Highness

[a_libertine]

It was the second time since the death of the emperor that Marsdan had been summoned before the very council he sat up on. Like the first time the faces dour. Unlike the first time there was an expectancy in the faces he looked at.

"Marsdan, you are charged with violating the code of wizardry, and with conspiracy to to over throw the monarchy in an attempt to become a wizard king."

He didn't recognize the voice immediately and the charges were like a punch in the stomach. "Not guilty, obviously."

A rustle went through the attendant mages. "Do you deny fornicating with the young queen?"

Marsdan looked up with pursed lips and said, "No."

Another wave of murmurs rolled through the thousand year old chamber. "Though, I fail to see how that is a crime of treason or breaking my vows."

"You are hereby directed to cut contact between yourself and the queen." Another voice said, then continued, "failure to do so will result in the severest punishment we can dole out."

Marsdan ' s shock was evident. It had been a hundred years since a mage was wiped of their mind and put into an institution for the insane. Yet here was that very threat. Before he could think through the situation fully the voice asked, "Do you agree?"

Marsdan looked at the college of wizards and shook his head, "No. I do not."

 

[plightofsabine]

What sort of nonsense was this? Navar thought. She wanted him to guess who he thought were the 5 top contenders for the tournament? She almost sounded like she was going to wager. He shook his head to himself and set the thought aside as other business came forward.

His Excellency, Gayor Hambin walked forward as the group lingered. “Ah, Excellency!” she exclaimed, pleased, watching him as he bowed deeply.

“Your Grace,” he greeted, rising when she motioned him to do so.

“What word do you have from Ilrania?” she anxiously inquired, rising from her seat and stepping down from her traditional spot.

“If you would be open to the possibility, Prince Aidan would very much like to join the list of contenders for the tournament,” he answered, and added, “my master supports his desire to pursue this.”

Sabirah motions him down the hall and he offers his arm to her. She takes his arm as they walk. “What is your honest opinion? Do you believe he has a chance? You’ve met many of the nobles at court. You’ve also seen some of our best men on the field. Tell me,” she pressed, needing his insight.

“Your Grace, the Prince is a highly decorated individual, considering his age. He is just now 31. I think he would be amongst the strongest of those on the list to participate.”

Sabirah pursed her lips as they continued to walk, “Is he arrogant?”
“He is confident, Your Grace,” Gayor replied.

The Queen had never met the Prince, so she really needed to rely on Gayor’s recommendation. Too, she had to remember that he was seeking a foothold in the Empire for his master. That in itself caused her to take a cautious stance.
“What do you understand is the outcome of the tournament, then?” Sabirah asked.

“The opportunity to seek the affections of Your Grace, of course,” Gayor replied matter-of-factly.

“I’ll allow it then. This isn’t a prize to be won, rather an opportunity. I don’t want anyone to think they are seeking some trophy. That’s not the intention,” she explained.

“Of course not, Your Grace, it just opens the dialogue for what could be. That is all the Prince is pursuing – the opportunity.”

Sabirah nodded, slowed and turned to Gayor. “Two-weeks time – that is all he has to prepare. We will open our doors and he is welcome to stay within the palace once he arrives.”

Gayor bowed once again, “Thank you, Your Grace, I will send word immediately.”

She abandoned her place next to the Ilranian ambassador and walked back to the main area of the hall. Well, she did open this up to her allies. She didn’t actually think they would accept the opportunity. Apparently she was mistaken. Thankfully she had already taken that into consideration.

 

[a_libertine]

The general mayhem that occurred after Marsdan refused his obedience was a sight to be seen. Mages stood screaming at him, each other, and seemingly into the ether as well. Marsdan watched for a few minutes then cleared his throat as he stood.

A booming voice, his voice, filled the chamber and drowned out all conversation and every head turned toward him. "I do not agree to the dictate to severe contact with the queen."

He looked at each member of the council, one by one then said, "I will however resign my position to the mages college and my position on the council. You may do as you will after that."

