Peace In Our Time

[EroticLiteracy]

Leviathan

23rd solstice

Year 2455 of our empires reign

The massive ship moved through the galaxy its two titan turbines burning as it pushed the massive ship forward. The leviathan the capital city ship of the Empire of humanity was a vast golden city that excluded wealth and power. Most of the city sat on top of the giant starship protected by a giant energy dome that shimmered ever so slightly. The bottom was the spaceship itself including the engines and sleeping quarters for its crew. The leviathan itself boasted an impressive array of armaments everything from plasma canons to conventional and unconventional weaponry. It needed no protecting but the Third Fleet guarded it all the same ready to lay their lives down at a moment’s notice for the emperor.

In the center of the city sat the Cathedral a massive structure of gold and stained glass. It dripped grandeur and power with its arching columns and twisting spires. At the top sat a massive stone bell that rang out as a cloaked fire hit it over and over again with an ornate stone hammer. People flocked to the entrance each one more impossibly beautiful than the last. The men and women of the Empire were as perfect genetically modified with high cheekbones and bodies sculpted out or marble. Even the children were perfect! Every once in a while someone would pass with some striking genetic modification. Bright jewels of eyes or shocking colored hair.

They all poured into the church passing through the big double doors that marked the entrance. Priest stood at the entrance genetically engineered to look old and wise even if they were young. They ushered them in handing out pamphlets to anyone who would take them. The pamphlets were sheer white with purple lettering in raised ink.

“The crowning of our Emperor the Grand Riordan Callus 24th of his name and not the last”

………………………………………………………………………….

“Sire”

He starred at his reflection in the mirror taking in the sharp pointed chin, perfect cheekbones, and muscular neck. He was so close to being perfect genetically and would be if it weren’t for the Blue and brown orbs that made his eyes. It was such a simple defect a mutation called Heterochromia.

It would have killed him if he had been born to anyone else.

“Why did you take pity on my father” Riordan murmured reaching out and touching the reflection of his eyes with the pads of his finger. He idly wondered if he should have asked the man.

Before he killed him.

“Uh sire?”

Riordan turned taking in his page Emilio. The young man wrung his hands nervously his perfect symmetrical blue eyes taunting Riordan. Those eyes were tinged with concern for his Emperor but they only made Riordan angry. He felt his large hand clench by his side and forced himself to take a deep breath to calm down. It was during these times he reminded himself that his weakness was now a strength. Those mismatched eyes were what kept him going a tool he forged in the fire of his own pain and dedication.

“I’m sorry Emilio” Riordan said his hand uncurling as he moved over to place a friendly hand on the man’s shoulder “is it time?”

“It is” Emilio said shivering at the Emperors touch “The honor guard has been assembled as well as the people”

“Well then it seems I’m late for the party” Riordan said going back over to the wardrobe and pulling the long golden cape out. He tied it around his neck and turned admiring the way the gold contrasted with the purple of his suit. The suit was the last gift from his father given on his death bed when he exchanges the purple of ruling with the white suit of the dead. He would wear that suit for the rest of his life kept pristine in the halls where the rest of Riordan’s dead ancestors laid.

“Shall we?” Riordan asked moving over to Emilio and moving in front of him. The young page nodded gathering the cloak of the emperor and holding it up. They moved together joining a procession of royal guards in blood red uniforms and shiny golden helmets. Ordained pistols hung from their belts deadly and beautiful and glittering in the light. They said nothing to him their heads bowed down in respect and reverence.

They moved down a hallway rimmed with golden statues and to a purple door. The door cycled with a beep and they were met with a roaring applause that shook the stained glass. The doors led into the cathedral and the ringed pulpits where his society sat. They were all standing all shouting out in pleasure for him as they applauded.

They were all a bunch of two faced idiots.

Riordan wasn’t stupid. He knew that the things they spoke about him behind his back. He was a mutant a mutt who would have been put down like a common dog if he was born to anyone else. He and he alone got himself to this moment. They would watch him like rabid dogs ready to pounce on the first sign of weakness.
Boy were they in for a show.

He played the part having learned from his father the art of “liking” people. He stepped in and raised his hands waving at them as he affixed a pretend smile on his face. He moved towards the center podium where the priest waited with the crown and continued to smile and wave. He idly thought that with a few more appearance he would be an expert.

He reached the central platform and kneeled. The immortal priest the one who saw his father and forefathers before him to the throne moved in front of him. The book of the ages was brought before him the last book that existed. It’s dusty tome held the original laws of the colony the one that his ancestors took with them to the stars.

“We have gathered here today to see the crowning of Riordan Callus 24th of his name and true heir to the throne” The Immortal priest called out his voice echoing through the grand cathedral. He reached out placing a heavily jeweled hand on Riordan’s forehead. He closed his eyes and brought down the book waiting for Riordan to put his hand on it before continuing.

“Do you Riordan 24th of your name. Killer of your father! Taker of the throne! The breaker of men! Promise to hold your position with the utmost respect to the laws set forth by our ancestors” The immortal priest asked keeping his eyes closed.
“I do” Riordan said his voice strong and clear.

“Do you swear to uphold the sanctity of this Empire? To further our reach and the good of the Leviathan?” The immortal priest asked his voice ringing out.
“I swear it” Riordan shouted

“Then by the power given to me by our ancestors and the empire I pronounce you Emperor” The immortal priest shouted opening his eyes and as the bells rang above “Rise Riordan Callus 24th of your name and Emperor of the Leviathan fleet!”
He rose pushing his first into the air as the crowds cheered. A secondary priest stepped forward pushing a golden crown with purple jewels over his head. The cape was untied and it fell off his body showing off as he waited for the applause to die down.

“My people!” He shouted grinning as they cheered in response “I am your Emperor! My word and rulings are law!”

They cheered in response applauding over and over again. He let the applause ring out for a while before he finally rose a hand to quite them. Once they were done he spoke once more.

“My first act as Emperor is to bring to an end a black mark on our history” Riordan shouted making sure he had everyone’s attention captured “As I speak we are headed to a set of coordinates in neutral space. At these coordinates will be a delegation of our sworn enemies! There princess will be waiting for us and I will MARRY her!”

No one spoke pure shock filling the room. He didn’t give them a chance to act instead turning on his heel and moving back into the tunnels. The door shut behind him sealing him away from his people and leaving them to contemplate his words. Emilio was waiting for him his eyes wide with shock as he held the imperial cloak.

“Are we still on course?” Riordan asked raising an eyebrow.

“Yes sire” Emilio said his voice nervous.

“Good” Riordan said moving down the halls “I will be in my suite please come get me when we get there”

And with that the empire left contemplating his plan.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

"You can't." He growled, his eyes the darkest shade of orange I've ever seen them, the angered glow saying more than just his tone.

I stood before the man I had planned on sharing my life with, He was pure fire with his almost too dark red hair, amber tan skin and flaming eyes and just the sight of him darkened my glacier pale eyes to a deep sea blue. "I-" That's as far as I got before Killian crossed the room in two furied steps, gathering me in his arms and crushing me to his body. For a Rā`Męhyït he was tall and my 5'2 frame was tucked under his, fitted below his chin with my face pressed against his chest listening to the low dangerous rumble of a repressed growl.

He took a deep breath, breathing in my scent, the growling ceasing for a moment. "Tyti..."

There was so much emotions in that one word, my name that I almost caved. Killian hadn't always been the love of my life, I had hated him at first, fought him and the order that he was to be my Protector. I was only nine and already was a handful, running away and training with the soldiers, ignoring my tutors and duties. As the second daughter it didn't fall on me to rule, a luxury that I neither wanted and teased my sister about. She was perfect, willowy and delicate, smart and compassionate with the proper understanding of what it meant to one day be Queen.

"Killian..." His name was colored with just as much that hadn't been said, that couldn't be said.

The trembling tension his in body broke and I smiled lifting my head waiting for his lips and his hand. Those hand which fisted in my hair, undoing the coils, braids carefully strung strands of softly glowing lunar diamonds and sparkling nova goldstones. The soft tinkling of the precious gem stones playing musically over the stone floor, a symphony mixed with the sighs and quickened breaths as another hand rough and demanding moved to the small of my back pulling me even tighter to him.

I expected his mouth to be hard and needy but his lips were soft. "Please." He whispered against my lips, kisses raining over my mouth, cheeks, chin, every part of my face until his head bowed in what I knew was defeat. Killian's forehead resting against mine.

Tears pricked behind my eyes that I refused to let fall. Many things had changed in the last months, the last week and I could see the strain it was taking on Killian. I reached up and cupped his face, my fingers framing his jawline from just below his ears down to his neckline. I didn't need to tell him that I must, he knew that. Nor did I voice my heartache at the choice that I had to make, it was known. Instead I looked up into his eyes knowing that I had to resist, that as much as I wanted to, I had to do what was right. My sister had forged a fair and equal treaty, abandoning it for my own heart's wants would mean more death. I was a warrior, had served and been a part of those death dealings and I was tired of it. If that was a way to end it all...

My lips met Killian's releasing all that I had to let go, all that couldn't be said. This was my goodbye, once I was married... A single tear ran down my face and I buried my hands in his long silk hair, unraveling his tie. Killian wouldn't stay, he hadn't said as much but I had seen it on his face. He would stay if she asked but she couldn't watch his heart break day after day and it was customary for the newlyweds to go without their Protectors so they could learn to become each other's Protectors. Normally a Protectory would return to service as a Ward, captain of Guard but it wasn't always as it happened.

Moving his hands from my hair and back, Killian placed them at my hips and lifted me up, I wrapped my legs around him as he tightened his hold on me. Our kiss deepened and his hand skimmed over my hips up my sides to my back. Fingers teasing the top seam of the pearly white satin corset bodysuit. It was the only thing I was wearing, I was in the middle of getting ready when he stormed in and ordered my attendants out. The corset was a near match to my skin, ivory while with a subtle shimmer in the material when the light hit it, it was meant to blend in, to give the illusion that I was naked under the gauzy, netted dress.

I arched against him, pressing my hips into his, purring at the hardened length I felt.

Killian growled for me, this time sending a shiver down my spine to settle at my heated core. "Don't." He ordered, his voice constricted and gruff.

"I don't like orders." I teased repeating the motion, this time adding a purposefully grind to the movement of my hips.

Teeth raked the sensitive skin of my neck, his strength making his steps to the wall unnoticeable until I was trapped between the hardened cool metal and his hard hot body. "I said dont." He repeated his eye dancing, promising and challenging.

It was a challenge I had yet to take, a challenge I had dreamed of late at night and a challenge I knew I would never meet. Not any more.

The thought was sobering and I frowned, my legs loosening their hold as my hands released the hold they had in his hair. "Celestial Protector." This title shattered the reminder of the mood and Killian physically flinched at the sound of it.

His body rebelled, gripping me until I felt his fingers dig into my hips tight enough there would be bruises for the next few hours. "My..." His voice cracked and he took a deep breath pulling back from me, it broke my heart and I almost begged him to come back to me, but I didn't. My body slid back to the ground as Killian untangled himself from me. I watched his eyes cool back to their autumn leaf orange, the glow fading as he reconstructed the wall between us. "My Queen." His voice,void of an emotions was another cut straight to my heart. He reached out to me, thought better of it, balled his hand into a clenched fist and spun on his heel and left.

I wasn't as trained as he was in my emotions and fought my heart, emotions and eyes to return to their almost colorless icy blue. The glow of our eyes came at moments of intense emotions, passion, anger, sadness and pain. The reflection in the mirror was a mess, perfectly styled hair was pulled from carefully looped tendrils, strands of empty of stones hung limp against the shiny smokey lavender of my hair and odd bits and pieces stuck out at random spots. Mistress Leona wasn't going to be happy.

My reflection still wasn't right. I expected to see my sister. We looked nothing alike, she stood a good number of inches taller then me and her skin was more porcelain with a more noticeable shimmer to it's tone. Were my eyes were cold in their coloring, she had eyes of pure sunlight, golden and warm that melted and glowed like the sun itself. Imi's hair was similar in Killian's as it was a color so dark it was almost black but where Killian's was red, Imi's was a deep purple that curled just below her shoulders. I had always been jealous of her bouncing curls, hating the way my thick pin straight hair just hung there. I had taken to keeping it as long as I could because Imi had a habit of playing with my hair when she was stressed and the longer it was the longer Imi would stay combing her fingers through it.

