Chapter 43

It had been two weeks since Lierus’s visit. In the interim, you had been patiently monitoring the situation in Apliseline, collecting every morsel of information you could about the size, resources, and tactics of Nauraea’s army. Currently the city was abuzz with activity as soldiers from vassal and allied cities and kingdoms poured into the city. Tsakali worked feverishly to billet the massive hordes, as Nauraea marshalled her army. And like vultures drawn to a corpse, craftsmen, traders, and merchants all flocked to the Apliseline in search of profits. Rudimentary shops and forges were erected in plazas and markets as the rhythmic beat of hammers on anvils droned deep into the night.

The logistical nightmare of managing an army and appeasing your underlings without appearing weak had mercifully distracted Nauraea for the majority of the time. Her days were too busy for her to do much more than cuddle you during her court sessions. Though Nauraea’s schedule was dynamic, there were always gaps in which you could relay more information to Lierus. The girtablilu assured you that the Pharaoh was making her move; mustering her own force to bear down on Apliseline.

“Just to spring me?” you had asked.

“You misunderstand. The Serpent imports thousands of slaves every year; this is done without intervention from Her Highness Nefkara. In the Capsalisma, men are a lifeblood. No city can hope to survive without a means to obtain a steady supply of unmarried men. But YOU, alien, YOU could be the catalyst that upsets the tenuous balance that has existed for centuries.” Warned Lierus.

“Wouldn’t ANY husband of Nauraea’s tip the scales?” you asked.

“Perhaps. But that monster cannot afford to be a spinster much longer. She has grown desperate after the birth of Princess Sabekar.”
“Princess? You mean Nefkara’s heiress?” you asked.

“Indeed. Princess Sabekar is already betrothed to an adopted Prince of a powerful city-state. If Nauraea cannot put forth a child of her own, Nefkara’s expansion across the Capsalisma will go unchallenged.”

“Hence your vested interest in my chastity.”

“Nauraea is as cunning as she is seductive; her hedonistic ways and honeyed words have wooed many nations to her side. You’ve reported just as much. Fortunately for you, The Usurper has not yet garnered the strength necessary to dissuade Nefkara from an attack.” Said Lierus.

“Would that really happen? Blood in the streets, screaming peasants, the walls crumbling…”

“Certainly not. Other principalities and cities have too much riding on peace in the Capsalisma. If things grew too dire, a lilim or the Cult of Eros would likely intervene and reinstate order.”

“Could the Eros priestesses help me? I know a few gandharvas.” You offered.

“Unlikely. I’m sure that Nauraea would not let you associate with them if she believed they could aid you. She is too shrewd to ignore such an obvious flaw in her plans.” Surmised Lierus.

“It wouldn’t hurt to ask, would it? I don’t think they would sell me out.”

Lierus rolled her head from side to side, mulling the proposition over. “Only if you are in immediate danger. Nauraea has spies everywhere; it will be difficult to ensure that you are not overheard.”

You nodded.

“I must leave. Nauraea is due back any moment. Until we meet again, alien.”

Lierus scuttled away over the balcony. You wonder how she descended the palace without being seen.

Nauraea returned a moment later, using a towel to wipe away the sweat after her workout. She had been lifting in earnest with her ‘war’ on the horizon.

“Ahh~ There’s my little mana well. Did you miss me?~” she mocked.

She was slimming down quickly. Be it magic, her diet, or a VERY intuitive personal trainer, Nauraea’s pudge was melting off her body. Already you could make out the silhouette of her abdominals rising up through her tummy. Not very defined yet, but there nonetheless.
“I see you’re just as pleased with the results as I am.” She said, flicking your crotch with her tail. You winced and hid your boner. Stupid sexy snake…

“Don’t worry, once this is all over I’ll let you spend alllll day cleaning this gorgeous body with that insolent tongue of yours.”
“Awfully cocky aren’t you? Strutting around like you’ve won the war when you haven’t even set foot on the battlefield.” You retorted.
Nauraea’s jovial mood soured in an instant. “I will ANNIHILATE that weakling. And you, you are going to be in for a world of pleasure. When I’m done with you, you’ll be too doped on my venom to even know what year it is.” She said, jabbing a finger into your chest.

“You’re a coward who’s counting on her walls to protect her from a superior fighting force. Nefkara would wipe the floor with you.” You said.

Nauraea’s lip curled up, revealing one of her glistening fangs. “Sometimes I’m tempted to rape you to death just to spare myself the torture of listening to your defiant platitudes.”

“If you could defeat her, you would have already.”

“I’ve tangled with the whore in the past. You shouldn’t speak so much of matters about which you are so ignorant!” shouted Nauraea.
She threw her towel at you and slithered into the bathroom. You heard the slosh of water as she entered the water and settled in.
“Anon! Come scrub me.” Demanded Nauraea.

You grumbled and went to go wash her. Last time you had refused to bathe her, she had dragged you in herself. Next time you saw one of the gandharvas, you would ask them for advice. You weren’t sure how much Eros intervened in this world, but it seemed like she had been with you so far. Surely she wouldn’t just leave you high and dry in the middle of the desert with this sociopath, right?

Muttering a quick prayer to the Lady of Love, you marched into the bathroom to clean your captor.

“Start with the tail. Stiff bristle.” Said Nauraea, gesturing to a rack of brushes on the wall.

You grabbed one and started to polish her scales. Nauraea sunk her torso farther into the steaming pool, savoring the heat.
“Anon, there’s a dispute between a few villagers upriver. I want you to settle it tomorrow.” Said Nauraea.

“Settle it?” you asked.

“Mediate it. Decide what to do.” She said, lifting her tail to give you access to the bottom.

“Why me?” you asked.

“Because I can’t have you lounging around here all day without contributing anything. You’re more than just eye candy, you’re a monarch. It’s time to act like one.”

“I don’t know anything about Apliselinian law…” you said.

“That’s why I’m giving you this case. It’s a simple land dispute; inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. I don’t care which side you take as long as the decision you make is decisive.” Said Nauraea.

“So much for due process…” you mumbled.

Nauraea pulled your ankle out from under you, sending you reeling into the water. You surfaced and sputtered as she used her arms to drag you in.

“That’s another thing. I’ve been lenient so far, but your constant insubordination has worn my patience thin. Either you learn to behave now, or I start biting you until you behave. If you aren’t wholly committed to me by the time I battle Nefkara, I’ll simply take the mana I need from your body.” Said Nauraea. She handed you a bar of soap. “Now, my chest, if you would please.”

Wordlessly, you began lathering her breasts as she reclined on the rim of the basin. The sounds of the Apliselinian nightlife softly rolled in through the window, scarcely heard over the sound of you cleaning Nauraea.

“This really is nice, isn’t it?” mused Nauraea.

“Bathing?” you asked.

“No. Spending time together like this. Taking a moment to enjoy the simple things with someone you can depend on.” Said Nauraea.