He turned and strode from the chamber and teleported to his chambers. He was fortunate, or smart enough, to keep most of his more important artifacts, including his library at a different location. He would no have much time to prepare to leave before the council moved to claim his tower and all that was held within.

His apprentices appeared one by one, except Nehori, and Marsdan cursed himself a fool for trusting the son of a noble with secrets, no matter their inherent magical talent.

"Grab everything," he told his apprentices, "It all needs to go to my family's house. There is a room behind an iron door, store it there."

He sealed the tower door against entry, knowing that eventually it could be battered down, or with the right mage, circumvented. That thought striking his mind, he changed the ward so that Nehori would have a more difficult time in bypassing it. He would in time, but not quickly.

Once that was done he created a teleportation portal from the tower to his family home, and held it open for an hour as his faithful apprentices scurried back and forth. As the last load went through he told his apprentices, "Spread with the winds, no two go to the same place. I will call for you when the time is right."

Closing the portal he teleported down into the basement sub level that held the door to the Red Wastes. Before he stepped through he sent a diamond of giant size to Sabirah, "Break this the morning of the tournament, it will summon me from where I hide. I made a mistake."

After closing the box, he entered the Red Wastes, suddenly he had a great deal of time to train.

 

[plightofsabine]

Farah had slipped back into the hall just before the Queen managed to return. She was still adjusting her hair after having run about to find Amir Hadad. She was frightened for him, and reasonably so. The Queen had lost trust in him and this made things difficult for the young lady who was contracted into the Queen’s services. She took her place next to the other ladies.

“Where have you been?” Alia whispered.

“I was following up on something,” Farah replied.

“Well, it’s rather obvious when you’re not here; it is, after all, just the three of us,” Alia scolded under her breath.

Farah shivered. She was here only while she stayed in the good graces of the Queen. If she ever lost her trust, her position would be immediately vacated and someone else would be brought in. Farah had taken a large chance to warn her lover. For all she knew, it was all for naught anyways. All that needed be done was to have the guards apprehend him. She didn’t need to wait on him to return to the palace. Farah mulled over this point in her mind. Why did the Queen not do that very thing?

It was only a few minutes before the guards came walking in, dragging with them, the man known as Amir Hadad. He was of course, out of sorts and ranting of his treatment.

“Let go of me!” he demanded.

“You have only seconds to throw yourself on the mercy of your Queen,” one of the guards growled back.

The two guards, who held him, threw him unceremoniously to the ground in front of Sabirah. Her mood darkened considerably. Sabirah sat in her chair, her dark eyes scrutinizing the disheveled lord.

“It seems we are destined to meet again,” Sabirah commented, watching, as Lord Hadad attempted to rise. Her gaze flickered to the nearest guard who quickly forced the man down. She waited until Hadad had stopped struggling and watched as he knelt there.

“My Queen, surely a mistake has been made! I have done nothing to warrant your displeasure,” he claimed miserably.

“But you are wrong, you see,” she started to explain. Her gaze flickered over him and those who stood as witness to this exchange. “You didn’t think we would find the evidence for the murder of the most recent prisoner?”

Hadad looked shocked and he started to stutter his response, now shaking as he knelt there. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, my Queen,” he denied.
Sabirah sat there, clearly not amused. How could he deny his role in the death of Moren? This one was worse than mad. He thought she was a simple fool. Her brows narrowed with anger.

One of the accompanying guards stepped forward with a dagger. He placed it down on the table beside the Queen. She lifted the dagger and pulled it partly from its sheath. She looked it over briefly then slipped it back down fully into the sheath, hearing a sound metallic click as the two pieces came together. Sabirah placed the dagger back onto the table.

“Do you recognize this dagger?” Sabirah asked.

Hadad looked up to the dagger. At that point he knew he had no chance. “It is my dagger,” he answered.

“This was the dagger that was found in your possession. I am going to wager this is the dagger that found its way into the body of Moren as he lay in wait in his cell,” she suggested.

