Tales from the Three Kingdoms : Rose

 This is the start of what I thought would be a novel and it never blossomed. This is what would have been the start. I did try to group these stories in a way that would make flow better. Feel free to share this story but please give the author proper credit.

Prologue

     All kingdoms have their beginnings. The three great kingdoms of Viperion, Ghoston, and Chameleon, were no different. Legend has it that there were three brothers, each given a gift. The eldest, who was renowned for his cruelty, had the gift of the Viper. He was immune to poison, moved as quietly and swiftly like a predator.

     The middle brother was given the ability to vanish from site, downside, had to be nude to not be seen. Clothes did not vanish. He was known as to be kind and gentle, and a just ruler. Finally, was the youngest brother of the three, he was given the ability to blend into his surroundings. He was known as crafty thief.

     

 

Rose

 

     Rose was named well. She was beautiful, and had subtle way of manipulation, that was put to good use. She had to have thorns of some sort, to survive being a middle child, four brothers, and two sisters, to contend with.

     She grew up holding her own. A proper Merchant Princess, heir to the throne of Oceania, a very prosperous sea trade kingdom, under the High King of Viperion.

      Her father’s success as a ruler and Rose’s beauty had caught the eye of the recently widowed king.  Even though the king was old enough to be Rose’s father, his advisors pressed him into another marriage. Being long lived, even a man at his age, could easily add to his family line.

     There were three types of marriages, the typical in love with each other, like Rose’s parents. An arranged marriage, like the High King’s first marriage, though they did fall in love. The final type was contractual. More of a business arrangement with spousal duties involved.

     The basics of any Marriage Contract had the same staples to begin with, could be varied if wanted.

1.       Until an heir is conceived, bedroom duties (sex), were required weekly. Certain exceptions were allowed.

2.       After an heir was conceived, only a monthly visit for bedroom duties, was required. The wife could choose to have a Consort if he came from a Pleasure House. A way to ensure that he would be chemical eunuch, (which is reversible), so no children from outside the marriage.

3.       The wife, consort, and any children, could not be harmed in anyway. Or the contract is null and void, and the price was not cheap. In Rose’s case, her parents would gain half the kingdom.

4.       Rose added number four. The right to raise her child as she saw fit. What was added to this, that he or she would have proper noble training.

5.       Five was also added: Six of her own hand chosen bodyguard, and two of her own handmaidens would come with her. Agreed to if the other servants chosen came from Viperin, the city of the high king.

     The rest covered bride’s dowry, and the type of power Rose could wield as Queen, and the like.

     A month before her wedding, her mother had again tried to talk her out of it. Rose knew she had to make this sacrifice of a happy marriage. There was no guarantee of ever having this opportunity and she not only did it for her father, but for the people. She was true noble.

   During her last month at home, she balanced her family time and time spent with Mitra. The youngest daughter of King Bullton, her husband to be. She was nothing like her parents. Born a twin to a boy, she was raised by her Grandparents, who were not as cruel and sadistic as Bullton. They were becoming close friends.

                                                         ***********

     Rose survived her wedding day. She had a back wing that was hers. It had a library, study, sitting room, large bathroom with a separate shower and deep soaker bath, bedroom, nursery, Consort quarters, small kitchen, and dining area. It also had a pool, filled with sea water, that even occasionally had waves in it, and surrounded by pristine white sand. Above it was a sky light to let the sun or moonlight in. Mitra wanted Rose to have a bit of home with her. Of course, there were several wings of the main one, for servants, and a gym fit for an assassin.

 

     Every woman’s first time should be gentle and loving. Rose was not expecting that, but what she actually got, she wasn’t quite expecting either.

     Rose was naked on the bed. Bullton came in just wearing a loin cloth. He lifted each of Rose’s legs up, so her feet were flat on the bed. The he both his hands and lifted her arms above her head, where he forced her hands together, so he could hold her arms there while he used his right hand to release the loin cloth and throw it on the nearby chair. He then repositioned her arms, separated but still above her head.

     She expected pain but Bullton, was not a man lacking, he was not known as the bull for nothing.

Rose did not even have time to breath before he forced himself into her. With each deeper thrust, Rose held back the tears and screams, as the pain just seemed to get worse and worse. She would not be weak in his sight.

     Finally, she felt his release. He released her, got off the bed, put on his loin cloth and left. A servant gave Rose a moment to put on a robe. The proof that she was a virgin, was now on the white sheet. All Viperians bleed there first time, some more than others. If she weren’t a virgin, her parents, as well as her lover if caught, as well as herself, would have been executed.