I missed my sister terribly. Between her death, murder, my crowning and the marriage peace treaty I had no personal time to involve myself in Imi's case. I had to deal with second hand knowledge all the while feeling useless and guilty. If that had been me shot down, Imi wouldn't have slept until she had my killers caged and awaiting trial. I was a the worse kind of person yet there was nothing I could do, at least for the moment. For the moment, I reminded myself, I would have to play my part before jetting off in search of justice and vengeance.

"Ɱa’åŤytiἿxƧiᵵatïϮiᶆuṉ!"

The shrill dead tone of the older lady with while silvered hair made me cringe. "Mistress-"

"Don't Mistress me, my Queen you maybe but I will not have you ruining my time with redoing this and that." Leona lectured me waving her hands about before shoving me not to gently into the chair again. "And if you make me have the armor versus dress conversation again I swear I will pull not only my hair out but yours as well."

"Threatening the Royal Persons is a punishable offence." I childed the much older lady. It earned me a sharp yank of my hair she was rebraiding adding more stones as she went along. She was my Nan before she my Mistress of my Ladies and she didn't fear me. It was hard to fear someone you help wipe their runny nose and bandage up she skinned knees. Deep down I knew she loved me like her own, just as I loved her and it was that love of her that let her get away with so much, it wasn't because I was a little scare of her.

I had to give it to Mistress Leona, the end result was magical. My hair had been worked; twisted, braided, pulled, plaited and swept up and bound with a delicate netted crown allowing chosen tendrils to curl from the net to give the overall look a softer more casual sense to it even it all it's fancy embellishments. My makeup she kept light, a line of kohl around my eyes, a touch of shadow on my lids in a creamy golden hue, gel on my lashed to make them even longer and thicker and a shine of gloss on my lips. I was never one who wore makeup and hated to admit that the light touch was something I would attempt to learn, maybe.

That was all I could give to Leona because everything else felt like a certain kind of hell. The corset had been tightened to the point where breathing was problematic, women who couldn't breath couldn't run away. It was another comment that earned me a sharp look. My breasts on the other hand looked marvelous, pushed together and up it gave the illusion that there was more then the handful that I knew I had. The dress itself clasped at the neck, fitted like a second skin over the corset to my hips then fell away like a frozen silvery waterfall.

I felt like a cake.

Intricate thick hand sewn gold filigree decorated over the silken gauzy second skin like icing on a cake. The rest of the dress draped like a glittering winter day, frozen dew catching the fight light of day and reflecting it back in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. The front of the dress skimmed the floor at the perfect length where it didn't present a tripping hazard even in the crystallized high heels that I was being forced to wear. The back of the dress was just as ornate but trailed behind me with a swooped train a few feet long. The dress would have weighed a ton if it had all been topped with the filigree but it was countered by the light and breezy material, thin enough that it danced with the slightest of breezes and teased at the shape under it's layer.

I sighed once more at my reflection before straightening my shoulders and lifting my chin. It was my attempt to look more regal and I didn't know if it worked or not, I was still in the practice stage of becoming Queen, I wasn't supposed to be Queen. I knew there wasn't anymore time to spare, I had a meeting to keep and it determined the fate of my people's lives and wellbeing. Still I lingered at the full length mirror frozen to the spot.

A sharp series of knocks at the door didn't even phase me from my rooted spot. "My Queen."

The Royal Cruiser ship ,Reborn Sun, was docked in one of the private port upon the massive floating city Leviathan. It had been agreed upon that they would been in neutral space and finalize the union before delegates from both their sides. It was meant to be a grand affair and I should have been nervous, normal people would have been nervous. Instead I was annoyed, I wanted back to the olden days that were filled with pilot suits and armor, commanding my own ship and feeling comfortable in my role.

Another sigh and I fix an overly false smile on my face. "Coming." I sing sang trying to the image what my sister would, how she would act and tried to be her, a true Queen.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“Oh yes! Right there! Right there Sire!”

Riordan grunted sweat running down his body in mini rivers as the slave girl rode his cock like a banshee. His hard throbbing member pierced her thickening as he fought to stay off the edge. The fires all around them crackled and if he looked past the busty slave girl he would see a ceiling filled with stars that reflected the Leviathans current path. His hands ran over her body rubbing her sweat in as he touched her breast tummy and settled on her ass. He gave the pert flash a slap that sounded out across the room.

“Harder woman” Riordan growled his eyes narrowing as he watched her. She obliged planting her feet firmly into bed as she rapidly rose up and down on his hard throbbing steel. His balls tightened and response and he closed his eyes his hands moving to the post on his bed as he gripped them and struggled to hold om.

“Sire!”

Riordan growled noting the voice was new and male. He opened one eye and saw Emilio hovering at the entrance to his chambers. The slave girl was of course still going bucking and writhing on him as she tried to perform her duties.
“Go away Emilio” Riordan said not bothering to be pleasant.

“I would but we are here sire” Emilio said clearing his throat “And so is the Queen”
“Bah” Riordan murmured growling in frustration. With a buck of his hips he joined her moving fast and pushing himself to the edge. In a matter of seconds he did tipping over as his cock swelled inside of her. He burst dousing her insides with his thick virile cum before he finally collapsed on the bed.

“You did good” He said watching her hobble to her feet “I will make sure to place you in my staff”

“Thank you sire” The woman said blushing as she limped over to her clothing. She pulled on the golden purple metal bikini and then left the chambers without another word or glance at the two. Riordan noted Emilio watching as she left seemingly with an expression of disinterest.

Interesting

“Have they docked?” Riordan asked moving off of the bed and to his wardrobe.
“They have” Emilio said as Riordan dressed in a royal purple suit with a gold tie “I had the ship dock at the forward airlock”

“And did you see the Queen?” He asked turning to Emilio and fastening his purple cloak. His tone was curious, more curious than he supposed it should be.
“I didn’t” Emilio said “But she is waiting for you in the forward foyer”

“Thank you” Riordan said brushing past the man and smiling as he wrinkled his nose from the pungent aroma of sex. He clapped the squire on the back and moved waving off the honor guard that moved to escort him. He saw Emilio’s disapproving look and leaned in.

“Emilio if we are to be at peace with them we can’t do a show of force” Riordan explained as they continued moving down the hallways of the royal tunnels. The underbelly of the palace was a series of interconnecting tunnels used for emergencies and the emperor to get around without being seen. His early life was spent exploring the tunnels learning them until he could move around in them blindfolded. It was that knowledge that allowed him to get the drop on his father and kill him.

“I see” Emilio said nodding “That is a good idea sire”

“Of course it is” Riordan said dismissively as the tunnel began to slant upwards. He climbed the last few steps and came to a simple door marked with Forward Aft. He pressed his hand down and the door slid open allowing them to walk through before it disappeared seamlessly with the wall. They were in a grand circular room with a clear sky light showing off the space. A distant star burned above them every so often blotted out by one of his royal fleet.

They were waiting at the entrance a small party with two guards. Emilio glances at Riordan clearly a little nervous. Riordan mouthed wait and moved forward bridging the space between him and the party without any fear or worry. After so many years everyone was tired, tired of the fighting and the never-ending war. When he offered peace they jumped on it especially when he made sure to tell them how profitable it would be versus war. Sure there was some discontent across the fleet but nothing Riordan couldn’t handle.

“My guest!” He said smiling happily “It is a pleasure to meet you all at last!”
He bowed to them and ignored Emilio’s gasp in response. He kept the friendly smile on his face as he reached out shaking hands with the men and kissing the elder woman’s hand. When he got to the younger woman he knew to be the Queen he kneeled taking her hand and kissing it before rising.

“Peace in our time” He told her touching his forehead in tribute. He turned to regard the procession.

“Shall we go in?” He asked them smiling “We have much to talk about and my cooks are arranging a feast for us!”

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

I had reduced the number of guards from the half dozen that Killian wanted to send with me to just himself, two others and Mistress Leona. It drove him mad that I was being so reckless with my life and his objection to the matter at hand would have turned into a fight that would have delayed us if Mistress Leona hadn't spoken up. It gave me enough of a breather to settle down and remind him repeatedly that this was a peace mission above all else and that if we couldn't have a bit of good faith in their well being that it was pointless to even go through with it at all. He opened his mouth to argue and I silenced him with a single look. There were perks to being Queen sometimes.

The distance from the forward airlock to the Emperor's private foyer was minimal, a sign of some importance but the lack of a welcome party or even a single attendant was disturbing. I hadn't been the first to exit the portal airlock gate, Killian had the honor of scouting the few feet ahead of me for danger, I was then followed by Leona and the two remaining guards. "Should there not be someone here to address our arrival?" I whispered in Leona's direction.

"There should."

At her tone I turned my head and spied the first flicker of anger disappear from her face. It was a fleeting emotion then was quickly hidden behind her mask but it had been there and I was glad I wasn't the only one feeling a bit slighted at the lack of fanfare. "Killian?" His name was a question and he just nodded not showing me his face.

"This way my Queen." He made a motion and one of his men stayed at the gate guarding out escape should we need it.

It was impossible for him to know the way but he strolled through the halls like he had been down them before hundreds of times, as if he owned them and these weren't his first footsteps in such a place. I wanted to feel such confidence in such a position but couldn't, there was too much that just didn't fit and too much I wanted to change or go return to.

. . . . . . . . . . .

I found the halls to be dark and shadowed, saved only by small round portholes that served as windows. With the many advances to a great number of things, it was lost on me on why that didn't include larger windows or more lighting. Reborn Sun was a lightly weaponized, moderately armored royal vessel with it's main purpose being exploration and settlement painted that same light absorbing black that all the guard's armor and clothing was made out of. It was perfect for keeping to the shadows and staying unnoticed. That didn't mean that the inside of the spaceship was just as dark.

Ḿişrkĭmÿ, the First Home, a large planet far from the sun that warms the Earth, was echoed in the sky by a second sun pale in comparison, almost overlapping each other as they race from their rebirth to their new death. In their death three children moons were born, the three parts of the soul legend said. The first moon ƠsįrÅtħoȑ, smallest of the three but brightest by far was a silvery blue hue, a half hand in the sky before it's younger sister, Iΰoᾶ'ᾷ pale reddish gold moon lite up the sky. Ðeϸΐʈhyȿ the youngest sister was a hidden sister, her outline the only trace of her shadowy figure. Her power darkened the sky and absorbed the light of her sisters, dimming the night sky into a true night.

Like many things, that which sparked the stories soaked into all that we built and ƠsįrÅtħoȑ, the part of the soul that inspires connection and the yearning for more was what brightened the inside off all Rā`Męhyït ships. A soft glowing silvery light chased away shadows and large windows showed all that was around and what had yet to be seen.

It wasn't that I couldn't see down the hall, I was a Rā`Męhyït, my eyes enabled me to see past shadows, further than a human's in the dark by far but not as clear as if the suns were up. "Maybe the first gift should be starorbs" I laughed mentioning the brightly colored crystals that shone like mini stars in the dark.

. . . . . . . . . . .

At the last hall a man stood, hurrying towards us as we approached. He introduced himself as Abrams and guided us to the Emperor's secured deck, chatting the whole way about this and that. None of which I really listened to. Past the door the hallways were brighter and the windows widened showing more of the calm sea of stars. Abrams voice faded out into the background and as we neared the Emperor's quarters and I awaited each distant window as if it were air. I felt as if these stolen glimpse were the last pieces of my freedom, each step a necessary one but nothing I felt heartmoved towards.

The next set of doors opened into a large domed room, a grand room with an open ceiling that showed off the sky spotted with stars and the Emperor's fleet. This was more in line of what I had expected and my views and opinions shifted the tiniest bit in favor of the humans.

Killian moved from my side as his posture was on alert, there was movement from just outside of my vision and I turned startled by the two men suddenly in front of me. The younger of the two men swept further into the room with a smile on his face and a cheerful greeting. My guest?! Killian bristled, once again at my side as the man I assumed to be the Emperor bowed before us, took Killian and Gavin's hand and shook them vigorously, turning to Mistress Leona to plant a kiss on her hand. I would have laughed at the wide eyes gasp frozen on Leona's face if the Emperor hadn't turned to me next.