“Let us see with a little investigation if this was in fact the case,” she continued, her eyes scanning the room. She did not see Marsdan in attendance, which was a little odd. She furrowed her brows again, murmuring, “Where is that man…”

It only took her a moment before she nodded to the guard. “Take this. Find Nehori, since he was so helpful in determining the results of this event, and see what can be gleaned from this item.” she commanded and looked further upon the kneeling man. “Until we hear more, you will be kept in the same cell as your victim. And when the results come back as I imagine they will, you will then stand before a board of your peers and will be judged accordingly.”

“Take him away,” she commanded, waving her hand.

Another guard came up behind the Queen.

"Take her away as well," Sabirah added, waving in the direction of Farah.

The issue with Hadad would be easiest. The nobles would either find him guilty or not. The evidence would be overwhelming and they would have no choice but to agree to his punishment. She wanted to be seen as level-headed, not temper-driven.

Farah's issue, on the other hand, was far more serious. Sabirah wasn't sure exactly what she was going to do with her at this point.

She rose from her chair. "We will convene again in half the hour." She needed the time to calm her anger.

 

[a_libertine]

Nehori made his way to the mage's council chambers glowing in the satisfaction of a job well done. He had successfully betrayed his master, forcing him to flee council and empire.

The queen was back in play. Not that Nehori wanted her at all. He shuddered, repulsed at the thought of bedding a woman. No, he opened the doors for another, more worthy suitor to the queen. He scoffed, "A commoner bedding the queen and future empress? Idiot."

He had an appointment with Tacor and Aenethea to deliver the good news to them. He was so focused on his accomplishment that Nehori never felt the knife blade that slid between his ribs puncturing lung and heart alike.

Toppling forward, he died a moment after his face slammed against the white marble.

~*~*~*~*~*

A chamber lit by four of five braziers held four people in their cloaks. Their bodies concealed as always from each other. The voice from the Northeast corner said, "It is done. The master has been separated from their earthly concerns.

From the Southwest corner, "You have identified the master?"

Northeast answered again, "Yes. All that matters now is luring the master here to serve the goddess, magic and the realm as a whole."

The Northwest corner replied, "What is our plan to do that?"

The Southeast corner stated, "Currently there is no plan. We have identified him, but lost track of him."

The two western figures looked at each other, then Northwest stated, "You are working together?"

Northeast answered, "We all four have been working together on this project, this is no time to be paranoid. We have to lure the master back from where ever he went."

Northeast had a good idea of where the master was, but held that information. Over sharing was never a good idea.

Southwest looked at their eastern counterparts and asked, "Paranoia aside, who is the master? It is hard to pull out an arch mage as it is, not knowing with whom you are dealing makes it fraught with peril."

The two eastern voices answered simultaneously, "Marsdan of the Star Empire."

 

[plightofsabine]

As he was dragged away, Amir Hadad continued to profess his innocence, rather loudly. Even as he disappeared around the corner Sabirah could still hear his pleading. The Queen, while reserved, was seething with anger and disappointment. She took the opportunity to seek the anti-chamber directly connected to the main hall.

There were still a few hiccups in the plan she had forged only a few weeks before. Every new twist became a new level of concern for her. Little would ease her mind and only the results of the tournament would bring her peace. As she paused at the window, she closed her eyes briefly. Her slender fingers slid across her tummy in recollection of the incredible sensations Marsdan had drawn from her. The only thought that calmed her was to know she would eventually be his in all ways. The warmth that filled her then, encouraged her to let go and the tension dispersed.

She wanted the tournament to come and go. She wanted to be done with hiding her desires. She just wanted her life on her terms.

A knock came to the anti-chamber door.

“Enter” she commanded.

The door slowly came open and Navar stepped in. “My Queen, while you were taking a short break, I managed to identify who I believe the top five contenders will be, to include the crown prince of Ilrania. As we have it, the top five would be, General Rayat, Lord Stain, the crown prince of Ilrania, Lord Hamed and Lord Wayvrn.”