“If you’re looking for someone dependable, I’d be happy to have Tsakali take my place.”

“Hush. I know you will be a good king. You have the temperament for it; bullish enough to go your own way, but with a delicate and considerate touch. All you lack is the confidence to pass judgment.” Said Nauraea.

“I’ve never had the urge to be lord of men. Or monster.”

“So they say. I’ve employed others like you. Monsters who swore up and down that they weren’t in it for the power. But then they get a taste. They learn how intoxicating it is to see people bend to your will. To have everyone ensuring things go your way, for no other reason than you telling them too. It warps them into a more… true version of themselves. One without inhibition. Nefkara insists on tempering her power, passing it to her underlings and administrators. She is a figurehead, an empty shell with no REAL power. THAT is why she is an imposter. So craven she hides even from her true self. When I conquer the Capsalisma, the strong will be free to express themselves properly. To unleash every debauched desire they hold. I will free these people from their inhibitions, Anon. And you will help me.”

You continued to scrub. Her confidence was unsettling. Even though she was going to war with her mortal enemy, she had no apprehension. All you could do now was escape.

“Your turn~” said Nauraea, pouring some shampoo into her palm.

You relented and allowed her to clean your hair as you contemplated your means of egress.

~~~~~~~

“What is this?! I was promised an audience with royalty!” protested the succubus in front of you.

“And you got one.” Said Tsakali sternly.

“Hadn’t you heard, Oraja, about our Lady’s new husband? And such a handsome one at that~” said the lamia noble. Her husband rolled her eyes. “Pangattus, at your service.” She said with a small bow.

“You can stop with the flattery, I’ll take this case on a factual basis thank you very much.” You said. Not two minutes into this fiasco and you were already sick of it. How did Nauraea do this every day?

“The only ‘fact’ is that SHE is trying to claim MY land.” Said Oraja.

“Your land?! By law that land is MINE.” Said the lamia.

“Alright, both of you calm down and tell  me what happened. You start.” You said, pointing to the succ.

“Gladly, Your Majesty. This thieving wretch has sewn crops on MY land in an effort to snatch it from me!” she said.

“I see. What’s your side of the story?” you asked the Pangattus.

“She had arable land that was bare, so I planted crops in it in accordance with the Writ of the Empty Field.” Said the lamia.

“Of course. Tsakali, can I have a word with you?” you said.

You ushered the anubis aside. “What the hell is the ‘Writ of the Empty Field’?” you hissed.

“It’s an ancient doctrine. To ensure that the city always had enough food, the law states that empty fields capable of growing crops can be farmed by any person with the means to do so, as long as they pay the land owner a small fee. If a field is cultivated in such fashion often enough, the farmer can petition for a land transfer.” Said Tsakali.

“What constitutes ‘small’? Is it a percentage?” you asked.

“The law was left purposefully ambiguous. Nobles would often use the law and their influence to overtake nearby farms back in the day. These days, it’s a rarity, but…”

“Alright, I think I understand.” You nodded.

The lamia and the succubus looked less than thrilled by your return. You straightened your back and looked at the succubus.

“Why didn’t you plant anything in the field this season?” you asked.

“I was letting the earth rest. It was depleted.” Said Oraja.

“That’s a damnable lie! You were too cheap to hire more labor, so you let the field go empty.” Said Pangattus.

“Is that true?” you asked the succubus.

She didn’t break her gaze, but you could tell by the way her throat twitched that there was at least a kernel of truth to what the snake woman had said.

“There may have been a few… ‘issues’ with the hiring this year, but the land was in need of fertilizing anyways! Now I have to wait ANOTHER year to harvest, since now the soil is even worse!” protested the semen demon.

“Then you should have cordoned the field off!” said Pangattus.

“I never expected anyone to make use of that archaic law in this day and age!”

“Enough. The legality of the seeding is moot at this point. Ma’am, have you levied a fee against her?” you asked the succubus.

“I have. And she refused to pay it. Violating the very law she used to farm MY land.” Said Oraja.

“Your fee was astronomical! Your Majesty, she was completely unreasonable! I am more than willing to pay, but only if the sum is as modest as the Writ permits!” said the lamia.

“What was the net profit you made?” you asked the snake.

“I’ve yet to sell all the grain. It’s impossible to say, but I estimate the total profits to be roughly 20,000 Apliselinian Crescents.” Said Pangattus.

“Ha! Are you giving that grain to charity? You’ve easily made twice that much already.” Said Oraja.

“I have all the accounts with me if you’d like to check for yourself.” Huffed Pangattus.

“Tsakali, can you verify that?” you asked.

“Certainly. The ledger, if you would please.” Said Tsakali. After a brief inspection she handed the book back and nodded.

“She’s sold only about a quarter of the grain so far, but 20,000 Crescents seems consistent.”

“Only a quarter?” you said.

You looked at the Pangattus. She smiled at you, and flashed Oraja a wry smile.

“Pangattus, in accordance with the Writ of the Empty Field, I order you to pay a sum of 15,000 Crescents to Oraja.”

“15,000?!” shrieked Pangattus. Oraja’s tail began to thrash as her face brightened.

“And I’ll make it twenty if you keep yelling. You know that Apliseline is going to war, and now you’re planning to gouge the state into paying extra for that crop, aren’t you?” you said.

Pangattus ground her teeth as she glared at you. “You DARE insinuate that I would be so disloyal?!”

“I do. Perhaps matters like this could be avoided if you ask the land owner for permission next time. As for you…” you said, addressing Oraja “I expect more foresight in terms of staffing in the future. I won’t accept such a weak excuse again.”

The succubus nodded quickly. “Of course, Your Majesty!”

“Where is Nauraea?! I demand an audience!” shouted Pangattus.

“Tsakali, how do I dismiss a case?” you asked.

“You don’t. Dismissal implies that the entire case is to be thrown out, nulling all-“

“How do I end things.” You interjected quickly.

“Oh, well, you’ve rendered your verdict, so the matter is settled. Unless you wanted to add anything.” Said the anubis.

“No, that will be all.” You said.

“As you wish. I shall sign the scroll recording the decision and file it in the archives.” Said Tsakali, using her paw to leave a print at the end of the papyrus.

“Where is the queen? I refuse to be treated like this.” Seethed Pangattus.

You looked at her, unsure of how to proceed. This is why you didn’t want to be king: too much drama.

A pair of guards moved in and Pangattus was escorted away.

“Well, all things considered, I think that went rather well. An excellent verdict, Majesty.” Said Tsakali.

~~~~~~

Songs from Earth always helped to liven your spirits, no matter how down you were feeling. You had been helping some of the touring musicians learn some tunes from back home as a way to escape Nauraea for a few hours and to speak with other people who weren’t trying to kiss your ass.

And the crown got paid. You hadn’t learned about that detail until one of them praised you for being worth the tutoring fee. Tsakali had quickly broken under your scrutiny and admitted that she had levied a small charge for your instruction.