I moved to step back but Mistress Leona was recovered and she moved behind me to prevent me from fleeing. He kneeled in front of me and took the hand at my side, brushing his lips across the back of my hand before rising. The scent of sex reached my nostrils then and my pupils narrowed and I could feel Killian tense at my side, be it from the kiss for the smell I wasn't sure. He smiled down at me and I knew that there was a faint blush on my cheeks and I looked away shyly unsure of what the proper response was in a situation like this was. Offended that he was cloaked in the smell of shared intimacy or impressed? I could tell that Leona was far from impressed and Killian glared at the man with thinly promised pains. Gavin was the only one who was set off by the man, in fact he looked amused. I raised a brow at Gavin and the smile threatened to turn into a full out laugh.

In any other situation I would have rolled my eyes and laughed along with him.

The Emperor wasn't what I expected but that was an establish pattern by now. Whatever I had thought this meeting to be was turning out to be much different. He arrived with no guard of his own but his manservant and the way he had greeted everyone was maybe not as genuine as I felt it was dramatic.

"Yes, let there be peace." I didn't know if that was the proper response but it felt right and it was a desire I truly wished for. At his question about going in I paused. I wanted to look back at Killian but I didn't want to appear weak and simply nodded my head, taking a step forward to stand at his side. The smell was thick and my heart raced at the images that raced through my mind as I took the Emperor's hand. Was there a side of this people that I didn't understand, a secret circle that partook in events that marked some importance?

It wasn't a question I was going to ask. "I'm famished." If nothing else I did love the food of Earth and looked forward to the feast and an inside glimpse of the mass that would soon be my people.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Riordan stepped back listening to the Queen as she spoke and nodding his head. If he held any bigotry or distaste for her kind it was well hidden behind his smile and happy eyes. Those mismatched eyes swept over the party taking them all in once more. Behind his eyes his mind worked taking note of which ones seemed put off by him. The one that was guarding her looked the most angry at him having touched her. Was it jealousy perhaps? He certainly looked the type! He noted her stopping himself from glancing back and suspected it to be true.

So there was a rival for her feelings? That was an interesting wrinkle in his plans. Of course he himself had many concubines and woman of pleasure that served him. Yet she as an alien queen could not afford to be seen with one lest this whole peace accord fall apart. He made a mental note to speak to her about it later when the time was right.

The other two were less of an enigma. The only other woman of the party was clearly the guardian and parental unit to the Queen. The fierce protective look in her eyes was exactly the same as the one Mistress Lexia used to give anyone who dared cross his path. The elder steward was his matriarch the only mother he ever had. It was her hand and guiding that allowed him to think he could be something more than a genetic defect. He had no doubt the elder alien woman behind the Queen was in the same mold as Mistress Lexia. She would be an important one to turn to his side and impress.

The other man was another guard a smiling sort that seemed to find the whole thing funny. They were friends judging by the way she looked back at him and threatened to lose her composure. Which meant that he wouldn’t be a threat.
“I’m glad to hear you are famished” Riordan said sliding their arms together to lock and ignoring the way the love-sick guard bristled “The cooks on the Leviathan are the best in the entire universe! I promise it will be like nothing you have ever tasted before”

Emilio moved ahead scurrying off to prepare for the party’s arrival. Riordan led them on his own directing them through the large golden doors and into a corridor with another glass ceiling. The sea of space above them twinkled as they walked and a few spare comets raced by as they moved closer and closer to the giant city that was his empire. He idly wondered if she was impressed by the city or if she thought it was overt and grand. They were the first of their kind to ever step onto the Leviathan.

“Seems our fighters are showing off for you my queen” Riordan remarked pointing up as a squadron of T66 fighters roared overhead. The high-speed flyers looked like a cross between a dragon fly and a hornet. There dull black bodies made them almost invisible to the naked eye forcing the squadron ahead to buzz real close in daring Arial maneuvers.

“I’m sure you have heard of Nemesis Squad” Riordan said as they reached the end of the corridor and into another large bubble room “They were the scourge of your naval fleet for some time I believe. I look forward to repaying you for that and putting them to use for OUR new fleet”

He waved them off and they turned streaking away and joining the Damocles class battle ship called titan. It was situated by the third moon its large massive super structure temporarily hiding the smaller dwarf moon. He wondered what she thought of the ship if she could see its massive potential or only saw it as the ship that decimated her fleet.

“It’s a long walk back to the palace” He said pointing at the spire that jutted out of the center of the city “In order to get there faster we’ll be taking the chariots”
On queue a garage to the left of the platform opened. Golden chariots spilled out powered by actual horses with long powerful bodies. He walked over to the grandest chariot of all petting the strong powerful black horse that was affixed to it.

“During the great exodus from our planet many animals were lost” He explained continuing to pet the horse “We couldn’t get to all of them in time. However someone managed to smuggle a whole pen of horses into their ship. They were found centuries later and the man was rewarded for keeping such animals safe. Now horses are abundant on the leviathan. Have you ever seen such a magnificent creature?”

He petted the horse a few more times before turning to the group.

“The two other chariots are yours to use” He said nodding his head at the men and women behind the Queen.

“The Queen and I shall drive together” He said raising his hands to stop any protest “This is not a request I am afraid. The chariots are shielded from any attack and you have my word that I will not allow any harm to come to my future bride. However I would like my people to see us together to promote unity”
He glanced at her giving her his full attention before continuing.

“Is that an issue my Queen?” He asked challenging her to protest.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

The Emperor slid his arm under and over my own essentially locking us together as he boasted of his cook’s skill. “I eagerly look forward to testing these claims of yours. For we have talented chiefs of our own that would gladly contend for the title of best in the entire universe. In fact Gavin there,” I nodded over my shoulder to the less tense of my guards. “Can make a meal unlike you could possibly imagine from field rations. It’s far from best in the entire universe but skilled enough to earn him praise.”

Leading the way, I was ushered through a set of golden doors to a new passageway, grander than those I had just come from and indicative of the grandeur that the humans liked to showcase. It was all a little much for me but nonetheless I was awed by the engineering marvel that spanned out before me. The ship was more than just a ship, it was an entire city teeming with life and wondrous tidbits that did capture my attention and interests. “This ship,” I genuinely smiled. “I find myself amazed that humanity was able to build something so beautiful without it being first and foremost a weapon of war.” It was a compliment, or at least it was meant to.

For years all I had seen of humanity’s ability to build had been tools used at their disposable to destroy and conquer. Seen firsthand how those artifacts had achieved their mandated purpose.

I swallowed hard fighting those memories. As easy as it would have been just to blame them, we were just as guilty. Had we not stepped up, taken part and fought equally as hard this would never have been. I, more so then the Emperor at my side was to blame for the loss of lives. Before I was the Queen, I was a tool. Peace had seemed so impossible and we had lost so much…

T66 Fighters. I quirked a brow in mock consideration. Their nano armor and active cloaking were modeled after our superior tech, a sloppy second if I did say so myself. My smile cocky watching the maneuvers with dulled interest. Once upon a time I had spent hours upon hours, a whole lifetime to the research and study to those same fighters. Ŝaékhét Fighters had speed, agility and evasiveness hand over fist against the T66 Fighters, preferring rapid light cannoned plasma guns to the heavy hitting T66 arsenal. The extended shields made up for the light hull armor but the limited powered multi core meant that the shields weren’t indefinite and required them to be recharged when in the hanger.

Pangs of longing drew my breath short. I would never again pilot ‘Sunra’, or captain ‘Harut’ a state of the art Ahema`aut Frigate. In my first years I protected the outer rim, traveling the distant colonies and newly terraformed planets. Raids were frequent but easily dispelled and problems had simple solutions. Then the war got out of hand, the crafts were called home and thus began my involvement and sharpening of battlement skills. That part I didn’t miss but deaths were part of war and I wasn’t going to shy from my duty.

Duty.

“The Nemesis Squad?” Was that a nickname for something? Our squadrons were named after our thirteen moon cycles, none of which were named Nemesis. Under the fifth cycle the Cruiser ‘Dɉhaὧt’ ranked over the Destroyer ‘Apōpїph’ and commanded two frigates, ‘Haẅtheur’ and ‘Ҥarut’ and a dozen and more Ŝaékhét fighters. It wasn’t the largest cycle or squad but it was the most diverse with the highest combat score in the navy. Of that original cycle ‘Apōpїph’, ‘Ҥarut’ and a handful of fighters remained. ‘Dɉhaὧt’ fell in the battle of Rummi, crash landing on its icy moon. ‘Haẅtheur’ had been ripped in to but was salvable and currently being overhauled, whereas the remaining fighters were scattered as debris drifting on the solar currents all over the universe.

“I fear I haven’t heard of such a squad.” The humans, like we did, had names or this group of ships or that and never did they overlap. In truth I never cared to learn what they called this ship or that before firing on it. It made it too real and I didn’t want the names to haunt my dreams, unknown things without faces tended not to haunt. “As for OUR new fleet, I’m looking forward to the weapon modifications, hull redesigns and the tactical calibrations that out engineers can come up with.” I smiled, the turn of my lips falling short of reaching my eyes. I didn’t like the idea of keeping a fully operational militarized navy, I wanted to return to the roots of settlements and exploration. A fully armed navy felt too much like tempting fate to meet our weapons with new challenges.

I looked out across the city to the spire towering from the middle of the ship, the palace. Gavin behind chuffed out a sound that mimicked the word chariots far too clearly for my liking. While it was true that my mind instantly pictured the ancient beast pulled wagons, I didn’t appreciate the echoed thought behind me.

“Horses?” Of all the creatures that the Earth had once housed, the horse was that last that I would have thought to see upon a SPACE ship. My limited human history didn’t speak of horses being anything other than labor creatures. I couldn’t remember a single recurrence where they were eaten like cows were, could you even eat a horse? If so what did they taste like? I untangled myself from the Emperor and approached the animal. “The ringed plant Junous has a six legged cousin creature to these it would seem. Expect scaled where these are furred.” I shared stopping just shy of reach of the horse. The female Kobotras had fangs and when in heat could bite with a venom laced tooth. It wasn’t overly dangerous, the toxins broke down fairly quickly in warmed bodies but that didn’t save you from the worse hangover ever experienced.

“Not a request.” Killian’s cold voice broke out. “I will not let my Queen, future bride to you or not, ride unchaperoned and unguarded-“

“It not an issue.” I spoke over Killian, head held high and the faint coloring of anger touching my eyes. “We have much to talk about and the privacy will be welcomed.” I narrowed my eyes at Killian and watched him deflate, his chin sink to his chest as he retreated two steps back. “And please call me Tyti. There needn’t be such formalities between us. As you say, I shall one day be your future bride and by that measure you shall be my husband. I would like to think we can call each other by our chosen names.”

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Riordan couldn’t help but growl a little at the brash guard. The idea of anyone speaking to him in such a way was not only aggravating but also a disrespect that any one in his empire would pay for with their life. He knew what it was about to! A misplaced and ultimately poisonous love-sick jealousy that would get the other man killed if he didn’t hold his tongue! He said nothing as the Queen moved in to handle it cutting him off and saying it was no problem. Riordan watched the man step back his eyes still narrowed to let him know that this wasn’t over.

“I agree with you my Queen” He said turning to her and ignoring it for now “There is no reason why we have to stand on such formality! From here you on out you can call me Riordan. I will do my best to call you by Tyti and I do hope I am pronouncing that right”

He nodded his head at her subtly letting her know he was pleased she hadn’t backed out of the offer. He extended her hand to her and once she took it he helped her onto the chariot. He joined her letting his attendants help her people and climbing easily to join her on the raised platform.

“Thank you for your help Tyti” He said dropping his voice to a slight whisper “I would council you to do better to reign in your lover. I would hate for anything to happen to him and spoil this peace treaty”

It wasn’t a threat so much as a warning. Riordan was eager to get the peace treaty working and finalize the alliance between the two races. After so many years of Emperors like his father and grandfather making a name for themselves in war and conquest he was ready to forge a different legacy for himself. She was paramount to that legacy and he wouldn’t let one love sick guard ruin something for both of their people.

He rose back up gesturing with his hands for the attendants to open the golden doors. The hurried to do so pulling on the chains as a deep gong rang out through the ship. The imperial fanfare began to play out loud and triumphant as the horse tamers guided the horse towards the massive gates. Once they were in positions the riders climbed up wearing robes of deep purple and golden finishes. Once they were situated they shouted out to the horses enticing them to break into a slow trot and moved into the tunnel leading into the rest of the city.