Sabirah stood there contemplating. She did NOT want to have to deal with Ilrania. If the prince found some way to win, she would be forced to find a way to turn him away. No peace would be had during her realm. Sabirah tapped her finger across her lower lip, a small hmmm flowed from those same lips.

Lord Stain was engaged. Unless he specifically chose to enter, she didn’t have to worry about him. General Rayat was on the War Council. She wasn’t particularly fond of him. Lord Hamed and Lord Wayvrn were both amicable men who were more than happy to align themselves with her wishes.

She looked up to Navar. “Thank You. I think I have a good idea on how this is all going to turn out. Navar…” she added, “in the event Aiden manages to tip the scales, I want there to be no question about the intentions. I will not let an outsider take control of our Empire. It’s just not going to happen. I allow him here strictly out of courtesy to our allies. That is all. Make sure all the participants sign their name to the rules of the tournament.”

“I will see it done,” he answered, bowing to her.

No, there was no way she would have an outsider share her bed and rule over her. None whatsoever.

Sufficiently calmed, Sabirah returned to court to deal with the rest of the day’s business. The day had drudged on terribly and she still hadn’t heard anything more about the evidence against Lord Hadad. With Marsdan and Nehori nowhere in sight, she caught herself looking for them several times throughout the day.

The activity amongst the people was starting to ramp up in anticipation of the coming events and even Sabirah could feel its infectious nature. She was only too glad to slip from the main room when all was said and done.

When she finally returned to her chambers, she kicked her slippers off and padded across the floor. She spied an object on the table. A box. Within it, she found a rather large, but stunning diamond and she knew then, something was amis. When she lifted it from its cradle the message was delivered. Sabirah sank into her chair. It was going to be a very long two weeks.

 

[a_libertine]

He stood smiling, everything had worked nearly according to plan. Marsdan was alive, which was unfortunate, but he had vanished. The servants that had searched Marsdan's quarters reported that they had been emptied of most things of value. All that remained were some book, several hundred in truth, that the mage assigned to him said were of interest only in the sense they were historical books on waging war, diplomacy, and other such nonsense.

He was a youthful, dashing figure and knew he was in the top handful in winning the tournament. His youth had always meant he was underestimated, and the dullard look he could summon onto his face meant that others underestimated the keen intellect behind his eyes.

General Rayat was well pleased.

That was until the nearly formless person showed up in his chambers. "He has not been defeated you know," the vaguely male voice hissed.

General Rayat turned to the figure, "He is a mage, what harm can he do in exile? He has no lands, no money to speak of, and no army loyal to him."

"Fool," the sibilant voice keened. "The Empress loves him still."

General Rayat laughed, "So? Once I win the tournament, and win her hand in marriage she can love him from afar all she wants. The throne, crown and scepter will all be mine."

A long moment passed and the other person did not speak. Then finally, just before General Rayat was going to say something, "You have served the purpose most needed by me. He has left the mages council. What happens next in your silly little game is of no import to me."

The general's temper flared and he yelled, "Silly little game?!" to an empty room.

 

[plightofsabine]

The nights following were short. Sabirah looked forward to them each day, knowing that at least in her sleep she could escape the bindings that were slowly tightening around her. It was in her sleep that her most repressed desires could emerge. It was there too, where she would see images of her long passed Mother, her Father, and the now absent Marsdan. Each awakening was a new torment as she fought the dawn and the ache returned.

The days were even longer. As all the final details of the tournament were coming together, Sabirah felt her emotions retreat. She wasn’t the same person she was when her Father rode away for the last time. She was a far different woman now. There was so much at stake now, and she felt her only allies were now shrinking away. She sat high atop the stallion, Aladon, as she looked over beyond the rolling hill. Sabirah pushed the hood of her cloak back and allowed her untamed, ebony locks spill forth. The two guards remained at a distance, allowing her some peace as she mulled over what to do next.