     Two servants entered, who came to gather the sheet and present to the noble council, a way to ensure that the husband did not lie about her virtue, keeping the bride safe. The noble council would see and record the proof of Virginity.

     Behind those servants came Rose’s two handmaidens. As soon as the servants left. Elanna, held Rose as the tears came now unbidden. Isla, went to prepare a warm bath, and later would change the all the bed linens, and burn the current set.

     Elanna’s mother had worked in a brothel. A Pleasure house was used for the rich nobles, or just wealthy folk. Women and men in a Pleasure House had to be treated a certain way, in a brothel,

rules were a lot laxer. Elanna knew how to take care of Rose.

     First, she took her to the shower, to clean up. Then gave her balm to apply between her legs. The heat of the bath would activate it and bring Rose some relief. At least, Rose knew it would be a while before his next visit. She was given proper healing time, for her first time. That gave her some condolence.

     It took some tea, and more tears, before Rose finally fell asleep.

*****

     The second visit was only slightly better, than her first. She knew what to expect. When he came, she had her set of bed linens removed, and a set she used for him only, which was later cleaned and hidden in a chest far from Rose’s room. She was always left in pain, but she had grown a bit of a tolerance to it.

     A few more torturous visits, and she became pregnant. She had always wanted to be mother, but part of her was afraid of raising a child alone. It was obvious, that her husband, only did what he was contracted to do. He did value her business sense; she had asked as part of her dowry that he looked at her plans to deal with the Trading Guilds. He was impressed and put her in charge of the dealings with the Guilds. He still had to sign off on anything she proposed, but it was obvious he would never see her as anything but a prized brood mare.

     During her time with child, she was free from having her weekly visits. It was also during this time that she got to meet Bullston’s father and his stepmother. She was once the Mistress of the Bullston’s father. Bullston’s mother had died in a ship accident, and he married the love of his life. She had been Queen for a while, till Bullston had taken the throne, because his father had an illness that made ruling was difficult for him. He could tire easily.

     All three bonded easily and Rose felt like she had another set of parents. Mitra, Elanna, and Isla as well as the former king, Foxton, and former queen, Linna, helped Rose prepare for the baby. Her parents helped as much as they could, when they came for a visit, and were relieved to see she had more allies than just Mitra.

     Nine months, passed and Prince Rave, was born. Time would be allotted for proper healing again before her visits would again. She would use this time to bond with her son, and work with the Nurse maid. Rose, like her mother, had an issue of not being able to produce enough milk for a baby. So, she had the daytime feedings, and the nurse maid took the night time ones, as well, as assisting with the Prince when needed.

     As soon as she was able to return to her bedroom duties, Bullston returned. Rose bared his brutality, the time away, had made this time, feel just about as bad as the first. At least she would have a break. Every ten years, the high kings of the three kingdoms, traveled from one end of their land to the other. Getting new census information and collecting taxes, dealing with problems, and the like. Even with the advanced transportation available, Bullston would be gone for at least three months if not a bit longer.

***

     “Princess Mitra, I’m Prospera. How may I be of service?” A light blonde-haired woman asked. Her hair always made her seem a bit older, it was near white in color. She was only about eight years older than Mitra, putting her in her early thirties. She ran the well renown Pleasure House called Vices.

     “I didn’t peg you as the consort type.” She said while entering her office area.

     “I don’t need one. I’m enquiring for a friend.”

     “Male or female?”

    “Female.”

    “Okay, I’ll need some intimate information.” She pulled out an electronic file system, like a tablet. It was colored blue.

     “I can answer for her. She knows I’m here.”

     “Ah, she is reluctant but open to the idea.”

     “Exactly. You do read people well.”

     “Empathic. Low level, and with practice I can tell by looks if someone is lying or telling the truth.”

     “Rumors are true.” She just smiled, and slightly nodded her head.

     “Now about your friend. How high on the noble rung?” The better the consort, the higher the price.

     “She’s my stepmother.” Prospera’s eyebrows lifted, revealing her surprise.

     “Some of these questions are going to be a bit more awkward. You still wish to continue?”

     “Yes.”

     “Okay. So, I’m assuming your father is just a bit more controlled with his wife, than with his current Pleasure Girl.” Mitra had obtained some information from the bodyguards and handmaidens, intimate details of a sort. Rose knew Mitra probably would ask others, her way of protecting Rose.

     “Brutally controlled.”

     “Gentle lover.”

     “Just a body or more?”

     “More.”

     “Alright, how does this sound so far, gentle, well educated, not just intelligent.”

     “Good.”