“The people in my empire will be out on the streets to watch us proceed to the palace” He explained smoothing out his outfit “I want to cement the idea of this alliance to as many people as possible to my people. I am sure you want to do the same with your people as well so just let me know when we can visit your own capital.”

He spoke honestly just as they moved into the city. The towering cities and opulent sky scrapers jutted off of the surface of the space ship like raises bone structures. People crowded the streets perfect men woman and children who clapped and cheered when they saw the emperor. Riordan smiled at them all raising his hands to wave and leaning in to speak to her.

“Just smile and wave Tyti” He said his voice purring against her ear “I promise it will be over sooner rather than later!”

He chuckled and moved back continuing to wave and greet his people as the procession continued up the path. The journey to the citadel was short and sweet. The tower was designed to be easily accessible from any part of the city to facilitate an escape or repel boarders if needed. Because of that the tower was a scant five minutes away from the airlock they entered. In no time at all they were passing through the high gate that separated the citadel from the rest of the city.

“Not so bad” He said smiling softly “So will your party insist on joining us for dinner to? I know its polite to eat with guest but there is much to talk about and discuss and I would prefer to do that one on one. Since we are to be married I want to get used to making decisions together”

While he spoke the procession turned into the large underground garage situated in the grounds of the citadel. The horses stopped in the center of the garage where another pair of horse tamers were waiting to take care of the animals. He helped her off once again turning to look at the rest of the party.

“I trust the journey was pleasant”” He said his tone happy and nonplussed. If there was any lingering anger from the other guards outburst he didn’t say anything.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

“Your pronunciation is flawless Your- Riordan.” I bowed my head using his name for the first time, allowing my mouth to play with the letters as they fell from my lips.

Killian’s lips thinned and the edges of his eyes brightened as he watched his Queen, His Tyti accept the hand and assistance of the Emperor. He hadn’t wanted to hate the Emperor, not at first, but after The Event he couldn’t help himself. Logic told him the peace treaty was necessary, the quickest way to stop the ever climbing death rates but his heart for the first time in his life spoke louder. Loading on the chariot last, Killian’s hands fisted and clenched the edge of the chariot wishing for a weapon or Tyti against his palm.

The chariot was something new for me and I felt my heart flutter at the excitement of virgin sensations. Would it be a harsh rocking or would the chariot absorb the muscular shifting of the horse and glide smooth along the paved road towards the castle?

Riordan’s voice broke me from my wonderment and had been about to brush off his thanks were it not for his next words. “My lover?” I arched a delicate brow and slowly turned my head in his direction. “From the man who would greet his future bride and wife reeking of sex?” I asked my words stiff. “Killian is my Guardian and head of my guard.” My correction was spoken in a less formal cadence as my emotions came to the surface. “My only council for him would be his direction of his words, there was no need for them to be cast to you. As to what he said, his life is bound to my wellbeing and protection. Blame him you might but I will not.” I tipped my chin up, looking Riordan in the eyes. “Hate you say. Hate the reactions and consequences. The restarted toll of deaths. All that I believe you would hate. But hate what migh happen to Killian, I think not.” I mused turning away from him to take in the scenery and the chaos as the gates were opened.

“Honestly I hadn’t expected this to be such a grand affair.” I whispered over my shoulder watching the great golden doors open and the horses prance excitedly in place. “I had assumed you would want to meet in private, a small party to steam out the finer points to this arrangement.” Looking down at myself I lifted my arms and chuckled. “Would have begged Mistress Leona to dress me in something not as transparent and cake like.” I was making an attempt at a joke, after the tension between us about Killian I felt the need to ease the air between us. “Our First Home, Ḿişrkĭmÿ.” It was a distance planet and heavily guarded at the beginning of my people. “I would be honored to show you my home and my people.” The smiled that I shared with Riordan was the first genuine smile all day and it lit up my eyes with a glowing sparkle. “You can even bring a love torn guard of your own to even the score.”

The voices of men, women and children thickened the air and I couldn’t help but smile and wave at the joyous faces I saw. I hadn’t even heard Riordan’s voice advising me to do what I was already doing as I hung out of the chariot to touch hands with the running children. This was what I wanted to see. I straighten back into the chariot and continued waving. This is what I wanted this peace treaty to be. I wasn’t as foolish to think that everyone felt this way, was as cheerful and willing as those gathered here today but I was hopeful that those who weren’t would see the positive and lay down their arms in trade for life.

“What wasn’t bad?” The energy of the crowd had exhilarated my whole being and I silently wished to return to the crowd to mingle with his people and get to know them. “Mistress Leona will surely insist but if you can promise her that my virtue will remain intact she might grant us an hour or two alone.” Or as alone as one could be with a Guardian posted at the door on high alert. As much as I had posed the suggestion to Riordan, I wasn’t going to leave him to his fate in requesting such a thing.

As soon as I was off the chariot I approached Mistress Leona and batted my eyes speaking in the original tongue that consisted of clicks, chirps and whistles. She wasn’t taken by my act, she had been there at my birth and had helped raise me since and in that time had grown numb to my childish pleas.

“Ɱa’åŤytiἿxƧiᵵatïϮiᶆuṉ.”

My name alone was a lecture and I slouched against the harsh words I expected to hear.

“It is rude to speak in a language that isn’t understood by all.” Leaving my side Mistress Leona stepped towards Riordan and bowed low. “I apologize for My Queen’s incivility. Perhaps the two of you should dine tonight, alone.” Her last word was spoken with a look towards Killian. He grunted but said nothing. “We will reacquaint ourselves later this evening in a social setting.” Leona suggested turning on a heel not waiting for a reply as she tracked down Riordan’s man Emilio. Killian and Gavin following a hand paces behind.

I on the other hand was left standing there with my lips parted in astonishment. “Never in my life.” Just when I though I knew enough to bet on, things changed and I was the poor man once more. “Well, shall we?” I sobered up standing just where I was, hand held out and waiting to be taken.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

He chuckled at her jab tucking away the revelation that she could smell sex on him. He didn’t believe for a second that the two weren’t lovers but for now he allowed her to try and claim they weren’t. He wasn’t jealous after all…..

At least not yet.

She mentioned a love torn guard of his own and he chuckled more openly. He had nothing like that! Plenty of woman (well almost all) would sleep with him on the ship. Yet falling in love with him was something none of them would contemplate. The genetic defect would send them running in fear and the implication it might ail one of their kids. No if it wasn’t for her he might have remained an Emperor without a Queen.

“By all means go and ask” Riordan said waving his large hand and watching as she moved over to her Mistress. Again Riordan was reminded of his own caretaker and a soft smile crossed his face as he remembered long nights talking, learning, and eventually plotting against his father. She was the best tool in his arsenal utterly loyal and ready to do anything for him. He found himself excited for the day the two would meet more so than he originally thought.

The mistress and her charge came back over and he shook himself from his thoughts. He listened his head bowing slightly in respect as the mistress spoke. When she finished the young emperor couldn’t help but chuckle once more! It was such a familiar feeling! To be on the back burn of a harsh but caring mistress. It seemed somethings in the universe were constant no matter the species.

“I look forward to talking to you more Mistress” Riordan called out watching them leave “My and the Queen will see you later!”

Riordan watched as Emilio took over appearing in the shadows and guiding them. Riordan continued to watch making sure that the guests were taken care of before turning to his new Queen. He slid his arm in with her escorting her over to an elevator and waving his hand to activate the high-speed elevator.

“I have something to show you before we eat!” He said happily as the elevator door closed behind them.

“It pertains to our earlier conversation” He explained as he turned and showed her the large window affixed to the back of the elevator. The entire city opened up to them glittering under to energy shield that protected them from the cold expanse of space. Above the massive city ship the rest of his naval fleet floated and maneuvered themselves into patrols. He watched them for a few minutes admiring the strength and security his fleet gave off.”

“You were asking about our fleet and the names” He said as the elevator slowed to a stop at the top of the tower. The elevator doors opened and he took her hand once more as he led her out into the more subdued hall. Instead of the outlandish gold and purple things were softer much warmer than the wow factor of the rest of the ship. He brought her through the hallway leading her into an open room that was as soft and warm as the hallway. The room was a large expansive suite with a living room and dining room and doors leading into other rooms.

“This will be our home while we are at the Leviathan” He said letting her look around “You can change it if you wish but I hope you find it comfortable. I will be right back”

He ducked into a room on the left giving her the time to look around and see what she was getting into. He came back moments later bringing back a beautiful real leather-bound book that he handed to her.

“My gift to you” He said moving over to a stand with wine chilling in it and uncorking it for them.

“A book of our military and the tools at our disposal” Riordan explained as he poured them two glasses of wine “Written by my own hand. You will find that nothing is hidden. I hope this not only works as a gift but also shows my commitment to this alliance”

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

Something to show me? I briefly wondered if sending my little party away had been such a good idea. Riordan assured me it had something to do with our earlier conversation but I couldn’t recall nothing that would warrant a demonstration. Perhaps it pertained to the scent of sex on him, an appropriate want for privacy if that was indeed what he was wanting to show me.

I opened my mouth to object but the elevator’s view distracted me. This city ship was quite the creation to behold. Where much of it was over the top, there was something to be said about the ruled chaos of greenery and collection of buildings. A pleasing mixture to the eyes that left nothing too heavy or wanting from either side. Distantly I prayed that our people could coexist in such a manor. This ship was truly a marvel and I voiced my thoughts on the matter, complementing the genius and questioning about the energy source massive enough to hold up an energy shield like that while still powering the behemoth of a craft. “To think, before this all I thought of your people were nothing more than war savants capable only on the creation of battle and its profits.” I mused out loud, confessing to my own racial mindsets.

Riordan clarified this earlier point bring up fleets and their names. My brows raised happy that this soon to be showing had nothing to do with the naked flesh. Not that I didn’t think Riordan a fitting example of is species but, well- There were many reason I wasn’t up to seeing the true measure of him in such a way. Uncomfortable with the thought I turned away, the faint blush showing off the shimmer of my skin under the warm lights.

This part of the ship that Riordan escorted me through was designed in a more subdued fashion. I found the colors to be a bit more blaring then I still preferred but I appreciated the warmer tones and matte finishing touches. Not everything in the hall shined and reflected one’s morphed image back to you. The warrior pointed out the usefulness of being about to see all around you but the stylish in my winced at the decor.

“Our home?” I didn’t think I would be aboard long enough to require onship lodgings. Nor did I think that we would share those lodgings. “I-“ That was as far as I got before Riordan left the room. We weren’t courting, let alone engaged and already we were expected to live together? I was speechless as I watched for him to return. Why was it that I felt every second around him was a second too close to an argument? I wasn’t good at this, didn’t prepared for this as I should have. I didn’t know their ways or how they did things, I only knew my own and they were turning out to be far different from the Emperor’s.

“How long will I be on the Leviathan?” I ignored the book he handed me pressing forward in my interrogation. “I was lead to believe this was a casual political meeting to sort out the last unfinished end of the alliance.” I stepped forward, having to look up at the man before me as our heights gave us a different vantage point. If I had known I was expected to stay upon the human’s ship I would have demanded more than just dresses packed for the occasion. I grew fidgety, my limit of dresses was already strained at three days anything more than that would have me pulling my hair out. Flight suits and stealth armor. That was my happy zone and force too long from my natural habit and I was bound to get a little feral. “I also would have brought gifts.” I lamely added holding up the book. “I didn’t think-“ I sighed letting my words die on my lips, the wind from my sails all but gone.

I wasn’t cut out for this.

I eyed Riordan shrewdly, lips pressed into a thin line. Was this a joke? I absentmindedly thumbed thru the book and it’s heavy pages stopping on a page at random. Breaking from my unbelieving glare, I glanced down at the book ready for it to grow teeth and start tearing into me. But the pages stayed just as they were and I started reading. By luck it was about single manned fighters, something I knew quite a bit about regardless of the side. Ignoring the wine, I never has a taste for the stuff. Too refined my sister used to joke.

Skimming the page I took a turn around the large room nodding every often. “I wonder…” I could see how if we modified the coupler here… My mind raced as I deconstructed one of my own fighters similar to this one and started to rebuild a new fighter from the shared parts. “It wouldn’t be impossible.” I muttered, forgetting completely that Riordan was even in the room as I made a second lap slightly smaller than the last, mapping the space with my steps. I snorted turning a page, rapidly shaking my head. “Okay, theirs is better and with a heavier weapon load.” I sucked in a breath my steps picking up speed as my mind whirled with excitement. That explained how they were able to maneuver at negative points like that… My third lap brought me to an intersection with Riordan and I paused mind cooling down and returning to the room.

