilderment spread across her face as he quickly yanked his weapon free, furiously striking towards Harkeom. Nalos fell, wordless, completely stunned.

The muscles in his hands weakened, each slowly becoming paralyzed. His attacks gradually slowed, becoming increasingly unrefined until Harkeom's gauntlet managed to slash along his left arm. The injury did little to slow his rage, yet he received another, and another, each slash delivering more poison into his already failing body.

With his hands completely paralyzed his spear slipped from his fingers, clattering to the wooden deck of the ship. In desperation he hurled a final bolt of power, just as Harkeom swiftly pounced to claim her kill. The electricity struck her dead center, far less powerful than the blast that had killed Janos yet deadly enough to send her crashing backwards against the nearest wall. Harkeom slumped to the ground with a high-pitched cry of agony, nearly every rib shattered by the conclusive force.

His legs paralyzed, Dominax fell onto his back, desperately struggling to move. He could lift his arms only a few inches, while his lower half remained entirely unresponsive.

As the fire spread from the charred body, it slowly consumed the far wall until smoke billowed throughout the room. The poison slowly began to ease its way into his lungs, making each strained breath even harder than before.

Dominax could only gaze up at the smokey ceiling, knowing that death would claim him shortly. He had failed once more. The purpose he had forged for himself would melt away, a short chapter in Magnius's vast lands. The peace he had wished to create had failed, no more than the dream of a naive fool.

Each shallow breath came slower than the last, and Dominax finally allowed his eyes to close for a final time. If he was to die, he'd pass on while inside his own thoughts, not the horrid reality that consumed him. He thought of the elder Cendra, of Briza, two more lost beings whom this world had claimed. Even as he heard Harkeom's pained cries, the roaring of the flames, he focused entirely inwards.

It neared ever more, the death that had claimed his entire family. He was in its grasp, another insignificant soul. He could only hope that his daughters would carry on, to forge their own path forwards and ensure that the flame of House Vaid would remain.

He'd be with Briza once more, with his mother, with Dorian, yet what of Irith? Her face poured through his thoughts as reality slowly began to slip away, hardly a further breath able to escape. His lovely Empress...surely she would care for Cendra, Vixin, and Nafalya.

Cendra...he took a breath. Vixin...a sting of anger flared in his chest. Nafalya...how could he fail them so utterly? How dare these assassin's tear away his life, just as it was only now starting to truly begin.

The comfort of death fled, leaving nothing but anger. Pure, consuming anger. He felt every ounce of pain, from the aching of his oxygen deprived lungs to the screaming nerves lining the gashes of his wounds. His enemies had damned him to this fate, caring little of the consequences that his death would bring. Magnius would continue to suffer under instability, its population dying under the petty rule of lesser creatures.

Opening his rage filled eyes he glared at the ceiling, now nonvisible through the thick smoke. He hated this fate that his assassins had delivered upon him. He hated that they possessed not a single ounce of concern for his people. They'd doom the world to endless Nitris, endless infighting and slaughter.

Pure, flaming rage coursed through his entire being, fueling his power. Slowly he burned away portions of the poison, freeing a small number of his muscles from their paralyzing grip.

Screaming in anger as he struggled to push himself over Dominax slowly maneuvered himself onto his stomach. Then, with each half numb hand clawing desperately against the wooden floor, he pulled himself inch by inch towards Harkeom.

"Why...won't...you...die…" she growled, each of her own breaths nearly as painful due to her broken bones and damaged internal organs. She merely remained slumped against the wall, panting.

He reached her foot, using it as leverage to pull him closer and closer. "C...CURE…" he wheezed, barely clinging to consciousness.

"You...mad fool…" she replied in astonishment, hardly resisting due to her agony.

"CURE…" he groaned louder, slowly pulling her onto the floor until they were both on their backs. "NOW…"

Her body shattered, she could hardly move her hands in a doomed attempt to push him away. He pulled himself onto her, sending small bursts of electricity through her chest without warning. Her body convulsed, each broken bone roughly grinding against another.

"DIE IN PAIN...OR PEACE…" he said, readying to electrocute her once again. "CHOOSE."

Gasping in agony, Harkeom struggled to speak. "T..there's...a single cure…" she muttered, observing the flames consuming the ship around them. "Only...the blood...of an Arkos…cures…wrolik poison…"

Scowling with utter determination, Dominax gripped the sides of her head. Then, before she could even attempt to protest, he sank his thumbs down upon her eyes, pressing with the very last of his strength. She screamed, fighting back with her pitiful might yet he could not be stopped. NOTHING would hold him back, for even death itself would fall beneath his rage.

With a sickening pop the final Arkos assassin fell limp, dark purple blood pouring down her cheeks. There was no time to hope that she had granted him the truth, only time to drink. He consumed it, keenly aware of the approaching flame.

The blood entered his system, and he began to pull himself towards the open door. The worst of the effects of the smoke were negated so close to the floor, yet he could hardly see past its consuming embrace.

Each second eased his paralyzed muscles, his breaths coming quicker and easier. Sensation slowly returned, inch by inch until he could move his arms noticeably easier. He pulled himself along, finally able to crawl using his knees.

The bodies of his guards remained slumped in the corridor, evidently slain by the Arkos women. He forced himself up the stairs one by one, feeling the ship creaking and straining beneath him.

Finally, he emerged onto the top deck, entirely alone on the doomed vessel. Several smaller ships from the royal guard appeared to be closing in, evidently drawn in by the spreading inferno.

He could feel his toes, far too weak to stand but desperately relieved to feel the poison dissipating inside of him. He made his way to the edge of the ship, feeling it begin to list heavily to the side as the fire opened holes along its hull.

In a final act of pure survival Dominax tossed himself from its deck, plunging into the black depths of the night.

Chapter Text

6th of Iahta, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"How has this possibly been allowed to occur?!" Lalian questioned with far more force than he had ever previously conjured. The fingers of his left hand continued to subtly fidget at his side, noticeable to his three fellow advisors as they all stood outside the door to The Royal Quarters.

"My assassins have already interrogated a number of slaves and minor guards, yet none of them have revealed anything worthwhile." Hesin responded from behind his mask, folding his arms. "Even when pressed to the brink of death and further, their ignorance appears to be genuine. We are at a loss."

In the days following the retrieval of Dominax's nearly deceased form from the river The God Emperor had been quickly returned to Domani. Only the greatest healers from across The Capital were permitted to treat the deep wounds and significant blood loss of their ruler, including Concubine Empress Xenia herself.

"I've dispatched emissaries to The King of Narok. If the attempted assassination truly came from the Arkos slaves as The God Emperor claims, we may have just stumbled into the beginning of a war." Clin said as he gazed at the locked door to his side. Dominax had demanded to be left alone, tended only to by his Empresses as he struggled to recover from the attack.

Salduin straightened up. "Do you doubt the word of our God?"

"Of course not!" Clin replied, more defensive than he had intended. "Yet the man had nearly been killed by a poison that we have no experience in dealing with. I merely wish to ensure that his recounting of events is accurate before we proceed in any drastic manner."

"Man." Salduin repeated, as if the term tasted bitter. "He is a deity! Least that is what we've been led to believe…" he said, his mind sorting through nearly a decade of Dominax's teachings. "Nothing like this should have been possible...even disregarding our security measures. How could simple slaves nearly bring down a being as powerful as his holiness? How could The Creator not intervene?"

"We do not possess all of the facts, Salduin." Clin said, resting a hand upon the large man's shoulder.

Lalian appeared to be on the verge of bursting, a mix of outrage and terror coursing through the nervous green man. "I want guards placed outside this door at all times...leave no inch of this corridor unseen!" He commanded to no one in particular. The attack had left a sickening sensation deep in his core, knowing just how close the man who had granted him his freedom and life had nearly been to a violent end. Such debts could never be repaid, nor did he wish them to be. "We can't allow a single person in that room…"

"Precautions will of course be taken." Clin said, clasping his hands behind his back. "Though please gentlemen, hold together. The Empire will look to us for strength for the time being. Grant them an example of honor, of dignity."

48th of Iahta, 2 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Hesin slapped one of his many apprentices across the face, reddening her somewhat tanned cheek as he continued to hold her against him. Her revealing robes hung loosely around her hips, parted as his manhood continued to slide in and out of her willing body.

Alone in the living quarters beneath the Hesian Training Hall, the young woman groaned with desire as he pressed her back against the firm wall. Located between two columns of stacked cots resting upon cutouts in the stone, their hips grinded together, a burning lust of primal attraction.

"Master...I- '' She began to say, only for his hand to creep around her neck with a solid grip. He peered at her through his single eye hole, the white mask concealing each pleasured twitch across his scarred face.

"Hush...if there is a need to speak, I shall do so." He said, steadily tightening his grip.

She nodded obediently, allowing a gasp to escape her lips as she strained for breath. Her eyes appeared heavy with desire, raising her left leg in a silent encouragement to delve deeper.

His free hand reached down to hold her raised leg, feeling the softness of her thigh as he pushed in and out of her snug tunnel. Hesin wasn't exactly large by any means...yet the intensity of his passion more than made up for any missing inches.

Tightening his hold upon her delicate neck further, his cock rocked in and out, a rhythmic motion that sent shivers of satisfaction through her toned body. Like each of her fellow female assassins of The Hesian Order, she could nearly be described as an artwork of deadly beauty. Lithe and athletic, there was no doubt in Hesin's mind that she'd be able to provide quite a fight.

"Grand Master Hesin, there is- oh...apologies…" A voice came from behind, just beyond the carved archway of the entrance. Though he immediately recognized it as the voice of one of his other apprentices, the fact that she had made virtually no noise upon her approach was only a testament to her training.

Hesin's thrusts continued uninterrupted, their bodies locked together in an aching embrace. "Yes?"

Only a slight pause claimed the newcomer, before she straightened up dutifully. "I came to grant you the monthly report on Lady Xenia."

Slowly he eased his grip, allowing the young woman to inhale before tightening once more. She squirmed under his forceful domination, appearing to revel in the slight pain of strangulation as her legs began to quiver. "What of it?"

The newcomer's eyes traced over their bodies as she spoke, observing the subtle sheen of sweat upon their skin as he pounded her against the wall. "Our spies have observed minimal change, Master. There's been an increase in intimate encounters with her personal slave twins following the assassination attempt, yet all else is unnoteworthy."

Though unsurprised, Hesin gritted his teeth in disappointment beneath his mask. "I shall inform...ahhhh...Lalian. Carry on."

With a nod she turned to leave, visibly flustered by the sight she had stumbled into. She left his awareness with hardly a flicker of concern, his full attention focused towards his mate.

“H..harder…” She moaned, slightly choking.

Whether she referred to his thrusts or his grip became irrelevant, for he obliged in both. Their hips smashed together, as he tightened his fingers over her windpipe.

He had discovered her little preference nearly a month ago when they had shared their first intimate encounter. A little slap here, a small spank there, it all suited Hesin perfectly.

Her face slowly reddened as the seconds ticked by, desperate to breathe. He could see her gaze slowly losing focus as she neared her limit, on the verge of losing consciousness.

Finally…he set her free, removing his hand from her neck. With a gasp of fresh air her body began to quiver, climaxing from his rough domination.

The sweet feminine fluids of her pleasure dripped onto the stone floor, marking it with damp reminders of their passion. Hesin did not slow, remaining at full intensity as his average cock pounded into her delectable tunnel.

“We’re…not done yet!” he said firmly, unrelenting in his lust. Over and over his manhood slid into her, not quite able to reach her cervix as Dominax was able to.

“C…cum inside…Master…” she breathed, nuzzling his neck. “The risk…is minimal tonight…”

Her words drove him into a frenzy, his skinny yet athletic body holding her tightly. “Lie, sweet one. You’re mine.”

At his command she moaned, pressing her lips to his ear. “The risk…is high, Master. I’m…aahh…ovulating for your seed…”

That was all that was required. Hesin slammed inside a final time, unleashing a spurt of cum. A slight twinge of envy tugged at his consciousness, fully aware that he did not possess The God Emperor’s legendary fertility. He was but a man, yet a man nevertheless.

“Thank you…master…” she said through a wide grin, basking in the afterglow. She then lowered her voice further. “Would you like me to…?”

There was no need for her to complete the thought, for he knew her meaning already. Just as he had the last two times they had spent the evening together, he nodded before releasing her and slowly lowering himself to the ground.

Placing himself down on his back upon the cool floor, he raised his mask just enough to uncover his mouth. Then, ready to play her part, the young woman carefully crouched over his face.

Her gorgeous thighs straddled his head, placing her used vagina just above his lips. Then, just as he was eagerly awaiting, his spent seed began to slowly drip from her labia and into his open mouth.

A shiver of bliss trickled through his body as he tasted his own seed, mixed with the delectable juices of his mate. The domination he held melted away in an instant, leaving him a submissive slave beneath her womanhood.

The last of the cum leaked from her lower lips, sliding over his tongue to return to its creator. Were it possible, he’d nearly orgasm for a second time, yet his drained cock could only twitch in aching satisfaction.

“Good gods…” he thought, swallowing the last of his seed. “What a glorious existence we’ve forged…”

39th of Onis, 3 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Water flowed over Xenia's feet, cold and soothing as she stood upon the shore of the river. Her eyes closed, she pictured Briza's lifeless body floating beneath the gentle waves, calmed by the satisfaction of her victory despite the four guards standing nearby.

Dominax's bleeding body slipped through her mind, forcing her eyes open. The waters had claimed an enemy, yet they had also nearly snatched away the stability of her existence. Irith would one day join them, though only when Xenia was absolutely certain that she herself wouldn't be dragged down with her.

"Lady Xenia!" Pria's voice came from behind, as recognizable to her mistress as the quiet crashing of the waves. The slave girl made her way across the reddish beach, only stopping as the guards formed a protective barrier around their Concubine Empress.

Xenia waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Allow her in, she poses no threat." She said, despite the collective awareness that their ruler's assassination attempt had come at the hands of slaves.

"Thank you, mistress…" she said with a bow of her head, ignoring the intense suspicion in the eyes of the guards as she moved in closer. Every expression and subtle movement of her body indicated that her words were meant for her mistress's ears only, and Xenia quickly forced the guards to spread further apart. "We've kept an eye on Lord Salduin as you requested, my lady."

"And?" The command to watch over a member of The God Emperor's advisory council came at a calculated risk. They all held secrets of course, yet she had witnessed Salduin's odd behavior in person. If she could only discover the source of the bizarre night in the forest in which she had found him weeping openly and alone, it would be all too simple to gain his assistance in Irith's downfall. A little blackmail could do wonders, after all.

"I've received word from a servant who overheard him bribe his guards to grant himself a night of privacy. According to her, he leaves Domani tonight." Pria explained, keeping her voice low.

A grim smile crept across Xenia's mischievous lips. "Are you certain of your trust in your source? The God Emperor shall not tolerate our prodding into one of his advisors, even from an Empress of his Harem."

"Of course, mistress...I'm aware of the girls I can trust, and those I cannot. I shall see myself dead before allowing you to be discovered." Pria replied in absolute loyalty.

For a moment Xenia weighed her options, carefully assessing the risks involved before finally nodding her head. "Very well, I shall follow him myself. Order the stablemaster to ready a lixidion for tonight's departure. Make no mention of the intended rider, with a claim of security concerns...or...ah, you know what to say. You've never let me down. "

"As you wish." Pria bowed once more before swiftly departing, allowing the guards to press in closer.

Xenia's smile slowly soured, falling into a scowl that left no room for negotiation as she turned her attention to her guards. "Gentlemen, I shall say this only once. Tonight I am going to be alone, with or without The God Emperor's permission. You shall say nothing. You shall make no move to stop me. For if you do...I shall ensure a blade finds its way across your necks as you sleep."

The group of four stared at her in disbelief, uncertain of what to say before the largest of the men opened his mouth. "My lady...his holiness merely wishes to ensure that all of his close advisors and family are protected in the wake of this near tragedy. Should the organizers of the attempt on his life seek you out, we-"

She raised a hand to silence him. "Tonight. You shall each find a reward for your obedience in the morning, or…" she left the statement hanging for a slight instant, glaring at each of them. "...you may serve your God Emperor in the afterlife."

***

Pria's claims were proven correct when, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, Salduin collected his lixidion and rode off alone into the night. Had he known that Xenia was already waiting to follow him, she wondered what his reaction would have been.

She kept her distance, primarily relying on the faint claw marks dug into the soft mud. The night was warm, yet she had wrapped a black cloak around herself for additional concealment.

Hours ticked by as she traveled North, ever on the heel of her oblivious target. He seemed to be following the nearby river, heading in the general direction of Nitri. There were numerous reasons for the big man to return to the abandoned settlement, many of which would do nothing to further Xenia's goals. What would Dominax care if his advisor wished to delve into a sentimental trip through their mutual past?

Xenia was beginning to wonder if she had wasted her time when Salduin's tracks abruptly veered to the left, heavily off course if he wished to reach Nitri. A renewed spark of interest flared in her chest, and she eagerly steered her lixidion to follow. The creature's vicious claws made short work of any foliage blocking her way, entirely adapted to the cluttered ground of the rainforest.

An additional hour passed, pushing them deep into the night before she spotted his monstrous mount up ahead through a break in the trees. Sitting ideally with its reins crudely fastened around the trunk of a tree, it appeared riderless. She came to a halt herself, positioning her lixidion a great enough distance away as to not be detectable before dismounting.

Cautiously she made her way through the trees, slowly retracing the heavy steps of Lord Salduin. Even the slowest learner in Hesin's little Order would have easily been able to follow the big man, for he had smashed his way through the branches with his hammer. With the moonlight cascading through the trees, the path he had taken appeared littered with shattered branches and crushed leaves.

The eerie calls of distant night dwelling creatures became interrupted by the familiar echoes of a man's sorrowful sobs. A smirk crept onto Xenia's face as she neared, knowing the odds of gaining what she sought had increased tenfold. The similarities to the night she had discovered him alone in the forest were precise, just as she had hoped.

It didn't take long until she reached the edge of a forest clearing, observing the trees as they encircled a small hill open to the night sky. The muscled frame of Salduin kneeled atop its peak, accompanied by two flat stones that lay just in front of him.

Like a predator stalking her prey she crept around the edge of the rainforest, doing her best to remain soundless as she moved into his blind spot before emerging from the foliage. Then, slowly, she made her way up the hill.

Salduin's sobs became louder the closer she grew, easily masking her footsteps. She needed to see the supposed source of the man's anguish, to assess its usefulness before she could even consider revealing her presence.

Closer...she neared, nearly able to reach out and touch him if she'd like. His hammer had been discarded, slumped to the ground at his side as he leaned over the pair of stones.

Carefully she peered over his shoulder as he remained kneeling, finally able to see the surface of the stones. They appeared to be pressed into the dirt, each roughly the shape of a hexagon. Squinting, she could make out the presence of crude inscriptions, not quite readable in the dim moonlight.

Without warning, Salduin roared into action, spinning around to tackle her to the soft ground. Taken utterly off guard she screamed as he pinned her, pressing his heavy body against her own.

"WHO ARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU FOLLOW ME HERE!" He shouted, pressing her into the dirt.

"S..Salduin! Take your damn hands off me!" She replied, injecting authority into her tone despite the panic that flowed through her.

Freezing at the familiar voice, he pulled her hood back to reveal her beautiful face. "Xenia…?"

"Yes, you oaf, unhand me!"

Mortified, he quickly moved to roll off of her sensual form. He stood to his full height, towering over her as he offered a hand. She accepted it, allowing him to pull her to her feet.

"What in his holiness's name are you doing here?" He questioned coldly, wiping away the moisture from his eyes.

"I shall ask you the same question, considering how far we are from The Capital." She said, brushing mud from her cloak and loincloth. The moonlight radiated off her skin, granting her a mystifying appearance. "Are all of Dominax's men this dubious?"

Salduin's face hardened at the accusation. "I've never concealed a necessary fact from The God Emperor."

"Oh? Then what of this?" She asked, smirking with a wave of her hand towards the stones. "Is it not necessary for him to know that one of his trusted men occasionally sneaks away at night?"

They stared at each other for a silent moment, neither of them backing down. "You speak of what you do not know."

"Perfect, then why don't you start explaining?" She said, meeting his glare with a teasing look of self-satisfaction. Apart from being tackled, her plan had mostly gone just as she had hoped.

Salduin hesitated, taking a single step back as he inhaled. “The demons in a man’s life are of no concern to you. Leave, and allow me some peace.”

Xenia chuckled, shaking her head. “Sorry big Lord, a greater strategy is at play here. Begin explaining, and I shall keep this little display as our secret.”

“You will not inform his holiness?” he asked, lacking all hints of joy in his tone.

“If you grant me what I seek, no. Though I insist that you begin talking, and quickly.”

A groan of resignation escaped his lips, before he finally lowered his head. “If you insist.”

Pleased, she watched as he gazed down at the stones, kneeling to place his hand tenderly atop the nearest surface.

“What you stand upon…are the remains of my failure.” He explained, his voice heavy beneath his beard. “My family.”

Taken slightly off guard by his answer, Xenia glanced down in curiosity at the stones that she now understood to be odd tombstones. “You’ve…granted no hint of a former family in all the time I’ve known you.”

Salduin solemnly nodded, unable to meet her eyes as he focused upon the graves. “It is not a subject I wish to discuss, even with The God Emperor.”

“Did you…” She began to ask, probing possible paths that may lead her towards the blackmail she desired.

“Did I do this?” he finished her question, hardening his jaw with bitterness. “No.”

The answer came as a spiteful conclusion to his explanation, clearly wishing to delve no deeper into such matters. Yet she merely folded her arms, looking down at him expectantly.

Finally he continued, closing his eyes. “Met a girl some years back, before the fall of Nitri. We tried to make a life of our own, away from the settlement but it just…" he took a long breath. "We had a daughter together, our little Rira. She was…"

From the clumsiness of his words, it was clear that he was FAR from accustomed to speaking of his past. Even still, there was little for her to work with.

"We survived...our way." He continued, gesturing to the surrounding trees. "Out among nature, among life. They were...everything to me."

"What happened to them, Salduin?" She pressed, urging him to delve deeper.

For a long moment he merely peered down at their graves, before finally meeting her gaze. "I was out on a hunt to collect meat for our home. I returned...and found that a pack of Sloatis had destroyed it all. The big, slug-like creatures had deemed my girls a worthy target...though my Jinilya managed to take two of them down with her. A cold comfort for the dead…" he spat, as resentful as she had ever seen him. "I buried what was left of them here, a grave for all my hopes."

For what seemed like an eternity Xenia remained silent, her mind working to turn the information in her favor. "That is...quite a tragedy. Why hide their existence from The God Emperor?"

"Ahh it's complicated." Salduin replied with clear exasperation. "I returned to Nitri to find peace, yet Dominax showed me a clearer path."

"I...don't take your meaning…"

Stroking his beard, he rose to his feet, towering above her. "Surely you of all people should understand...you're one of his Concubine Empresses. You are closer to his teachings than any of us!" He said with exacerbation. "As a healer, you and I stem from nature. We search the material world, seeking meaning in our surroundings. From the moment I saw his power...I knew, more than any other proof I had ever stumbled upon, that I had encountered something truly special. I...want to learn from him, to understand our reality and that of creation. I wish...I need to seek knowledge of the spiritual realm, of whatever afterlife awaits us. I must know...what has become of my family."

Xenia bit her lip, taking in his words. In many ways he was correct, giving voice to her own concerns. She had joined Dominax for nearly the same reason, only to hone in on material ambitions. He was nearly an echo of what she could have become, and in a way she couldn't entirely explain, she allowed the temptation of blackmail to slip from her grasp. "I...believe I understand."

"Then you'll keep this between us?" He asked with the first traces of hope since the moment their conversation began. "One day...when I am ready, I shall spill my past before The God Emperor. Nothing shall remain hidden from him...yet I am not ready…"

Xenia placed a finger to her lip in contemplation. The tingle of sympathy she felt towards the man disturbed her, like a weakness that atrophied her strength. Still...there wasn't exactly an easy target for blackmail. Certainly, she could threaten to reveal everything she had learned, though that was far from the incriminating information that she had hoped for.

In the end, she nodded. "I will not reveal your secret, Salduin. Consider it a gesture of good will."

Salduin's kind face appeared to briefly light up, before he carefully wrapped his arms around her thin waist. Pulling her in for a tight embrace, he allowed tears to flow once more. "Thank you, I won't forget this."

Xenia strained under his powerful touch. "No. You won't, my friend."

Chapter Text

39th of Onis, 4 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

He could have been the embodiment of an angry deity, gazing down upon his people as Dominax stood atop The Grand Pyramid's unfinished form. Wrapped in his cloak, he studied the streets of The Capital with contempt, bathed in the warm breeze of the night sky. Nearly all of Domani's citizens had retired to their homes for the evening, aside from a few stragglers who went about their business.

Entirely healed from his attack, the only outer reminders that such an event had occurred lay in several scars where the claws of his would-be assassins had ripped into him. Regarding his mind, however, the memories of what had occurred had done their damage. He had trusted them completely, a mistake that had nearly cost him everything. The Empire would have shattered, dooming Magnius to a fate of endless conflict. Eight years since his first brush with death during the slaughter of Nitri and he had found himself once more shoved to the limits of human mortality.

There could be no further mistakes. He narrowed his eyes, gazing at the layout of Domani with the knowledge that any of its inhabitants could be a potential source of his death. An unnoticed citizen, a bribed guard, any could be lying in wait to gain their chance at slaying the very individual who had granted them their lives.

What good were his powers when the blade of a friend could slip into his back?

Dominax's cloak fluttered in the wind as he made his way back inside the oversized fortress, navigating its many hallways and stairwells down to the very heart of The Pyramid. His ire for his own people, for the very world itself, nearly boiled over as he entered the Vaid Pod.

"Dorian!" His voice boomed as he stormed to the center of the dark chamber, memories flooding freely within him. Briza's cold corpse, the mass graves of Nitri, the assassins' claws digging into his flesh as his ship burned around him. "I curse you, father! I curse the reality you have doomed us to inhabit!"

Slowly he sensed the presence of The Creator emerging, gathering strength until his eerie image faintly flickered into view.

"You've damned us all to suffer!"

The immaterial form of Dorian stood before him, his calm voice encircling The God Emperor when he opened his mouth. "My boy…what is troubling you? I see you have healed well…since last we spoke…"

"No thanks to you." Dominax nearly spat. "I've taught my followers that The Creator is all knowing, all powerful! Yet now I must explain why he'd allow his own son to nearly be killed!"

"You're aware of the truth…my boy. I am no more capable of protecting you…than the wind…"

"They are not aware!" Dominax shouted with frustration. "Some begin to question the web of fact and fiction I have carefully woven, yet why should they not? I've fai-" He suddenly cut himself off, choosing to begin again and strike directly at the source of his contempt. "The lengths I've gone to carve a new existence for my people, to free them from the horrors of themselves, it is a necessity born from the fact that you've produced a FLAWED reality!"

Dorian folded his ghostly arms, his solemn expression only partially visible beneath the hood of his cloak. "I will not deny that there is much about Ayphieal…I would have desired to change or correct…yet the time for such thoughts are millennia lost. This planet contains all you truly need to survive…as beings have done for a thousand years without my assistance."

"Yet you've left us as imperfect beings!" Dominax countered. "Humanity is left unfinished, alongside all five other humanoid species. Your creations are flawed, doomed to internal conflict and chaos. The result has been one thousand years of suffering and slaughter, a catastrophe that I shall correct!"

A low sigh escaped the ancient spirit, and Dorian moved towards the curved wall of the chamber where the otherworldly Orb had been placed atop an elegantly carved pedestal. "You…are powerful, yet you are also young and foolish." He said, activating the holographic globe that projected from the Orb.

Dominax watched in cautious curiosity, never failing to be drawn in by the stunning mystical image of his world. He gritted his teeth as he held in his anger, watching as the globe slowly rotated. The continent of Magnius claimed the majority of Ayphieal's forward facing hemisphere relative to Dominax's position, more familiar to him than his own reflection. He had studied the surface of the continent in exquisite detail over the years, developing potential strategies of conquest and development. Just as he was well aware, the globe revealed nothing aside from a vast and empty ocean as it rotated to reveal the opposite side of the planet. Only a single continent lay upon Ayphieal's surface, a mind-numbingly large land that would one day be entirely consumed by The Empire. That is, as long as a blade did not cut Dominax's life short beforehand.

"You've demonstrated…an intelligence that has made me proud…yet you know…nothing…" Dorian stated as he outstretched his hand towards the globe. The translucent image slowly began to blink, before solidifying with the form of an entirely new and foreign landmass.

Looking at the map in utter surprise, Dominax glared. "This…has been hidden all this time? A continent on the far side of the world?!"

"Indeed…my boy." Dorian confirmed nearly in a whisper. "You gaze upon my shame…"

The prospect of an entirely different and separate land from his own had never truly been thought to exist by his people, nor had they ever tried to find one. Tales of Arkos and Tazik explorers setting off from Magnius had spread throughout The Human Basin for nearly two hundred years, yet none had ever returned.

"You stand upon a land that I may be proud of…yet Magnius was not the first…" Dorian explained grimly. "The failed fruits of my original efforts…lay upon the opposite side of the world. There I experimented…hopping to forge creatures of my own. The results…were monstrosities."

Dealt a heavy blow at the knowledge, Dominax remained momentarily silent before speaking. "We…were not the first of your creations?"

Dorian shook his head. "Not mine…at all, in fact. My boy…I sought for decades to spawn creatures of sentience, yet I was met only with savagery and malice. In the end…I looked back to my own species, leading forth ten thousand humans from my original dimension…"

"What madness is this…" he asked, staring at the ghostly figure in disbelief.

"To create sentient beings requires…a higher skill than I could muster." Dorian continued. "Through gene manipulation I created my masterworks…Dril, Arkos, Lanthians, Tazik, even Lish. You all stem from a common source….my boy."

"Gene manipulation?"

Dorian waved his hand in dismissal. "The specifics may be left for another time…yet for now, understand that your rage is misplaced. Humanity is flawed…yes, though flaws are as natural as the setting sun."

"Natural or not, such flaws can be found as the source of untold suffering and destruction. Is it not our duty to negate said flaws? To boil them down and cut them away at the source?" Dominax questioned, notably more controlled than his previous outbursts.

"You may try…as I have. Though I did not originally create humanity, I've made…modifications. Slight changes in DNA…in the hopes of perfecting what humans could become." Dorian began, not bothering to explain the meaning of DNA to a man who had never encountered its definition. "For example, your complete lack of body hair…as well as an optimized digestive tract…that produces no waste and requires less sustenance. Humanity upon Ayphieal…is FAR different from your original source. The biological gifts I've granted your people…must surely count for something."

Dominax bit his lip, releasing a breath of frustration. "I…apologize, Dorian." He said in a rare act of humility as he closed his eyes. "Do not think I'd forget what you've given us, yet this world takes its toll."

Slowly, Dorian's ghostly form swept over towards The God Emperor. "I know…my boy. I know…"

Though he felt nothing but a cold chill, Dominant watched as the immaterial arms of the old man wrapped around him in an embrace that neither of them could feel.

"Had I been able to…I would have done anything to protect you…from your Arkos assassins." Dorian said.

"I'm certain you would." He replied coldly, stepping through the translucent old man.

Dorian paused as he turned to look at his son, only to nod somberly. "I must go…my boy, and rest…"

"Very well, yet if what you've said is true, then I must adjust my plans to include the conquest of an additional continent."

Dorian's eyebrows raised in alarm. "NO…my boy, you must never seek out the first continent. Only beasts remain…with no hint of civilization. All who sail towards its shores never return…and for good reason."

"You spark my interest, only to strike it down?" He asked in confusion.

"I reveal all of this to you…in the hopes that you may learn from my mistakes. There is no perfecting humanity…only the possibility of improving them." Dorian said, straining as his concentration began to wane. "Your Empire may dominate them…yet their flaws will always peak…through the veil of your…control…"

Dominax watched as the old soul slowly faded, returning once more to his slumber.

19th of Senin, 4 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Each of Lalian's cautious footsteps echoed quietly through the cramped passageways. Just wide enough for an average man to comfortably stroll through without either of his shoulders gliding against the hard walls, the hidden tunnels ran throughout the entirety of The Grand Pyramid.

Comforted by the knowledge that only the fortress's designer and The God Emperor himself had any idea that such tunnels existed, Lalian snuck through as though every sudden turn and narrow passage spoke to him. For in fact, he had memorized every inch of The Pyramid, leaving no chamber of his masterwork personally uninspected.

There could only be one target that fit his interest at this time of day, as he carefully crept to a stop. Then, as he faced the wall, he pulled aside a slim piece of metal fastened to a sliding hinge and peered through a tiny peephole in the stone, revealing a luxurious bath house on the other side.

A nervous grin spread across his face, just in time to hear the heavy doors of the chamber creak open. As he had fully expected due to her typical schedule, Concubine Empress Irith stepped into the room. She remained flanked by several guards as per his holiness's command, all required to be female in order to enter the royal bathhouse.

She walked towards the water, dipping a toe into it to test the temperature as the guards moved to take their places along the outer wall of the chamber. Thankfully for Lalian's sake none of them detected their hidden intruder, all due to the strategic placement of his peephole.

Seeming to deem the water as acceptable, she began to remove her clothing. Lalian's breath deepened, hot against the cold wall as he intently viewed her disrobe. Sliding her top down her sensual form, her voluptuous breasts were slowly revealed. Utterly flawless in both shape and firmness, they hung as though they were orbs of fertility.

A shiver ran through his body as he secretly observed her, feeling his castrated Lanthian cock hardening at the sight. Her delicate hands unfastened her belt, allowing her flowing skirt to slip down her womanly legs.

His breath caught in his throat as the alluring valley between her legs was revealed, complemented by her childbearing hips. Every inch of her screamed femininity, seemingly designed to be bred.

"Thank The Creator…for such beauty…" Lalian managed to whisper, his erection hard enough to nearly be painful. How could Dominax possibly be fortunate enough to mate with such a gorgeous being, even as God Emperor? Jealousy radiated throughout Lalian's green body, flush with consuming desire.

She took a step into the water, then another, and another until she had sunk waist deep into the peaceful pool. A slight jiggle rippled across her firm breasts with each step, hardly noticeable.

Lalian lifted his tunic, allowing his small erection to peak out as he watched her. The cramped tunnel around him seemed to melt away, as only the view through his peephole became his world.

Cupping her hands to collect water, she poured it down her right shoulder. The tiny trickles ran across her soft skin, rolling down each womanly curve of her body.

His hand slowly reached for his manhood, only to freeze as the large doors opened once more. Curious, he watched as Xenia entered the room along with her twin slaves.

"Oh, we didn't expect to find you here." Xenia stated coldly, her hips swaying as she entered.

Irith turned to face her fellow Concubine Empress, unknowingly granting Lalian a perfect view of her half-submerged rear. He shuttered, a twitch running through his cock as his gaze fell upon each round cheek. "You know I usually bathe this hour; what do you want?" She asked with a hint of annoyance.

"Can't a few women enjoy the baths together?" Xenia replied with a smirk before gesturing to Pria and Pilsi. "You wouldn't mind if these beauties joined you, would you?"

"You're free to do what you wish, only Dominax may control you." Irith said, resuming her bath.

The trio slowly removed their revealing clothing, granting their unknown watcher three additional views of near art. The sight of the three women who had humiliated him filled his cheeks with a deep green shade of anger, a storm of rage and lust stirring inside his loins.

Entering the water, they kept their distance from Irith as Xenia seemed to eye the many guards lining the walls. She turned to her twin slaves with a disappointed scowl, hushing them with a subtle shake of her head. Whatever they had planned could not come to fruition, for The God Emperor's paranoia extended even to the baths. Instead, they merely watched the nude Empress with interest as they went about their business, granting her occasional glances.

Lalian watched as the twins bathed their mistress, their seductive hands gliding over her fair skin. He bit his lip, both wishing to strangle the woman who held the focus of his resentment and desiring to plunge his little impotent cock into her fertile body. The contradiction served little in the way of dampening his arousal, instead seeming to drive it further.

His fingers brushed his shaft as he watched Xenia relax, both Pria and Pilsi serving to clean her. A shudder ran through his body, seizing his breath for a single instant.

"Leaving so soon?" Xenia asked with a slight moan as Irith made her way towards the steps leading out of the pool. Pria's hand glided over her mistress's nipple, flaring each nerve within the sensitive little bud. "You could of course join us…if only for a little longer."

"There is much to be done Xenia, I don't wish to leave Dominax alone for too long in his current state of mind." Irith said as she slowly emerged from the water, accepting a long chimira-silk shroud from one of the guards. She wrapped it around her body, the thin fabric leaving nothing to the imagination as it hugged her curves.

Xenia shrugged in mock indifference, returning her attention to her slaves as they began to gently kiss and caress her body. "So be it."

Lalian could hardly contain himself, stimulating his cock with only the lightest of touches for the time being. There was no rush, as the three women slowly entangled themselves within the water.

The moment the door sealed behind Irith, Xenia glared in utter disdain. "The slut dares to lecture me? I've been by Dominax's side from the beginning!"

Pria nuzzled her mistress's neck, hands exploring each curve of The God Emperor's prize as she dropped into a low whisper. "Worry not, she can't escape us forever. Let her prance about, for these guards won't be around forever."

"Indeed, beautiful." Xenia replied with a smirk, pulling her in for a deep kiss as Pilsi brushed her naked navel against Xenia's hip.

Nearly trembling, Lalian wrapped his hand fully around his painful erection as Pria's hand slithered down Xenia's front to seek her tight tunnel. A gasp of anticipation escaped her as the girl's fingertips made contact, gently parting her supple lower lips.

Pilsi dropped her head to her mistress's breasts, suckling her hard nipple as if she were Princess Vixin. Xenia held her to her chest, running her fingers through the girl's silky hair.

Their lips parted, allowing Xenia to gaze into Pria's eyes. "You two are magnificent…"

Lalian slowly began to jerk his manhood, watching as Xenia leaned back against the edge of the bathing pool for support as she slightly parted her legs. Pria wasted no time, sinking her fingers into the woman's aching vagina.

Xenia moaned, feeling Pilsi grind her womanhood against her side like an animal in heat. She reached down, taking a handful of her toned ass in her hand as the other fondled Pria's waiting breast.

A light squeak escaped from Lalian's lips, and he quickly covered his mouth. None of the three seemed to notice through the thick walls, allowing him to slowly continue pleasuring himself to the nearly divine sight.

Thoughts of sliding his cock deep into each if their warm vaginas seeped through his mind, entirely consuming him. Their bodies would swell with the children he could never grant to them in reality, continuing a bloodline that had ended the moment the blade of his former masters had reduced him to a tormented eunuch.

Each thought rested merely in fantasy, for he'd never betray The God Emperor in such a way. The envy of breeding the three goddesses before him only fueled his lust, knowing he'd never be permitted to touch their soft skin.

A moan escaped his lips, his cock twitching in jealous submission as thoughts of his own children growing within their wombs melted away, replaced by the all too real memory of their past pregnancies. Dominax had knocked each one of them up, while Lalian's useless cock remained entirely unable to sire a single child. The thought nearly forced him over the edge, causing him to momentarily pause the movements of his hand to calm himself.

Hands running over their mistress's body, the two sisters did their best to pleasure the woman who had granted them their lives. Pria's finger pressed against Xenia's most sensitive internal area, gently caressing it as she drew out her aching lust.

"Yeeesss my girls…I have taught you well…" Xenia moaned, lightly bucking her hips. "There is no…aaahhh…replacement for the sensation of a cock, yet only the touch of a woman may be this skilled…"

Lalian's hot breath streamed over the cold stone as he continued to peer through the peephole, intoxicated by the sight. Thoughts of the humiliation they had inflicted upon him flared his rage, along with his arousal. There could be no reconciliation between the two emotions, for they simply mixed together into a concoction of confliction. He HATED Xenia, loved her, and could think of nothing besides her naked form. She had claimed his mind, twisting him into her undoing. Hesin's spies would discover something eventually, and when they did, Lalian may finally be free…

Shuddering, Xenia released a sensual cry as she was brought to orgasm, her gorgeous body seizing with ecstasy. The sight proved to be too much for Lalian, and he bucked his hips as he joined her in climax.

Yet, as she appeared enraptured by pleasure, the all too familiar dulled sensation of climax dripped lightly through his own body. A deep frustration set in as his unsatisfying orgasm faded, leaving tiny drops of clear liquid upon the stone ground.

A submissive groan slipped from his lips, cursing the cruel castration delivered by his own species.

"I…hate you…"

Chapter Text

18th of Thriduin, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A slight hiss escaped the doorway of the Pod as its metal surface slid open, sending a chill creeping down Vixin's back as she peered into its dark depths. Fully settled into the heart of The Grand Pyramid and incorporated into the very structure itself, The Chamber of Deliverance, as the former pod was now officially named, hadn't accepted another being into its depths besides The God Emperor in years.

Taking a single step inside the chamber she released a breath, finally returning to the site of her Vaidimation. Now fourteen, the second born princess of House Vaid was quickly developing into the beauty that many predicted she'd become. Her hair reached just below her elegant chin, loosely fluttering at the gentlest breeze and as dark as her father's. Her silver eyes studied the chamber, its curved walls blanketed in an oppressive darkness that seemed to swallow her as she ventured forth.

"Father…you summoned me?"

"Indeed, my child, approach." The powerful voice of The God Emperor echoed from the far side of the room.

She began to take several steps forwards, only to come to a stop in the center as her father emerged from the shadows. Dressed in his full armor stood the man who had protected and provided for her, though ultimately kept his distance throughout her short life. Vixin couldn't help but bite her lip nervously as he studied her, for what could he possibly want from her? Why show interest now, after so many years of cold questioning and distant acknowledgements?

Slowly he circled her, his arms folded in contemplation. "You've grown much these last few years. Matured, I think, as much as a Princess raised in comfort and safety can mature."

"Thank you…my lord." She nearly whispered, keenly aware of his assessing gaze that studied every inch of her.

"Yet it is not your physical being that holds importance. Aside from the advantages that your beauty grants you, as your mother has taught you well, it is what lies beneath that grants you the majority of your value. Beneath the veil of our physical reality."

Vixin felt a slight blush play across her pretty cheeks, though she remained silent.

"You've seen the power that our bloodline possesses…yet you've never truly tasted it for yourself."

"I'd like to, my lord…but Cendra has already surpassed me. I can hardly conjure a trickle of power before my-"

Dominax came to a stop in front of her before he held up his hand. "Your sister's power is strong indeed, yet her skill lies more in the material world. She enhances her movements, her strength, her prowess. All are valid uses of our blood's abilities, yet what I sense in you delves deeper."

"Deeper, father?"

An insidious grin spread across his face as his silver eyes narrowed. He clasped his hands behind his back, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial pitch. "What magnificent potential I sense in you. If I can coax forth your power, if you can learn to harness your abilities…what a goddess of order you may become…"

"You'd…teach me?" Vixin asked, a flutter racing through her heart at the prospect.

"Of course, child, you shall serve The Empire well. Show me now, demonstrate that you are worthy of my teachings."

As her eyes slightly widened, she nervously glanced up at him. "Right now…my lord? I…am not accustomed to-"

"Now, Vixin." He commanded with no hint of negotiation. "I must sense your focus, your drive to seize the power of your birthright!"

She took a shaky breath, nodding obediently as she parted her lithe legs to adopt a firmer stance. Then, holding her hands outwards at her sides, she closed her eyes to concentrate.

Dominax watched with curiosity as her expression grew tense, sensing her power gathering throughout the young Princess's ethereal being. Little changed in the material world for several moments, until like a burning web thin trickles of electricity poured from her fingertips and onto the floor.

A strained whine escaped her delicate lips, unable to maintain her concentration for more than a few moments before the energy began to dissipate and die.

Silently, he watched her maturing body attempt to regain her breath, reaching up to stroke his beard in contemplation.

"W..well my lord?"

Dominax nodded in satisfaction. "For your age and lack of proper training, you are more than adequate. Yet now child, you shall feel the power that you may one day strive to achieve."

Vixin watched as he raised his hands, hardly able to release a gasp before arcs of power erupted from her father's fingertips and crashed into her, sending her seizing body sliding backwards across the smooth surface of the chamber floor.

Her world was consumed by pain, convulsing upon the floor as her muscles refused to obey her orders. Fourteen years of life hadn't granted her an agony comparable to The God Emperor's power, leaving her barely conscious as the remnants of the blast of power slowly faded away.

Carefully he approached, towering over her limp form. "Take heed child, for this path both gives…as much as it takes away. You may become a being of value, or you may succumb." He said, releasing a weary breath that reduced his harsh tone to a smirk. "What you have felt is but a fraction of the power I may bring to bear, a power that you must crave. In time you shall learn to defend against such attacks, yet for now simply bask in the pain and yearn for its source."

"Yes…ahh…father…" she managed to whisper, fighting to hold back tears of pain that threatened to well in her eyes.

"There shall be no more of that, child. I shall always be your father, yet from this moment onwards, I am your master."

"I…understand…" she groaned, slowly regaining control over her fingers as the lingering sensation of pain gradually wore away. "...master…"

"Then your first lesson begins now, my apprentice. Remain here and savor the sensation of your fall. Let your body memorize the pain, for it is the very agony that you shall one day inflict upon the enemies of The Empire." He said, turning to make his way towards the door. There would be no need to send for a healer, as the small blast would leave nothing more than various bruises.

"Interesting…" Dorian's voice quietly echoed inside Dominax's mind as he pressed his hand against the door sensor. "Hardly an apprentice yourself…yet you feel knowledgeable enough to teach? Be mindful of your arrogance…my boy."

Gritting his teeth, Dominax ignored the remark and sealed the chamber behind him.

34th of Thriduin, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"I want to sleep…" Nafalya mumbled lightly as her eyes began to flutter. Resting her head against her mother's breast, the eight-year-old princess's breathing was nearly quiet enough to not be heard in the calm darkness of her personal quarters.

Lying in bed with her child, Irith gently ran her fingers through Nafalya's long black hair. "I know, we're almost done. Come, let us practice one more time."

The young girl let out a sigh as Irith once more held up the thin slab of wood with her free hand. Though carefully carved, the engraved image merely depicted a simple albeit stylized version of Ayphieal and its eight moons, each orbiting their world in a perfect unified circle.

"Fine…" Nafalya huffed, sitting up. She pointed from one moon to the next, beginning at the top and moving clockwise. "Onis, Twic, Thriduin, Fonic, Fixuin…uhh…"

"There's no rush, calm your mind and try to remember." Irith said with a patient smile.

"S…uh…it's Silla! That one is Silla." Nafalya said before continuing her list. "Next is Senin, then Iahta."

Irith laid the slab to her side and wrapped the princess in a tight embrace with both arms. "Fantastic! My little Princess learns quickly."

Nafalya relaxed against Irith once again, rotating in her tight embrace to press her cheek to the soft skin of her mother's chest. "Can I sleep now?"

"If you can tell me why our months are named after our moons." She replied with a chuckle.

"Because they…spin around us?" The princess answered, allowing her eyes to fall shut.

"They orbit, my child, moving in a rotation as consistent as night and day." Irith explained, repeating teachings that were as old as the world itself. "The moon highest in the sky at midday marks the new month, every fifty days like a brilliant universal clock."

The only response came as a light breathing, as it was clear that Nafalya had drifted into an exhausted sleep. Irith simply chuckled, leaning down to grant her a kiss upon the top of her head. "Alright my little Princess, we can continue later. Rest well." For indeed they would continue tomorrow. Dominax desired a capable heir, and Irith was determined to deliver in whatever way she could.

She remained with her daughter for several minutes before carefully sliding out from underneath her and gently tucking her into bed, placing her hand onto the girl's small cheek. The rest of the world mattered little, for her own world lay sleeping calmly before her. It took a long moment before she finally mustered the will to pull away.

A quick glance towards the far end of the room was all she needed to know that Nafalya was safe, for in a corner draped by darkness sat an assassin of The Hesian Order, silently watching and prepared to ambush any who entered the Princess's chamber without permission.

Irith granted a nod of trust towards the concealed woman before finally turning to leave.

She had expected to encounter her own guards standing patiently outside the door, yet instead she was met only by the presence of Dominax. Before she could even react, he quickly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a deep kiss.

"M..my love!" She said in surprise when they had separated, held firmly against his chest.

He pulled her in for a second kiss, then a third, before pressing his lips to her ear in a low whisper. "I was listening, my love. You are so great with her…"

Irith chuckled as she felt his forceful hands travel down to grope her rump, concealed only beneath the thin fabric of her silky skirt. "Dominax…where are the guards?"

"They're just around the corner." He explained, his breath hot as his other hand slid along her outer thigh. "I wish only for you in this moment."

A deep gasp passed playfully between her lips as his fingers traced beneath her skirt and made contact with the sensitive valley between her legs. "D..Dominax…"

"You're such a good mother to my child…" he nearly moaned, beginning to feel a slight dampness on his fingertips as he prodded. "I want you again…my love. In the truest fashion, no pulling out. I shall fill your womb once more…"

"You're…ahhh…ready for another, my love? You'd grant me a second child?"

A flare of utter desire coursed through him, causing him to nibble at her neck. "My seed shall be buried deeper than in any slave…House Vaid shall have its fifth member…"

Irith groaned with lust, and it took every ounce of her willpower to pull back to face him. "Finally….my love, though not here. If we are to conceive once again…it shall not be in a corridor…"

For a moment he was taken aback, unaccustomed to having his orders defied. "Then where, my little concubine? Name it and I shall toss you over my shoulder."

Irith shook her head. "Do not rush, not a moment such as this. If you truly love me…wait until tomorrow's nightfall. You will find me in our chambers…where I'll be prepared…"

Dominax considered her request, his fingers nearly digging into her ass. Finally, he relented. "Very well, if that is your wish. It is a request I shall ONLY make for you, for I will use my slaves whenever I desire."

Irith smirked, though leaned in to kiss him a final time. "I am not one of your slaves, my love. The wait will be more than worthwhile."

***

As the sun began to set below the horizon the following day, Dominax could nearly feel his blood boiling. The squabbling of citizens eager to present their issues at the foot of his throne had been little more than an irritating distraction throughout the day, for his thoughts never drifted far from what awaited him.

The prospect of a second child with Irith was one that came with certain dangers, though ultimately the possibilities were impossible to ignore for much longer. To sire another full member of House Vaid would always come with a risk of endangering the dynasty. To breed a slave? Of course, he could fill as many with his seed as his heart desired. But to sire a child of legitimacy? A Vaidimated individual of true value? There were already three potential heirs to the Throne, three powerful silver eyed children who would require an adequate position within The Empire, or else he risked the possibility of infighting.

His children were at once priceless assets, and dangerous obstacles that he'd have to carefully maneuver. Vaidimate too many of them, and his dream of a strong, unified Empire could burn away in a war of lightning and fire.

Yet…the words of Dorian could not be ignored. A conception between Dominax and Irith held the potential to sire a being of enormous power, one that would be certain to lead The Empire to prosperity long after they were gone. Nafalya…was a disappointment to be sure, though what of her potential siblings?

Dominax was committed to his decision, his body burning with arousal as he marched down the many winding corridors of The Grand Pyramid. He could nearly feel Irith's womb growing closer, her eggs hungering for his sperm.

Reaching the entrance of his temporary royal quarters he ignored the guards as they bowed, brushing past them to wrench open the large doors.

The chamber inside was quiet, illuminated by candles made of Ritalis wax that burned a deep red. The main centerpiece of the room was the bed, where his Concubine Empress patiently waited for his return while various colorful petals littered her bare skin and concealed her most intimate areas. She eyed him as he entered, as if a seductress in search of prey.

"Welcome, my lord…." She said, her gaze drawing him in.

Slowly he began to approach, stripping his armor off piece by indestructible piece. "The wait is more than forgiven for a sight such as this."

Running a finger over her hip, her gaze flared with desire as he stripped away his one-suit. Her eyes dropped to the cock that would soon breed her, fully erect with anticipation. "Come, I need you, my love. I must feel that perfection inside me…"

Dominax smirked in response, for all these years later her ever lingering accent only continued to compliment her unworldly beauty. He mounted the bed near her legs, placing his hand onto her thigh. A quiver ran through her at his touch, her skin tingling with lust.

With a single finger she reached up, pushing aside the petals dotted around her breasts with agonizing slowness. More and more bare skin of her mounds was revealed, before finally she brushed aside the petals concealing her erect nipples.

He followed her lead, sweeping aside petals from her lower half as he made his way closer towards her groin. Each second felt as though it were an eternity, as she carefully parted her legs. With a few final brushes of his finger, her flawless womanhood was completely exposed to him.

With his thumb he lightly stroked her labia as if appraising a magnificent sculpture. It was the vagina that had granted him Nafalya, and would soon grant him a truly worthy heir.

Irith bit her lip, hardly able to contain herself as she rested her trembling hands upon her breasts. "My love…please, take me. I need you…I want your cock to fuck me until I'm pregnant…"

Dominax moved in, holding himself above her as he gazed until her eyes. "Have no doubt of that, my love. Your womb is mine."

Pressing forwards he began to sink his cock into her vagina, savoring each tiny flicker of pleasure in her eyes as her lips parted in a deep moan. Her legs spread further, inviting him in as if begging to give herself to him.

Inch by inch he pushed until he had reached her inner depths, receiving a groan of utter satisfaction from his mate. His cock tingled within her tunnel, nearly dripping with potent desire.

His hips began to move, thrusting with slow, deep movements. Her hand reached up to cup his face, peering into his silver eyes with devotion. Her body craved his touch, hungering to please him.

"Gods you're big…" Irith moaned, pulling him to her lips. She tasted his scent, the musk of a God Emperor.

Their loins burned with the consuming urge to breed, unable to focus on anything other than each other's body. She pressed her forehead against his, basking in the sensation of his thick cock.

Her womanhood gripped his cock with each movement, yearning to coax his seed. The countless nights they had spent together over the years weren't quite comparable to their current entwinement, for there would be no spilling of sperm. Where in the past they had simply satisfied each other's sexual needs, tonight could only end with a new baby in her belly. The raw, intense sensation of conception enraptured their minds, tangled together in a mix of mutual passion.

He had pounded himself into untold numbers of slaves and various women as if he were an animal in heat, yet now he simply retained his composure and pushed in and out of her in a lovingly slow rhythm.

There was no need to rush, to crash into her with a fury that would leave her screaming. His hips rocked her body steadily, sliding against her inner walls and caressing her cervix firmly.

To be filled so completely forced whimpers of aching joy from her lips, surrendering entirely to his use. Emotion churned inside her core, truly understanding the definition of lovemaking as their passions clashed. She was his, both in body and mind.

His hand ventured to her breast, cupping it as if it were a priceless piece of art, for indeed it was. The perfect mixture of size and firmness, the round orb beneath his grip exemplified everything wonderful of the female form. Young, fertile, nurturing, there could be no greater creature on all of Ayphieal than a female ready to breed.

Irith crept her elegant arms around his neck, holding him closely as her vagina begged for his cum. Each steady movement flared the intoxicating sensation of their interlocked loins, fulfilling their biological purpose.

"Grant me my heir…" he groaned, his lips brushing lightly against her ear.