Down below, she watched, spying an entourage approaching in the distance. That would no doubt, be the Ilranian prince arriving. She really did not wish to deal with him. She sighed heavily and motioned the guards forward, then spurred Aladon forward. He gave a playful cow kick and lurched off at a comfortable canter, his muscular legs propelling them forward as her hips rocked naturally with the motion. Sabirah laughed, enchanted by the faerie beast. He always knew how to lighten her mood, even before she did. His white coat shined with the day’s light and together, they were a magnificent sight. As the group of riders drew close to the entourage, she laughed again, glancing over her shoulder at the two guards following up behind her. When she had turned back, the entourage had come to a stop and the front riders, guards from what she could make of it, approached quickly. The eyes of those who remained behind watched on. The queen’s accompanying guards spotted the riders first and quickly overtook the queen as the lead riders. Both passing her at a break neck speed to intercept the approaching two from the entourage. Sabirah quickly reined in the powerful stallion, causing him to rear up, bearing his wicked hooves. Sabirah held tight. “Easy, my friend,” she crooned, soothing the beast. It wouldn’t do to appear aggressive. When he was finally grounded, she nudged him forward, her dark eyes scanning the column of arriving guests.

“Here goes nothing,” she thought.

 

[a_libertine]

As the days drew nearer the competition for the Empress' hand, the normal ebb and flow of diplomacy changed to a charged atmosphere. The candidates were all on edge, and their retainers more so. The occasional fight erupted leaving injured and odd fatally wounded person on the streets.
'
The empires guards began a martial law two hours after sunset to curb the violence which generally helped. On the rare fight that occurred the dead out numbered the injured, because they were confined to one spot, and had no room to allow the tension to dissipate.

The five major contenders stayed in the palace, to be closer to the prize. Each and everyone of them having heard of the affair that the queen had with someone, presumably Marsdan. Some scoffed at the idea, one cared less, and one, a prince in particular, acted scandalized.

~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile the better part of a year passed for Marsdan in the Red Wastes. So much time that he had been spitting his time between the swordmaster and the archmage of the Red Wastes.

His body continued to morph with the sword play. His muscles grew firmer, stronger and faster. By the end of the time he would spend there, he was nearly a match for the legendary man. Marsdan moved with the confidence of one who mastered his body, and coming after mastering his mind, he felt in complete control of himself.

With the Archmage, Marsdan learned magic not taught in the Star Empire, an array of spells, lethal, defensive, and useful expanded his repertoire into something he could only fathom before, and now realized.

Each night he talked to Sabirah, knowing that she could not hear him, anymore than he could hear her. Starting two days before the time that Marsdan thought the tournament would start he dressed in full armor, waiting for the time that Sabirah summoned him home.

 

[plightofsabine]

Aiden and his entourage hadn’t been very impressed with Sabirah’s abrupt greeting, but for her, she didn’t care that much. He was, as luck would have it, easy on the eyes with his long, dark hair and matching brown eyes. He stood nearly as tall as Marsdan, and it was very clear he had conditioned his body for war. The ambassador was quite eager to recommend him, though while he was physically attractive, Sabirah was hopelessly in love with the mage. Aiden had been nothing but polite, but Sabirah had been a little mussed and fresh from the ride and as far as things went, a little less impressive than the prince himself. The image of this wildly kept woman filled the prince’s mind and structured a general opinion of the queen he had met. The following days weren’t getting any better. While still committed to the tournament, the scandalous rumors of the queen concerned him.

Gayor Hambin stood next to the Prince, waiting for the Queen to arrive, again. This was the latest of many days they had stood in the hall waiting on her. Aiden was less and less impressed with her. Aiden leaned in closer to the ambassador. “She can’t even be on time! How do you expect me to relate to this spoiled little girl?” he asked angrily.

Gayor knew Aiden to be a very proper and mindful individual. He was always so meticulous about all areas of his life. It was in part, why he was so accomplished. “I hear whispers she has even had an affair. An affair! I’m offended she would even be considered. What if she’s breeding a bastard?” he added.