“Aquipalen, could I have a word?” you asked one of the gandharvas.

“Sure! What’s up? Is my timing off?” asked the harpy.

“No, nothing like that. Could we speak in private?” you said softly.

There was a loud twang as a succubus pulled a string on her sitar a little too hard. Her other bandmates began to grin at each other and whisper excitedly.

“Huh? You mean, alone…?” she asked, a rosy blush forming in her cheeks.

“More alone than this.” You said. You were never truly alone in this palace. There was ALWAYS a guard just around the corner. They weren’t the most vigilant bunch, given how many times Lierus had managed to slip past them, but they would certainly notice if you tried to abscond with one of the visiting troubadours.

Ushering her to a balcony, you quickly peered over the edge to make sure that no monsters were hiding underneath. It looked clear enough, not that you were going to dangle over the edge to get a better view. One of the guards stepped away from the door and positioned herself across the room so she could see you two on the balcony.

“What did you want to talk about?” asked Aquipalen.

“I need your help to escape the city.” You said.

Aquipalen balked. “W-what?”

“I’m trying to break out. I need as many allies as I can get.” You said.

“But why? You’re a king!” said Aquipalen.

“Not yet I’m not. And I’d like to keep it that way. I haven’t come this far in this world to settle for an acceptable marriage. I know the woman I love is out there somewhere. And she isn’t that damnable snake.” You said.

Aquipalen relaxed a bit. Sighing, she looked out over the city and plucked the strings of her instrument to form a lazy melody. “Why are you telling me this? Nauraea would have us both thrown in the dungeon if anyone ever found out…”

“You’re a servant of Eros, are you not?”

Aquipalen smiled. “That I am. I show my respect to the Lady in my music; when I play, I do so to venerate her and spread her indefatigable love.”

“And the others who serve Eros, would they help me if it was in the name of true love?” you asked.

“They would.” Said Aquipalen without hesitation.

The conviction of her answer gave you hope. You had interacted with Eros cultists numerous times, and found them to be amicable every time. When you had expressed your fears of being claimed or falling into bed with someone who sated you instead of satisfied you, they had assuaged your fears and informed you that love was something that moved at its own pace.

“Could I count on them to help me escape? Any aid they can offer is paramount to my survival.” You said.

Aquipalen fidgeted. “It wouldn’t be much. We can’t afford to arouse Nauraea’s ire. She’s never been keen on having to share power with the Church. We do have the strength to resist her, but it goes against our doctrine to interfere with local politics unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“You’d also be helping to stop a full-scale war in the Capsalisma.” You offered.

“Eros does despise war…” mused Aquipalen.

“Ask the priestesses who have attendee court how much love there is between Nauraea and I. She isn’t the one.” You said sternly.
Aquipalen nodded. “I can’t promise anything, but I shall relay your message to the High Priestess. It will be she who determines our course of action.”

“That’s all I ask. You listening to my plea is already more than I have the right to ask for. And please, for your sake, do not endanger the cult for my sake alone.” You said.

“Don’t worry about us, Anon. The Lady watches over us all.”

God bless these birbs. Eros cultists really were the cream of the crop.

“Aquipalen! Are you done flirting?~” called one of her bandmates. The guard glowered at you.

“Calm down, we’re coming.” Said Aquipalen.

The other musicians snickered and jeered as you stepped back into the room to resume your lesson.

“Anon, when is it MY turn for a solo lesson?~” teased a siren.

“When you can remember more than three words in my language.” You said.

The others laughed and prepared their instruments as you helped them find the tempo for the song again.

~~~~~~~

That night, Nauraea moved your dinner to a private table on the grand balcony in front of the throne, overlooking Apliseline.

“Much more romantic this way, no?” asked Nauraea, sipping her wine.

“The breeze is nice…” you said. Wind whipped your hair as you dug into your meat.

You looked down the main road, stretching all the way from the palace to the primary entrance of Apliseline. Fires lit the night up and down, illuminating the nighttime revelers as they shopped, drank, sung, and fucked up and down the street. When you had first toured the city, you wondered how so many bars and clubs could operate in such close proximity. Until you had seen how Apliselinians drank. You watched as a minotaur carried her husband on her back out of one bar, only to stagger across the street into another.

“Tsakali told me about the land dispute.” Nauraea chuckled. “15,000… Perhaps you and I are more alike than we though.”

“She was going to gouge us anyways.” You said.

“She certainly was. If the fine had been lower, she might have denied us a single stalk of grain until we waived the fee. But with that amount, she’ll be forced to liquidate some of her stock to keep her books in check. Good of you to remind the nobles who they serve. I swear, these plebians collect a few acres of land and a pile of coins and suddenly think they have enough leverage to dam the Skotenthram River.” Said Nauraea.

“If I did so well, you could always reward me by never making me mediate another dispute again.” You offered.

“I should think not, dear husband. I’d never let you squander your talent for adjudicating.” Said Nauraea. She finished her wine and set the glass down with a contented sigh. “How were the musicians? Are they making much progress?”

“In a relative sense.” You chuckled.

Nauraea grinned. “You must admit, your language is strange. So jolting and blocky… My tongue aches just thinking about it.”

“They’ll get there. Not that there will be much of an audience for music that isn’t prurient. The first questions they ask me without fail are the words for love and sex.”

“{Sex}, hmm? That’s one word I do enjoy. So concise and curt. It really emphasizes the carnality of the concept, removes love from the question.” Said Nauraea.

“But love is the best part.” You protested.

“Love is a wonderful thing, but sex is the epitome of love; a tangible expression of your adoration. To know your lover wholly is a pleasure like no other.” Said Nauraea.

“Aren’t you a virgin?” you chuckled.

“Not for long.” Said Nauraea coldly.

You shut your trap and finished your meal in silence. Better to not arouse her ire, lest her evening ‘cuddles’ be more violent than they need to be. Nauraea watched you wordlessly, eyeing you with her coal black eyes.

“I should be going, I have one last appointment before bed. Go clean yourself, I’ll be there to coil you soon~” said Nauraea.

As soon as she slithered away, you hurried to your room as quickly as possible. Lierus was due for a visit tonight, and you couldn’t afford to miss her.

Sure enough, within a few minutes of you arriving, Lierus had sidled into your room. It was clear that the past week had taken a toll on her. Though most of her face was hidden, her eyes professed profound lassitude. She even looked slimmer.

“Have you learned anything new?” she asked. You stifled a wince as you heard how raspy her voice had become.

“Nothing much, I’m afraid. I wasn’t able to overhear much of anything today. I know that another 500 soldiers are entering the city tomorrow, and that Nauraea is confident she has enough food to weather a siege.” You said.

“I thought as much…” said Lierus.

“Are you alright?” you asked.

Lierus shot you a panicked expression. “Of course! I am the Pharaoh’s spymaster!”

“Just don’t kill yourself. If you get sloppy, it could risk everything.” You said.

“More than you know.” Said Lierus softly.

“This is all coming to a head, Lierus. Is Nefkara coming?” you asked nervously.

“Yes. She should be marching on Apliseline as we speak. But crossing the Capsalisma is no easy task. The logistics of such a mobilization are more of a quagmire than the actual combat.”

“I’m sure she’ll get through. I believe in her.”

Lierus nodded lazily. “I must go.”

Without anymore warning, the girtablilu hurried away over the balcony. You expected Nauraea to enter moments after your assassin friend departed, as was tradition, but Nauraea never came. After a few minutes of waiting, you slunk into the bathroom to clean yourself, waiting patiently for your serpentine lover to arrive.

“Moon above, it’s too cold out tonight. Thank the stars you humans are so warm…” Nauraea grumbled, bursting into the room.
You lifted your legs to allow her to coil under you, ensnaring you in her body. She nuzzled into your chest, savoring the warm sensation of your skin on her cool scales and skin.

“Gods, I can’t wait to taste this body. If I weren’t so disciplined, I would have killed you with mana poisoning by now.” Said Nauraea. You shivered as she licked your neck. “Hmm~ I can never get enough of that sensation, the feeling of you writhing helplessly. I rule an empire, and yet nothing gives me a sense of absolute power more than knowing I can break you whenever I choose.”

She looked into your eyes, her vertical pupils boring holes into you from their citrine cradles.

“And I WILL break you. I’ll defile you so thoroughly that even Eros herself won’t be able to remove the stains on your soul. I will claim the very fabric of your being for myself. And YOU…”

She licked her fangs with exaggerated slowness. A bead of venom welled at the tip of her fang, splashing down onto your face. You moaned as your skin began to tingle.

“…Are going to LOVE it~”

Nauraea laughed as your member stiffened between her coils. Settling in, you prepared for another long, sleepless night.

