“Why are you here?” he growled at Hesikat, and she smiled serenely.
She looked at me for a moment and smiled brightly. “To make sure you follow your father. Your reign of cruelty must end, and if she won’t do it, then I will.” Hesikat looked at Vago and spat on the ground, cursing him. “I should have strangled you when you were a baby.”
“Once I’m done killing my child, as you say, I will make sure you’re next,” Vago called, as Hesikat turned to walk away.
“There are several ways this can go. You kill him now and end it swiftly, or you publicly execute him for murder, on many counts,” Hesikat said, as she walked by me. Turning, I watched the Fire Nymphs part for her to leave. When I turned back, Vago was eying me as if he wanted nothing more than to kill me now.
“There is a third option,” he called out. “I kill you and destroy your precious peace.” The fire between us lowered slightly and Rilag growled as she put herself between him and me.
“I see another option. I kick your ass and then publicly execute you. Rilag move out of the way,” I commanded Rilag, and she growled but backed off to the side. The fire dying between Vago and me. As soon as the flames dropped low enough, Vago launched himself at me.
Dodging his lunge, I rolled towards Rilag, pulling my sword as he spun back around. Pulling his own, he began to advance. Rilag circled around so she was on my side, watching Vago. He cocked his head slightly and smiled. “You know, your mother wore that armor better, like a true Queen,” his words stung, but I refused to be distracted.
“I’m sure she did, my mother was an amazing woman, it’s a pity your whore killed her, isn’t it?” I jabbed back, begging silent forgiveness from Sic for badmouthing his mother. His rage rose and he began to swing his blade. Rilag moved at the last second, the saddle on her back taking the blade instead of me. She twisted swiftly and tossed Vago across the space, his sword still embedding in her saddle.
He crawled to his feet and shot a glance at Rilag that promised death. She made a soft chuffing sound, as if to say, ‘yeah right, buddy’ and I smirked. “You won’t defeat me, girl, even with your bitches help. I’ve trained for human decades, longer than you’ve existed.” He pulled his seax from his boot and rushed me once more.
This time, I disarmed him as Viper instructed and ran my blade through his side. He managed to fling me off, as he staggered back, and picked up his seax again. I lifted myself off the ground as he rushed me. His body plowed into mine, but his seax was deflected by the armor I wore. Using his momentum, I spun, swinging my own seax at him. He hissed as it scratched the only place his helm didn’t cover.
That fact that I had even cut him was all due to luck, so I let momentum carry me away from him. “I am done playing with you, girl,” he spoke, his hiss becoming more apparent, as he shifted into basilisk form. “Now, let’sss sssee who’sss better.”
Remember, your smaller size means you are faster than me, but the timing is key. If you attack too soon, you risk fangs, too late, and you will have to get out of your attacker’s grasp. Don’t forget your venom, you are ten times more venomous than anyone on this continent. Kai’s words raced through my head, as I watched Vago carefully.
Instead of shifting right away, I began to circle away from Rilag, as she began moving across from me, so Vago couldn’t see her. While we circled each other, I watched his plate mail shift, looking for any chink in his armor. I saw three spots that might work, and one glaringly obvious spot, but I didn’t feel like biting his junk. His armor was iron, and I knew it would hurt like hell, but if need be, I could bite through it.
“Let’sss finisssh thisss, girl,” Vago sneered, as he hissed and rose up higher as if to strike. I watched his strike as if in slow motion and I jumped to my left, shifting midjump to wrap my tail around his neck. Using the momentum, I swung around his neck twice and then brought my fangs down on one of the weak points I had noticed. Feeling my fangs dig deep I released only a portion of my venom into, what I assumed, was his shoulder.
He thrashed about as I held tight and I heard him howl in pain the second time. Looking down, I saw Rilag biting his tail, holding on, even as he thrashed more. Rilag eventually lost her hold and I yelled as she hit one of the Fire Nymphs. The saddle on her back exploded into flames, as she slid down the Nymph’s waist. Vago began to spin, and I re-bit him to stay on, but it was too late and I was flung off across from Rilag.
