Ruffled Feathers

by Stephanie West

  The crowd whooped in agreement, as her broodmates walked down the line of candidates. Cygne smiled when her males laid a bird or two at every female’s feet.

  “Thank you.” She grinned wider when they reached her.

  “You’re welcome, Cygne.” Kaede winked before moving down the line.

  Velifico and his broodmates followed. They were more selective with how they handed out their game, clearly favoring only a few candidates. She wanted to groan when they dropped six birds in front of her.

  “Thank you.” It was hard, but Cygne smiled graciously.

  “Of course, beautiful.” Velifico was proud of himself for outdoing Kaede. He had no clue she wasn’t impressed. Her broodmates might not have given her the majority of their hunt, but they were kind enough to make sure none of the females felt left out.

  “Unbelievable,” Tristis huffed under her breath. Cygne agreed, but for a different reason.

  “Well, the favored candidates are clear,” the announcer stated, as a boisterous cheer went up from the crowd. “Now, let’s see how skilled our candidates are. Females, you will each have your wings bound, then will proceed through the agility course.”

  That explains all the weird structures on the field. She watched as the announcer demonstrated the route through the course.

  “Once you reach the end, you must figure out how to collect as many medallions you can carry, then bring them back to the starting point. You will return as many times as it takes to collect all the medallions, but if you drop them on the way, they are out of play. Whoever collects the most medallions in the fastest time will be declared our victor. Are the rules understood?”

  Cygne and the others nodded.

  “To make this fair, you will be blindfolded while your companions run the course. Now draw lots to see who goes first.”

  She picked a chip out of the bag passed down the line and drew the fifth place. Before the blindfold was placed over her eyes, she took a final glance at her broodmates, in the nearby balcony. It was good to see them smiling and relaxed, now that they’d won the first competition.

  The cheering got louder and Cygne knew the contest had begun. The excited chants and disappointed groans told her how each candidate was faring, even though she couldn’t see. She grew more nervous as time passed. Cygne felt triumphant having aided her broodmates, but that didn’t count in her favor. She really needed to do well during this competition to make up for her disastrous interview.

  “Stand please, Cygne,” Belni requested as she removed Cygne’s blindfold.

  Cygne stiffened up when the male started tying a leather strap around her wings. She couldn’t help the tremor that worked through her.

  This is not the same. This is not the same.

  “Just a moment.” Belni halted the male, and studied Cygne in concern. “Are you okay?”

  “It just reminds me of something in my past.” She took deep breaths and attempted to repress the awful memory of being shackled then hauled onto the auction block.

  “I’m sorry, Cygne. Do you want to continue?”

  Cygne glanced toward her broodmates. They were standing against the rail of the balcony, wearing worried expressions.

  You can do this for them.

  “I’ll be fine, continue.” She pasted on a brave smile, and concentrated on her males, as the assistant finished strapping her pinions together.

  The crowd cheered when she stepped to the starting line. Their raucous response added to her anxious mood.

  Just ignore your wings. Everything is fine. Concentrate on the game. This is your chance to prove what you can do. Cygne refused to let her fear get in the way of what she wanted.

  “Go,” the announcer bellowed.

  Cygne ran for the tall wall. When she reached it, her first instinct was to try to fly over the obstacle, but that wasn’t possible. Cygne leapt for the handhold and scaled the wall. It wasn’t that different than climbing a tree with branches too thick to fly through. She grabbed the top of the wall, swung over, and dropped to the other side. Next came the tunnel. Cygne ducked low as she hustled through the long passage. She picked up speed once she emerged and crossed the small pool, leaping from one stepping stone to the next.

  The crowd grew louder when she reached the end of the course. The ten medallions were strung on individual poles, extending from a platform high in the air. She swiftly climbed the ladder then paused.

  That’s a long way down. Without the use of her wings, it would be very bad if she lost her balance.