     “Now specifics. Nationality?”

     “She grew up in Oceania. She has a wide collection of stories in her library from all over. Her servants from handmaiden to bodyguard are from different regions.”

     “Okay, good. Now looks.”

     “Opposite of my father as much as possible.”

     “So light hair, dark eyes, a softer face.”

     “Right.”

     “Alright. Now physical attributes. I’ve narrowed down to eight possible choices. Does she need flawless skin?” Mitra gave her a quizzical look.

     “I have a couple in this file that have a few mild scars on them.”

     “No, I know she looks for more than physical.”

     “Alright. Any other attributes.” Mitra slightly blushed. She took out a piece of paper from her small purse and handed it to Prospera.

     “Four are left to choose from. He really is a bull in more ways than one. No disrespect intended to your father.”

     “He won’t hear that from me.” Prospera handed the file to Mitra. She read over the candidates.

Two Viperians, one from Foreston, and the last from the Desert region. The first were too close to her father, being Viperion. There was something about the Desert one that caught Mitra’s eye.

     “Could I see the Foreston and the Desert one. “Prospera, pushed a com button and in a moment two men were brought in. Both almost completely naked except for the jock like strap they wore.

     “Ask any questions you wish. These two should behave themselves, but I will have two guards posted outside. I’ll leave you to your inspection.” Prospera left the room.

     “Questions go to each of you. The Ranger can answer first.” Both men barely nodded yes.

     “She has a son. Any children issues, speak up now.” Silence.

     “Both files say never married and still virgins.” There was a chemical test done. Men who have had sex felt a strong burning sensation when that certain area was coated with the chemical called Pure. Virgins, in a Pleasure House were not as common, but not as rare as one would think. Consorts were always selected and after training given a year to be chosen or were than auctioned to the highest bidder.

     “So, my next question is how did you end up here? That isn’t in the file.”

     “Prisoner of War, after The Border Wars, sold as a slave as part of the Peace Agreement.” The Ranger said.

     “The village I lived in was under siege. The people I grew up with and knew from childhood were starving. Arrangements were made for a champion bout. The loser being sold into slavery, but even if the Viperians won, the village would be free. I was one of the best fighters, and I had no wife and children. So, I volunteered.” Mitra confirmed some other facts from the files, and did inspect the goods, in the end, she made her choice.

     Bullton was leaving in one week. Mitra’s choice would have one week to pass Royal inspection. A health check, very thorough, royal protocols, and some time with Mitra to understand Rose a bit more, so he would not cross certain lines, that may make her uncomfortable, if it progressed to physical. Mitra knew Prospera was particularly good at her job and her choice would pass.

***

 

    Rose still felt a bit uncomfortable with the idea of having a Consort. But she made a promise to Mitra, she would try it. Mitra was not the only one who thought it could be a good thing. So, the evening after the High King left, Mitra would bring in the consort.

     Until then, Rose had some unexpected business to attend to. With a Contract marriage, the king could visit any Pleasure House or Brothel as he wished to, If he took a Mistress, any child he had by her, would be in line for the throne, but under any of Rose’s children. If he got a Pleasure girl or prostitute pregnant, he could accept or deny the child.

     Rose was not stupid. She knew her husband spent time at Vices. She had heard the guards talking. One of his friends had purchased a slave for him, and she resided there. One of her personal guards, was Prospera’s cousin, and he kept her updates on the slave.

     Rose knew she was expecting a child. She was not going to let Rave’s half brother or sister, be sold as a slave. It was bad enough that innocent babies were sold from Pleasure House encounters. Rave’s sister would have a patroness. The baby was due in three months.

     Prospera had agreed to the terms she had sent. The child would be taken care of by an Inn Keeper, Mitra trusted and knew. A nurse maid would be sought out, to help make sure the baby was fed. Pleasure slaves never nursed. They were given a pill that dried up any milk production.

     “Tell your Mistress her terms are quite acceptable. I have set up an account for the care of the child. Gemmon will pick up receipts pertaining to the child. Any major decisions need to be run by me or Mitra.”

     “Very well, Highness. I will let her know.” The servant bowed and left. Mitra was standing in the hallway.

     “Went well?”

     “He or she will be taken care of. Too bad, I can’t free the mother.” Rose knew there were certain things she could get away with, taking Bullton’s slave away, not one of them.

     “Good. My Grandparents know, and they say they’ll help with raising the child, too.”

      “Good. Ah, the little Prince is ready for his lunch. We’ll talk business in a bit.” Rose headed down the hall, to the nursery. Mitra, loved watching Rose light up whenever Rave needed something. Rose spent too much time looking serious or sad. It was nice to her happy.