Her embrace tightened in response, wishing to hold him close for eternity. "Of course…ahhhh….my love, our child…shall be as perfect as Nafalya…"

"Better…" Dominax corrected in a firm tone, feeling his tip press hard against her inner limits with each thrust. "He shall rule…ahhh…my legacy…"

"It shall be loved…" she continued, moaning as she nuzzled against his neck. "Whatever form or power...our child will be cared for. Give me it…my love, grant me our baby…"

In response Dominax carefully reached down towards her thighs, maneuvering her legs upwards before pinning them to her sides. With her knees bent, her feet remained raised in the air as he pressed her harder against the cushion of the bed, her lower lips utterly under his control. Positioned in a true mating position, she could only hold him close as he rocked in and out of her with gradually increasing intensity.

"F…fuck me…my love…" she moaned, claimed by his passion. "Knock me up…I MUST bear your child…"

Grunting through waves of consuming bliss, only his gorgeous Concubine Empress held the entirety of his focus. Defending against assassination, developing an entirely new kingdom to the west, his concerns melted away in a haze of electric satisfaction.

Held beneath her lover Irith could hardly withstand the emotions swirling inside of her. The absolute pleasure of his cock, the craving of her womb to be fertilized, the love burning between them, it nearly proved to be too much. Her deep blue eyes clenched shut, focusing on the delight of their breeding.

"I'm close…my love." He warned, his thrusts noticeably increasing in frequency. "A future God Emperor…shall be sired this night…"

"Gods yeeesss…please, unleash all of it…ahhh...inside me…." She moaned. "My body is…delectably fertile for you…"

His limit was on the horizon, approaching quickly. Each pump of his hips shot sensitive tingles of intensity through his loins, every telltale sign of imminent orgasm crashing through his body and mind.

"Give me…your heir…" Irith whispered into his ear.

The effect was instant, as what seemed like an immense wave of overwhelming sensitivity seized the nerves of his cock, forcing him to desperately buck his hips as he finally achieved the climax that would impact the very course of history.

Irith clenched as she felt his seed begin to spurt inside of her, filling her with a deep warmth as his potency crashed against her cervix. The emotions welling within her overflowed at the sensation, sending her into a toe-curling orgasm of her own. Her body shook, experiencing an utter sense of love towards her mate as he fertilized her beautiful body.

Their loins remained locked together, intent on conception as they lay convulsing against each other. Tears of love began to pour from her eyes as her orgasm finally began to fade, kissing Dominax deeply.

What seemed like an eternity passed before he finally willed himself to roll off of her, utterly satisfied.

She lowered her feet to the surface of the bed, raising her hips slightly upwards. When he granted her a questioning look, she wiped the liquid from her eyes and smiled. "I shall not allow…a single drop to leak…my love."

After a moment he chuckled, placing his hand upon her midriff. "You did well…Irith. I have no doubt that this child…shall rise to rule…"

Irith placed her hand atop his, holding her flat belly together. "Then a God Emperor I shall carry…"

50th of Thriduin, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Five years of navigating Dominax's increased paranoia and Xenia was still no closer to Irith's downfall. She had been forced to watch their precious Nafalya pretend to be the heir, only to be utterly shamed as the vile whore fell pregnant once again.

There was no doubt that any additional children to spring from Irith's loins would only complicate matters further, and Xenia was not about to sit and watch a second child enjoy what was rightfully Vixin's. Something had to be done, and SOON.

Poison was completely off the table of possibilities, as Dominax's standard employment of Pintila worms had only increased since his failed assassination. The poison testing creatures were more of a thorn in her plans than ever before, for it would be impossible to utilize even the methods of Briza's downfall once more. Sure, she could sap Irith's energy using the same low amounts of poison, yet who would deliver the final blow? Guards protected Irith at every instant, as virtually the only moments that she remained unprotected were in the presence of Dominax. Xenia could attempt to slit her throat in her sleep, though she wasn't about to throw her life away on such an obvious crime.

"Mother, why won't you tell me why we're-" Vixin began to say, following closely behind as they made their way deeper into the rainforest.

"Hush now, mommy is thinking." She replied harshly, finally coming to a stop at the base of an overgrown tree. Of course the good little Irith would never bribe her guards to get away for a moment, as she and Vixin had. No, she was perfectly content to obey Dominax's absurd new rules.

Vixin gritted her teeth in frustration. "You can't just silence me like I'm some damned-"

"Quiet, here they come…" Xenia said as she heard the faint crunching of foliage nearby. A moment later, both Pria and Pilsi emerged from the trees.

Quickly the twins kneeled, bowing their heads. Even in the faint moonlight the round belly of Pilsi's latest pregnancy was more than obvious, and Vixin wondered just how many babies her father had forced these poor women to produce. Even still their beauty had held up remarkably well after so many births, and she couldn't help but bite her lip as Pria glanced up at her.

"Rise, there is little time to waste." Xenia commanded. "You've been informed of Concubine Empress Irith's pregnancy, correct?"

"Word tends to pass amongst the slaves, mistress." Pria replied with a nod as she rose to her feet.

Vixin turned to her mother in shock. "Another? No doubt father will have it Vaidimated."

A harsh scowl claimed Xenia's features. "Worry not, there will be NO further members of House Vaid until you inherit the throne my dear. That child shall not, cannot, be born!"

"Easier said than done." Vixin replied. "I have father's ear now. Perhaps if you grant me time, I can sway him to-"

Xenia waved her hand in dismissal. "There will be no compromise nor mercy. Our aims shall be achieved one way only, through blood."

"Yes mistress, we are prepared to serve." Pria said with utter conviction. "Guide us to where we must be to do our part, and we shall reduce Irith to no more than another Briza."

A grimace played across Xenia's lips as she rubbed the sides of her head. "Of course. I just need…time, a moment to think."

The group of four remained silent for what seemed to be an eternity, before Pilsi's quiet voice broke the quiet. "Mistress, may I speak?"

An annoyed wave of her hand was all that Xenia granted her.

Pilsi appeared hesitant, though she lovingly placed her hands upon her belly before finally mustering the courage to continue. "Respectfully, I have served you loyally for thirteen years. Never once have I questioned your orders, nor have I thought twice about my commitment to you."

"Oh? And you doubt me now?"

Pilsi shook her head. "I possess no doubt, but a request instead." She explained, her voice growing more confident as she held her unborn child. "I shall assist you in slaying Irith, yet in return, I wish for you to convince His Holiness to allow me to keep this child."

Xenia was taken aback by the slave's audacity, as never before had she shown a hint of defiance.

"I've offered no complaint as each of my children have been granted or sold to women and families devoted to The God Emperor…yet I…" Pilsi's composure began to slip, allowing her hand to subtly tremble. "I won't any longer…not with this baby. Boy or girl, it will NOT be taken from me."

Curious by the turn of events, Vixin watched as Pria gazed at her own twin in utter surprise.

"What is this nonsense?" Pria asked, whirling to face her. "That is our purpose! We birth his holy seed, and they are dispersed throughout The Empire. We don't act as…mothers to them!"

"Do not lecture me on our purpose! I've served, and now I ask for a single concession!" Pilsi yelled before turning back towards Xenia. "Please mistress…have I not been obedient? Have I not earned it? You've granted me my life when you purchased me, though I have no life. Convince His Holiness, and I shall be further in your debt than ever before."

Xenia clasped her chin, studying the pregnant woman's pleading expression. "And if I don't? If I decide that slaves don't get to make demands?"

Pilsi's expression hardened, and she nearly took a step back. "If that is the path you choose…then you will push me into a bargain that I never wanted to make."

"Such as?"

The slave woman straightened up. "You'll make this compromise and convince him…or I shall inform The God Emperor of your involvement in Briza's death."

Vixin looked towards her mother in worry, through to her surprise Xenia merely smiled. "That is a difficult bargain, though have I ever made myself unreasonable? Come now Pilsi, you've served me well over the years. If this is truly what you want, then allow me to do what I can."

Pilsi granted her a dubious expression. "This is not a matter I treat lightly, mistress."

"Nor do I." Xenia said as she stepped closer, placing her hands upon the woman's belly. "It does not surprise me that you'd desire to be a mother. There were…hints during our intimate moments. You two have pleased me expertly in that aspect as well…"

Vixin's cheeks lightly blushed, and she was thankful for the relative darkness of the hour.

"With all those moments between us, is it unthinkable that I'd grant you your reward?" Xenia asked as she gently cupped the slave's cheek.

"You'll…convince him then? Truly?" Pilsi asked with newfound hope.

"I can make no guarantees that he'll agree. Dominax can be a stubborn man, yet I shall speak to him." Xenia promised.

Pilsi's face lit up with joy, immediately embracing her mistress. "Thank you, my lady! I shall owe you for the rest of my life!"

"Indeed." She replied as she separated. "Though there is much to be done in the meantime. It is time to return to Domani, for the night is nearly over, though each of you must remain prepared. We have until Iahta before Irith's child is born. That CANNOT be allowed to occur. Do you understand?"

When they all nodded, she dismissed them with a wave.

Yet, as the twins turned away to begin their walk back to The Capital, Xenia's smile vanished as she turned towards Vixin. With a malicious nod to her daughter, she left little doubt of her intentions.

Assessing her mother's command, Vixin reached out, unleashing a burst of electricity from her fingertips. The blow crashed into Pilsi's unsuspecting back, just strong enough to send her stumbling to the floor.

As Vixin recovered from the use of power, Xenia seized the moment and unsheathed her dagger. Pilsi hurried to roll over, just in time to witness her mistress's quick approach.

"No compromises." Xenia repeated coldly, just as she brought the dagger downwards. The heavily pregnant slave could do little as the blade entered her throat, ending any possibility of spilling the truth of Briza.

Xenia slowly stood, turning to face Pria. The woman kept her eyes on her mistress as her twin silently perished. Pilsi's legs kicked and dug against the muddy ground as she clasped the fatal wound, unable to speak.

Within moments the sounds of gurgling ceased, leaving the three of them alone. Pria remained completely still, before finally dropping to her knees and bowing her head in acceptance.

"Good girl, you're as smart as I thought you were." Xenia said, loosening her grip upon her readied dagger. She then pointed it back towards the body. "Dispose of this traitor before you return to Domani. We may be able to play her disappearance off as a runaway."

Pria glanced at Pilsi, the body's features mostly concealed by darkness. She then returned her gaze with conviction in her eyes, nodding obediently. "It will be done, mistress."

"Good." Xenia replied, before both she and Vixin turned to leave the twins behind, severed forever.

However, in her haste to depart, she failed to recognize the watcher hidden amongst the thick foliage of the rainforest. A woman dressed in little more than a hooded robe, the thin silk leaving much of her skin on display.

A woman whose face remained concealed by a white chimira-steel mask.

Chapter Text

1st of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

Lalian could feel the beating of his heart as he raced down the corridor at a brisk pace. Having been summoned to the training hall of The Hesian Order, the urgency of the message had been clear enough. Something important had occurred. Something BIG.

He could hardly conceal the twitching of his fingers as he approached the doors, nodding to the guards as they allowed him through. His own contingency of warriors would have to remain outside, though there would be very little danger for an advisor of The God Emperor in the very heart of The Empire's elite order of assassins.

"Welcome, Lord Lalian. The Grand Master has been expecting you for some time." One of the masked women greeted him as he entered, clearly positioned to wait for his arrival inside the otherwise empty chamber.

"I apologize, there is much to be done on the upper levels of The Grand Pyramid. Please, lead the way." He responded, burying his nervous hands beneath his dark green cloak.

The woman merely nodded in response, turning to depart towards the entrance of the lower levels of The Order's domain. Together they slowly descended the stairs, plunging into one of the many corridors that ran beneath the ground of Domani.

Only by passing the many offshoots leading to personal quarters did they finally reach the end of the long corridor, the passage abruptly ending at a door carved of solid black wood.

Rather than knocking, Lalian was perplexed to see his guide tap her finger quite loudly upon the door in several places, as if communicating some unknown code. It took hardly more than a few seconds before the lock on the door unhinged, revealing Hesin himself as he pulled open the door.

"Aww, my good friend Lalian…" He said from behind his unnerving mask, granting his voice a barely noticeable metallic twinge. His single remaining eye then shifted to the guide with a slight glare. "Leave us."

The woman obeyed, bowing her hooded head respectfully before her long elegant legs carried her away. Hesin simply retreated into the room, leaving the door open as an invitation.

Lalian mustered his courage and stepped inside, realizing that the chamber contained a small office. A desk of carved stone sat in the center, while shelves of various weapons lined the walls. Though the room was hardly adorned by anything other than items roughly related to The Order, the desk held a single tiny pedestal in one of its four corners, displaying what appeared to be a small piece of bone that presumably originated from a finger or toe.

He nearly gasped when, out of the corner of his eye, one of the female assassins began to stride away from her position besides the door. She had been so utterly still, blanketed only by the dim light of candles that he hadn't noticed her presence.

Hesin took his seat while the woman casually sat down on the desk, moving as if she were a deadly predator.

"I believe I have some pleasing news for you, Lanthian." The Grand Master said as he placed his hand onto the woman's thigh. "It regards our fair Xenia."

Lalian's heart fluttered at the name, bringing a quick scowl to his green lips. "What of her? Have you discovered anything solid?"

"Solid indeed." Hesin replied, and Lalian could almost hear his smile beneath his mask. "After all this time…she has allowed herself to slip."

"Oh?"

Hesin patted the woman's leg. "What you see here is the downfall of a devious concubine who should have known her place. In all honesty, I had begun to wonder if you had misplaced your judgment in requesting my assistance, yet now I can hardly complain of the effort I had believed to be wasted while keeping an eye on her."

The nervous fidgeting of his hands remained hidden beneath his cloak, yet nothing could quiet his uneasy eagerness until he knew exactly what had been observed. "Hurry to the point…shall we have our victory?"

The single eye squinted. "Undoubtedly, as she has observed Xenia plotting to assassinate her fellow Concubine Empress." he explained with a nod towards the assassin.

The words had barely left Hesin's lips before Lalian's stress began to ease, opening a satisfied grin across his face. "Thank The Creator…the whore shall fall!" He said, though his expression quickly faded once more. "Though, hold a moment, what proof do we possess besides the word of an assassin?"

"She is a trusted member of this Order." Hesin replied, perhaps more defensively than he had intended. "Her word is truth enough, and coming from my lips the claim will be undeniable. There is a reason The God Emperor initiated the creation of our Order, little Lanthian."

"Maybe so, yet turning his holiness against one of his closest lovers will require quite a substantial amount of evidence, regardless of your word or not." Lalian said as his calculating mind ran through the possible scenarios. "Hypothetically if we are unable to convince him of her guilt, we may be discrediting ourselves in the process. That will NOT do."

The assassin chuckled lightly, her form on brilliant display beneath her revealing robe. "And if Princess Vixin herself supports our claims?"

Lalian met her eyes beneath her mask. "Her…own daughter? Why on Ayphieal would-"

"Because she was there." Hesin explained. "In person, standing beside her mother as she admitted to the murder of Briza."

Taken aback, Lalian met his gaze. "Briza? Are you…certain?"

"Do you believe I'd discredit my own assassins by delivering you false information? Yes, it appears that our little healer has been quite busy. What's more, her personal slave is a prime candidate for interrogation, as she is just as involved as her mistress. The other…well, we won't see much of her again."

Lalian's eyes drifted to the floor as he pondered the words. "Briza…what a shame."

"You have led us to an enemy of The Empire, Lord Lalian. Come now, you should celebrate your service to The God Emperor." Hesin said with a harsh chuckle. "The whore will be exposed, and this Order will once again prove our value. I suppose a thank you is in order, as you did lead us in the correct direction."

"Yes…I suppose." Lalian said. "Shall we inform his Holiness?"

"Momentarily. I shall prepare an official statement of our discoveries. In the meantime, rest easy. This matter will be over before the next moon."

Lalian slowly nodded, entirely hoping that he was correct.

19th of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The warmth of the day meant little to Dominax, seated beneath a large canopy atop The Grand Pyramid. Settled near the edge of the construction site, he remained seated upon a curved cushion that held both himself and Irith. They remained together, watching the loyal followers tirelessly work on the pointed fortress. Though only two thirds completed, they sat high above the rooftops of Domani. The surrounding area stretched on for miles and miles beneath them, leaving nothing hidden at such a height.

The true scope of the massive structure already lay FAR beyond what any human had seen, nearly a city in its own right. The complex techniques and tools required to move such colossal blocks of pure stone to the top of the pyramid could only be possible in this era, each one having sprung from Lalian's unmatched mind.

Two slaves stood beside the cushion, both waving large fans to cool the royal couple. Dominax would of course remain at an optimal temperature beneath his one-suit, though Irith's thin skirt left her fair skin little protection from the heat.

The guards remained, of course, separating their ruler from the very followers who had devoted their lives to him. His Arkos would-be assassins had themselves claimed loyalty to him, and thus a single thought back to his near brush with death was more than justification for such overbearing protection.

Dominax closed his eyes, gently laying his hand onto Irith's bare stomach. Though only a fifth of the way through her pregnancy, a tiny bump had already begun to form in her normally toned midriff.

"My love, is it not too early to tell?" She asked with a hint of concern, placing her own hands atop his.

"Hush." Was his only response, focusing to delve deeper into the ethereal realm. He had waited long enough, eager to assess his potential heir.

His senses retreated into his mind, seeping beneath reality to feel the unborn child's spirit. The paternal lines linking his soul to theirs was unsurprisingly present, confirming what he had never bothered to question. Yet…there was something else within his awareness, as if…

Dominax chuckled with satisfaction.

"What?" Irith asked, unable to hide the subtle concern in her voice. "Is the baby alright? It's cruel to keep a mother waiting, you know that?"

"Babies, my love." He explained with a deep grin, sensing the second closely linked paternal line. "You're carrying twins."

"Twins?" She gasped, unconsciously squeezing his hand. The immediate rush of joy quickly damped as a bittersweet memory of Enil flowed through her mind, unable to forget her twin. "By The Creator…I should have suspected…"

His mind delved deeper, penetrating the consciousness of the two infants in her womb. "A boy…and a girl."

The realization couldn't have been better, yet the most important factor remained deeper still. Clenching his eyes, he felt their power, tasting it for himself.

"Yes…very good…" he chuckled, touching the minds of both future Prince and Princess. He could feel the utter power radiating through them, pushing back against his own. "They are quite powerful, my love, even surpassing my expectations. You've done well…"

Before she could respond he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. She could nearly taste his satisfaction, breathing in his royal scent.

"You've produced truly worthy children for my throne, my love." He said as their lips parted. Any worry of yet another disappointment washed away, replied only by bubbling desire towards a mate whose womb was entirely his.

"They are ours, my lo- oohhh…" she moaned as his hand began to slide down from her belly, easily sliding beneath her skirt. She felt his strong hand slither between her womanly thighs, his fingers more than familiar with their target.

"If you could only sense their power yourself…" he breathed as his digits slowly teased her. "Your body is capable of wonders…"

With a light chuckle she pulled him closer, pressing her tongue against his own as her motherly urges boiled with each gentle stroke of his probing fingers. One slipped inside, feeling her wetness.

Upon seeing the quickly unfolding desires before them, the two slaves quickly and silently deemed which of them would receive the honor of serving their master on this night, as the other continued to fan the couple with the knowledge that her own time wouldn't be far off.

Irith moaned, pressing her lips to his neck as the slave sat down besides the couple. "I am yours…my love, in all ways…"

"Then let us enjoy our union…for we have created Gods in their own right." He replied, already pulling her onto his lap. She let out a playful giggle, her accent only complimenting her beauty.

The slave girl kneeled beside them on the cushion, obediently waiting after removing her top. Irith settled in, her back pressed against Dominax's capable chest. He grabbed her legs, parting then for all onlookers to see.

The countless workers watched in awe, enjoying the divine honor of observing his Holiness's pleasure. They slowly ceased their work, gathering around the couple while remaining an obedient distance from the guards.

Irith blushed at their devoted gazes, her skirt covering nothing as Dominax pulled it aside. The vagina that would birth the next God Emperor or Empress remained on full display, a true gift for them to see.

Eager to preform her duty, the slave carefully reached under and unfastened the groin slit of Dominax's one-suit, her gentle hand easing his hardening cock from its den.

Slowly, the young woman lined up his manhood with Irith's snug tunnel, wishing every passing second that she were in her place. He slid himself inside, feeling the warm embrace of her young body.

A groan escaped Irith's lips as he entered, her womanhood craving his length. The followers dropped to their knees, bowing at the privilege of being allowed to witness their God mate.

Pushing in and out, he slowly began to thrust up into her with aching satisfaction. Fertilizing such a perfect female as Irith had finally produced the results he sought.

She whimpered on his cock, sliding up and down. His sperm had granted her the family she had always desired, sending her feminine instincts into overload.

The slave gently ran her hands over his body, as if worshiping his form. In return he reached over, taking her breast lightly in his grip. As his hips moved, he rubbed her sensitive nipple, causing her to clench her legs shut in arousal.

His free hand was placed firmly on Irith's midriff, sensing the children inside. They were heirs to his bloodline, to all he had created. A grunt of pure lust pushed past his lips, his seed eager to sire further offspring. Only time would tell which would be worthy to inherit his throne, yet the choices were MORE than adequate.

Irith's nurturing breasts juggled lightly with each movement of her body, her pretty cheeks blushing hard at such a public display. Dominax may be quite experienced with open displays of lust, though their mutual sessions had for the most part been private.

His hand upon the slave began to move, sliding downwards until it found her lower lips. The girl moaned loudly, her passion to please her master consuming her being.

Slowly he snuck inside her vagina, a single finger exploring her insides. Relying on countless hours of pure experience he quickly located her most sensitive area, tapping lightly and forcing her hips to unconsciously buck against his hand as if she were an animal in heat.

It took little more than a few minutes before Irith achieved her climax, clenching down hard as her strong legs quivered. To appear so submissive to her mate, to have her womb and body claimed by him in every way…it proved to be too much.

Dominax endured her orgasm, his hand remaining on her belly. He had made their young mother cum on his cock, the thought only fueling his passions.

Gasping from her heightened pleasure, Irith increased her pace as she rode his manhood with intensity. Up and down she bounced, her vagina eagerly accepting his size with each thrust.

Dominax nodded to the slave, allowing her to press in closer. Turning his head, their lips pressed together, enjoying the sweet sensation of another female even as he made love to his Concubine Empress. The young woman trapped his hand between her somewhat tanned thighs, begging him to never cease his finger's attention.

The silky walls of the slave's vagina were heavenly, and he couldn't wait for the day when he'd finally choose her to breed. There were many women to choose from each day, though he held absolutely no doubt that this particular female would soon fall pregnant with his child in the days to come.

Her savory juices leaked over his hand as she achieved her peak, all while Irith furiously moved up and down. The world was slipping away, and she no longer gave any mind towards the onlookers as she simply basked in the bliss of their sex.

Out of the corner of his eye Dominax watched as a member of The Hesian Order emerged from within the pyramid, only to be stopped by the guards. In respect she made no move to interrupt, instead handing a single message cylinder to the nearest guard before departing.

"F…finish inside…" Irith nearly begged, her blue eyes closed to push all distraction from her mind. "Grant my womb your love…for it bears your legacy…"

The crowd began a low chant of worship, remaining on their knees as their voices gradually increased in volume.

Dominax was keenly aware that he was approaching his limit, his cock begging to cum. His hand remained unmoving upon her pregnant belly, shifting nearly all of his focus onto the new life beneath his fingers. The thought that he had knocked up such a gorgeous female shot shivers of satisfaction throughout his entire being, his primal urges proving to be too much.

His hips began to buck as he finished, an intense orgasm ripping through his body. Spurt after spurt of his holy seed gushed into her vagina, causing her to laugh with joy as her desire was fulfilled.

Their loins remained locked together for a long moment, until a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd as his spent cock finally slipped out from her grip. They watched the seed of their God Emperor drip in thick, potent drops from her pregnant vagina.

The slave shuttered, hardly able to pull herself away from him as her body screamed in protest.

As the royal couple remained still to catch their breaths, Dominax lazily waved for the guard to approach. She obeyed, presenting him the message cylinder as his cock continued to ache in bliss.

"You may return…to your duties…!" He commanded, watching as the crowd slowly began to disperse to resume their work. He savored each of Irith's deep breaths, holding her close to him as he held up the cylinder.

Atop the cylinder sat the engraving of The Hesian Order, while a secondary symbol indicated only one order: "For The God Emperor's Eyes Only."

24th of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

"Quite beautiful indeed." Xenia said with a satisfied smirk, studying the coin she held.

Both she and Dominax walked along the coastline, surrounded by a contingency of royal guards that formed a protective barrier around the couple. Though the evening was temperate as the sun began its long descent towards the horizon, a fairly cool humidity hung in the air, a lingering remnant of a recent tropical storm that had swept through the lower areas of The Human Basin. In response, Xenia wore a thin black shroud that fluttered nearly weightless around her enchanting curves.

"Our first imperial standard, or simply a new iteration by the metalworkers?" She asked as she flipped over the coin. Made of white chimira-steel, the face of the metal disk presented a simplified portrait of Dominax himself. Now turned over, she learned that its backside held the crescent moon symbol of House Vaid.

"The design is adequate to be implemented as our official currency." Dominax answered as they slowly walked along the beach of the river. His white cloak flowed over the reddish sand, the soft surface still somewhat damp. "There will be no further iterations, only a single design across the entirety of The Empire."

"That may be quite an adjustment for some." Xenia said, almost absent minded as she gently rubbed the surface of the coin with her thumb. A deep ache of ambition crept through her core, satisfied by the small depiction of her mate. "Yet it's only right that they hold the image of their savior wherever they go, to see your face and crest when they purchase the goods that our stability provides them."

"You echo my own thoughts." He replied, even as his expression remained firm. Despite finally settling on a final design for the standard currency of The Empire, Dominax had been nothing short of distant for the past several days. What could only be considered a day of victory, gained by countless hours of research into The Northern Kingdoms' own system of currency, had appeared to do little in the way of easing whatever was troubling The God Emperor.

Xenia chuckled, clenching the little metal disk. "A God Emperor you truly are, master. Yet I remember a day you forbid me to even speak of the gods."

Dominax breathed lightly. "The gods were guilty in my mind, complacent in chaos and death. I couldn't have predicted the necessity of becoming one myself." He said with a faint sting of irony. "Even still, that belief did not fall far from the truth, as the knowledge of our true creator provides little comfort when he is nearly as guilty as all these false deities. The Creator is incapable of stifling the persistence of disorder and slaughter, yet a God Emperor shall enforce peace."

"Indeed you shall." She said with her all too familiar smirk.

For a moment he remained silent, subtly turning to study her expression as he spoke his next words. "Originally, I had planned to depict both you and Irith on the back of these new coins. Either that or wait until my new heir is born. Certainly, the face of the future God Emperor or Empress is more than appropriate for such a purpose."

Xenia suppressed a flare of utter disgust, keenly aware of Dominax's peering silver eyes. "What made you change your mind, my love?"

The serious frown of his lips only deepened at her instinctive response. "It was a matter of legacy, for no other image is better suited to depict the aims of The Empire than that of the Vaid crescent moon."

A wordless moment lingered between them, and as her eyes drifted forwards she spotted the location that always brought a shiver of satisfied victory to her being, the very spot along the beach where Briza's corpse had been dragged from the water. She had of course known that they'd pass by if they continued to follow the shore, yet every step that brought her closer only added to a sense of both elation and unease.

"I know you disagree with my decision in naming Irith's child as my heir." Dominax stated suddenly, as if his words were a quick thrust of a hidden dagger.

Thrown off guard by the change in subject, Xenia's grip upon the coin tightened. "I…do disagree, my lord. As I've said, Vixin would make a far greater successor to your legacy."

"Indeed you have. Yet more than Cendra?" Dominax tested, his eyes unmoving from the beach as he slowed to a stop. Upon this very spot he remembered gazing down at Briza's naked body, her skin marked with dagger wounds. "She is strong, regardless of how she uses her power."

Xenia stepped closer, placing her empty hand onto his armored forearm. "Cendra is a…lovely girl, my lord, but she lacks the conviction and hunger to rule The Empire." She said, choosing her words cautiously. The fact that he had stopped here of all places only added to her unease.

"An interesting claim." Dominax said, gazing down at her with an unreadable look on his face.

The guards appeared to grow tense as they watched her look at them curiously, before she pressed herself closer against Dominax. "Vixin is strong, my love. Surely you must have seen that for yourself when you deemed her worthy to train as your apprentice. Please, allow her to prove herself, for she is more than capable of becoming a God Empress whose rule shall echo across history!"

Dominax's stern expression remained unchanging. "Indeed, you love our daughter, Xenia. It is an aspect of you that I have always appreciated, though often you've allowed it to draw you into…mistakes."

"Mistakes, my lord?" She replied, presenting her most convincingly hurt expression. "Is a mother not permitted to strive for the best outcome for her child?"

He ignored her verbal deflection. "There is much that Vixin's potential may bring, yet you've allowed your jealousy to coax conflict within the royal harem. An heir shall be selected by me, and me alone."

"Jealousy? Haven't I always granted you the utmost respect in such matters? Have I ever once voiced reluctance in joining you in indulging with your slaves?" She asked as she remained cautious of her tone, putting both surprise and indignation into her voice. "It is only Irith who chooses to keep her emotions at a distance from me, for I would gladly accept her as closely as a sister any day!"

"It is fitting that you mention Irith, for I've heard a little…rumor regarding your feelings towards her." Dominax said, somehow becoming more serious than before.

Xenia carefully curled her lips into an innocent smile. "A rumor of what sort, my love?"

Slowly, he began to encircle her, pacing along the beach in thought. "One that comes directly from The Hesian Order itself. They claim that you've been colluding to have Irith killed."

Her blood ran cold at the statement, tightening her grip further upon the coin. "Dominax, what on Ayphieal are you-"

His firm voice cut her off. "Furthermore, they claim that you were involved in Briza's death." He said, feeling his powers boiling within him as his jaw clenched.

"My love…how could you possibly-"

Dominax whirled on her, approaching so quickly that she instinctively dropped to the sand as his hands raised in burning flame. "Do NOT deny it. You've BETRAYED me…deceived the man who granted you EVERYTHING."

Xenia held out her hands, the coin dropping to the sand. "You must listen to me! Do not allow them to spread lies they know NOTHING about!"

A ball of flame launched from Dominax's hand, crashing mere inches from her thigh. She felt the blast of heat as it scorched the sand, instantly burning into glass.

"Choose your words wisely, Xenia…" he seethed, towering over her defenseless form. "Else you may be destroyed where you ripped Briza's life away…"

In desperation she turned to the guards, yet they merely remained still as they watched their ruler with cautious anticipation.

Slowly Dominax regained his control, reining in his powers as the sun touched the horizon. "If what they claim is true…you've taken everything from me…"

"Please Dominax…I love yo-"

"I must be sure of your guilt…" he breathed in hatred nearly as intense as the blast that had created the small patch of glass. He then turned and nodded towards the commander of the guards. "We'll do this my way, within my own laws. We'll discover the truth, I can assure you of that."

The guard stepped towards Xenia, pointing his spear towards her downed form. "Concubine Empress Xenia, by the powers of The Vaid Empire, you are under arrest for the murder of Briza, mother of Princess Cendra, and for conspiring to assassinate The Concubine Empress Irith!"

Without another word The God Emperor simply turned his back upon her and allowed the guards to haul her to her feet. He crouched beside the waterline as they marched her away, dipping his hand into the very water that had held his beloved's body.

Chapter Text

29th of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

As the citizens of Domani would later recount, there had hardly been a time of greater uncertainty in the years following the city's founding than the morning of their Concubine Empress's trial.

From the moment the towering doors of The Grand Pyramid heaved open to accept the public, countless citizens gradually eased their way into the heart of The Empire. With the finishing touches of the throne room complete, no less than the most stoic of men could mask their awe whenever they entered the colossal chamber. Beings born in pre-empire settlements could only be crushed by its glory, for its size could consume the entirety of a minor settlement.

Pillars lined the walls, stretching up to hold a curved ceiling that seemed unreachable. Yet its crowning feature lay at the far end, its image nothing short of the very seat of Vaid power. As the baths lining the walls converged into a larger pool encompassing the far section of the chamber, its waters wrapped around a small pyramidal structure of two levels. Towering stairs led to its flat peak, topped by an intricately forged throne of pure gold.

Dominax watched his subjects pour into the room, keenly aware of the mix of morbid interest and apprehension that permeated throughout the crowd. Their God had been betrayed, and travelers from across The Empire would come to see the result of such an act. Could a God Emperor show mercy? Would he delve into cruelty? Or was it possible that his lover's actions would convince him that Magnius was unworthy of his guidance, and he'd simply abandon them?

With his advisors standing dutifully atop the first level of the throne pyramid, both Irith and Cendra stood at his sides. They had been unknowing victims of Xenia, yet both stood with elegant calm. The eldest born princess of House Vaid clasped her hands proudly behind her back, masking the bubbling rage and sorrow that threatened to topple her into the water below.

As the abundant number of guards began to deem the limit of the ever-growing crowd of citizens blessed with the honor of witnessing the trial, they slowly cut the flow of newcomers to a trickle before finally hauling the doors closed. Despite being larger than many of Domani's own buildings, the nearly indestructible doors could be moved with only the strength of a few slaves due to Lalian's carefully balanced design.

Dominax raised a hand, inciting an instant silence from the countless observers as they bowed their heads. He hesitated for a moment, dreading his next words. "Bring in the prisoner."

One of the many side doors opened with the sound of heavy stone against stone, allowing a group of six guards to march into the chamber. They formed a circle as they made their way towards the base of the pyramid throne, coming to a halt before their lord. The circle parted as they fanned out, revealing Xenia in the center. She wore her typical revealing outfit, her exposed skin unmarked by neither bruise nor cut. She had clearly been imprisoned lavishly despite her crimes, a fact that surprised many of the waiting audience. Her arms remained tightly bound behind her back, locked together by several metal cuffs along her forearms.

Irith felt a knot in her lightly pregnant stomach as she looked down upon Xenia's smug face, knowing that the death of herself and her unborn twins had nearly come from the vile prisoner.

"Concubine Empress Xenia," Dominax began, his voice booming throughout the chamber as he subconsciously gripped the armrests of his throne. "You stand accused of treason, for both the murder of a valued consort of your God Emperor…" he said, gritting his teeth as he sensed Cendra further tense beside him. "...and the attempted murder of your fellow Concubine Empress, alongside the unborn royal heir of House Vaid."

Whispers began to seep throughout the chamber, only enriching the growing fog of uncertainty that claimed the crowd.

Dominax leaned closer to peer down at her, his expression that of a venomous predator preparing to strike. "Do you deny these charges?"

Xenia glanced around the throne room, dragging out the intensity of the moment before finally meeting his gaze. "My love…if I am guilty of anything, it is that I performed my duty as your mate. I am flawed, my love, flawed in that I possess a loyalty to you that may destroy me."

"Loyalty?!" Cendra burst out, only to quiet herself as Dominax gripped her wrist.

His silver eyes narrowed. "Is this your defense? To mask treason with a claim of loyalty?"

Xenia tilted her head slyly. "Treason? Such a harsh word…for all I have done these last fourteen years is serve you. Tell me then, if I am charged with anything more than what a loyal servant of The Empire should do, what proof do you present?"

"Proof." Dominax repeated, as if the word tasted bitter. "You shall have your proof. We'll set an example for all courts of The Empire, for no man or woman may be punished without evidence. Thus…I command Lord Hesin of The Hesian Order to step forward."

Hesin readily obeyed, easing around his fellow advisors on the first level of the throne pyramid until he stood directly below the front of the throne itself. His unnerving mask met the crowd with its featureless expression, a single eye directed towards his target. "Lady Xenia, for years you have been carefully observed by agents of The Empire for suspected treason, culminating in the night of the 50th of Thriduin wherein an assassin of The Hesian Order witnessed you conspiring to kill Empress Irith. Do you deny these facts?"

Xenia's smug smile dampened, though defiance burned in her eyes. "The God Emperor commands you to present evidence, yet this is all you deliver? The claims of a mauled man? A man whose life I, I’ll remind you, saved? Don't forget Hesin, you would have lost far more than an eye if I hadn't healed you."

"Lord Hesin." He corrected coldly. "All past debts fell away the moment you moved to plot against The Empire. Regardless of your lack of a denial, I shall provide more than my own claims." Hesin said before nodding to a pair of guards near the side of the chamber. They quickly converged to a nearby door, hauling it open.

The form of a Hesian assassin entered the throne room, her long legs striding with deadly precision to stand next to Xenia while allowing a distance to linger between them. Her body was clad in a revealing white robe and hood, with the mask typical of her order concealing her face.

As the crowd watched with curiosity the woman bowed, her voice faintly metallic from the mask. "My lord God Emperor, I am honored to stand before you."

"State your name and purpose." Dominax command with a hint of agitation. Every moment of this trial carved away at his heart and patience, as the longest serving member of his realm stood in chains below him. Xenia had been the first to pledge herself to him, long before thoughts of an empire even seeped into his mind. If she could betray him, who else?

The assassin straightened dutifully, her posture carrying an air of deadly prowess. "I am Truthseeker Tildra of The Hesian Order, your holiness. I come to present my word, for I am the discoverer of Lady Xenia's crimes."

"You were the one to overhear her plans?" Dominax asked, stroking his beard as Xenia took a sideways glance at the woman.

Hesin nodded somberly, while all onlookers remained unaware of the amused smile creeping across his face. "Indeed, my lord. Tildra observed Lady Xenia that night on my orders, where she both heard and witnessed-"

Dominax cut him off in a tone far harsher than he had intended. "I'd hear it from her own mouth, Lord Hesin."

Folding her hands behind her back, Tildra carefully began to recount the night with meticulous accuracy, leaving no detail unsaid. From the rendezvous with the twins Pria and Pilsi under the cover of darkness, to the moment Xenia let slip their intentions to murder Irith, to the reveal that Briza had died on her orders. All were laid out for the entire audience to hear. "I remained to watch as the slave buried her sister's body nearby, though I reported the event to my master as soon as I returned to The Grand Pyramid."

The information that Pilsi was deceased had been included within Hesin's initial message cylinder, yet gasps rippled throughout the crowd as she recalled the murder for the first time publicly. Prior knowledge did little to comfort the rage trickling through Dominax, however.

"You are aware that uttering mistruths before the Vaid Throne is punishable by death, are you not? Do you pledge that all you've said is true, every detail?" Clin questioned, standing proudly beside his fellow advisors.

"If I have been dishonest before The God Emperor, may The Creator wrench my soul from my body and consume me in his fire." Tildra replied with the intensity of a fanatic.

Hesin half turned towards Clin yet ensured that his slightly annoyed voice could be heard by the crowd. “I’d also add that she is not a simple Initiate, Lord Clin. She is a full Truthseeker assassin of The Hesian Order, and I’d trust her word on my honor.”

Outwardly, Xenia appeared unfazed by the thorough exposure of her unsavory secrets. She merely smirked, doing her best to exude authority despite the tight cuffs locking her arms. "Yes, my love, believe the word of an assassin over that of your own mate. Such a devoted servant couldn't possibly be motivated by gaining your trust."

Dominax glared at her sarcastic attitude, feeling the power bubbling in his blood. "You shall SPEAK when I allow it." He said before turning his attention to the other woman. "Tildra, you have earned the gratitude of The Empire for your service. If what you've said is true you shall be rewarded, and if not, you shall be destroyed. Though for now, you are dismissed."

Wordlessly the assassin bowed her head before making a swift exit from the chamber.

"The claims of a single individual can never be optimal evidence, no matter the credibility of said individual. Thus, I call for the next witness." Dominax commanded.

Surprised, Xenia turned to watch as another of the side doors slid open. Who else could he possibly call as a witness to an event that had only been viewed by a single agent of The Empire? Had there been another, a detail concealed by The God Emperor for unknown reasons? Or…could it be the only other alternative, a possibility that Xenia had secretly dreaded from the moment of her arrest…

The latter possibility was confirmed, as a sickening sensation flowed through her the moment her eyes fell upon the witness. Emerging into the throne room flanked by guards, Pria stumbled through the doorway. She wore absolutely nothing, leaving her slave body exposed to the curious masses. Her arms were similarly bound behind her back, while her lack of clothing revealed numerous cuts and brutal bruises across the majority of her skin. Her short imprisonment had evidently been FAR worse than Xenia's, and the poor slave's beaten form nearly made her mistress wince. Nearly.

Pria was practically dragged to the spot where Tildra had stood, struggling to retain her balance even as the guards roughly held her by her upper arms. She glanced at Xenia, unable to conceal the remorse burning beneath her gaze.

"Your name and purpose." Dominax once again commanded, "Now. For all to hear."

"I…I am Pria, slave of his holiness." She began, her voice lacking the usual allure and seduction that she typically wielded. "I have come to confess my guilt…for both the murder of Lady Briza, and the attempted murder of Concubine Empress Irith."

Xenia couldn't hide her contempt as she turned her head away, for her most loyal servant had betrayed her.

"My sister and I acted upon Empress Xenia's orders, and though Pilsi is no longer with us…I confess her guilt as well…."

"Such a LIAR." Xenia burst out as she took a further step towards the throne, ignoring the surrounding guards as they readied themselves. "You would DARE believe the confession of a slave? A slut that has been beaten into obedience?"

"You will let her speak." Dominax commanded with a quiet menace.

"Just how many babies has she bore for you? She is nothing more than a whore, a slave who would give you her womb for your favor! What else would she do to prove her loyalty to you?" Xenia continued.

With a flick of his wrist, Dominax's silent order was swiftly carried out as the nearest guard backhanded Xenia, sending her collapsing to her knees. He then leaned forwards, peering down at her as he spoke in a low voice. "For the connection we once shared I will permit you an outburst, yet speak once more out of turn and I shall strike you down here and now."

Xenia met his gaze with anger as she regained her feet, yet she uttered nothing but a grunt of pain.

"Now, do you vow that what you claim is true?" Dominax asked as he returned his attention towards the naked slave.

Taking a final look at her infuriated mistress, Pria nodded. "I do. I can only ask that your holiness may be merciful…"

"What mercy does a murderer merit?" Dominax questioned, only to wave a dismissive hand in disgust. As the guards moved to drag Pria away to the dungeons, he rose from his throne. "What you have all witnessed is enough for many to condemn any man or woman to guilt. Yet I require a final witness, an individual that I hope will end any doubt of the truth. There is no voice I'd sooner believe than the young woman I summon now, as I call upon Princess Vixin of House Vaid to stand before me."

For a moment Xenia was unable to process his words, for they simply made no sense. There was no possibility that Vixin would be willing to testify against her. Her own mother! Yet as the princess entered the room, the reality of the situation became sickeningly clearer.

Vixin strode confidently into the room, keeping her eyes locked onto the throne as she approached. She came to a halt some distance from her mother's side, granting her no acknowledgement.

Towering over her from his position atop the structure, her father gave a commanding gesture for her to speak. Thousands of eyes burned into her from the audience, uncertain of what the supposed demigod-like being would say.

"I am Princess Vixin of House Vaid, second born daughter of The God Emperor. I have come…to give validity to the claims leveled against my mother."

The familial betrayal coaxed a lingering stillness in the room, forcing Vixin to endure the air of heavy judgment that seemed to swirl around her. While her emotions raged within her, outwardly she appeared to be no more concerned about their opinions than if they were little more than feeble creatures.

"You are aware that you've been implicated in those very claims?" Dominax finally asked, breaking the silence to her relief.

She nodded, meeting his stern gaze directly. "Yes, my lord, I acknowledge my part in this. I come to you now, a being of your blood, and a loyal servant of your crown, in the hopes that you may forgive the mistakes my mother has forced me into."

An inner piece of Xenia shattered, hearing the clear tone of a rehearsed speech, perhaps even rehearsed with the assistance of Dominax himself. After all, a ruler couldn't allow his own daughter to be convicted as a traitor.

Visibly he seemed to consider the idea, as if the outcome hadn't already been decided upon before the trial even began. "Then you, a being with all the wisdom and power of a Vaid, confirm that these charges of treason against Lady Xenia are true?"

For the first time since she had entered, Vixin granted her mother a glance. Xenia ceased a trembling in her lip that she hadn't even realized had begun, finally seeing the hints of sorrow in her daughter's silver eyes. Understanding began to fill her, for Vixin's gaze held no malice. This hadn't in fact been something she had been eager to do, but an act necessary for her own survival. Vixin was nearly as guilty as she was herself, and though many throughout The Empire may be used to leaders pardoning their own children outright, Dominax clearly wished to set a precedent. If she were to survive this trial it was necessary to leave her mother behind, whether she wanted to or not.

Xenia nearly felt a slight pride well up within her, for she had taught her daughter to survive at any cost. Those lessons had come full circle, yet what would her own fate become?

"They are true, my lord. Every detail." Vixin stated coldly. "Pria, Pilsi, and I were little more than her pawns, yet the charges are true."

Dominax stroked his short beard in mock contemplation before his deep voice grew louder. He spoke to Vixin, yet it was clear that his words were mainly intended for the present audience. "Then there is only one possible outcome. However, it cannot be denied that several facts must be considered, including your age and actions. You were too young to have any involvement in the murder of Lady Briza, and whatever part you played in planning the assassination of Empress Irith may be explained by your youth. A mother's influence over her child is palpable, and thus I shall show leniency." He explained, feeling empty at the mention of Briza. "Therefore, I shall not punish you as The God Emperor, though instead as a father."

Vixin momentarily closed her eyes in pure relief before bowing her head. The implications were clear, she would not find herself on the end of an executioner's blade. "Thank you, my lord."

"Yet proceed cautiously, for you tread on thin ice my child." He added with clear menace in his voice. He then turned to Xenia, the moment he had long dreaded finally reaching to claim them both. "It is clear now, for every doubt of your guilt has been stripped away. You've betrayed your crown, your home, everything we've worked to build. You've cast aside my trust to claim a life that had been my world…and for that you are unforgivable."

There was no uncertainty of what was coming, and Xenia could only remain frozen as she waited for the words that would seal her fate.

"For your acts of treason, I sentence you and the slave Pria to death."

The crowd seemed to erupt into commotion, either to cheer for her death or to hurl insults at the traitor. Dominax granted them their moment, silently falling back into his throne as both Cendra and Irith gripped his hands with clashing feelings of relief and sorrow.

The guards began to lead Xenia from the chamber, and she could only struggle to glance back at Vixin as the princess stood in place, refusing to look back at her.

***

To say that Lalian was satisfied with the trial results would hardly touch the truth. He had played his hand in court intrigue and not only survived, but managed to orchestrate the downfall of his enemy. Those many years of patience would all be worthwhile when he finally witnessed the execution of that vile slut.

A renewed vigor had found its way into his steps, his hands clasped behind his back as his cloak lightly drifted behind him. He made his way to his personal quarters, a temporary lodging inside one of the countless chambers on the lower floors of his masterpiece. His true quarters would of course be FAR larger when the residency levels were completed, though for now he was content to reside within the relatively small room.

Pressing open the heavy door Lalian slipped inside with a growing glee in his chest, only to come to a complete halt the moment his eyes fell upon the two hooded intruders. He released a breath that he hadn't even realized had caught in his throat as he relaxed, immediately recognizing both Hesin and who he assumed to be his apprentice Tildra.

"Took you long enough to show up." Hesin's metallic voice came from behind his mask. He continued to lean against the temporary crude archway that connected the small bedroom to Lalian's private workshop. "You didn't stick around the throne room on the off chance that he'd execute Xenia today, did you?"

Lalian sealed the door behind him with a cautious scowl. "I wasn't expecting company this night."

Hesin straightened up, slowly striding over to place his hand on Tildra's shoulder as she remained seated on the foot of the bed. "We apologize for the intrusion, though if I recall correctly, it was an intrusion itself which brought us to this victory. In any case, stick around little man, because I've come to thank you."

"It should be the other way around, Hesin." Lalian said as his misgivings eased somewhat. "I believe I owe you a favor, as we've agreed upon."

Tildra remained still behind her mask, her eyes studying the Lanthian as Hesin replied. "Oh that was our agreement, yes. However, the outcome of this little investigation has proven far more valuable than I could have predicted. To discover such treasonous acts…well, needless to say it has increased the validity and reputation of my Order in the eyes of The God Emperor." He said in a satisfied tone. "I'd call us even, wouldn't you? In fact…"

With a snap of her master's fingers Tildra gracefully stood up, her nimble fingers setting to work upon her revealing robe. Within seconds it began to slide to the floor, revealing the athletic body of the masked woman.

Lalian tensed, his green eyes met with the alluring sight of the female presented to him.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Hesin said as his own eye traveled over her curves. "See Lalian, I've come in the hopes of rewarding you for pointing me in a valuable direction. Tell me, is she pleasing to your tastes?"

Lalian's mouth felt momentarily dry as he attempted to answer. "Y..yes, very much so…"

Hesin chuckled. "Of course she is, at least to all humans."

Tildra slowly approached, her hips swaying with each step until she placed her hands upon his chest. "Allow me to serve you, my lord."

Hesin watched with keen interest as she slowly removed Lalian's cloak and tunic. "The mask must remain of course, for what good is an assassin if she cannot infiltrate a target’s presence without her face being recognized? Although, I doubt you'll even notice."

As Lalian's hands began to subtly quiver, his tunic fell to the floor. Joining her in nudity, a dark green blush seeped into his cheeks as her soft hand gently reached down and ran a single finger over his quickly hardening cock.

Pleased that the Lanthian had missed the subtle implication that it may one day be necessary to make him a target himself, Hesin smiled. An extraordinary brain could conjure marvels, yet throw a naked woman at it and it failed to deduce even the simplest of threats.

Tildra released an inquisitive breath as she assessed Lalian’s cock, her free hand running slowly over her own breast. "Hmm…quite small, master, yet I'll deliver it into ecstasy." She said, before her hand crept under to feel where his testicles had once been. "A…eunuch, master?"

"I've been assured that it will matter little." Hesin explained as Lalian bit his lip. "These Lanthians are quite the unique bunch. Simply carry on."

Lalian felt as if he were floating, steadily pulled along towards the bed until he found himself on his back. He watched her mount his hips, hanging over him like a conquering huntress.

"Shall I, master? Or do you wish to join…?" Tildra questioned as she turned her head slightly.

Hesin merely waved a dismissive hand towards her. "By all means, fuck his brains out. I'll join momentarily, though for the moment I wish to watch."

She needed no further command, and her feminine hips lifted to line up with his needy little cock. His erection twitched, desperate to slip into her glorious folds.

As she lowered herself, Lalian covered his mouth with his hand, attempting to stifle an embarrassed moan as his loins ignited with bliss. She hilted him with little effort, already moving her hips to continue thrusting.

Hesin watched as she began to work Lalian's cock, already feeling his own begin to stiffen. He reached under his tunic, pulling his manhood free as he leaned against the wall.

"Oh…oh my goddess…." Lalian instinctively let out, finally moving his hand to moan freely. The sensation of her pussy proved too much for him to continue to care about concealing his enjoyment, for his small prick felt as if it were in a separate dimension.

A deep breath oozed from behind Hesin's mask as he began to stroke his manhood, watching one of his favorite apprentices and lover ride the Lanthian. It was entirely doubtful that Lalian's little green cock felt better to her than his own, though he could certainly fantasize…

Tildra's strong yet lithe legs carried her up and down with ease, accepting his cock as if it were little more than a finger or two. He could never reach her inner depths, yet he hardly cared about such things when the entire world blurred around him.

To feel a woman's inner walls, even that of a human female, caused Lalian's green blood to boil with lust. His entire being wished for the ability to impregnate her with his hybrid children, yet a castrated cock could do nothing in terms of reproduction. His bloodline would unfortunately slip away, even with a fertile womb now so close to his cock as she rode up and down.

Hesin groaned, stroking himself to the rhythm of her movements. A submissive tingle trickled through him, a master willingly granting his underling to another man.

Though his castration muted Lalian's pleasure to some extent, the skill in which she rocked her hips nearly made up for the loss of sensation. He held onto her thighs, as if clinging to reality.

"I…can't…." The Lanthian began to mutter, feeling his cock tingling inside her loins. "I'm going to…"

Tildra eased her way off of him, holding herself above his waist as his cock slipped out of her tight womanhood. "Careful, little man, only master Hesin may command you to finish."

Releasing his grip upon his cock, Hesin shuttered before approaching the bed. "Good girl, it's time for me to join." He said as he mounted the bed behind her. He reached under, feeling her moist lower lips from behind. "I've got to say Lanthian, you've made her wetter than I expected."

Lalian released a startled breath as he felt Hesin's fingers graze his throbbing shaft, a mixture of confusion seeping throughout his pleasure racked body. "W…what is the purpose of…"

Hesin hushed him, holding a finger to his mask as he gently began to massage the Lanthian's green erection. "Take a moment to calm yourself, for we shall take her together."

Quivering at the sensation, a mixture of embarrassment swirled within him as his fellow advisor carefully teased his cock. "Hesin…please, I'm not…"

Coming to a stop at the base of his shaft, Hesin used his free hand to slap Tildra's soft asscheek, granting her a silent command to proceed. She lowered herself once more, all while Hesin guided Lalian's cock to slip inside her lower lips.

Confused emotions gave way to pleasure, as his full attention was again seized by her body. Lalian groaned, eagerly pushing his hips upwards.

Hesin watched him penetrate her, his own testicles clenching with a throbbing ache. A potent man in Lalian's position may be able to steal Hesin's opportunity to breed, a thought that forced a dribble of liquid to escape his tip. There would be no possible competition with the castrated Lanthian, yet his human sperm wished to compete nonetheless.

Tildra held her momentary lover inside of her as she slowly rolled over until they were both on their sides, leaving her rear ready for her master. Hesin joined them in laying down, taking his rightful position behind his apprentice.

Placing his hands on her hips he pressed his erection against her bare rump, feeling her soft skin against him. She pushed back against him subtly, as if allowing him to regain his place as her dominant mate. He accepted the opportunity in stride, pressing his tip against her snug rear entrance.

"Master…I am yours to…OOOHHHH…." She moaned as he pushed his hips forwards, easing himself into her tight hole. Lalian felt her vagina constrict around his shaft, driving him wild even without movement.

Slowly, Hesin pushed in and out, claiming her ass as his own. She clenched her arms around Lalian, as if encouraging him to resume his own thrusting. Together, the two men slowly moved in and out, human and Lanthian momentarily united in the singular goal of pleasure.

Tildra accepted them both eagerly, her lithe body meeting their movements with a rocking of her hips. She craved their cocks, both holes penetrated as if she were simply an object for their use.

The trio groaned together, writhing into each other atop the bed. Tildra's mask could do little to hide the clear enjoyment in her eyes, her attention focused more so on her rear. Hesin was larger, if not by much, and his manhood was crammed into her tightest hole. The pitiful efforts of Lalian's thrusts merely enhanced her enjoyment, albeit to a much lesser extent.

Both cocks buried inside of her, Hesin could nearly feel just how close his manhood was to Lalian's. Their shafts were separated only by Tildra, pushing in and out. He would have preferred Lalian to be fertile as he finished inside of his little apprentice, though he'd make do.