I would have been embarrassed if I wasn’t so, excited? The word lacked the depth of my thoughts and feelings but I shrugged it off. That wasn’t what was important right now. “Is this true?” My questions was blunt as I held the book up. “And by your own had? Was it copied from another? Are you that versed in your navy? Why give this to me?” The last question he had explained already but we weren’t yet bound to each other, there were still things to be agreed upon before anything was signed.

“I have nothing of its value to give to you at the moment.” I confessed my lips drawing down into a frown. I felt sorely out of the loop, had there seen some message I hadn’t been privy to? A halo lost in transit that explained this whole meeting? Riordan was a curious man and I was equal parts fascinated by him and annoyed by him. I didn’t know what side would win out in the end but it was proving to be an interesting fight as of yet.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"You have a tendency to ask questions a mile a minute dont you?" Riordan said shaking his head an chuckling at her.

"Let us speak openly" He told her gesturing for her to sit in a plush arm chair and handing her a drink "It's just you and me right now and we can drop pretense and tradition to speak as equals I feel"

He leaned back taking a sip of the ambrosia colored liquid and then setting it down.

"Let me start off by answering your questions and explaining what is happening here" Riordan told her holding up a hand to stop her from saying anything.

"You can ask more questions and speak in a moment" He told her his voice polite. He waited to make sure she nodded and understood before clearing his throat and beginning.

" First let me just say that you od not have to give me anything in exchange for the book" Riordan clarified "The book has two intentions one I know you were a pilot and thought you might like it soley based on that. The second was to prove to you this alliance is important to me and my people. There are military secrets in there that you could use to destroy us if you wished to"

He paused to take another sip before continuing.

"To further answer your questions in regards to the book. Yes I am that knowledgable and yes I did write it out by hand. You hold one of the very last books in existence as most everything is digital now. I collect written books and find a importance in them. My spies in your court have reported you feel the same way."

"My spies have also told me that you were not the Queen I was originally set to marry" Riordan remarked "Your people were banking on the fact I never saw her to cover that fact and didnt assume I had people among your people. You were a pilot as I already mentioned and your sister I believe was the actual leader before he untimely end. Which you have my condolences about. It however does not change my plans"

He got up at that point moving towards the large bay window overlooking the leviathan and the fleet.

"We need this alliance" He said his tone insistent "War does not work for our people anymore. I will do anything to make sure it goes through. I believe you wish for the same and that your sense of adventure is geared more towards exploring the distance stars then dog fights in space"

He turned back to her his eyes searching hers as he continued to speak.

"So the plan is for us to marry right away" He told her not mincing words "We will spend a few days here meeting and talking and finalizing the arrangements then I will travel to your home world to meet your people. The wedding will be after that"

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

“I-“ My cheeks colored at the accused question. I did have a habit of getting carried away, with my words falling as fast as my mind spun. I sealed my mouth shut and just nodded closing the book and hugging it to my chest.

Sitting in the offered chair I would have lounged back and gotten comfortable but the dress I was wearing restricted much if not all forms of comfort. Once seated Riordan started to speak, holding his hand up to indicate her silence as he spoke. I arched a delicate brow at the motioned order, unaccustomed with being told what to do since becoming Queen. Wait, what was I saying?! Everything told to me had been some form of an order, what to say, how to dress and where to go. It was never ending and I internally sighed at the turn my life had taken.

I nodded along to his words, clutching the book tighter to my chest. I did have a passion for the written word, the feel of paper between my fingers and the heavy, sometimes moldy scent of the older tombs. My personal library upon Ҥarut was one of the largest off world that wasn’t composed of scientific journals. I hadn’t viewed much of the book but what I had seen had been revealing, quite a blow to their naval forces should things go sour. Even more than that was the penmanship, the aggressively sharp lines that connected almost conflictingly to the flowing curves. It was an impressive hand that seemed to carry on throughout the whole book.

As far as him knowing that I was a pilot, it was freely known and just as sure as I was that it had been repeated to him by his spies, it was also proudly bragged of by her citizens. Their warrior princess. The first to take up arms when the first fighter fell and I swore to be the first to lay them down in the quest for peace.

At his next statement I shook my head in disagreement. But I stayed silent as he requested until he was finished, watching as he stood up and moved towards the window. He didn’t sugar coat his next words and I appreciated it, meeting his eyes with my own. Knowing what his plans were did much to ease my frayed nerves. They were far from what I wanted but I understood the rush.

It was silent in the room as I took in everything that he said, waiting to make sure he was finished before speaking. I slowly placed the book in my lab and took a deep breath in lifting my chin to look up at Riordan’s face.

“We expected you to have inside people, there are always people and to assume that is otherwise not only foolish but dangerous.” I started. “Just so you know, we have people on your side as well.” I smiled sure he knew as much. “For us to be banking on you not meeting my sister.” I shrugged. “There is some truth to what you say but it was withheld from you mainly because we believe her death to come from your people’s hand.” I confessed knowing that what I just shared could fracture this fragile alliance. “My sister-“ I began shifting the book in my lap to stand. “She is the Queen my people deserve, the brightest scientific mind of our time and the kindest of hearts.” My eyes itched with unshed tears and my eyes darkened briefly. “I was merely their second choice.” I laughed, the sound forced and hollow.

“War doesn’t agree with any, yet it is still an ever living presence.” I sighed joining Riordan at the window. “I long to return to the sky, free from the entanglements of war and death.” I hated to admit it but while my heart was in exploration, I had been good at the dog fights, the strategies and the fighting. “To chart the unknown and learn all that there is out there.” There was a tight yearning in my voice as I spoke. “Terraform planets long since dead and rebirth them with a new purpose or to return it to its original people.” A faint smile touched my lips as I glanced out the window seeing past the fleet, the plant and the stars to a memory of my childhood. The celebration of a planet reborn, the dwindled number of survivors being able to return to their home. I wanted to be there again, to witness the smiles and tears and be a part of that joy.

I gave him time to thinking about what I had just said, how we suspected his people to be behind the death of my sister and Queen. “I might be a fool but I don’t think you had a part of play in the Queen’s death but I can’t stop my emotions from wishing those of your people who did have a part in it harm.” I confessed head held high. I wasn’t proud of what I felt but I wasn’t ashamed to confess those feelings. “I will marry you. I will meet your people with an open mind and promise you safety as we visit my home world.”

Smiling I turned towards him, my hand held up much like his had been before. “I have a condition, one that I will not back down from. We take my ship as we travel.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The days passed quickly upon the Leviathan. I was still a captive of Mistress Leona’s wardrobe, meaning tight fitted dressed and elaborate hair styles. Beyond that my days were pleasant.

I drafted had a formal proposal requesting Ҥarut as our travel ship in trade for the Leviathan being our space port. There was more to it that was later added and retracted but that I penned in my own hand. All else I left up to my advisors. I had been asked my points and views on a vast array of different matters and once given they would work within those measures and come to the final agreement before being presented to Riordan and me. Once those were signed it was on to the marriage.

Mornings I spent with my advisors going over the previous day’s reports, tallies, trades and any other matter that required my signature. Even gathered at I was in a peace meeting, little skirmished were breaking out there and there. Nothing that had so far resulted in death but they were troublesome and I worried that even if Riordan and me were fully committed there would be those who would rebel. I didn’t want to think as much from my people but I knew how Killian felt and he was my Guardian.

From there I would spend the rest of the day with Riordan, getting to know him.

Today my morning meetings were short and sweet and I finished before food had even been served. I smiled as I ventured through the halls with Killian at my side thinking of having breakfast with Riordan. They had these kiwi and star fruits that I was crazy about and thought a nice picnic near the horses, watching them play might be the perfect-

“I hate the way you smile when you think of him.” Snarled Killian, he had been in a foul mood since we had gotten here and he had yet to get over it.

I sighed, my shoulders slumping as exhaustion pulled at me from all directions. “You know what!” I couldn’t take this anymore. Killian had been my rock, the pillar of support for every insecurity I felt, my security blanket against all my fears. I glared at Killian my eyes darkening to a deep blue that flashed with anger. “What is your problem?!” This wasn’t the place to be having this conversation but the times when I had tried to talk with him, he had either given me the cold shoulder or assaulted my defenses with his lips and hands. Neither of while I had time to deal with.

“He’s killed hundred, thousands of us! How can you smile when you think of him? He’s a murderer!”

“And what of me!” I seethed my voice raised as my emotions got the better of me. “Have I not killed just as many? More by my own hand then him!”

Killian’s face morphed into a satisfied smile. “You are a treasure, a fighter and my love.” He waved his hand out around him. “Think of your people, what’s best for them and-“

“Best for them!” I raged throwing up my hands. “Death? How is that-“

“You would make them slaves to him just to be his whore!”

I stagger back, the air from my lungs rushing out as pain lanced through my heart. He may not have hit me but I felt his words cut into my soul, my heart shattering into million pieces. “His whore.” I croaked, my throat too tight to speak as tears formed in my eyes. No, I wouldn’t cry. Steeling myself I stared up at Killian no longer able to see the man I had fallen in love with behind all the anger, hurt and heartache.

Not seeing me, the pain he had dealt Killian continued on thinking he had finally gotten through to me. Reaching out for me. “He would destroy you and all that you are. The flame inside you would flicker out and die and he would-“

“No!”

Killian shook his head. “You’re not seeing this-“ He gave up with a growl then and grabbed my arm and pulled me to his chest, his head bent to meet my lips.

Wrenching my arm from his grip, I turned and fled from Killian. I didn’t run, the mermaid skirt didn’t allow for much leg movement. Nor didn’t the tightly fitted corset.

Today the dress was made of deep purple silk, molded to my body like a second skin. While the dress covered me from wrist to ankle with a high neckline, the fit revealed my body more than the others had with their transparent martials and peek a boo cuts. In fact other than the netted gold under breast outer wear corset that not only framed my breasts but hoisted them up to the small triangle cut out, showing just the tiniest amount of skin and cleavage. I had no other garment under the dress. It would have shown lines and that wouldn’t do, claimed Leona as she dressed me this morning. My hair had been pulled into a bun caged in the same netted style as the corset with wild curls that sprang free and framed my face. My makeup was simple with a glossy touch of gold to my lids and dark purple nearly black eyeliner. The heels, the tallest yet, were a strappy gold show with a point close toe. Another reason why running would have been an impossibility.

I didn’t look back as I flung the door open to Riordan’s private rooms that we ‘shared’. By this point I was overly worked up, it felt like my world had shifted just as dramatically as when my sister died. I couldn’t breathe, my eyes watered and tears threatened to fall and my heat hurt like never before. Seeing Riordan standing there broke something inside me. There was a release, like a balloon popping and everything got quiet in my head. Even my heart numbed in that second that I saw him and I reacted.

Closing the space between us I reached out for his hand and curled my fingers between his. At the same moment my other hand reached up and ran around the back of his neck, play with the small hairs there as I pulled him down to him. My body hadn’t stopped moving until it was pressed against Riordan and when his face was tilted I bushed my body up on the tip of my toes and stole a kiss.

It wasn’t planned, or asked. I just took it, knowing full well that this time of the morning all the windows were open and the door leading to the hall that I left Killian swayed wide open and I didn’t care. Closing my eyes I pulled Riordan’s face closer wishing to prolong with numbness and silence with his lips.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“The peace talk seems to be going well?”

Riordan glanced up his hand lightly tapping on the sheet of papers he was currently working on. He regarded his teacher and advisor taking in her perfect form before nodding his head.

“It is” He said rising up and going over to Mistress Lexia.

“The Queen seems as interested in peace as I am” He said happily going over to pour them each a glass of wine.

“Excellent” Lexia said watching him as he poured the wine “I am so proud of you; your dynasty will be one that far surpasses your father and grandfather.”

“And it will be entirely my own” He said smirking slightly as he came over and handed her a glass “Well with some help from you of course. I never would have thought of peace if it weren’t for your teachings. It was you that helped me research and find out how stagnant we have been for so long.”

“I only showed you the path my boy” Lexia said reaching out to gently touch his face “You were the one that forged ahead. The one that brokered peace with our mortal enemies.”