~~~~~~~

A few days later, breakfast was interrupted by words you had been waiting too long to hear.

“Nefkara’s army marches on Apliseline!” panted a breathless harpy.

“Oh?” said Nauraea, taking a sip of tea.

“They’ll be here within three days.” Said the harpy.

“I see. You are dismissed, messenger. Get some rest.” Said Nauraea with a dismissive wave.

“You seem awfully… unphased by that news.” You said. You had been hoping for something more; panicked rambling, screaming, a spit-take…
“Did you expect the queen to lose her head? I’ve been around long enough to remain unflappable in times like this.” Said Nauraea.

“I see. So, should I start packing my things? I’d like for all my stuff to be readily available when I’m freed.” You said.

Nauraea didn’t rise to your taunt. She just took another sip of tea and continued to read the scroll Tsakali had brough for her. A lump formed in your throat. It wasn’t the way the Nauraea was ignoring you that made you nervous, it was the conceited grin she tried to hide behind her mug.

“You’re going to visit Sauritus today. She’ll be by soon to collect you.” Said Nauraea.

The apophis hummed a hymn to herself, tail wagging underneath the table. She wouldn’t be so cocky when you were helping Nefkara’s soldiers raze her palace. You rallied your spirits by reminding yourself that the deck was already stacked in your favor. Nefkara had a clear picture of what things were like in Apliseline. And you weren’t as toothless as Nauraea thought. All that rigorous training under the teachers of Valisisas hadn’t been for naught.

This grape snake would get what’s coming to her, even if you had to be the one to deliver the beatdown.

~~~~~~~~

Sauritus pricked your finger and let the blood run into a tube. Pouring in a freshly made concoction, she swirled it and let it sit while she asked you a few questions.

“Has Her Highness been regularly exposing you to her bodily fluids?” asked the physician.

“Yes.”

“Do said bodily fluids include venom or saliva?”

You shuddered. “Yes.”

Sauritus ground her teeth. “That incorrigible, arrogant… When exposed to any of her fluids containing high amounts of mana, or spending extended periods of time in close proximity to Nauraea, do you feel sensations of nausea, dizziness, or headaches?”

“Yes.” You said.

“How severe are these symptoms?” probed Sauritus.

“Painful, but not excruciating.” You said.

Sauritus nodded. Setting down the parchment she was writing on, she swirled the test tube and inspected its contents.

“You’ve come a long way. In the short time you’ve been here, you’ve already become far less susceptible to mana poisoning.” Said Sauritus.

A chill ran down your spine. “How susceptible?”

Sauritus set the vial down and smiled at you from over her shoulder. “Robust enough to endure a conjugal tryst with the Lady.”

“Sauritus, you’ve got to help me. Is there anything you can do to stall her?” you pleaded.

“I could…”

You breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. You’re a life saver.”

“But I won’t.”

“Huh?”

Sauritus giggled. “Why would I stop her? She’s my queen.”

“But I thought-“

“Thought what? That I would protect you forever? Keep stalling Nauraea by telling her you were too weak for months? While our nemesis crushes our city? I WANT her to take you. I want the sand seas of the Capsalisma to be draped in darkness for eternity. I’m one of Her Highnesses most ardent followers after all.” Smiled Sauritus.

“Sauritus…”

“I’m sorry you’re upset, Anon. But refusing to accept your station is your own responsibility. In time, you’ll warm to Her Highness. Men are always happy with their wives eventually, some just take a bit longer to ‘adjust’.” Said Sauritus.

Your stomach churned. All this time, you had considered Sauritus a potential ally, even a friend. All the time you had spent commiserating with each other about Nauraea and her whims, all the conversations about Earth medicine, for nothing. You had even held a faint hope that she would help smuggle you out for medical reasons. Yet here she was, ready to hand you over to Nauraea. Not that you could blame her, a hostile army was heading for her city. Important to remember that these people had much more to lose than you…

She clasped your hand in hers. “You’ll be alright, Anon. I promise. No matter what she does to you, I’ll always be here to patch you up.”

You pulled away from her. Ever since you arrived, you had imagined escape to be as easy as finding the right friends. But now that the time of reckoning was on the horizon, it felt like the walls were closing in. You were further from freedom than ever before.

~~~~~~~~

You hardly ate dinner that night. Nauraea didn’t notice, or was too engrossed in managing her troops to care. Every other minute, a new messenger would come with a report or update on a certain project.

Eventually, the flow of couriers trickled to a stop and Nauraea had a moment to sip her wine and savor her meal.

“Anon, I require your presence after dinner tonight.” She ordered.

“Some sort of paperwork?” you asked.

“No, nothing so dull.” She replied.

Signaling for the servants to collect the empty platters, she waved you to her side. You followed her as she led you through the corridors of the palace.

“I though it would be nice to have a moment to ourselves tonight~” she said.