Lalian could feel himself getting closer and closer towards his edge, entirely unaccustomed to the sensation of a vagina. He wanted to spill his seed, to knock her up with intelligent offspring. Instead, he could merely grimace in the face of fate, for his cock could never breed.

Images of a possible future flowed through his mind as he imagined their possible children. A daughter, half human with green eyes and hair came to mind. He would have nurtured her, mentoring her in his ingenious ways. What works of mastery they would have designed together…yet as he groaned in orgasm, little more than drops of clear infertile liquid weakly dripped from his green tip into Tildra's vagina.

Upon seeing his counterpart climax, Hesin raced to join him. Each thrust pounded into her ass, ripping squeaks of glee from her lips. He imagined her belly swelling with Lalian's child, all while his own fertile seed was wasted in her ass. The fantasy drove him into a frenzy, desperate to waste perfectly healthy sperm in a submissive act of surrendering his own chance to breed. He wished to impregnate her himself, wished to watch as another man claimed her womb, he wished…the conflicting desires of domination and submission overcame him, and he bucked his hips with thoughts of unknown cum leaking from his favorite mate.

Tildra whimpered with relief, pleased that her capable body had brought two men to their climaxes with ease. The warm sensation of sperm poured through her ass, while her vagina held little more than somewhat cool drips.

"Praise The Creator…for this pleasure…" she moaned, basking in the sensation as she remained pinned between them.

"Praise him…indeed…" Hesin said in a mocking tone, too subtle to notice.

Chapter Text

30th of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A chill ran across Pria's body, causing her to squirm in her bindings. How long had she been here, strapped to a table without a single piece of clothing to protect her from the damp air of the chamber?

She was in a part of the dungeon, that much was easy to deduce even with the blindfold over her eyes. It most likely wasn't the cell she had spent so many nights in since her arrest, though the system of underground corridors and chambers that made up The Grand Pyramid's dungeon was FAR too vast and complex to even begin to guess her exact location.

Her body ached, all four limbs locked to the table as far apart as possible. Additionally, she wasn't entirely horizontal nor vertical, as the table had been positioned to rest at a forty-five degree angle which put a slight amount of pressure on her bindings, just enough to be noticeable.

Yet it was the anticipation she couldn't stand, lying entirely exposed and helpless. Anyone could attack her at any moment, as had happened numerous times in the days leading up to the trial.

It was only when her blindfold was suddenly removed within moments of hearing a door creak open that she was freed from her fears, though only for an instant.

"Hush now sweet one, I'm not here to hurt you." The man, or more appropriately the creature said. Pria had come to think of him as 'the stranger', the individual who had primarily been her caretaker during her imprisonment. It was a care that included whippings, beatings, spankings, and all manner of various punishments simply for being his prisoner.

The stranger, like all of his fellow Dungeon Guardians, was a human that could hardly be considered masculine in any way. If it weren't for his complete lack of clothing anyone could easily be tricked into thinking that he was nothing more than another female citizen of The Empire. However, it was his small, exposed manhood locked inside of its constricting chastity cage that truly gave away his real nature.

Pria attempted to pull away as he ran his finger over her midriff, her gag preventing a scream or even a complaint.

"You performed well at the trial…it's only a shame that you may have caused your own death. I suppose that is what a few days of convincing can achieve." He said, pressing closer to her. "You did so well in fact that I've decided to reward you."

A quiver ran through her, knowing full well that she wanted NO part in any reward he could grant.

The stranger crossed over to one of the many shelves lining the room, only returning when he found what he was looking for. He held up the feather gripped between his feminine fingers for her to see, its color a deeper shade of red than even blood. The sight filled her with dread, making her wish desperately that the metal cuffs binding her wrist, thighs, and ankles to the table had accidentally been left unlocked.

"I present the first part of my gratitude." He said, waving the feather as if it were a hypnotic instrument. "It's quite special, you see, for it comes from a Tilicota. You've heard of them, correct?"

As every incorrect answer had brought her a swift beating in the past few days, Pria was hesitant before shaking her head.

"No? Ah, that's fine, they're native further north in any case. They're a rare breed of six-legged herbivores, though what concerns us today are the feathers found between their legs. They're mostly used for mating, as each bristle releases a toxin that acts as a powerful aphrodisiac." He explained while he ran the edge of the feather across his chest.

She watched him lick his lips, feeling sick at the explanation.

"Let's give it a try, shall we?" He said, moving it towards her helpless inner thigh. She watched in horror, shuttering the moment it made contact with her skin. A quick flick of his wrist was all he granted her, and she immediately felt tingles along the short path it had swept down her leg.

"Oh, you feel that don't you? Well, don't worry, that is only the beginning…"

The stranger held the feather firmly, starting just under her breasts to trace its tip all the way down before stopping just above her smooth pubic mound. A deep sensation of helplessness consumed her as the tingles began to trickle over her skin, knowing she was entirely at his mercy.

He leaned close, dragging it down her right side as he licked her underarm up to her elbow.

A whimper escaped her gagged mouth, and she felt the feather begin to move up her leg. It traveled over her sensitive inner thigh, getting closer and closer until he finally pulled it away. The process was repeated on the other leg, sweeping as close as possible to her most intimate area before lifting at the last instant. The sensation tingled upwards, culminating between her legs without ever needing to actually touch her there.

She tensed her bound limbs, horrified by the teasing feeling playing across her body.

"Oh, sweet girl, don't worry about breaking free. You're mine until I'm through with you. Every. Single. Inch."

The blood-red feather ran over her belly, encircled her breast, glided down to narrowly miss her womanhood, and continued onward. The sensation slowly built in her core, an untouchable tingle that increased with every passing moment. Each time he traced as closely as possible to her vagina, narrowly avoiding her labia.

"How lucky you are…" he said, touching his chastity cage with his freehand. "I bet you'd like for nothing more than to scratch that building tickle in your loins, but unfortunately you'll do nothing more than squirm."

Subconsciously Pria began to slightly raise her hips each time he got close, hating the aching desire that slowly spread throughout her form. Each time the tip approached so tantalizingly close to her sex, her pussy quivered in the hope of it finally making contact.

"So near, isn't it?" He said as it missed once again. "Poor girl, you can do nothing to bring it closer."

Her mind abhorred the thought of it touching her, yet her body could only crave a release to the ever-building pressure of lust.

"Hmm, shall I be generous?" He asked, encircling her vagina. "I think so, though you may wish I hadn't…"

Looping to the bottom crease of her labia, he chuckled as he FINALLY dragged it over the entirety of her labia. She released an involuntary moan, feeling the tingling sensation as it trickled through her lower lips. He tilted his hand slightly, angling the edge of the feather to slide over her sensitive clit.

Pria clenched her hands into fists, fighting against her bindings to squeeze her legs shut as the powerful aphrodisiac flooded through her throbbing bud. A deep tickle tortured her most sensitive area, only decreasing when the last of the feather slid away from between her legs.

"Didn't I tell you? The intensity surprises most prisoners." He said, bringing the feather back down. Its edge caressed her vagina, slipping just slightly between her folds. "You're already shaking, don't tell me you have a ticklish pussy? Ah, but then every human female does of course." He chuckled to himself.

A muffled whimper quietly escaped as the feather once again slid away, leaving her aching and needy.

Yet instead of coming back around, he moved away and pointed the tip directly over her clit. With a cruel smile he began to make tiny flicking motions, striking it with each movement.

Pria's back arched, the toxins increasing her sensitivity as her clit was mercilessly tickled. She felt her pleasure rising against her will, building and building until….

He swiftly pulled it away, ceasing her pleasure just as she was about to achieve her climax. She looked at him in horror, realizing just how cruel this feminine man intended to be.

"Sorry, but there will be none of that until I allow it." He said in a mocking tone. "Prisoners don't get to cum without permission, sweet girl."

A moment passed to allow her to calm down, only for him to resume his teasing movements. The feather slid up and down her slit, igniting every nerve before once again settling on her clitoris.

Panic grew in her eyes as he once again pulled away, leaving her desperately on the very edge of orgasm. It faded, leaving her a quivering mess.

To the edge, then back. The edge, then back. Over and over he teased her, tormenting her each time her climax slipped from her grasp.

It wasn't long before her frustration became overwhelming, causing her hips to buck each time he pulled away. The orgasm she needed so desperately was just beyond her reach, if she could only get the tiniest amount of pleasure before it faded…

She failed, repeatedly. The feather tickled up and down her vagina, stealing moans from its helpless victim. Within an hour she was squirming uncontrollably in her bindings. Within two she screamed.

The toxins raging through her skin, her pussy completely denied its release, she shouted into her gag with all of the frustration and desperation that her torment had gathered. The pleasure built for the countless time, and she thrashed in her bindings as it slowly faded from her grasp.

"You truly wish to cum, don't you?" He giggled, flicking her clit repeatedly with the edge of the feather.

Frantically she nodded, doing everything in her power to hold in tears.

"Well, I should let you. Good girls deserve to cum, and you've been a very good girl." He said, rubbing his chin dramatically with his freehand. "I think I'll…naaahhh…"

The feather was once again pulled away, just before Pria's clenching body was about to experience a mind shattering climax. The pleasure slipped away, followed by tormented tears.

Over and over she was edged, her pussy burning with unquenchable desire. By the end of the third hour she could think of little else, her entire world shrinking only to the accursed feather and her aching womanhood.

She wished for the pain he had inflicted upon her, rather than this unending torture of pleasure. She wanted to kill him, to rip free of the metal bindings and plunge her fingers into her waiting hole until her mind shattered.

There was nothing she could do, completely immobilized and exposed. It was impossible to protect her vagina from his torment, the feather sliding maddening up and down.

The stranger gripped his chastity cage, releasing a pent-up breath at the sight of her suffering. Her beautiful body was his, and she'd find NO satisfaction until he permitted her to.

"Such a perfect little body…I bet his holiness took great enjoyment in breeding you." He said, gripping his cage tighter. "How many children did he put into you? Do you even remember?"

Pria merely whimpered into her gag, saliva slightly leaking from her mouth.

His virgin cock twitched in its constricting prison. "I'll confess, and only because we've become so…close…that I envy his ability to breed ANY female he encounters. I would have loved to fill a womb with my seed…yet fate pushed me elsewhere. Such a shame…for if I was truly free perhaps this little pussy here would have tasted my sperm before your execution."

Seizing her entire body as yet another orgasm became unreachable, Pria cried out in fury.

The stranger placed his hand lovingly upon her midriff as he continued. "I bet you were even more beautiful pregnant than you already are. Such a blessed womb, to be granted the opportunity of bearing so many of his divine children. I wish I had witnessed it in person…"

A flick, then another, and another, only to pull away.

"Ah well, I may see your pussy now at least, and I suppose it is about time to allow you to cum."

Her heart fluttered, terrified that she was once again getting her hopes up for nothing.

"You do know that it will be your last orgasm, yes?" He said, continuing to edge and deny her. "The last one EVER. Are you prepared?"

Tears streaming down her cheeks Pria nodded madly, her clit screaming in pleasure as he removed the feather once more.

"Very well then, do your best to enjoy it. There will NEVER be another, certainly not before your execution."

The feather gently caressed between her lower lips, tickling her labia. It then circled her clit, flicking back and forth. She clenched her eyes, feeling herself grow closer and closer…

A flick brought her to the edge, and he waited a split second before flicking again, then again, waiting just long enough each time to hold her on the very edge of cumming for several long moments.

Then, mercifully, he began to rapidly move the feather back and forth over her extremely sensitive bud. Her entire body convulsed as she claimed the orgasm that had been denied to her countless times.

Mind Shattering pleasure exploded throughout her body, erupting through her like a volcano of sensation. A ragged scream burst from her lips, muffled by her gag as she convulsed.

His movement remained unending, dragging out her climax for what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, he pulled away, leaving her to collapse into a quivering heap.

"Looks like the sweet girl cummed her brains out. How cute…" he giggled, feeling his own denied cock strain in its cage. "It's such a shame…I'd rather he have sentenced you to imprisonment for life. We could have had fun this way every night, though alas…" the stranger shrugged.

Pria merely laid entirely still, her mind reeling from her pleasure. For the moment she cared little of her fate, only basking in the afterglow of her lengthy torture.

Yet her fate would come, regardless.

34th of Fonic, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The weather would not obey the crowd's wishes, even for the death of an Empress. Rain lightly fell upon The Grand Pyramid's stairs as Xenia and Pria were led just outside the massive main entrance.

Nearly all of Domani had come to watch their ruler's lover die, entirely filling the city's main square. Despite their number, a relative quiet had fallen upon the area as the two prisoners came to a stop at their final destination.

A shiver ran through Xenia as her outfit did little to protect her from the slight storm. This day had been inevitable, yet to finally face her death was an entirely different matter than the five days of anticipation.

Dominax emerged from the massive doors, flanked on both sides by his advisors. Both Irith and Cendra remained closest to him, the true victims of Xenia's crimes. However, to her disappointment she realized that Vixin wasn't accompanying them, apparently choosing to refrain from witnessing her mother's execution. A pain of disappointment struck her, for she had wished to see her daughter's face at least once more.

A Sage was already waiting to greet The God Emperor, carrying the curved blade that would do the deed. The woman wore little in terms of clothing, and with a sigh of bittersweet humor Xenia silently remarked to herself how such a sight would have appealed to her in any other circumstance.

As the group of royals fanned out in a half circle around the pair of doomed souls, The Sage approached and ordered both Xenia and Pria to kneel upon the hard stone ground. The women obeyed, their hands already bound behind them and their mouths gagged. There would be no final words for traitors.

Pria looked to Xenia for support, though she ignored the slave and retreated into her own thoughts. The Sage's blade appeared exquisitely sharp, a fact that indicated that perhaps Dominax's care for her didn't entirely end the moment she was arrested. It would be a quick, relatively clean death at the very least.

Xenia cared little for the rehearsed words of The Sage, nor the occasional angry shout from the crowd. She merely closed her eyes in contemplation. Pria's end came without her even bothering to notice, and she lowered her head when she was instructed to. The Sage began to raise the blade in preparation, though only the image of Vixin in her mind held Xenia's attention.

She had chosen her mate well, pledging herself into the service of a man capable of becoming truly great. She had watched him raise his people from the ashes, forging an Empire that would stand eternally. She had been a Concubine Empress, ruler of her lover's harem. Half of her life had been spent in luxury, and most importantly, she had birthed a daughter that would experience true power and influence. Perhaps she had failed in placing Vixin as the heir, yet the princess would always be a member of the most important family in The Empire.

Vixin was a survivor, capable of gaining anything she wanted, and as the blade slashed downwards a smile crept onto Xenia's nia’s pretty face. She had done well.

Chapter Text

32nd of Silla, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The God Emperor was gone.

Not missing, as a small amount of rumors trickling throughout the population claimed, yet he was absent from court nonetheless. None but Irith herself and their slaves had laid an eye upon Dominax following Xenia's execution, for he had sequestered himself deep inside The Grand Pyramid amongst the harem.

With the throne momentarily empty, Irith was forced to meet the seemingly endless line of devoted followers without him. The week of Ardon had arrived, a new tradition in which, for several hours during the next ten days she'd have to sit at the base of the throne stairs while citizen after citizen would come to pray for the health of the unborn heir.

Rather than her typical outfit she remained completely nude, her pregnant belly painted with the symbol of House Vaid that sat snuggly inside the tattoos she had shared with her twin Enil.

The line to kneel at her feet stretched for miles, extending so far as to entirely leave the capital. Each person would pray towards her belly as the royal guards waited, ready to act the moment they spotted danger.

All three princesses surrounded her, Cendra and Vixin standing at either side while her own daughter Nafalya sat next to her. The unworldly beauty of the young royals seemed to radiate through the throne room, despite the subtle glares that Cendra occasionally threw to Vixin.

Vixin herself could hardly keep from delving into her own mind, as thoughts of her mother seemed keen to prod at her. After all, she had betrayed her.

As the tall guards hurried away the current devoted citizen to make room for the next, Irith wondered if her own unborn twins would tattoo themselves in the tradition of her homeland. It was a thought that brought a pain to her chest, though it was soon interrupted as a Hesian Assassin crossed the throne room and bowed.

The white robed woman wordlessly held out a message cylinder, attempting to interrupt the Ardon ritual as little as possible.

Irith took it with a gracious nod, though the moment she spotted the royal seal she couldn't help but allow her cheeks to flush with both irritation and relief.

***

Within minutes of the day's ritual coming to an end, Irith found herself navigating the corridors of The Grand Pyramid. She released a breath of tension that had slowly accumulated the moment she finished reading the message cylinder, which had come directly from Dominax himself. Though she had seen little of him in the past month, she was somewhat relieved that he hadn't entirely forgotten her.

Deep inside the massive structure, the guards waiting on either side of the door at the end of a long hallway bowed at her approach. They heaved open the door, granting her a look inside the chamber her mate had rarely left since the execution of Xenia. Circular in shape, the large room that had become The God Emperor's temporary home was littered from top to bottom with various tapestries, cushions, and above all, a thin layer of humid mist that seeped from a heated pool directly in the center of the floor. Unsurprisingly, more than a dozen of the harem's finest concubines lounged about, while Dominax himself appeared to be half asleep atop a pile of pillows.

She made her way inside, hearing the door seal tightly behind her. A man would give his life to step foot inside the chamber, and the guards would tolerate no risk of that.

Four of the girls slept comfortably at their master's sides, while a fifth danced enchantingly at his feet. Yet despite the clear display of beauty wherever Dominax looked, it was the image of Irith that jolted him from his haze. He opened his eyes fully, brushing aside the lingering effects of a light sleep as he straightened up.

"So this is how a God Emperor speaks to his Empress?" Irith said as she held out the cylinder, allowing it to slip from her fingers and drop to the floor. "Through secret messages?"

Dominax rubbed his eyes as the four girls slowly retreated to intermix with their fellow concubines, clearly wishing to have nothing to do with their mistress's tense tone.

"You remain absent from court for weeks, and your first words to me are etched into wood?" She continued, placing her hand on her pregnant belly as she stood over him.

He cleared his throat. "The information was important, as I didn't wish to act without first informing you."

Her slight irritation increasing, Irith's foreign accent appeared to seize her words more than usual. "Oh, informing me that you've initiated plans to invade my homeland? Yes Dominax, that is something I'd have liked to know."

Dominax waved a hand as he once again laid back. "The invasion is merely in the planning stages, as my message stated. We shall not act before I speak to you about such things."

Irith rubbed her forehead for a moment, sighing before she slowly lowered herself to sit at his side. "I understand that, my love. I just…I merely wish that you had come to me yourself. This-" she said, gesturing to the now discarded cylinder. "-is how one summons their slave, not their mate. We have not spoken for a long time."

"The Empire is in the capable hands of my advisors." He replied. "I would not have put my duties on hold if I didn't fully believe in their abilities to govern temporarily."

He only had to glance at the annoyed expression in her eyes to know that she wouldn't be satisfied by such an empty answer. Especially one that aimed to navigate around her point.

Dominax sighed, closing his eyes. "I have been distracted lately, yes, though that will soon come to an end when the conquest resumes."

To his surprise Irith allowed her annoyance to slip, and she instead placed her hand onto his bare leg. When she spoke, her tone could only be described as a deep motherly concern, her sweet yet exotic voice low with worry. "Dominax…I understand that you've needed time away after Xenia's death, though please, do not get lost in your distractions." She said, nodding to the many nude girls throughout the chamber.

Dominax tensed at her name, opening his eyes. "I need no distraction from the death of a traitor. She is nothing to me, my love, nothing but a treasonous whore." His harsh voice echoed off the stone walls. "No single thought of her has entered my mind since the trial."

"Yet in all that time you've done nothing but sleep with every female that catches your eye. You may lie to your advisors, though not to me." Irith said in a calm voice, fully aware that anyone else would swiftly find themselves headless if they dared to speak to him in such a way. "I am your Concubine Empress, my love. Every member of the harem is my responsibility, and as such did you think I'd miss the striking increase in pregnancies amongst the girls? Even more so than your usual amount? Fucking IS a distraction, and you've done little more this last month than 'distract' yourself."

Dominax studied her face, her worry clear to see.

She sighed once more, stroking her belly softly. "What I mean, my love, is I merely wish for you to not lose yourself in avoiding her death."

"There is nothing to avoid, my love. Death is inevitable." He said in an even tone. "It has come for my family, and now it has claimed another. Why should one be forced to dwell on such things?"

Irith pointed to the message cylinder. "You'll find your answer right there."

"Ahh," Dominax exclaimed in dismissal. "Conquest has given birth to The Empire. It is the very tool in which you've been allowed to live in luxury! Do not fear it now."

She shook her head. "I shall never turn from battle, for you've shown me the prosperity that we've brought every civilization that falls under our banners. I simply worry…about the reasons for this planned invasion. You've been perfectly fine remaining upon your throne all these years, content with the borders you've claimed. You've been happy to remain here and enjoy your new family, despite whispers that you've lost your nerve for war. Yet, it is only now that you finally decide to continue The Empire expansion, a short time after her execution."

"We've spent the last few years aiding King Galis in developing the east, you know this, woman." Dominax said in his own growing irritation.

Irith held up a soothing hand. "I know, my love. I know. Yet your recent behavior concerns me, and I merely hope that this coming invasion isn't meant to be another distraction from your thoughts."

A moment of silence lingered between them, finally breaking when Dominax took her hand in his. "My love, you needn't worry. The conquest of The Northern Kingdoms has been developing for some time." He said, before placing his hand on her stomach. He could sense the twins inside, their small minds reacting to his mental prodding. "It's a necessity, a step that must be taken if I am to rule all of Magnius. Call these women a distraction if you must, yet never question the actions I must take to ensure our children's future reigns."

Though hesitant, Irith nodded in acceptance. He was a difficult man to pierce, and though she feared the untreated effects that Xenia's death may inflict upon him, she could do little but remain at his side. "I understand, my love."

"Good." He said, allowing the tension in his bare muscles to slowly seep away. "Then you have no qualm with your homeland as our next target?"

She shook her head in response. "My life is here now. My family is here. There can be no other concerns. Besides, if The Northern Kingdoms fall under your rule, they shall only benefit in the future."

"Very well." He said with a creeping smirk. "I shall order Clin to begin the formation of legions. It'll take some time to finalize their training, though we shall be ready soon enough."

With nothing more to say, Irith kissed him before standing up. She made her way to the door, though before she opened it she turned to face him once more. "Don't shut me out Dominax. Enjoy yourself, but don't shut me out."

He watched her leave, releasing a breath as he heard the door open and close. Surrounded by dozens of women, he was once again alone.

Yet he had lied, for the image of Xenia's face shot through his mind for the countless time since her death. Of course, Irith wouldn't believe that he hadn't thought of her, yet could she guess the ever-increasing extent?

Dominax squeezed his hand into a fist, banishing the thought from his mind as he signaled to a group of concubines bathing together in the center pool.

The women dutifully made their way to his side, water dripping from their alluring forms. Six in total, they crowded around him as they slowly lowered themselves to lounge beside him.

He selected the most attractive of the group, though such a hard decision was similar to picking the shiniest piece of gold. She eagerly obeyed as their hands met, allowing him to guide her onto his lap.

The slick wetness of her skin pressed against his, causing his freely exposed cock to easily harden. It had tasted many women in the past month, yet his manhood's hunger never eased.

An ever-devoted concubine, she accepted his length with a confident glow, her skin somewhat tanned to compliment her long dark brown hair. He could feel himself sink into her, inch after inch, delving deeper until he reached her limit.

Each of the other women caressed his body, content for the moment with simply touching their deity. The many remaining females of the harem either watched, danced, or simply relaxed. They had witnessed their ruler breed an unprecedented amount of times in the past few days, including twice already that day.

Dominax watched her bounce up and down upon his cock, her moderately sized breast bouncing slightly to her rhythm. He held her hips, enjoying the sensation of her loins before yet another image of Xenia flashed through his mind, her head toppling from her shoulders.

He merely gritted his teeth, forcing himself to focus entirely on the divine pleasure of his slave as two of the group of six began to kiss. They pressed their lips together, making quite a show for their God Emperor as they began to push their feminine forms together.

A gasp escaped one of their pair's mouth as the other's searching fingers encountered her slick sex. The others watched with curiosity, giggling to themselves as their hands glided over Dominax's skin.

"My lord, why choose her first?" One of the women asked with a sly smirk. "She hardly knows what she's doing with such a magnificent cock…"

He ignored her, moving his own hips to match his current mate's.

Another woman giggled, sneaking her hand slowly between her own thighs. "Oh, she's doing just fine. Do what you wish my lord…I know you want to put a baby in that toned belly of hers…"

A third moaned at her words, already beginning to fondle her own breasts. "Of course…get her nice and pregnant, your holiness…though choose me next…"

They wished to please him, to earn the favor of a self-proclaimed deity. Such was the reward for bringing stability to the world, yet the cost once more echoed through his mind as Xenia's voice filled his memory. It would never pass from her lips again, lost forever in the past.

He focused, his flesh against the concubine's. She was his in this moment, her womb craving to bear his baby. It was her duty, the entire purpose of her existence to birth the offspring of The God Emperor. Her ovaries ached for his sperm, his testicles frantic to seed her eggs.

Before long her moans became uncontrollable, her hips bucking to breed. He felt the familiar surge of heightened sensitivity rush through him, granting him only a moment before an orgasm overtook him.

Each woman watched with visible envy as he unloaded his life-giving seed into her loins, knowing full well that all women that had ever met his sperm had walked away pregnant.

He allowed her to enjoy the moment for several seconds, before she lifted herself on shaky legs and left his lap to lay on her back. Satisfying her biological craving, she merely pulled her legs to her chest and enjoyed the warm feeling of his viscous affection inside of her.

Spent for the moment, Dominax watched as another of the women seductively moved towards his former mate. He was FAR from finished, and it would only be a matter of time before he was ready once again.

The woman kneeled, placing her hands onto the other's bent legs before gently pulling them slightly apart to see her filled pussy. Her new partner made no complaint, only leaning her head back in bliss as she lowered her lips to meet the concubine's womanhood.

Enthralled, Dominax watched as the woman began to lick the vagina he had barely finished inside of, obsessed with tasting his seed.

The view of oral sex stirred his loins, and within minutes he felt himself growing hard once again.

Immediately one of the other concubines took the initiative, gently grasping his hand and guiding it over to her. He felt a wetness against his fingers, and as he turned his head to look, he saw that she was lying next to him with her perfectly shaped legs parted for his entry.

Wasting no time as yet another flash thought of Xenia tore through his head, Dominax rolled over to accept his rightful place between her warm thighs.

A pale girl, she had wild black hair that lay in silky strands against the pillows as he mounted her. She simply bit her lip in anticipation, curling her toes with desire when he finally pushed into her.

Two others began to interlock, their hips grinding together as they moaned. Female against female, they moved against each other as if in desperation beside their ruler.

His hips moved back and forth, thrusting into his lover with heavy breaths. She was tighter than the other woman, her loins embracing him snuggly.

How many vaginas had he penetrated in his fourteen years as God Emperor? Could they even be counted? Each one was unique in both appearance and sensation, beautiful flower petals created to accept his cum.

Each little twitch of her lips, the subtle movements of her eyes, they all were effects of his cock buried into her most intimate area. He could hardly contain his lust, knowing that four other females waited patiently for his touch.

Soon he was cumming inside, ripping a squeak from her lips as he truly claimed her. She was left a quivering mess, her fingers lightly teasing her own labia while he rested in preparation for yet another mating.

He gestured to other nearby women, causing them to gleefully approach before beginning to sway their bodies in seductive dances. The display of writhing, slightly moist, naked feminine flesh filled the chamber. The faint mist caressed their moving forms, creating a haze of pure sexuality as he readied himself.

Another accepted her fate, moaning loudly as he took her from behind. He rocked inside and out, holding her shapely rump firmly. Each thrust pushed away thoughts of Xenia, delving deeper into bliss until he was bucking in climax.

Again he rested, and again he bred. Xenia's face and voice slowly filled his mind, draining away each time he filled a womb. Resting, breeding, resting, cumming, hours slipped away without his notice.

Slowly his manhood grew sore, his testicles tender from their efforts. He held his last mate close, their bodies pressed against each other as she lay atop him. He groaned, shooting his final burst of sperm as deeply as possible.

The chamber had become littered with several laying concubines, relaxing to recover from his cock. The women who remained untouched, at least for the day, tended to their companions with gentle caresses and skillful tongues.

Dominax allowed his eyes to shut, all thoughts of Xenia ripped from his mind. He could rest in temporary peace, satisfied at the results of his efforts as they moaned around him.

Yet a temporary peace it was, for he knew that the morning would bring fresh memories.

Chapter Text

50th of Silla, 9 AVE.
The Shai Domain, Ishtai.

Varse watched the many snow blanketed buildings of his home city pass by, feeling a nostalgia that threatened to make him sick.

"Are you succumbing to the motion, my Potentate?" The young assistant girl seated across from him asked innocently, evidently viewing the pained expression that had snuck its way onto his face. "We're nearly there."

He brushed aside her concerns. "Ah…no, there are simply…lingering memories. Worry not."

Her words proved true when they arrived only a few minutes later, coming to a stop outside a squat circular building that seemed to stick out sorely from the common aesthetic of the city. Just outside the main entrance the Chidrae lowered itself into the snow, a large six-legged creature covered in white-silver feathers that carried the enclosed travel house atop its back. Hardly more than four seats facing each other, Varse crouched as he exited through the small doorway and out into the open air of his home city for the first time in decades.

A nauseous shiver ran through him, as the smell of all sorts of recently fished aquatic monstrosities lingered in the air. It brought back the memory of his parents, carried away by their Lish captors. His face hardened further as he shrugged the image from his shoulders, turning to watch as the assistant struggled to remove a long wooden case from the Chidrae travel house.

He granted the driver seated on the small roof a nod, silently acknowledging their deal that he would remain until Varse's business here was concluded. It was just business after all, even if its existence had to remain strictly off record for the time being. All he did here would ensure the survival of The Shai Domain, yet much would have to remain concealed until the time was right.

As for The Council themselves, they had been fed a false story of an entirely different location that his journey would take him. The previous years had severely dampened their suspicions and doubts regarding him as their Potentate, for the seemingly exponential growth of the Vaidrin crisis had apparently burned out. Yes, Vaidrin had evolved into the first human empire in history, yet its vile God Emperor appeared entirely happy to lay back and enjoy his gains. What had once seemed like an inevitable threat against Dril security had stalled, becoming nothing more than a neighbor to watch from afar.

That was what The Council believed, of course, though Varse knew better.

He knocked on the door to the circular building, only waiting a moment before a young Dril girl answered. She appeared little more than twelve years of age, her black hair tied into two knots on either side.

"Master Vesh, we have company!" The girl called back behind her, earning a grimace from Varse.

Within seconds the girl was pushed aside, replaced in the doorway by a Dril whose eyes lit up at the sight of their visitors. Immediately he bowed his head in mutual respect, as Varse mirrored his actions.

There was no doubt about who he was, as though he was now a little fatter than before, the scarred face of one of the greatest former agents of The Shai Domain was unmistakable. The past few years had seemingly treated him well, as his missing eye had been adorned by an eyepatch embedded with a flat gem as red as his remaining eye. He did little to conceal his missing ear, however, which was now accompanied by several new scars that slashed across his plump yet grizzled face.

"By the gods, you finally decided to pay us a visit." Vesh said with a wide grin.

Varse nodded without humor. "Indeed. I've come to assess your progress with the boy."

"Of course, my Potentate. Please, come in!"

Both Varse and his assistant followed the man inside, leaving the frozen city behind as the door was sealed. He took a moment to glance at the young girl that had opened the door, only to turn and scowl at his host. "Master Vesh?"

The large man casually waved aside the criticism. "A mere formality, my Potentate. I found this one attempting to pick my pocket at the market, and needless to say I saw potential in her."

Varse held out a finger. "That won't do." He said firmly. After all, every Dril must be equal under The Domain. "But in any case, don't allow the training of this girl to distract you from your true purpose."

"The boy is my primary focus, as this one is merely intended to assist in his future tasks." Vesh explained, leading them down a short hallway. "But I suppose you didn't come all this way to reprimand me, yes? Come, see the fruits of what you've left behind."

The man pushed open the door at the end of the hall, emerging into a large circular chamber that seemed to take up much of the building's interior space. They stepped out onto a balcony that encircled the curved walls, as the chamber extended downwards an additional level below ground.

Varse stepped to the railing, gazing down into what could only be described as a training arena. There, for the first time since he had handed his newborn son over to the care of Vesh, he laid eyes upon the roughly thirteen-year-old boy as he was locked into combat with two Arkos slaves and a third Dril combatant.

The boy swung both of his curved blades, slashing and parrying his opponents' weapons. His left sword slid under the defense of the left Arkos, opening a wound that sent the man tumbling to the floor with gasps of agony. The other swung high, striking the right and sending drops of Dark Purple blood to the stone floor.

As for his fellow Dril, the boy leapt forward, bringing his blade down in a swipe that unarmed the man, causing his opponent to hold out his hands and slowly back up. The boy merely bowed his head, sheathing his weapons as he wouldn't dare spill the blood of a Dril, even as the two Arkos lay rolling upon the floor in pain. They'd live, though not without visible scars that signaled their defeat.

"You've made him fearsome." Varse muttered in satisfaction, catching the attention of the boy. Their eyes met, and for a moment he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of guilt. Then in an instant the feeling was snuffed out.

"Come, I will introduce you to our weapon." Vesh said before turning to make his way towards a set of stairs that led from the balcony to the arena floor. They descended, meeting the young man near the center. "Boy, this is-"

"Potentate Varse of Clan Chalvarrus." The thirteen-year-old interrupted. "I know. Not a day goes by where I don't thank our gracious leader for his guidance."

Taken aback, Varse paused before clasping his hands behind his back. "And your name is?"

He straightened up with pride. "Salik, my Potentate. I shall be the blade that puts an end to the enemies of The Domain."

"Indeed you shall, Salik." Varse said with a satisfied nod. It was obvious that the boy suspected little of his true paternity, just as intended. "Your training is of great interest to me, child. We both know that the human God Emperor is merely biding his time like a Vidshi waiting beneath the snow to snatch his prey."

Salik tensed at the mention of Dominax, involuntarily glaring. "Of course, I have trained every single day to put an end to that threat. The God Emperor shall fall by my hand, or I shall die trying."

Varse turned his head to Vesh. "You've taught him well."

"Of course, you've made it his purpose to kill that human and so it is." Vesh replied, before suddenly breaking into a chuckle. "Aye but watch this!"

The mentor crossed over to one of the alcove cutouts along the arena wall and retrieved a training dummy that appeared to have armor in the crude shape of The God Emperor's own. VERY crude in fact, as its wooden surface was littered with deep cuts. "Go on boy, show the human what you're made of!"

Without hesitation Salik spun, hacking off the head with a single swipe of his blade. The wooden head tumbled to the ground with a dull thud.

Varse frowned. "It shall never be as simple as that, as a man who proclaims himself a deity can be stubborn to kill. Ah but come Salik, I've brought you a gift."

The assistant laid the wooden case on the ground, bowing her head before backing up.

"Go ahead, child. Claim what's yours." Varse instructed, gesturing to the case. "If your purpose is to kill the greatest threat of this age, you shall be equipped accordingly."

Though hesitant for a moment, Salik would never dare refuse a gift from The Potentate himself. He kneeled down, unfastening the clasps one after the other. He began to lift the lid, and as soon as he realized what it contained his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

The boy pulled two swords from the container, their blades thin and curved. To his surprise, the metal was as black as the night sky, a color only found in The Vaid Empire.

"Before you ask, yes, they are genuine chimira steel. Not entirely transformed by The God Emperor’s powers as to appear white, yet far stronger than the steel of an average weapon." Varse said, unable to keep the pride from his voice despite his harsh expression. "Many of our agents fell to bring these blades to you, child. Treat them well."

"I…I will…" Salik stammered, already testing their weight and balance. His eyes fell upon one of the hilts, and he granted Varse a questioning look.

Varse held out his hand, and though reluctant to relinquish his new gift the young man handed over one of the swords. Varse ran his fingers over the hilt, feeling it's strange texture. "No doubt in your training you have been informed of The God Emperor's…unique abilities. It would never do to have you train all this time, only to be electrocuted to death the moment he lays eyes upon you. Thus, the hilts of your blades have been infused with Izanil rubber, a material that will protect you from his power. Simply guard yourself, and the chimira steel of your blades will attract most of the electricity he may launch against you. The metal will absorb the energy, and the Izanil rubber will dissipate it before it reaches your hands."

A smile ripped across the boy's face as he twirled the sword, though his eyes fell to the rest of the container's contents. "And what of those?"

Varse returned the blade to Salik's hand. "A suit of black chimira silk, enough to conceal the entirety of your skin." He explained as the boy once again crouched to assess his gifts. "The material's natural resistance to fire will protect you from some extent of his flames, or so I've been led to believe. In any case, it's best to avoid combat at all if possible, and simply end his life as he sleeps."

"Yes, my Potentate." He said, removing a black helmet from the long wooden box. "I won't fail you, nor will I let our people down."

"No, I don't believe you will." He said, seeing the same determination in his son's eyes as were in his own, as if an echo of himself. "Both the helmet and blades were discarded prototypes created by The God Emperor himself, as it is only he who is capable of the transformation process. They were an experiment for his guards, amongst others as he looked to other cultures for potential sources of inspiration, yet in the end he deferred to his own. Wear them, train with them, and feel the whispers of his power. You will wield the blades he discarded, and you will use them to end his reign." Varse commanded, his voice low with intensity. “In the creation of these blades he has touched our culture, if merely for a moment. Allow them to remind you what shall happen upon your failure, our culture’s blades cast in chimira steel…”

"Aye, though it looks like you'll have to grow into the suit a bit, my boy." Vesh chuckled, slapping Salik on the back in an attempt to alleviate the tension of the moment.

"Thank you…" the boy said, clearly wrestling with the fact that one of the few gifts granted to him during his short life had come directly from The Potentate himself. He was honored, overwhelmed, and terrified…for what if he failed?

Something deep inside Varse managed to bubble to the surface, and he found himself placing his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "We do what duty demands, child. I shall leave you to your new equipment, though I intend to take a far closer handle upon your training."

Salik nodded, unable to keep his voice from shaking. "I won't let you down…ever."

2nd of Senin, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

It was good to have Dominax back, both for The Empire and Irith herself. With enough prodding he had begun to make gradual appearances at court, finally taking short breaks from the distraction of his harem.

Now, though through great effort, his personal life had nearly returned to normal. He found himself performing his duties as ruler once again, venturing throughout the rest of The Grand Pyramid rather than simply remaining in his chamber of women.

The timing couldn't have come at a more ideal moment, for Irith had nearly reached the end of her pregnancy. There were still many days remaining of the roughly two hundred and fifty days that an average human pregnancy consisted of, of course, yet any day now The Empire would have a new set of royal children.

Because of this, Dominax spent much of his days close to his Concubine Empress, as if subconsciously guarding his quickly approaching heir. There could be no mistakes, no further Xenias to interfere with the future.

This day in particular he found himself rising from his throne after a long session of dealing with the general public, commanding his guards to empty the throne room and seal the doors. The chamber was filled with the usual gathering of exposed concubines bathing in the many pools that littered the floor, yet his attention remained entirely on Irith.

He made his way over to her as she lounged atop one of the cushions that sat between each pillar. She relaxed, tended to by slaves as she spent the day observing each request that was brought before her mate's throne.

"There is no end to the complexity." She said as he sat down at her feet, removing his helmet. "An entire host of unique issues for each citizen, and they all expect you to solve them."

Dominax merely huffed, allowing one of the slaves to unfasten his armor. "Such was the burden I chose, even if their problems are beneath my concern. An Empire cannot survive without its citizens."

"None will ever be beneath your concern while you sit upon the throne." She replied with a hint of disapproval to flavor her accented voice. "Though come my love, speak no more of burdens. Let us focus on the future."

Dominax watched as she gestured to her belly, nearly ready to burst with his twins. He closed his eyes, mentally reaching out to touch their underdeveloped minds. He could sense their souls flock to him as if he were a ray of light, tasting his power. "They are eager to join us, my love."

A smile lit up Irith's face, and after a moment she seductively positioned her gorgeous body on her side. "I don't believe I'll ever grow accustomed to…that. Though come closer, I have a surprise…"

Dominax leaned over, placing his hand on her side as he gazed into her pretty face.

"I've had the slaves keep track of this cushion." She said, moving her thigh slightly to reveal a few tiny drops of blood staining the fabric. "Do you recognize it? I would hope so, as it is the one you claimed my virginity upon…"

Surprised, Dominax looked down. "Where Nafalya was conceived upon?"

Irith simply nodded, a smirk spreading across her face. Her fingers traced down his arm, taking his hand in hers as she pulled him in for a kiss. "How fitting would it be to have our final act of love before the births occur to take place in the spot you claimed me? I've been waiting, my love…"

He kissed her once again, sliding his hand over her soft skin. He reached the alluring valley between her legs, confirming her words as he felt her slick wetness.

"I need you, Dominax." She whispered as she pressed her lips to his ear. "In the very place you made me yours forever…"

No man on Magnius would have been capable of resisting such a request, and Dominax was more than happy to oblige. He waved away the slaves before reaching down, opening the groin slit of his one-suit.

Irith watched with blushed cheeks as he freed his cock, her own loins hungry for his touch. She had waited all day, thinking of little else as citizen after citizen requested his attention.

Dominax mounted the cushion fully, spreading her womanly legs to gaze upon his prize. Her enchantingly beautiful vagina was on full display as he pushed aside her skirt, the very source of his future heir.

She took a deep, tantalizing breath as their loins met, his heavy cock laying on top of her womanhood. He slowly moved his hips, dragging the underside of his shaft over her wet labia.

"Come now, my love. I wish to feel the cock that granted me my children…" she said, her own wide hips subtly moving with desire.

"Very well." He replied with a smirk of his own, lining the tip to meet her ready hole. With a push he began to slide inside, forcing a moan from her lips.

Effortlessly he hilted her, his tip pressed against her cervix while knowing that their children lay just behind. He began to pump in and out, moving with a tender slowness.

She placed her arms above her head, laying back like a pleasured goddess. How had he discovered a being as gorgeous as her, exuding the very essence of what a woman should be? There was no inch of her that wasn't entirely flawless, a mate fit for a God.

"Dominax…I am yours…" she moaned, and indeed she was. No other had ever experienced the slick walls of her pussy, had ever granted her their seed. Her womb was completely his, producing beautiful children that would one day rule the greatest civilization in history.

Their loins pushed together over and over, moving in a steady rhythm as he pleasured her. He could compare her to any one of the thousands of slaves that had moaned beneath his cock, yet Irith's womanhood was his home, his life. Only she was worthy to bear his seed, to birth fully legitimized members of House Vaid.

A low groan escaped his lips, pressing deeply each time. The sight of her baby bump only added to his pleasure, feeling a deep satisfaction that he had knocked up her perfect form. Her full breasts jiggled with each movement, allowing a tiny dribble of milk to escape her sensitive buds.

"Y…yeeeessss…." She moaned, lowering one of her arms to grip the fabric of the cushion. The pain that had occurred when he had taken her virginity in the very same spot was nowhere to be found, leaving only bliss to touch every nerve of her aching loins. "Harder, my love...the children will be fine…"

Once more he touched their minds, assessing their level of distress as he slowly increased his pace. He found an ideal speed, enough to avoid harming them in any way as they mentally interacted with each other. There was no knowledge or sense of self, merely pure instinct as the minds of the twins used their powers to play off of each other.

Irith gazed into his eyes with utter trust, her warm thighs spreading further as if begging for more of his large cock. Their hips slammed together, producing a wet slap each time.

It mattered little what the guards or slaves spread throughout the throne room thought, for they either watched or pretended not to. Dominax could sense their desire, his many hours of training with Dorian finally coming into fruition over the past year.

He could feel them as he opened his mind, sensing the envy and increasing sexual ache. The feminine urges of the female slaves and guards practically called to him, while it was clear that the male guards would give anything to be in his place. He could feel the movement of their souls, their minds wishing to make love to their alluring Concubine Empress.

They would never, could never, for she was HIS and his alone. They would never experience her supple vagina as it caressed his cock, nor would they ever know the overwhelming satisfaction of spilling their seed inside of her goddess-like body.

They could merely watch as he rocked his hips, his cock stirring her insides. She took her round breasts in her hands, feeling their sensitivity as her body screamed in lust.

Additional trickles of milk leaked from her nipples, ready to feed her unborn twins. The sight drove Dominax further, pounding into her with the biological thirst of a man ready to breed his mate. The deed was already complete, yet his body could only burn with the urge to impregnate her once again.

"Ooohhhh I love you…" she moaned, her fingers teasing her perky buds.

He placed his hand onto her belly, arousal surging through him. She was pregnant with HIS children, yet another female conquered by his seed to add to the ever-growing list. He couldn't help but groan, feeling the new life beneath his fingers.

Her right hand joined his, tracing along her tattoos that surrounded her stomach. "I've…ahhhh…found peace here, my love…peace that I didn't think was possible. You've granted me purpose…ahhhh…a purpose I lost the day Enil fell…"

He watched as a tear left her eye, her face enthralled by pleasure.

"T..thank…ahhh…you…" she said, moving her hand to rest upon his. He felt it clench, and a moment later her smooth thighs began to quiver as she reached her climax.

She couldn't squirt as Xenia had, yet her moist pussy flushed with wetness as she clenched down around him. He didn't rest for even a moment, maintaining his speed as each deep thrust pounded into her furthest depths.

Over and over he slammed into her with raw fury, his cock burning with the need to cum. How could he possibly hold back, his cock buried into the most beautiful woman on Magnius?

He touched the minds of the twins once more, as if holding their souls as he continued to thrust. They met his power with their own, their wills strong for their age yet nothing compared to his. They slowly eased their resistance, and with realization he sensed their thoughts as clearly as he felt his own. It all converged into a single unified thought from both of them: father.

Within an instant he reached his limit, every nerve of his shaft erupting into sensitivity. He slammed his hips forwards, every ounce of pent-up desire spurting forth in thick ropes of potent sperm.

Irith held his hand firmly, crying out in ecstasy as she felt him fill her snug tunnel. Each burst of his seed crashed against her pregnant cervix, causing her to feel the deep connection tighten between them.

Dominax breathed heavily when his orgasm finally came to an end, their loins interlocked as they always should be.

He leaned down, granting her belly a kiss as he slid his throbbing manhood from her slick embrace. The next God Emperor lay inside with his sister, nearly ready to be brought forth into the world.

What a future they would create….

Chapter Text

29th of Senin, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A touch of his lips against her neck was all that was required to feel the power in his blood. Though a mere human, unable to sense the consuming depths of the electric inferno that lay beneath his mortal flesh, she could feel the tingles of electricity against her skin all the same.

One of the first members of his holiness's Order of Sages, Rosila had risen over the years into what many considered to be the de facto leader of The Sages. She had returned to The Capital with two intentions for her little private meeting with The God Emperor, their conversation having brought them to the soft sands of the river's edge.

A brunette of above average height with long flowing hair, she closed her eyes as she savored the sensation of Dominax's touch. His hands caressed her womanly form, holding her noticeably wide hips close to his body.

The first of her intentions was simple: The Order needed a true leader. Not merely the ever-shifting authority of whatever Sage Dominax's favor momentarily fell onto, but a legitimate, legal leader to be officially proclaimed by their ruler. Rosila would be his choice, of course, as she had retained his favoritism longer than any of her associates. It was only logical…

With the sun rising above the horizon, a gentle morning breeze ran over her bare skin as he caressed her curves. Little more than a loincloth concealed her most intimate area, revealing her beauty as the pinnacle of what all Sage's were intended to be. To show off all but the very area that every man craved simply stirred their desire, just as her duties required.

The second of her intentions had easily seized the meeting, her hand reaching down to run over the hardening bulge in his skintight one-suit beneath his armor. "My lord…I know you can sense my ovulating womb…come, assist me in fulfilling its purpose…"

All twelve of the guards that formed a half circle around them already began to spread out, more than accustomed to their ruler's antics. They turned away, facing outwards to meet any potential threat as they listened to Rosila's moans.

Both of her aims would be fulfilled at once, for she had waited since the birth of The Empire to taste his seed once more. Yet this time, rather than a communal insemination amongst her Sage sisters, she'd have him entirely to herself.

"You've performed well, Rosila." He said with an insidious grin as his fingers slipped beneath her loincloth. "It is only right that you be granted another of my holy children."

"Yes, my lord…thank you…" she said, each breath heavy with desire. Just as all of her Sage sisters had, she had birthed him a now nine-year-old daughter that was currently studying to join The Order. She was ready once more, her body craving to be a mother again. She felt his finger slide inside of her wet womanhood, holding herself close to his armored form. "Can you feel it, your holiness? Can you feel how my vagina yearns to be pregnant?"

Just as eager, he pushed their lips together, slowly guiding her to the soft reddish sand. His freehand worked to free his cock, pushing aside the Turinis strips of his armor that hung from his waist.

She gained her position atop his form, their bodies pressed against each other. She rose with elegant skill to straddle him, her breasts entirely on display for his enjoyment.

"If you desire a child, you had better seize the moment." Dominax teased, his smirk vicious as his erection pressed against her flat belly.

With The God Emperor himself beneath her powerful thighs, she needed no further permission. She raised her hips, only to slowly sink down onto his cock.

A groan echoed over the water as their loins met, a mutual ache of desire only increasing as he slid inside.

"Fu..ck…" she breathed, biting her lip at his size. In her years as a Sage, she had taken more than her fair share of cock, yet only the prestige and size of his royal manhood could ever truly feel right. She was serving her duty, accepting the divine shaft of a living deity.

Her hips slowly began to move as she placed both hands onto his chest plate, holding herself up as her lower half began to fulfill its purpose.

"You're much tighter…ahh…than many of my other Sages…" he groaned, holding her childbearing hips.

There was good reason for that, as she remained overly picky in her lovers, not allowing a single citizen to ejaculate inside of her. She'd sleep with them as required, of course, yet only the sperm of The God Emperor was worthy of siring her children. Her sisters gladly bred with the commoners, intending to produce as many children for The Order as possible when his holiness wasn't available, yet not Rosila.

She’d complete her duties, pleasing the population, spreading his teachings, and enforcing his laws by frequently acting as a judge when necessary. Yet her womb was his, and his alone.

Her hips moved with the skill of an experienced lover, her body trained by The Order. She knew how to pleasure a cock, assessing every intimate movement of his body to adapt and react. She sped up, slowed down, and positioned herself atop his waist to ensure that she pleased him as much as possible.

Dominax reached up to caress her long hair, speaking through teeth gritted in utter enjoyment. "What a spectacle…ahhh…I've created, women truly capable of…ahhh…life's ecstasies…"

Her feminine body moved like a belly dancer in rhythm with her thrusts, sliding up and down his shaft.

"You Sages have always been…ahhh…my favorites…" he said, his hand caressing its way down her abdomen. Her womb was just beneath, fertile and ready to mate.

"The Sages…ahhh…need a leader…my lord…" she moaned, desperately clinging to her other aim. She had briefly spoken of the issues that a lack of leadership had inflicted upon The Order, though the conversation had turned…intimate.

"And you'd see yourself…ahhh…become that leader, yes?" He asked with a humorless chuckle. "Don't deny it…my sweet Sage, for I…ahhh…see the ambition in your eyes…"

His speculation deepened her already blushing cheeks, for he had struck directly at her inner thoughts. "My lord…I-"

"Quiet." He said, his hand sliding to explore her breast as the other remained firmly on her hip. "Enjoy the moment…for everything is already…ahh…in place…"

Her womanhood throbbed with each movement, penetrated as deeply as possible. How many little peasant cocks had she taken in service to The Empire, enjoying only a rare few that could properly hit her limit like Dominax? "I…ooohhh…thank The Creator…" she moaned, her eyes briefly rolling upwards. "I…don't understand, my lord…"

"No…but then none of you do." He said, lightly pinching her nipple. "As in all things…only my seed shall reap…ahhh…the rewards of my efforts…"

The hint of an opportunity cut through the fog of bliss consuming her mind. "We…I have a daughter, my lord…ahhhhh...a daughter sired after The Empire's ascension. She…ahhh…is of your blood…"

Dominax waved a dismissive hand, returning both to her hips. "That is not the daughter…I had in mind…"

She lowered herself further, placing each of her hands beside his head onto the sand. Her eyes gazed into his as her hips continued to rock, switching to slower yet harder movements. "Who…your holiness…would you select?"

His insidious grin spread further, both hands shifting to caress her firm rear. "No less than a full Vaid…" he moaned. "None other than Princess Vixin."

Her surprise did nothing to stop her motion, their loins sliding in and out of each other with a passionate rhythm. She felt so utterly close to him…so near her goal of a new baby. "She…is too young…my lord, is she not…?"

"Indeed…" he said, his grip upon her asscheeks tightening at the mention of his daughter. "Yet her training has…ahhh…progressed without issue. It is her RIGHT to hold such a responsibility…and in no more than four years she shall have it…"

"Four years…" she whispered, once more biting her lip to contain her pleasure. In four years she'd be usurped, losing her only shaky claim to power to what was now a mere teenager.

Dominax's grin eased somewhat, viewing the concern in Rosila's eyes. "It is a…ahhh…difficult matter to swallow, to lose a position you were never granted. Yet you shall do so…my sweet Sage. Ahhh…after all, never forget who made you who you are…"

Rosila's mind spun, working to assess the full extent of his words. She wasn't truly the leader of The Sages, at least not officially. Yet could she stand by as a spoiled princess claimed what should be hers?

A chuckle seeped from his lips as he spanked her, feeling her tense around his shaft. "Fear not…for there is a place for you as well. Vixin…ahhh…shall need advisors, support, and most importantly training. She is my apprentice…in all things regarding her powers…yet she shall need to learn your Sage ways…"

The prospect snapped her from her thoughts, and she peered directly into Dominax's silver gaze. "She shall need…ahhh…a mentor…"

In response he nodded. "Correct. Someone must teach her when the time comes…a person prepared to train her to fuck as you do…" he said, grabbing her hair and pulling her closer. "She must learn your arts of seduction…to speak to the people in the way you do. She must understand our laws…ahhh…and judge those who break them. Are you prepared for such a task? Or…shall I find another better suited?"

With her hair in his grasp she groaned, a deep feminine urge tearing through her body as she wanted only to submit to him. Was that her purpose then, to mentor rather than lead? The desire for the position had primarily been a way to better serve the man and Empire she had devoted her life to. If he wished for her to train his precious daughter, what could she possibly do to better serve?

Rosila pressed her lips into his, their hips moving against each other in shallow thrusts. She basked in his taste, before pulling away and moving to his ear. "Of course…my lord, I am yours…the girl shall be trained well…"

Satisfied, Dominax whispered into her ear in return. "Good…then I shall reward your womb…"

Before she could react, he quickly overpowered her by rolling the pair over. Then, as she remained pinned under him, he rose up to kneel between her legs.

She could only release a surprised laugh as he hauled her legs upwards, utilizing her flexibility to once more pin her beneath him with her legs pressed to her chest.

He wasted no time, their loins never separating as he began to buck his hips wildly. Over and over, he slammed his cock hard into her soaking vagina, fueled by nothing more than the urge to knock her up.