Riordan smiled in pleasure and pride. He would be lying if he said that her words and praise didn’t affect him. It was her and her alone he considered to be his parent. She believed in him and was the first loyal subject he ever had.

“One day you and I will stand on a new world” He told her reaching out and gasping the hand on his cheek “A world named after you”

She smiled at that and nodded her head.

“I believe that” She said her eyes swelling with emotion. She withdrew her hand and stepped back formally bowing to him.

“My Emperor” She said. He nodded back and she turned her heels clicking against the paneled wood as she moved to the elevator at the far end of the room. She left without another word giving him one last warm smile before she disappeared.

Riordan moved back towards his desk a satisfied smile on his face. He had breakfast with the Queen in a few minutes and then plans to take another more covert view of the city. More and more he found himself thinking about her enjoying their time together and thinking about it when they weren’t together. It wasn’t nothing more than infatuation right now but it set a good precedent for their upcoming marriage.

He was halfway to the desk when the doors burst open. He turned taking in her outfit with a pleased smile. He was about to greet her when he caught the look on her face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked moving over to her in concern. She didn’t say anything however and instead cleared the remaining space and gave him a soul searing kiss. She practically smashed into him as their lips met and he eagerly responded as he felt her hands on the back of his neck. He grabbed the small of her back pulling her closer against his body as his tongue sought entrance into her mouth…..

“Get away from her!”

Riordan felt something grabbing the back of his ultra-soft shirt and he was ripped away from her. Riordan felt someone throw him back and he stumbled thankful that he was barefoot and able to grip the wooden flooring. He stopped himself brushing some dust off of his soft linen pants as he glared at his attacker.

“I should have known” Riordan snarled eyeing the bodyguard who was clearly so in love with her Queen “I know you’ve been waiting to openly attack me”

“You will not touch her!” The guard known as Killian growled “I will kill you with my bare hands!”

“You would dare ruin this alliance for your feelings?” Riordan asked glaring at the man “The entire galaxy would go to war and you would be fine?!”

“You will ruin her” Killian growled ignoring what he said “You only want her for her body”

“Oh for goodness sake!” Riordan shouted marching over and grabbing the man by his shirt “I will not have you ruin this!”

He threw the man back and turned to her. He heard Killian crash into a wooden table but otherwise ignored her.

“You must handle this” He told her fixing her with a steely gaze “I know you do not want to but if you don’t I will have to do it for you. My guards are going to be here any second YOU must make a decision”

He grabbed her pulling her in for another kiss. He released her just as Killian started to get up and backed away to let her make her decision.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

There was something that ignited inside of me the moment our lips met, a sizzling warmth that jolted through my body from our joined lips to the end of my toes. Every nerve ending fired, making the simple touch of his hand at the small of my back electrifying.

I hadn’t meant for the kiss to be anything more than a distraction to what I was feeling, my broken heart and war torn mind over Killian. But when I felt his tongue trace the seam of my lips I opened for him-

“Get away from her!”

Time slowed as I watched Killian tear Riordan away from me by the back of his shirt, his face twisted in pure rage and his eyes a color of burning fire I had never seen before.

Riordan was quick to react, turning on Killian trying to reason with him even as he fought his own anger at being threated and interrupted.

There was no reasoning with Killian, I knew him to be of stable mind but had seen his tempter break only once before and it had been devastating and his heart hadn’t even been involved. This time would be worse.

The accusation had Riordan moving towards Killian, grabbing him by the simple black shirt he wore. He shouted and violently threw Killian into the table behind him. Before turning on me.

“You must handle this.”

That fire that had burned so fiercely within my entire being died upon hearing those words. I stared up at him, my splintered heart turning to dust. Why did Killian have to be so stupid? Why was he doing this? WHY! Every question that I couldn’t ask was shouted and echoed within my empty chest.

“YOU must make a decision.”

Riordan pulled me into for another kiss but this one did nothing to me. I was past feeling at this moment as I knew what I must do.

Killian climbed to his feet ready to take after Riordan but my softly spoken words stopped him. The fire in his eyes was instantly gone when he turned towards me, replayed in them was fear and disbelief. “No-“ He cried lifting his hand out to me, his eyes widening as swirls of gold not previously there surrounded us both.

“Ŵepẘaẅḝṱ ĩbi peŗḕtȅķ, ďua meȑůt. Ęm weþ itiek.”

Each word cut me to my soul, every letter dissolved the golden ties connecting the two of us.

“Méňat kħḝpeŗư tuý mȃŋuő ȟeruȩkħůtĩ. Ťeǹḕn ma`atxérǚ xį infŗa ăbưt.”

Killian rushed to my side and gathered me in his arms. “Please, you can’t. I did this for us.” His voice cracked and wobbled. “Who will protect you?” He hugged me tighter but the words kept coming.

I pause, my eyes red rimmed as I looked around Killian and me and the single golden strand between us. I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t dissolve the oath between us, the life promise that bound us together when he became my Protector, my Guardian. I looked up at his face, the sorrow and loss in his eyes and knew mine reflected the same. Reaching up I cupped my hand to his cheek and swallowed everything that fought to be said and done.

“Aʼntǿ ƙąseķet Ɱa’åŤytiἿxƧiᵵatïϮiᶆuṉ.”

As I uttered my name, the cord broke and Killian’s arms fell to his sides. I had officially discharged him, left him with no honorary tie and left with nothing between us other than hurt feelings and a whole lot to get over we stepped apart.

“You finished it, you really did it.” Killian sounded hollow but his eyes showed me just how betrayed he felt. “You picked him…” He started backing away from me just as Gavin arrived.
Gavin walked in all smiles like always until he took his first took at me and then quickly to Killian. He opened his mouth about to ask a question then snapped it shut as his eyes took in the scene before him with the broken table and my red almost teary face.

“Escort Killian to the ship, allow him to collect his things then have Bishop take the excursion jet back to Ḿişrkĭmÿ and have him resigned to the Nova Ring placed under Liam’s command until, if ever, I summon him.” I was proud of how stable my voice was, how it wasn’t tainted with all the emotions that fought to be free. In fact it was cold and distance, how a Queen’s voice should sound I thought to myself.

Gavin’s face paled but he nodded once before nodding again to Killian to head out.

I waited until I couldn’t see the two men, waited even longer before I could no longer hear them before crumbling to the floor, silent sobs violently seizing my whole body as tears ran heavy down my face. I curled into myself as much as the binding dress and corset would allowed and just hugged myself as tight as I could.

I didn’t want to do this, if this feeling was the cost of peace I didn’t know if I could continue to pay it. I didn’t know if I had anything more to sacrifice to the cause and what it might ask from me next terrified and sickened me. For the first time since agreeing to this I didn't know if this was possible, if I was strong enough to forge peace.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Before he could go over and console the princess his royal guard burst into the room. The protectors were his elite forces handpicked from the imperial navy and army for their combat prowess. The guns they wielded were entirely unique to them and the only standard thing they shares was their golden and purple uniforms.

“Clear” Rodan said simply “Confirmation code Ezekiel”

The guards relaxed the minute they heard the command code. They nodded at him sheathing their weapons and turning back to the hidden alcoves they used to flood into his room. Within a few minutes they were gone leaving him alone with the Queen.

He turned back to her making his way over to her and squatting down. He ran a hand through her hair for a second before moving to the ties of her corset.

“Trust me” He said feeling her beginning to stir and move at his touch.

He carefully untied the corset freeing her from the restricted clothing with one deft hand. He pushed it off of her body and grabbed his simple lounge wear style shirt and pulled it off. He carefully pulled it over her form careful not to show off her body out of her own respect.

“I know this was difficult” He told her his naked muscular chest on display for her “I know you feel lost and like you just did the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do before. Trust me when I saw this was what was needed and that it will get easier. I can tell you loved him. However you don’t deserve a man who trusts you so little and makes such horrid claims about you. He wasn’t worthy of you my Queen and he was never going to be as long as he thought so little of you”

He ran his hands down her back and rose. He moved over to his table locating the communicator he used to keep in touch with his staff. A quick dial put him in contact with the kitchen.

“The Queen and I are ready for breakfast” Rodan said “Our usual please… Twenty minutes? No that’s no trouble at all! Thank you”

He hung up the phone and came back over to her. He gently helped her up and once she was up he wrapped her in a deep hug. Hugging people wasn’t something he was well versed in and he would be lying if he said he was super comfortable doing it.

But he knew she needed it.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

The sound of the guards bursting into the room didn’t even rise me, I was numb to everything but the poisonous burning in my chest. I tried to swallow the pain but it was all encompassing, something that I couldn’t fight against and didn’t have a defense against.

Riordan’s voice was the only clarity in the thickening fog that was taking over my mind. I had just don’t the last thing I have ever thought possible, I hadn’t even realized it was something I had in me to do and even worse I wasn’t too sure I knew how to survive it.

Killian, he was-

Just think about him stole my break and plummeted another spike through my heart and into my soul. It was gut wrenching and tears picked behind my tightly shut eyes. I didn’t have the energy to cry but I knew it was a lie. I just didn’t want to, didn’t want to admit to being even weaker than the curled up mess of heartbroken girl I was being right now.

Something touched me and I thought to recoil from the hand but couldn’t move. When the hand moved to the ties at my back that bound the corset to my upper half I did recoil, my eyes opening with faint worry and fright.

”Trust me.”

It was such a hugely impossible thing to ask, yet as I looked up into his face I nodded once giving him that trust that so many had to fight and prove worthy for.

His fingers were light and gentler that I expected them to be. The image of a man undressing me had always been a heated task fueled by the need to be skin to skin. It had never been a motion stirred by compassion and support. The notion of this act harboring no sexual, between a man and a woman intended for marriage, was startling to me. Wasn’t he the Cad King? Wooing every manor of woman to his bed for his pleasure? It had been the rumors that built up my impression of the man. It was a foundation that I was tearing down brick by brick every day that I spent with him. Sure the rumors of his devious desires were still hushed in shadowed halls but I had learned to hear past them and judge the man by his own acts and not the words of another.

“Thank you.” I rasped hugging the much larger shirt to my body, his warmth that clung to it shielding me from the bitter chill of heartache if only by a fraction. His words were even kinder and I attempted a tired smile as his hand ran up my back before he got up.

I needed to be stronger than this. I couldn’t let this personal matter, no matter how damaging, turn me from the task at hand. Their people were still at the brink of reigned in war, any little setback would plunge them back into death and chaos. I had to find some way to compartmentalize this emotional warfare, seal it away from what was still salvageable and repair that which could be saved. It was the protocol for ships under fire and taking damage. It wouldn’t be easy but if I could redesign my being into something like a ship diagram then maybe, just maybe I could walk away from this with some part of myself. It wouldn’t be a large part but I could use that cutting to plant a new growth, terraform new life. A stronger life. And from a ship, to a planet I would find my way back to being a person.

Repeating the plan to myself made me sound insane, but it was all I had at the moment and trauma repair was better than battle broken.

Riordan returned to my side and he helped me to my feet, wrapping me in his arms. His body stayed tense but I took comfort in the embrace, snuggling my check against his warm, muscled hardened lower chest. His skin soft against my cheek as my arms circled around him in return. He still held rigid as if this was an unnatural act for him. Wouldn’t a practiced womanizer be skilled in all art of skin contact? I smiled at myself, turning my head to rub my cold nose over his toned abs.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

The touch of her cold nose against his abs made Rodan want to giggle and pull away. With some start he realized he was ticklish a intimate fact he never knew about himself. She was the only one who ever had been this close except for the few times his mistress had given him a hug. Even she wasn’t big on actual affection and counted herself more as the person who gave praise.

“There now” Rodan said stroking her hair before letting her go “Let’s go ahead and enjoy the rest of our day and forget the incident. I know it wont come easy but I promise this was for the good of you”

He released her just as the chef’s came in bearing the silver plates of their usual breakfast fare. He gestured for her to sit at the table and once she did he followed after her and thanked the Chef’s.

The rest of the day passed with no incident. He did his best to get her mind off of what was going on and even moved up his time line on presenting her, her very own horse.

She reacted with happiness but he could tell she was still mourning the loss of him. There was clearly a mutual love connection there and he had no doubt she truly loved him. He didn’t hold it against her even though he found it somewhat amusing. Of course she never thought she would be Queen. So the idea of falling in love with someone potentially dangerous didn’t much matter to her.