     After Rave was put down for his nap, Mitra looked over the approved conditions. She had helped Rose with the Patroness contract.

     “Now my half sibling is taken care of, we have one more bit of business.”

     “The consort quarters have been sparsely furnished.  Mostly necessities. I figured that if it works out, you and he could spend some time furnishing it. There is an allowance for it. It is under your housing allotment. Separate from it but put with it. He will have some things, clothes, toiletries, any other items he has procured or been allowed to have. Remember, a consort is more than just about sex.”

     “I know. But it just…”

      “I know strange, awkward, a bit scary. How many times must I reassure you? Give it one week. You do not like it, then we will go from there. Trust me?” Rose sighed.

     “One week. I promise.”

     “Good. Because he is paid for in full, and I would hate to tell Prospera you changed your mind, again.” Rose had been back and forth on the issue, that’s why Mitra went to find a consort for her.

***

     Mitra, Isla, and Elanna, made sure Rose was cleaned, groomed, and comfortable in what she would be meeting her consort in. Nothing sexy, but not too conservative either. She had a shoulder less dress, that clasped around her neck and the skirt stopped mid-thigh and was loose fitting. It was simple cream color. Her hair was loosely braided, and she wore a simple brown pair of sandals.

     Mitra thought a neutral place would be good for a first meeting. A dinner in the garden. Rose loved spending time there and even enjoyed helping tend to the plants. There was a place in the center of the garden, was a grove. In the center was a beautiful fishpond with a simple fountain in the center of it. The grass was vibrant green and soft to sit on.  The blanket was really for the food, and small table.

     Before Rose left, she made sure Rave was doing well. Mitra wanted some sibling bounding time, an excuse, but she did love her brother, and spent time with him. It did give his nurse maid a few hours of free time. Rose would put him to bed as she always did. Rave was still at the age where he would sleep hours between feedings. Viperion children, especially those who had any of the gifts, slept quite a lot throughout the day and night.

     Rose was feeding the fish, when Mitra appeared, the Consort slightly behind her. He stopped just under the shade trees, where he was hidden in the shadows.

      “I’ll keep my word. Go on.”  Mitra just playfully smirked and said her good evening to Rose, then left.

     Rose finished feeding the fish and the few ducks who had decided the pond was worth making a home. The Consort just waited by the trees. Rose settled on the blanket. Then the Consort approached.

     He had slightly long light brown hair, well-muscled. Slightly tanned, a Desert Dweller. She would know for sure when she saw his eyes. All those from the desert, had sand color brown eyes, very pale brown. He was wearing a loose tunic style shirt, that hung down to mid-thigh. The cream tunic was matched with light brown pants, and a simple pair of lace up sandals.

     Rose was right, he had Desert blood in his line somewhere, even if he hadn’t been born there.

     “May I join you.” He asked in a gentle and polite tone. Rose indicated by her hand wave that he could sit down.

     “I’m Blaze.”

     “Rose, not highness, queen, no title, just Rose.” She opened the picnic basket and began taking out the food. Gladii had done well choosing a variety of food that would go well together. She was an excellent chef.

     “Rose, nice to meet you.”  They shook hands. No titles, shaking hands affirmed that he would treat her like a woman and nothing else. Just what she wanted. There was a time and a place for protocol, and this was not it.

     Rose was not sure where to start. Blaze started the conversation talking about the desert plum. It then went into gardening, and from there, Blaze was able to slip in questions about Rose and that made her more comfortable about asking Blaze how he ended up as a slave.

     The closer it got to Rave’s bedtime; the more Rose had to fight the fidgeting.

     “Go see to your son.” Rose and Blaze had just finished dessert. Rose’s eyes widened.

     “You’re doing what my sister did when she had her daughter. The closer to bedtime, feeding time, any baby time, and she would get a little anxious. How about you do what you need to get done, and I will meet you in the hallway in front of the Consort room. We can go from there. No pressure take your time. I’ll clean up.” Blaze and Rose picked up the picnic items and they headed back to the Queen’s Wing.

     Mitra helped with Rave and asked about Blaze. Rose filled her in.

     “So far, what do you think of him?” Mitra whispered. Rave had fallen asleep after his mother sang a lullaby to him. Rose was tucking him in. Elanna would keep an eye on him till his nurse maid came back.

     “Good choice on your part. Intelligent, reads people well. Self-sacrificing. Plus, he looks nothing like your father.”