Thrilled by his forceful thrusts she cried out with enjoyment, her burning pussy desperate to be filled. She could do little more than wrap her arms behind his neck, holding him as tightly as possible as he made rough love to her snug tunnel.

"My lord…ooohhhh yesss…" she moaned loudly, easily drowning out the faint noise of the nearby docks as workers continued their efforts in building ships for the coming invasion. "Make me pregnant…PLEASE…get me pregnant…"

Repeatedly he slammed into her, his cock feeling as though it would erupt. He gritted his teeth, the steel sections of his Turinis belt jingling with each thrust.

"Ooooohhhh…please…cum inside…" she groaned, her eyes rolling upwards. "I'm ovulating for you…for your seed…"

Neither of the pair granted any attention to the Hesian Assassin as she approached, briefly observing their intense love making before handing the nearest guard a message cylinder and departing quietly.

Their hips pounded together, sending wet echoes over the nearby water as they approached their mutual limits. She felt entirely under his control, knowing full well that she would not be released until her womanhood submitted to his life-giving sperm.

She felt their loins slam together for a final time, unable to contain the submissive cry that ripped passed her lips as his warm spurts of cum claimed her fertile body.

He groaned deeply, emptying his balls into his mate. Her beauty, her skill, each would combine with his blood to make their child.

They lay quivering on the shore, holding tightly to each other before he finally rolled off of her. Only when he had fully caught his breath did he sit up, looking down upon her dripping vagina to appreciate the outcome of his labor.

A moment later he stood, dusting the sand from his cloak as he approached the guard with an expecting hand. The sole female of the group, the warrior bowed her head with a heavy blush as she passed him the cylinder.

"My lord…" Rosila weakly muttered from the ground, her well used body limp in bliss. "T…thank…you…"

"Both of you," was his only response, gesturing to the nearest guards. "You'll escort her to her lodgings."

Rosila smiled to herself at just how quickly he could return to business, though she struggled onto shaky legs to grant him a final kiss.

Dominax merely granted her a nod as she was slowly led away, for this would be FAR from their last encounter. With Rosila instructing Vixin in the teachings of The Sages, he would keep her very close.

Yet duty required his attention, and as he looked down at the cylinder, he was pleasantly surprised to discover the royal seal of his Concubine Empress.

The last remnants of sand fell away as he began to read, though the message came in only two simple words.

"It's time."

***

Little of Dominax's present surroundings infiltrated his awareness as he swiftly made his way through The Grand Pyramid, navigating its countless halls almost automatically. His entire attention lay squarely on the future, for The Empire would finally have a true heir.

Reaching the latest level of chambers to be completed as construction wore on, he pushed his way past the many guards that surrounded the door to the royal couple's temporary quarters.

Immediately he was greeted by the sight of Irith, her beauty concealed beneath a nearly transparent shroud of extraordinarily fine chimira silk as she lay on her back. A team of female healers surrounded their mistress, guiding her through a birth that had seemingly just begun.

"You came…my love." Irith said between pained moans, reaching out for him. He grasped her delicate hand in his as he moved to the side of the bed, knowing full well that even had she known his previous antics with Rosila, she'd make no complaint. She'd birth his children, while he fulfilled his duty siring others.

"Everything is proceeding well, your holiness." The senior healer said in a quiet voice. No doubt she'd be keenly aware that the late Xenia had fulfilled her role during Irith's previous birth, and as such, expectations were high.

Dominax felt little in terms of fear, however, for Irith already seemed to be performing better than during their daughter's birth. Her body had obviously become more experienced following the birth of Nafalya, as was expected. Yet had it not been for Dorian's so called 'gene alterations' of the original ten thousand humans on Ayphieal, every birth would have been more than enough to put him a little on edge.

The door opened once more soon after, and all three daughters of The God Emperor entered. Whether they had come from their own interest, or were simply obeying their father's command was irrelevant, for they all obediently surrounded the bed to observe.

Nafalya grabbed her mother's other hand in support, while Cendra did her best to refrain from glaring at Vixin.

The royal family watched as the birth progressed, while Dominax turned to address his daughters.

"Take heed of this sight, my flowers, for one day each of you shall find yourselves in this position." Dominax explained firmly. With Vixin closest to him, she blushed as he placed his hand on her bare midriff to cement his point. "Your bellies shall swell with royal offspring, and on that day you shall further our divine bloodline. Such is the duty that falls upon our dynasty, for we shall grant this world the blood of valuable beings."

They nodded in understanding, though Cendra straightened up. "Shall we be permitted to choose our…mates, father?"

Dominax frowned, and Vixin felt her skin tingle with anticipation as his fingers left her toned belly. "In short, yes, to some extent. Upon reaching civilized maturity you may spend your nights with whomever you wish, and you may produce any number of children that you desire. You may even be expected to, for I cannot be the only one to produce gifted offspring for our citizens. Yet the children that shall be fully Vaidimated can ONLY be sired by men of my choosing. The next generation of House Vaid is under my guidance, and I shall NOT allow an upstart to wriggle their way into positions they do not belong in. Is that clear?"

Nafalya merely shrugged in indifference, while Cendra hesitantly nodded. "Yes, father. I understand."

Their collective attention soon returned to Irith, and Vixin couldn't help but feel out of place. She was watching the woman who both she and Xenia had laid plans to assassinate, leaving her alone with bitter irony as she observed the very birth that her mother had died attempting to prevent. It was impossible to know what she should feel, yet in the end she found herself pressing closer to Dominax for support. If there was ANY future for her now, it was the overbearing dominance of her father that would drag her from the fragile position she now stood upon into the next.

Minute after minute slipped away, and Dominax touched the minds of his unborn twins. He sensed their panic, a feeling of fear mixed with eagerness. The female was slowly being pushed into position, beginning to make her way through the beginning of the birth canal.

Irith screamed, and within several long moments the fourth daughter of The God Emperor slipped from her loins. Dominax immediately took her into his arms, gazing down upon her crying face.

He could sense…a trickle of his power, far less than any of her elder sisters. It was only the oddity of her power that prevented his utter disappointment, for the small amount of power that he could truly feel simply felt…off.

"Interesting." He muttered to himself, momentarily forgetting his surroundings. There was no doubt of her paternity, for he sensed his blood coursing through her veins as strongly as any of his other children, yet the way she utilized her abilities felt…strange.

"Is there a problem, father?" Nafalya's sweet voice came from the opposite side of the bed, allowing him to feel the spike of worry that filled her young body.

"Ah. Of course not." He said sternly, slowly handing the newborn to the princess. It would only be right for Nafalya to hold her first as her full sibling. "This one shall hereby be known as Zela."

"The second twin is coming, my lord!" The senior healer announced, and Irith hardly had a moment more to rest before she began to push.

There was an instant before the next intended God Emperor emerged onto Magnius, a moment before the legacy of their divine ruler could truly be sealed. To prosperity or destruction, he'd one day be forced to lead them all, a burden that the tiny infant could never have comprehend.

Then, with a final push, for good or terrible, the fate of The Empire emerged from his mother's aching womanhood.

A cry ripped from the young boy's lungs as he took his first breaths, lifted by the healer's hands to be placed into his father's arms. Dominax peered down at him as if he were a judging God, his silver eyes subtly glowing.

It took little effort to sense the immense power beneath the child's physical form, creating an insidious grin that crept across Dominax's face. Finally, after fourteen years of rule, he claimed an heir worthy of his blood.

Slowly he lifted the screaming boy for all in the room to see, hoisting him above his head.

"After all this time…gaze upon Prince Arinax of House Vaid, heir to the throne of The Vaid Empire!"

Chapter Text

11th of Iahta, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

The month that followed the heir's birth contained no less than nightly celebrations across The Empire, yet it was only on a solemn night that Dominax and Lalian found themselves alone atop the unfinished Pyramid.

Every slave and worker had been dismissed for the night, leaving only a warm breeze to caress the unfinished level as the pair climbed their way to the top. There would be further levels still before The Lanthian's grand masterpiece would finally be completed, yet more than three quarters of the total progress had been truly finished.

They made their way to one of the workbenches exposed to the night sky, allowing Lalian to finally, albeit carefully, unload the long item wrapped in the very same shroud that had hardly concealed Irith.

"My lord, I've followed your instructions with the utmost precision, yet I must confess I am still not entirely sure what you're planning to accomplish tonight." Lalian said cautiously as his fingers began to nervously fidget with his cloak.

Dominax ran his hand lovingly over the cloth as it sat upon the table before pulling away the shroud. "Nothing more than ensuring our future, my green friend."

Lalian felt a jolt of surprise at his oddly kind tone, yet he remained silent as the sword was uncovered.

Elegantly forged, the weapon appeared to be fit for The God Emperor himself, just as intended. Its blade was long and thick, meeting a hilt that possessed a gap nestled inside its crossguard. Yet though its innards remained unviewable, they had taken the vast majority of time to perfect. Along the inside of the entirety of both the blade and hilt lay tiny intricate tunnels, no larger than the stems of the smallest of plants.

The God Emperor caressed the blade for the first time, savoring the moment that would echo across time. If his intentions were successful, untold generations of House Vaid would decimate their enemies with the very sword beneath his touch.

"You've done well my friend, though the metal must be transformed." Dominax said, placing his hands over the sword.

"As you wish…" he replied with curious fascination, never fully accustomed to the strange powers of his ruler.

Just as was always required to create chimira steel, one of Dominax's palms ignited into flame while the other burst with electricity. Slowly he moved over the ordinary metal surface, applying an absurdly precise amount of power from each hand. An increase or decrease in either hand would cause the transformation to fail, yet he was more than familiar with Dorian's teachings.

Slowly, after several grueling moments the metal of the blade began to darken, steadily transforming until it appeared as dark as the consuming black of the night sky. Only the nearby torches flickered across its surface, touching every careful detail of the weapon.

To stop now would of course render the steel FAR stronger than typical metal, yet just as always, Dominax pushed himself for an instant longer. The darkness of the blade immediately melted away, revealing a surface as pristinely white as his armor.

Dominax ceased his efforts, peering down at the sword in satisfaction.

"A beautiful blade, my lord, for an Era of unprecedented conflict." Lalian said with a genuine smile.

"We are only beginning." Dominax replied as he pulled a small satchel from his belt. He took a breath before reaching inside, pulling free the Vaid Orb.

The Lanthian could hardly comprehend the strange ball held before him, his analytical mind reeling at the sight. Its otherworldly colors seemed to shine inside its impossibly deep depths, as if it were the void itself in physical form. "Is that…"

"Indeed. You are the first being outside my family to lay eyes upon it."

"I…I'm honored…" the green man said as he moved his face closer. All citizens knew of the orb's existence, of course, yet it had remained sealed away inside The Chamber of Deliverance. Until now.

"Quiet now, this step shall require my utmost concentration." Dominax commanded as he gently laid the orb inside the crossguard gap. He closed his eyes, focusing his mind upon the sphere.

The world around him mattered little, seeming to melt away as he ventured deeper and deeper into the strange entity of the orb. He could sense it, its artificial mind so utterly bizarre that his own mind threatened to pull away. He would not, however, forcing himself to dive…and dive…and…

"Uuuu iiii oouu"

"Obey…"

"Iioo" it responded, its mind surrounding his.

To Lalian the sight appeared as ordinary as ever, his master silently standing still. There was no hint of the internal struggle waging between God and Entity, and soon he began to wonder if he should grant the man a moment alone.

However, before he could take a single step backwards, Lalian gasped as the otherworldly substance of the orb began to shift. Tiny tendrils began to poke from the surface of the sphere, slipping into the many entrances of the sword to fill its internal passageways.

"Iiii oooo" the voice boomed through Dominax's mind, both deafening and soundless.

Dominax grunted through strained teeth before a sudden flash of images ripped through him. The figure of a man slipping into death while clutching the sword, far older than any who had come before. Another man not quite as old stood beside him, sagely in appearance with eyes brimming with wisdom.

"What is the meaning of this…"

The entity ignored the question as further images flowed. The sight of a man handing the sword to a servant, before leaping from a tower to his death. The image of screaming faces as glowing tentacles wrapped around the blade, creating a flash of blinding light.

"Go back…I do not understand…"

Angry faces from another land, swarming from across the sea. Armies clashing in unprecedented bloodshed, their two opposing leaders of the same blood each grasping for the sword.

"You must…slow yourself…allow me to peer deeper…"

There was chaos, peace, catastrophe, destruction, and finally…peace once more. He felt as though all he had seen was somehow…forbidden, as if hidden from The Creator himself. A sickening sensation seeped into the deepest depths of his mind.

"Iiii xuxi iioo"

"This…isn't for me? These images…these warnings…"

"Oooo uuoo"

"Then WHO…"

Without warning, Dominax was thrust back to reality, his mind reeling as he gripped the workbench for support. He groaned as a searing pain tore through his mind, disappearing a split second later.

"My lord, are you alright?" Lalian whispered with concern as he hurried to his master's side.

Dominax rubbed his forehead as he centered himself in the present, adjusting to his surroundings. "I'm fine, Lanthian, I…" he began, feeling Lalian's hands steady him as he straightened up. "I believe I may have witnessed what was never meant to be seen…"

"Curious." He replied in thought, before turning his attention to the sword. "Though it does appear as though we were successful in doing…whatever it was we came here to do."

Dominax glanced down, sensing the utter power that radiated from the blade. The orb remained firmly fixed inside the crossguard, its tendrils weaving their way through the weapon's interior before solidifying. "Indeed." He replied, unable to keep a harsh smile from forming upon his lips. "Indeed we have, my friend."

Slowly, The God Emperor's fingers wrapped around the hilt. He began to lift the sword for the first time, hoisting it high into the air as fire engulfed its blade.

Lalian watched with silent awe as the inferno raged from the sword, before electricity slowly replaced the fire before bursting into the night sky.

Dominax lowered it with satisfaction, feeling the boiling power inside. "The very symbol of Vaid power has been born this night, my friend, and I shall not rest until it overtakes the entirety of Magnius."

Yet as he slid the sword into its new sheath at his belt, he couldn't help but wonder as to the purpose of his visions.

34th of Iahta, 9 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A grunt escaped Hesin's gagged lips as he lay on his back, his limbs chained to each corner of the bed as his mind raced. The unimaginable number of stone blocks that formed The Grand Pyramid couldn't shield him from his thoughts, nor the moaning of Tildra as she bounced up and down upon his bare skin.

The invasion of Kinia could not be closer, and each of Tildra's movements seemed to disappear behind the magnitude of what would soon be expected of him.

"Ah…master, it went soft again." Tildra's voice broke through his thoughts, forcing him back to reality. "We can enjoy ourselves at a later time."

"N…no, keep going. I'm capable of continuing." Hesin said as she pulled the gag from his mouth. "Just hold a moment, it's the fucking…"

She frowned as he searched for an excuse, though she nodded her head in understanding. "There is much on your mind, master. There is no shame in-"

"We're NOT finished here." He cut her off. "As I said, I only need a moment."

Tildra obediently remained atop his waist, her hungry labia gently massaging his limp shaft. However, a smirk began to form on her lips less than a minute later as an idea struck her.

"What, has a thought entered that pretty little head of yours?" He asked with sarcasm.

"I suppose you could call it that, wait here." She said, slowly dismounting him with all the grace of her training.

"I didn't say you could-" his words were stifled as she swiftly returned the gag to his mouth, causing him to pull at his chains in surprise.

"Hush now master, I know what you like…" her words oozed from her soft lips as she ran a finger over his manhood. "This little cock won't quit on me tonight…"

Hesin glared at her as she made her way towards the door, not bothering to conceal her nude skin in any way before departing. She had left him alone and helpless, inciting a mixture of annoyance and arousal.

With little to distract himself, his misgivings returned. The sheer responsibility of the coming war swirled above him, for The God Emperor would demand nothing short of excellence from his Advisors.

He had chosen to serve, to grant his life purpose in the construction of The Empire, yet that fact alone could only comfort his nerves to a small extent. He had an Order of spies and assassins to run, and seemingly no end of initiates to train while his own skill remained FAR from masterful. To manage each of them during a conquest for the first time, he'd-

His thoughts were interrupted as the door creaked open, allowing Tildra to reenter. Her nude form moved with deadly seduction, yet he instinctually tensed in surprise as four guards entered the room just behind her.

The instinct to conceal his bound body overtook hum, a quick panic running through him to hide his deviant predicament.

"Calm yourself, master…these men know full well of the consequences for uttering a word of this." Tildra softly assured him, reaching the end of the bed as he glared at her. "I told them of our little issue and…well, you know how men can be."

The nearest guard placed his hand onto her bare ass, granting it a squeeze as Hesin watched with shock.

"So…here's your situation. These generous servants of The Empire are kindly willing to fuck my brains out since your little cock seemingly isn't up to the task." Tildra said in her smooth tone as she caressed the guard's muscled bicep. "I know you better than most, master…and I know full well what such a display will do to invigorate you."

Hesin strained against the chains, his cock already beginning to stiffen at her words.

"Ah, see? Don't worry, I'll let you have your turn, so long as you don't cum from the sight." She said, turning to kiss the nearest man's bulky chest.

In complete shock at her initiative, Hesin watched as each guard began to remove their armor and one-suits. The urge to rip free of the chains rushed through him as Tildra's perky breasts were fondled, inciting a moan to escape her lips.

"You're first…" she said in her soothing voice, pulling the man up onto the bed alongside her. She skillfully mannered herself above Hesin, holding herself over him on all fours.

Hesin gazed into her deadly eyes, the knowledge that he was about to witness his closest lover be ravaged in front of him sending undeniable tingles of arousal through his body.

"I know you want this master…" she teased as the man positioned himself behind her. "There is no one on Ayphieal that understands your needs better than I."

He felt her warm thighs against his sides, felt them clench slightly as the man began to push himself inside. A deep groan escaped her lips as she lifted her head, feeling her insides penetrated by the toned guard's cock.

Both of Hesin's hands squeezed into fists, pulling against his bondage as red-hot lust poured through his veins. His cock strained with renewed hardness, so tantalizingly close to her filled womanhood.

The other three guards stood dutifully beside the bed, stroking themselves as they eagerly waited for their turn.

In and out the man's cock moved, sinking deeply into her snug loins. She moaned loudly, moving her lips to press Hesin's ear. "I am yours, master…and I shall…ahhhh…do whatever I must to please you. This pleases you…does it not?"

Over and over he rocked her hips, his vigorous movements increasing with speed.

"Don't worry…ahhh…you can finish…inside…" Tildra commanded the guard, only to smirk at Hesin's expression of surprise. "Oh, don't panic master…you will too…"

Seemingly driven by the permission to fill her womb, the guard's furious thrusts sped along for minute after minute until…

Tildra threw her head back in a deep groan as she felt him unload his sperm, its viscous liquid pouring deep inside.

Hesin's cock twitched frantically at the sight, both panicking and utterly LOVING the helplessness of his situation. The man filled his lover's womb, before allowing his manhood to slide out with a grunt.

"He…he came so much…master…" she moaned, wiggling her hips subtly.

Hesin moaned into his gag, trying to push his hips upwards in a fruitless attempt to penetrate her.

"Oh master…" she smiled down at him. "Don't think I'd be so cruel as to completely deny you. Come, have your turn…"

She lined his cock up to press into her leaking womanhood before sinking her hips down. He shivered as he entered her, feeling the warm seed of the guard leaking around his shaft.

She rocked her hips slowly, sliding him in and out with careful attention to his expression. The pleasure was clear in his eyes, both from the sight and sensation of the moment.

To feel the sperm of another male inside of his lover proved to be too much for him to handle, and within only a few short moments his body tensed in preparation to climax, hard.

Tildra quickly observed the change, and without warning she pulled his cock out of her, leaving his manhood twitching in the open air without release.

Hesin struggled in his bindings as the deep frustration of a denied orgasm spread throughout his body.

"I apologize, master, though you'll have to wait for that." She said as she gestured to one of the waiting guards. "Do you understand now? Each guard will get their turn, and in between you'll get to have your own enjoyment."

A moan escaped his lips as he watched the next guard thrust inside of her, aching to cum at such a delectable sight.

"You'll have your orgasm of course, though not…ahhh…until the very last of them received their turn…"

The guard squeezed her asscheeks, slowly stirring her insides. Hesin could do little but watch and groan, feeling more aroused than he had ever experienced.

Once more the guard finished inside, forcing a cry of lust from her lips as if she were in a primal heat. She then forced Hesin to penetrate her, bouncing up and down upon his shaft.

"Oooohhh master…could this be the day? Could I finally become pregnant…?" She moaned, caressing her perky breasts.

The question ignited Hesin's panic and lust like an explosion, feeling the colossal risk of each man's seed inside her vagina.

"Could it be that…ahhh…one of these two have already knocked me up?" She asked, moving up and down. "Or will the last two be the lucky studs to claim my womb?"

A cry tore from Hesin's throat as she pulled him out of her, gazing down into his eyes as the third man took his place.

"Or…will my body wait patiently for your seed…?"

The smack of their hips echoed off the stone walls as the man began to pump in and out, ravaging her capable body. Once more she was filled with cum, and once more she allowed Hesin to enter.

Hesin felt as if he were floating by the time the last man slid inside, claiming the vagina of his apprentice. She groaned at his large size, eager to meet his thrusts with passionate movements of her own.

She cried out as he filled her, adding his own sperm into the mix. Her loins burned, aching for cock as she pushed Hesin into her for a final time.

"Cum hard…master, for you'll need all you can manage…ahhh…to possibly compete against their seed…" she teased, mercilessly bouncing up and down as she placed her hands on his chest. "Don't allow them to claim what's yours…"

Hesin nearly screamed into his gag, finally unloading his pent-up sperm with nothing besides an overwhelming intention to fertilize her gorgeous body. Every inch of him knew that the odds against four other men were quite low, which only added to his overwhelming pleasure as he emptied every spurt of seed he could muster.

Tildra placed her hand onto her toned belly, grinning with satisfaction as her master added his cum into the dangerous mixture. "Thank The Creator…ooohhh I love you master…."

Chapter Text

22nd of Onis, 10 AVE.
Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A deep groan spewed from The God Emperor's mouth as his silver eyes slowly crept open, granting him a view of the narrow stone ceiling towering above him. With an effort he forced himself to rise from whatever form of cushion lay below him, allowing him to sit up as reality slowly trickled back into place.

He was sitting upon one of the cushions that occasionally lined the countless hallways of The Grand Pyramid, that much was certain. Yet exactly which corridor in particular he was in remained…hazy.

Looking down, Dominax spotted the bare body of one of the many slaves under his service, her heavy breathing an indication of an especially deep sleep. The events of the previous night gradually returned to his memory, yet another little distraction to ease him into the next.

Satisfied with his recollection, he let his hands fall into his lap as he slowly hunched over, peering aimlessly at the floor. For a quiet moment there was no distraction, no warm body to push against to hold back the thoughts, and in the hollow silence of the corridor he allowed himself to feel the full weight of The Empire upon his shoulders. Millions of beings relied on him, both for protection and sustenance. To show weakness would invite the ambitious gaze of neighboring kingdoms and empires, and to falter for even a moment in maintaining a sufficient food supply would result in the deaths of thousands. Moreover, their faith fell entirely onto him, their living God among men. A demeanor of anything less than absolute divinity would incite theocratic catastrophe, unraveling the very foundation of The Empire.

He ran his fingers through his pointed beard, keenly aware of the growing number of sneaky white strands hidden amongst his dark hair. At the age of thirty-seven he had ruled over his people in some capacity for fifteen years, from a wandering group of Nitri survivors to an Empire of three vast kingdoms. No number of years could keep the faces of Briza and Cendra The Elder from his mind, and now more than ever the image of Xenia remained a permanent echo flashing across his consciousness.

For an instant he gritted his teeth before releasing a deep breath to calm himself.

"Ah good, they told me you'd be here father." A voice came from the end of the hall, and Dominax turned his head to see Cendra The Younger approaching. No doubt she had pushed her way through the guards stationed at each end of the hallway, just around the corner out of sight. He could sense them there, of course, standing firmly and ensuring that none besides The God Emperor's children themselves could reach him in such a vulnerable state.

She strode over to him, her long legs moving with grace and strength. Nearly achieving full maturity as of now, there was no doubt that she'd make a striking figure of beauty and power the moment she finally reached adulthood.

Dominax instinctively straightened up, concealing every doubt and wounded thought behind a smirk of royal confidence. "My child, why have you come to distribute my peace?"

She bowed as she reached him before obediently lowering herself to one knee to ensure that he sat higher than her. "Father, Lord Clin has requested I inform you that our ships are prepared to sail at your command."

An obvious flush of red came to her flawless cheeks at her mention of Clin's name, and Dominax made a quick mental note to better train his children to conceal their emotions. The unmissable sensation of youthful infatuation that he sensed inside her mind was FAR more dangerous than an innocent blush, for who else among the ever-growing number of his unacknowledged offspring out there would also be able to sense her intentions in the future?

"Ahhh…very well. After years of peaceful development, the moment of invasion falls at our feet." He said, reaching down to gently clasp her cheek as he gazed into her silver eyes, seeing his own. "Are you prepared to become a being of value, my flower?"

She felt the warmth of his palm against her smooth skin, fighting to maintain eye contact amidst his overwhelming authority. "Of course, I shall do all I can for The Empire…"

"And for our dynasty?"

Her resolve overcame her fear, and her expression hardened into determination. "Always, father. I won't forget your teachings so easily."

An insidious grin spread across his face, and he leaned over to kiss her forehead before rising fully to his feet. "Then come, duty awaits. You shall no longer be a mere princess spoiled by luxury, but instead a capable warrior born through war. It is time to earn your family name, Cendra Vaid."

She nodded, and he could sense a genuine feeling of excitement radiating from her as she stood. "I'd like nothing more, my lord…"

Together they walked down the corridor, navigating the twists and turns until they found an exit onto the second great balcony encircling the entirety of The Pyramid. They strode to the eastern face of the balcony, peering down towards Domani's ports.

Father and daughter, both laid their eyes upon the tens of thousands of legionaries gathered, filing into organized lines as they poured onto the waiting ships.

"The days of Kinia are numbered, my child, for its people shall soon find themselves under a new King."

24th of Onis, 10 AVE.
Kingdom of Kinia, Privin.

Every previous king of Kinia once walked these halls, men now reduced to bones and dust. Alrin could nearly taste the remnants of the past, his ancestors watching from the grave with bated breath to see if he was capable of defending their legacy. Yet when he pushed open the doors to the king's personal dining chamber, he scowled at what their legacy had become.

What appeared to be nearly the entirety of the nobility lay inside, the only hint of clothing consisting of elaborate masks to conceal their faces. Men and women pairing together, swapping, watching, all locked into an orgy of excess and secrecy.

Alrin merely stood in the now open door, his face firm as he waited to see which of the masked hedonists would reveal themselves to be Olvir.

Sure enough, within a minute or two of stoic disapproval, one of the men finally noticed his presence at the doorway and quickly made their way over to him. The man pulled off his mask, revealing the laughing face of his brother.

"Ah little Alrin, have you come to join us in celebration? It's the fifth anniversary of my ascension after all!" Olvir said, receiving shouts of approval throughout the sea of moans.

"No, your majesty. I wouldn't consider today to be a day of joy, as I bring news from the south." Alrin said grimly. Like his younger brother, King Olvir had a full head of dark hair, though where Alrin's was cut short and sheared around the sides, the king kept his flowing neatly in long kept strands.

"Do you now?" Olvir said with a lackadaisical smile, even as he hurried to close the door behind him to leave their pair alone in the hallway. "Have the barbarians finally launched their little excursion?"

Alrin squinted without humor. "The Vaid Empire has launched an invasion, my lord. Even now our scouts report sightings of their fleet on the river."

"How dare you grant them any name other than what they are…barbarians!" Olvir said as he shoved his brother's chest, though failed to move him an inch. A life of military command had granted Alrin a solid body of muscle, in sharp contrast to Olvir's skinny frame.

"Call them what you wish, but they are on the move now. I highly suggest that you send an immediate request for assistance to the courts of Harin and Spirexia." Alrin stated in a hard tone. "And I do mean immediate, as it should have been your first course of action the moment we received reports of an increased military buildup."

"You can't presume to lecture a KING on diplomacy, little brother. I saw the threat exactly as I see it now…utterly useless. There has never been a time in our history where we haven't been required to throw back an occasional barbarian migration, nor has there been an instance when we have failed to do so. Let them come, and we'll send them beaten and bloodied back to their southern tribes."

Alrin felt his hands tighten into fists. "We are no longer dealing with tribes, chiefdoms, or simple hunting groups, my lord. The world has shifted, as they have united and evolved into something we've never been forced to deal with. For the sake of our people and the legacy of our dynasty, I implore you to make a formal request for aid."

"Our dynasty?" Olvir said with a smug grin. "How ironic that a mere bastard would care so deeply for a family that didn't want him."

The younger man's face hardened further, yet he made no move to speak.

Perhaps assessing that he had pushed too far, Olvir's smile softened. "Though dear brother, I never thought that of you. You've done much with the position I've granted you, so come, enjoy yourself for the evening. Let the savages come, for we shall smash them against our outer walls!"

Alrin eyed the door with disdain. "I'm afraid I'm far too busy ensuring the safety of every spoiled noble in that room, my lord. If you won't send for assistance, I must prepare our men for the coming war."

Olvir merely shrugged before patting his brother's cheek. "Oh little Alrin, why must you always be so grim?"

"One of us must be, your majesty." He replied with only the bare minimum of the respect that a king required. "I won't disturb you further."

Before he could dismiss his brother, Olvir watched the younger man turn and walk away, leaving him alone to momentarily bite his lip in thought. He then turned around and opened the door, returning to the orgy that raged inside.

***

Felza watched from behind her mask as the king re-entered the dining chamber, pulling his own mask back over his face.

Sharing the same dark hair as her father, though retaining it in a long braid that traveled down her lithe back, she was forced to momentarily conceal herself behind a pair of interlocked lovers when Alrin had first opened the door. There was no chance that he would have recognized her, a single masked and nude woman amongst a sea of other masked and nude humans, though she had to take the precaution. After all, what would he think of his precious little daughter engaging in such activities?

Her eyes stayed locked upon her uncle as he milled about, knowing that his own gaze must surely be searching for her in turn. Just as he had requested prior to the amorous gathering, she wore a single purple ribbon tied around her right thigh.

She watched as his eyes found the ribbon through the faceless crowd and he began to make his way over to her once more.

Olvir wrapped his hands around her waist to pull her close, pressing their nude bodies together. "Now then, where were we?"

"About here…" Felza replied, snaking her hand down towards his manhood. She watched him shutter as her delicate hand caressed his cock, already filling it harden against her soft palm. Her lips moved towards his ear, keeping her voice low in an attempt to remain anonymous from the other nobles. "So, what did father want?"

"My brother delves into his worries far too often. Be certain you don't gain that trait from him, understood?" He said, gently gripping her young yet womanly rump.

Her eyes fluttered behind her colorful mask at his touch, her body craving what was rightfully hers. "Oh worry not, for there is far too much in this world to enjoy."

Olvir could hardly disagree, caressing her skin as he gently moved to take her hand in his. Together they maneuvered through the room, stepping over and around moaning bodies as men and women touched, fondled, and thrusted into one another.

After a moment of searching, he abandoned the possibility of locating a spot amongst the countless pillows and cushions, and instead guided his niece to sit upon the end of one of the two oversized dining tables that stretched from end to end of the chamber.

Felza giggled as her bare rump touched the stone, its cool surface contrasting just enough with the surrounding warmth of the room to be noticeable.

The King, ruler of all of Kinia, waited with patient anticipation as the daughter of a bastard gradually spread her legs. Her firm thighs parted, making no rush as she casually placed her hands behind her onto the table.

With her legs fully spread, he gazed upon the wet sex waiting for him. His brother's seed had done exceptionally well to sire a young woman of such arousing beauty, yet of course he could NEVER be aware of that.

She breathed with excitement, ready to once more taste the only cock her tight womanhood had ever experienced. Her body was his, with a price of course. "My lord…shall tonight be the moment I finally bear your child?"

Olvir merely chuckled as the tip of his manhood caressed her folds, twitching to delve deeper. "Ah…perhaps so." He said, once again lowering his voice to conceal his mate’s identity. "Though if your father's concerns are truly valid…this may be our final opportunity…"

They both began to laugh, and a moment later a deep whimper of pent-up lust escaped her masked mouth as he began to push forwards.

Inch by inch his cock slid inside, the sheer amount of taboo surrounding the act nearly causing him to quiver. He felt the tightness of his niece around him, accepting him eagerly.

"Ooohhh yes…" She whispered, spreading her legs further. "You had better be successful…"

He held onto her thighs, making short thrusts to adjust her to the intrusion. Every nerve in his body wished to pound relentlessly into her supple form, yet he wouldn't dare hurt such a pristine creature.

She moaned, caring little to conceal her pleasure from the many nearby lovers. Only her goal remained at the forefront of her attention, a single desire to birth royalty. "Please…my lord, finish inside this night…"

Her words only increased his lust, burning brightly as he pushed in and out of her snug tunnel. "That is your wish? Here and now…amongst the nobility?"

Felza nodded without hesitation. "Oh course…my lord; what better setting for a royal conception than here?" She said, her loins tingling with pleasure as the movement of his hips steadily increased. There was no possibility that she'd allow herself to fail this time. "Oooohhh my lord…I'm ovulating…a certain sign that this celebration is our moment…"

A female at the height of fertility wrapped around his cock, Olvir couldn't help but buck his hips in primal lust. "Gods, woman…you are persistent!"

"Of course…ahhh…for it is my RIGHT to bear your heir…as you've promised!" She replied, holding herself steady as she slowly rocked her own hips. To make love to a being of her own blood would always be a heavy decision, yet the outcome could only be grand. The daughter of a mere bastard becoming the mother of a KING? If only her cruel grandfather could have lived to see the day…

A groan escaped Olvir's lips, thrusting in and out of her young vagina. The promise had been simple, no legitimate children with his seemingly barren queen and the throne would necessarily be passed to his last remaining family, bastard descended or not. If that king could also be of his seed, even unknowingly…his bloodline was ensured. "If that is truly your wish…NO man may stop me…"

She giggled as she felt him noticeably increase his speed, each trust intent on reaching her furthest depths. He may not be able to quite reach her cervix, though he certainly made an effort. "Aahhhh…that's it…breed my young body…I NEED it…."

The strongest of men would always succumb to such pleas, from The Amirid Empire to The Lanthian Jungle. Knowing that the begging female was his niece, King Olvir could hardly contain himself.

He watched as a bead of perspiration dripped down her perky breast from the increasingly oppressive warmth of the room, as if a miasma of sex lingered in the air. So many bodies moving, slamming together, and swapping. Women moaning in bliss, men crying out in climax, he cared little how the common people would react if such depraved noble gatherings were observed.

"I'll give you…ahhh…what your bondmate could not…" Felza breathed, throwing her head back.

Olvir's hands practically trembled as he slid them upward, grabbing her hips. For a brief moment he pulled his cock free, hurriedly maneuvering her to roll onto her front with no hint of the former gentleness he had demonstrated.

She merely giggled once more at his roughness, now bent over the table with her young rump vulnerable.

Only an instant of their loins separated felt as though it were an eternity, and he hastily lined himself up with her slick lower lips once again before slamming forward hard.

A loud groan of pained lust burst from her concealed lips as he parted her labia, ramming inside. The sensation forced her knees to clench, briefly raising her feet in pleasure.

He held onto her hips, pounding in and out furiously as if he were a creature in heat. He'd knock up his pretty little niece, caring little for the consequences. Kinia would have an heir, his brother would have a grandchild, and none would know the truth.

Felza pressed her masked face against the stone table, closing her eyes to enjoy every moment of his passion. Alrin's good little false princess, used as if she were a common whore. She couldn't help but climax.

Feeling his niece cum around his cock, Olvir could no longer hold back. Any minor thought of the inconsequential Vaid Empire had long since vanished, replaced entirely by the desire to fill her fertile womb. The odds of conception were certainly in their favor, making him ache with desire.

Slamming his hips forward against her rear, Olvir's legs quivered as he cried out. His royal seed shot out in several spurts, invading her younger body.

She clenched her hands into fists, hardly able to take a breath as she collected her 'price'. A king's sperm entered her ovulating vagina, and now her body would do the rest.

Olvir slowly lowered himself as his orgasm gradually faded, whispering so even Felza could not hear his words as he pressed his cheek against her back. "Alrin…ahh…thank you brother…for such a perfect lover…"

She felt him against her skin, smirking beneath her mask. Her father would demand the name of the child's paternity, of course, though a simple servant could always be blamed. For now, she merely needed to hope that she birthed a male…

"Ohh…you are destined to birth a king…my love…" he moaned, continuing to caress her as she lay beneath him.

Blissfully unconcerned for God Emperor Dominax, commanding the head of a fleet barreling to war.

Chapter Text

6th of Twic, 10 AVE.
Kingdom of Kinia, South of Argin.

The sound of sand against the wooden hull crunched around the command ship as its momentum hurled the bow onto the beach. The noise was copied as another made landfall, then another, until nearly the entirety of the shoreline was broken by docking ships.

A small ramp built of several planks was heaved over the side of the command ship, allowing Dominax to stride from his vessel and plant his feet into the reddish sand. Finally, after a lifetime of tales regarding the prestigious and ancient Northern Human Kingdoms, and a journey of over two thousand and a half miles, The God Emperor stepped inside their borders.

"Funny, I see nothing special." He said with a scowl as his advisors followed closely behind.

Salduin sniffed the humid air, stretching his back as his heavy boots made contact with the ground. Clin's white cloak wrapped around him in the mild wind as he reached up, helping guide both Cendra and Vixin down the ramp.

"Their cities had better live up to their legend, seeing as they looked down upon our settlements for as long as they did." Hesin replied, keeping his distance from the blonde warrior.

At their ruler's command, each ship began to unload their passengers, as a dozen soldiers quickly became a hundred, then a thousand, then tens of thousands. They worked to heave their supplies from their cargo holds, carrying food, clothing, and seemingly endless weapons.

Dominax's commands boomed over the bustling beach as he managed the disembarking army, slowly but steadily transforming the shoreline and surrounding fields into a city of tents and warriors.

They had landed just south of Argin, having sailed straight past the capital of Privin. Dominax grinned as he thought of how surprised their enemy must have been as his fleet bypassed them entirely, as the river was more than wide enough to allow their safe passage. Privin would have their day to stand against his invasion of course, though not quite yet.

Many years had passed since their last battle, and Dominax wouldn't be foolish enough to break his men against Privin's impenetrable city walls. Nor would he merely wait outside in a prolonged siege, hoping that the capital's citizens would starve before reinforcements from the north could swoop down to crush him. No, rather he would smash the city of Argin, cutting across the very top of Kinia's border until it was entirely severed from the kingdoms of Harin and Spirexia. If King Olvir wished to request assistance from his royal counterparts, they'd find themselves against a wall of conquered cities.

"Master, your tent is prepared." Vixin stated as Dominax finalized the defensive positions surrounding the camp. He turned to follow his daughter, striding through hordes of bowing warriors as the pair passed.

The royal tent remained the largest by far, consisting of a meeting chamber and personal quarters just behind. However, as they entered, Vixin turned around to face him before he parted the entrance to his quarters.

"Father…before you go inside, I must tell you that King Foin has sent a gift alongside the men he has sent to aid the invasion." Vixin said, biting her lip.

Dominax looked at her in amusement. "Then he wishes to apologize for delaying his arrival until after we've already begun?"

She nodded her head, clearly blushing. "These 'gifts' were presented to me by Foin's ambassador, and I…don't believe you'll be disappointed."

Intrigued, Dominax slowly pulled back the fabric door of his quarters, laying his silver eyes upon his prizes. Lying atop his bed were two young women, dressed in chimira silk shrouds so thin they were almost entirely see-through.

Upon seeing his entry, the pair of females stood and approached, their wide hips swaying seductively. To the right was a brunette of fairly pale skin, her hair nestled into intricate braids that rolled down her back. To the left was a girl of a tanned shade, clearly having spent far more time under the sun. Her hair fell in black locks that concealed her perky breasts. They both kneeled at his feet, gazing up in submission.

Dominax turned his head and watched as Vixin's silver eyes traveled over the women's supple curves. Her cheeks flushed with curiosity, and she turned away in humiliation the moment she noticed he had caught her.

"I'll…leave you to your gifts, master…" she said, preparing to depart. "I hope you enjoy yourself."

He made no move to stop her, and smirked as he sensed the arousal emitting from her soul while she left the tent. How could he be surprised, for after all, she truly was the daughter of Xenia.

"His majesty King Foin would like to graciously donate two of his prized slaves to join your harem, your holiness." The pale girl announced as her companion bowed further. "Thus, we are at your disposal. Entirely."

"So I've heard." Dominax said, reaching down to caress her feminine face. "How fitting that you've arrived, for I am in need of companions during this…difficult time."

"We're here to serve, your holiness." The tanned woman replied, turning slightly to watch as his thumb traveled over the other woman's lips.

Without hesitation the brunette licked his prodding thumb, grinning with lust.

Pleased, Dominax straightened up and began to undress. "Very well, you may both serve me during this conquest. When we return to Domani, you shall both be formally initiated into the royal harem. Now, however, I grow weary."

Like obedient pets they got to their feet and followed as he made his way to the bed, shedding the last of his armor. He sat on the edge of the cushion, his eyes studying them as they once again approached.

Their shapely legs moved with alluring confidence, their hands slowly pulling at their shrouds. The transparent fabric gradually fell away, revealing bodies as feminine and beautiful as the most desirable women in Domani.

He placed his hands on their hips, holding them close as they began to seductively sway in an exotic dance. Their flat bellies moved along with their rhythm, coaxing his lust as he knew their wombs had become his property.

The pale woman reached down as she moved against her companion, her soft fingertips making contact with his hardening penis. She breathed at the sensation of her new master's erection, running a finger down its length.

"You'll be cumming on it soon, Blin." The other woman said as she watched, her hips continuing to sway.

"Blin." Dominax said, tasting the word. "And what is your name?"

"Undra, master…" she replied, pushing aside a strand of black hair that had fallen across her pretty face.

"Well then Undra, which of you two do you predict will fall pregnant first?" Dominax said with a hungry smirk, his fingers gliding over their flat bellies.

The pair flushed with arousal, their cheeks reddening at the thought. Blin's hand slowly wrapped around his shaft, feeling its girth. "Either of us would be honored, master, although…my womb particularly craves a royal baby…"

"Good girl." He chuckled, slowly guiding her to turn around. He cupped her round rump, moving it downwards until his shaft slid between her asscheeks as she sat gently in his lap.

Blin let out a breath as she felt his cock against her skin, slowly moving her rear up and down his length while Undra's hand traveled over her own abs and settled between her legs.

"Utterly perfect…" he said as she continued to caress his shaft, gliding up and down the alluring valley between both cheeks. "You'll get to feel your master first…though both of you shall fall to my seed by nightfall."

Excited by his words, Undra's fingers found their target, running over the sensitive lips of her own labia. She watched, nearly purring as Dominax held Blin's girly hips firmly while he guided her upwards. Then, easing her back down, he found the tip of his cock pressed against her entrance.

A deep moan escaped the brunette's lips as she settled once more onto his lap, allowing his thick shaft to slide into her tight vagina.

Holding his prize against him, Dominax shuttered as he felt her womanhood clenching around him. As if losing his virginity again each moment he took a new lover, the sensation of pushing into a young pussy would always be as great as the very first time.

Her back remained pressed against his scarred, battle worn chest, using her legs to move herself up and down his shaft.

While the pair moaned together, they watched as Undra's free hand caressed her tanned breasts, the other making quick work of her clit. The sight of her fellow slave and master drove her nerves into a frenzy, desperate for the light stimulation that her own hands eagerly offered.

Dominax's hands slowly glided down Blin's hips, moving downwards as he sought to grab her thighs. She moaned as he pulled her legs apart, sinking his cock fully into her as her feet left the ground, forcing her to ease fully into his lap.

For a moment they remained entirely locked together, tip hard against cervix, as he pulled her thighs apart as wide as possible. She regained her footing upon the bed, legs fully spread open. The position granted Undra a complete view of their sex, tantalizing the young woman's arousal further as she resumed her movements.

For only a few short moments Undra held out, content to pleasure herself to the sight before it proved to be too much to simply enjoy gazing upon. A living deity, cock buried deeply inside of a fertile young woman with full intention to breed…she simply couldn't help herself.

Blin watched the girl slowly lower to her knees, feeling her hot breath as she placed her head between her spread legs. Her delicate fingers fell onto her open thighs, holding onto her for support as she moved in.

Her lips could nearly touch Blin's aching loins, causing the beautiful brunette to whimper in lust as her tongue slowly made contact. Undra's head didn't move an inch, but rather as Blin moved up and down on her master's cock, her throbbing clit dragged over the girl's waiting tongue.

Up and down she bounced, split by his erection and grinding against Undra's face. She could do nothing but cry out, taking little time before she drenched the young woman with a wave of feminine fluids.

Undra remained firm, her tongue happily tasting her companion's juices mixing with Dominax's. Her own hand continued to tease between her kneeling thighs, clenched shut as liquids of her own slowly trickled down her legs.

Dominax's cock slid in and out, leaving no inch of her womanhood unexplored. He was forced to suddenly shake his head, his mind having unconsciously drifted to the fact that Xenia would have absolutely loved to be in either woman's place.

Undra worked her tongue well, yet Xenia would have made Blin scream in absolute pleasure by now. Blin herself certainly appeared to be dripping wet, yet Xenia could squirt harder than any female he had encountered. She was…

A traitor. A treasonous deceiver. Dominax shook his head once more, banishing the thoughts from his mind.

A high-pitched squeak escaped Blin as she again climaxed, her fingernails digging into the bedsheets. He waited for her to finish before he began to gently stroke Undra's silky black hair.

"It appears she's enjoyed her turn…perhaps it's time to take you both…" he groaned, holding the brunette tightly in his lap.

Undra pulled away from the woman's drenched loins, gazing up at her master in anticipation. "Please, your holiness…I'd be honored…"

In response he slowly eased himself out of his current lover's tight tunnel, his cock aching with a need to plunge itself back into the warm embrace of a young body.

He lifted Blin's leg to slide out from under her, allowing her to lay on her back with her thighs remaining parted. Undra wasted no time in claiming her place, climbing atop the brunette's quivering body and holding herself up on all fours.

Dominax watched as her tanned rear began to wiggle, inviting him inside. He happily accepted, holding her hips as he remained standing. She spread her thighs further until her abs pressed against Blin's, positioning herself at waist level with her new master.

Slowly, he began to slide his cock inside, the slick juices of her arousal allowing him to penetrate her needy pussy without resistance. She groaned, feeling his large girth stretch her as his hands held her asscheeks firmly.

"Oooohhhh…thank The Creator…for such a magnificent cock…" she moaned, feeling as he began to thrust in and out. Her pussy begged for his touch, craving his thickness as his hips rocked.

Blin placed her hands onto the sides of Undra's moaning face, lightly guiding their lips together for a deep kiss. Both women tasted the scent of one another, becoming true partners in the service to their God.

Gradually Dominax increased his speed, knowing the precise pace and movements to pleasure his lover. Thousands of women had granted him an abundance of experience, and without delay Undra clenched around his shaft as she climaxed hard.

Pale fingers caressed Undra's black strands as Blin calmed her companion, feeling every twitch and contraction of the woman laying atop her. She heard a feminine groan as Dominax pulled his cock free, only to feel him push into her own vagina.

In and out he made love to his lower lover, raising her pleasure to its peak before switching again to the waiting hole on top. He pushed into Undra, then Blin, then returned to Undra, over and over until a thick haze of sex filled the tent.

"How did Foin…come across such beautiful lovers…" Dominax moaned as his cock slid in and out of Undra's soaking womanhood.

"We were gifts…" Blin purred as she felt the bed move with each thrust. "Yet he never saw fit to use us…"

The God Emperor grinned sadistically. "He's a eunuch…at MY command…"

Undra groaned, lost in lust. "Everyone…ahhhh…knows…."

"Yet they all act…as if they don't, my lor-OOOHHH…" the brunette cried out as she felt him penetrate her.

"Of course…they fear to acknowledge that his child….is mine." Dominax smirked. "That is what I can do, to...ahhh…crown kings and take their women. That is why he'll raise my son…while you two bear my children…"

Undra bit her lip, enjoying the afterglow of her latest climax. "Please…master, breed us…"

There was no way to tell just how much time had passed, only that after what felt like an eternity, he sensed his limit growing gradually closer. When he had finally had his fill, he rammed his manhood hard into Undra's well used lower lips, releasing a roar as he finished.

She moaned deeply as she felt his seed, enjoying its warmth as he once more yanked his shaft free and drove it inside Blin midway through his climax. Lying together the women accepted his cum, both receiving a potent load worthy of impregnating any woman of Magnius.

With his legs shaking from the exertion, Dominax pulled his cock free for the last time, taking an unsteady step back to bask in his hard work. Two perfect vaginas, each filled with fertile seed.

"I'll have to…keep you two around…" he breathed, wiping the perspiration from his forehead. "You've certainly earned your place…for now…."

The pair simply moaned, lost in the knowledge that they had surrendered their wombs to their master.

***

Sunrise brought movement as the warriors of the imperial legion marched north, ready to face the city of Argin. Fresh and rested after their journey they marched slowly for several long hours through the rainforest, maneuvering effortlessly between the trees.

In striking contrast to the humid and hot surroundings of their homeland, the rainforests of Kinia appeared visibly less dense and wet than those of Vaidrin. Even the vegetation appeared odd, familiar yet with just enough differences to feel new. With blue vines and massive red flowers dotted amongst the vibrant green foliage, Dominax led them forwards.

Before long they emerged from the tree line, finally peering at their prize. In the distance the white walls of Argin came into view, a jewel on the edge of the coast. One of the smallest cities in the north, its size managed to double that of the largest of the old southern settlements. Where nearly all chiefdom buildings were made of wood before The Empire, Argin appeared to be made entirely of the same white stone that now made up Domani.

"Then this is where they sit, content to live in luxury for a thousand years while their fellow humans suffer in the south?" Dominax said to Clin at his right, as the blond man clutched his sword tightly in anticipation.

To his left Salduin heaved his hammer from his back. "Their false gods shall fail them thoroughly. A true shame, on such a beautiful day."

"We're ready, my lord." Clin stated as the warriors behind them organized into lines. "There are a lot of good men and women behind those walls, so when we breach them, please try to minimize the-"

"THERE. They're coming." Dominax cut him off as his silver eyes fell onto the main gate as men began to march from the safety of their defenses. Slowly they poured into the surrounding area, forming a protective line of nearly one thousand men. Archers readied themselves along the wall, just in range to aid the army.

For a moment The God Emperor remained silent, before abruptly whirling on Clin. "This is the resistance they offer?! Do they intend to insult us?"

"Standard defenses for a tribal raid. They see us as nothing more." He replied, studying the enemy through squinted eyes. "We should send an ambassador, at least grant them an opportunity to avoid a total slaughter."

Dominax waved his hand in dismissal. "Seize your positions and ready the flanks, my friends. If all those men must fall to show the north that we are more than mere raiders, so be it."

Clin moved to reply, though stopped himself as Dominax unsheathed his sword. The otherworldly orb in its hilt shimmered with endless colors, its depths impossibly deep for its size. When he realized that Dominax continued to stare at him expectantly, he snapped his gaze free from the weapon and moved quickly to fulfill his orders as both he and Salduin positioned themselves to command both flanks.

Raising his sword Dominax channeled his power through the blade, sending a burst of lightning screaming into the air. Every member of the legion acted upon the recognized command, rushing forwards to follow their God Emperor into battle.

Charging down the slope directly ahead, Dominax watched the distant men lined before the gate become visibly weary as they watched tens of thousands of white armored warriors pour from the tree line, easily outnumbering them. Yet they held their ground, bracing for the coming attack as archers along the wall began to send volleys of arrows into the imperial ranks.

Following behind the legion Hesin gave his signal, commanding his own archers to stop and loose their arrows down into the city defenders.

Dominax had wished for Irith to be at his side, to taste the victory against Kinia, yet seeing what little resistance they provided now made him glad she had decided to remain in Domani to care for their three young children. Still, had they been met with the royal army of Kinia rather than simple local defenses, he wasn't entirely certain his inexperienced legion would have survived.

A wave of white cloaks and armor met their target, crashing through the lines of purple banners. The ringing echoes of thousands of swords smashing into one another carried over the surrounding land as the defenders held their own.

Cendra heard the clashing of weapons from her position near the rear, causing her to squeeze her hilt. Her father had allowed herself and Vixin to engage in the battle, yet at a safe distance. She felt her blood boil at the screams of dying warriors, wishing she could push past the surrounding men and women to dive directly into the midst of the fight. Instead, she was forced to simply hoist her shield, blocking occasional arrows that slammed off its surface.

Nestled in the front lines Dominax swung his sword, launching bursts of flame and electricity before blocking an incoming blow. The young man before him heaved his weapon, opening a momentary gap in his defenses. Dominax seized the opportunity with a savage grin, driving his blade through his opponent's midriff and allowing his sword to claim its first victim.

Both sides hacked against each other as the defenders of Argin slowly fell. Outmatched and outnumbered, the remaining few turned to flee back to the protection of the gates, only for their attackers to quickly cut them down from behind.

"UP! ITS TIME FOR THE TRUE FIGHT!" Salduin cried out, his men pressing against the wall as they blocked incoming arrows and rocks from above. At his command several long ladders were carried above the heads of the legion, passing them along until they were hoisted into place.

Dominax claimed the lead of the nearest ladder, sweeping his blade upwards to send deadly waves of flame that pushed back several archers.

Clin steadied his breath, following his ruler's example and beginning his own ascent up the wall. He sheathed his sword, using one hand to stabilize himself while the other held his shield, hands shaking. The deafening pings of arrows ricocheting off of his white armor encircled him with each rung of the ladder that he passed, bringing him closer and closer to the angry shouts above him.

He watched Dominax reach the top, his blade dancing with visible power as he slaughtered the men around him. Clin moved to join him, bashing his shield into the defending men blocking his path and sending one toppling from the wall as he stepped onto the top.

Unsheathing his sword once more Clin drove it into the nearest enemy, closing his mind to their screams as he blocked the thrust of another. His own men followed closely behind, joining him as they fought to push back the city defenders from their own wall.

Unlike the gates of the old settlements, Argin's could be raised and lowered, rather than swung open. The gatehouse holding the mechanism sat just above the city's main entrance, guarded on both sides of the wall.

The foreign words of the enemies' shouts reminded Dominax of a time when Irith could hardly understand his language. He was killing her people, her past, replacing them with a future worthy of creating.

Salduin's hammer crashed into a man's head as he joined them atop the wall, flattening it as he and his men slowly cleaved their way towards the gatehouse. He charged forwards, pushing the final defender guarding his target straight through the wooden door behind. Quickly he finished off the man with a snap of the neck, moving to heave the wheel that slowly pulled the gate upwards. Several men joined him, and together they opened the city to the mercy of the remaining legion.

A roar erupted from the men as they charged through the gate, cutting down whoever remained to resist them. Dominax and Clin continued to fight atop the wall, slaying archers and warriors before eventually, seeing that all had been lost, they began to lower their weapons in defeat.