Gayor sighed. “Your Highness, consider beyond the bed. If You make it through the tournament, you have an opportunity to take control of an empire. Do you know what that means for Ilrania?”

Aiden brushed his fingers across his chin in thought. Gayor’s comment gave him something to think about.

Still sitting in the front room of her chambers, Sabirah was feeling testy. She had no designs on keeping the prince around. He was headed back home after that tournament. She’d see to that. She tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair. It wasn’t just the prince that was a concern. It was the other top contenders. She couldn’t help but to worry. She was a woman, and that is what she was best doing. Sabirah wanted total control over everything that affected her, save one exception. She worried very much about him, too. She sighed again. Time to put her better foot forward. She rose from the chair and headed back to the hall.

In the meantime, Navar had managed to corral the tournament contenders, at least the ones who were present, and read them in on the guidelines for the tournament. Each was expected to sign the statement. He was still missing General Rayat and Prince Aiden’s signatures. He was starting to feel things coming together and it was a satisfying feeling. His place in the palace would be guaranteed if he managed to pull this off successfully. He had accounted for all the possibilities and put his back up plans into place. Finally he would be able to breathe.

It was always a fanfare when the Queen stepped through the hall. The sound of the horns filled the air as they trumpeted her arrival. Navar and the others, filed out of the room and made their way back to the hall. The first item on the list was to present the Ilranian prince. He had precedence above all the rest.
The prince stepped forward with his entourage behind him, dressed in his finest clothes. She watched as he approached, her dark eyes leveling on his and he bowed, as did the rest. She nodded her head and stepped down from the dias as he rose. Her transformation was incredible. The woman he saw in front of him was far from the one that met him days before. Suddenly, the realm of possibilities opened in his mind.

“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to finally be presented to you,” he said.

“It is my pleasure,” was her answer.

Gayor hovered behind briefly. It was his goal to see that the prince recognized what could be. As the two engaged in conversation, he listened. They could get along together if they wanted to. The question was, did they want to?

 

[a_libertine]

General Tarath was tired. Months of campaigning followed immediately by a forced march home, which was disastrous on so many levels, wore on him. To top all of that off one of his scouts had just told him an entourage was approaching from the direction of the capital, and from the description it was not your typical welcome home carriage.

General Tarath began riding a little faster to get to the front of the column before his 'guests' arrived. Succeeding in that, he and his personal guard rode out a little further after halting the column.

Tarath's surprise almost made it to his face when he saw General Rayat in the middle of the formation that faced him. "General Rayat," he greeted neutrally.

Rayat grinned broadly, "General Tarath, I see you are almost home, it must feel good."

Tarath nodded slowly, trying to guess at what game Rayat was at, and no conclusion he came to was satisfactory, or good. "What may I do for you General? It is highly irregular to be met like this."

Rayat nodded, "Yes it is, I know." He rode forward a head of his much smaller column and said, "I wanted to talk to you before you got into the capital. " Rayat smiled and said, "You see, I am entering into the tournament for the Empress' hand in marriage."

Tarath smiled, "Good. It would be nice to have a military man by her side."

Tarath's answer caught the younger general by surprise and Rayat sat on his horse a moment, then asked, "You aren't going to try for her?"

Tarath shook his head, "Nope. As a matter of fact, the first thing I plan to talk to her about after the debrief is my retirement. This last war wore me out. I am tired and I want to go see my wife, children, and grandchildren."

Tarath sighed heavily, "Now if you will please excuse me, we have a camp to establish and a couple more days journey back to the capital.