     “Remember no pressure.” Mitra kissed her brother good night and followed Mitra out. Blaze was waiting in the hallway. He was leaning on the Consort Rooms door frame, a book in his hand, Tales of the High Seas.  Sitting on the small table in the hallway, next to the Consort room was a bottle of perfumed oil. Rose could pick up the smell of vanilla and honey.

     Mitra smiled at Rose, said her fair well and left.

     “Massages don’t have to be sensual. When is the last time you had a massage?”

      “Besides muscle strain? Never.”

     “Care to make tonight your first?” Blaze set the book on the table.

     “Come on. Bring the oil.” The only men who had ever been in her room, were her bodyguards, or servants, that she had brought from home. Besides, her husband, no other man had been in there.

     Rose had not changed her clothes. She just took off her sandals and laid on her back on the bed.

     “I’ll need to unbuckle your collar.”

     “Ok.”

     “If you get to uncomfortable, let me know.” He undid the small buckle. Completely exposing Rose’s back, and neck. She took a deep breath.

      She had been massaged like this before. She knew he would straddle himself above her, for better access to her back and neck. It was just she never had a man massage her before. The bedroom was bit intimate, but then again, anywhere in her wing, where this could be done would seem intimate.

     “I can leave.”

     “No. Let’s try this.” Blaze got on the bed and straddled her. He saw her tense up. He opened the bottle and applied the oil on. She was trying so hard to relax. He started out with simple soft rub over her neck and back and gradually progressed to deeper tissue massage, when he gauged Rose was ready. As he massaged her, he sang songs in his native tongue. The candor of his voice was relaxing. Rose had fallen asleep by the time he finished. He made sure the oil was cleaned off her back and neck and he covered her up in a blanket and quietly slipped out.

     Isla was in the hallway.

     “Is she alright? She has nightmares from time to time. Elanna and I rotate days and come and check on her.” Blaze had met all the wing servants and guards earlier in the day.

     “She fell asleep.” Isla caught a look at the bottle.

     “Good. She’s trying.” Blaze knew Rose was hesitant about having a Consort.

     “Good night Blaze.”

     “Sleep well, Isla.” Blaze stopped to grab the book before he went into Consort room.

***

      A week passed and Rose realized she was started to feel things for Blaze that she had not felt in a long time. She was falling in love, again. Rose had been engaged. Her fiancée Tungsten had died in a border skirmish. Rose did not give her heart easily, but like Tungsten, she and Blaze had been spending a lot of time getting to know each other. She had that time frame with several other suitors and none of them had gotten to her, like Tungsten had. Intelligent, gentle, protective, and seemed to know her better than she did herself.

     She decided that Blaze would be staying. So, she took the next move, and formally introduced Blaze to her son. Then the two of them headed off to make his quarters more of a home. They spent a couple of hours at the market. There first public outing. A bit nerve ranking for both, but they got through it.

     By the end of the month, she realized she wanted to become more intimate with Blaze. Little did Rose know that Blaze had been busy in his spare time doing some renovating to what used to be a desert bird aviary, in the Queen’s wing. The former High Queen liked birds of prey, especially the more vicious kinds from the desert region. So, she had an aviary built.

     Rave was sound asleep. Rose found a desert styled tunic dress laying on her bed, and a soft pair of pale tan ballet slippers. A note was lying underneath the slippers:

     Not here. Trust me. The note said.

     She changed into the clothes, and a few minutes later, a note was slid under her door.

     Follow the trail.

     Rose opened the door, and found a trail made of a variety of flower petals. From deep reds to rich whites, and everything in between.  He had collected them from the garden but only the ones that had fallen off from the breezes, or trimming.

     She followed the petals and found herself in the old aviary. It was not an aviary anymore. It was a desert oasis. A swimming hole, desert plants, soft, pale white sand. It was beautiful. Blaze was dressed in a traditional mid-thigh tunic and pants that were cut off just below the knee, and he was barefoot. He had laid a blanket on the ground next to the pool.

     “Have I told you how beautiful you look with your hair flowing free?” Blaze said as he took in Rose. Rose slightly blushed.

     “It’s beautiful.”

     “Our place.” Rose smiled. Blaze really was a good man. Rose sat on the blanket and Blaze set next to her. Blaze let her initiate the next move. Blaze encouraged, and soon Rose was removing his tunic. As she began to feel his muscled his chest, it was then she caught sight of the small, faded scar across his chest.

     “Viperion spear?” Rose asked while tracing the scar with her finger, barely touching his skin.

     “Yes. Healer was surprised I survived the poison.” Most soldiers did not have scars, there were treatments that stopped the skin from scarring, except for those from Viperion weapons. The poison caused minor scarring.