Dominax made his way down, entering Argin as his men set about securing the city. Its tall buildings were intertwined by seemingly endless winding roads, a civilization center far more complex than he had ever witnessed.

"Briza…if only you could see the north at my side…"

He made his way to the largest structure, a fortification with high towers that carried long purple banners displaying the symbol of Argin's ruling family. Accompanied by his warriors he pushed open the heavy doors, entering into a small throne room. The brilliant artwork lining the carefully carved and decorated walls, the intricate metalwork spotted throughout the room, it all served to deepen Dominax's ire.

"The perfect nest for a spoiled lord." He said as Clin and Hesin entered, while a second group of soldiers emerged from a hallway that led deeper into the castle. They carried several people by both arms, throwing them at The God Emperor's feet.

"Your holiness…" the commander of the group said, bowing low before gesturing to the group of prisoners. "We believe we've found most of Argin's ruling family."

"Is that so?" He asked, stepping towards them as one of the prisoners rose clumsily to his feet. An older male, slightly overweight and wearing a long vividly colored robe began to speak quickly in his native tongue.

"His face is on several of the statues in the city center, my lord." Clin stated as he folded his arms. "Shall I send a command back to camp to retrieve Lalian to translate?"

"There is no need." Dominax said as he lifted his sword, bringing it down between the prisoner's neck and left shoulder. The remaining prisoners screamed in horror, causing Clin to rush forwards.

"MY LORD…what have you done?!" The blond man yelled with his hands outstretched in exasperation.

Dominax calmly pulled his blade from the deceased man, using the cloak of the nearest warrior to wipe off the blood. "An example must be made, for the rest of Kinia shall know that we are here to stay."

"Yet this man did nothing to deserve death!"

Hesin groaned behind his mask. "If you're shocked by one man's death, perhaps you should apologize to all the men you cut down today."

"You know that isn't nearly the same, Hesin." Clin said as he stepped back. "There's a difference between warfare and execution!"

"Oh, I guess we'll be lucky enough to receive another holier-than-thou speech from innocent little Clin! Go on, tell us just how much better of a person you are than the rest of us." The masked assassin replied with dripping contempt.

"That's not…" Clin began to say before turning to Dominax. "He could have been useful, and as of right now I see little benefit in cutting down an unarmed man."

"He could never have been trusted to accept my rule, yet his death shall prove we are more than simple raiders." Dominax explained calmly as the guards gagged the screaming prisoners. "I have no doubt that he would have rebelled the moment we moved our aims towards Taroi. A much more malleable newcomer from amongst the population shall be granted the throne, though for now I shall reign over Argin directly."

"I just…" Clin began, though when a look of support towards Salduin received nothing but a firm expression he eased. "If that is your wish…my lord. Yet what of the remaining prisoners?"

"Enslave them." Hesin replied smugly. "They hold little worth elsewhere, yet I'm certain the wealthy citizens of Argin would be more than interested to purchase their former rulers."

Dominax nodded. "Agreed. Tell me Clin, are you capable of such a task? Or shall I commend these men to simply dispose of them here and now?"

Clin held up a hand. "No, your holiness…I…wish to see no further blood spilled today. I shall…do what you request."

"Good, then we're done here." The God Emperor commanded as he turned to leave. "Finish securing the city, then we shall begin preparations to march on Taroi."

Hesin chuckled at his blond companion before moving to follow, leaving Clin to look down upon his newly entrusted prisoners.

***

Just as the sun dipped below the horizon and plunged the world into a night of all consuming darkness, Clin ushered his followers out of one of the minor city gates. Their hands bound behind their back and their mouths gagged, they struggled to keep up with his frantic pace.

He led them just beyond the tree line before commanding them to stop in a low tone. The heavy sack that he carried upon his back fell hard to the ground as he began to cut their bindings.

The moment they pulled their gags from their mouth they began to whisper in their strange language, causing him to hush them immediately.

"Quiet. I've brought you enough supplies to survive for some time, though you need to hurry." He said as he nudged the sack with his armored foot.

They began to speak once more, their voices holding a questioning tone that stopped the moment Clin held up his hands to quiet them. "Enough. There's no time, I simply need you to run. Run hard, and when you can no longer run, do so anyway."

The noble family simply looked to him.

"You have no idea what I'm saying…" Clin sighed, taking a breath. He then pointed into the rainforest. "Just GO. I…The God Emperor is only doing what he believes is best for us all. Do not look too harshly upon him, for he's done so much for…"

They continued to stare.

Clin sighed once more, before thrusting his finger a final time away from Argin.

The oldest of the group picked up the sack as they slowly began to walk away, yet one of the younger females paused for a brief moment before granting him a quick kiss upon his cheek with visible gratitude. Then an instant later they were gone, disappearing into the trees.

Clin touched his cheek, feeling a deep coldness.

"We're only doing what's best for the world…" he said quietly to himself.

"Aren't we…?"

Chapter Text

6th of Fonic, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Argin.

The door to the throne room of Argin was slowly heaved open by imperial guards, causing Dominax to look up from the slab of carved wood in Lalian's hands.

Following the siege of Argin, The God Emperor had remained inside the city to rule over the subjugated masses as he and his advisors planned the next stage of the invasion. For months The Sages had made their way throughout the city, servicing the citizens and spreading their propaganda while the soldiers of the army recuperated.

Hesin entered through the open doors, accompanied by his apprentice as they made their way to bow at the foot of the throne.

Lalian gazed upon Tildra, her revealing robe doing little to hide her heavily pregnant belly as she regained her feet. He had come to know the sight of her keenly since the night the three of them had spent together, so much so that even her mask could do little to conceal her identity from him.

"Your holiness, I would have a word if you'll allow it." Hesin said, folding his hands behind his cloaked back.

A smirk stretched across Dominax's face. "Of course, my old friend…personal or otherwise?"

Hesin cleared his throat, the mask dampening the noise somewhat. "Both, my lord."

In response Dominax nodded before turning to Lalian. "Leave us."

The Lanthian obediently nodded, clutching the designs to his chest as he granted the trio a polite bow. Though as he turned to leave his eyes lingered on Tildra for a moment, only to pull away and depart.

"Very well, you may speak." Dominax commanded with a flick of his hand.

"To begin, I must inform you that last night one of my Truthseekers encountered a pair of scouts lurking near the city walls." Hesin began, remaining still. "She managed to subdue them with minimal injury before imprisoning them."

"They've been interrogated, then?"

The assassin Grand Master squinted behind his mask. "To a small degree. We've managed to pry from them that they've come from Taroi, though further information will require a more…precise hand. I had actually wished to inform you of their imprisonment in the dungeon while they remained untouched, on the off chance that you'd find them interesting." he explained, tilting his head slightly toward his ruler. "They share the tattoos of twins, a brother and sister."

Dominax chuckled, thinking of Irith's own tattoos. "Your consideration is noted. Perhaps I will pay them a visit, yet what else do you have to say for yourself?"

Hesin remained silent for a moment, his calm stillness noticeably melting away as he soon began to pace back and forth before the throne. "The next subject is…somewhat difficult, and one I wish to remain strictly between us."

"You've served me well, Hesin. What you say here shall spread no further." Dominax promised.

Another long moment of silence passed, before Hesin slowly came to a stop and gestured towards Tildra. "Very well…as you can see my apprentice has fallen pregnant some time ago, and I…well, as you can understand, I…"

"He wishes to know the true father of my child." Tildra replied in her silky voice, placing her hand upon her belly.

Dominax watched as Hesin's only eye glared at her, while he leaned back in his throne in amusement.

"My lord, your teachings state that you may view the spiritual bonds connecting parent to child. If you've sensed the paternity of your own children…could it be possible for you to sense the father of another's child?" Hesin asked, his voice uncharacteristically strained.

The God Emperor stroked his pointed beard as he studied the pair. "You wish to see if your lover carries your child then, do you not? I know of the games you two play, of the things you do with my guards."

Nearly freezing where he stood, Hesin remained still before speaking. "Who has told…"

A wave of his hand stopped the hooded man. "Nothing transpires inside my home that I am not aware of. In any case, such is a secret that I've never divulged, and thus you should understand just how well you may trust me. Besides, if you had only told me that you enjoyed…what you enjoyed, I would have been able to assist you in such 'activities'".

The expressionless mask concealed Hesin's face, yet he remained perfectly still. "I…thank you for your…discretion." He said, his voice low. "Then what I ask is possible?"

"Of course Hesin, I already sense the spiritual line of her unborn child this very moment. I can feel the father…yet-" he explained with clenched eyes, though slowly opened them and stood up. "Would you walk with me? Alone."

Uneasy, Hesin watched as his ruler passed him, heading for the main entrance. For only a moment he hesitated, before placing a calming hand on Tildra's arm and turning to follow.

***

"Quite a beautiful morning, as Salduin would say." Dominax said as he and Hesin strolled down one of the many streets of Argin. Hesian assassins kept their distance as they followed along the rooftops, maintaining a watchful eye over their paranoid ruler.

The densely packed buildings nearly glowed as the sunlight shimmered off their white stone surfaces, their tops flat yet towering overhead. They passed a busy market, causing the loud commotion to slowly ease to whispers as the citizens noticed their presence.

Hesin waited wordlessly, walking along in anticipation for the answers he sought.

"What if I were to tell you," Dominax began, choosing his words carefully. "that a plan of immense importance was already in the making? One that would require your assistance."

"You'd have my loyalty, as always." He replied with a hint of unease. "You've given me purpose, and as I've said, I'll do whatever I must to keep it."

Dominax nodded in satisfaction as they passed a large gathering of people standing around a stone platform. They had come to listen to the almost completely nude Sage as she enthusiastically recounted the tale of The Creator, and how he had altered the first humans to create the six races.

"I don't mean to sound ungrateful, my lord, for I truly am." Hesin said. "I've served you with all of my being, I've committed my life to our Empire, and I've given an eye to protect it. Yet if there is one thing you could grant me, it is the answer to my question. Good or bad…I must know…"

"Suppose for a moment that my plan would make such things irrelevant." Dominax said, his cloak hanging lightly behind him in the warm air.

The assassin shook his head in disbelief. "I hardly see that as possible. You teach us endlessly just how important bloodlines and legacy are. If I am to have a legacy of my own, the possibility cannot simply be ignored."

Dominax scowled. "A legacy of what, my friend? A mistake with a mere Truthseeker assassin? No Hesin, what I envision for you is…much grander." He said, slowing his pace. "You see, my daughters need purpose, just as much as you once did. Arinax shall inherit my throne, yet what of his sisters?"

"They'll live in luxury, my lord." Hesin replied with a hint of confusion.

"Indeed. Yet they shall earn that luxury." Dominax corrected. "Clin and I have spoken much of the creation of an order of Knights, one that shall protect the royal dynasty and serve the common people."

Hesin glared. "I suspect he's asked to command it, to feel 'better' about his pathetic existence."

Dominax's tone lowered. "He doesn't ask. I grant. Clin shall create his Order of Knights, Salduin shall assist the Sages, and you will continue to command your Order of assassins. Each with a purpose, you see?"

"Of course, my lord." Hesin said as he listened expectantly.

"As for my daughters, they shall be the key to ensuring these three pillars of The Empire persist. You three are childless, with no heir to your positions. Therefore, I've decided that Cendra shall become the mate of Clin, Vixin shall be bred by Salduin, and Nafalya…my friend, she shall be yours." Dominax explained with evident satisfaction.

Hesin came to a stop, his single eye staring directly into Dominax's. "You'd…grant them to us? Royal concubines?"

Another scowl broke out across Dominax's face, deeper than the last. "A member of House Vaid shall never be a mere concubine. Is that understood?"

Puzzled, Hesin quickly nodded.

Dominax released a breath as his tone eased. "No, I don't intend to simply hand them away. Rather, I envision a pairing, similar to the concept of 'bondmates' here in the northern kingdoms. The Six of you shall breed, and the resulting children born from such pairings shall be legitimized fully into House Vaid."

"Vaidimated children…" Hesin said, his voice nearly dripping with ambition.

"Indeed. These children shall inherit the positions of their parents and ensure three unbroken branches of The Vaid Dynasty, ruled beneath future God Emperors. Each with their own duty, and of course, purpose." Dominax explained with a smirk before his tone shifted to become more serious. "However, I possess no intention of limiting my children's aims. If they wish to breed with other men, so be it. Yet only the children produced through you, Clin, and Salduin shall be legitimized, as the rest shall be sold or gifted away. Who knows, perhaps you three will earn their affection to ensure they remain faithful. Perhaps not. All I require is a child from each of you."

For a long moment Hesin remained speechless, before the expression beneath his mask twisted into a grin of pure joy. "If what you say is true…I am utterly honored, your holiness. Children of your power…one can't imagine such possibilities…."

Dominax placed his hand onto Hesin's shoulder. "She will need you, my friend, Nafalya. I wish for her to be trained in your ways, to utilize her powers to become an assassin of unprecedented skill."

"Of course, she shall become more deadly than any of my Truthseekers."

"Then we have an agreement. Allow your thoughts of Tildra's inconsequential baby to fall away, for after all, the purpose of your seed lays in greatness." Dominax continued, gesturing to a small group of passing children. "Your legacy shall not be of some lower woman's child, worth nothing more than to play in the dirty streets. You shall found a line of royal assassins, one that may serve The Empire for countless generations."

Hesin could not keep the elation from his voice, though he folded his arms in thought. "I suppose poor little Zela will have to settle for Lalian then, if your plan extends to all of your advisors."

Dominax's face hardened at the cruel joke. "Lalian is useful in many ways, Hesin. Though in this case…I shall look elsewhere. However, all I've told you here must remain between us for now, as you are the first to know. My daughters are aware of my intentions to breed them with selected males, yet they know nothing of the true candidates. It will remain that way until I deem them ready."

"Of course…of course." Hesin said in smug joy as they continued to stroll along.

Yet as they slowly made their way back to the castle, Dominax couldn't help but notice that Hesin never once requested to know the true father of Tildra's child. Just as expected.

***

The remnants of the blazing evening seemed to slip away with each step as Dominax descended further into Argin's dungeon, caring little for the occasional purple worms that found themselves suddenly beneath his white boot.

He lit each torch that passed on his way down, giving life to halls so easily forgotten. They were FAR from the maintained and newly constructed corridors of Domani's dungeon complex, with sighs of decay prevalent everywhere he and his two followers looked. Both female, his guards stayed closely behind him as they reached the lowest level.

With the execution of every prisoner of the former Argin ruler, the once crowded cells were left with little purpose, as only a single chamber at the far end of the corridor held his interest. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the single guard outside of the solid door, though only after she handed over her keys.

Dominax opened the door, allowing only himself and his two guards inside before resealing it. His eyes fell upon his prey, the very beings Hesin had tempted him with. A male and female, their hands and ankles remained bound as they sat together against the far wall, their mouths gagged with what appeared to be strips of their own tattered tunics.

The many holes in their clothing did indeed reveal the unique yet identical tattoos that signified them as twins, though he easily sensed their familial connection. Their hair was dark, similar to Irith's, yet holding a subtle bluish tint that he hadn't encountered in the south.

A click of the lock echoed quietly through the small stone room, sealing the five of them together in the moment. There would be no escape, for better or much, much worse.

"I've been told you speak my language." Dominax said, taking a step towards the pair. He nodded to one of the guards, allowing her to pull down the gag from the brother's mouth.

"Aye…" the man said, peering up at his new jailer. "We speak the savage tongue of you barbarians. Most scouts do."

"An interesting approach. Although, I wouldn't recommend hostility with me." He replied, leaning down to gaze directly into the man's eyes. The prisoner glared back, though bit his tongue when he heard a muffled plea from his sister.

Slowly Dominax straightened up, allowing his focus to fall upon the bound beauty as he spoke. "I've come here for a simple reason, and your responses will dictate whether this room becomes nothing more than a brief delay in your lives, or the source of memories you shall never forget."

The man glared as he watched Dominax study her bound body, her ragged tunic exposing much of her delicate skin. "There is little we shall grant you, though I can promise you that she knows nothing. She had served to assist me in my duties, nothing more."

"Oh I'm quite aware of that." Dominax replied with a chuckle. "My Concubine Empress is from these lands, and I know just how little faith you place in your females." He said, stroking the sister's blackish-blue locks. "You shall see that every being has a use, and you shall learn hers shortly."

The brother leaned forwards, though was easily pushed back against the wall by one of the guards. "Keep your DAMN hands off her!"

Silky strands of hair slipped through Dominax's fingers as he once again turned his attention to the male. "I'll be very clear, so as to avoid any unfortunate misunderstandings. I know you've come from the city of Taroi. If your leaders are fearful that they lay as my next target, they are correct. Therefore, I shall take every detail of their defenses from you and learn of the best method to conquer them. Corporate…and you shall walk free once the siege is complete."

The man gritted his teeth. "If you think I'll simply hand the key to my city…look elsewhere."

A smirk crept across Dominax's face. "Very well. You'll have several chances to change your mind, though I suppose you'll want to hurry."

"Wh-" the man said before his words were stifled as the guard returned the gag to his mouth.

"I believed you were a quick learner." Dominax said as he stepped back, gesturing to the other guard. She forced the female prisoner to her feet, shoving her forwards. The God Emperor steadied her as her tied ankles struggled for balance, his hands resting on her shoulders. "Though feel free to take your time…"

He watched as his sister squirmed in their captor's grasp, his hands gently gliding over her skin. Once more he struggled to get up, only to be pushed harshly back down.

Dominax caressed her body, his hands moving from her bare arms to feel her form beneath her tunic. Gently he began to pull, careful to avoid harming her as he gradually ripped open the already revealing outfit.

A flurry of angry noises oozed from the male's gag as he watched the fabric fall away from her perky breasts. Dominax grinned at his reaction, continuing to pull until the torn fabric fluttered to the floor.

Entirely nude before her twin and jailers, she could do nothing to cover herself as her bound hands struggled behind her back. A mere whimper escaped her muffled mouth at his touch, his fingers gliding along her sides.

With a nod from Dominax the guard removed his gag.

"KEEP YOUR SAVAGE HANDS OFF OF HER!"

"Very well, we'll continue until you've calmed yourself." Dominax said with an insidious smirk, watching the man struggle as his gag was returned to place. His fingers slowly ran over the female's midriff, while his other hand cupped her feminine rump. "Feel free to remain defiant, as I must admit…your sister truly has quite a breedable little body…"

Furious, the man thrashed to free himself from his bindings, only to receive a harsh smack from the guards.

Their ruler's hand found its way up to her breast, cupping it gently as she glared at him in her own defiance. "Tell me, could you not imagine your nieces and nephews suckling from such perfect formations? Perhaps if you resist for long enough, I shall grant you that opportunity one day soon."

With heavy breaths of rage, the brother watched as the other guard calmly yet forcefully guided his sister to the floor, bending her over as Dominax kneeled just behind. Her wrists struggled in her bindings, as her rear remained up and ready with her face pressed against the cold stone of the floor.

Another nod from Dominax and the male was once again ungagged, allowing him to unleash a string of slurs and insults as Dominax planted a hand onto her asscheek.

Dominax reached beneath his Turinis belt, opening the slit of his one-suit and allowing his hardening cock to free itself. He slapped his heavy erection against the side of her thigh, allowing his onlooker to see. "Well? Have you had a change of heart?"

"I'LL KILL YOU FOR DARING TO TOUCH HER WITH YOUR INFERIOR SAVAGE CO-" He was cut off by the gag, followed by a swift punch from the nearest of the two guards.

"It is an honor to lay with The God Emperor!" The guard exclaimed, spitting on him as he furiously fought to stand. "You are undeserving of the holy child he shall grant her!"

Dominax held up his hand to calm her before using it to guide his shaft to rub over his prisoner's lower lips. Her labia caressed him, pressed against his erection as she continued to glare.

Slowly he pulled back, allowing his tip to line up with her waiting hole. He pressed forwards, testing her resilience to a small extent before pulling back out, resuming to rub against her. "She's nearly ready. You had better make up your mind now."

The moment the gag was removed the man began to shout, though as he saw the guard reaching to muffle him once more, he attempted to yank his head away. "HOLD! HOLD! I CAN'T…" he said, taking a breath to calm his words. "I can grant you nothing! Just…FREE HER!"

"A poor bargain." Dominax chuckled, beginning to feel her wetness. "There must be a weakness along Taroi's walls, an oversight that I may exploit."

"There is none! Please, simply allow her to go free and I shall aid you!"

He began to rub the head of his cock between her labia. "How so? Specify."

"I'll draw a map of the city's defensive positions along the wall! I'll grant you foresight into the city's layout!" He pleaded.

"You don't grant, I take." Dominax replied harshly, though his tone eased as he used his freehand to massage her asscheek. "Still…that is a start. Yet there is more you may say, more you're holding onto. I can sense it…a single part of your mind clinging to…" he gestured for the man to complete his statement.

He took a breath, straightening up. "I hold no knowledge of what you speak…only what I've offered."

Dominax scowled in mock disappointment. "Very well, we shall continue." He said, commanding the guard to silence the prisoner. He then began to push forwards, slowly sinking his thick cock into her clenching embrace.

The male fell back against the wall in utter defeat, hearing his sister's high-pitched groan as he penetrated her. She looked to him in panic, knowing he could do little but watch helplessly.

"Oooohhh…she's nearly as tight as a virgin…" Dominax moaned, pushing just deep enough to avoid harming her and allowing her to adjust. "I'd ask if you've tasted her sweet folds yourself, though I know…ooohh…just how taboo such a thing is even here." He teased, beginning to slowly thrust in and out. The statement brought the image of Vixin to his mind, a delicate thought that he swiftly banished as deep into his psyche as possible. "Perhaps that particular custom will come to an end under my rule…"

A subconscious cry of mourning escaped the brother's lips, though each slap of The God Emperor's hips slowly rekindled his rage.

"Shall I give you…ooohhh…another chance yet?" Dominax said, holding her hips firmly with each movement. "You had better hurry…for you may yet save her womb from me…"

The prisoner clenched his eyes shut in rage, squirming to free himself as he heard his sister's ever-increasing groans. He could hardly move, hardly resist, and his eyes opened in surprise as the guard slapped him once more.

"You'll watch this…slave." The guard commanded while her companion viewed the mating with visible lust. Her thighs pressed together, subtly rubbing as she studied their ruler.

At his order the prisoner was once again ungagged, allowing him to glare up at the woman that had slapped him. "I have NOTHING to give!"

Dominax thrusted hard, earning a muffled squeak from his lover. "Resist, and your sister…ahhh…shall find a baby in her womb. Grant me what I seek…and perhaps I shall spare you from becoming an uncle quite so soon."

"Please…I…" he began to say, looking into his twin's eyes. Her defiance, her strength, her anger…all were slowly melting away with each passing minute. A cock that had pleasured thousands of women continued to pound her with expert perfection, requiring every ounce of her will to stifle her muffled moans.

Dominax delivered another hard thrust, receiving what he had hoped. Her bound legs clenched harder together than before, and her brother was forced to watch his twin unwillingly orgasm around her lover's cock.

"Gods…please…" the prisoner begged, though mostly to himself. "I never should have brought you here…I never should have requested for you to serve as my assistant…"

"There are no gods…" Dominax responded, increasing his speed. "Though you had better hurry…aaahhh…and speak what I require. Do so and your descendants…ahhh…shall thrive under my everlasting peace. Though hesitate….and I shall grant her one now…."

He took a deep breath, gazing to the ceiling. "I'm sorry…" He said in his own language, before lowering his head. "There's a weakness…a tunnel. Please, stop!"

Dominax continued to thrust. "A tunnel where?"

The brother bit his lip. "To the east, just outside Taroi's wall! The entrance is hidden inside of a cabin between two hills, beneath its floor! Damn nobles built it to escape a siege…"

A wide smile broke out on Dominax's face, though his thrusts merely increased in speed. "Good boy…that wasn't so hard!"

"Now please, release her!"

"Ah, of course…you two shall be free to leave the moment Taroi falls…" The God Emperor said, before his tone lowered. "That was our deal…"

"You said-"

The sister moaned as he continued to pound against her cervix.

"I said you would both live…and so you shall! Though strictly speaking…you may consider this your punishment for resisting me at all…" Dominax said, receiving a gasp and devious smile from the watching guard.

"You…CAN'T! I'VE GIVEN YOU WHAT YOU-" his shouts were cut off by a punch, before he was quickly gagged.

"Oooohhhh…we're nearly there…" Dominax moaned. "A punishment…and a blessing, for you shall be lucky enough…ahhh…to watch as I breed your sister's fertile little body…ahhh…with a holy baby…"

The guard moaned, using every ounce of her training to avoid sliding her hand between her clenched legs. "Your holiness…impregnate her with your divine child…"

A chuckle escaped his lips as he slammed in and out, over and over until no hint of resistance remained. Her body was his, her womb waiting to accept his seed.

He cried out, ramming his hips forwards. Her brother watched in horror, seeing her eyes roll back as she felt their new ruler's potent sperm flood her body. The pleasure of his moans, the look of abandon in her blissful eyes, they forced the prisoner to scream into his gag with unbridled rage.

The hilt of a sword bashed into the side of his head, and as his bound body toppled over, the last image he witnessed was that of his twin becoming knocked up. The next time he would awaken, whenever that may be, he knew with certainty that she'd carry their captor's child.

He had doomed his people for nothing.

Chapter Text

5th of Silla, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Near Taroi.

Cheers erupted from the legion nestled along the beach as several ships made landfall, their ramps lowering to the sand. They had finally left Argin behind, placed under the command of a new High Lord firmly loyal to The Empire.

King Foin began to descend the ramp of the lead ship, reaching back to hold the hand of his Concubine Queen Enalia. Together they reached the beach, immediately kneeling before Dominax as he stood before them.

"Your holiness, we are honored to bow before you." Foin said in reverence before his ruler allowed him to stand. Ten years of life as a eunuch had clearly made their effect upon the once eager and fit young man, for his now mellowed eyes gazed to Dominax from a face far fatter than the formerly slim king. A long robe of deep crimson concealed his slightly rounded form, while he squeezed his Queen's hand with fingers lined with delicate gold rings.

Dominax squinted with concealed disgust at the castrated king, yet his expression softened at the sight of Enalia. The Concubine Queen appeared just as beautiful as the day she was presented to him, her lithe and alluring body wrapped in a thin skirt and wrapped top. Her legs were concealed by skintight stockings that stopped halfway up her feminine thighs, a style slowly becoming more common as the population of The Empire experimented with the resilient material of chimira silk. Her brown hair was held in neat braids, holding patterns that were more intricate than in their prior meeting. She blushed as he took her hand from Foin's loose grasp, kissing it. "Welcome to Kinia, as I can truly say it’s a pleasure to lay eyes upon you once more after all this time."

The result of their previous royal bargain marched loudly down the ramp to join his parents, the very heir to Foin's throne himself. Even at ten years of age the boy bore a striking resemblance to Dominax, causing Cendra to peer closer as she and Vixin stood at either side of their father.

"My lord, allow me to introduce you to Prince Fonax, heir to Domexia." Foin said as he brought the boy forwards, placing his hands on his small shoulders. He then leaned down. "Fonax, this is The God Emperor, King of Kings. When I am gone you shall serve him, yet until then you shall bow."

"Nonsense, let the boy stand." Dominax chuckled with a dismissive wave before his tone grew noticeably stern. "A being of value doesn't bow."

"Of course…" Foin replied with a hint of embarrassment as Dominax instead shook Fonax's small hand.

"Come, it is rare for royalty to meet royalty these days." The God Emperor said, guiding the boy to shake the hands of his daughters.

Even before Cendra's fingers touched Fonax's she felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach, only for her expression to harden as she realized his focus rested squarely on her chest.

"The boy will be safe amongst the legion, though there is much to discuss." Dominax said before turning to his daughters. "Escort Lady Enalia and Prince Fonax to their quarters, my flowers."

Dutifully Cendra nodded, taking the lead while Dominax and Foin waited upon the shore. The soldiers were enthusiastic about the arrival of Domexia's royal family, yet the supplies being unloaded from the fleet truly held their attention. Since leaving Argin they had made their way across the northern border of Kinia, taking the towns and villages between the two great cities as they marched towards Taroi.

"I take it you've received my gifts?" Foin asked as they watched a second fleet of only three ships slowly approach.

A smirk appeared on his lips as he folded his arms. "Indeed. They were quite beautiful, even more so now that they've fallen pregnant. A true shame you weren't able to use them."

Foin tugged at his sleeve with a grimace. "Better to put them to some use…I suppose."

The second fleet plowed into the beach, preparing to lower their own ramps as the royal pair prepared to greet them. Yet as the ramp hit the sand, Dominax filled the final moment of semi privacy with a statement. "Fonax has grown well, Foin. He shall one day be a king of true worth, and for that you should feel honored to have raised him."

Princess Elmia of House Gala, daughter of King Galis of Cendia disembarked, bowing before her ruler as a boy of her own followed closely behind. "My God Emperor, King Galis sends his regards. He only wishes that he could have spared more supplies."

Dominax took her hand, guiding her to rise to her feet as he assessed her. With straight black hair cut at chin length, her curvy body was just as alluring as the day she had been bound and bred. What a specimen she had been, begging Xenia to torment her as he filled her womb.

Xenia…

"To see the beautiful result of his seed is apology enough." Dominax replied, receiving a devious smile as she clasped her hands behind her back. The tight tunic concealing her wide hips ended several inches above her knees, revealing much of her womanly thighs. The chimira silk fabric was a far more appropriate display of quality for a princess than the barbaric rags she had once worn, displaying every detail of her toned midriff through the nearly skintight material. "We'll discuss his progress in the east momentarily, though this must be Prince Galis The Younger."

The boy peaked around from behind his mother, a clear combination of both his grandfather and Dominax.

Elmia chuckled as he remained behind, holding to her leg. "Apologies, your holiness. He warms slowly to strangers."

Disappointment tugged at the corner of Dominax's mouth. "Is he aware?"

"Of…" she began to say, her eyes gesturing from her ruler to her son in a way that caused Foin's lips to slightly part in realization. "No, my lord. Just as you've requested."

The God Emperor nodded in response. "That will suffice for now. Come, we'll leave the men to unload your ships, as I'd have us delve directly into the business at hand."

***

Cendra and Vixin strolled slowly through the camp towards their father's command tent, having left Enalia and Fonax in their personal quarters. Cendra hardly acknowledged the men and women bowing as they passed, nor the sneaky glances of desire shot towards the two princesses. A single thought consumed her mind, blocking out the world.

"That boy seemed so…familiar."

Vixin giggled at the statement, each of her steps carefully displaying an elegant seduction that she had quickly come to enjoy. She could sense the arousal of the surrounding warriors, their lustful gazes studying her. "Of course he did."

A scowl broke out across Cendra's pretty face at the sound of her sister's alluring voice. "Oh? Care to fill me in?"

"You weren't able to sense his paternal bond?" Vixin said, smirking at a soldier that clumsily hurried to bow, only to slip in the mud.

"No Vixin, unfortunately for some of us, we don't receive expert training directly from father." Cendra fired back, folding her arms.

Clearly seeing her sister's genuine anger, Vixin eased compassion into her typically smug tone. "I…yes, I'm aware. But surely you could sense it as clearly as I? There was NO mistaking who his true father is."

"He is King Foin's heir, is he not?" Cendra asked with remnants of annoyance. "Heir to House Feun?"

Vixin nodded, switching from a light smile towards her sister, to a smirk at the surrounding warriors. "Oh he is…though Foin is clearly not his father. No Cendra, our father sired Fonax. The spiritual bond between them is as clear as ours."

Cendra came to a stop, forcing Vixin to turn around and face her directly. "What nonsense do you speak?"

"Oh it's not nonsense, the signs are all there." She replied with a devious grin. "Even if you ignore the spiritual bonds, the boy looks EXACTLY like father! Poor Foin…he must surely be aware."

"Father has sired other children with slaves, of course, though not…queens…" Cendra said as she resumed walking, her silver eyes lost in thought. "Is he truly that powerful…to cuckold a king?"

"He takes any female he desires." Vixin replied with pride, biting her lower lip. She felt a sudden warmth in her belly, a feeling she put out of her mind as she continued to sway her hips.

Cendra recalled how the boy had stared at her chest, yet another sign as he shared their father's libido. The thought made her grimace. "Yes, and sometimes he takes women that do nothing but harm him."

The statement ripped Vixin's smile away, and she subconsciously lowered her eyes to the wet ground. "Cendra…please don't start this again."

"Don't want to talk about your mother? Fine."

Vixin took a cautious breath. "I was too young to know what she did to Briza…"

"Yet she must have told you at some point." Cendra quickly retorted, only to throw her hands up in exasperation. "But it matters little, as you're still Xenia's daughter."

Hearing her sister pronounce her mother's name with such hatred sent daggers through her heart, yet after a moment Vixin attempted to resume her seductive glances, using her false confidence like a mask. The very mask she had displayed during the trial.

The remainder of their walk passed in silence before they finally reached The God Emperor's tent.

***

Dominax, Foin, Enalia, and all four of the royal advisors stood around the round stone table that sat in the center of the command room, with only Clin and Salduin glancing towards the fabric door as the two princesses entered.

The Sword of Order sat upon the table, its otherworldly orb fused in its crossguard projecting the globe of Ayphieal just above the table's surface as everyone studied its details. With silent commands from their father's mind, the translucent image homed in on Kinia, focusing directly on Taroi.

Cendra knew she could never grow accustomed to the strange powers of the orb, yet a kind smile from Clin broke her from her thoughts as she neared the table. Vixin found her way to the other side, standing as close as possible to their father.

"No improvement?" Clin whispered to Cendra as Dominax pointed to an area several miles from Taroi's walls.

"We currently rest here, yet as we proceed-" Dominax explained.

Cendra shook her head, leaning close to the blonde warrior. "I just…can't forgive her…"

Clin nodded in understanding before putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, though as he returned his attention to the meeting, she could see the unmistakable expression of sorrow in his eyes.

"Taroi sits upon a high hill, your holiness…" Elmia stated. "I fear our men may be slain before we can even get close."

Clin glanced at Prince Galis as the boy continued to cling to his mother's thigh. "Should he be present for this? We could escort him to your personal quar-"

"No man will touch my son." Elmia interrupted as politely as a veiled threat could sound before caressing Galis's black hair. "He'll stay with his mommy."

Dominax released a dismissive grunt. "The boy will have to learn eventually. In any case, I believe we've discovered the solution to your concern, Lady Elmia."

With a gesture from his ruler, Hesin cleared his throat behind his mask. "We've managed to pry the location of a hidden tunnel leading directly under Taroi's walls from a pair of scouts."

"What leads you to believe we may trust the word of the enemy?" Foin inserted.

Dominax stroked his pointed beard with a satisfied smirk. "They've spoken the truth. Make no further mention of it."

Foin lowered his head nearly imperceptibly before Hesin resumed his explanation. "The specific details of the tunnel's location will be provided before we march, yet there should be no indication that we know of its existence."

"We'll attack Taroi in two days' time." Dominax began. "The main force will hit the city walls directly, a completely ordinary assault. Yet I shall lead a secondary force through the tunnel to attack them from inside, allowing us to open the city gates."

"If all goes to plan, Taroi will fall before they've realized what happened." Hesin finished.

Clin straightened up, removing his hand from the princess's shoulder. "I shall gladly lead the main force in your absence, my lord."

Dominax nodded. "Very well. Then we finally fall to the subject of King Galis." He said, allowing his gaze to fall upon Elmia.

"My father has obeyed your instructions, your holiness, and will soon march on the city of Sladi."

Salduin released a low breath. "Our scouts tell us that Prince Alrin has personally fortified Sladi in preparation. If the royal army truly occupies the city…reinforcing Galis should be our top priority."

"Indeed." Dominax said before returning his attention to Elmia. "Send a message to inform him that he shall wait until a supply of legionaries reaches him."

"Yes, your holiness." She replied with a bow.

Dominax's expression hardened. "Very well, we're finished here. You are all dismissed. Prepare yourselves, for the coming days shall test your worth."

The group bowed before one by one they began to depart from the tent. The globe vanished as he lifted the sword, returning it to its sheath before he found himself nearly alone. Only the presence of Enalia remained, having held back while the meeting room drained.

"You have something more to say?"

She nodded, seeming to glance around the empty tent before approaching. "Yes, my lord, though only a simple request. I ask that you meet me near the Korta tree after nightfall, just beyond the camp perimeter to the east."

Dominax continued to study her, expecting more.

"I cannot speak further, yet I assure you that the walk will be more than worth your time."

"My time is valuable, little Enalia." He replied, yet curiosity remained in his eyes.

"Please, your holiness, I would not make such requests if I didn't believe it would be of interest to you."

After a moment of consideration Dominax granted her a nod. "You had better be right, though I shall indulge your request."

Enalia's eyes filled with noticeable relief. "Thank you, my lord, you shall not regret this." She said before leaning in closer to whisper. "For after all, a seed grows best in the fertile soil of a rainforest."

With little more to say she quickly departed, leaving Dominax with an intrigued smile.

***

With sunset arriving and passing, Dominax made his way through the camp. Armorless and hood pulled over his head to conceal his silver eyes, he stood no more in contrast to the surrounding men than any other soldier. He was nothing more than a white cloak amongst a sea of white, moving anonymously.

He made a mental note of the ease at which he remained hidden, to all besides the Truthseekers that followed. They kept their distance, yet if Enalia's intentions weren't entirely harmless, she may find herself surrounded by more than trees.

Distant cries of unknown creatures echoed quietly through the branches as Dominax moved through the rainforest, using the moonlight to navigate around the more unpleasant plants while sensing his surroundings. Dorian's teachings were having their effects, allowing him to gradually open his mind and feel the world around him. The vegetation felt more alive, deeper than it had before. There were animals lurking closer than he could have expected, invisible to the naked eye yet just as clear as though they stood before him. He stepped around an orange flower, sensing its intention to grab hold of him and never let go.

It wasn't long before the Korta tree came into view. Native only to Kinia, its massive arms jutted just above the tree line. Its smooth purple surface glistened in the night, the very source of the dye used in the banners of Kinia's royal family.

For a moment he remained still, listening to his instincts before he felt her. He turned his head, just in time to see the nude figure of a woman step out from behind the Korta. Her skin seemed to glow in the moonlight, every inch exposed aside from her tight black stockings that crept up her thighs.

"Enalia."

She approached, each step with the grace and beauty of a dancer as her hips swayed. "Yes, your holiness. I am pleased that you didn't have a change of heart."

"Not as pleased as I." He replied as his silver eyes traveled along her naked abs, up to her perky breasts. "Is this the purpose then? Another chance to seduce your God Emperor?"

"Not entirely." She said, finally sliding her hand over his chest. She felt his form through his one-suit, their skin separated only by thin chimira silk. "I've never forgotten the night you granted me my son…"

"Nor have I." He said as he placed his hands on her hips, remembering the moment years passed when he had filled her delectable body with his seed.

"I think of it often…in the moments I am left with nothing more than fingers and memories. Your holiness, I've waited for this opportunity for far too long." She said before biting her lip in visible lust. "I've come tonight…to ask for another baby…"

An insidious smile broke across his face, her fertile body in his arms. "Does Foin know of your intentions?"

She kissed his cheek. "My mate knows of my wishes."

"Then perhaps he'd like to watch." Dominax said, his warm breath tingling against her delicate neck. "I am generous with my vassals."

Enalia shook her head. "We have a mutual understanding, my lord. I shall attend to such business on my own…"

"Very well, attend." He commanded, sliding his hand to caress her asscheek. She released a breath, moving her hand downwards to feel his hardening erection through his suit. Carefully she opened the groin slit, allowing his manhood to slide out freely.

A slight moan escaped her lips as she felt his size, pressing it against her midriff. "Your holiness…"

Together they slowly lowered themselves to the ground, caring little about the mud as their attention remained firmly locked on the coming moments. He watched as she turned around, positioning herself on all fours as she practically whimpered in heat.

His cock pressed between her legs, feeling the warm loins of a female begging to be bred. She sensually swayed her rump, enticing him to take her.

"I need this…your holiness…" she muttered, rubbing her moist labia against his shaft.

Anticipation hung heavily around them, finally shattering in a deep groan as he began to push his cock into her needy vagina.

"Ahhhh…you're…tight." He said, holding onto her hips as he hilted her.

She felt him begin to move back and forth, stirring her insides. "I've taken no one else…"

His silver eyes slightly widened. "Truly? All these…aaahhh…years?"

Enalia nodded, pushing back against his thrusts. "None. Only your divine cock…is fit to please me…"

Dominax thought of the thousands of lovers he had taken since the conception of Prince Fonax, shaking his head in disbelief. "How utterly torturous…"

"The female slaves do…ahhh…what they can, though nothing may replace a true cock…" she moaned, closing her eyes to enjoy his thrusts. "Besides…I've trained Foin's tongue…quite well…"

He couldn't conceal a groan of satisfaction. "He pleases the vagina that birthed…my son…"

"Give me another…" she begged. "Give Domexia a second Prince…"

Dominax felt the wilderness around him, pounding into her with a primal sensation he hadn't felt since Briza's secret meetings during their youth. It seemed a lifetime ago…no Empire, no throne, only a young man and his lover.

Enalia cried out in climax, squeezing her thighs together. The added resistance could do little to stop him, though she certainly didn't wish him to. Penis inserted into vagina, there was nothing more natural.

"I am your queen…my God Emperor, give me the child…that Foin never will…"

He continued to slam into her, allowing his hand to slide downwards to feel her thigh. How perfect could a creature be, a woman. Every inch of the female form felt perfectly designed to express beauty, including his own daughters. Enalia was simply one example, as gorgeous as a woman could be. Her thighs proved his thoughts, their womanly shape driving his arousal further.

The feeling of her skintight stockings sent a shiver of lust down his spine, feeling her skin through the silky fabric. He slipped his finger beneath the fabric, caressing her.

Each of his movements sent explosive pleasure through her body, his experienced cock knowing exactly how to please her. There was no doubt that her wait had been more than worthwhile, her lower lips dripping with bliss. Her body ached to be inseminated, to fulfill her biological need.

She quivered, desperate to feel his warmth. "Please…I can wait no longer…I need your seed…"

The slapping of their skin continued to echo through the trees, before he delivered a final, deep thrust. She whimpered once more, orgasming as she felt him finish inside.

Dominax held her hips firmly, pulling her against him as if the pleasure tingling through his loins were the only thing remaining in existence. His seed spurted into her fertile womanhood, holding only the intention of knocking her up.

"Ooohhh…" she moaned, pressing her rump higher in submission.

Only when his climax finally faded did he pull out, breathing heavily. He smacked her asscheek, experiencing nothing but total satisfaction.

Gradually they began to recover, and he moved to lean back against the Korta. He guided her over to him, letting her slide down into his lap.

"My lord…I…" she began to say, resting against him as he wrapped his arms loosely around her. "I have no words…"

"You shall have the child you seek…" he replied, enjoying her warmth. "Of that you can be certain."

"Thank you…" she said, moving his hand onto her midriff, knowing her womb lay just beneath. "I've raised Fonax with the gratitude I owe his true father…and I shall do so again."

His satisfaction increased, holding her tighter. His seed lay buried in another man's mate, her womb entirely belonging to him. "You've done well, little Enalia. Fonax will be a fine king one day."

She smiled, leaning her intricate brunette braids against his chest. "I suppose when the people of Domexia learn of my pregnancy…they may actually believe it's Foin's. Rumors of his castration may lessen…"

Dominax could sense the Truthseekers hidden in the foliage, committed to his protection. They had watched, becoming more visible to his senses as their arousal increased.

"You're naive, little Enalia." He chuckled, before honing in on a single word. "Domexia. House Feun of Domexia…how fitting. Are the people taking well to heraldry?"

She closed her eyes once more, holding her thighs closed in a futile attempt to prevent his cum from leaking out of her. "They are coming around to the concept, my lord. Still…some wonder why we'd take a foreign custom from the north…"

"Because I take what I desire." He replied, caressing her belly.

Enalia couldn't help but smile.

Chapter Text

7th of Silla, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

"They're here!"

The announcement rang in Haril's ears just before the distant sounds of war drums echoed over Taroi's walls, and he turned to watch as his fellow men hurried into their proper formations. The God Emperor had come.

Long had they waited, their scouts bringing consistent updates about their attacker's slow approach. Yet now that the moment had arrived…Haril found it difficult to cease the trembling of his hands as he rushed to gather his armor and spear from the stockpile. The main gates towering above him had never failed against barbarian raids, though this was…something else.

He granted a final nod to his friends as they ascended the wall, young men that he had known throughout the entirety of his training. Each one had shrugged off their coming siege as little more than the lashing out of inferior savages, a mere group of chiefdoms that had gathered together in greed. Their King had said it, their Lord had said it, and the citizens believed it. Did Argin?

As much as he'd like to help defend the gate, duty required him elsewhere. He made his way through the streets, becoming increasingly crowded the closer he jogged to Taroi Castle. The people knew to stay away from the walls during a raid, yet if they shared his doubts, they hid them well. Did the citizens of Argin go about their daily lives before they fell? His grip tightened around his spear.

He reached the main entrance where he found a group of ten soldiers waiting patiently outside. The commanding officer stepped towards him as he joined them, jabbing his finger into Haril's chest.

"Last one here, means you walk up front with me." The grey-haired man said, already turning to lead the group inside.

Haril hurried to follow, taking his place just beside the commanding officer. He took a final glance at the sky before they entered, hoping he'd see it again. They walked through the throne room and descended a spiral staircase, emerging into a large chamber decorated heavily with luxuries.

The Lord of Taroi himself waited beside a shelf lined with wooden slabs, accompanied by the entirety of his noble family. A son and two daughters stood at their mother's side, not much older than Haril himself.

Their commanding officer forced the group to bow to their ruler, before he and two other men began to push the heavy shelf. Wood grinding against the stone floor could not conceal the faint sounds of battle, as the siege had evidently begun.

Their efforts ceased only when the shelf had been moved completely to the right, revealing the entrance to a tunnel in the wall. The commanding officer held his head high as he led them through, while the noble family followed in the back. Other men would lament their placement far in the front and away from the family, yet Haril focused solely on calming his misgivings. After all, he and his group possessed the safest task in the city.

Only men sworn to secrecy were allowed to escort the Lord and his family during a siege, tasked with ensuring their safety out of the city. They'd guard the exit to the hidden tunnel and wait for one of two signals. If the raiders were repelled, the ruler would be brought safely back inside. If the city fell, they'd serve as protection until they reached safety.

They walked through the darkness, illuminated only by their torches. Haril could only hope that the siege ended swiftly. The noble family would be just fine lounging in the cabin at the exit to the tunnel, yet he and his men would be on constant guard duty. What would the people think, to know their ruler abandoned them each time a sliver of danger knocked on their walls?

Barbarian raids never lasted more than a few hours at most, though he felt a sickening sensation as they matched deeper and deeper. King Olvir had told them they'd be safe, yet a city had already fallen. Taroi was larger, though would that be enough?

With one hand on his spear and the other carrying his torch, he heard the footsteps of his fellow men echo off of the naturally formed walls. Offshoots of the cave had been artificially sealed by brick, leaving a single wide path.

They were safe, protected by secrecy and solid stone. Utterly safe. He told himself these words, attempting to stifle the fear. Taroi could fall behind him, just as…

"Hold." Their officer commanded in a low voice as he came to a stop.

Haril looked to him, though the man remained still. He studied him and realized that he was listening intently to their surroundings. Haril followed his lead, trying to detect anything that had caught the older man's attention.

He was beginning to wish that he hadn't been placed at the front when…there it was, the click of a rock skittering across the ground. The sound sent chills down his spine, knowing they were supposed to be the only beings in the tunnel. "A creature, my lord? Perhaps a small inhabi-"

The man cut his whispering off as he placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword.

Haril felt his grip tighten as he tried to raise his torch, though the flickering light illuminated little of the wide tunnel, failing to pierce the darkness before them.

He could hear the quiet echoes of his men breathing, though as Haril peered into the consuming darkness, he felt his blood run cold the moment he made out the ever so faint sound of breathing coming from ahead. They weren't alone.

"Show yourselves!" The officer's strong voice boomed, yet it received no reply. Slowly he unsheathed his sword, holding it firmly as he gazed into the darkness.

Haril's hands began to tremble before the insidious laughter of an unseen stranger crept from ahead, slowly growing louder and louder.

Holding his spear in terror, he watched as a pair of glowing silver eyes began to peer from the darkness, pouring dread through the young man's veins. He nearly screamed, his voice seized by fear.

Without warning, webs of electricity burst from the darkness, illuminating the fingers that conjured them. Haril had merely an instant to watch as the lightning rushed forwards, filling the tunnel before his entire world erupted into agony.

Screams exploded all around him, granting him a split second of painful existence before a sword raging with brilliant flame slashed downwards, ending his suffering.

Haril would never see the sky again.

***

The day of Taroi's fall could not have been more temperate, as other cities were no doubt enjoying the sunshine. Yet for Taroi, nothing could be done. The moment The God Emperor and his group cut down the city's defenders from behind, little could have stopped the gate from being opened. The legions poured inside, forever putting an end to the misconceptions of the citizens. There would be no raid by foreign savages, only the wrath of an angry Empire.

Prisoners watched as their purple banners were burned in the city square, while the majority of the population hid in their houses. With no Lord to dispose of, Dominax claimed his seat upon the vacant throne.

41st of Iahta, 10 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

"I have to say, Taroi is a MUCH nicer city than Argin ever was."

The comment came from Cendra, seated next to Clin in the main dining hall. Though it could never come close to the grandeur and luxury of Domani's royal gatherings, the single large table had been filled to the brim with Kinia's native foods.

"Don't you agree?" Cendra prodded, jolting Clin from his thoughts as she placed her soft hand on his forearm.

"Yes, apologies. I'm glad you're more comfortable here." He said in a genuine tone, even as he felt his mind slipping back. They should be celebrating their relatively bloodless victory, or the two months of stability that followed. Instead, he found himself thinking back to the family of nobles he had freed in Argin, wondering if they had survived. He'd never know, of course, yet he could hope…

Cendra glanced to the head of the table, seeing her father locked in a discussion with Elmia. Unsurprisingly, Vixin had placed herself as closely as possible to him, sitting like an obedient pet.

"If something is on your mind, you may unburden yourself." Cendra replied, returning her attention to her left. "You'll find I'm a good listener."

Clin felt a tightening in his chest at her kind smile, her face as gorgeous as if it were expertly carved from marble. Her stunning silver eyes peered into his, as if attempting to pierce what lay behind. "It's nothing, my lady, simply the thoughts of an old warrior."

She giggled. "Three decades? Almost four? That's hardly what I'd call old, Clin."

He allowed his muscles to relax somewhat, unaware that he had grown so tense in his pondering. Constantly wondering if he had done what was best, he allowed a tired breath to escape. "I feel old…"

She gently caressed his arm, looking to him with concern.

From across the table, Dominax pulled the nearest slave closer to him, allowing his hand to rest on her bare rump as he listened to Elmia's words. Vixin allowed herself a quick glance at where his palm rested, feeling a tingle in her belly.

"Deci won't be nearly as easy to take as Taroi, your holiness." Elmia explained, her arms wrapped around her son as he sat in her lap. "Argin didn't expect a threat, yet the rest of Kinia will now know what to expect. They'll fight tooth and nail, and Deci holds no secret passageways as far as we're aware."

"Of course, you give voice to the very concerns I share." Dominax replied with a chuckle. "However, they shall fall all the same. I've sent a request back to The Capital for additional supplies. Should we be forced to starve them out of their precious city, we'll be more than prepared to do so."

King Foin listened closely to the conversation as he greedily indulged in the prepared dinner, while Enalia caressed her now pregnant belly beside him. Vixin only had to concentrate a small amount to sense the unborn child's bloodline, confirming what she already suspected as she sent a concealed smirk at her father.

"Very well." Elmia stated with a gentle pat upon her heir's head. "My father wishes for me to inform you that he has received your reinforcements, and will march on Sladi by the end of Onis."

"Delay him." Dominax commanded firmly, removing his hand from the slave girl's rump and allowing her to return to her duties. "Prince Alrin shall protect Sladi so long as King Galis remains a threat. Therefore, Galis must continue to distract him until we've begun the siege, as I won't simply wait for Kinia's royal army to surprise us from behind should Galis fail."

"Until when, your holiness?" Foin broke in, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

Dominax did little to hide his disgust. "No sooner than the end of Fonic. I would see my men entirely recuperated and supplied before we march."

"Galis is a patient man, your majesty. He'll be ready to serve when the time comes." Elmia assured him with an alluring smile.

As Dominax nodded, a slave entered the chamber and quietly whispered in his ear before being dismissed. "If you've nothing more to say, my guest has arrived."

Vixin turned her head to peer at the doorway, watching as a brunette with long flowing hair strode over to the table with confident steps. Nearly the entirety of her gorgeous body remained on display, save for a small finely crafted loincloth that concealed only her most intimate area.

Dominax stood from his seat, receiving a bow from the woman before he commanded Vixin to stand. "My flower, before you stands Rosila of The Sages, your new mentor."

Vixin's silver eyes widened in surprise, though she respectfully bowed her head before turning her gaze towards him. "Are you relinquishing me as your apprentice, master?"

He ignored the obvious look of worry in her eyes. "No child, your training shall continue unabated. However, there is much you must learn from Rosila if you are ever to serve as the leader of The Sages."

"Leader?" She asked, surprised once more. How long had he planned this, making no mention of it until now?

"Of course." Rosila said with a smirk. "I shall teach you the ways of our order in the hopes that you'll one day provide us the leadership we've sorely lacked."

Cendra leaned in close to Clin's ear with a scowl. "Daddy's favorite receives yet more training, as always."

"You shall memorize each and every one of my laws, and practice the manipulative seductions of The Sages." Dominax explained, placing his hand upon her lithe shoulder. "Yet never forget that your main priority shall always be your training under me, for a Vaid is nothing without power. Do you understand?"

Though hesitant for only a moment, Vixin obediently nodded.

"Good girl, you shall begin your lessons immediately." He commanded, gesturing towards the door.

Rosila gently took Vixin's hand in both of hers, peering into her eyes. "My princess, there are many oddities you will be subjected to, yet be assured that if you pay attention, you shall learn quickly."

Cendra watched her sister depart with the woman, feeling nothing but a burning hatred.

1st of Fonic, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Taroi.

A quiet dripping of water echoed faintly through the corridor as Vixin descended the stairs into Taroi's dungeon. Alone, she used a flame ignited in her palm to guide her way.

The past few months under Rosila's mentorship hadn't been anything like she had expected. While attempting to read through countless laws would have been mind-numbing, Rosila had instead brought Vixin out into the public to demonstrate her work. Vixin had watched, enraptured by the excited crowds of Taroi as her teacher preached the worship of The God Emperor, speaking of order and his endless peace. She had watched carefully as Rosila's practically nude form moved in subtly alluring ways, coaxing the desires of the crowds and allowing her message to reach them without immediate rejection. A true master, slowly subjugating the population through ideals.

She had always been dismissed before Rosila began to select lucky men and women from the crowd, serving her other duties that would only indoctrinate them further. However, the control she had witnessed Rosila build each day in the masses, the way she held their attention, Vixin wanted nothing more than a taste of such abilities.