He began to stalk closer to me, the venom racing through his system slowing him somewhat. One moment I was facing my father’s massive green basilisk, the next he was human again. He staggered to his knees as he looked up at me, “How?”
“You were partially correct, but you got it backwards, I’m not a royal whore, I’m a Royal Whore, and you can call me Your Imperial Majesty,” I shifted back as I spoke. “I believe true royal females are ten times more venomous?” I posed it as a question, as he bent low.
While I watched, he sliced his palm on the broken armor and began to chant in an odd language. The Fire Nymphs began to crackle like mad, and then they slowly receded into the ground. The battlefield was now clearly visible, as they no longer barred the view. Rilag slowly rose and shook the ashes from the saddle off her back, and I sighed when she stood once more.
Emot was soaring through the air seconds after the Nymphs went back into the ground. Sic, Zugo, and Kai were running towards me at full speed when I saw Vago try to rise once more, still chanting the language. He staggered to his feet, and I saw him holding onto a small ball of liquid in his hands, as he pulled the venom from his blood with magic.
Rilag rushed at me, knocking Vago back down, breaking his focus. As his words stopped, the venom stopped flowing out of him. What he had collected dripped through his hands to the ground. Emot arrived first, shifting as he landed, he drew his sword at Vago, who remained on the ground. “Are you alright love?” he asked me, and my heart sung, realizing they were all safe.
Vago laughed and coughed at the same time. “You think he loves you, you’re still a whore. Like mother like daughter.” Emot stepped forwards as if to kill Vago, but I stopped him.
“He needs to be brought to justice, not just a casualty of a war, but a criminal, tried and punished,” my hand was on his arm lowering his sword, as I spoke. The others arrived as Emot lowered his sword, sheathing it again.
The others rushed to my side, except Sic, he stood over Vago with a pair of chains in his hand. “Vago Day, you are under arrest for crimes against the people of Lasina, and the Empress,” he spoke clearly, as he placed the shackles around my father’s wrists and ankles. “Someone give him an antidote, so he doesn’t die,” Sic called to Kai.
Kai stepped away from my side and opened a vile that looked very familiar, before kneeling next to Vago. “Open up,” Kai said, pouring the contents down Vago’s throat when he did so. Once the potion took effect, Vago sat up slowly, swearing revenge on me.
Looking around the battlefield, I watched as the dead were carried off, and the wounded taken to the healers. Both sides were cleaning the field up, the Nymphs helping as well. “Let’s take him back to the castle and we can deal with him there, for all to witness,” Sic said, as he pulled me to his chest. “I’m so glad you’re alright.” Lifting the visor on my helm, he kissed me hard.
“Sssave it for later Sssic, we have a prisssoner to transssport,” Emot teased, as Sic pulled away. Rilag huffed her indignation at not being included in congratulations of capturing Vago.
“Thank you Rilag, for keeping your mistress safe.” Zugo rubbed her head and she gave a very puppyish yip. She walked over to Vago and sniffed him, before sneezing on him.
I laughed at the indignation on Vago’s face, only to have it turn to hatred as he looked back at me. Kai and Sic picked him up by the arms and began dragging him towards our side of the battlefield. Not one person lifted a finger to attempt to help him out of his predicament, and I found that very telling.
Five Days Later
It took three days
to get all the wounded treated and healed, as well as getting all the dead buried. The guys insisted I go back to the castle while they helped the troops with the dead and injured, so they gave Rilag a new saddle and sent me on my way. The guard that escorted me that first day was tripled in size and they carried a bound and gagged Vago with them.
I paced the sitting room for the fifth day, waiting for the guys to return, when the door opened, and Sage walked in. “Your Imperial Majesty, Thuzo would like to speak to you about the prisoner.” Thuzo, Sage’s mate, stood behind her as she curtsied.
“How many times must I tell you? It’s Maisie, and send him in,” my words were a tease, but Thuzo walked in swiftly telling me it was important.
“Your…” I glared as he began, and then switched tracks, “Maisie, the people are growing restless, they want Vago to face your judgment. I have also had a word from the front that the last of the troops will be coming home today,” Thuzo bowed a bit after he spoke, and I tapped my finger on my chin.