  Cygne had to lay down on the platform, then work the medallion along the pole. Her arms were just long enough to pull the token over the end. The crowd chanted as she moved to the next pole and slid the second medallion off. Retrieving the rest, while holding onto what she already had, was going to be difficult. And she couldn’t set the tokens down, or they’d fall through the slats of the platform.

  How am I going to do this? This will take forever if I can only bring back a few at a time.

  Frustrated, Cygne stood considering the problem. She angrily swiped at the dangling strap binding her wings as it annoyingly tickled her thigh. This contest was taxing enough without that nerve racking reminder.

  That’s it! She nearly whooped in triumph.

  Cygne threaded the strip of leather through the holes in the medallions, then knotted the ends together. The crowd grew unbelievably loud, approving of her strategy. Cygne smiled as she collected the rest of the tokens, adding them to the collection dangling at her waist. She made an extra tight knot, then quickly scrambled down the ladder. She was careful the added weight didn’t throw her off balance as she leapt across the stepping stones, scurried through the tunnel and climbed the wooden wall. Cygne sighed when she finally crossed over the finish line with her prizes clanking at her back.

  “Very impressive,” Jovana complimented while untying her wings. It was hard to hear over the cacophony echoing through the stadium.

  “Thank you.” She smiled at the Matron while stretching her wings. It felt so good to be free again.

  “Since you’ve already competed, you are free to watch the rest.”

  Cygne nervously watched the other candidates complete the course, but her confidence grew with each contestant. Some of the females had trouble physically making it past the obstacles, while others discovered they were afraid of heights without the use of their wings. By the time the last candidate crossed the finish line, she was feeling hopeful.

  “Candidates Addolo, Baynar, Cygne, Emma, and Tristis, please come forward,” the announcer called out. Cygne stepped up with the others, excitement coursing through her. “You five made it through the course without dropping a single medallion, but one of you was faster than the rest.” The announcer paused. “Cygne, you are our winner.”

  I did it! Her breath burst out.

  The crowd went wild, and Cygne grinned as she panned the stands. Especially boisterous whooping and whistling caught her attention. She turned to see it was her broodmates who were cheering so raucously. Her cheeks hurt as she smiled at them. She didn’t even mind that Velifico’s brood was also carrying on excitedly.

  Cygne was still grinning when they returned to the Atelier. Her smile faltered seeing the guard approach her.

  “You’ve been requested in the clinic,” Svane informed her.

  “All right.” But I’m not sick.

  She chewed her lip nervously. The day turned out so much better than it started, but going to the medical clinic didn’t sound good. It felt like another test; one she couldn’t win with skill.

  “I’m sure everything will be fine,” Anitra said in encouragement, seeing Cygne’s worried expression.

  She nodded to her friend then followed Svane.

  “I watched the broadcast of you running the course,” Svane commented as they wound their way through the maze of corridors. “You made excellent time and thought fast on your feet.”

  “Thank you. I was surprised I did so well. I nearly was
n’t able to go through with it when they tied my wings.” She ran her hand over her right pinion and dismissed the unpleasant memory.

  “You did look nervous at first, but you recovered well. That’s the important thing.”

  “That’s true, I suppose.”

  “Here you are.” Svane pointed to a door. “Good evening.”

  “Thank you, Svane. Good eve.” She bowed to the guard, then hesitantly entered the clinic.

  Cygne paused when she saw Velifico being examined by a male dressed in a red jumpsuit, while his mother observed.

  “This won’t affect him in the competition, will it?” Calesse scowled at the physician.

  “No. I think a bit of ice should be enough to help the pulled muscle.”

  “Good. Oh, greetings, Cygne. Congratulations on your victory.” Velifico smiled wide at her.

  “Thank you.” She hated the way Velifico’s eyes roamed her every time he saw her. It made her skin crawl.

  “Cygne, the Matrons want the physician to run a few tests to confirm you’re healthy,” Calesse said.

  “All right.”

  “She looks healthy to me.” Velifico hopped off the table.

  Calesse huffed and rolled her eyes at her son’s superficial assessment.

  “Have a seat up here.” The physician patted the vacated table.