     Rose slipped off her slippers as she continued exploring Blaze. Soon she began to undo the belt to his pants, and he slipped off her dress, before he repositioned himself to get his pants off.

     “Why are wearing that?” Rose’s eyes had gotten larger. She had not seen how large he was. Blaze was wearing the jock like strap he had worn when Mitra bought him.

     “I want you to decide when you’re ready.” Both continued to explore each other a bit more, feeling every curve, every muscle, lips meeting now and then. Soon Rose lost herself, and freed Blaze.

     Blaze took his time with her, letting her body react and prepare for him. Rose was taken in a gentle in loving matter, the way her husband should have taken her on her wedding night. Afterword, she fell asleep with Blaze, the two tangled up in each other.

***

 

 

     Time passed and Bullton was coming back. Rose had arranged for Blaze to spend a few days in town when his parents and some of his family would be traveling with the Trade Caravan. She had gotten a break.

     Rose found what she was expecting laying on her bed. Bullton liked being dominant and when he had been away from Rose for whatever reason, he made sure to make her feel as helpless as possible. She preferred the Bullton who came in, did his duty, and left.

     Rose took off the dress she was wearing and picked up the barely covering bra like top and put it on, then came the bottoms, not much more covering than a thong was. She took her hair out of the braid and brushed the tangles out. Then she waited for Bullton. She did not wait long.

     Bullton entered topless with just the loin cloth on. He grabbed Rose by the wrist and pushed her up against the wall, she was facing it. With one hand, he held her wrists, forcing her arms above her head.  Then he roughly groped her, pulled off the top and felt his way down her body, every inch, nook, and cranny. Then he pulled the bottoms off, and used his free hand, to continue his exploration, then he pressed his body against her, and whispered did you miss me, in her ear before he yanked her away from the wall, and tossed her face first on the bed. Positioned her arm

s above her head once again, removed his loin cloth, and started his contractual obligation. Then midway through he flipped Rose on her back, and before she could prepare for him in anyway, he finished what he began, and left.

     These visits left her in more pain. Her time with Blaze had eased some of the discomfort, but nothing was a sure thing when it came to Bullton. Isla and Elanna tended to Rose had they always had. But one thing was added to these visits. Rose exfoliated every inch of her body that she could and took a swim in her ocean, even though the salt water stung. It was the only way she felt clean.

     She was thankful Blaze was gone already. The next day Rose had found a Janus Rose, half white and half black, in a crystal vase, with a letter folded and propped on the vase. She picked both and brought them into her room. She set the vase on a small table near her bed, and then sat down to read the note.

     Like this rose you have dark and light moments in your life. They are what make you who you are. I cannot love parts of you. This Rose cannot exist without its other half. You have seen some of my dark side, and that has not frightened you off. I cannot love you if you do not let me in. I need to see the dark too. I do understand why you wanted me gone. I am not a fool. Please, do not shut me out.

                                                                                                               Blaze

     The next time Bullton came, after she was tended to, she let Blaze in. He just held her in silence and for the first time in a long time, Rose did not have a nightmare. She slept in Blaze’s embrace throughout the night and when she woke realized she was in love with him.

              

 

Viperion

 

     Rave had just turned five. Two days before the announcement was made public the High King Bullton had officially took a mistress. That meant that Rose could be seen officially with her consort, Blaze. Plus, contractual visits were now only required once a month. This made it easier arranging ways to get Rave out of the wing for those visits. Rose did her best to raise him as normally as a possible, but there were things he did need to be sheltered from for now. She knew eventually, he would know what was going on.

     For five years, Rose was vigilant on assassin attempts and security, but nothing ever happened. That had now changed, and Rose knew why.

     Rose was furious. She held her anger in check, but anyone she passed could almost literally feel the heat coming off her.

     “Is the King available?” Rose as in a surprisingly calm voice.

     “Yes. Highness.” The male servant said and then added “She’s out for her morning walk.” All the servants liked Rose and they all knew she and the mistress did not get along well.

     “Sire, your wife wishes to have a moment with you.” Bullton knew it had to be important. He rarely saw his wife excerpt when protocol or contract demanded it.

     “Send her in.” He showed Rose in and then left shutting the door behind him. Rose opened the bag she had been carrying.

     “What can I do for you, highness?” Rose approached a small side table.

     “I have something you need to see.” She flipped the open bag upside and a large desert viper fell out. It was very dead. Bullton’s eyes became huge.

     “Open the mouth.” He did.