She parted a pair of curtains and entered a room unlike any other you had seen in the palace. Sticks of incense burned slowly in sand bowls, wafting intoxicating scents of exotic spices into the cool air. The walls were adorned with art and reliefs, depicting surprisingly chaste images of couples and tranquil scenery. At the center of the room, a simple stone slab rose out of the sea of carpets. A room more Zen than an apophis had any right to make.

“I thought you would appreciate the aesthetic. I normally don’t enjoy such mundane things, but every now and then I do yearn for a moment of peace and quiet.” Said Nauraea. She slithered to the slab and lay prone on top.

You balked. Was this some kind of rape dungeon? It didn’t feel like it, but maybe Nauraea wanted to take you slowly. To watch you squirm and writhe as she took her time making you hers.

“Relax. I’m not going to take you. Yet…” she sneered, resting her head on her arms. “Come here.”

You hesitantly shuffled over to her, standing over her as she rested on the stone. She reached down to unhook her breast ornaments and to shed her silver snake-hood. Tossing them aside, she exhaled sharply as her bare breasts touched the cool stone.

“I’d like a massage, dear husband. Won’t you help your darling wife?~” she asked.

You chewed your lip in frustration, but dug your hands into the small of her back and start kneading.

“Ah! Use some oil, you savage. Have you never done this before?” scolded Nauraea, slapping your hand away with the tip of her tail. She used the tip to gesture to an urn sitting over a small candle next to the slab.

Hesitantly, you dipped your hand in the urn. The warm, sage-scented oil clung to your fingers as you smeared your palm across her back. Nauraea cooed and arched her back as the liquid slowly trickled down her sides. Quickly, you scooped up the renegade rivulets and lathered her upper back with the excess.

“Amateur~ Let’s see how fast you can improve, hmm?” said Nauraea, wiggling her butt at you.

Rising to her taunts, you dug your thumbs deeper into her muscles and began to rub.

“Ooh! I think you might be more tense than I am.” Teased Nauraea.

Your task dragged on, you taking out your frustrations on her back and her moaning softly as you savaged her muscles with your fingers.

“Nefkara’s army will be here tomorrow.” Said Nauraea abruptly.

Your hands slipped, and you nearly slid onto her back. “W-what?”

Nauraea giggled. “That was a nice reaction. You’ve been dreading this day as much as I’ve been anticipating it, haven’t you?”

“On the contrary. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you thrashed by a REAL queen since I got here.” You said.

Nauraea’s body trembled as she laughed. “You’re a liar, Anon. I’ve been empress long enough to hear the fear in your voice. You know what will happen tomorrow, don’t you? Or, you think you know. I’ve been thinking allll about it, our first romantic union. It took days of contemplating, but I think I’ll take you on the city wall. Rape you in front of Nefkara herself, let her get a good look as I take your seed. Then… Then I ride out to squash that INSECT.” Said Nauraea.

That’s yet to be seen. She hadn’t claimed you, not yet. You still had Lierus and her network of spies working behind the scenes.

“No retort? No more audacious claims about my imminent demise? Not even a ‘humph’?” pouted Nauraea.

“I’m afraid not, wife.” You said.

“Hmm. I see.” She said. “How is Lierus, by the way?”

You stifled a gasp as you pulled away from Nauraea. She twisted around to give you a sinister smile, fangs glinting in the candlelight.
“Oh Yes! THAT is the face I’ve been waiting so long to see again. That look of dread! The despondence! Perfect…”

She swiped your legs with her tail, knocking you onto the carpets. You tried to blast her with a bolt of magic, but she effortlessly nullified the spell and used her own magic to seize your hands. Lifting you up with her tail, she positioned you under her body and pinned your hands above your head as you thrashed on the slab.

“Did you REALLY think you could cheat me? That I wouldn’t KNOW?” hissed Nauraea. “I’m the QUEEN, you fool. I knew the second that bumbling arachnid entered my city. I knew what she said to you, and when she said it. The ONLY reason you spoke to her at all was because I allowed it. Your arrogance was almost intolerable; peacocking around thinking that YOU, a fool who can’t even keep himself from stumbling into every trap set before him, were smarter than me. But now, it’s all worth it…”

She licked her lips. All the excitement had her dripping venom from her fangs.

“You were so smug, weren’t you? You thought that everything was going to go your way again, that you were going to pull out by the skin of your teeth because that’s the way it’s always happened in the past. But it was never YOU who was behind all those daring escapes, it was always someone else. Left to your own devices, you would have succumb to that pathetic titania in Admaz.”

A small gasp drew both your attentions to the door. Lierus stood in the doorway, hand clasped over her mouth.

“Lierus! Help! Stab her!” you shouted.

“Ahh! I was wondering how long it would take you to find us. What took you so long?” asked Nauraea.

“I’m sorry, mistress! The Vizier waylaid me with small talk. And I’ve been so weak…” pleaded the girtablilu.

Nauraea shook her head. “Aww, poor thing. Come here, I’ll ease your pain.”

Lierus scrambled over to her, turning up carpets as she threw herself at the foot of the slab. Nauraea released you, using the base of her tail to pin you while she embraced the quivering scorpion.

“Look at how frail she is, Anon.” said Nauraea, stroking Lierus’s hair. “She just hasn’t been the same since I gave her that first dose of venom. Always asking for more… it’s practically all she does these days.”

You watched in horror as Nauraea sunk her fangs into Lierus’s shoulder. Lierus went limp as the venom began to circulate in her veins. After a minute of pumping, Nauraea released her and let her collapse to the floor in a puddle of her own juices.

“M-mistress…” croaked Nauraea.

“Yes, I haven’t forgotten. Guards! Take this exemplary subject away, and find her a husband.” Called Nauraea. Two mummies quickly dragged the addled scorpion out of the room.

“Now, where were we? Ah! Right, Lierus. I want you to know that she DID relay all the information you gave to her network of spies. A shame that none of it was true. Tsakali made sure that all the real information was given to me in writing. The deception had to be perfect, you know. All the pieces had to move at exactly the right time for this to work. Nefkara believes that my army is still small, and that the force she has hastily cobbled together will be enough to subdue me before I can muster all my forces. She is sorely mistaken. But it’s too late now. She hasn’t the army to defeat me, nor the time to rally enough forces to fight me on more even terms.” Said Nauraea.

Fucking monologues. You were getting flashbacks to all the speeches Petropa had given you back in the castle.

“And it’s all thanks to you.” Said Nauraea, caressing your cheek. “That’s what I like about you, Anon. Even when I’m surrounded by a court full of sycophants, even when there’s no chance you can win, you still hold on to that stubborn pride just as tightly as the day I met you. Or could it be hope, that’s been spurring you on all this time? Admirable, no matter what drives you. You’ll be the loving prince I’ve waited so long to meet. You’re still weak, too weak to survive much of my love, but you’re growing stronger by the day. And… as much as I love to watch you squirm… I hope that you will eventually reciprocate my love...”

You looked into Nauraea’s gleaming eyes as she nudged a lock of hair out of your eyes. Almost caringly. For a moment, you saw not just a tyrant, but a very lonely woman.