Yet tonight was…different. Where she had grown accustomed to her mentor meeting her each morning, she had instead received nothing more than a vague message cylinder containing only four words.

"Dungeon. Nightfall. Come alone."

When she had questioned her father about the message, he merely granted her a knowing look and ordered her to comply.

Each step she took deeper into the subterranean complex forced a tingling in her belly to faintly increase, a nervousness that she had wished she was above. She was a Princess of House Vaid, daughter of The God Emperor himself, yet she was…afraid?

She crept forwards, grateful that Taroi's dungeon was practically nothing compared to the endlessly complex mess of mazes laying under Domani. She found the only sealed door, taking a breath before knocking.

A moment later the door unlocked, swinging open to let loose the flickering light of candles as Rosila greeted her.

"Welcome, my lady. It's time to begin the next phase of your training." The mentor said, stepping aside and allowing her student to enter.

Though momentarily relieved to see the familiar face in the dark depths, her expression turned to utter shock when her eyes fell upon the nude woman laying atop a table in the center of the chamber.

Locking the door behind herself, Rosila placed her hands on Vixin's shoulders. "Go on…have a look. You will see much of her today, so get acquainted quickly."

Vixin took a step closer, her eyes running over the woman's skin. Her womanly curves sent chills of desire through the princess's body, seeing the metal cuffs locking her arms above her head and her legs far apart. She saw the woman's chin length black hair, and with sudden recognition she realized whose naked form she gazed upon. "Princess Elmia?!"

From behind, Rosila nodded with satisfaction. "King Galis's daughter has generously volunteered her…sweet little body for your lesson. Isn't that right?"

Elmia made a muffled noise through her gag.

Rosila chuckled. "You should ask your father sometime of how Prince Galis was conceived. It's quite an…interesting story involving your mother."

She felt a twinge of guilt at the mention of Xenia. "What exactly is this 'lesson' you speak of?"

"It's simple; you'll get to watch as I pleasure our friend here, and hopefully learn a few of the intricacies of the female form." Rosila explained with a devious grin. "Though from what I've heard of your mother, this particular lesson may be as unnecessary as teaching you to breathe. You'll be a natural, I'm sure."

Vixin concealed tiny bursts of emotion behind the mask of a confident smirk. "Is that so?"

Rosila slowly paced to a pair of hanging metal cuffs at the ends of two chains suspended from the ceiling, motioning for her apprentice to come close. "Oh, though I should mention…you'll be locked in these during this session. Your father doesn't wish for you to be physically involved just yet, so you'll be restricted from…'exploring' yourself for now."

Vixin's pretty lips opened in embarrassed exasperation. "I'm…more than capable of controlling myself…"

Rosila shook her head. "Sorry dear, those are my rules. We wouldn't want your father to be disappointed, hearing that his sweet daughter disobeyed her mentor. Correct?"

A rebuttal seized in her throat, unable to emerge before she sighed. "I'll be your master one day, and you had better hope I still like you."

Rosila chuckled, gently grabbing the girl's wrists. "Of course. In a few short years, you'll love me for what I'll put you through."

Vixin didn't resist as her arms were raised above her head, clenching her jaw as she felt the cold metal cuffs lock around her wrists. She granted them a tug, feeling uneasy at her now vulnerable position.

"Wasn't so hard, was it? Ah, but somethings missing…"

The princess's eyes went wide as Rosila retrieved something from a shelf beneath the table, revealing a strip of cloth that she quickly gagged her new prisoner with. Vixin struggled in her restraints as the cloth was tied behind her head, concealing her mouth.

"There, a sweet royal all bound and ready to watch like a good girl." Rosila said before carefully placing her hands on Vixin's waist. "It's a shame your father wishes to delay me, for it is quite tempting to see such a beautiful body on display."

Vixin squirmed in her chains, feeling the woman's hands on her soft skin. She wore only a skirt and wrapped top, causing her to feel particularly helpless in her situation. Her skin tingled as her fingers slowly left.

"Ah, but I shall control myself. Pay close attention dear, and you may just learn something." She said, turning her attention back to her intended target.

Elmia looked down, her body filling with anticipation at each step Rosila took to close the short distance. Completely exposed and unable to move, her loins ached for attention.

Allowing her hand to gently caress Elmia's midriff, Rosila's fingers traced across her skin. From just above the valley between her legs, up to the base of her perky breasts.

Vixin's gaze traveled up Elmia's parted thighs, centering on the woman's most intimate place. Entirely on display, the supple vagina waiting patiently stirred a tingling sensation in the pit of her belly. She had always appreciated the view of a beautiful woman, or rather obsessed over on some occasions, yet having a bound female before her brought forth emotions that she hadn't yet experienced.

"Enjoying what you see? Of course you are, I've seen it in those pretty silver eyes of yours. You hold the potential to become as much of a slut as our dear friend Elmia here." Rosila said, dragging her finger across the woman's nipple.

Vixin glared at her, watching her finger travel downwards.

"You can see how wet she is already, can't you? Watch her reaction." Rosila said, sliding her finger over Elmia's sensitive clit. Vixin studied her face, seeing the mix of shock and sudden pleasure burst across her expression. "She's been waiting, building up her need. Now, I have to do very little to excite her, for she is already hungry for my touch."

Elmia moaned as the finger continued to rub her bud, the muscles of her thighs subtly flexing in her bindings.

"You'll learn to notice such reactions and gauge the optimal way to exploit another's desires." Her mentor explained, before lifting her finger. Her prisoner attempted to lift her hips, as if trying to reignite the stimulation. "You'll learn to make them yours, slaves to nothing more than an ounce of pleasure."

Vixin watched as she reached under the table once more, producing a single feather the color of deep crimson.

"I have no doubt that sweet Elmia is more than familiar with this particular kind of feather, though you'll want to pay attention as it can be an incredibly powerful tool for a Sage. " She said, cruelly waving it just above the woman's bare skin. "I'll give you a taste, nothing more."

Vixin watched with curiosity as Rosila approached her, readying the feather. She clenched her bound hands into surprised fists as she felt it drag over the front of her right thigh, sending a tingling sensation far more noticeable than a simple tickle. Worse, the sensation remained for several long seconds after the feather left her skin, hardly starting to fade.

"Oh, you'll notice that feeling for some time, sweet Vixin. The toxins released by a Tilicota feather serve well as an aphrodisiac." She explained as she slowly walked away, returning to the table. "When your father grants me permission, you'll become quite accustomed to it."

Vixin subconsciously clenched her thighs together at such a thought, continuing to feel a tickling pleasure where the feather had cut across. Unable to move, she allowed a faint moan of submission to ease through her gag.

Rosila chuckled as she dragged the feather up Elmia's inner thigh, narrowly missing her waiting labia. She then encircled the woman's belly button, forcing her to squirm.

The edge of the feather sliced across her skin, like a blade carving its target. Up and down it traveled, avoiding her most intimate areas.

"Take your time, and when you finally grant them what they want…" she explained, before quickly flicking the feather across her victim's clit. Elmia bucked her hips, groaning deeply. "They'll be yours with only the smallest of effort."

Vixin watched as Elmia struggled in her restraints, her tormentor cruelly targeting her sensitive bud over and over with long strokes of her crimson weapon. She began to feel a slight dampness between her clenched legs, wondering what Elmia could possibly be feeling.

The feather departed from between her legs, darting upwards to her breasts. Rosila encircled each nipple, taking ample time to enjoy the results of her work before gliding the edge across.

"I'm sure you've explored that breedable little body of yours." Rosila stated as she glanced to Vixin. "Yet there are more ways to pleasure one as submissive as our friend here."

As if demonstrating, her feather ran down Elmia's arm, causing her to suddenly clench up.

"Oh I'm glad you decided to volunteer, yet I'll make that ticklish body of yours regret it." Rosila teased Elmia, the feather quickly licking up and down her arm and side. Moving fast it switched sides, then again, and again.

Vixin watched as Elmia began to thrash, unable to escape the frantic movements of the feather. The desperation in her face, utterly helpless as she was sadistically tickled, Vixin couldn't hold off the strange feeling tingling in her loins. She found herself rubbing her thighs together, suddenly wishing she could free her hands.

"You're stuck here, Elmia. Entirely at my mercy." Rosila teased after a few grueling minutes. "What would King Galis say, seeing his precious daughter squirm in pleasure at being tickled?"

Her tormenting words continued for several unending moments, finally proving to be too much. Vixin watched as Elmia's soaked womanhood began to pulsate with contractions.

"Cumming already?" Rosila teased, finally relenting on her masterful movements. "You see Vixin, when you know your victim thoroughly, your words can be as powerful as your touch."

Witnessing Elmia's orgasm only through tickling and verbal humiliation, Vixin released a shaky breath into her gag as she felt something shift deep inside of her mind. There had never been a more erotic and intriguing sight in her life, forcing her thighs to squirm.

She watched as her mentor caressed her victim using only her fingers, calming the woman as Vixin retreated into her thoughts. The valley between her virgin legs burned, as if craving her own touch. Did she want this? To be bound so helplessly? A royal daughter could never act so depraved, yet there was another Princess mere steps away shaking from pleasure.

When Elmia had finally calmed herself, Rosila returned to her apprentice. "This is only the beginning of your training, yet there is something very special I'd like to show you…" she said, lightly caressing Vixin's exposed flat belly.

Vixin felt a hint of disappointment as the woman's fingers left her skin, studying Rosila's seductive movements as she returned the feather under the table. She then removed a tiny box, bringing it closer for her to see.

Unable to even guess what it contained, she squinted her silver eyes in confusion as Rosila opened the box. Inside rested a mere slug, smaller than her thumb. Its smooth, slightly slimy surface was a mix of purple and pink, both colors deeply mixing in unique swirling patterns. Tiny ringed organs dotted the underside of its body, laying nearly flat though clenching and unclenching as if they were suckers on the tentacles of some hidden sea abomination.

Carefully, almost lovingly, Rosila took the creature between two fingers and held it up for the princess to see. "This little thing…is a vibshir."

Vixin watched as it wriggled in her grasp, feeling a worrying sensation in the pit of her stomach.

"You'll understand where it gets its name in a moment." Rosila said, placing it on her thumb. The creature suctioned itself gently onto her skin, holding still as if an obedient pet. "Its species was discovered only five years ago in Parizar, an island to the south of the Amirid Empire. Through trade, a small amount found their way into the Human Basin, and from there into my possession."

Every second of the explanation only fed Vixin and Elmia's anticipation, their bond bodies quivering subtly.

"They have a unique talent, which I'm certain you'll find…interesting." She continued, lifting a finger and gently placing it on the slug's surface. Lightly, she stroked its skin once.

Eye widening, Vixin watched as the slug began to visibly vibrate its entire body, held firmly to Rosila's thumb.

The creature continued until she repeated her stroking action and forced it to stop. "They've adapted to latch onto the fruit of palo trees and vibrate the juices from the pores on the fruits' hard shells. The sensation feels a little odd, though when utilized elsewhere…well, you're about to see why I gathered the only known collection in The Vaid Empire."

Elmia watched with a mixture of curiosity and fear as Rosila carried the slug towards her, discarding the box upon the table. Testing her strength against her restraints, she felt an aroused breath release at just how helpless she was.

As if handling a fragile jewel, Rosila pulled the vibshir from her thumb and held it over Elmia's clit. Slowly, she began to lower it, allowing its numerous suckers to latch onto her throbbing bud.

"When properly conditioned, it is possible to train them to obey your touch. A simple stroke, and they receive a drop of their native juices if they perform. Another stroke to stop, another drop. They're quick learners." She explained, not bothering to conceal the obvious pride in her voice.

Elmia clenched her fists lightly. The sensation of the creature's suckers felt odd, though nearly faint enough to be ignored. Yet, watching as Rosila granted it a light caress of her finger, she squeezed her hands harder. Pleasure erupted from her loins as the vibshir began to vibrate, forcing her body to seize. Though not overly intense, she had never experienced such a sensation, nor on the most sensitive area of her body.

Vixin watched as Elmia fruitlessly attempted to buck her hips, struggling to push down a feeling of jealousy. She flexed her fingers in lust, her hands bound far above her virgin prize.

Rosila studied the vibshir with satisfaction, seeing Elmia squirm in pleasure. "You have my permission to cum, Princess. You both do. Though only one of you will be able to this night."

A muffled murmur of frustration escaped Vixin's mouth, her thighs rubbing together. If she could just receive a tiny hint of stimulation…a trickle of pleasure…

Rosila ran her hand over Elmia's body, coming to a stop atop her breasts. With careful attention she lightly teased the woman's nipples, forcing additional moans from her victim. The sound of the vibration was so utterly faint…yet its effects were more than enough.

Completely unaccustomed to the sensation, Elmia couldn't fend off her second orgasm for long. Her womanhood quivered hard, the vibshir already working to absorb a small amount of her juices through its skin.

"Good girl, enjoy your pleasure. Poor needy Vixin here would switch with you in a heartbeat, so you had better savor it." Rosila teased with a chuckle, exploring Elmia's body. She turned her head to her second prisoner. "Though don't worry, you WILL be in her place someday. I won't be NEARLY as kind, however, even to the daughter of The God Emperor…"

Vixin winced, wondering which fate she'd prefer. Her body burned with desire, unable to do anything but watch.

Minute after minute dragged by, the vibshir never stopping for even a moment. A third orgasm brought a slight quiver to Elmia's entire body, her clit continuing to be pleasured through the increased sensitivity of her post-climax haze.

"I could watch you struggle for hours…" Rosila said, granting Elmia a kiss on her breast. She then turned her attention to her apprentice. "...and for you I will someday, though we are only beginning. There is a final lesson you must witness."

Elmia felt her fourth building in her loins, rising until she felt she would burst. Yet just as she slipped into orgasm, Rosila quickly stroked the vibshir. In horror she felt the vibration stop entirely, cutting her pleasure short.

Rosila chuckled as Elmia bucked her hips in frustration, her vagina continuing to quiver. "Ah, it's always a sad sight to see, a ruined orgasm. Cut their pleasure at just the right time and you can force a climax that isn't nearly as pleasurable, leaving your victim more aroused and unsatisfied than before. Someday I'll demonstrate on a male for you, though for now watch her reactions."

Vixin could hardly focus, her rubbing thighs attempting desperately to pleasure the valley between them. She watched the subtle involuntary muscle flexes of the bound woman, the flushing red of her cheeks.

"You'll learn to use these almost imperceptible movements to assess your lover's pleasure, allowing you to respond properly." Rosila explained, running her hands over her own body. "You'll learn to reward…or punish your lover. Though for some, the same act can be both." She said, gesturing to Elmia.

Denied a full orgasm, Elmia's body tingled with arousal. Utterly loving how her tormentor had controlled her pleasure, the submissive sensation burned deeply throughout her entire body.

With the lesson coming to an end, Rosila mercifully began to unlock Vixin. She lowered her now free hands, her legs shaky with lust as she ripped away the gag. "You're…going to warn me before you attempt something like that again…"

Rosila shook her head, caressing the young woman's cheek. "You may be The God Emperor's daughter, though you're my plaything for the time being. However…"

Vixin watched as Rosila removed the vibshir from Elmia before gesturing for her to open her hand. Vixin hesitantly obeyed, allowing her mentor to drop the creature into her palm. She felt the slick surface against her soft skin, wondering how much was slime or the woman's juices.

"Keep this one. A reward for following me dutifully during your training, and I expect the same as we continue. I'll ensure that you'll make your father proud." Rosila explained, retrieving the empty box. "I'll teach you to care for it properly, though in the meantime remember this moment. All you do is to serve The Empire. You shall please its citizens and punish its enemies. Do you understand?"

Vixin placed the creature into the box, holding it close to her chest as her loins pulsated. "Yes, mistress."

"Good girl. Now, you are dismissed for the night." Rosila command. "We'll return to our usual routine tomorrow, though I'm sure you'd like nothing more in this moment than to run to your quarters and satisfy that itch between your virgin legs. Go, enjoy yourself…"

Though her cheeks reddened with embarrassment, Vixin made no argument. She moved to depart, turning her head to see Rosila retrieve the feather and approach Elmia.

49th of Fonic, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Sladi.

Cries of dying men were never something Alrin could grow accustomed to. As he strode among the remains of battle, he forced the disgust from his hard expression.

Banners of The Kingdom of Cendia lay scattered and torn, soaked in mud outside of Sladi's walls. Their defeat was nothing short of total, yet Alrin could revel little in his victory with the knowledge of Taroi's fall.

He grabbed the hand of one of his fallen men, pulling him partway out of the mud before hoisting his body into his arms. "Olvir, if you had allowed me to do my damned duty…this invasion would already be stomped out."

Alrin heaved the body into one of the karts, ready to dispose of the dead. Bloodied, slathered in mud, he could merely take a breath to calm himself. It had been torturous to remain idle in Sladi as Argin fell, and now another city had been lost. He held no doubt that the friendship of The King and Sladi's Lord had swayed Olvir's decision, a fact that made Alrin's blood silently boil.

"My lord, their King had been found. Alive." One of the men announced from behind, causing him to turn around to face the young man.

"King Galis lives?"

"Yes, my lord. He's-"

Alrin cut him off. "Bring him to me. Quickly."

It took several minutes before the young man returned, accompanied by a group of four soldiers. Two of them dragged an old man by his arms, before tossing him into the mud at Alrin's feet.

"Rise."

The command fell on deaf ears, for Galis merely clenched the ground and raised a scowl to meet his captor.

Alrin glanced around, pointing to a nearby man wearing the uniform of a scout while carrying a body. "Translator, you're required!"

The man quickly dropped the body, rushing to meet him. Alrin repeated the command, allowing the scout to speak the prisoner's native tongue. Galis merely spit on Alrin's boot, hurling a flurry of angry words.

"My lord, he said…"

Alrin held up a hand. He then slowly lowered himself, squatting to meet Galis's gaze directly. "Your men fought well, your majesty. You should be proud."

The scout translated before Galis replied through clenched teeth. "Finish me and be done with this! I'd expect nothing less from one who sees us as little more than savages! You can hide behind your walls, yet the God Emperor will avenge me."

Alrin listened to the scout's explanation before frowning as he wiped the moist dirt from his gloves. "You make assumptions, your majesty. I know my brother is a fool to believe nothing has changed. Yet if you believe Kinia shall fall willingly, you're making a deadly mistake."

Galis straightened up into a kneeling position as the translation finished, his old muscles straining beneath his armor. "A man has a right to defend his lands, though if you had an ounce of sense, you'd lay down your weapons. We're building something greater than mere conquest."

Alrin's face hardened further. "So I've heard, yet I only find fanatics crashing against my walls. You may believe what you'd like, though even with recent reinforcements you fall before Kinia. Our people do not seek your wisdom."

"Perhaps not, though they'll thank us. My kingdom was a mere settlement huddled in the rainforest before God Emperor Dominax set his sights upon us. What will you become?"

A low sigh escaped Alrin's lips, knowing the fate that would soon befall the man. "With all due respect, we're doing just fine. We need no further tyrants to upend our way of life."

Galis broke into a grin as he listened to the translator's words. "Then you're content with corrupt Kings and spoiled Lords? It's a wonder how you were able to look down upon us for so many generations…"

A thought of Olvir slipped into Alrin's mind, forcing him to conceal his anger. "You offer no better."

"Ah, but are you certain? A man doesn't rule as long as I without knowing certain looks in another's eye, and I see the look of doubt in yours."

Alrin slowly stood up. "I'll make no further argument with you, your majesty. As much as I'd like to ransom you, King Olvir has ordered the death of all prisoners. Without exception."

Galis watched as his captor slid his sword from its dirty sheath, granting him no hint of fear. "I've seen enough for one king, what's another dead old man to the world?" He said before his tone hardened. "You'll come to understand that I've only done what's required. There can be no further chaos. I'll laugh from the grave as your incompetent rulers fall!"

Incompetence. Galis could have been used to leverage The Vaid Empire, yet…incompetence. Argin and Taroi could have been saved, yet…incompetence. Alrin's face hardened. "I shall grant you a clean death, your majesty, out of respect for the bravery of your men. Take a moment."

Silence passed as Galis stared at his executioner, before he closed his eyes and began to whisper. "My darling Elmia…the mantle falls to you. Serve our people well…and make your mother and I proud."

Alrin waited until Galis finished, receiving a nod from the old man. Slowly, he got into position at his side, preparing his sword.

Galis lowered his head, ready to die. He spoke a final statement, before Alrin's blade toppled his head from his shoulders.

Alrin scowled, his brother's orders forcing his hand. The once mighty Galis was gone, reduced to a crumpled body slumped in the mud. "What did he say?"

The scout cleared his throat nervously. "He said, my lord…when the time comes, simply drop your sword and let us in…."

"Drop my sword…" Alrin quietly repeated, thinking back to his brother's cruel words.

"...would care so deeply for a family that didn’t want him..."

His grip tightened on his hilt.

Chapter Text

3rd of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

The terrible cacophony of battle echoed from afar as Lalian stood upon a hill, looking across the rolling plains to the distant grandiose city. They had come to take Deci with the full force of the imperial army, yet its people had pushed back just as hard.

Safely away from the raging siege, the Lanthian couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Dominax had stated that Lalian’s intellect was far too valuable to risk in battle, yet to be placed amongst the supplies and non-combatants of the legion? To be protected beside the pregnant females, healers, and builders? His cheeks darkened with shame as he flinched, hearing crackling lightning erupt amongst the fighting men.

For hours he had watched as they assaulted Deci's high walls, its placement atop a similar hill acting as a natural barrier against the placement of ladders. Not that they hadn't tried, however, as each attempt ended with broken bodies crashing to the ground as the enemy kicked them back. The main roadway, acting as the only smooth entrance to the city, lay littered with the dead of both sides. Without the hidden entrance of Taroi or the naivety of Argin, it was abundantly clear that Deci wouldn't surrender anytime soon.

Cendra paced impatiently at Lalian's side, desperate to launch herself into battle. Her father had granted her a taste during Argin's siege, so why deny her now? She could only glower at Vixin, taking a hint of pleasure that her sister had been forbidden the same glory of their inevitable victory.

Yet victory never came. As Lalian observed the ebb and flow of battle it was clear that neither side could gain much in the way of an advantage, and as the sun slowly fell to the horizon, the fighting began to die down.

When darkness had fully consumed the sky, they settled in, ready for a long siege.

***

"King Galis…is dead."

The announcement came from Dominax, addressing his court and advisors as they stood packed into the command tent. The legion's camp had been settled around the entirety of Deci, encircling the city and severing its population from the rest of the world.

"What did you say…" Elmia asked in a hard, though quiet tone. Prince Galis stood at her side, looking up at her with concern.

Dominax held up the message cylinder itself. "Communications from the east arrived just before nightfall. It appears…" he explained, taking a breath that couldn't mask his irritation. "It appears that the siege of Sladi has failed."

King Foin winced at his harsh tone, suddenly wishing he could squeeze Enalia's hand for support. Instead, she resided in their personal tent, caring for their new son.

"I don't understand…we sent him his reinforcements. Everything appeared to be proceeding smoothly…" Clin said, glancing to Elmia with a sorrowful expression.

The God Emperor lightly tapped the wooden message. "It seems we don't truly understand these people, not entirely. They may be more formidable than we had been led to believe."

"My father wouldn't have fallen so easily…you've been fed a lie." Elmia stated with conviction as she gently stroked her son's hair.

"See for yourself."

Hesitantly, she accepted the cylinder from his outstretched hand, opening it to insect the wooden sticks inside. With the symbols of the message carved into their surfaces, she inspected each one in order. Slowly, as her eyes scrolled over the letters, her firm expression began to shift.

"They spared no survivors." Dominax explained to the group as she continued to silently read. "No prisoners were taken, including Galis."

"Barbaric!" Clin suddenly burst out, causing Cendra to glance at him as she stood at his side. "They call us savages when they themselves commit such atrocious acts?"

A tightening of Hesin's fists went unnoticed by the group as he lingered near the entrance, allowing his hatred for the blond to simmer behind his mask.

Calmly, as if in a trance, Elmia returned the cylinder to Dominax's hand before turning away. She strode from the tent, leaving the group and her son to watch the fabric door flutter shut behind her.

Dominax released a frustrated curse under his breath, though he nodded as Clin made a gesture towards the exit. With permission the blond man turned to follow her.

***

Clin followed what he believed were her footprints in the slightly damp dirt, having quickly lost her as she had disappeared amongst the sea of tents and occasional warrior. Her tracks quickly blended into the hundreds that had already been made, causing him to sigh as he came to a stop.

"This way, dumbass." Hesin's voice came from behind, causing the blond to tilt his head at the intrusion.

The familiar grip of unease and guilt slid into his stomach at the man's presence, unable to directly look him in his remaining eye. "How?"

Hesin huffed, putting his hand to his ear as if he were teaching a child. Clin focused, listening to the distant sounds of snoring and occasional moaning. The majority of the soldiers had already settled in, exhausted by the battle as guards atop Deci's high walls nervously stood on silent watch over their invaders. Through the relative lack of noise he found what Hesin had heard, the distant weeping of a woman.

Together they sought the source, finally discovering Elmia near the edge of the camp. She sat upon the edge of a ditch, her head buried in her hands. She made no move to look up as she heard them approach, completely lost in her mind as tears streamed violently down her pretty face.

Cautiously, Clin placed a hand gently on her shoulder, as if fearing its weight would shatter her. He opened his mouth, his words sticking in his throat before finally managing to speak. "I'm sorry for your loss, your majesty. If my words upset you in any way…"

She shook her head, not bothering to reply.

His comforting hand remained, and he simply nodded his head in understanding and allowed her to silently grieve.

Hesin pulled his dark cloak around him, appearing as if a shadow in the lightless night as he spoke. "Prince Alrin will pay, I can promise you that." He said before turning his attention to Clin. "Those who kill indiscriminately always face justice…one way or another."

Clin couldn't help but grit his teeth, his guilt rising in his throat. For a moment they were once again children, staring at each other through the shredded trees. Memories of his nightmares bubbled to the surface, a child staring at the death he had unleashed at his mother's command. He wanted to throw himself to the dirt, to once more attempt to beg his forgiveness and shed his burden. He had at least saved Hesin that night, hadn't he? Wasn't that worth anything? Yet as Elmia's whimpering brought him back to reality, he realized the moment wasn't for them.

Slowly he sat beside her, taking her hand in his. He wished to ease her suffering, to commit an act of kindness that may stomp his guilt back down. How many would it take for his deeds to be washed away? How many honorable acts before he could possibly consider himself a good man?

Hesin watched in disgust, allowing himself a single moment to remember the family he had lost that night, so long ago. A mother…a brother…he began to recall the horrifying calls of the creature Clin had lured from its cave, only for them to fall away in an instant when he turned his head. He realized that silently, just behind, Dominax was watching curiously. The man had approached soundlessly, even to Hesin's trained ear. "My lord…"

"If the situation is under control, I'd have a word with the princess." Dominax commanded, his sudden deep voice startling the seated pair.

Taking a moment to pat Elmia's hand in sorrow, Clin bowed his head to their ruler before departing with Hesin. Dominax approached, the warm breeze tugging at his white cloak.

"So…am I supposed to slink back home?" Elmia said, attempting to wipe her eyes. "To attempt to rebuild where my father failed?"

Dominax nodded. "You're a royal now, a fate you bargained for when you and Galis sought me out. You hold a responsibility."

She chuckled without humor, once again burying her face in her hands. "Is there even a point now? The King of Cendia is dead, with his heir a thousand miles away from The Capital. The High Lords are certain to vie for my family’s throne…"

"Stand." He commanded in his firm voice. When she begrudgingly rose on unsteady feet, he calmly cupped her cheeks and pulled her close for a kiss upon her forehead. "Don't think I've forgotten the night we spent together, all those years ago… Your son is mine, and any that threatens either of you shall quickly learn the error of their actions. Do you understand?"

She leaned forwards, resting her head against his chest plate.

"Prince Galis needs your guidance, your protection. He'll someday make a fine king, yet until then he'll require his mother." Dominax said, stroking her chin length hair. "Serve our son well as his Queen Regent, and I'll deliver a message to every Lord and High Lord of Cendia that usurpers to his throne shall NOT be tolerated."

Finally, after a long moment of silence, Elmia lifted her head and nodded. "I won't fail you…or him."

"Good." He said with a satisfied grin. "I'll prepare an escort for your journey. Return to Cendia quickly and ensure whatever remains of Galis's men returns to fighting form. Sladi will fall, perhaps not by a king, but instead his daughter."

"It will be done, for Prince Galis's sake." She replied, wiping the last remaining tears from her reddening eyes.

With a nod, Dominax leaned in close to her ear. "Such is the burden of the throne. Let it forge you into a being capable of doing what's necessary."

14th of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Vaidrin, Domani.

A breath escaped Irith as she sealed the door behind her, happy to leave the throne room behind. Day after day she had sat and listened, hearing every little problem of The Empire's citizens.

"How has Dominax withstood them for so long?" She whispered to herself. These were her people now, her responsibility. She'd like nothing more than to serve them to the best of her abilities, yet every day? There was nothing but a constant flow of people, all requiring her judgment and assistance. Though she had once thought that no problem was small enough to be beneath the concern of The God Emperor, she was beginning to wonder if she had been naive.

She sighed as a slave helped her remove her clothes, slowly stripping her revealing outfit before the entirety of her gorgeous body was on display. She walked through the royal quarters, temporarily as they were, and smiled as her eyes fell upon her twins. The children were in the arms of two slave girls, suckling at their breasts.

"My lady…" one of the pair said with a bow of her head, holding Prince Arinax out for his mother to see.

Irith took the boy from her hands, gazing down lovingly as her fatigue seemed to fall away. She gently stroked his soft black hair, finally coming to understand the responsibilities he'd one day be subjected to. "Has the future God Emperor been behaving?"

The slave nodded with a grin. "He's absolutely perfect, just like his sister."

Irith approached the second girl, peering down upon Zela. The infant princess looked up to her with keen silver eyes, holding an intelligence that surpassed her age.

Carefully she returned Arinax to the girl's arms, granting both infants a kiss upon their heads. "Leave me, as I wish to be alone for the moment."

The slave girls obediently nodded, wasting no time in departing from the door. Completely alone, Irith's seductive legs strode over to the royal bed, allowing her to collapse onto the soft sheets.

Her cheeks flushed, staring up at the stone ceiling as she found her way into the center of the oversized bed, resting her hands upon her womanly thighs. A single thought had pressed against the back of her mind throughout her long day, a subtle ache in her loins. Now there was nothing stopping her from indulging, feeling the familiar burning desire to satisfy her steadily building lust.

Slowly, she began to trace her fingers over her navel, taking her time to explore her perfect body. There was no need to rush, dragging out every second as she gently caressed herself.

Her hands fell upon her breasts, round mounds that were soft and perky to her touch. She could remember each time Dominax had fondled them, their sensitive buds under his control.

She released a moan. For months he had been away, invading foreign lands as she was left to rule in his name. For months no other hands had touched her but her own, knowing she'd never betray her mate in such a way. No cock had entered her tight folds, no man to hold her down. Dominax would eventually find out if she had, though either way it simply wasn't in her nature.

Her hands slowly descended, sliding down her sides and feeling the curve of her hips. She bit her lip, allowing her legs to part. The God Emperor held no reservations of his harem enjoying each other, yet memories of Xenia quickly banished any thought of her ruler's other women from Irith's mind. She needed no female lover to turn against her once again.

A shudder of arousal claimed her body as she ran her fingers over her thighs, sensually feeling every sensitive area of her skin. Her anticipation continued to build, growing and growing until her womanhood quivered with need.

Finally, she released a pent-up breath, allowing her fingertips to glide between her legs. Her labia tingled, feeling the first hints of her touch. She started slowly, wishing to prolong her anticipation as much as she could handle. A mere caressing of her lower lips, pleasurable yet not nearly enough to satisfy.

With two fingers she moved up and down, slightly parting her womanhood as they dragged between her soft labia. She allowed her head to roll back, delving into her mind and abandoning the world.

As her need steadily increased, she thought to the moment she had truly become a woman. Dominax's cock had slid into her, claiming her body forever.

Her feminine lips opened a tiny amount as she allowed her fingers to slip inside, delving into her tight depths. In and out, each time allowing the base of her fingers to rub against her clit. The way he had touched her then, the first man to explore her curves…

"Oooohhh…." She allowed herself to lightly moan, her fingers moving slowly. The skin of her inner thigh tingled as her free hand moved across it, knowing her body would drive any man to wild lust. It had occurred many times, only for Enil to protect her.

An image of her twin flashed through her mind, causing her to gently trace the white tattoos etched into her skin. If her brother could see her now, Concubine Empress to a foreign ruler, would he be pleased? She had betrayed her former kingdom, yet the family she had lost had been rebuilt through her children. Wasn’t that enough?

Each movement of her hand dove deeper, searching her squeezing tunnel. She felt her warm breaths increase, feeling a slight pressure building in her loins.

She removed her fingers for a moment, sliding their now slick surface over her clit. They moved back and forth, teasing the sensitive bud to coax a moan from her lips. When the sensation proved to be too much, she resumed her movement, beginning to finger her wet womanhood once again.

Her touch could hardly replace the feeling of a hard cock driving against her cervix, yet she'd make do. The yearning for her mate's return strengthened, hoping to be at Dominax's side soon as he'd make her squirm with lust. Surely he had sampled other women in Kinia, causing Irith to merely wonder what they had felt.

Jealousy remained far from her mind, for he had selected her to be the mother of his heir. He had granted her the family she had so desperately desired, causing a groan to escape her lips. In her pleasure-addled mind she thought of Arinax, forcing her fingers to move quicker.

She could nearly feel Dominax's sperm spurt into her, a memory she could never possibly forget. Her body had been so eager…so hungry for the seed that would make her a mother…

A light gasp echoed quietly off the stone walls as she pushed deeper, locating her most sensitive area. With light strokes she began to massage it, her body shuttering subtly.

Nafalya, Zela, Arinax, each had slipped from her womb, a fact that forced her intoxicatingly blue eyes to close in ecstasy. She had done well, her body burning with satisfaction.

Her free hand slowly crept between her parted legs, focusing its attention upon her clit. Both hands working to pleasure her, she began to move her hips as if begging for more.

Her moans filled the chamber as she squirmed upon the bed. She appeared as if a pleasured goddess, her flawless body lost in bliss.

Her vagina ached for a cock, fingers digging greedily into her depths. She wished to feel Dominax atop her, pinning her to the bed as he granted her another child. She wished for her womb to hold life once more, to…

A cry of ecstasy burst from her mouth as she arched her back, her body seizing in climax. A quiet knock on the door could not pull her attention away, orgasming hard upon the soft sheets.

A further knock brought her only slightly back to reality, her body relaxing limply in satisfaction. She merely craved the warmth that Dominax would have granted after spilling his seed, its absence bringing a slight twinge of longing to her chest. They had been enemies, captor and prisoner, only for her to now crave his presence.

She couldn't ignore the third knock, louder than before though still subtle. For a moment she considered ordering the unknown visitor to leave her alone, though after taking a deep breath, she relented.

"Come in!" She permitted, pulling a thin shroud over her waist to conceal only her most intimate area. Long gone were the days of animal skins upon the royal bed, replaced with fine chimira silk sheets that appeared almost see-through.

The door opened quietly, allowing a small girl to enter before swiftly sealing it behind her. Instantly Irith recognized Nafalya, allowing any hesitation to ease at the sight of her eldest daughter.

Only a decade old, the princess quickly made her way to the bed and hopped up, claiming a place at Irith's side. She nestled against her mother's bare skin, feeling her perspiration. "I wanted to check on you. I heard noises."

A kind smile brightened across Irith's lips at the girl's naivety, propping herself up on her side. "Mommy is completely safe, my little princess. There's no need for concern."

The girl forced Irith to wrap her arms around her, holding her tight. "Sometimes I worry…"

Irith gently played with Nafalya's long black hair, her thoughts of Dominax increasing tenfold. She chuckled, squeezing her tightly with motherly love. There was nowhere she'd rather be, fulfilling the only duty she had ever sought. "We're completely safe inside The Grand Pyramid. Although…" she began, taking a glance at the door with a hint of annoyance. "I thought I told the slaves to grant me a moment of privacy."

"I snuck past them." The Princess replied with a careless shrug, receiving a look of surprise from her mother. Her young voice then lowered, hardly more than a whisper. "I thought we were safe, but then…Xenia."

The name brought a tiny pain of anger to her chest, though her fingers simply continued to play with the girl's hair. "That evil woman is gone, Nafalya. Don't let her concern you further."

She listened to her mother's lightly accented words, remaining silent for a long moment before her silver eyes lowered. "If we're safe here…is daddy in danger out there?"

Irith pulled her in even closer, ignoring the remaining tingling sensation between her legs. "You miss him?"

Nafalya nodded silently.

"I do too. Though I promise you, child, that he is perfectly safe." She said, granting the girl a kiss on her head even as doubt settled into her belly. There would be no benefit in confessing the abundant dangers of war, merely trusting that Dominax would keep himself alive. "We'll be with him again, someday. When your brother and sister are a little older, he'll allow us to join him in his conquest."

She didn't seem to like that answer, though she knew better than to argue. Instead, she pressed her face against her mother's chest.

For a moment they remained together, alone in a fortress full of hundreds of people. Only Irith's voice broke the silence after an eternity, reaching down to cup her daughter's cheek. "Let me take your mind off of such things. Mommy has been very busy, so I apologize that it has been a while, though allow me to…"

Nafalya let her mother guide her, placing her lips onto Irith's bare breast. Out of habit she began to suckle, drinking as though she were a newborn.

Irith closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness of the moment. She had never been one to fear human taboos, especially regarding any hindrance to her skill as a mother. She'd nurture her child, regardless of age.

Mother and daughter together, Irith could only hope that her words would prove true. She needed Dominax to survive, needed her family to remain whole.

"Don't fall, my love. We need you…"

Chapter Text

20th of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Near Deci.

Far from the encircled city walls, Vixin could nearly forget about the ongoing siege. After all, that was the point in venturing so deep into the nearby forest.

In a small clearing she sat cross-legged upon a piece of fabric, surrounded by the distant calls and chirps of restless creatures. Only the faint light of orange bioluminescent flowers held back the dark void of night, intentionally planted in a circle around her.

She allowed her silver eyes to carefully open, slipping from her meditation as she peeked at her father. The God Emperor sat several feet away, as if a mirror of her own position on the ground. They had come to this very spot each night of the siege to continue her training, as he seemed to require increasingly less sleep as time wore on. Would this be another power he would teach her, to hold off fatigue? Or would he simply continue his cryptic delving into the ethereal?

She watched him, holding back the hints of fear that always seemed to trickle through her in his presence. Through the faint light she could see only his outline, though her senses revealed much more. An entity of radiating power, there was an undeniable darkness surrounding him, one that only seemed to recede when Irith was near. Vixin had observed over the years how her father's mate soothed some of his harsher tendencies, yet they had been apart for so long. She could sense trickles of his anger, his sorrow, and silently she wondered what may happen if the peace that Irith brought into his life one day vanished.

In the darkness he appeared as if he could begin to hover above the ground at any moment, a dark being with the power to shrug the limits of reality. Should his followers see him as she did, would they bow? Or flee in terror?

Shuddering from a sudden chill that ran down her back, she closed her eyes once more. As he had taught her, she relinquished the world around her, sinking into her mind and soul. She could sense her own power, as if caressing and tasting the very core of her consciousness. To reach her full potential she'd have to become entirely immersed within herself, increasing in power as she learned to coax her spiritual form through her physical body. The seemingly endless process felt both disturbingly abnormal…and deeply natural. No other time than during her years-long training did she feel so alive, forcing her mind to grow accustomed to tapping into the energies of her ethereal being. No other time did she feel as connected to her ancestors, their spirits just as much a part of her own soul, as she held their blood within her veins.

Her resumed meditation came to a second end as she sneakily opened her eyes, only to fall backwards in surprise as she realized her father was standing over her. He peered down at her with his hands clasped behind his back, his silver eyes lightly glowing in the night air.

"You're distracted." He said calmly. "Come, get up."

Nearly on her back, she paused before rising to her feet. The shock brought her quickly back to reality, allowing her to faintly sense the various surrounding creatures as they stalked through the vegetation. "Yes, master."

Slowly, he circled her, appearing to study her closely. Under his gaze she felt particularly vulnerable, especially in her new outfit. Having reached sexual maturity, she had taken the opportunity to create her adult attire, tasking the royal weavers to follow her designs. Rosila had of course granted her opinions, ensuring her 'Sage in training' would show as much of her form as possible.

Made entirely of black chimira silk, the outfit held the basic shape of a sleeveless leotard, with cutouts to reveal the entirety of her flat belly up to the bottom of her firm breasts. A diamond shaped cutout rested just above her most intimate area, granting potential onlookers a glimpse of skin tantalizingly close to her virgin treasure. Her sides were covered by only the finest and most intricate chimira silk, so thin as to be nearly transparent. A necklace of small, connected disks remained fixed tightly around her neck, each segment containing the crescent moon of House Vaid. From her shoulders flowed two strips of fabric in place of a cloak, fluttering lightly at the mercy of the gentle night breeze. Her long legs were clad in intricately designed stockings, ending at the knees.

Releasing a nervous breath as he continued to study her, she felt an undeniable trickle of excitement. A part of her enjoyed his attention despite her fear, keenly aware of his gaze traveling down her exposed belly.

In response she attempted to clear her mind, confused by emotions that she repeatedly cut down over the past few years. For confusion was all it was, surely, a daughter craving the attention of a cold father. Could she truly feel guilty for such thoughts?

"I can sense your abilities increasing, child, though you are far from ready. If you are to lead The Sages, you must be capable of touching every aspect of reality. Our citizens, your acolytes, even your own apprentice shall one day require your assistance to understand what they must believe, and you shall meet them with your own experiences with the immaterial. As your powers increase, you shall come to understand for yourself what it is to walk both worlds, spiritual and physical, as you link them together." He said, coming to a stop before her. "Still…it pleases me to see your progress. Tell me, what are your thoughts on Rosila's teachings?"

"You…wish to know my thoughts?" She asked hesitantly. The false confidence she displayed to others withered under his presence, unable to manifest.

"Of course. A worthy being needs the capacity to form reasoned opinions, thoughts, questions. A sense of self. You could mistake it for pride, though only if it is earned." He explained before gesturing to her.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she attempted to discern what he wished to hear. However, in the end, she decided honesty would serve her best. "I've learned much in her shadow, master. Her words are like careful poetry, as if she knows just what a man or woman needs to hear to fall under her control and hear her message. She…understands how to turn desire into loyalty. It's a skill I'd very much like to learn…though…"

Dominax nodded after a moment. "Go ahead."

Vixin bit her lip in reluctance, folding her arms over her breasts. "Her methods of instruction in more…intimate areas leaves me concerned. Before King Galis's death, she forced me to watch a…demonstration." She said, feeling a slight tingle between her legs at the memory. "She claims you gave her permission, though I…don't believe the daughter of The God Emperor should be bound in such a way…"

There it was. The very conflict she had wrested with since her session with Elmia. Even letting the words slip from her lips brought a flush to her face, a submissive sensation that longed for nothing more than to relive the memory, every frustrating second. Yet should a princess quiver at such thoughts? A ruler, wishing to be tied and controlled? Did it diminish her father's legacy? Her own?

A chuckle escaped him, darkening her blushing cheeks further. There would be no concealing her hidden emotions from his senses, of course. "Yes, I granted her permission. And yes, there shall be many more sessions. You are my daughter, Vixin, my flower, yet the training she offers outweighs a little sense of pride. In time you shall wield more authority than kings, though for now you are at her mercy."

Involuntarily she felt a building sensation within her loins at his words, her own father granting permission to a woman to torment her. The familiar feeling of desire once again showed itself as she looked to him, forcing her to quickly stomp it down.

Gently, Dominax cupped her soft cheek, taking a step closer with an insidious grin. "Though you will suffer, as we all must in order to become valuable, trust that it is for a purpose. You are a being of worth, Vixin…already more so than the rulers I have crowned under my throne."

For a moment she nearly sensed a similar sensation of desire, a sliver of something he couldn't quite conceal stemming from her father rather than herself. The thought was impossible, so utterly taboo that she must have mistaken it. Yet…he placed his hand onto her waist, feeling her toned body through the thin fabric as she sensed another quick burst of arousal.

Then, as silence lingered between them, he slowly removed his hands as if his mind had caught up with his actions. She felt her skin tingle as his fingertips pulled away, nearly as pleasurable as the vibrating vibshir granted by Rosila. Shame permeated through her as she again extinguished the building arousal in her virgin loins, yet…there was no mistaking it now. She felt his thoughts, if only for an instant.

Dominax returned his hands behind his back, stepping away to stand outside of her bioluminescent circle. With his face bathed in darkness, he allowed his grin to fall away. "We're not finished here, however."

She hurriedly attempted to clear her mind, knowing what was coming. No thoughts of forbidden, confused desires could be allowed to distract her. She took a fighting stance, bracing herself.

As he had done many times before, Dominax reached out and sent a web of electricity screaming towards her. He sensed her mind harden, instantly pulling the fabric of reality around her to form an invisible shield that absorbed the blast. The crackling electricity encircled her, appearing to dance across her skin yet in reality it couldn't quite touch her.

He increased the pressure somewhat, steadily sending more power through the web of lightning. With each moment he could sense her mind straining, holding off his power.

A bead of sweat formed on her brow after several seconds, forcing her concentration to remain stable even as she remembered the unbearable pain of her first training session. He had left her on the floor of The Chamber of Deliverance, twitching and groaning.

Impressed by her progress, he continued, never relenting the pressure as lightning danced from his fingertips. He sensed her will draining, struggling to maintain control.

Finally, as in all previous sessions, her mental shield collapsed. The lightning crashed into her, nothing remaining to protect her. Enraptured by pain, she was lifted off of her feet, sending her careening backwards and knocking the wind from her lungs as she slammed her back against a thick tree trunk.

Instead of going entirely limp, she fell to her knees, gasping for air. He hadn't used nearly as much power as he had the first time he had ever electrocuted her, yet the pain remained intense. She gritted her teeth, allowing it to fade after several seconds.

"Impressive." He stated, slowly striding over to her. He allowed her to take his hand, helping her to her feet.

His touch felt gentle, a pleasant sensation that contrasted sharply with the agony from moments ago. The spark of desire once again flared in her chest.

"Now, it's your turn." He said, moving to the side. He took several small stones from a prepared pile, and without waiting, he began to toss them into the air.

On instinct she reached out, shooting quick bursts of lightning. She struck one after the other, shattering the stone in the air. Each rock exploded into tiny chunks, flying off into the vegetation.

Dominax watched with satisfaction, eyeing the perspiration forming on her skin through her effort and concentration. He tossed three at a time, four, watching her body move with each blast from her hand.

She moved with the grace of an acrobat, her feminine form twirling to attack two stones that had been tossed in separate directions. His silver eyes followed her, traced along her revealing outfit. They traveled down, finding the diamond shaped cut-out just above her…

"Enough."

The command came suddenly and harshly, causing her to come to a panting stop.

"You've performed well, though that shall be all for tonight."

Vixin eyed him, catching her breath. "Did I…make a mistake?"

Dominax folded his hands behind his back. "You did excellently, my flower, yet this session is simply complete. Go, rest your body and mind. We shall continue tomorrow night."

Though confused at the sudden stop, she bowed her head. "Of course, master." She replied. Her mouth opened once more to speak, though she thought better of it and remained silent.

Without another word, Dominax turned to leave.

***

His blood was nearly boiling by the time he reached the outskirts of camp, cutting down unwanted thoughts as he had so many enemies. The image of Vixin's body traveled through his head, never falling away for long.

Occasional soldiers bowed as he passed, the majority of their companions already long asleep. He simply carried on, not bothering to acknowledge them as he wrestled with the growing ache in his loins. His own daughter, his very blood…he gritted his teeth.

Laying eyes upon a nearby warrior as she sat beside a campfire, he marched through the sea of tents towards her. Noticing his approach, she quickly stood and bowed, only to release a noise of surprise as he took her by the arm.

An athletic brunette, her short hair hardly passed her ears. Her body was concealed in legionary armor, white against the glowing moonlight. Her skintight one-suit clung to her beneath her armor, leaving little to the imagination. Dominax, however, hardly granted her a glance, his mind filled only with his hidden shame.

"Your holiness…" the woman said with a sly grin as he marched her towards the command tent, knowing the fate of any female who entered during the night.

Pulling her through the door flap, he made his way past the command table and into his personal quarters. Blin and Undra lounged upon the bed, the latter already in the beginning stages of her second pregnancy. Dominax waved his hand before either slave could greet him, dismissing them both.

The two women eyed the female warrior as they obediently made their way towards the exit, giggling to themselves. Dominax released her arm near the bed, allowing her to turn and face him.

She blushed with gratitude and excitement, already using her fingers to unfasten her armor. "You won't be disappointed, my lord. I'll show you my gratitude for choo-"

Her words were cut off with a playful chuckle as he began to furiously pull apart her armor, as if a starving predator tearing into his prey. He cared little for her words, her seductive movements, not bothering to even ask her name. He simply needed a hole to clear his forbidden thoughts, and now.

She moaned as he stripped her, leaving her suit on. The silky fabric outlined every inch of her curves, as if a second skin. She caressed her hips alluringly as he discarded his own protection, feeling her body warming with anticipation.

He ignored her attempts to seduce him, instead roughly turning her around to bend over the bed. She laughed with more than a hint of arousal, apparently accustomed to such aggressive handling during her time in the legion. She bit her lip as he placed his hands upon her ass, feeling her rump beneath the thin fabric.

The image of Vixin once more seeped through his mind, forcing him to grunt as he opened the groin slit of the woman's one-suit. She wiggled her rear, inviting him in as he freed his cock.

His erection slapped between her legs, making her bite her lip in eager lust. She gripped the bedsheets, feeling his tip line up with her lower lips.

A deep groan escaped them both as he pushed his hips forwards, sinking into her snug womanhood. For an instant the pleasure of entering a new vagina banished Vixin from his mind, only to return moments later.

He began to move, caring little for the woman's comfort as he sought to satiate his need. She moaned, any pain of penetration swiftly giving way to pleasure as her lust lubricated his thrusts. She had hoped for this moment, an opportunity that nearly all females of the legion had sought.

He remembered Vixin's movements as she eviscerated the stones, her body held tightly by her outfit. If he had simply torn it open, exposing the prize his seed had created…

Dominax pushed the thought aside, slamming into his current lover. She was his daughter, his child! All men of his culture would be ecstatic to sire a beautiful daughter, their sexual allure ensuring their bloodline continues. Yet to partake in their own blood? To taste the fruits of their seed themselves? Dominax groaned as he squeezed the woman's hips.

Before long, the tent was filled with heavy cries of desire, the warrior overjoyed to mate with her ruler. She began to push back against him, matching his rhythm with each slam of his hips.

The memory of his hand upon Vixin's waist claimed his attention, remembering the sensation of her womanly curves beneath the fabric. He felt his cock strain within the woman's embrace, pounding relentlessly as if his desire could never be satisfied.

Straining, he banished the memory, slapping the woman's ass in an attempt to center himself in reality. He was making love to a stranger, not Vixin. Could he truly feel guilty for such thoughts if he did not act?

A switch occurred within him, unconsciously allowing the image of Cendra to slip into his awareness. He had watched her train each morning, dueling with Clin. She had become an absolutely stunning young woman, as fierce and deadly as she was beautiful. He had studied her as she had swung her sword, her athletic body working to strike at Clin's weapon. She had worn a skirt then, fluttering in the wind. If it had merely lifted a few more inches…

The woman yelped with excitement as he once again spanked her, roughly holding onto her as he slammed in and out. Her cries would certainly be heard beyond the tent, knowing that nearby inhabitants would wonder who had been lucky enough to spend this particular night at The God Emperor's mercy. She nearly hoped her moans would carry over Deci's walls, allowing the citizens to hear the pleasure of their enemy while they merely cowered within their surrounded city.

Guilt flowed through Dominax's pleasure, wondering what Briza would have said if she had learned of the desires he felt towards their daughter. He could picture Cendra beneath him now, wishing he was thrusting into her rather than the stranger.

He thought back to just after his crowning as king of Vaidrin, remembering the father that had offered his own daughter. Sirith, was it? Dominax had felt nothing but uncontrollable lust as he had bred her in front of him, granting the man a grandchild. Had that been the moment? The instant that his inclination towards the taboo had begun? Or had it always been there, solidified each night spent in the forest with Briza, seemingly a lifetime ago?

The memory of Sirith and her father remained, as clear as if he were looking at a painting. Was he really any different? The mere thought of Cendra and Vixin becoming pregnant flared his desire wildly, yet wasn't that merely natural? Every man wished for his children to breed, to spread his blood to the next generation. Could he be blamed?

Lying on her belly, the warrior bent her knees in toe curling bliss. She felt as though she were an animal, taken from behind as she submissively lay at the mercy of his powerful thrusts. She felt his hands caress her round rump, entirely under his control.

He thought back to the scouts he had captured in Argin, wrenching the location of Taroi's hidden tunnel from them. For a brother to watch his own sister be used in such a manner, ravished by his cock…he moaned deeply. The familial connection, siblings or offspring, why did it drive him to such enticing curiosity?

It was no longer possible to hold back, to suppress the thoughts he had contained. For years he had watched as his daughters developed, stomping out any idea of such fantasies. He had once believed he'd 'deny himself of nothing', yet what of this? Were there some things in this world that even a God Emperor couldn't enjoy?

Continuing to slam over and over into the warrior, he gritted his teeth. Of course not. There was none capable of permitting a ruler anything. None so omniscient as to judge him in this. Yet…as Briza's disapproving face flushed though his mind, his sudden conviction slipped.

"I'm sorry…Briza…" he thought to himself, already imagining sliding his hand up Cendra's thigh.

"Ooohhhh…thank The Creator…" the warrior groaned, burying her face in the sheets. His skillful cock sent unending bursts of pleasure throughout her body as he used her, never slowing for an instant.

Lost in his mind, Dominax thought back to Vixin's training. He could picture her, lying in the center of the glowing plants. The orange light would bathe her soft skin as he undressed her, taking in the sight of her gorgeous form. He would spread her legs, caressing her body as their loins touched.

His own flesh and blood, his precious daughter, he'd feel his cock against her sweet lower folds. Then, with a push, he'd…

A cry escaped his lips as he slammed fully into the warrior, pinning her to the bed. She gasped as she felt his warm seed begin to pour into her, letting her eyes roll up in bliss.

Briza's disapproving face remained, yet his legs shook with pleasure. He held onto the warrior's ass firmly, as if he'd collapse without her support.

Clenching, the stranger closed her eyes in satisfaction, her body receiving its biological purpose. He paid little attention to her quivering form, lost inside his own climax. Finally, feeling it fading, he pulled his cock free of her warm embrace, allowing the last drops of potent seed to spill onto the ground. It mattered little, already turning to collapse onto the bed.

He stared up at the fabric ceiling, enjoying the afterglow as his thoughts slowly drifted away. They'd be back, of course, MUCH stronger after diving so deeply into them, though for the moment he had satiated his lust.