  Cygne got up on the table, and nervously gripped the sides. She’d never been to a physician on Braccio, and the clinic was rather daunting with its odd implements and vials of chemicals. Velifico wandered around the room, looking at things, and touching stuff he probably should leave alone.

  “Velifico, why don’t you go ice your leg up and head to bed early? You need your rest,” Calesse suggested.

  “All right. Good eve.” Velifico cast her another discomfiting smile before leaving.

  “I want you to make sure Cygne’s not carrying any genetic defects, and is capable of reproducing,” Calesse informed the physician, after her son left. “Since she has no medical data, she might be barren for all we know.”

  “Of course. Cygne, remove your gown, please.”

  Cygne looked from the Calesse’s critical expression to the physician, as she started to panic.

  “Oh, just lift up you gown for the physician,” Calesse demanded in annoyance. “Let me know the results,” she told the physician, then headed for the door.

  “Yes, Matron Calesse,” he replied in a monotone voice.

  She relaxed somewhat once Calesse left, but still wasn’t keen on baring herself to the strange male.

  “There’s no need to be nervous.”

  Cygne glanced at the physician dubiously as she slowly lifted her gown. She was happy she wore a pair of briefs to cover her private parts. She tried to remain calm, but her breath heaved out rapidly as the physician came toward her with two pieces of equipment. The physician pressed the cylinder to her thigh and there was a sharp pinch, which made her jump. Cygne’s eyes widened, seeing her blood inside the little tube when he pulled it away from her skin.

  “I promise that was the worst of it. Lay back, please. This part won’t hurt.”

  Cygne leaned back and watched as the physician pressed a cold, blunt disk against her lower belly. She held her breath, waiting for another surprise, but after a moment nothing happened. A series of lights on the disk changed color, then the physician removed it.

  “We’re all finished.” He patted her knee. “The readings look good, Cygne. You are fertile, and your womb is physiologically healthy. I saw your run today, so I’m certain you’re physically fit,” he commented, looking impressed. “The serum test results will tell us if there are any diseases or conditions to worry about, but I imagine it will come back fine. I will report to the Matrons when the analysis is done.” The physician was rather personable and not so stiff without Calesse around.

  “All right. That wasn’t so bad, just unexpected.” She smiled at him.

  “No. You did good. I usually give my fledgling patients a sweet after they’re done. Would you like one?” He cast her a cheeky smile.

  “No, but thank you,” Cygne chuckled. “I guess I did act like a fledgling.”

  “It’s all right, since I’m guessing this is your first medical exam. Have a good evening.”

  “Thank you. You, too.”

  Cygne left the clinic feeling silly about how she acted. It was nice knowing the physician expected everything to be fine. She couldn’t really blame the Matrons for wanting to confirm she was healthy and capable of bearing heirs.

  Hopefully this means I’m doing well.

  Cygne took the first left and headed toward the main hall. She squeaked in surprise when someone put a hand over her mouth and tugged her into a dark room. Cygne struggled against the steely arm that seized her, while her eyes attempted to adjust.

  “If one of the Matrons asks, you can honestly say you didn’t see us.”

  She froze hearing Kaede’s deep voice in her ear, then smiled at his ingenuity.

  “I’ve missed you all so much.” Cygne cursed the Matrons’ silly rules.

  “We’ve missed you too, songbird.” Her head swiveled toward the sound of Akiva’s voice.

  She couldn’t see her broodmates, but could feel their body heat as they closed in. Cygne drew in a ragged breath and shivered, scenting their recognizable musk. The heady, spicy aroma of her males was much more powerful in the dark. It coiled around her, calling to something deep inside. A firm mouth slammed against hers, and she moaned.

  Tynan.

  Cygne leaned into his rugged chest. She ran her hands up Tynan’s corded biceps till she reached his face. Her palm stroked his stubbled jaw, then cradled the back of his head, gripping his short hair. Tynan’s tongued speared into her mouth as she desperately kissed him.

  And, I missed this. It was surprising just how much their touch consoled and calmed her.