“Save your strength, husband. I’ll need every ounce of it tomorrow~” said Nauraea. She planted a kiss on your forehead and hugged you close, steeling herself for the day of reckoning.

~~~~~~~

“We’ve spotted Nefkara’s vanguard on the horizon, Empress.” Said the harpy.

“Right on time.” Chuckled Nauraea. One of her attendants cinched the straps of her ceremonial armor taut.

While your captor finished dressing in her indestructible armor, you couldn’t help but feel a bit naked in your ornamental scale armor top and patterned waistcloth. Nauraea had insisted that there was no need for additional protection, as she would personally prevent anything from harming you. She had also informed you that it was pointless ‘since they were just coming off anyways.’

“Tsakali! Is Sauritus standing by?” asked Nauraea.

“She is. I’ve also made wedding preparations at the Temple of Eros for tomorrow.” Said the anubis.

“Excellent! I was wondering if they were going to try to come to your aid, Anon. But it seems as if they finally understand that they are guests in my city.”

You gulped. Whatever Nefkara did, she had better do it fast.

“The sandworms are standing by. Shall I have them engage?” asked Tsakali.

“No, keep them far enough away to avoid detection. I need the whore to commit before I crush her.” Said Nauraea.

“Very good, Empress. I suggest you begin making your way to the wall.” Said Tsakali.

“A splendid idea. Come, Anon.” commanded Nauraea.

By now, you could see evidence that Nefkara’s army was approaching. A cloud of harpies and griffons darkened the sky over the wall in the distance, wheeling about the sky in formations as they awaited the order to attack.

Nauraea led you through the palace to the courtyard, and loaded you into a chariot and proceeded down the main road to the central gate. Your mind was racing, desperately trying to think of a way to escape in the eleventh hour. It was going to come down to fighting, no doubt about it now. And you were far outclassed. Any one of the hundreds of battlemages swarming through the streets towards the walls would be enough to hinder or halt you, and to even get to them you would have to disengage from one of the most powerful creatures on the continent. But unless Nefkara could lower the barrier, fleeing wasn’t an option. Unless…

You channeled a bit of power into your palms. The hair on your arms raised as the static sensation of magic filled your limbs. Maybe Nauraea wasn’t as omniscient as she suspected. She may have planned this entire plot months in advance, but that didn’t mean that she hadn’t over looked anything. The barrier, for instance, had been attuned to your spirit energy in just a few days. A hasty job, and since its efficacy hadn’t been tested beyond the initial trial of you walking out a gate, there was no reason to believe that Nauraea had reenforced the barrier. And if it was just your spirit energy that was keeping you trapped, wouldn’t that mean that escape would be as simple as getting rid of it? It stood to reason that something without your spirit energy could fly through unimpeded.

“Tsakali, send up an extra squad of harpies to keep an eye on those Eros cultists. I don’t like how many of them are up there…” said Nauraea, eyeing the circling cupids, hori, and gandharvas. The dutiful cultists were doing their best to dissuade any aggression, flying to and fro begging the soldiers to put down their arms and resolve things peacefully in the name of Eros. A few even flew in from outside the city, both Nefkara’s and Nauraea’s cultists corroborating to put an end to the dispute.

“Treacherous zealots…” hissed Nauraea, watching a flock of cupids fly back over the wall. You looked up into the miasma of winged beasts, but nowhere in the menagerie did you see a friendly face.

The walls were getting closer. Looks like it was time to play your last card; it wasn’t as if you had much to lose. If you plan worked, you would have a small chance that Nefkara’s army could save you. If it didn’t… Well, at least Nauraea wouldn’t be able to milk you for much.

Your hands flared as you prepared to jump. Nauraea instantly noticed.

“Don’t even think about-“

Her threat was cut short as you summoned a seesaw made of wards and slammed down on the far end. The force shot you into the air and blew the front of the chariot to smithereens.

Monsters shrieked as you shot past them. Nauraea roared in anger behind you. Readying another seesaw of wards, you slammed down onto it and shot forward again. Your personal wards tingled as Nauraea tried to grab you with magic. Twisting in the air, you launched a bolt of magic back at her to disrupt the spell as you spiraled through the air.

A volley of other spells rocked your wards as nearby mages unleashed on you. Their bombardment quickly abated as Nauraea called them off. Ignoring them, you blasted a harpy trying to intercept you and continued your rampage towards the wall. Midair, you leaned back and launched a massive shot of magic skyward. Nefkara had better be ready…

~~~~~~~

“Pharaoh! Our scouts report a disturbance within the city!” cried a griffon.

Nefkara rubbed the hilt of her sword. “Is it him?”

A pillar of blue light shot up out of Apliseline, scattering the flying monsters in the vicinity. A platoon of harpies and wyverns shot down into the city in pursuit of something.

“I should think so, Milady.” Said an anubis.

“Move in a small contingent of troops. Have the magi begin their siege on the barrier. Have the geomancers ready to divert the river to cut off a sandworm incursion from the east. I want a corridor of soldiers stretching from our garrison here to the city walls. Move all archers into a position closer to the gate. And send in all harpy regiments to get as close to the wall as they can while staying out of range.” Commanded Nefkara.

“As you wish, Milady.”

The field marshal began barking orders to the other commanders, who in turn dispatched the troops under their control, and the great lumbering army of Kyriavalissa maneuvered into position.

“Are you preparing to breach the wall, Highness?” asked the field marshal.

“I’m praying that it doesn’t come to that.” Said Nefkara.

~~~~~~~

In less than a minute, you were almost at the wall. Nauraea’s aerial troops had learned to give you a wide berth after you had zapped a few of them out of the air.

Your limbs were on fire. All the spells you had been casting were quickly catching up with you, and there wasn’t much mana left in your body.

Leaping towards the wall again, you adjusted your pitch so that you shot more vertically than horizontally. The walls of Apliseline were tall, and now that you were hurtling towards them, you realized that they might be TOO tall for your plan to work. You boosted yourself in midair, trying to gain altitude. Your vision began to swim as magic poured out of your body. The lag between the energy expenditure and the ensuing fatigue was closing. Every movement felt sluggish. Mustering the last of your strength, you launched yourself towards the top of the wall with all the force you could muster. The rest was up to Nefkara.

~~~~~~~~

Aquipalen watched Anon leap down the street. A cupid fluttered next to her, watching the chaos below.

“He’s going for the wall.” Observed the cupid.

“Yeah…” said Aquipalen morosely. This whole day had been a disaster; all this fighting was anathema to the love that Eros demanded.
“I think he’s trying to go over.” Said the cupid.

“Do you think we should help him?” asked Aquipalen.

The cupid furrowed her brow as she watched the human protect himself from another of Nauraea’s spells. “Our orders were to not intervene unless absolutely necessary.”