“Does that mean Their Majesties will be arriving today?” my question was twofold.
“Yes, they should be arriving shortly,” Thuzo replied to my question, and rose to his full height. Watching the two, I could see Sage’s heated gaze and I could understand the obsession.
“Once the Kings arrive home, you may send out a… I guess, proclamation, memo, I don’t even know… to all the people of Lasina, that Vago will be sentenced for his crimes in two days.” The word I was searching for wouldn’t come at first and then it came to me. Snapping my fingers, I called out, “Decree, that’s it.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will send the guards that can fly out as fast as possible, once the Kings return.” He bowed and left, leaving Sage and me alone, the doors closing behind him.
“Have you thought about children, Sage?” turning towards the window, I asked softly.
“Yes, I have, but I haven’t begun to plan for them yet, why?” She walked up closer and looked out the window next to me.
“I have been thinking a lot about it, but I’m scared. What if this madness, that Vago has, is passed on? What if children break up what I have with them? I’m scared of what the future holds,” I whispered to her softly, as we gazed out the window.
“Vago is the way he is because of upbringing, and if you cherish all your children the same then I doubt any will be like him. As for the Kings, maybe you should share your fears with them. Explain how you feel. It won’t always be easy, but if you all work through it, then it will be worth it.” Sage pulled me in for a swift hug. “Have a wonderful evening, and try not to let it bother you right now. There are more important things to take care of before anything happens.”
Sage rushed out of the room and I returned to looking out the window. I heard the door open again and figured Sage had forgotten something. “What did you forget Sage?” I asked, but there wasn’t an answer. Turning towards the doors I saw all four of my men standing there, wet hair, and bare chested. Not bothering with decorum, I ran to them as the doors closed softly.
Emot’s speed made it so he reached me first, sweeping me up for a kiss, until Kai pulled me from his grip. Kai dipped me low as his lips pressed mine. Sic spun me out of Kai’s grasp, forcing my mouth open to deepen our own kiss. He pushed me back into Zugo’s arms and tender lips swept up my neck until they pressed on the corner of my mouth.
“I missed you, all of you,” I whispered, as my eyes drifted closed. Zugo swept me up in his arms and carried me to the bedroom. The others followed close behind and I knew it was going to be a wild night. Running my fingers through Zugo’s wet hair I whispered, “Why is your hair wet?”
Sic was the one to answer, as Zugo set me down by the side of the bed, “We stunk like hell, and the barracks has showers. Cleaning up down there made more sense, so we didn’t have to wait once we got to you.” Kai and Emot crawled across the bed behind me, as Sic stepped closer. “So, who do you want first?” Sic whispered, and I turned to see two very naked men in my bed. When I turned back around, Sic and Zugo had tossed their towels to the side and were equally so.
My mouth watered at the sight, and to keep from having to choose, I slowly pulled my shirt off over my head. Tossing my shirt off to the side, Kai pulled me up onto the bed while Sic pulled my pants of my legs. “You know, you can just sssay, all of you,” Emot whispered in my ear, and his lips trailed my neck.
“All of you,” I whispered as he suggested. Four pairs of hands began to touch, and four pairs of lips kissed my body as they all joined in. Sic’s mouth kissed down stomach as Zugo’s lips traveled up my thigh. Kai and Emot worked towards my breasts, capturing my nipples. My moans grew even louder when I felt both Sic and Zugo feasting on my slit.
The amount of sensations running through my system was an overload after so many days away from them. Sic’s tongue slid deep into my pussy while Zugo flicked my clit with his. Kai bit softly on my nipple as Emot sucked hard on the other and my body cried out in joy. Sic hummed his appreciation as I flooded his mouth, and Zugo’s. Drawing back, he moved up my body slowly. “Do you want cocks?” he whispered, and I had enough.
Pushing up, I rolled so then Sic was beneath me, and worked his cocks deep into my core. Sitting up I rolled my hips, as Zugo supported my back with his chest. Sic let me ride his cocks for a moment before pulling me forward some. I felt Zugo line himself up with my ass, and press in, making me moan for more.