     “No fangs. Someone was testing the wing’s defenses. Timber caught and killed it. It was close to wings garden access door.” Timber was one of the desert cats. Think a sand colored, bob cat sized, small fanged cat, loyal and affectionate like a dog when they are captive bred. She also had a couple of desert hounds, Blaze liked them, and they added extra security. They were light colored, grey hound and afghan like mix of dog.

     “I’ll increase security all around. Having a mistress seems to have opened the door for someone to try to either frame me or kill me for the throne. “Rose figured the same thing.

     “Since you’re here, I’d prefer to take care of that other business you wish to discuss.”

     “Fine with me. I want to purchase the Pleasure slave you enjoyed and bring her and her daughter here to be an extra hand with Rave, and he can get to know his sister better.” Rose knew he was informed about her being his child’s Patroness.”

     “As long as it’s your money and she stay in that wing, and I never see her or the child. I have no problem with it.” If he needed to speak to Rose, he sent for her, and his visits were known in advance so she could make them disappear.

     “Deal done. I’d like to meet the extra security for the Queen’s wing. “

     “Of course.” He knew she would want to be able to identify them.

     “Unless there is other business…”

     ‘That should cover what I needed to discuss. I’ll take my leave then, sire.” Rose curtsied and left. She planned for Lily’s contract to be paid off, and her and Auna to be moved to the palace. Down the line, when Rave was older, the two of them would find out they were half siblings. Up to now they had been occasional playmates and had become friends.

     “Ms. Rose.” Auna ran and wrapped her arms around Rose. She picked the little girl and spun her around before putting her down.

     “Hi, Auna. I assume your mother is on her way.” Auna was now petting one of the hounds. She had been to the palace on occasion and all the animals knew and loved her.

     “Highness.” Lily curtsied.

     “Rose is how people address me in this part of the palace. Isla and Elanna will keep an eye on the children.” Rave had heard the commotion and come out to see what was going on. He and Auna were now the attraction of the not only the hounds, but several of the desert cats. They loved getting attention, and thankfully, they never fought over it.

     “If you will follow me, I’ll show you around and show you your room and Auna’s room. I’m assuming Prospera filled you in on the details of this arrangement.”

     “She did. Help you with whatever you need done.”

     “Right, and do not worry about Him, he won’t be an issue. You’ll never see him.” Lily relaxed a whole lot. As she showed Lily around, she introduced her to the other servants and guards. Her Consort was busy finishing putting the furniture in Auna’s room.

     “This is your room. I thought tomorrow we could take the children and find furniture that fit your needs.” A bed, a small dresser, a table and a chair, and a small vanity, was all the furniture in the room.

      “Ok. I don’t…” Rose cut her off with a simple hand gesture.

      “You deserve a place that reflects you. I know you have a few basic items, clothes, toiletries, and a few other things, but furniture is not one of them. Let me know if you need any clothes, or anything else. You are family here. Blood does not matter or status. That anything extends to Auna. Her bed was sent over and dresser from the Inn. They were designed for her. I made arrangements that she can go see her aunt and uncle, as she calls Myron and Galla, or they can come here.”

     “Thank you.”

     “Your very welcome. This room is Auna’s. The bathroom connects to your room.” Each room had a bathroom, some connected to adjoining rooms to accommodate families with children who lived on site.

     “The man putting the toys away is my Consort Blaze.” Blaze finished filling the chest with Auna’s toys and approached the two women.

     “Blaze, this is Lily.” They shook hands, and Lily looked around. Auna had her bed, dresser, a small vanity designed to match, a gift from her Aunt and Uncle, and the walls had shelves for extra storage.

     “Auna, likes it. She is adorable and polite little girl. She looks a lot like her mother.” Blaze said as they headed out of the room.

     “Thank you.” Blaze just smiled at Lily. She would fit in simply fine.

     “Lily, how much do you know about the Viperion gift?” Rose asked as they headed toward the garden.  The kids were now playing fetch with the dogs. Rose asked because Lily was common blood Viperion.

     “Predator grace. Poison immunity. Not much on the beast Mistress or Master gift.”

     “Not surprised at all. The Special Master or Mistress Gift is rare. One child a century if that has the gift. Most common blood have just heard of it mentioned. Those with the gift, can communicate with the Saber Cats. Those mildly touched, which is more common, have a way with animals in general. Every three years, all young Viperion children from the age of four on up, are tested for the gift. Testing begins tomorrow at the High Guard Academy. I thought since we were out in that area they could be tested. It takes only a moment, and since you are Auna’s mother, you will be able to attend the testing, if you want to. As Auna’s Patroness, I can represent her.”