Aquipalen bit her lip. Wouldn’t freeing Anon avert the war? After all, if Nauraea didn’t have leverage in the form of a husband, there was no need for a preemptive strike from Nefkara. And it wasn’t as if Anon was deeply in love with Nauraea anyways. So if there wasn’t any consequence to taking Anon away, but there were massive consequences for allowing him to be raped by Nauraea, then surely it made sense to help him escape.

Right?

“Oh Eros, give me a sign…” whispered Aquipalen.

Anon shot a blast of magic straight into the air. Other harpies squawked and pulled back, giving him space to safely discharge any other spells he felt inclined to cast. Aquipalen clenched her teeth and swallowed the lump in her throat.

“So be it.”

Diving out of the sky, she made a beeline for the bounding human below. Her cupid compatriot yelled something unintelligible after her, but the whistling wind drowned out whatever warning or encouragement she offered.

As Anon flew towards the wall, his intent to vault over it was clarified by his sudden surge upwards. Aquipalen beat her wings harder as she closed the distance between her and her target. Pulling up sharply, she matched his height as the last of his magic sputtered out of his hands. Other harpies took notice of their prey’s enervation and swooped after Aquipalen.

Reaching out with her talons, Aquipalen managed to snag Anon by the shoulders as his drained body floated to the apex of his flight. A trickle of blood ran out of his nose down his pallid face. With a swing of her powerful legs, Aquipalen flicked Anon forward over the wall. His body hitched as it made contact with the barrier, falling just outside the wall.

“Good luck, Anon.” panted Aquipalen.

~~~~~~~~~

Nauraea watched the gandharva fly after Anon. The poor fool had exhausted all his mana before he had even reached the gate. She smirked as the light from his palms flickered and extinguished.

“Defiant until the end. Sauritus, can you revive-“

The gandharva snatched Anon’s body out of the air and gave it the boost necessary to fly over the wall. Nauraea watched in horror as his body flew over, disappearing on the other side.

“WHAT?! NO!” screeched Nauraea.

“I told you not to tell him how the barrier works!” said Tsakali.

“Incoming!”

A volley of magic slammed into the barrier, leaving shimmering patterns in the sky as Nefkara’s army began its siege. Only a few brave flying monsters dipped over the wall after him.

“Open the gate! I’ll drag that bastard in myself!” snarled Nauraea.

“Majesty Nefkara has begun her siege! We need you to maintain the barrier lest the walls fail!” pleaded Tsakali.

Nauraea felt more of her mana drain as another round of spells washed over the barrier. A blazing beam of incandescence shot down from the sky, crackling as it connected with the invisible shield.

“To the walls then! Return fire!” shouted Nauraea.

~~~~~~~

Nefkara watched as Anon popped up over the wall. His body snagged on the barrier and clipped the wall, but managed to bounce just outside the great bastion. One astute wyvern and her husband noticed him and shot down to grab him before he hit the ground. Nefkara’s heartbeat quickened as the trio shot towards her forward lines.

“Mages! Begin the attack! I don’t care what spells you cast, just put pressure on the city!” shouted Nefkara.

The army began its siege. A nasty dogfight broke out in the air as several of Nauraea’s aerial troops attacked the monsters escorting the wyvern. Nefkara added a bit of her own magic to the assault, smiling as she watched the barrier strain against her. Nauraea’s army retaliated, firing off a wave of spells out over Nefkara’s troops.

“Pharaoh! Shall we send in the first wave?” shouted the field marshal.

“The plans have changed! We’re leaving. Rally the troops and prepare to fend off a counter-offensive!” said Nefkara.

“Leaving?!”

“Leaving. I won’t risk my queendom to participate in a stalemate.” Said Nefkara.

“… As you wish, Pharaoh.”

The field marshal began barking orders again, redirecting Nefkara’s army. Nauraea’s army had done their best to reclaim Anon, but had been quickly overwhelmed by the hail of spells and arrows put forth by Nefkara’s troops below. The wyvern and her dragoon landed next to the Pharaoh, panting as she dropped Anon into the sand.

“Sun be praised. That was some excellent flying. You two will be well rewarded when we return to Kyriavalissa.” Said Nefkara.
“Thank you, Pharaoh.” Wheezed the wyvern. Her husband slid off her, nursing a wound on his arm he incurred while protecting his wife. She wrapped him in her beige wings and nuzzled his arm, lapping up some of the spirit energy leaking out.

“I know you must be exhausted, but we’re going to retreat. Rest while you can, we move at once.” Said Nefkara.

“Yes, Pharaoh.” Said the man, giving a small salute.

A stream of monsters poured past them as the horde redirected itself back towards Kyriavalissa. Sandworms breached through the desert in the distance. The geomancers quickly carved a fresh canal in the desert, redirecting the river so that the worm’s approach was cut off.