Slowly, the warrior pulled herself over to him, accepting her place at his side. He could feel her bred body press against his, chimira silk touching chimira silk as she wrapped her legs around him.

Time seemed to linger as his mind wandered, creeping back to Vixin's training. Her outstretched hands, blasting each stone that he tossed. She had held such power, such…

The memory of her lightning crashing against the rocks tugged at his awareness, remembering how each had exploded into tiny pieces. With his arousal momentarily absent, he thought of Deci's imposing gates, towering above his men and made of…stone.

This gift, these abilities, he had used his powers to kill, terrify, and indoctrinate. Yet to destroy? Could it be possible to shatter the very stone of the city gates themselves?

Perhaps, he thought, the solution to Deci's defenses had been far simpler than they had dared to imagine.

Chapter Text

23rd of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Deci burned around them.

For three days they had made their push, attacking the city gates each morning until the battle died down before sunset. The abnormal switch from contentedly waiting for the population to starve to aggressively attacking had placed the entirety of Deci's defenses on full alert, yet their end was inevitable.

Each day the legion would protect The God Emperor as he struck, crashing the full might of his power into the solid stone gates before being driven back. Yet the third day brought what he sought, a thunderous roar of splitting stone as the towering gates of Deci imploded, crumbling into screaming rubble.

The Empire marched through, claiming another victim.

28th of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Near Deci.

"I don't like being out here while Alrin approaches." Clin said, keeping his voice down. All ten workers of the small labor group continued behind him, chopping relentlessly at the surrounding trees. With a morning chill continuing to caress the branches around them, he couldn't quite ease his misgivings as he scanned the perimeter.

Salduin remained seated, keeping his eyes closed in a kind of meditation that Clin couldn't fully understand. How, given their precarious circumstances, could the big man remain so damn calm? "We're nearly done here. I'd prefer to finish gathering wood for the gate before Alrin arrives. Besides, The Creator will protect us, be rest assured of that."

"Do you truly believe that?" Clin asked, folding his arms in an attempt to appear at ease for the men. They had brought six guards to accompany them, though they did little to provide comfort so far from the protection of Deci's walls. Though the ideal would be to replace the shattered gates with stone, the wood that they gathered would have to suffice.

Salduin sniffed. "You want an honest answer?"

The blond warrior nodded firmly.

Though he attempted to conceal it, Clin heard a faint sigh as the big man moved to stand up. Towering above him, Salduin leaned on a nearby tree and studied the ground. "Sometimes…no."

Clin glanced at the nearby workers, ensuring their conversation remained unknown. "That's surprising, given you never quit speaking of such things."

With a hint of exasperation Salduin opened his mouth. "Ah, I wouldn't make a single mention of this if I knew you for a moment shorter, though…I cannot say I haven't had one or two doubts." He said, the morning sunlight glinting off his scarred up bald head as he chose his words carefully. "I recall waiting outside The God Emperor's chambers all those years ago, all of us wondering if he'd live. Back when those Arkos assassins attempted to kill him, remember?"

"Oh, I do remember." Clin said with a nod.

"I had wondered for a time…for a long time, why didn't The Creator act to save him? Perhaps not to strike them dead outright, but even a whisper of their intentions into Lord Dominax's ear would have made a difference."

Clin shrugged. "He never claimed that The Creator was all powerful, or even all knowing."

Salduin raised a finger in retort. "Yet that's the problem. All we know about our origins and the afterlife come directly from Lord Dominax. None else have ever set their eyes upon The Creator, heard his voice. Our beliefs stem solely from the trust we place in our ruler, in the claim that he is a God himself. Yet standing outside that door…I wondered if we had been following nothing more than a man lucky enough to be born with abilities we simply didn't understand. A man capable of falling to mere slaves."

A chill far cooler than the surrounding breeze ran through Clin as he looked his companion in the eye. "Are you, the man more devoted to the spiritual teachings than any of us, saying you distrust The God Emperor?"

Instantly he shook his head, though peered ahead through the trees. "I'm simply saying we must remember that we're dealing with a man…that betrayed the first ally he ever earned."

"Korvis…" Clin recalled, thinking back to Omrin. "So soon after Nitri, hard decisions were required to survive in those days. It was…wrong of him, of us…but our people needed a secured future. He gave that to them."

Salduin held out his hands. "I won't argue that. There were alternatives, though I won't argue. Yet if he could deceive and assassinate Korvis to become High-Chief, what would he do to become God Emperor?"

The question lingered in the air before both men eventually looked to the ground.

"You know…" Clin said before he could stop himself, thinking about the young noble girl's kiss on his cheek after Argin. He noticed Salduin glancing at him, expecting him to continue. His doubts were killing him, consuming his insides. To finally let them out, if only a simple hint…"I recall when he used to claim that he was 'no butcher'. We all remember those speeches, and for a brief period that was true. Yet…there was a moment all those years ago, shortly after Chief Manith's execution. A few of the surrounding Chiefs had come to pledge themselves to Dominax, namely Chief Kixanil. Of course, they wanted to see his powers in person before they did." He paused, biting his lip. "He could have demonstrated in any way. Instead, he decided to electrocute two of Kixanil's men. They died. Screaming."

Salduin nodded his head. "A rumor went around regarding that."

Clin's face hardened further. "Two innocent men, guilty of merely being unlucky enough to find themselves in his presence. Manith's execution was brutal of course, we all know that, but…I used to tell myself that it was justified. That he had earned such a horrific end after slaughtering our people. Then two innocents were killed…and I simply stood at his side."

"You always claim that what we do is for the greater good." Salduin replied, taking a gentler tone in juxtaposition to his large frame. "Yes, two guards fell, though how many now live in prosperity under The Empire because those Chiefs were convinced? Even now, here at Deci, we become the conquerors. The killers. Yet how many shall be born and live in prosperity under his rule? When the bloodshed has ended, and all return home?"

"His 'eternal peace'." Clin added, unable to hide his scowl. "The promise that every bad deed we do can be washed away as we bring forth utopia."

"Ah, but isn't that exactly the ideal that you've supported all these years?" Salduin asked.

Clin sighed before nodding. "I still do, just as you continue to support his spiritual ideals. We have doubts, Salduin, nothing more. I…just hope I'm doing what's right, even when it's difficult." He said, subconsciously touching his cheek. "Look, you've been honest with me. May I, for a moment more?"

Salduin turned to face him fully. "Always, Clin."

"I believe Dominax still desires to create a better world, and I'm proud to help that vision come into reality. However, he wants to be greater than previous rulers, to rule wisely, firmly, and fairly. To leave no question as to what is right. To 'be no butcher'. I think…I think that all went right out the window the moment he gained an ounce of real power."

A slight smile of amusement crossed Salduin's face. "Many would consider those words to be treason."

"You'd be right to inform The God Emperor." Clin said, straightening up. "Will you?"

Salduin tilted his head in mock pondering, before relaxing against the tree. "Nope."

After a moment a smile emerged onto Clin's face, and wordlessly the larger man reached over and patted his companion's shoulder.

"Ah, you're a good man, Clin. Don't torture yourself overthinking all this. We do what is necessary, nothing less."

His words seemed to well up something within Clin, forcing him to contain himself before finally speaking. "Take your own advice."

Suddenly Salduin laughed with a slight hint of pain in his voice. "The funny thing is, after all I've said, after all my doubts…I still believe him. He tells us our body and souls are one, linked together in every essence of the word. That we exist in two worlds, the ethereal and the physical. He says that death is merely the severing of the two, that we leave behind our reality and emerge into the spiritual."

"A different kind of 'eternal peace', in a way." Clin added.

"If that's truly the case, that the souls of the dead are still alive, resting in mindless bliss…it must be true. It must." Salduin finished with conviction.

Clin stroked his blond beard. "Hoping to spend eternity in comfort, old friend? No true consciousness, just rest?"

"Not for me."

Noticing the man's shift in tone, Clin eased his expression. "Someone you…love then? I only ever see you on your own. Don't tell me there's someone you've been hiding all these years."

Salduin merely shook his head. "No. Not anymore."

Seeing that the previous humor in the large man had quickly drained away, Clin focused on his statement before realizing his meaning. "Oh…apologies."

They remained silent for a moment, listening to the chopping of wood as it echoed through the trees.

Clin wished to say more, to comfort the man. After pondering his next words, he opened his mouth to speak. "I'm sorry, Salduin. I know how-"

Suddenly Salduin put his hand on Clin's chest, silencing him. In the split-second confusion Clin watched, seeing Salduin peering intently through the trees. He followed the man's gaze, seeing absolutely nothing until…

There. As if his heart stopped, Clin spotted what his companion had noticed. Crouching in the vegetation several yards away, a single man attempted to conceal himself. Though his clothing contained muted colors to assist in stealth, the small purple emblem on his left shoulder removed any confusion as to his allegiance. A scout.

They stared, frozen for mere seconds before the scout turned his head to peer backwards, evidently aware that he had been spotted. Then, without warning, the cries of men rang out through the trees as two dozen warriors burst from the vegetation.

"Ambush!" Was all that one of the guards could shout before being hacked down, his attackers dressed in purple tunics.

Instinctively Clin and Salduin rushed to defend the small group as the remaining nine of their fellow guards fought for their lives. Salduin heaved his hammer from where it lay against a tree trunk, slamming it into his nearest opponent. Purely by number alone they were outmatched, yet as civilians took up half of their group, it took little for him to see which side the battle would favor.

The nearby lixidions howled at the sudden intrusion, their scaly heads lashed to nearby trees. They merely clawed at the ground, vicious mounts ready to join the fight.

Clin parried an incoming blow of an enemy sword, deflecting it harmlessly before cutting upwards. Years of experience over his younger opponent had left the man outmatched, resulting in a cut from chin to scalp that sent him to the floor. Clin whirled on his next opponent, expertly striking with needlessly complex movements.

Salduin remained close by, turning at the sound of screaming. He watched as an attacker pierced his spear through the stomach of a worker, before the large warrior slammed his hammer into his back with a crunch. Their numbers were falling quickly as the civilian workers clumsily attempted to defend themselves with their axes, only to be cut down.

Another swung his sword, yet instead of meeting it with his own, Clin deflected it with the white armor of his forearm before thrusting his blade through the man's momentarily defenseless neck.

Nearly half of the guards had already fallen as the survivors attempted to desperately fend off the enemy. Clin watched as a purple clad warrior raised his weapon, preparing to strike Salduin in the back. Moving quickly, he ducked under the swing of his current opponent, spinning his sword into the side of Salduin's attacker before turning back and severing the other's hand.

The large man shot his companion a glance of gratitude before snapping a spear in two with a swing of his own. Clin deflected a blow from behind, then in front, then to his right, his sword always moving.

A civilian managed to land a lucky strike of his axe into his attacker's shoulder, before being cut down by another. Seeing that only three remained, a second made a break for the lixidions in complete panic, knowing they were entirely overwhelmed. He buried his axe into the reptilian creature's reins, freeing the beast.

Clin watched the lixidion charge forwards before the man could mount it, carving through several purple tunics as it joined the fight.

"Lord Clin! We need to-" a nearby worker cried out before a shield slammed into his chest, sending him gasping to the dirt. Though nearly surrounded, Clin rushed forwards to save the man as his attacker readied his spear, driving his sword through the Kinia warrior's side. The instinct to protect the defenseless man had opened Clin's defenses, however, and an instant later the opportunistic spear of another of his attackers drove into the back of his armorless thigh, stabbing entirely through.

Pain erupted through his leg as he fell to his knees, screaming out. He allowed his sword to fall from his hands, already clutching at his wound.

Salduin's eyes widened as he glanced at Clin's predicament, seeing the blond warrior's attackers moving in quickly to finish him off. He roared, crashing his hammer into the nearest man's chest before rushing forward.

Gasping in pain, the world almost seemed to slow down around Clin as he watched their weapons rise, feeling his blood pouring from the holes in his one-suit’s leg. His mind had gone completely blank, before the image of Cendra slipped into his awareness. For a moment he was free, until reality crashed through as Salduin plowed through his attackers and knocked them all to the ground. The large man wrestled on the floor, wrenching a knife from one of them before snapping the man's neck.

One of the guards cried out somewhere behind Clin as he watched Salduin hurry to his feet, hoisting him off his knees. The pain proved to be too much, forcing him to lean the entirety of his weight on the large man.

Salduin whistled, gaining the attention of the lixidion as it continued to tear through the Kinia warriors. He then reached down, wrenching the spear in two before pulling it free from Clin’s thigh. "We're done here!"

"The civilians…" Clin muttered through clenched teeth as Salduin shot out his powerful leg into an attacker's chest.

"There are no civilians!" He replied firmly as he practically pulled Clin towards the lixidion. Their mount howled as a spear pierced its scaly side, swinging its tail.

Clin looked around, feeling his mind and muscles growing weaker from blood loss. Salduin heaved him onto the back of the lixidion, before joining him as the beast tore the arm from a screaming warrior. Two guards remained, drenched in blood while they fought to keep the attackers away from their Lords. All ten citizens had fallen, the lumber they collected laying scattered in the dirt.

As the lixidion fought its way from the small battle, Clin raised his hand weakly towards the two guards that remained behind. "Don't…leave them!"

Salduin ignored his words, riding through the trees at a frantic pace. "We need to warn The God Emperor! Alrin is MUCH closer than we suspected!"

The trees passed by quickly, and Clin's mind sank into oblivion as he lost consciousness.

***

The main doors to Deci's central stronghold crashed open, and Dominax stood from the throne as he watched Salduin carry Clin's bloodied body into the room.

"Alrin…is here!" Salduin yelled, panting as he carefully lowered his companion to the ground. He heard Cendra gasp, already rushing from her father's side. She kneeled beside Clin, searching for signs of life. The big man could only grant her an apologetic expression, placing his hands onto Clin's wounds to stop the bleeding. "We were ambushed…my lady…"

"Ready the Legion." Dominax commanded firmly as he turned to Hesin.

The assassin's eye remained fixed on Clin's limp body as he spoke. "Our scouts believe we have another day before-"

"They're here!" Salduin shouted. "We can't waste a second more!"

Dominax placed his hand upon the hilt of his sword as Hesin rushed for the exit. "Cendra, ensure that Clin is properly attended to. The rest of you, come with me."

***

"Hurry!" A commander called out as they heaved the gates closed, barricading them as best they could. Replacing the former stone gates, they appeared half repaired with several holes near the top.

Standing atop the wall, Dominax scowled as he looked out upon the approaching army. He sensed Lalian's terror to his right, while Hesin stood firmly beside him.

The royal army of Kinia approached, marching forth like a sea of purple.

Slowly they came to a stop outside Deci's walls, before two men stepped forwards. Dominax held up his hand as his archers readied their arrows, lined along the wall.

"God Emperor Dominax of House Vaid!" One of the two men yelled up at them, clearly in command. "I, Prince Alrin of House Kalla, bring terms from King Olvir of The Kingdom of Kinia!"

Lalian quickly translated the man's foreign words before Dominax folded his arms. "Then this is the famous Alrin, slayer of King Galis." He smirked, before speaking louder for the two men below to hear. "Did I truly need to take three of your cities before you reveal yourself to me!"

The man beside Alrin spoke quietly, translating his words. The prince's grim face remained unphased, never looking away from Dominax. "You're surrounded, Lord Dominax! You've seen the result of such sieges yourself! Merely surrender now, and we shall avoid many months of hardship for both our men!"

Dominax waved the remark off as Lalian finished. "My men yearn to die for their ruler!"

"So they shall, if that is your wish! King Galis's army has been dashed against the plains outside Sladi, there is no one left to free you!"

Lalian nervously repeated his words as Dominax's jaw tightened.

"King Olvir believes you're nothing more than barbarians!" Alrin continued. "That you're as harmless as the raiders we slay each year! I see the truth! I see an Empire capable of tearing into Kinia like a beast, a beast that I've now caged! You've harmed my people, yet I cannot say I don't respect your men's abilities! Olvir would have Deci be your grave, yet I'd rather you be granted an honorable death!"

"Careful, or you may find yourself accepting the very death you offer!" Dominax replied, feeling his eyes beginning to faintly glow in anger. "A beast shall always prove to be FAR more dangerous when cornered!"

Alrin nodded as his translator finished. "Then I suppose a quick end cannot be attained! We shall wait, your majesty! Let us see how long the loyalty of your men lasts when their food and water run dry!"

"Do so, Alrin, wait for the day your Kingdom falls, the day your homeland bleeds like a festering wound that only I can heal! When you've found that nothing shall contain my Empire, not your armies, your blood, your death, you shall feel the dirt beneath your Capital and realize it belongs to me!"

Alrin watched as The God Emperor turned his back and walked away.

29th of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Slowly, Clin's eyes crept open as he looked upon a ceiling that he didn't recognize. He suddenly felt something squeeze his hand, only to smile when he turned his head and was met by the sight of Cendra.

"Good morning." She said with obvious relief in her tone.

"Where…"

"You're in Deci's royal stronghold, and safe. You've only been unconscious since yesterday."

Looking around, Clin's gaze drifted downwards.

Cendra squeezed his hand harder. "The healers managed to save your leg, for now, though they've warned me that you're going to be quite sore."

Pulling aside the shroud that covered his lower body, he studied the bloodied bandage that remained tightly wrapped around his thigh. Then, with realization he leaned forwards. "Alrin! We have to-"

Cendra placed her hand on his bare chest, gently quieting him. "Calm yourself…Salduin alerted us before they could attack. The situation has, well, changed."

"Oh?" He questioned, allowing her to ease him onto his back.

"They came, as he said they would, though they didn't attack. They've set up camp outside our walls, content to watch us starve until we surrender."

"Just as we did." He said with a pained groan. "It won't risk his men in battle, only his time."

Cendra nodded. "Yet we've brought enough supplies to last us for months. We need only to keep the population in line and discover a way out."

"That simple, really?" Clin asked with more than a hint of sarcasm as he rubbed his face.

She remained silent for a long moment before finally smirking. "On a far less grim note, I have a surprise." She said, releasing his hand to get up. She stepped back, placing her hands on her feminine hips as she displayed her new outfit. "They finished it a few hours before the attack. Bad timing, I suppose…"

Clin's eyes traveled along her body, taking in every detail while attempting to keep his interest respectful. "It's…gorgeous."

With white armor plates accented with gold covering each breast, she wore a Turinis belt to match the legion soldiers. Yet where traditional Turinis belts consisted of hanging strips of leather for protection, she, like the rest of the modernized warriors of The Vaid Empire, crafted hers from thick strips of white chimira silk, resilient and flexible. From below her cleavage to her waist her skin was concealed in black chimira silk, as tight as a one-suit and revealing every detail of her athletic midriff before turning into a skirt that ended above her knees, the sides open to allow her greater flexibility. A curtain of white fabric hung from her hips, as if mimicking half of a dress prepared for combat. Her royal circlet, forearm cuffs, and the armor plating of her white boots were chimira steel coated in gold, fitting for the daughter of The God Emperor.

Though now a young woman, Clin caught a glimpse of the lingering remnants of her immaturity as she twirled, allowing him to view both sides. Despite his pain, he didn't quite manage to avoid a tingle in his loins at the sight of her beauty. "You appear ready to lead your father's armies…"

"That is the plan after all." She said, returning to his side with an expression of satisfaction.

A thought occurred to him as she sat down, and he narrowed his eyes. "How long have you stayed here…exactly? At my side?"

Her confidence slipped nearly unnoticeably as she looked down at his leg. "I haven't left since they brought you here. Is it wrong to be worried after such an injury?"

His eyes widened faintly, feeling a tug at his chest. "Why?"

She shrugged in mock unconcern. "Who's to say I can't care for you?"

Clin allowed the statement to linger for a moment, not wishing for it to disappear before he finally let out a laugh. "You know, I've been in an honest mood for the last few days. Can you…guess who I saw? When I thought I was going to die?"

The abrupt question caused her to look at him with concern, though she shook her head.

"You. I used to wonder if I'd think only of my regrets, my failings…yet all I saw was you." He explained, feeling relief easing through him despite his pain.

She got closer, studying him closely. "What did you…see? When you saw me?"

"Nothing more than your face. Yet for a moment, I was free…"

Cendra paused, before giving voice to the very thoughts she had carried for years. "You…always speak of these regrets, as if they're so awful they consume you. Can you not unburden yourself of them? With me?"

He shook his head. "One day I'll explain it all. When I'm ready. Although…" he said, choosing his words carefully. "It shouldn't be necessary to place it on you. I recall a moment…so many years ago that you were merely an infant. Briza had passed away, your mother, and I had held you in my arms. After everything that had occurred…all the loss you had already suffered…you knew nothing of it. So innocent you were, unaware of the world's horrors…I'd give anything to have that again. For both of us, oblivious to sorrow."

Cendra reached over and took his hand once more. "Is such a thing impossible? When this conquest ends, when all of Magnius is united, could we not simply live in peace? Together…perhaps?"

Clin smiled at her naivety, though it fell away. "We'd be required to relinquish our sorrow, our guilt, our…anger."

The last word caused her own smirk to lessen, already knowing what he'd say next.

"Vixin."

She eased her grip on his hand. "That's not the same, Clin. You already know that by now."

In turn he squeezed tighter, as if holding onto an already fading dream. "Please, just listen…"

"I've listened to all you've had to say about her." Cendra replied, slightly harsher than she had intended. "I've tried it your way. I've tried to forgive her…but I simply can't."

"She was as young as you, a mere infant. She held no part in your mother's death." Clin said calmly. "Blame Xenia if you must…though not her child. Not your own blood…"

"So you've said, yet it makes no difference. I've tried…I truly have, yet I cannot keep the crimes of her mother from spilling onto her. She’s a reminder, Clin." Cendra explained, unable to keep the resentment from her voice. "Yet I still fail to see why you remain so concerned."

"I simply wish to see you as free…as I felt. All this anger, this pain, if it turns to guilt…"

Cendra allowed her hand to slip from his grasp. "She holds the guilt in this."

"Please Cendra, simply listen. If you ever wake up and feel guilty blaming her for all of these years…" he began to explain, unable to keep his own guilt from rising. How long had he tortured himself for what he had done? For never earning Hesin's forgiveness? "If you begin to torment yourself… I don't believe I could endure that."

She remained silent for a long moment, unable to look at him before slowly standing. "Clin, I'm very thankful that you survived…though I should leave. Now."

"Wait…" He said, looking up as she stepped back.

"I have duties to attend to, more so now that we are under siege." She explained making her way towards the door.

He opened his mouth to respond, though nothing came forth as she departed. Alone, he remained still.

33rd of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Cendra followed the long corridor of the stronghold's upper level, stopping when she had reached her target. Roughly she pushed open the door, stepping into the large bedroom that had been assigned as her personal quarters.

With an annoyed breath she locked the door behind her, shutting out a city whose cohesion bordered on collapse. For days they had struggled to maintain control over the besieged population, constantly aware that Prince Alrin surrounded them from all sides. She could at least enjoy the irony of their predicament, for while the legion had held Deci captive before finally breaking down their gates, they now found themselves trapped inside the very walls they had wished to pierce.

She took her time in disrobing, removing her new outfit as she viewed the sight of the room. Once the home of the daughter of Deci's former Lord, or so she had been told, Cendra had made it her own. She sat upon the edge of the bed, sliding off her boots as the sun began to dip below Deci's high walls through the room's large window, just above the headboard.

Now entirely nude, she raised her hands and stretched her lithe muscles, feeling the warm air against her soft skin. As they lowered, her silver eyes were caught by an object resting upon the nearby dresser. Within an instant she recognized it as out of place, knowing it hadn't been there when she had left in the morning.

Suspicious, she stood and crossed the room, her long legs moving gracefully as she peered down at the object. Clearly made of wood it seemed to be a tiny box, its rectangular lid containing a spherical symbol crudely carved into its polished surface. Any human familiar with pre-Empire traditions could recognize it instantly, a symbol with one true meaning: forgiveness.

Cendra traced her finger over the lines, thinking back to her conversation with Clin. She had avoided him for four days, still wrestling with what he had said. She had made no attempt at concealing her anger, and though she and Vixin had learned of the symbol during their royal education, Clin would have already been familiar with it during his Nitri days.

A smile began to tug at the corners of her mouth as she followed her logic, feeling a slight flutter in her chest. Was he…apologizing for upsetting her?

Eagerness began to command her fingers as she unfastened the lid, only for her eyes to widen as she looked inside. The bottom of the box had been carved into the image of what could only be recognized as a depiction of a vagina, causing her to blush. Yet between the crudely etched lips sat a living creature, lightly squirming in response to being disturbed.

The momentary surprise settled into a smirk, and she covered her smiling lips with her fingers as she gazed down at the lewd depiction. "Is this a confession, Clin? The reveal of your more…intimate side?"

Her heart began to quicken with excitement, wondering his intentions in sending her such an image. Yet she shifted her attention to the creature, seeing it move subtly. It appeared to be a small round slug, its slimy surface a swirled mixture of pink and purple. Looking closer she realized that in her haste she had overlooked two other tiny carvings, each on opposite sides of the center image. On the left: Vibshir. The right: Caress.

Uncertain of their meaning, she lowered the hand from her lips. The slug moved once more, and with hesitation she reached down to carefully pick it up. No gift from Clin could surely harm her, yet she winced at the feeling of the slug's slick surface. She attempted to lift it, feeling several popping sensations as she pulled it from the box. It had evidently been fixed to the bottom, as tiny suckers covered its bottom half.

The suckers undulated, seeking out a place to anchor itself as she reread the carvings. Vibshir, caress. She raised her other hand, using a reluctant finger to lightly stroke the slug, feeling slightly ridiculous before the slug suddenly began to shake intensely, vibrating. The strange feeling caused her to instinctively drop it, before scrambling to catch it before it struck the floor. It quickly latched onto her palm as she caught it, suction cupping its tiny suckers onto her skin.

She shuddered at the bizarre sensation of the vibration, entirely new to her as it held onto her hand. She stopped herself from ripping it free, instead turning her head back to the box. A vibrating slug…the image of a vagina…the pieces of the gift's purpose began to fall into place.

Biting her lip, she studied the slug. Did Clin truly wish for her to use it…down there? The question coaxed a mixture of nervous excitement. The man she had dreamed of her entire life, indicating that she should…pleasure herself? A familiar heat began to rise between her legs.

She rubbed the slug once more, confirming her thoughts as it ceased its vibration. If caress controlled the creature, could Vibshir be its species? She returned to the bed, sitting down to ponder. Clin would be a fool to miss all of her signals, and she in return if she hadn't seen the clear hints of his attention. She could sense his mind each time she entered a room, feeling the subtle desire that he always seemed to push down. Was this it? The moment he finally accepted her as a woman? A potential…lover?

Her heart nearly burst at the thought, feeling her loins tingle with anticipation. Slowly, she fell back onto the sheets, picturing his face. Her free hand moved to sit lightly on her midriff, slowly caressing her soft skin as she explored her body.

There was no doubt that she could have any mate she wished. Each day she sensed the men around her, their minds craving her royal body. She ran her hand over her feminine abs. "It's all for you…Clin."

Her silver eyes gazed up at the ceiling, parting her perfectly shaped legs. The blood of The God Emperor coursed through her veins, as every inch of her was flawless. She took her time, sending tingles across her soft skin as she traced her athletic curves.

Fingers gliding over her alluring form, she felt the warmth between her legs steadily rising as she thought of the box. With such sensual contents from the man she loved, it would only be a matter of time before she would finally have him. To feel him, to taste him…

She released a breath, running a finger over her parted thighs until she grazed her womanhood. Its perfect, pink lips lay on display, her young and fertile body sexually ripe. A moan escaped from her lips as her finger slid across her clit, forcing a shudder through her lips. She wanted him now, to knock on her door and allow their loins to finally meet.

"Clin…what have you done to me?" She whispered, imagining him pinning her against the sheets.

She felt the vibshir move in her palm, its slimy surface against her skin as her other hand prodded curiously between her folds. How many nights had been spent with her hand buried between her legs, picturing her blond warrior? The prodding digit felt her building wetness, her pussy nearly begging for his cock.

Slowly she slid two fingers inside, tasting her sweet depths. Though clumsy at first, she began to pleasure her tight vagina, knowing that time would bring experience as she slowly learned to listen to her body. She knew enough for the moment, however, as she released a moan of lust.

Steadily she built her arousal, caressing each of her sensitive inner areas as she studied the vibshir. What would it feel like? Did she even dare to try?

Wishing her hand was Clin's, she parted her legs as far as possible. A Princess of House Vaid, her father's flower, she moaned like a common whore as she furiously masturbated her royal womanhood. Anyone would have wished to join in, to even witness her gorgeous young body writhe, yet only Clin remained in her mind.

Sliding her fingers in and out, she then pulled them free, focusing on her throbbing bud. With slow, light circles of her finger she massaged her clit, inciting moans that echoed quietly through the room.

She wondered what his touch would feel like, finally claiming what had always been his. Would he be gentle? Or would he use her royal body to its fullest potential?

Swirling around her clit, mere minutes passed before she required more. She sunk her fingers back into her womanhood, feeling just how tight her virgin vagina truly was.

With her mind delving into pleasure, she thought back to the carving depicting the vagina. How would he react when he finally saw the treasure between her thighs, the dream of every Vaid citizen? Better still, as she pumped her fingers in and out rhythmically, she wondered if she should have a painting made of her virgin pussy, a perfect depiction of perfection immortalized forever. Would Clin enjoy such a thing? A repayment for his strange gift?

She looked to the vibshir, studying it as she moaned. Increasing her pace, her mind thought to every possibility that such a vibrating creature could be used for.

When her body felt ready, she gave in. Pulling her fingers free she reached for her other palm, carefully pulling the vibshir slug from her skin. Then, propping herself up on her elbow, she watched as she positioned it between her parted thighs.

Taking a deep breath she calmed her nerves, unsure of how it was going to feel. She wouldn't waste a gift from Clin, yet was she truly ready?

With a gentle caution she moved it closer to her clit, finally pressing it against the sensitive bud. It latched on, forcing her to bite her lip at the odd sensation of its suckers. It held itself firmly to her clit as she watched it nervously, pausing as her anticipation built.

Then, with a light caress to its back, it began to vibrate.

Immediately she squeezed the sheets of the bed in clenched fists, opening her mouth. The feeling wasn't overly intense, yet entirely different to anything she had ever experienced. Like a tickle to her most sensitive area her hips began to quiver, before she quickly stroked it again after only a few moments.

She took a breath, her loins tingling as if remnants of the vibration continued between her legs. The sensation was so odd, so different, so…intriguing.

Though she took only a few seconds to calm herself, she felt a half-concealed smirk creep onto her face as she moved to stroke the slug once more. It reactivated, resuming its vibration.

She endured the strange feelings welling up within her, focusing instead on the pleasure as her eyes slowly began to lose focus. She allowed herself to gradually lean further back until she found herself laying down, unable to hold in a groan.

"Ooooohhhh…" Cendra moaned, her hands moving to seek out her perky young breasts. She massaged her mounds, reveling in her bliss.

Each hard nipple pressed against her palms as she rubbed herself, unable to keep her mouth closed. The intensity of the vibration was nearly enough to force her to stop, just below what she could handle.

Her hips rocked, the vibshir never slowing for an instant. She moved her right hand downwards, resting it over her belly. Her pleasure-addled mind imagined Clin sliding into her, making love to her pristine body. She wished to feel his seed deeply within her embrace, their loins locked together. A moan echoed off the stone walls, knowing that her royal womb lay just below her hand as she caressed herself. She'd carry his baby, continuing her father's legacy…

With her hips beginning to shake and quiver, she moved to clench the sheets once more as she felt herself quickly approaching her climax. Each second of the vibration brought her closer and closer, until…

Arching her athletic back, she cried out in shock as she orgasmed. Her body seized with ecstasy, yet the vibration continued to torment her clit throughout her climax. She convulsed, only able to regain control over herself after several long moments.

Without thinking she moved to stop the vibshir, only to hold back just before she could stroke its surface. Instead it continued, her hand hovering over it before giving into her pleasure and pulling away. She wasn't quite done.

Gritting her teeth, the vibration continued on throughout her post orgasm sensitivity, nearly too intense for her to carry on. Yet she slowly closed her legs, clenching her thighs shut as she focused on the pleasure. She rolled over onto her side, bringing her knees up against her chest as she shook in bliss.

Covering her mouth, she moaned loudly into her hands, squirming atop the bed. There was no other sensation similar as the slimy slug buzzed away, pleasuring her virgin prize.

Her entire body quivered as she continued to clench her legs closed, as if it would assist her in enduring the sensation. She felt the faintest hint of awareness through her senses, as if someone was attempting to touch her mind. She disregarded the feeling, solely focused on the buzzing between her thighs.

She cried out as she orgasmed a second time, striking her only minutes after her first. Her body convulsed, forcing her to roll over onto her back.

Clutching once more at the sheets, she raised her hips in consuming lust, parting her strong legs and beginning to subtly hump the air. She wanted Clin’s cock to push inside this very moment, to finally tear away her virginity and claim her as his own.

Lustful juices leaked from her tight entrance, shuttering in bliss. She had experienced rather intense masturbation sessions in the past, yet the odd vibration surpassed them all as she rocked her feminine hips.

“Fuck me…ooooohhh thank The Creator…” She moaned, attempting to keep her voice down as she was keenly aware that her father’s quarters were directly to the right of her chamber. Would he be there now, just beyond that wall while his gorgeous daughter cummed her brains out?

With her entire body seizing, she orgasmed for a third time, unable to hold in a loud cry as her pussy erupted into ecstasy. She couldn’t move, her toned muscles resisting her commands for several grueling seconds before finally allowing her to collapse into the sheets.

Quickly she reached down, frantically rubbing the vibshir until it ceased its torturous movements. Her heavy breaths came slowly, achieving her limit.

Body shaking, she lay limply, as pleasured as a princess should be. Tiny tingling remnants of her orgasm continued to burst in her loins, slowly fading.

“Clin….I Love you…” she moaned, catching her breath. With a trembling hand she reached between her parted thighs, plucking the vibshir from her clit. The miniscule sensations of each sucker separating from her surface sent a tickle through her, making her flinch.

Cendra brought the strange creature to her beautiful lips, granting it a benevolent kiss. She tasted the hint of her own juices, forcing a final moan from deep in her slender throat. She felt the familiar sense of a presence tug once more, her mind too exhausted to care.

She remained still for several minutes, basking in the glorious afterglow before a knock on her door startled her back to reality. Quickly she moved to cover herself, wrapping her alluring form in a thin shroud with tired arms. The sweet, intoxicating scent of her lust remained faint, though she could do little to conceal it from a particularly perceptive nose.

Carefully she placed the vibshir back into its box, almost lovingly, sealing it before approaching the door. The moment it opened, however, her expression dropped.

"Cendra." Vixin said casually, standing in the corridor. She took a step forward, moving her hips seductively. "I see you've settled in nicely. Father always likes to keep his 'little flowers' close it seems." She said, nodding to the next door. Her own quarters would be on the other side of his, Princesses close to their God Emperor.

"Why have you come? To bother me?" Cendra replied, pulling the shroud tighter around her naked form.

Vixin's expression softened, and she shook her head. "No, though it seems I always do. I merely wished to speak."

"Do so quickly then, I’d rather sleep." Cendra replied with annoyance.

"I understand that things have never been good between us…" Vixin said, losing the mask of her seductive confidence as her words came forth clumsily. "I just want…to attempt to repair things. If only a little."

Cendra scowled. "I've explained how I feel."

Vixin nodded. "You did. Was my…gift at least enjoyable?"

"Gift?" Cendra asked, unamused. "What gi-"

Vixin watched as realization overtook her sister.

"You?"

She nodded with a little more than a hint of satisfaction. "Of course, I’ve started a collection of my own. Quite incredible little things, aren't they?"

A sickening sensation fell into the pit of Cendra's stomach as she stepped back, thinking of the box, the lewd carvings, the vibshir…what had just occurred.

Seeing the growing concern on her face, Vixin stepped forwards with her hands opened defenselessly. "There's no need to be embarrassed…I thought you’d discern who sent it. 'Forgiveness'?"

"You…snuck into my quarters?"

With a blush of shame, Vixin couldn't help but smile. "Of course, I wished for it to be a surprise. I then sensed your pleasure and waited until you finished before disturbing you. I can teach you to conceal that, if you’d like. No need in letting everyone with our abilities know when you’re…well, cumming.” she explained, allowing herself to smile with genuine kindness. “However, I for one don’t mind at all, sensing your little sessions. We're sisters after all, there's nothing to be emb-"

"Don't say another word." Cendra commanded in a deadly tone.

"I just-"

Cendra quickly raised her finger, jamming it into Vixin's face. "I don't want to see you…for as long as I can manage. I don't want you near me. I don't want to hear your voice. I…" she quickly stepped into the room, grabbing the box before thrusting it into Vixin's stomach. "I absolutely…NEVER want your 'gifts'...do you understand?"

"Cendra…I just-" Vixin accepted the box before being cut off.

"Just keep your mouth shut. I’ve tolerated you long enough…first your mother murders mine…then her daughter humiliates me?”

With an expression of shocked pain, Vixin stepped back. “That wasn’t my intention. I just-”

“JUST STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Cendra shouted, placing her hand on the door. For a moment her anger wasn’t able to conceal her pain, the utter disappointment at learning Clin hadn’t sent the box. “Just stay away…”

Vixin remained wordless as the door was slammed shut. She eyed the details of the wood, attempting to contain herself as Dominax had taught her. Yet, as a tear dripped down her face, she allowed her emotions to burst free.

Chapter Text

50th of Fixuin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

The relative silence of the night sky beyond Dominax's open window could almost place him at ease, a quiet concealment of reality. He allowed himself to forget, if only for a moment, the vicious hoards waiting patiently beyond the city walls. They'd be eager for his judgment to slip, for the gates to open at a desperate order to send his warriors into a slaughter from all sides. There would be no escape through a direct assault.

He ignored thoughts of the population, having been beaten down thoroughly by the legion. Their savior waited just outside Deci, ready to save them from their 'tyrannical conquer'. Dominax would throw himself from Deci's walls before he allowed any of them to sabotage his plans.

"What plans?" He thought to himself, brought back to reality as he sat down. His elbows pressed against the wood of the desk, steepling his fingers in the darkness.

Word of Queen Regent Elmia's efforts to regroup her father's men had arrived days ago, yet what use was that now? The royal army of The Kingdom of Cendia had been crushed by Alrin in its prime. Beaten and bloodied without the experienced command of King Galis, what chance did they possess in breaking the siege?

A slight chill of the night ran across the room, forcing him to think of home. They had of course experienced some particularly cold nights in Vaidrin, yet The Northern Human Basin was far more temperate than he was used to. The humid rainforest had given way to colorful forests and open plains, and for a moment he felt every one of the roughly fourteen hundred miles separating Deci from Domani.

Of course, Irith was a possibility. The common citizens of Domani could be formed into a force set out to attack Alrin. They had left behind many skilled laborers and craftsmen when the highly trained legion had departed, yet such an idea fell away quickly. That was all they were, common. A citizen army simply couldn't be trained to adequately oppose Alrin.

In any real sense, they were alone.

Time was their only true ally, limited as it might be. Ample supplies had been safely sealed away inside the city before Alrin's arrival. Though it couldn't sustain the population indefinitely, Dominax merely needed to recall Dorian's words to feel a slight hint of ease, remembering the old ghost’s explanation of how he had modified their original human ancestors long ago.

"An optimized digestive tract that produces no waste and requires less sustenance."

Their supplies would persist far longer, as they needed to eat considerably less to survive than their pre-Ayphieal counterparts, whoever they may have been. Yet simply avoiding starvation would not save them from their predicament, nor would it last forever. Alrin may have to wait quite a while if he truly wished for a bloodless victory, though when the population finally became desperate, he'd have what he sought.

Dominax eyed the neatly stacked pile of message cylinders resting upon the corner of the desk, each marked with the royal seal of Kinia. As he lit a small candle with his finger, he reluctantly grabbed the nearest message with his other hand.

Unsealing the cylinder's top, he pulled free the first girthy stick from inside. He let his eyes travel over the symbols etched into the soft wood, reading its contents. No doubt it would be similar to the previous messages he had read, yet he started from the beginning.

"Dominax of House Vaid, God Emperor of The Vaid Empire, I write with respect for your full title in the hope you shall see reason. Though you continue to ignore my messages, one cannot ignore the futility of continued resistance, as-"

He discarded the stick back into the cylinder, selecting another without concern for its number.

"...my brother orders your death, along with your men. I cannot dissuade his decision, yet I can personally assure you that the women and children of your legion will return home safely. They may be warriors in your culture, your females, yet I can make the argument that they were merely the families of your men. Do not allow your pride to-"

Again, he selected a different stick, feeling his grip upon the cylinder steadily tighten.

"I wait, Lord Dominax. I wait for as long as my duty requires. Surrender, and allow my men to return to their homes."

Once more he selected, his silver eyes beginning to glow in the faint candlelight.

"Your daughters are with you. I know this. Princesses Cendra and Vixin. They shall not be harmed. On my honor I vow to spare them, to see them safely returned to your lands. You need only to sur-"

A flame emerged from his palm, licking the message stick until its surface succumbed to the heat. It roasted within his fingers, burning to outshine the candle.

Then, a moment later, he allowed its ashes to spill onto the desk.

3rd of Silla, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Cendra heard the clashing of swords and spears as she approached the barracks, hands folded behind her back like a proud imperial princess. She made her way to the rear of the squat building, finding the training grounds as dozens of legionaries sparred in grueling combat.

The voice she sought called out, shouting orders and corrections across the grounds. Yet despite his loud tone to be heard above the commotion, the voice carried the same polite and encouraging words as always. She had found Clin.

Placed in a chair to overlook the crowd from a slightly raised deck at the rear entrance, his injured leg rested upon a stool as he remained upright and alert. A clean bandage had been wrapped around the thigh of his one-suit, concealing the work the healers had done.

Slowly she ascended the short stairs, approaching him with sensual yet powerful strides. He turned to her, his eyes lighting up with surprise before issuing a quick final command to his men.

"May we speak?" She asked, attempting to appear casual as she stared off at the dueling warriors. The sunlight glinted from their white armor, as if calling to her.

"Of course…you always have a place at my side." He said, unable to keep the anticipation from his voice. He gestured to a pair of chairs near the door before removing his helmet and placing it upon his lap.

She pulled one of the chairs over to him, gracefully sitting down before facing him fully. Her silver eyes studied his face as she crossed her feminine legs, finally opening her pretty mouth. "I see they've treated you well. You look better…even if you deny yourself the rest you deserve."

He smiled, attempting to turn his body towards her before letting out a pained grunt. "Your father insists as much, yet I'll rest when we stand on solid ground free from this place. Still…the healers have done much to treat the pain. Whatever knowledge those strange women carry, they can do whatever they must if it means I'll walk again."

"And soon." She finished, reaching over to place her hand onto his forearm. "Listen…I came here today to apologize."

In response, he raised a blond eyebrow in confusion. "What could you possibly need to apologize for?"

However she had expected him to respond, she could only smile at the realization that their previous conversation hadn't shifted his opinion of her. "I behaved rather…childishly the last time we spoke. I shouldn't have left you like that, especially when you needed me. I'm sorry, Clin…"

Hearing the genuineness of her words, he simply waved his hand in dismissal. "There's no need."

"No need?" She repeated.

"Of course not." He said, placing his other hand atop hers as it rested on his arm. He then sighed, feeling her soft skin. "I believe my words still hold value, yet…I placed much of my own guilt upon your shoulders. That simply wasn't fair to you. What has occurred between you and Vixin has nothing to do with Hesin and I."

The mention of Vixin's name forced a slight blush of embarrassment to her cheeks, and for a brief moment she felt a hint of temptation to reveal the incident with the vibshir. Then, feeling the remnants of disappointment she had felt upon learning Clin hadn't been the sender of the box, she instead gravitated to the last of his words. "Hesin, then? That's who has tormented your thoughts all these years?"

Clin nodded. "He blames me for an event that occurred during our childhood, the first instant we met. I merely hoped you weren't resenting Vixin in the same manner he does me, children guilty of their mother's crimes."

Cendra pictured the door slamming in front of Vixin, hearing her sister's tears as she herself had broken down on the other side. Had she been too harsh? A flare of anger poked at her belly, and she tossed the thought aside. "Yet there is a difference. This 'crime' of Vixin's slut mother was the death of mine. Whatever you did to earn Lord Hesin's scorn, or your mother, his family wasn't slaughtered like some common animal. Xenia's assassins butchered Briza. That…is why she can't be forgiven."

His face turned pale at her words.

She calmed herself, taking a breath before continuing. "I'm…sorry, I don't want to repeat our last argument. Let us simply move forward and allow the past to fall away. Whatever this 'event' is that you speak of with Hesin, I won't force you to tell me. Not until you are truly ready." She said, before looking directly into his eyes. "I'd like to focus on the future. Our future…if you'll allow it…"

His smile slowly returned, and he reached over to cup her cheek. For the first time he felt her beautiful face beneath his fingertips, staring at him with the same hopeful face he had seen since her birth. "Perhaps I've…waited for something far too precious to bring into fruition until now. Perhaps…I'm too late, trapped by an enemy that would see us all dead."

She chuckled, feeling his touch. "All the more reason to act while we still breath. To create something worthwhile."

He studied her, taking in every detail. "I'd like that. Truly."

Unable to contain herself she bit her lip. "Then be quiet for a moment…" she said, leaning forwards. Their lips touched as she closed her eyes to enjoy every second.

Slowly they separated, gradually brought back to reality as the sound of crashing weapons continued to ring through the air.

Cendra moved to stand, causing him to grab her hand as if he were a drowning man clutching a rope. She giggled, patting it gently. "I had only a short time before I'm required to report to The God Emperor. Yet be rest assured…I will return. I won't abandon you again.”

He slowly relaxed, embarrassed by his reaction. An abundance of words remained inside his throat, wishing to come loose. Instead, he watched her turn around. His eyes traced over the curves of her hips as she walked to the steps, her stride seductive and powerful.

As he returned his attention to the training men he felt a slight relief, allowing a smile to spread across his face.

39th of Silla, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

"Show me your worth."

The God Emperor's voice echoed off the high domed ceiling as he and Vixin walked in a circle, swords pointed towards each other. Father and daughter, they eyed each other as if old foes, each step carefully calculated.

Torchlight flickered over their ready forms, illuminating the stone walls of the underground chamber. Gone were the opportunities to meditate deep in the forest, their current predicament forcing them to utilize whatever seclusion remained available. Fortunately, Lalian had discovered the optimal location for their new training ground, located directly under Deci's stronghold and accessed through the dungeons. Circular in shape, the chamber remained littered with cushions and luxurious benches, clearly utilized as the site of the former Lord's secret orgies, buried from the eyes of the population.

Appearing confident and moving with a deadly seduction, Dominax could sense her fear. She had learned to conceal her true emotions, though not quite from him it seemed.

Studying each other, there was a flash of movement as they rushed together, meeting in the center. His sword swung low, forcing her to flip forwards and meet his next strike the moment she landed on her feet. They moved faster than an average human, their physical forms driven by their powers.

She slashed downwards, caught by his blade before spinning to avoid a burst of flame hurled from his palm. The move placed her a few steps away, granting her an instant to fling a web of electricity of her own.

The blade of his sword caught the web, its tendrils sliding down its sharp surface towards the strange orb in its hilt, as if consuming her attack. His weapon arced through the air, cutting horizontally.

With a twirl of her blade she intercepted his blow, redirecting it. He allowed a slight smirk of satisfaction to show, watching her blade dance through the air. Though needlessly flashy, he had always enjoyed the more complex and elaborate movements of combat. She indulged him, spinning her sword in a figure eight before chopping upwards.

He shifted to the side, narrowly missing the sharp chimira steel as it sliced through the air, a keen reminder of his lack of armor. He wore only his one-suit and cloak, retaliating with a flurry of intricately timed attacks.

Vixin met each of his slashes with her blade, their swords clashing together each time. The ringing sounds of their duel echoed as they moved, their powers naturally enhancing their capabilities. Where Dominax had spent the first two decades of his life struggling to learn on his own, always discouraged by his adoptive mother to develop his powers, Vixin had learned quickly. Each time he trained with The Creator himself, Dominax ensured that he understood each precious piece of knowledge before passing it onto his daughter, allowing them both to progress unrestrictedly. He retained a few hidden tricks from her, of course, ensuring he remained in control.

With a wide slash of his blade she jumped forwards, flipping through the air above his head. She landed behind him, causing him to spin around and knock her weapon from her hand. Then thrusting towards her, he stopped before the pointed tip could pierce her skin.

She remained frozen, only to bow her head in defeat.

"Impressive…yet you are not quite ready to utilize your powers in such a way. You jumped without calculating how I may react when you've landed." He scolded her, turning to put several steps between them.

"Yes Master." She said, her tone undefeated as she bent over to retrieve her sword.

Where once Dominax had kept his inner compulsions during their training strictly shoved down, he found that he could no longer rein in his interest after their final forest session. He allowed his eyes to carry up her legs, settling upon her feminine rump before she straightened up and turned around.

Vixin felt the tiniest hint of emotion from his mind, a sliver of what he wasn't able to conceal entirely. She pushed it aside as she readied herself, certain she had mistaken it.

Again they clashed, hurling at each other as if they were fighting to the death. Their swords carved through the air, fast enough to be a spectacle to any ordinary human. Through the heightened instincts of their unique blood they reacted, knowing where to block and calculating when best to strike.

She released a fireball that erupted against his sword, feeling a slight thrill as their blades intercepted once more. The duel allowed her to shed her emotions, draining the frustration that had built up from her confrontation with Cendra. Hadn't she only been trying to set things right? To apologize for something she hadn't even done? She-

Her thoughts were cut off as she sensed yet another hint from her father, faintly clearer. Just as she had felt that night in the forest, was she sensing that he was…aroused? She cleared her mind, focusing on the fight. She had sensed the same feeling that night, yet was she mistaken?

Dominax watched as she moved, her flexible body cartwheeling backwards to dodge a well-timed slash. She moved gracefully, bracing herself as electricity stretched from his fingers. She absorbed the attack, rushing forwards to meet him in the center of the room.

Her skin tingled from the remnants of his power as their blades met, forcing a slight smirk to form on her face.

He sensed her excitement, feeling her eagerness as her sword twirled. Yet there was something…more, a feeling he couldn't quite describe.

Their weapons met, sliding across each other before he spun. Vixin reacted instantly, bending backwards to dodge the incoming slash. Though it lasted a mere instant he looked down, watching her athletic abs through the designed cut-out of her outfit. As if time slowed down his mind moved quickly, taking in her details before reacting to her follow up attack.

Again she felt it, a glimpse of his mind. Could he be fixated upon…her? As she thought she had sensed in the forest? The idea sent a shiver of lust through her at such a taboo thought, yet she couldn't be certain. Instead, she pushed her hidden desires down, afraid of where they'd lead.

Dominax's silver eyes began to faintly glow as he fed his power into his sword, allowing a mix of electricity and fire to crawl up the blade until it was consumed in sparking flame. She moved to block his attack, only for the electricity to carry through her own sword the moment they made contact, electrocuting her hand. With a yelp she dropped it, pausing for only a brief instant before jumping backwards, putting distance between them once more.

Quickly she outstretched her hands, gathering power before unleashing a string of lightning. He caught it once more upon his sword, its crackling surface energized as he began to step forwards.

She watched him slowly approach, feeling her excitement building before clenching her hands, ceasing her powers. Then, with a deep breath, she loosed a powerful wave of flame from her palms, outshining the torches.

It slammed against Dominax's defenses, erupting into smoke and scorching the curved wall behind him. She peered closer, preparing herself.

As the haze began to subside, she felt a tingle of fear and anticipation as two glowing silver eyes appeared through the thin smoke, only for him to burst from its depths as he charged forwards.

His display of power coaxed a hint of lust to her loins as he leapt forwards, crashing his blade down. She rolled out of the way, feeling shame at her emerging feelings. Her usual forbidden desires, plaguing her even now.

Defenseless, her body maneuvered to stay out of the path of his sword, dodging each of his slashes. He watched her lithe muscles working, feeling his own desire rise. No longer could he simply push it down, concealing his shame from even himself. His mind worked in rhythm with his hands, taking in every alluring detail as he attempted to overpower her.

Rolling free from his reach she rushed forwards, aiming towards her sword. He was quicker, however, and the moment she regained her footing she froze, feeling his extinguished blade come around a press against her throat as he stood behind her.

With her back pressed against his chest she allowed her hilt to slip from her fingers, defeated once more. She expected a lecture, breathing hard to catch her breath, yet he didn't move.

Hearing her soft breaths, he focused on the sensation of her form against his, feeling his desires spike.

She sensed his mind, as unmistakable as it had been in the forest. Yet where she had dismissed it previously to focus on her training, she now stood still, anchored in the moment. She couldn't be wrong a second time…

For several long moments he held her against him, sword against neck, until he sensed a hint of her own thoughts. Just a touch, yet he felt the clear signs of arousal from her.

Slowly, almost in a haze despite the remaining smoke collecting and dissipating against the domed ceiling, he lowered his sword. For a while she didn't move, until she hesitantly turned around to face him.

She felt it once more, a flare of interest stemming from him. The realization forced her heart to quicken, gazing into her father's eyes. Silver as her own, she reached out with her mind once more.

He felt it, a touch of desire. There could be no denying it now, their mutual emotions hanging in the air. Wordlessly they unraveled each other, a hint from her, a touch of her mind from him, as if locked in a silent conversation.

For what seemed like an eternity they stared, unmoving. Then as Dominax moved in he pressed their lips together, tossing aside any forbidden barrier that remained.

She moved herself closer against him as he placed his hands onto her waist, roughly holding her close. He tasted her scent, flaring his loins wildly. Any rational thought to pull away shattered, finally delving into a craving he had resisted for FAR too long.

Releasing a breath of satisfaction as their kiss parted for an instant, Vixin pressed back in as their lips began to duel. Every instinct pushed her to proceed, feeling entirely natural as their bodies grinded together.

Running his hands over her sides he touched her curves, feeling her shape beneath the fabric of her tight outfit. In turn she felt his muscles, her body craving him.

For a moment she forced her lips to separate from his, pressing their foreheads together as she took a heavy breath. "I've wanted this…for so long…" she whispered, as if fearful that speaking would make it disappear.

He pulled her back into a kiss, sliding his right hand upwards to caress her belly, inciting her bare skin to tingle. His left then circled to her back, placed firmly onto her rump. He felt it, flawless, the product of his own seed. The thought forced the bulge of his groin to grow, and she moaned as she felt it press against her midriff.

He didn't want to move, wishing to keep his hand upon her perfect ass forever, yet he reached to the first strap of the back of her outfit to begin undressing her.

She reached up to cup his face, her eyes closed as she focused on his familiar scent. One by one the straps were undone until only friction held the upper part of the fabric to her skin. She shrugged it from her shoulders, removing her arms from the armholes and wiggling the bottom half of the outfit from her hips. With a final tug it tumbled to the floor, revealing herself.

Slowly he pulled away from her lips, backing up a half step to gaze down upon her body. For the first time he witnessed her nude form, lovingly taking in every detail of her gorgeous body. His blood…his daughter…she remained on display for only him.