  Tynan cupped her behind with both large hands, lifting her up. She was positioned just right to feel his thick arousal press against her mound. Cygne ground her hips against his bulge. Several more hands joined Tynan, stroking and caressing her in the dark. Warm, seeking lips traced her neck. A kneading palm found her breast, while another snaked up her gown and caressed the inside of her knee. Tynan’s mouth disappeared, and she wanted to whimper in disappointment. Her mouth followed, seeking him out.

  “On the floor,” Kaede murmured, and there were several grunts of agreement as she was eased to the floor.

  “Whoa, hey, that’s my ass,” Meir barked. “Don’t you know the difference?”

  Cygne giggled along with her males, but was silenced as a new pair of warm lips met hers. She recognized the spiceroot flavor that Severin liked to chew and smiled into his mouth. Cygne squeaked in surprise as her slippers were removed and someone kissed her ankle. Her gown was bunched around her waist, and something soft and ticklish brushed her knee, making her squirm. It took a moment to realize one of her wicked broodmates was tickling her with a feather. She gasped as the wispy tip grazed the inside of her thigh, then moved along her hip. Her stomach muscles quivered in response to the painfully light caress. Not being able to see her males ratcheted up the anticipation and magnified every sensation.

  A pair of hands tugged her briefs down her hips. The cool air hit her intimate flesh and Cygne squirmed. Her breath came out in ragged gasps as her legs were shoved wide, and fingers found her wet cleft. Someone with long hair wedged his face between her splayed thighs. A deep, appreciative groan sent a heated puff of air across her exposed flesh.

  “Oh,” she gasped in response.

  Her back arched when a wet tongue speared into her aching cunny, as fingers rolled her swollen nub. Someone pushed her gown higher and voraciously attacked one nipple, then the other. A mouth met hers and Cygne hungrily kissed it. He moaned, and she knew it was Akiva.

  Cygne grasped for her males in the dark. She stroked the stacked abs of whoever teased her turgid nipple. Her fingers traced the muscular ridges, following them d
ownward. Cygne teased the thin trail of hair leading beneath his waistband. Her fingers delved into his pants and found his stiff cock. She fondled the steely smooth head and was rewarded with a groan around her nipple. It encouraged her to grip him tighter, stroking over his silky, firm, ribbed shaft.

  The sound of breathing, moans, groans, sucking and licking filled the shadowy room. Fingers joined the mouth exploring her slick folds. They circled then pressed into her eager cunny. With each press they moved faster and deeper. Fingers frantically rolled her nub of flesh, sending arcs of ecstasy coursing up her spine. Cygne thrust her hips against the mouth and fingers as she raced toward the impending climax. A finger shoved into her clenched ass, and Cygne erupted into spasms. She cried into Akiva’s mouth as the orgasm made her quake from head to toe.

  “Oh, beautiful, we wish we could do this all night, but someone will be looking for you soon.” She could hear the disappointment in Severin’s voice. It reflected her own.

  “The Matrons will have a fit if they discover we snatched you up.” Akiva stroked her cheek.

  “But since we can’t spend the night with you, we have something else,” Kaede added.

  Cygne was still reeling and quivering from her orgasm, when she felt something incredibly thick press into her cunny. As the bulbous base of the unseen toy stretched the mouth of her cunny and lodged into place, its ribbed length grazed the bundle of nerves deep inside. She threw her head back in ecstasy when it kicked off another series of convulsions. Her tremors grew as another object was worked into her ass. She bit her lip to repress the ardent cry building in her throat, as the toy stretched her wide before its thick base popped past her tight ring of spasming muscles. Cygne panted, attempting to get used to the immense feeling of fullness. She reached down and felt the obscene toy penetrating both of her holes. It cupped her entire cleft, with a projection that rubbed against her swollen nub.

  “Leave that in till morning. We’ll know if you take it out,” Tynan rumbled wickedly in her ear.

  Her males helped her up and readjusted her gown in the dark. Someone even found her slippers and placed them on her feet, before escorting her through the dark room.