Both sides exchanged a few last shots at each other, before Nefkara’s army slipped out of range and back into the desert.

~~~~~~~

Searing pain shot through your arm. Shouting in agony, you clenched your left arm, which only made things worse. Every bump and jolt sent a fresh bout of excruciating pain through your limb.

“Stop moving you idiot! It’s broken!”

You whipped around in pain-addled confusion as the accusatory voice lambasted you. Where the hell were you? What happened? It seemed like you weren’t going to make it. You checked your waistcloth. It didn’t FEEL like Nauraea had had her way with you. You felt distinctly unraped.

A sphinx glared at you. Poking her head out the tent flap, she shouted something to the others and helped you back into bed as you fought back tears. Your arm was a swollen mess.

“You ran through half my stock, human. What the hell did that defiler do to put you in such a sordid state?” inquired the sphinx.
You didn’t register her words at first. What was she talking about?

“Defiler?”

“The apophis, you dullard!” said the sphinx.

“…Nauraea? Is she here?” you asked, feeling a bit panicked.

“No! Just… lie down and compose yourself.” Said the sphinx.

You did as you were told; you were too drained to do anything but comply. Besides, all SEEMED well. Except for your arm. That still hurt.

“Anon! So good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

You looked at the tent flap. A matronly silhouette blocked the entrance, hidden by the blinding rays pouring in around her. She took a step in. You instantly realized by the crown adoring her silky black hair and lack of monstrous features that this must be Nefkara.
For the first time in a long time, you felt truly at ease. Being around Nauraea for so long had cultivated a persistent sense of unease; a stress that permeated your body and mind that couldn’t be shaken no matter how far apart you were from her. Nefkara was a soothing contrary. Her motherly smile washed away any lingering doubts you had. You were safe as long as she was here.

“I- uhh…” you stammered.

“No need for a formal greeting. We can redo the introduction when we reach Kyriavalissa. I know that you must be confused, and in no small amount of pain. Our pharmacomancers will tend to you soon.” She said. Even her voice conferred the warmth of the sun itself.
“What happened? I didn’t think I was going to make it…” you said.

“You almost didn’t. Our scouts say a gandharva helped you get the altitude you needed to get over the wall. Even then, you almost landed on top when you hit the barrier. Your arm bounced off the edge as you passed over. Lucky it did, otherwise you may have been too close to the wall to grab.” Said Nefkara.

“Will Nauraea pursue us?” you asked.

“Doubtful. She prepared for a defensive fight, not an extended chase. By the time she mobilizes her army, the reinforcements I requested will have reached us.”

You sighed. “I’m sorry I caused all this trouble.”

“Trouble seems to have a habit of following you.” Giggled Nefkara.

“So what happens now? What will Nauraea do if she isn’t going to follow us?”

“I suppose she’ll hunker down until she’s sure I won’t launch a counter offensive. After that, who can say? I’ve been trading blows with that serpent for centuries and she still manages to surprise me. That’s why she’s the nature of chaos, I suppose.” Shrugged Nefkara.

“The Eros cult!” you gasped, remembering Aquipalen’s hesitation. “Will they be alright?”

“As much as Nauraea despises the idea of sharing power with people in her empire, her ultimate goal is love; in whatever perverse form that may take. She will not turn her back on Eros, just as the Lady of Love will not turn hers on Nauraea.” Said Nefkara.

You nodded. What a relief.

“So, I hear you’re trying to get to Zipangu.” Said Nefkara.

“Uhh… Yes. I am.” You said.

“Wonderful! My daughter and her husband are taking a honeymoon there. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a bit of company on one of the royal flagship.” Said Nefkara, clapping her hands together.”

You cocked your head. “Huh?”

“I know it may seem abrupt, but Nauraea is a jealous woman who has spies all over the Capsalisma. If she chooses to come for you, it will be in the form of a knife in the back. I can’t tell you how many assassination attempts I’ve survived. Better for everyone if you leave the Capsalisma until this whole mess blows over.”

“…Okay… Thank you, Pharaoh!” you said quickly. She was royalty after all.

“Of course, my semi-albino friend. Oh this is so exciting! I’m sure you’ll find Kyriavalissa much more agreeable than that festering blemish Apliseline. The night market alone is enough to…”

You zoned out as Nefkara began to extoll the virtues of her city. Absentmindedly, you stroked your chest. Voso’s bargain weighed heavily on your mind. You didn’t have much time left. And Zipangu was still so far away. Not to mention the onslaught of monsters that awaited you once you arrived. Some of the most notorious tricksters and brutalist barbarians lurked in the mountains and towns you would have to pass through.

“Eros preserve me.” You though in silent prayer.

~~~~~~~

“You… YOU…!” seethed Nauraea.

Aquipalen groaned, held in place by her captors. Other members of the Eros cult stood around her, herded into the plaza in front of their cathedral after the skirmish.

“You cost me EVERYTHING.” Hissed Nauraea, grabbing the gandharva’s jaw and forcing her chin upward.

“I do as Eros commands…” said Aquipalen.

“And so you deny me my HUSBAND?!” shouted Nauraea.

“The Lady denies you nothing.”

Nauraea twisted her gaze to the entrance of the cathedral. A houri strutted out, accompanied by a young man. Nauraea’s heart skipped a beat as she met his eyes. His youthful face was full of wonderment as he gazed down the steps at the empress, tinged by only the slightest hint of fearful reverence.

“Eros has heard your pleas, Nauraea. She has heard them every night as you utter them. You have not been forsaken.” Said the houri. The disciples of Eros dropped to their knees as she walked down to the plaza.

“Ahh… An archangel of Eros. Finally someone a little higher in the chain of command.” Said Nauraea. Try as she might to maintain her imperious demeanor, she felt her face redden and her voice quiver as she stole another glance at the boy accompanying the houri. Demon Lord’s creamy thighs… he was so innocent. So pure. So soft…

“Nauraea, you are as determined as you are crafty. But Anon was never meant to be yours. The Lady has something… special in mind for him. And as a token for such an abrupt intervention into your affairs, She offers a substitution.” Said the houri, bowing and sweeping her arms to the boy.

Nauraea licked away a bead of venom as it pooled at the end of her fang. The boy took a step towards her. Seeing her blush, he smiled and bowed.

“W-what is this…? You think that I would be so easily placated… After you…” Nauraea stammered. Her heart hammered in her chest.
“Empress…” said Tsakali.

“I can’t! I won’t accept him! It’s humiliating!” said Nauraea, shaking her head.

“It would be rude to refuse a gift from the Gods…” offered Tsakali.

Nauraea swallowed the lump in her throat. She had fought Nefkara dozens of times, sometimes coming within inches of defeat. But never had she felt fear like this. The tip of her tail thrashed back and forth as she considered the offer.

“I-I suppose you are right, Vizier. Very well, I shall accept this offering.” She said, keeping her eyes on the young man. His face lit up as she accepted. A grin spread across her face before she stifled it and regained her composure a moment later. “But make no mistake: my conquest of the Capsalisma will continue. I will rule these sands, and chaos shall reign! And you, servants of Eros, will not interfere again.”

The houri smiled and bowed. “Of course, Empress. I shall see to it personally.”

“Good! T-then, you, boy. What is your name?” said Nauraea, pointing to the young man accompanying the houri.

“Kester.” He replied.

“Very well, Kester. Come with me. We have much to talk about.” Said Nauraea.

Nauraea didn’t wait for him to finish descending the staircase, opting to slither over to him and scoop him into her arms before he could even set foot in the plaza.

“Tsakali! Keep watch for Nefkara’s army. Have the troops fortify. I’ll give further orders shortly.” She said, climbing aboard a chariot.

“As you wish, Majesty.” Said Tsakali. Idrial wrapped his arms around her from behind, running his hands over her taught stomach. She reached a paw back to stroke his cheek as he kissed her neck.

“She’s not going to give any more orders, is she?” he said.

“Hush. Let her enjoy herself. This has been centuries in the making.” Said Tsakali.

“How about WE enjoy ourselves?~” he asked.

“I think I can make some time for that~”

Troops quickly dispersed to go find their husbands, or to claim any man they could find in celebration of successfully defending the city. Already choruses of song and sex were rolling out of the doors of taverns and over the eves of the buildings. A monumental day for the city of Apliseline.
~~~~~~~
“That was too close, Satval.”

The houri stretched her arms and yawned as she stepped back through the portal, into the realm of Eros divinity. “Whatever do you mean, Prenne?”

“When will this end? I grow weary of watching this song and dance.” Said the cupid, twisting an arrow into her finger.

“Don’t you worry, dear sister.” Said the houri watching through a scrying sphere as Anon was carried towards Kyriavalissa. “I have it on VERY good authority that it will all be over soon. Until then, keep your bow handy and your hands steady.”

Prenne grunted. “As you command, archangel.”

Satval hummed to herself as she watched the alien go, his cart following the snaking red string her Mistress had laid. The anticipation was killing her just as much as Prenne, but if it was for love, she could wait a little longer.