Kai and Emot seemed to know what I needed and joined in. Emot stood up, so his cocks were perfectly positioned, and I opened my mouth. He slid one in while stroking the other as Zugo and Sic began to move together. Zugo held me tight to his chest, while cupping my breasts and tweaking my nipples. I reached for Kai, and he pressed closer to my side. Taking Emot’s other cock into his mouth, he stroked his own cocks while sucking Emot’s with me.
Sliding my hand down his chest, I grasped the base of one cock and stroked as all five of us moved in a dance. One of Sic’s hands was flicking my clit while his other was near Emot’s ass, and I could visualize him fingering Emot while we sucked his cocks. The picture in my mind sent me over the edge and I came hard around Sic and Zugo. Emot’s cock pulsed in my mouth and the taste of his cum washed over my tongue as I swallowed. Sic and Zugo groaned as they filled me with their cum, and Kai swallowed Emot’s, while filling my hand with his own.
Emot stepped back and flopped down next to Sic while I collapsed on his chest. Zugo slid out and laid across the foot of the bed, as Kai fell on Sic’s other side. “I love you all,” I whispered into the silence that followed our exertions.
Each of the guys responded as they settled into the bed more, all finding a way to touch me. “Five days is too long without sex,” Kai mumbled, as Zugo began to softly snore.
“Agreed,” my reply was soft as the heat of their bodies, and the comfort at having them back by my side, lulled me to a peaceful sleep for the first time in five days.
Two Days Later
The whole of Lasina was amassed outside of the city gates, and my nerves were on edge. Vago had been removed from the jail and placed on the scaffolding in the center, surrounded by guards. He was covered in rotting fruit and vegetables from the crowds. Sic placed his hand on my lower back. “If you want, we can pass the sentencing, but it would be more powerful if you did it,” he advised, and I nodded my understanding.
“I will be fine. I just don’t quite know the words to say,” admitting my concerns made my nerves ratchet higher.
“Just speak from the heart and let them know that from here on out, peace will be for everyone in Lasina,” Zugo spoke softly. “The Northern Kingdom will fear that they will be punished for their King’s actions. If you give them peace and freedom, they will be grateful.”
Kai adjusted my crown slightly and smiled. “You look beautiful, and the people will love you. You’re their Empress, and must be just and kind, but also firm. Vago is the true evil behind this, and his people were only doing what he commanded, or else they would have died
.” He kissed my nose softly as Emot slid the door open.
“Ready, love?” his question drew my attention to what little of the crowd I could see, and I took a deep breath, before nodding my head.
All four stepped out one by one, their matching suits and crowns reflecting in the sunlight. For some reason, the sun seemed to mock the solemnity of what was about to happen. Once they were in position, a horn sounded, and I stepped out onto the wall to address my people. The cheer that echoed through the air was deafening, and yet, it hushed all too soon.
“My people,” I began, only to pause as more cheering drowned out anything else I might have said. As soon as it was quiet once more, I continued, “For five thousand years, the four Kingdoms of Lasina have been at odds. Wars have touched each Kingdom, each army, and every family in this land. Today, those divisions will no longer be there. We are one people, one country, one Kingdom,” the cheering rose to a deafening level as I spoke those words, and I had to wait a good five minutes before I could speak again.
“There is one more death that must occur to solidify peace for all of our people. Vago Day, you are accused of inciting war, crimes against all the people of Lasina. How do you plead?” I called down to him, and he sneered from his position on the scaffold.
He growled as he spoke, spitting vitriol as he admitted his own guilt. “You’re nothing more than a whore, who will destroy the people. I would have made a much better emperor. You can’t rule people unless they fear you, and these people don’t fear you. You’re nothing more than a cunt for these Kings,” the crowd booed as he spoke, and I knew that I had to sentence him to death.
“Since you admit to wanting to overthrow this Kingdom, and subjugate all the people in it, I sentence you to death, by beheading,” I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat as I spoke the words that sentenced my own father to death. The cheer that rose from my statement made my stomach turn even more.
The Basilisk Empress Page 16