He decided to give her some time to come to terms and rise out of the funk. She wasn’t ready to come to terms with their kiss and since she wasn’t trying to break off the wedding. He suspected this was her first true taste of having to sacrifice for the greater good.

And he personally knew how hard of a lesson that was to learn.

The rest of the week went without a hitch. His people grew more and more found of their future Queen partly because of her own personality and partly through his own subtle manipulations. He paid people in the public to spread the good word and relied on his spies to tell him of anyone still having issues with the idea.

Luckily there were very few who protested. By the time they were set to go see her people his polling and intel put those in favor at ninety nine percent. The idea of peace was apparently the best gift he could have given the subjects of his empire.

Now came the hard part. The act of getting her own people on board. Rodan would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. The morning of their departure he ate alone and spent several minutes going over what he knew of their culture and language to try and make the best impression. He fought hard for his throne here but the simple truth was that he technically was born into it. He would be nothing more than an outsider to these people and would have to prove himself every way.

“You’ll do fine Emperor” Emilio said watching Rodan as he paced across the room.

“I must do more than fine Emilio” Rodan snapped his tone a little short “If I wish to get the support of these people I must wow them”

“And you will” Emilio insisted as he turned back to the suitcase he was packing for Rodan “the Queen and her entourage love you you’ve already done the hard part in wining them over”

“If only that were the case” Rodan said sighing and moving over to his chosen attire for travel. The opulent clothing he wore usually was not laid out and instead there was a simple pilot jacket with the Queens colors displayed and a pair of armored flight pants. He slipped those on over his naked frame shooing off Emilio attempt to dress him.

“Send the Queen in” Rodan said when he was finally dressed “I wish to have a word with her before we leave”

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

“Easier said than done I’m afraid.” But I made an effort straightening and retreating from the comfort that Riordan offered, even as forced as it felt. He was doing it to make me feel better and that was enough of an effort to mean something to me. “Thank you.” I whispered as the chief came in.

Our day took a surprising detour when Riordan took me down to the stables and presented me with a horse. It was a gift and I marveled at the creature wondering if one day I would be as skilled as some of those soldiers she watched on the field. They flipped, turned, fought and danced on, around and from the saddle in a sequence that was both beautiful and dangerous.

The week passed quickly and I made time every day to visit with Nocturne, my sooty black horse. I learned he had a sweet tooth and snuck him down pears and apples, taking a childish delight in the animal’s obvious excitement at her offerings. At first I told myself it was bribery, he would like me quicker but he seemed to be partial to me even without the fruit.

Meetings became more frequent and ventures out into the city were more relaxed as my security lessened and blended in more as time passed. His people were friendly and welcomed me and I ignored the fact that Riordan paid the crowds remembering that I was using the same tactics with the foreign beast. My Intel reports were accurately gathered each morning and towards the end of the week I polled well with not only his council but the general population.

Reports from the distant outposts were not as comforting. A band of rebels were scouting Riordan’s pilots, most were just threatening forces that feinted attacks and close calls but there was a steady increase in light skirmishes. No fatalities but massive trade and property damage. They voiced a banner of freedom, claiming that I was forced into this marriage and Riordan himself was the cause of the last Queen’s death. Without being able to go there myself I recorded a dna hologram so there would be no doubt the message was from me and asked for peace, warning of punishable measures if they ignored my request. After visiting the Capital Riordan and I would start from the outer rings in as we spread the world of our marriage.

The last morning upon the Leviathan, I procrastinated not wanting to get up. Things were going to change and I wasn’t sure Riordan was ready for it. My people were governed by science and discovery but when it came to matters of the heart, the heart won in more cases then not. The royal house was no exception, they didn’t believe in arranged marriages and would settle for nothing less than true love.

Maybe I was the one who wasn’t ready for this.

Killian. It had been a week but my heart still ached at the thought of him. I missed him daily, he was in my every thought and my footsteps sounded empty without his own echoes in mine. In the days that passed Riordan had really stepped in, filling my days with witty banter and intelligent conversations for the future. More than that he shared with me his love for his people, his favorite foods and wasn’t shy about reading out loud from his favorite books when we were alone. I found that I had grown accustomed to him being there from morning breakfasts to late nightcaps and searched for him when we were apart.

“I’m to guess that the days of dresses are behind us.” Mistress Leona mourned packing up the last dress. “I was so nice to see you dressed as the beautiful lady I know you can be.”

I wanted to duck under the covers but fought the impulse and tossed the blankets to the side and growing smile on my face. “I know, back to wearing suits, armor and pants!” I sighed over the word pants shooting a sassy look at Leona.

“Gideon sent over new concepts this morning.” Leona tempted, waving her hand over her palm showing a 3d image of what could be her new casual wear.

I slipped on my bracelet and turned my wrist over snagging the holograms from Leona flipping through them. “Dress, dress, still a dress. Not a dress but what’s with this poufy skirt?” A dozen images later and I had reached the ends still not interested in what I had seen.

Leona stepped in front of me with a look on her face that begged me to compromise.

“Fine.” I grumbled bringing up a sketch with a number of different variations. “This one, number three”

“Wonderful choice.” Leona agreed turning around to pull a vacuumed sealed back from the pile of things already stacked there. “Here you go.”

“But-“ The sketch still used my sister’s face and her tall willowy body. It was half the reason I picked it because it figured it would take more time to finish and I wouldn’t have to worry about it.

Leona smiled like the cat who caught the canary and I scowled pulling the bag open. “I know you little one.” She sang tapping me on the nose like she used to when I was a child.

I didn’t say anything, I didn’t have to. With one finial smile Leona left the room her arms weighted down by the number of dresses I had stored in the room I slept in.

Less than twenty minutes later I left my room and turned to room they had breakfast in finding it empty. It was later in the morning then normal and headed back towards his room. I took a second to roll my shoulder and stretch out my body as I walked, testing the movement of the fabric. There was an undersuit, similar to the undersuit that I wore under my armor that fitted like a second skin. The difference in this one was the color, a deep navy, that shade right before the sunsets and the sky turns black and the texture. It was dramatically softer, supple in the way quality leathers are with a nano weave over the entirety of the suit and stem line over my spine. Over the suit was a peacock layered jacket in that same navy black, and a tunic front in a spun gold. Halter emblem straps crisscrossed over the front and back and was accented in gold with starched shoulders that had a slight peak. I tumbled down the hallway and sprang to my feet finding that the clothes moved with me and didn’t get in my way. Even the higher than normal booted heels didn’t give me any trouble. The only thing that showed for my little acrobats was tendrils of hair working loose from the low bun.

“Oh! Emilio, do you know where Riordan is?” I asked blushing and hoping that he had missed my little test stunt. “I wanted to talk to him before we left.”

It seemed Emilio had been sent to find me and together we walked in silence back to Riordan.

“Morning.” I greeted the moment I saw Riordan. My eyes moved up and down his body and I physically nodded, a faint smile touching my lips. “You look very handsome.” I complimented walking towards him, stopping when just an arm’s reach away. I waited until we were along before pressing my intent upon Riordan.

I tested that distance and reached out tracing the solar flare pattern in matte black and glittery silver. My hand lingered there and I looked up into Riordan’s face. “How good of an actor are you?” I opened my hand wide palming his jacket over his heart. “For this to work my people will need to believe we are in love. I’ve had my people spread rumors that this isn’t the first time that we’ve meet. I don’t claim to believe in love at first sight but it is a romantic notion embraced by many.” My hand fell slowly to my side and I broke eye contact looked away. “I’m a horrible actor.” It wasn’t so much a confession, everyone knew it but I voiced the statement anyways feeling it needed to be said. “It feels strange to ask but will you help me?” I fidgeted the blush on my cheeks making my skin shimmer. “I’m not accustomed to acts of public affection so when necessary…” I took a deep breath and stepped back hoping the space would calm me. It didn’t.

“I give you rights and freedoms to my body.” It sounded so formal and strange that I shook my head feeling the nerves set in. “What I’m saying it that I wouldn’t get upset if we were in public and you thought a kiss or a caress would strengthen the rumors that we are in love.” I thumbed the hem of the gold edged jacket and looked anywhere but at Riordan. “We’ll also be sharing my quarters once we board Harut. Leona said that she sent Emilio a crew list and gave your staff and crew equal numbers aboard.” I rushed glossing over the fact that unlike here, where we shared a collection of room enabling me to sleep in one room and him another, we would be in one room. As spacious as it was, spanning the top most deck of the ship, it was designed to my single person living. Which meant one bed.

“You navy has been given docking privileges and air space.” I felt like I needed to talk about anything but the need for theatrical romance between the two of us. Fumbling for anything else to bring up I looked back up at Riordan the blush still rosy upon my cheeks. “We don’t have horses.” I muttered daftly taking a deep breath in as I tried not to imagine the two of us sharing one bed.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"Ah I was just about to go looking for you” Rodan said turning and noting his soon to be Queen coming in. His eyes flickered across her dress taking in her outfit and a small fire of pleasure going through his eyes as he watched her.

“That will be all Emilio” Rodan said waving the man off as he could see she wanted to talk alone. Emilio to his credit simply nodded and turned his heel moving toward the door and going through it without a second word. Once they were gone Rodan turned to her his smile growing ever larger as she stopped in front of him.

“You look breathtaking my dear” He told her meaning it. After having spent so much time with her he was starting to became used to and even happy with her.

He never expected to fall in love with her. Yet he suspected that was exactly what was happening. It was part because he didn’t want to just have a marriage of convenience like his parents or most of the emperors who came before him. Yet it was also just her, the way she smiled when she was happy and the strength she carried.

He was admiring her form once more when she surprised him by stepping forward. He felt her hand on his chest and he shivered trying to recover and focus on her words as he sensed their importance.

He wasn’t used to her being a bit embarrassed or apprehensive but once she finished he understood. It touched him that she was willing to give him such trust and only made the want for her throb a bit more.

“You don’t have to feel embarrassed” He said grasping her hand and bringing it to his chest.

“We are going to be married my dear” He reminded her chuckling “And spend the rest of our lives together. So far we are off to a very good start. I think you feel it to, I don’t think it will be as hard for you to fake as you think.”

He brought her hand up and gave her a kiss.

“I want you to do something for me” He told her a playful glint in his eyes “I want you to imagine us together. Truly together the next time you are relaxed and alone. I want you to let your mind and body carry you through what being with me is like. Then the next time we meet I want you to treat me as if we were still in that fantasy”

He surprised her then bringing his head down and giving her a deep kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds smiling at her and patting her hand before moving to his bags and grabbing them.

“See you at the ship my sweet” He called before leaving out the door she came in through.

……………………………………
TWO HOURS LATER

“Are you sure you are going to be okay sire?”

Rodan turned to Emilio and his guards. They were currently all situated on the bridge of the ship that would take him away from the Levaithan for the very first time. The look on Emilio face was priceless and it was everything Rodan could do not to chuckle as his advisor tried to come to terms with staying behind.

“You and the mistress will run things” Rodan said reaching out and clasping his back “I trust you Emilio to represent my interest and the good of my empire. Don’t screw this up”

“But what about us?” The guard asked narrowing his eyes “surely you don’t expect to travel alone with all the recent attacks?”

“I have a few guards acting as plainsclothes” Rodan explained nodding his head at them “but I am leaving the bulk of my security to my Queen and her people”

“Very well” The guard sighed shaking his head “I hope you know what you are doing”

“I like to think so” Rodan said clasping the man on the back.

“Now its time for you to go” He told them ushering them off the command bridge. Once they were gone he walked to his shared suite with the Queen and decided to fix himself a bath in the exotic looking tub the ship had. He stripped down in the bathroom busying himself with learning it and completely oblivious to anyone coming in.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

“Yes, well…” I blushed as he kissed my hand. “I just didn’t want to surprise another kiss upon you, seeing as how well the last one went.” I drily laughed trying to make light of the request and his easy acceptance of it. Riordan didn’t seem burdened by what I had said and countered with a request of his own. “I-“ My answer was silenced by his lips and my hands moved to push him away but they stilled when they reached his chest. This kiss was much like the first in the way it affected me, I still didn’t understand the reasoning behind it but it left me breathless.