 

[plightofsabine]

Navar stood in the background to keep an eye on things over the next day or two. It appeared the encounters between the young queen and the prince weren’t bad overall. Negligible results. It didn’t matter who the queen would eventually choose, he knew she would have to be happy with her choice and in response; his life would be a little easier. His service under the Emperor had not been drudgery, but having the new queen taking over left a few complications in his life; one being his lack of personal time. He had seen enough of the business of running an empire to know he did not need that kind of headache. As it were, the issue with Lord Hadad and the Lady Farah was still at hand. Prisoners had begged and pleaded for mercy, proclaiming their innocence. After Amir Hadad had been locked up, he was virtually silent. The Lady, confined to her room, wept. Not so confident, she continued to do so for the days following. He almost felt sorry for her.

Trials would convene after the tournament, so the most he could hope for as far as closure went, was to be happy with the fact they weren’t actively hunting a criminal. This of course didn’t include the minor criminal activity found in the areas around the capital, but those were generally taken care of by other detachments of guards.

Rumors of the return of the deployed soldiers started to filter through the residents in the palace and in time, reached Sabirah’s ear. She rejoiced in it, through it was still felt odd. Normally, she would have rode out to meet her father, but this time they would be given the fanfare without her presence. She knew with their return, also came a finality she dreaded facing over the past weeks; accepting he was really gone.

Sabirah spent as much time as she could with Navar to make certain the challenges still met her intent. The fields of competition were readied and she took the time to visit them. The targets on the field were lined up, she noticed, and Sabirah headed for her viewing point. As she sat down in the large chair, she looked out upon the field. She could see the archery ground on the left and the enclosure for the swordplay on the right. Both were very well done.

Sabirah stepped from the stands and wandered out onto the enclosure. She walked the distance – every inch of it. She scrutinized every detail. No traps, no slick spots, not a stone out of place. She took in a long, deep breath and released it. The fresh, clean air had the scent of the freshly blooming blossoms that delighted her senses. The breeze was minimal, barely rustling the leaves in the trees. It left her with a feeling of newness. Satisfied, she wandered over to the archery ground. She walked from the starting line, paces out to the targets. She laid hands upon each bale of hay, nodding in satisfaction. Navar followed behind her, marking her approvals on his sheet. They made the same journey to the maze where she also blessed off the preparations. Finally, she turned to Navar.

“The horses. What horses did we set aside for the journey?” she asked.

“None, my Queen, we assume each will have his own mount,” he answered simply.

She pondered for a few minutes. “Very good,” she answered then.

“The location of the prize has been kept confidential?” she inquired again.

“Yes, Your Grace. All is as you requested. We have already placed your favors in the location agreed to.”

She nodded in acknowledgement. It wasn’t a terribly long trip. Just far enough out into the countryside. Countryside she herself had visited many times. Sabirah really wondered how this would play out. She was hopeful.

Sabirah clapped Navar on the back soundly, “Very good!” She answered with a smile. “You’ve done an excellent job with this, Navar. Excellent! After this event, why don’t you take some time for yourself? Someone else can see to the normal tasks until you return. Take a week to relax,” she added.

Navar looked at her, startled. He hadn’t expected this from her. A smile formed on his lips, “Thank you, Your Grace. It is most generous of you,” he replied. She could see the suggestion had taken him off guard, which made her suggestion all the more satisfying. She smiled warmly, “GOOD.”

“Tomorrow, Navar. Tomorrow is the day.” Sabirah walked off humming softly, as she always did when things were going her way. Tomorrow, she could finally lay eyes on Marsdan. Tomorrow would take an eternity to arrive, as far as she was concerned.

 

[a_libertine]

Rayat had men following everyone of people that were working on the preparations for the tournament. It wasn't cheating so much as using his superior resources to the task at hand. Securing the throne of the Star Empire for himself.

Oh yeah the bit about having a queen was an added bonus, especially if she fucked anything like she looked. He doubted it for one reason or another, none of which were founded on anything other preconception. It didn't matter to him really. Once married and consummated she was free to be as frigid as she wanted. Plenty of other slots would want a piece of his royal cock.

Once it was royal that is.