     “Alright. Test her tomorrow. I’ll represent her.”

     “I figured you would. I’ll be there with you to help with protocol issues.” It took only a little while, but Lily began to feel at home.

***

     After a little shopping and a light lunch, Lily and Rose took the children to get tested. Rose went inside first to take care of paperwork. Since Lily was a common blood, Rose oversaw Auna’s paperwork since she was her Patroness. Rose also made sure they could have a private testing so no nobles would be present in the area, waiting. Rose figured Lily would be more comfortable and being High Queen did come with its privileges.

     “They’re ready.” Rose said from the doorway. Lily briefed easier when the only people present oversaw the testing.

     “Lily, this is Sedrick. He will explain to the children what is going on. We watch and don’t interfere.” Rose introduced the children to Sedrick and as soon as he knew the children understood what was expected of them, he had two caged Saber cats brought in. One was male and one female.

     If a boy were a Master of Beasts, did not mean he would link with the male, the same for a Mistress of Beasts. That is why a male and female are used for the test. Age did not matter for the cat. If a child had the gift it wouldn’t be till, they were around fifteen that a Saber cat would bond with them.

     Auna was a bit hesitant to approach the cages. Rave was a typical fearless boy. He slowly walked up like he was told. Stopped at the painted red line on the floor. Counted to ten, and slowly moved close to the cages and watched the cats. Neither paid him any attention, even when he put his hand flat to the cage, as he was told.

     Raven did not have the gift, but he did have a calming way with animals. That was not the only time his mother saw that reaction with an animal that usually would never let a human of any age near them. Auna, did not possess the gift either, though she seemed to be able to read animal posture and behavior, by sheer instinct and no teaching. Rose and Lily made sure to tell the children how well they did and took them to get a few pieces of candy at a nearby store. Most parents did that after the test. A reward for a job well done.

***

     All children grow up. Though Rose did her best to protect her son from certain things, with age comes knowledge. By his fifteenth year, Rave and Auna knew they were siblings. It only brought them closer together. Rave also knew how biological father treated his mother. Rose had raised him to give proper respect to his father. He didn’t have to love him or acknowledge him as Papa. Blaze was his Papa. That had been decided many years ago by Rave.

     By this time Rave had two more half siblings. Both boys. He was rarely allowed around them. Their mother had never liked Rose, I guess being just a mistress and not Queen irked her, and Rose was a reminder of that. The boys were acknowledged by Bullton.

     If Bullton gave up his throne to his eldest son, or died, Rose would be made Regent Queen. She would not have the same power she had now, but she would have the needed power to work with the numerous Trading Guilds. Bullton never was a fool, and was not going to change that, ever. He had seen what wealth was brought in with the changes Rose made and wanted to ensure those improvements kept coming.

***

     A few months after Rave turned eighteen, things really changed. The High King had died. His older half-brother, Vultin, was taking the throne. He was the eldest of the Bullton brood. He would be officially crowned in a year. For now, Rose oversaw easing the transition, for Vultin. She was remarkably familiar with the king’s duties. As Queen she had to be in case, she ever had to be left in charge. Foxton played mediator between Rose and his Grandson. Vultin, did not like having a woman showing him the ropes.

     As protocol demanded, Rose did her job and having Foxton around really eased the stress for her. She hated having to be a grieving widow, it was not like Bullton and her married for love. It was for the good of her people and the kingdom. Six months of mourning. Not being seen in public with her Consort. If it was arranged or love marriage a year of mourning was proper.

     Eight months after Bullton’s death, which had been in battle, another border skirmish. Rose and Blaze were married in a simple ceremony. The ceremony was packed with family and friends. The two months wait was out of respect to Vultin. Rose knew if she married too soon, Vultin, would see it as a spite to his father, so she waited.

     By the time Vultin took the throne, Rose had moved her servants, household, and guards, to the recently built Regent Queen’s manor. Rose also had hired more guards, with a new King on the throne, assassination attempts were not uncommon, and Rose was concerned that Vultin may use this time as an opportunity to get rid of Rave. Auna was never acknowledged so she would not be a target. Rave was way down on the heir to the throne ladder, but Vultin, thought like a true Viperion. Any heir was a possible future threat. If a brother or sister were a threat, even if they shared the same parents, he wouldn’t hesitate in killing them. Bullton was the same way.

     There was another reason for the increase in guards. Rose was pregnant with Blaze’s first child. One shot, after they got married, reversed the chemical neutering. Auna and Rave were excited about the coming baby.