Carefully, as if about to touch a fragile gift from a God, he cupped her alluring breasts. Young and firm he held them, experiencing nothing more than absolute pride and lust at having sired such a perfect being. His thumbs moved, almost hesitantly as they lightly ran over her sensitive nipples.

Her lips parted in pleasure, sending shivers down her back at the realization that her father would be the first to touch them besides herself. She felt a wetness between her legs, desiring his touch further.

He admired her for several long moments, memorizing every detail. She then slowly crept her hands up his chest, seeking to undress him as well.

Slowly she removed his one-suit as he finally allowed his hands to leave her breasts, watching the clear arousal in her eyes. She pulled the suit downwards, moving until his manhood was finally free. He removed the suit the rest of the way as she stared, eyes locked onto his shaft. Already he had reached his full hardness, his erection hanging heavily as his loins screamed to breed.

As if frozen she finally broke from her trance, reaching down. Her fingers hovered, knowing they could never go back if she proceeded. Then, biting her lip with overwhelming desire, she gently grabbed his shaft.

She felt his girth in her palm, her virgin prize becoming wetter at the sensation. She held the very cock that had sired her, created her. She couldn't help but release a faint moan.

Dominax tensed at the feeling of his daughter's hand upon his cock, the very feeling he had denied himself for so long. His arousal couldn't increase further, his mind wild with primal lust. He gazed into her eyes as she looked to him, needing nothing more than silence to understand each other's craving.

Slowly they began to move towards one of the various cushions in the chamber, each second they delayed becoming an agony. He granted her a deep kiss before she began to lay down, clenching her thighs shut.

Now on her back with her knees raised, she watched as he knelt at her feet. She felt his hands upon her legs, gently pulling them apart as her heart raced.

Then, looking down, he finally gazed upon the perfect flower between her thighs, a pretty vagina that he had created.

He opened his mouth to speak, to let his thoughts flow, yet nothing came forth. He merely studied her, almost unbelieving what had occurred. The very taboo that had always driven him into a frenzy lay before him, his own daughter on display. For once he felt no hint of shame at his strange desires, committed to see it through. Nothing could please him more.

Nervously she placed her hands onto her chest, blushing as he took in her sight. None had ever held the privilege of looking upon her before, a royal vagina that every citizen wished to taste. She was his, as she should be.

His hand began to slide up her calf, then her inner thigh, moving in with maddening slowness. Her skin glided beneath his touch, as soft as a goddess. Each inch he crept closer quickened her heart, building her anticipation until she felt it would boil over. She wanted this, needed this. How many times had she pleasured herself, imagining this very moment with shame that nearly consumed her? Now, sensing his aroused mind as he grew closer, no hint of shame remained.

Finally reaching the precious valley between her spread legs, she let out a slight gasp as he ran his thumb over her waiting labia, so lightly she could hardly feel it. Yet the mere whispers of a feeling were all that was required to send a chill down her back.

He released a breath, touching her for the first time. Such a thing was so utterly wrong, yet his erection remained as hard as ever. He stroked her once more, feeling her wetness before carefully sliding his thumb over her clit.

Her body clenched as a burst of sensitivity struck her, then again as he slowly began to tease her. Gone was her false confidence, her seductive royal pride. Instead she was reduced to what she truly was, submissive while lying under her father's control. She moaned, her virgin body reacting to his touch.

He took in her sweet scent, knowing her perfect body was fertile, a body his seed had created. His senses were exploding, thrown into a frenzy at such a taboo situation. Hesitantly he pushed the tip of his thumb inside, feeling her tightness.

As if a man in a dream unlocking his deepest desires, he maneuvered his cock between her legs. Slowly, as if breaking every natural law, he rubbed the underside of his shaft over her wet lower lips. He groaned as their loins made contact, a touch that should never be permitted to occur.

She felt his manhood slide back and forth over her virgin labia, moving gradually. She could hardly contain herself, wanting more than anything in the world to feel more of him.

A dribble of clear liquid dripped from his tip, entirely prepared to claim what was rightfully his. Back and forth he moved, his mind driven mad by each second spent outside of her embrace. Gazing down he took in the sight of her, his beautiful daughter, a cock pressed between her legs.

Finally, unable to hold off the inevitable as his arousal threatened to overtake him, he slid his cock downwards and pressed the tip against her waiting entrance. He leaned over, holding himself above her body and supporting himself with his hands.

Through his power he sent a signal of his arousal to her mind, far more than a hint. He waited as a nervous smirk spread over her face, sensing her wordless response. He felt her…a boiling lust radiating from her core.

He reached with his right hand, cupping the side of her face. He stroked her cheek, pressing his forehead against hers and releasing a signal of pure fatherly love. She reciprocated, opening her mouth and gazing into his eyes as he began to push inside.

First an inch, then another, and another as he moved his hips forwards, sinking into her snug tunnel. Her anticipation, her utter desire had provided ample moisture, allowing him to slide inside.

A gasp of consuming satisfaction escaped him, finally entering her precious folds. He had done it…penetrating where he had always belonged and claiming her virginity. He quivered, almost unable to believe his actions.

She reached to squeeze his forearms, holding tightly as she was entered for the first time. There was a slight pain, far less than that of an ordinary human, yet its unfamiliar and new sensation forced a moan from her lips. In an instant she had become a woman, claimed by the only being she truly desired.

For several long moments he remained still, his entire reality focused on the feeling of his cock buried inside of her. He felt his daughter's walls holding him, as tight as any virgin he had bred. The sensation felt more natural than any who had come before, his instincts bursting in victory.

Slowly he began to thrust, making small incremental movements in and out as she adjusted to his size. Her own father, the very cock that had impregnated her mother, was hers.

He looked into her silver eyes, seeing his own as she gazed at him in pleasure. Witnessing the expression of bliss upon her pretty face he steadily increased his speed, making deep and loving movements.

How had he fallen to this extent, to give into his deepest taboos? How could it possibly feel so natural…so correct?

Her grip began to soften, allowing herself to relax and enjoy his cock fully. She moved her hands to her breasts, feeling their firm roundness as she held them. Her dreams had been made manifest, feeling herself stretching around his girth.

He sensed her pleasure, his balls aching at the sensation of a daughter they had created. In and out he moved, as gently as though he risked breaking a precious treasure.

She pressed her lips against his, her body craving his cock. Unable to contain herself, she slid her tongue inside, dancing against his.

He tasted her, caressing her face with his thumb. How had he sired such a perfect being, every inch of her flawless? He quickened his pace, causing a slight jiggle of her young breasts at each of his thrusts.

She moaned into his mouth, entirely beneath his control. Eyes closed, she enjoyed every second, hoping to remember her pleasure for eternity.

Their lips parted, leaving remnants of her saliva on his tongue. Nothing could please him more, his hips moving rhythmically. He focused on her tightness, how she squeezed down on every forbidden inch.

She began to circle each nipple, wondering what their people would think if they were to witness their lovemaking. The God Emperor claiming his own daughter? A Princess of House Vaid? She groaned, loving every moment deeper than she could have imagined.

Closing his eyes, Dominax sensed the spiritual line connecting their souls, father and daughter. He shivered, receiving nothing short of absolute satisfaction as his cock slid in and out.

Vixin moaned, imagining just how many women had been bred by his cock. He had claimed thousands, building skills that made her body quiver. Each thrust was calculated, knowing exactly where to hit and at what speed. Just how many brothers and sisters had his virile seed produced for her, spread across The Empire? The thought coaxed a warm sensation through her body, as if hoping he'd fill her. Was that the final barrier? The last taboo waiting to be crossed? More importantly, did they dare?

His skill was pressing her closer towards her limit, allowing him to sense her pleasure. Increasing his speed, his hips rocked against her, his cock stirring her insides. He pressed his forehead against hers, both of them lost in pleasure.

Had this been how her mother had felt? Pleasured by his cock as he impregnated her? Vixin trembled, steadily approaching an orgasm as she imagined Xenia, screaming in ecstasy as his sperm poured into her. She felt a connection to her mother, sharing the same cock that had knocked her up. Would he do the same to her?

Dominax sensed a burst of emotion from Vixin, feeling her vagina clenching as she orgasmed. Driven wild by his daughter's climax, he pressed his lips against hers and increased his speed, thrusting passionately into her.

With surprise he felt a flush of liquid around his shaft, more so than he was used to. Moving to nibble her neck in primal lust he breathed heavily, realizing that she had inherited Xenia's ability to squirt. The thought drove him wild, his thrusts gradually becoming harder and harder.

A haze of sensitivity flowed through her body, and she reached up to hold onto her father for mental support as her post-orgasm mind recovered. She felt his muscles straining, a male eager to mate. Feeling his hot breath against her neck she moaned. Looking up to the domed ceiling in complete delight as she relished each moment.

Dominax slid his free hand down, caressing her feminine curves. He had been inside thousands of lovers, yet to know that she was his? Created from his blood and soul? His hand began to tremble.

Every inch of her was at his disposal, laying submissively beneath him. She felt his fingers drag across her hip, moving to settle on her inner thigh.

Her toned body was beneath him, sexually ripe. Each of his thrusts pounded her into the cushion, their moans echoing off the curved walls. He stretched out his awareness, feeling the dozens of people going about their day inside Deci's stronghold above them, oblivious to the father wrapped in his daughter's embrace below. He cared little for what they would think, his cock wrapped in a pleasure that felt more natural than any that had come before. His own offspring, his blood, how could such a thing be wrong?

His hand slowly slid from her thigh, moving instead to slide between their warm bodies to press against her flat belly. He sensed her womb, young and very fertile. The womb that would grant him grandchildren, continuing his legacy. Pride filled his deepest depths, knowing he could hope for no better daughter to carry on his bloodline.

Moaning, he imagined the potent seed of a warrior filling her, craving to sense the moment she conceived a strong and capable grandchild of his blood. He planned to breed her with Salduin of course, yet…as his cock twitched, he wondered if he could even force himself to pull out. Perhaps…

A deep tickle of arousal flushed through him, unable to keep the thought of finishing inside her from his mind. Her gorgeous body was so alluringly fertile, allowing him to sense each of her countless ready ovum. Such a fact came as no surprise, as she was his daughter. She shared his blood, obviously inheriting his greatly enhanced fertility. To pour his seed into her…there would be no question as to the result.

She sensed a flicker of his intentions, already wrestling with the idea herself. Her own father…his seed pumping into her depths? No doubt she'd become pregnant, a possibility so wrong…so vile…so utterly right.

He sensed her feelings, communicating without words. Her body was ready to become a mother, her pussy nearly begging for the seed that had created her. Could he truly pass over such an opportunity?

Each thrust pressed his tip hard against her cervix, filling her completely. To feel his cock so dangerously close to her womb, knowing he had knocked up thousands of females, she could only moan.

His movements rocked her body, pounding in and out wildly yet remaining under the control of a steady rhythm. He felt her squirm beneath him, lost inside her mind.

For a moment she allowed herself to imagine the result of their actions, to picture herself with a round pregnant belly. The ordinary humans of the royal court would congratulate her, oblivious to the truth of her conception. She'd then place her hand upon her bump, sensing the true paternity of her baby…stemming from her father.

A cry ripped from her lips as she climaxed, her arms wrapped tightly around him to hold him close. He felt her convulse beneath him, her flawless body pinned to the cushion.

Sensing his daughter's utter pleasure he gritted his teeth, attempting desperately to keep his own climax at bay. Every ounce of him wished to continue this moment forever, to never pull his cock free from her sweet depths.

She breathed hard, attempting to recover as she allowed herself to project her thoughts through the fabric of reality, allowing him to instantly sense them.

He felt her feelings, her desire for his seed, causing him to buck his hips wildly. Every second that passed became dangerous, dragging them closer to the possibility of a forbidden pregnancy. He needed to pull out, to coat his lovely daughter in his seed rather than fill her. The risks were simply too great…

As Dominax had taught her to conceal her desires from others with their power, she did the opposite, opening herself fully.

He sensed her clear need deeper than ever before, understanding exactly what she wished without either of them uttering a single word.

He moved his hand from her belly, returning it to her face. Looking down into her eyes, he allowed his own thoughts to seep out into the open.

Silver eyes looking into silver eyes, she nodded, smirking.

Unable to hold back, he pushed his cock as deeply as possible, hilting her fully. He'd deny himself of nothing.

Entire body shaking, he felt an absolute euphoria overtake him as he climaxed, harder than he had ever experienced as his potent seed spurted into his own daughter.

She cried out, wrapping her legs around his waist as she felt her father's warmth fill her. The very seed that had sired her flooded her tight vagina, forcing an orgasm to rip through her. Every inch of her body trembled, knowing that pregnancy was all but assured.

Hardly able to move as his mind shattered with pleasure, he peered down into her eyes, seeing them roll upwards in bliss. He sensed their spiritual ties, their familial relation, knowing that no other sensation had felt as natural or instinctual.

Unable to breath, she finally released a deep groan as the intensity broke, mercifully returning her to reality as she took several long breaths. Her vagina tingled, sending bursts of pleasure tickling throughout.

His body going limp, he pressed his face to her neck as he recovered, taking in her scent. Neither made a move nor a word, simply basking in the consuming afterglow of their consanguineous sex.

Neither wished to separate, his cock buried deep as they simply enjoyed each other. He wished to remain inside indefinitely, to never allow the moment to end. Though finally, after seemingly an eternity, he allowed his manhood to slip free as he rolled off of her and onto his back.

Vixin reached down, caressing her lower lips as she reveled in the sensation of his sperm inside her. Small contractions of her well used pussy forced drips of his seed to ooze out, causing her to cup her vagina in an attempt to hold it in entirely. She wanted every last drop.

She rolled over, pressing herself against his side and laying her other hand across his powerful torso. Her leg lay across his, allowing him to reach down and lightly caress her thigh.

He placed his hand onto her head, holding her gently to his chest.

The minutes seemed to slip by, uncaring as they lay together. He ran his fingers through her silky hair, feeling its softness.

As reality began to seep back into his mind, he realized there would be no taking back what they had done. He had violated the greatest taboo, his own daughter, giving into his darker desires. Was nothing out of reach? Truly?

"I love you…father…" Vixin whispered, uttering the first words between them. She kissed his chest, resting in his arms while knowing that his sperm would be seeking out the eggs of his own offspring this very moment, desperate to impregnate his daughter. She felt his seed deep inside, a feeling more satisfying than she had ever experienced.

Dominax stared at the ceiling, his mind wandering. What would occur if any were to ever find out? He'd destroy all who attempted to harm Vixin, of course, without hesitation. Perhaps he'd have his Sages slowly introduce the tolerance of such relations to the population, slowly manipulating them into accepting it.

He allowed his concerns to fade away, pulling a strand of her black hair to his nose. He closed his eyes, smelling her pleasant aroma. Despite his anger, despite the pain Xenia had caused him, he couldn’t help but thank her for such a flawless daughter.

Of course, however, any concern of his would be meaningless if they remained unable to escape Alrin.

Looking down at her, feeling her body pressed against him, his silver eyes began to lightly glow.

He’d free them from this place.

Chapter Text

45th of Silla, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

"This might just do."

Dominax looked down from the wall to study the landscape below. At his side Lalian released a faint sigh, relieved that their seemingly endless walk had come to an abrupt end.

Far below the crenellations lay a muddy outcrop at the base of the wall, its edge dropping steeply into a shallow stream that curved around the Eastern border of Deci. The tree line hugged its banks tightly, allowing little room for Alrin's men to set up camp. Instead, The Prince had formed small groups to patrol the area every hour.

"My lord, I could be of more assistance if you'd inform me of your intentions." Lalian said nervously as a slight breeze ran over his cloak.

"Here, where our enemy may taste my words?" Dominax scowled as he walked to the other side of the wall and peered down into the cramped city. Several squat buildings had been built adjacent to the defensive structure, pressed directly against the stone surface. "If you'd like to be of some use to me, discover which of those homes possesses a cellar of any kind. Use the men to pacify any disgruntled citizens."

***

It took little time before he gained his answer, as upon returning to the area he found Lalian standing proudly beside the entrance to one of the small buildings. The apparent residents stood nearby, both a man and a young woman wearing expressions of concern and confusion as two guards flanked them on either side. Clearly bondmates, Dominax granted the pair a moment of amusement as he sensed the spiritual lines of the infant cradled in the female's arms, feeling the paternal line linked to an individual that obviously wasn't her mate.

Wondering if the man was aware of her little secret, Dominax brushed the thought aside as he came to a stop before Lalian. More important matters were at hand.

Bowing his head Lalian stepped aside and gestured towards the door. "As requested, my lord. We discovered a ladder leading into a small subterranean chamber. I've already taken the liberty of ordering their supplies to be transferred into our stockpile."

A smirk spread across his face as he gently laid his hand upon the Lanthian's shoulder. "Well done my friend, though such was not my aim."

Evidently perplexed at failing to deduce his master's wishes, Lalian raised an eyebrow. "You've commanded all citizens to relinquish their food to the legion as it may be rationed systematically. These two seemingly haven't obeyed…thus it logically-"

Dominax held up his hand to silence the green man, taking a step into the house before gesturing for him to follow. "I've never felt shame in admitting that your intelligence outrivals the best of us, yet perhaps there is something I may yet be capable of teaching even you."

Together they found the ladder, hearing its rickety wood squeak as they descended into the cold cellar. A torch had been lit in preparation by whichever guards had confiscated the supplies, its light flickering over the poorly constructed walls. The chamber was just wide enough for a family to comfortably lay down, granting the two men ample room.

"Tell me, when an animal is cornered how does it react?"

Lalian blinked at the unexpected question, pulling his cloak tighter around his short tunic in the damp chill. "It attacks, despite facing greater odds. Though desperate, one could say that any action, even when seemingly doomed to fail, holds greater odds of victory than mere inaction."

Dominax nodded. "Indeed, unless the option to forge its own escape remains. It becomes far more dangerous, cunning. In such cases where a ris becomes trapped in its burrow by a hunter…it digs."

Lalian watched him place his hands upon the crude stone bricks, assessing them. "Surely you don't intend to…"

"Oh I do, little Lanthian." He replied as he turned his head to shoot the green man a smirk. "Long have I pondered our predicament, yet the solution rests just on the other side of this wall."

"Are you aware of how long that could possibly take?" Lalian replied, his surprise at realizing his master's plan causing him to momentarily forget his nerves. "The very foundation of Deci's walls must rest directly behind those bricks. Yet even should you manage to dig through, there is no telling how long you'll need to tunnel before breaking out to the other side."

"Ah, the very doubts that were thrown at your own feet when faced with constructing The Grand Pyramid. Many thought that such a project would be impossible, that hundreds of years would pass before its completion. Yet we find ourselves far less than two decades later and we already approach the day it shall be finished." Dominax said, calmly folding his hands behind his back. "You all fail to appreciate the impact of devotion. The slaves and builders toiled away while believing their efforts were in service to a true God. The legion shall now have their turn, knowing that their failure shall mean the very death of them all. We possess no other choice."

Lalian reached up to stroke his chin in thought. "You wish to tunnel through to the other side, yet I find it implausible for a legion to escape undetected. You don't desire to…flee on your own, do you?"

Turning to face him fully, Dominax's expression hardened. "Flee? To watch the bulk of my life's work die without so much as raising my sword? No, my friend. If a tunnel can be opened to the other side, small groups of men may be spirited from the city under the cover of night. They shall remain concealed in the forest until a sizable force has been built, allowing us to attack Alrin from behind without him ever suspecting our intentions."

"That is…" Lalian began to say, his voice slightly shaking with anticipation. "...a risk. If anyone were to inform the enemy-"

"That is why Hesin shall assist you in overseeing this particular project." Dominax cut him off.

Lalian pointed to himself as his cloak fell open. "Me, master?"

"Of course, no other architect has ever been your match. Construct me this tunnel, this fleeting hope." He replied, moving forward to cup the side of Lalian's head. "This brain of yours has earned its keep tenfold. You've proven yourself to be a worthy being in my eyes, Lalian, and I call upon you once more."

A slight shiver ran down Lalian's back at the feeling of his hand, yet despite his fear he nodded firmly. "For you, my lord? It shall be done to the best of my abilities."

Satisfied, Dominax removed his hand. "Good. You may use as many of my men as you require, though there can be no delay. Hesin's Truthseekers shall keep an eye on any individual who so much as glimpses this cellar. Should anyone speak a hint of our intentions…they shall be executed on the spot."

Lalian nodded in response, unable to keep a smile from creeping onto his face. Already his mind had begun to work, conjuring and assessing new ideas. They'd need a system to remove the rubble, a schedule to maximize the efficiency of the legion workers, and reinforcing structures to stabilize the ceiling of the tunnel as they-

His thoughts were cut off as Dominax gestured towards the ladder once more, moving to ascend. Together they departed from the house, allowing Lalian to appreciate the warmth of the sun after standing in the damp confines of the cellar.

Dominax ordered the guards to remove the couple from the area, waiting until only himself and Lalian remained before pointing up to several places along the wall. "To distribute the sound of the excavation, you will need to conduct several loud repairs there, there, there, and roughly there. Should the enemy patrols hear an increase in noise from this location alone, they will focus their attention here. That cannot be allowed to occur. Instead, you will blend the sound and deflect their attention. They'll hear only our attempts to prepare the walls for a defense that will never be required."

"I understand." Lalian replied, making a mental note of the locations.

"I will also order repairs on the main gate, ensuring their attention remains mostly focused on the opposite end of the city. They will see what we want them to see, hear what they must hear. A display of desperate men scrambling to reinforce walls and gates while they lay back and wait for our surrender." Dominax said, chuckling.

Lalian watched as his silver eyes began to lightly glow with a sadistic smile.

"Alrin claimed that he has captured a beast. We shall show him our fangs when we strike from behind."

49th of Silla, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

Her training had granted her an abnormal amount of time in the dungeons of Taroi and Deci, and as she slowly walked down the long corridor buried beneath the desolate streets Vixin realized she no longer loathed their unnerving ambience. Instead, their dreary walls had become a respiratory of knowledge, bestowed upon her from both Rosila and…her father.

She touched her belly with a sly grin, feeling a hint of warmth at the thought of him. Where she had once been terrified of the guilt she may be tortured with after giving into her deepest shame, she had instead found only the most exquisite definition of satisfaction. A desire all but forbidden, quenched.

Perhaps that had been what The God Emperor had meant when he called his children 'worthy beings', individuals with the courage to seize what they craved. And crave she did, for so many tantalizing ideas ran through her head, ideas that would make any ordinary woman quiver. It seemed that Dominax's libido had truly been granted to his daughter.

With only a taste of mature pleasure she had blossomed. Her display of sensual confidence no longer felt entirely like a false mask, allowing her to walk down the corridor with a graceful stride. She truly was a Vaid.

Her hand remained upon her slim midriff as she sensed the new life forming within, feeling its presence. She was far too early into her pregnancy for anyone without her abilities to see that she was with child, yet already she could feel its soul mindlessly reaching out. Perplexed by its new creation, it straddled both the ethereal and material worlds, gradually taking form within her womb. An entirely new consciousness.

She sensed the composition of its soul, feeling both herself and her father. The thought sent a shiver of lust through her loins, utterly satisfied. Already she longed to feel him again, to attain the same physical closeness to a man she had, admittedly, feared as long as she could remember. He was difficult at times, of course, even cruel, yet when she finally felt his touch…

Vixin grinned to herself. The thought was so truly wrong, yet she had actually experienced it. What other lines could she cross? The possibilities were endless.

The torchlight flickered over her skin as she made the final turn, entering into a long corridor that would bring her to her destination. Though she would have much preferred to be marching towards a training session with The God Emperor, it was Rosila that had requested her presence this night.

The experienced Sage had taught her much during her apprenticeship, allowing her to memorize nearly every law and custom of her father's Empire. Yet with a warm breath of anticipation, a part of Vixin secretly hoped that tonight's lesson would fall more closely to the initial session with Queen Regent Elmia, rather than the more mundane duties of a Sage. In fact, she had good reason to believe it would, as her mistress had ordered her to arrive dressed in only a shroud. Obeying, the thin fabric appeared nearly translucent as it lightly fluttered behind her, flowing around her sensual form with each step.

Remembering Elmia's nude and bound body her cheeks slightly reddened. How embarrassed had she been, restrained while Rosila tormented Elmia? She could nearly taste the frustration she had felt, her arms tied high above her head. A submissive tingle trickled through her loins, feeling both aroused and angry at the thought that her mistress would subject her to such humiliating moments.

Reaching the sealed door, Vixin knocked before entering. Inside was a chamber much the same as had been in Taroi. A typical table with restraints waited in the center, no doubt used for all manner of punishment in the past. Now it simply sat empty as Rosila remained nearby.

"You're late, little princess." Rosila said as she closed a message cylinder and discarded it. "Must I wait forever?"

Vixin straightened, attempting to appear proud as she eyed the vacant interrogation table. Who would be Rosila's victim tonight? Certainly not Elmia. Perhaps a Deci citizen then?

"However, I am pleased to see you've obeyed my order." Rosila said, gesturing to the shroud. Vixin halfheartedly scowled, knowing a Vaid Princess should never receive orders from anyone but her father. Yet even then, why did it flare her lust to be commanded in such a way?

Taking slow deliberate steps Rosila approached the table, patting it theatrically when she reached it. "Tonight will be an exercise in trust, little Vixin. Come, it's your time to lay where you belong."

A chill ran down her back as she eyed her mistress. "Me? Now? I…"

Rosila calmly approached, hushing her apprentice. "Trust, remember? You shall not be treated as Elmia was tonight, as that shall come later. For now…merely follow my words." She said, cupping Vixin's chin. "Oh, and you'll need to disrobe."

Hesitantly Vixin held the shroud close to her body, feeling her cheeks redden. "Mistress, there is nothing undernea-"

"Quiet." She cut her off softly, before gesturing for her to obey. "Such are my orders. You wouldn’t want your father to know that you disobeyed me, correct?"

Feeling her chest tighten for a moment, Vixin finally relented. Releasing her grip, she allowed the fabric to slip from her shoulders and flutter to the ground. Instinctively her hand reached between her legs, concealing her most intimate area from Rosila's curious gaze.

For several long moments she assessed her apprentice, not bothering to conceal her clear interest. Her eyes ran over her smooth skin, tracing her curves before settling upon her breasts. "Good girl…it's no surprise that a daughter of The God Emperor could be so…delectable."

The complement brought a further blush to The Princess's cheeks, yet she lowered her eyes in subconscious submission.

"No defiant comment? Nor even a glare? Good, you learn quickly." She said with a chuckle before waving her hand once more to the table. "Go on, lay down. Don't delay the inevitable and you shall be rewarded little princess."

Uncertain of her meaning, Vixin took a step closer, then another. Half of her mind wished to flee, to burst through the reinforced door and hide away forever. The other half, however, despised every second she wasn't tied down…

Hopping up onto the edge of the table she felt the cool stone surface beneath her rump. Taking a final look towards the door, then to Rosila, she allowed herself to lie down onto her back.

Maneuvering herself into the center, she raised her thigh to attempt to conceal her nude womanhood as Rosila pulled her hand away, moving her arms above her head. She locked them into place, secured into cuffs built directly into the table.

Rosila paused, smirking down at her. "Quite a perfect sight. There is just something beautiful about seeing you restrained…as if being bound truly fits you. Although we're not quite finished…"

Vixin flinched as she felt Rosila's warm hands upon her thigh, knowing what was next. "Mistress, perhaps I'm not ready for such-"

"Ah, I almost forgot!" Rosila said as she briefly stepped back, reaching into a cut-out beneath the table. She removed a strip of cloth, holding it up for Vixin to see. "We can't let that mouth of yours get in the way tonight."

She watched as Rosila gagged her, feeling an intense flare of submission as she muttered softly into the gag. Could a royal truly enjoy such shameful activities? If not, wasn't that exactly what she craved? To cross into depravity as she had with her father? A moan nearly slipped from her lips.

Rosila's hand returned upon her thigh, beginning to pull at it. Encountering only a faint resistance from Vixin she moved The Princess's thigh until the treasure between her alluring legs was revealed.

Spreading her apprentice's legs further apart, she opened her mouth a miniscule amount in clear lust. "A royal prize…as flawless as I expected. Your father should be proud."

Instinctively Vixin moved to close her legs, only for her mistress to push them apart further. She gently forced them into position, strapping them tightly into the leather straps of the table at her thighs, knees, and ankles to keep them as far apart as possible. "Don't be embarrassed by his mention, little Vixin. There is much regarding your father that we shall discuss tonight. For now, however, allow me to enjoy the sight of my meal."

Vixin tested the strength of the bindings, almost releasing a whimper at just how vulnerable and helpless she felt. Her most intimate area was exposed under the gaze of her mistress, and she watched Rosila study every detail of her sweet lower lips.

Clearly aroused, Rosila couldn't help but allow her hand to sneak onto her own breast, caressing herself as she viewed her victim. "I've waited quite a while for this moment…"

Vixin's silver eyes widened as she felt Rosila's free hand lay upon her inner thigh, unable to do anything in her restraints.

"Oh yes, little one, I had promised your father to obey his orders to refrain from touching you…as torturous as it has been. Yet…we've recently spoken about a particularly interesting subject, and now…" she explained, running her fingers up her leg. "I have permission…"

A muffled gasp escaped Vixin as she clenched her thighs, feeling Rosila's fingers glide lightly over her exposed labia.

She chuckled sensually, watching her struggle in her restraints. "That's right, your father has allowed me to do whatever…I…want…" she said, caressing just above Vixin's waiting vagina.

With her fingers so tantalizingly close, Vixin could no longer contain a moan as it escaped her lips. Had her father truly allowed her mistress to touch her in such a way? Was he punishing her for what they had done? Or…rewarding her?

"Ah, how cute." Rosila teased, slowly sliding her hand down until it rested between Vixin's legs. "I suppose I should confess something. You see, I've heard an interesting rumor about this little pussy of yours…"

Feeling another woman's touch for the very first time, Vixin could hardly contain herself even as her hand remained still.

"It seems that this precious royal vagina quite enjoys rather…taboo cock."

With her eyes widening in surprise, Vixin raised her head to peer directly at her mistress.

Rosila laughed, beginning to lightly stroke her labia. Though not quite stimulating, the very fact that another woman was touching her sent trickles of excitement through Vixin. "Ah, it's true then. Don't worry your pretty little head, no one witnessed your scandalous 'training' session, as his Holiness informed me directly."

Though seemingly impossible, Vixin's surprise increased further than ever, experiencing a deep sensation of confusion with hints of betrayal. Her father had spoken of their intimacy? Should she scream? Cry? Moan?

"Oh, don't look so sad, I'm the only being that knows." Rosila said, nearly able to taste him on her lips. She had been kneeling when he had relayed every detail, a dutiful Sage to her God Emperor. "You should be happy to know how much he enjoyed you…"

Vixin quivered as Rosila's middle finger pressed gently between her lower lips, gliding without pushing fully inside.

"It appears you did as well, feeling just how wet you already are." She chuckled. “Of course his revelation served a purpose, little Vixin. He had explained his wishes for The Sages to slowly introduce the acceptance of familial sexual relations into the general population. Remember my teachings? We’ll work subtly at first, manipulating them until such ideas can be said aloud without resistance. I suspect one day your little lovemaking will be recorded in the official imperial records. 'The compassionate benevolence of The God Emperor, assisting Princess Vixin in becoming a woman'. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

Forcing herself to glare at her mistress, she could only groan with lust into her gag. Would everyone one day know of her shame? The thought caused a quiver between her legs.

Grinning with satisfaction Rosila carefully began to tease her apprentice's sensitive clit with a single finger, moving painfully slow with hardly any pressure. "How correct I was to predict what a slut you'd become. Allow me another confession. Tonight I bring no teachings, no words of knowledge for your ongoing training. I spoke the truth when I stated that we shall focus on trust, as you've trusted me to restrain you, yet tonight is simply about my indulgence…"

She removed her finger, instead placing both hands to hold Vixin's thighs as she moved in closer.

"You'll be rewarded as I've promised, yet I'm going to finally taste what's mine. After what you've done with your own father, can you truly complain?" She questioned, pressing her lips for a gentle kiss upon Vixin's soft thigh.

In reaction she squirmed, unable to do anything as she felt another kiss closer to her aching vagina.

"You may struggle, or you can simply relax and enjoy. I care little either way." Rosila said, kissing even closer.

Attempting to clench her thighs shut, Vixin felt a final kiss before Rosila moved to the other thigh, working her way back up. She seemed to drag out each moment, causing her exposed labia to tingle with excitement. Hadn't she often dreamed of a moment like this, a beautiful woman between her legs? She had been FAR too ashamed to ever act upon it, keenly aware of her own mother’s reputation with female slaves, yet wasn't that the same reluctance she had already acted upon with Dominax?

Rosila moaned against her soft skin, taking in her sweet scent. She approached, so torturously close to her goal before pulling away.

Vixin pulled at her bindings, not sure whether she should beg for her to stop or scream for her to continue.

Leaning over her she kissed her navel, granting her skin a slow lick. "How delectable it is to know of your pregnancy, even while your adorable belly remains so flat." She said, kissing it again. "Such a slutty womb…carrying the baby of your father…"

Vixin moaned, nearly desperate to feel her lips between her legs. Hadn't she vowed to claim what she craved? To never fall away from her desires out of fear? Her reluctance slowly slipped away, causing her to attempt to buck her hips in arousal.

Placing her hands on Vixin's hips Rosila slowly continued to work her way down, kissing every inch that separated her from her prize.

Almost able to taste her anticipation after such a grueling teasing, Vixin whimpered with lust into her gag as her lips finally made contact with a sensual kiss upon her labia.

Rosila moaned, savoring the taste of her juices as she ran her tongue between her folds.

Having only ever experienced another's mouth upon her most intimate areas in her fantasies, Vixin felt a wave of pleasure trickle through her. She clenched her thighs, unable to move them before relaxing.

Slowly, she dragged her tongue up her apprentice's needy lower lips, then downwards, appreciating every second. She then pulled back, teasing the Princess's throbbing clit with her finger. "It's a shame I wasn't allowed to taste you before you lost your virginity…though your daddy certainly saw to that. He described just how tight you are…did you feel yourself stretch on his cock?"

Vixin moaned loudly as she felt her tongue return, no longer bothering to conceal her pleasure. She had committed herself to crossing the boundaries she desired. No longer would she bring her reluctance forth as a shield, instead allowing her head to fall back to utterly enjoy the expert touch of her mistress.

Teasing her folds, Rosila moved with a deliberately slow sensuality, coaxing every ounce of pleasure from her subject as if they were familiar lovers. She felt Vixin subtly tremble as she moved to hold onto her thighs, using her movements to know the exact pace to ensure she remained quivering.

Vixin's mind ran wild, feeling as if she'd collapse under her touch. Rosila's ample experience at pleasuring the population had resulted in nothing short of a master, forcing Vixin's hips to subconsciously rock as her body begged for more.

Her tongue moved to focus on her clit, alternating back and forth from slow licks to a gentle sucking. She assessed every subtle twitch, knowing exactly when to back away from her sensitive bud to slide between her labia.

Within minutes of her skillful touch Vixin's woefully inexperienced pussy could no longer withstand the pleasure, forcing her entire body to seize as she orgasmed.

Rosila opened her mouth, taking in every drop of her juices as her tongue continued until Vixin was left gasping into her gag.

"You're a squirter! Oh little Vixin…you really shouldn't have allowed me to discover that." Rosila teased with a moan, rubbing her clit with her thumb.

Still recovering from her climax, Vixin squirmed as Rosila quickly resumed her work. Using two fingers to spread her open, her tongue set its full attention upon her sensitive bud.

Vixin's toes curled, moaning into her gag as she remained entirely at her mistress's mercy. She pulled at their wrist cuffs, wishing to reach down and force her head closer between her legs.

"If only I could have tasted you after he filled you…" Rosila moaned, using her fingers as her mouth momentarily pulled away. "Perhaps I'll still get that chance."

Her finger moved over her clit in a circular motion, careful to avoid over stimulating her for now.

"You're not the only woman in this chamber to be granted a holy child. I bore him a daughter many years ago, did you know? You have a sister, not quite as old as yourself. Your father claimed my womb just as he did yours…" Rosila recounted, savoring the memory. "You're quite lucky to be of his blood, for your sons shall surely breed many women…"

The thought forced a deep groan from Vixin, her loins aching as she briefly sensed the new life within her womb. Would her future children share her libido, spreading her bloodline across the continent? Her maternal instincts flared, wishing to be filled again the moment she gave birth.

Rosila leaned back in, burying her tongue into Vixin's tight entrance. Her finger continued its work, steadily building her pleasure.

Each moment drove her towards the edge once more, her body shaking with pleasure before it finally burst free. She convulsed in her restraints, pulling hard. The sensation of being bound and unable to move only drove her climax further, whimpering in submission.

Rosila moaned, greedily lapping at her soaking lower lips before pulling back. "Thank The Creator…."

Vixin struggled to recover, her pussy burning with sensitivity as she felt her mistress's fingers slow down to grant her a break. Her feminine chest heaved, taking heavy breaths through her gag.

Softly, Rosila flicked her tongue from side to side, striking Vixin's clit each time. She clenched her silver eyes shut, enduring the glorious sensation.

When she had tormented her apprentice adequately, Rosila returned to her bound thighs and began kissing them once more. Utterly devoted to The God Emperor, she couldn't help but moan at knowing his blood ran through Vixin's veins. She was pleasuring the very offspring of a God, tasting her juices and flawlessly soft skin.

"Your father and I can't wait to watch that belly of yours grow with his child. A child of divine mother and father, it can only be a miracle." Rosila said before licking up her inner thigh.

Vixin moaned, feeling satisfaction even while knowing Dominax would almost certainly force their child to be gifted to a family of the general population after its birth. There would be others of course, as she held no intention of stopping with either The God Emperor or whomever remained lucky enough for her eyes to land on. What had been unlocked within her could never be reversed, nor did she want it to be. She'd have all she craved, as was her birthright.

"This poor little pussy…" Rosila teased, watching the subtle contractions of her lower lips caused by her pleasure. "We’re nearly done, though only after you've cum twice more. I want to watch as you squirt."

Vixin readied herself, feeling her mistress's hand teasing her lower folds. Then, she moaned, arching her back as Rosila began her work.

Using two fingers from one hand to part her labia, she used the other hand to slide back and forth over her clit rapidly. Then sensation quickly overwhelmed Vixin, causing bursts of pleasure to erupt between her legs.

Laughing seductively as she rubbed back and forth, Rosila watched as Vixin fruitlessly attempted to move her hips away, unable to escape her skillful touch. Her royal legs strained, attempting to break free before she simply tried to raise her hips.

Within minutes she climaxed, allowing Rosila to lean in close with her tongue stretched outwards as if desperate to catch her juices. Vixin squirted hard, drenching her mistress's face as she struggled to withstand her orgasm.

With her third climax eventually fading, Rosila slowed for mere moments before resuming, rubbing her hand back and forth wildly.

With only her youthful exploration into masturbation, Vixin had never pleasured herself nearly as well as her mistress. Her lower lips throbbed, forcing her hips to shake.

Crying out minutes later, she once more found herself toppling over the edge of her limit, cumming uncontrollably.

Rosila buried her tongue deeply, tasting her handiwork.

"Ooooohhhh good girl…cum for me!" She taunted, allowing Vixin's juices to drip down her chin when she pulled her face away. "Prove what a little slut The God Emperor's daughter is!"

Vixin's silver eyes rolled back, her gorgeous body convulsing before finally going limp. She gasped for air, feeling tingling remnants of pleasure trickling throughout her loins.

Slowly, as if gazing down upon her prey Rosila rose to her feet. She did nothing to clean her face, as if enjoying the feeling of her royal juices.

Vixin struggled to raise her head, meeting her mistress’s eyes as she released a final deep moan.

“A perfect sight…there truly is beauty in this destructive world.” Rosila said, gently caressing Vixin’s thigh to calm her.

Breathing through her gag, Vixin gave a submissive whimper, utterly defeated by her ecstasy.

“Remember this moment, little Princess, for I shall not always remain so merciful. You’ve pleased The God Emperor sufficiently, an act that should be rewarded, yet next time…”

Vixin heard her chuckle, watching as she licked her fingers.

“Next time you’ll wonder if our imperial language consists of sufficient ways to beg.”

Chapter Text

2nd of Senin, 11 AVE.

Shai Domain, City of Shai.

Varse cleared his throat, raising the message cylinder for the Council to see. "I am pleased to announce that the situation in Kinia has stabilized. This God Emperor Dominax, along with the bulk of his imperial legion, has been encircled and besieged within the city of Deci."

"It appears King Olvir has some use after all." Representative Vilsak replied with a disinterested huff, sinking into his chair.

Representative Dasik coughed as small conversations broke out at the news, stroking his chin. "With the effort we placed in positioning him upon his throne after the, allow me to say, unexpected death of his father, one would hope his purpose would fall into anything more than simply destabilizing Kinia. In any case, where exactly is Deci?"

"One of their Northern cities, though it matters little." Representative Wis replied. "Let us grant a token of our favor to Olvir's advisor for manipulating this little victory and be done with it. He is still under our thumb, is he not?"

Varse passed the message cylinder to his right, allowing each of the twenty-eight Representatives to confirm his words. "Of course. Though truthfully, he has done little to serve our aims. This war seems to be led not by Olvir under his advisor's guidance, but rather his brother. That man can never be permitted to gain the throne, for we certainly don't need a capable ruler holding Kinia's crown at this moment of crisis."

"Crisis, my lord?" The Representative to his left asked with confusion. "Are we not witnessing the end to this human empire nonsense?"

Varse tapped his finger upon the massive table, his face stern as he addressed the entirety of the chamber. "In short, likely, though I fear our victory may be premature."

Vilsak straightened up, scowling. "Did this ruler…Dominax…not demonstrate the lie of his supposed godhood? He remained content to rule his lands for years in relative peace, only to fail after reigniting his conquest. What deity may be trapped by mere mortals?"

"Indeed, I believe none in this room shall debate that he has falsely manipulated the masses. Yet let us not forget the fact he claimed the entirety of Kinia's northern border." Ensik added, stroking his chin in thought. "I'm afraid Potentate Varse has given voice to a concern I've pondered these last few months. So eager are we to dismiss a man who formed the first human empire to ever exist…"

"Only to fall to a simple Prince." Sinshi interjected, folding his hands upon his ever-bloating stomach. "Truly Potentate, allow us to conclude this unsavory part of our history and move onto more…lucrative areas of discussion."

Varse succeeded in suppressing his disgust at the man's greed, instead rising to stand. "We would be wise to avoid another folly in feeling secure before catastrophe. Did we not look upon this 'Vaid' Empire with indifference when it first emerged, only to erupt into panic when it uprooted the very foundation of our predictions? I seem to recall Representative Sinshi in particular chastising my leadership at such a time. What did you say then, that 'steps should have been taken'?"

"These damned human writings…" Vilsak muttered as he fumbled with the message cylinder.

Sinshi frowned, folding his arms. "The circumstances were far different than they lay now…my Potentate." He replied, almost spitting out the words.

Varse stood firm, gazing down upon him from far across the ancient meeting table. "In many ways you are correct, though to ensure the security of The Domain I must be certain. Therefore, I propose we send an envoy to The Lanthian Empire and request they make an immediate maneuver to gather their warriors along their mutual border with the humans."

Vilsak opened his hands in exasperation as further loud conversations broke out. "Whatever for?! You'd request an invasion of such absurd scale when this conflict is all but settled?"

"Gentlemen hold! Allow me to explain before you wield your tongues." Varse commanded firmly as he quieted the clamorous chamber. "We currently rest upon a pivot in fate containing FAR too many variables. We know of this Dominax's tendency to defy what we believed was plausible. Stability in their southern territory? A human empire? None held the foresight to predict his effect. To be certain now that he shall be defeated is nothing short of foolish."

"And if so?" Representative Dasik asked calmly as the Dril to his right rubbed his forehead. "If this human truly is defeated?"

Varse held out his hands. "No further action shall be required. I do not request an 'invasion', but rather the preparation for one should we learn of his survival. The Lanthians need only to gather until we are able to assess the situation further. If this human escapes Deci alive, they must be required to march into The Empire's heartland and seize his core of influence."

Sinshi sighed, letting out a chuckle. "It seems our Potentate would see us spend every ounce of political influence we've built within The Lanthian Empire's leadership on…a hunch. Centuries of manipulation, undone on the off chance this human escapes his doom. A bit dramatic, wouldn't you say?"

"I don't find our potential annihilation to be humorous." Varse replied with eyes as cold as the blizzard raging beyond The Citadel's walls. “For too long I’ve considered this man nothing more than a distraction, a deceiver playing with power. With his reignition of his conquests, I see now that I may be mistaken, for what shall stop him from marching upon us a day in the distant future? What of his descendants, should they continue his momentum? Such a possibility MUST be stopped here, at this singularity in time.”

Ensik cleared his throat. "I happen to agree with The Potentate. This Dominax has escaped our every attempt to undo him thus far. Would an assurance of an end to our greatest threat truly be unwarranted?"

"Greatest threat? Hold your wits about you Ensik, for they seem to be fleeting in your old age." Representative Xinsi replied. "The Taziks hold an empire FAR greater than the humans, yet we've successfully pacified them on numerous occasions. Our eyes fall to much greater matters than human squabbles."

"Yet observe their progress." Varse corrected. "Gaze upon just how much they've taken, absorbed into their ever-growing empire in a matter of years while we've prevented The Taziks from conquering Tarahir for decades. That is their threat. That is our failure, laid before us."

"Then you'd have The Lanthians gather a force the size they haven't seen in centuries?" Vilsak asked. "How could their Grand Miarch sell such a thing to their masses without exposing our manipulations? You'd reveal our hand and see it severed."

Varse nodded in contemplation though remained firm. "I've considered such risks myself, and I believe I've found a solution buried in The Citadel's Vault of History. Numerous records depict occasions where The Lanthian's have ventured from their jungle for greater purposes, not so unlike our own. Though the need for them to raise armies is rare following their unification, they've marched against The Kingdom of Wonakaros's southeastern border when their lands have been threatened by raiders."

"Yet the humans have never so much as entered their lands. Such an excuse shall fall away foolishly." Sinshi replied with a subtle grin.

Varse's face hardened further, though he continued. "You fail to see the possibilities, as The Lanthians may claim to be acting preemptively, threatened as they are by such an aggressive realm upon their border. Is that not our own aim, to take action before they are capable of threatening us? The greatest lies are those who hold a hint of truth."

"And if this potential invasion is indeed necessary?" Xinsi questioned. "Will The Lanthians not undo our carefully perfected balance of power? Would we not create a greater threat, allowing them to take The Southern Human Basin?"

"Yet therein lies the art." Varse replied, almost allowing himself to grin. He had certainly come prepared. "Much like our own people, The Lanthians exhibit no desire to hold land outside of their natural environment. To rule anywhere but their treetop cities would become burdensome, particularly when attempting to inflict their will upon unruly humans. Our own records demonstrate that even when taking Arkos lands, they merely dismantle the threat to their borders before pulling back into their jungle. They'll take the human lands, breaking apart whatever unity has been formed by the effects of The Vaid Empire before abandoning whatever they’ve seized. Is such an outcome not exactly our vision? To return them to the squabbling and manageable Chiefdoms they were before this Dominax?"

The Council broke into conversation, appearing much more controlled than their previous outbursts. Their words came to an end only a short while later, as Sinshi rose from his chair.

"Gentlemen, while you discuss the efficacy of such plans, allow me to remind you of this fact: a maneuver of this proportion may not be required at all. King Olvir holds Dominax, only needing to finish him off the moment this 'Deci' city surrenders. Is the cost of such unnecessary preparations truly in our people's best interest? While we've placed the current Grand Miarch upon the throne of The Lanthian Empire, there is no doubt she'll require far greater compensation at a request of this magnitude."

Varse gritted his teeth at hearing the fat Dril mention the good of their people. He watched as small hints of agreement began to seep from The Council, their origins surprising no one as each began from Representatives under Sinshi's favor.

"As our Potentate previously stated, you claimed that steps should have been taken. Is that not what he has laid at our feet, steps to dismantle this threat permanently? What changed?" Ensik asked with a hint of suspicion.

Sinshi grinned harmlessly. "Good Ensik, a Representative must be adaptive when faced with new information. If our agents are correct in reporting that this human ruler is encircled, is it not our responsibility to avoid excessive and likely wasteful uses of our resources?" He asked, then slightly lowered his voice as he continued. "One would think you'd learn that by now."

The Council fell into individual debates, causing Varse to hold up his hands after a sufficient time. "It comes to a vote then. Those who wish to leverage The Lanthians, place your right hand upon the table. Those who oppose, your left."

Slowly their hands began to fall, allowing Varse's heart to sink. Though Ensik and a handful of others placed their right, the left took the majority. Sinshi appeared pleased, glancing at his companions. His left hand appeared to be more gold than flesh, his many rings tight around his plump fingers.

Within moments, the possibility to conclusively end the greatest threat to their people was dashed, shattering like ice. Varse could now only hope that this Prince, this 'Alrin', was capable of dealing with a man who had escaped death at every turn.

"See what you've left me, Tsida." Varse thought with sorrow as he sank into his seat. "What I've brought upon us."

8th of Senin, 11 AVE.

Kingdom of Kinia, Deci.

"Finally." Dominax whispered to himself as the last of his commanders departed from the chamber. For too long he had sat upon the former Lord's throne, listening to their recounting of the previous night. A flare in citizen resistance here, a theft of the stockpile there, it could all become tiresome to a lesser ruler. Yet on the third hour of issuing commands, even The God Emperor himself was relieved when the main doors were sealed.

Of course, the previous nights hadn't been much calmer. Alrin had begun to make small pushes against their defenses, targeting the weaker sections of the walls and main gate. He seemed to know just when to pull back, applying enough pressure to the besieged legion and population without risking many of his men.

Dominax allowed his eyes to settle upon the chamber as he eased his mind, viewing a throne room that appeared more like a barracks than an auditorium fit for a ruler. Neat rows of armor and weapons lay ready, available to his men upon Alrin's strikes. For a moment he brushed aside their dire situation, running his fingers through Vixin's soft hair as she remained seated upon a pillow just in front of the throne.

A deep warmth ignited in his loins as she turned her head to meet his gaze, watching her beautiful lips curl into a smirk. It would be a lie to claim her presence at his side hadn't aided his sanity during such trying times, as he had kept her very close.

Shutting her silver eyes, he sensed a wordless feeling of daughterly love seep from her mind, followed by a hint of arousal. Their wordless communication causes him to glance at the guards lining the walls, chuckling at their mutual secret.

Almost as though in direct defiance of the newfound calm to the room, the main doors creaked open once more to allow a single guard to enter. She hurriedly crossed the room to bow at his feet, awaiting his order to stand.

Though a hint of irritation swept across his face, he realized he hadn't quite ordered his guards to allow no further interruptions. Instead, he reached down, caressing her cheek. "You may speak."

Obediently she rose to her feet, her cheeks already blushed by his touch. "Your holiness, there is a citizen waiting outside to meet with you. I…understand that you are keeping the number of audiences from the population to an absolute minimum, though-"

"Have you informed this individual as such?" Dominax interjected firmly, returning to idly stroke Vixin's black hair like some well-kept pet.

"Indeed, your holiness. However, I've listened to her story myself, and I believe you'll find her to be quite intriguing." She explained, allowing a slight grin to form.

Dominax opened his mind, sensing the guard's feelings. Certainly, she'd know a plea for charity would do little to interest him. Perhaps the woman offered information relevant to the siege or their defenses? No, the guard's emotions felt far from strategy. Instead, he sensed…there. "Ah…so another comes to volunteer herself. She must surely be aware that I have no shortage of lovers to warm my bed."

Vixin watched the conversation carefully, not daring to interrupt.

Though blushing deeper now, the visible pride on the guard's face increased as she straightened up. "Of course, your holiness, I'm aware that it is our duty to bring only the highest quality of volunteers to your attention. I believe this woman shall meet your qualifications."

Considering her words for only a moment, Dominax waved his hand. "Very well, bring her in. If what you say is true, you know the reward for your service."

The guard nodded firmly, unable to keep the excitement from her face as she marched towards the entrance. She returned, followed by a young woman dressed in a green cloak.

"Approach." He commanded, leaning forward in his throne.

The woman carefully removed her hood, revealing a young and beautiful face. Long strands of wavy black hair toppled over her shoulders, becoming dark brown near the tips. She met his eyes with her own, brimming with ambition before gracefully bowing her head in respect.

Intrigued, Dominax gestured to the female guard. "Our friend here says you've come to make yourself useful to your new ruler. Do you require a translator?"

"No, my lord." The woman replied, her words heavily accented as to almost be difficult to understand. The elegance of her voice reminded him of Irith's own accent, with a hint of variation to indicate their differing homelands.

"Good, then proceed. Speak your intentions and we shall see if I indulge."

The young woman glanced to Vixin, evidently hesitant. "May we be permitted to speak alone, my lord?"

His smirk lessened nearly imperceptibly. "You stand before Princess Vixin of House Vaid. Whatever you wish to request of me may be spoken in my daughter's presence. Now, go on."

"Of course, my lord." She said in an attempt to conceal her reluctance. "I do not mean to show disrespect, though the proposition I bring is quite personal."

Already weary after such a long day, only the beauty of her face and hint of her curves beneath her cloak prevented him from dismissing her outright. "Though I am unfamiliar with many of Kinia's customs, I can assure you that my own culture carries no embarrassment for such discussions, particularly around family. Daughters know their fathers breed, as is natural. That is your purpose in seeking my attention, is it not?"

Vixin concealed a flare of arousal at his words. Of course fathers openly discussed their women around their daughters, yet to commit an act such as they had done? To sense the developing fetus within her? She was almost forced to bite her lip to stifle a moan.

The young woman nodded. "Yes, I offer my womb to the service of your…how do you say…'divine blood', though I make a request in return. There are many who see your occupation of our city as a curse, yet I see an opportunity. I wish to reclaim what has been taken from me."

"Oh?" Dominax questioned as he grinned at her ambition.

"Before you ever set your eyes upon Deci, my bondmate was a skilled trader, exchanging goods as far away as your own borders. He held enough foresight to mentor me in your language, though he remained foolish elsewhere. Politics…my lord." The woman explained, biting her lip in clear frustration. "He was able to make himself quite wealthy. Yet when the former Lord of Deci requested a night with me…my fool bondmate refused. Our home, our wealth, all were stripped away one after one within the year."

Vixin studied the woman carefully. "You may take solace in the knowledge that such corruption has been cleansed from Desi, your former lord resting headless in a pit."

She shook her head. "Revenge was not what I desired, for he merely wished to gain pleasure from his power. All beings seek to do the same, yet he offered my bondmate a position as his advisor for a taste of my body. A fair trade, and one the fool should have taken."

Intrigued, Dominax leaned forwards. "And what has become of this…bondmate of yours? Does he know you've come to offer yourself to me?"

A tiny grin formed on her lips. "Of course not, though he'll never need to. The trade I bring shall benefit us both, for if I give myself to you, I ask that you grant me what we've lost. Uplift me from our squalor, return our wealth and I shall gladly take your seed this night and birth your bloodline into our home."