“Yes.” I mumbled to an already gone Riordan. My fingers brushed along my lips and a childhood story came to mind. My brows drew together as I tried to remember the details of the fairytale. It had something to do with ‘the spark’ the feeling between to beings that were bound to each other in ways much deeper then science could explain. I couldn’t even remember the name of the tale, casting the story aside for tales of daring adventure and thrilling fetes, love hadn’t been a thing of interest until I had met Killian.

My heart twisted in my chest again and I clutched at the pain, willing the tears back. The wound was still raw and I worried that the edges were getting infected and not healing. I wanted to say that it wasn’t getting any better but it was, largely because of Riordan.

Reborn Sun was a three deck luxury ship used by the royal family for diplomacy voyages. As such the top deck had been sectioned in a way that the majority of the deck was composed of a large living quarter with a smaller observatory lounge. It was my favorite place on the ship, finding the quiet and seamless wall of windows peaceful.

“Think of us together.” I whispered. I didn’t know what that meant, well I did but at the same time I didn’t. I had thought of what our future would be, what the end of the war would be like and how we would rebuild our people together as a stronger unified unit. I even envisioned what scientific advances could be made for both our forces but never what it meant for us as individuals.

Closing my eyes I cleared my mind. “Riordan.” As his name fell from my lips I pictured him as I first saw him. Arrogant, pungent aroma of sex clinging to him and the gaudy opulence that made up his wardrobe and ship. It hadn’t been that easy. The more time I got to spend with him the more that image was shed, transforming him into something real. She had seen him smile, talked with him of his hoped and dreams, the way he loved his people even as some of them still whispered about him being a genetic flaw. I had learned to see past the flashy clothes and interior and see the wounded man underneath. He had grown up surrounded by people who hated him for his difference, distance of his father and mother he had been raised by another. This own people had lashed out at him, she had reports from before she had been queen and was amazed that he had loved them even still.

Laying back on the cool floor I thought about the man that had held me as I cried. He could have demanded justice but had comforted me instead. The days after he had done all that he could to bring me happiness. He gifted me one of his precious horses and had the chiefs prepare my favorite meals that we took on picnics. Riordan had shared his library with me and at night read passages from his favorite books and I had fallen asleep to the peaceful deep voice. He could have taken advantage but I had woke the next morning in my own bed untouched with the book he had read from on the bedside table.

I imagined us coaxing Earth back to life and terraforming a new planet for humans to thrive on. But he had asked for more then what we would do but who we would be together. Once free from the clutches of war we could be free to learn more about each other. Pass that… Would there be children? I had spoken to Killian about children once, my desire for a large family, but he hadn’t shared the same want. For him he was happy to simply pledge his life to my every happiness, mine alone. Did Riordan someday want kids?

There had been this picture from an old Earth billboard. The image was of a mother, father and two kids. They saw on a porch swing together watching their son and daughter play in the yard. It was an advert for a realty company but the picture had always been the base for my fantasy family. A charming cabin house with a wide wrap around porch, a large yard teaming with wildlife and filled with the tiny pitter patter of running footsteps and echoing with joyous laughter.

Riordan sat pushing off the porch in a slow lazy beat as the swing rocked back and forth, a sweating drink in hand as I curled under his arm tucked close to his side. He placed the drink down and using the chill of the drink cupped his cool hand to my cheek. I’d shiver under his touch as he tilted my face up, his lips hot against my own as a spark raced down my spine and I moaned into his mouth. A child, raven haired with bright blue eyes would run out of the house breathless with laughter as he jumped up into the swing joining us. More screams of laughter filled the house and two more little faces came running outside.

A warmth filled my chest as I imagined our family. I could see Riordan reading to the children as they feel asleep feeling protected and safe. Over their sleeping heads he would give me that look and we would rush as quickly as we dared to put the children to bed before falling upon each other with wanton desire. Because never had my dreams paired me in a loveless marriage of peace. He would claim my mouth until all I could taste was him as we tore each other’s clothing off. Naked we would fall into bed and he would sink into my heated core.

Pleasure slowly built in my stomach as I thought about being with him in that way. I wanted to say that it was hard to imagine but I had a feeling that Riordan would be a strong but caring lover. He would seek out my release as a trophy for his own excitement, spilling his need deep inside of me. His face completely relaxed and vulnerable as the afterglow of our joining marked us both.

I shivered, a pale shadow of pulses quivering through my center. It was true that Riordan was a handsome man but I had never thought of him in such a way before. That it was so easy for me was shocking and I opened my eyes slowly. It had seemed so easy, hidden behind my closed eyes but with them open it felt so complicated. I rolled by wrist and the time illuminated the dark room. Riordan would be here any minute, I needed to meet him, show him around and make him comfortable.

The sliding door was soundless as I entered the living room of the royal deck. Figuring I should refresh myself and tidy up a bit I turned and headed for the bathroom unprepared with what I was about to see.

“Oh!” I gasped, sucking in a lungful of air at the sight of a very naked Riordan. Blushing I looked away, after what I had just been thinking of it was with even more embarrassment that I turned my eyes from his unclothed form. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t been told that you arrived.” I had meant to keep my view from drifting but I glanced back at Riordan and found myself appraising him with a slight smile on my lips. He was all lean muscle, long limbs and everything was perfectly proportioned to his much taller height. “Oh my…” My eyes followed the hairline from his bellybutton lower and paused, the blush on my cheeks deepening and spreading down my neck until my skin sparkled and shimmered like diamond dust.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Riordan hadn't expected her to come in. In hind sight he should have been thinking about it or certainly made some kind of attempt to warn her. This was his first time sharing a room with anyone at least not since his days in the imperial academy.

Yet the idea of her starring or even being caught this way excited him. There was a pleasure in playing this game with her and trying to seduce his soon to be Queen and Wife.

So instead of being casual about it or even brushing it off Riordan choose to rise out of the water of the large bathtub. He let the water fall from his body running in rivers down his tone torso and muscular arms. If she decided to follow the path she would watch the water run to his cock where it would hang off of of the limp curved member for a second before falling back down into the tub.

"I didn't know you were on the ship yet either my love" Riordan said casually "I would have asked you to join me if I knew or at least share a shower with me"

He didn't know how she would react to that but he gave her a chance to. While she did he grabbed a towel patting his lower body and giving her mini flashes as he stepped out.

"I assume we are on our way?" Riordan asked still playing it up as if it was the most casual thing in the world. He dried off his body as he talked to her comfortable being naked around her.

"I shall leave the tub to you then" Riordan said coming over and kissing her cheek pressing his naked body against hers for a second "You can bathe in the remains of my tub wash in my scent"

He walked away after that letting the idea and thought hang in the air. He dressed and then waited for her lounging on the couch in the room and reading reports as he tried not to go get his own peek at her.

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

Running water droplets, it was the dammed water droplets I tried to tell myself as I watched them run down his body. My mind drew a blank as I watched the droplet roll down his limp length. Physics told me that the water drop from there would fall into the tub but I couldn't have told you if it did or not. I stopped caring when it reached a certain part of him. This was the first male organ I had seen and I studied it shamelessly until I heard his voice and I startled looking away again as fast as I could.

"I thank you for the invitation but I must decline and should there be any further invites I shall also politely decline." I was giddy with pride at the stable, level tone of my voice. As if I wasn't thinking about what it would look like fully engorged or how much larger it would be. The second thought frightened me a bit and it help in distancing me from the train of thought. "Yes." Turning around so my back was towards him, more for my temptation then his modesty. "We should be aboard Ҥarut within two hours time."

He kissed my cheek and I didn't know if he was playing with me but I had a feeling he was and I glared at him and his casual ease at being naked around me. "Another kind offer and yet another I must refuse." I forced smile annoyed that I couldn't be as unconcerned with his nakedness as he was. When I thought he wasn't looking as I wouldn't get caught, I stole another glance at him, ashamed that I would lower myself to such a lusty glorification.

In the bathroom alone I quickly locked the door and unplugged the tub. I honestly had no wish to wash in his water thought the idea of being surrounded by his scent. I shook my head freeing me from such thoughts. I was a lady, a Queen and it was below me to fantasize about Riordan. Yet, hadn't that been what he had asked me to do? My mind was all shaken up, like a snow globe and I splashed my face with water to give myself time to think.

Ten minutes later I exited the bathroom, collected, calm and quite recovered from the, well just recovered. "Do you want children?" I hadn't meant to ask the question, I had meant for something like a request to join me in the library to come out but it seemed my mouth had a mind of its own.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

He blinked for once surprised. He glanced up from the holo tablet of reports he was reading studying her fully and all pretense of teasing gone from his face.

Did he want children? Was that even a simple answer? His people had long since stopped having children the natural way. Sex was for pleasure and fun and nothing more. Babies now were grown from the genetic template of their parents and eventually artificially put into the mothers belly.

It always amused Riordan that his people who were such clinically detached from reproduction insisted that the babies be put into their mothers. The process was stable enough they didn't have to be yet it was a tradition his people never gave up.

By having kids with her he would be going the traditional route. His people wouldn't have enough information on her biology to do it the other way. Their child or children would be the first created in a several thousand years naturally.

What if they were like him?

"I do" He said softly a weird look still on his face "I always wanted children A big family. I suppose thats expected of us but I would by lying if I said it wasnt a desire."

He faltered there long enough for her to understand there was a but coming.

"My people haven't done this the old fashion way in centuries" He explained to her for the first time blushing and looking out of sorts. It was a rather shocking turn of events especially given how calm cool and collected he usually was.

"I dont know what the risk will be" He told her honestly "And my people genetic perfection is a way of life. I know how much my own people turned on me because of my eyes. I know they will expect us to field heirs but will they accept that they are unlike anything ever seen before?"

 

[Kismets_Paramour]

His answer made me smile. It wouldn't be as simple as that but it was nice to know where his thoughts on the matter were.

"I'm familiar with the way your people breed, it's fascinating and also pointless. The fetus would develop faster in their artificial womb and would come to term without the risk of birthing complications." We didn't breed in such a way. "If it makes you feel better my genes are dominate and would carry and fill any genetic flaw that you might pass on." It was the case with any species we breed with. His worry about risks because our children would be the first would be easy enough to dispel. "Nessa Tricluren is the engineer aboard Ҥarut and she is born of a human father. Aside from her preferred nickname of 'Props' there isn't anything wrong with her. She's nearing her fifth solar year and is the best propulsion, matter force and nanoengine engineer in the Navy."

I sat next to him on the couch. "I know she was carried a total of eleven months instead of your human's nine. Her had a secondary heart but her lungs are a single chamber, not lined or filtered like mine. Her features are a mix of her parentage, her hair more brown and skin an amber toned tan. Her eyes don't shift with her emotions and she can't see the whole color spectrum that I can but can see more than you. There are many that have been born from mixed unions, not all like Nessa but all reportedly healthy and mentally sound." Beyond that I couldn't see what more they could ask for.

I was silent for a bit before continuing. "I had done as you asked, thought of what the two of us meant. I thought of children and needed to know your desires." I looked over at him remembering my fantasy and the reality of his naked body. My eyes darkened and my pupils dilate. "I find the idea of affection between us not only beneficial to our cause but perhaps mutually pleasing to both parties." I said my words taking on a formal cadence as I get uncomfortable. "Anyways," Sighing I got to my feet and nodded to Riordan. "There is a library on the second deck." I offered clearing my throat and straightening my jacket. "There is a large section on romantic courtship and erotic coupling." I blushed and rushed to clarify. "It's just, we as a people are very different culturally and if you had any questions there are instruction manuals, videos. Oh, not like, I don't mean." I gave up knowing well enough that I was just digging the hole deeper for myself.

"Perhaps I'll train instead." I mused leaving the couch to change my clothes. It was a simple matter since all I had to do was strip down my outer layers. "You are welcome to join me." I expended not bothering to say anything more then that since I had botched the last conversations so magnificently.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Her words and the revelation that there were species among her people. He knew of reports but nothing more. Their entire races had been at war for longer than most people could remember. Of course that didn't mean EVERYONE was at work.

It just made the others harder to see.

"I see" He said making a mental note to go ahead and interview the person she spoke of. If they were going to be Queen and King then he needed to make the point of figuring out how a child was going to work between them.

That meant interviewing one.

When she continued to talk and offer him two rapid fire choices he couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"You love to talk fast when your nervous" He remarked smirking softly "whenever your nervous! I think it's cute but it does leave me struggling to catch up! So what is it? Would you like to train together? Of would you like to go ahead and read about our coupling or ask me some questions about it? I leave it up to you my dear"