He knew of one of the secret locations but it was designed as such that he could not get anyone to secure the item that was there. A puzzle had to be solved to open a vault door that the mages Council assured everyone that was not only tamper proof but magic proof as well. An annoying discovery that part turned out to be, but it gave him an edge. The only part he had any sort of concern for was the general melee where anything could happen. A lucky blow by the lowliest of peasants could bring the mightiest of warriors down while he faced a more worthy opponent. He had solicited from the gentry to work together to weed out the unworthy and tacit agreement had been reached among most of them.

He faced a sleepless night his anxiousness threatened to overwhelm him at times. This was his destiny, he knew it, he could feel it; nothing would get in his way.

He finally fell asleep deep in the night, secure in his upcoming victory, and assumption of absolute power. What he did not know, could not know was that forces were working against his grand plan.

As General Rayat slept a figure slithered it's way into his chambers. The small serpentine creature worked towards the slumbering General unerringly. Once next to the bed, it crawled up one of the legs and slipped under the covers. Wrapping itself loosely around his leg, the creature quickly was absorbed into the General's skin.

Moments later General Rayat threw up in his sleep and drowned in his own vomit, only to be discovered mere in uses before the start of the tournament.

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah’s dreams were filled with uncertainty. She could feel her desires so close; they danced just out of her reach. She sat high upon the throne of the star, its brightness illuminating her body and blinding her of the enemies that lay in wait. She closed her eyes, as if doing so could shade her eyes from the rays. They could not. The light was a pure light, piercing through the darkness and bathing her in its glow, warming her. On the edges of her consciousness, she thought she could feel the presence of her lover and when she turned her head the notion had abandoned her. How she missed him. It frustrated her, causing her to cry out in anguish. Whether the sound made it from her dreams to her lips, she didn’t know.

As the light rose in the sky, the rays of the sun, much as the light in her dream, bathed her. Sabirah was startled awake. Her heart lurched into her throat with excitement. Today was the day. She flipped the covers over and slipped from the bed. She drew the white, translucent robe over her waking body before she reached for the box from her night stand. She had waited so long for this moment – so very, very long. She opened the box and slowly pulled forth the diamond. She pressed the cold stone to her lips, and without another thought, shattered the stone against the marble floor.

 

[a_libertine]

Prince Aiden woke early the morning of the tournament. His brown eyes flashing in amusement at the woman between his legs coaxing him not only into waking but with a raging hunger in his loinds.

His hands twined in the long red hair fanning out around his waist and hips. Flinging the covers aside he watched the small woman Bob up and down on his staff. He tried to remember where he had met her but the memory failed him as she did something with her tongue that short circuited his brain eliciting a rumbling moan out of him.

Once he was properly prepared the petite woman kissed her way up his torso until she hovered over his turgid manhood. Slowly she sank down on him, each of them moaning as if their souls were conjoined in the act of love making. For her part the redhead smiled a satisfied Cheshire like grin as she bottomed out on the young prince. Of all the assignmenassignments she had been given over the years this was certainly one of the better ones. Her nails dug into the prince's chest leaving four deep furrows on each side which bleed slightly. The poison which had been applied under her nails seeped into Prince Aiden ' s blood and began sapping his strength away.

The door to the Prince's chambers opened and his retainers walked in on the Prince as he shouted in orgasmic bliss firing his seed into empty air above him to have it fall back down and splatter against his skin.

_*_*_*_
*_*_*_*

Marsdan had spent the better part of a year training for this day. His body and mind alike rippled with power and intention. It was the day of his homecoming. The day that he claimed once and for all the woman who loved him, the woman he loved in equal measure.

Day after day he had spent training in the art of war. Night after night he had trained in the art of magic. His power in both grew to such a degree he barely recognized his mind and body.

He was ready.

He grabbed his gear and waited patiently. His body not moving, the rise and fall of his chest nearly imperceptible. His eyes raged with fire. The fire of lust. The fire of love. The fire of conquest.

The makes council had erred grievously forcing him from his seat. At one time he was one of the most powerful makes in the Star Empire; now he was peerless. And he knew it.

As he felt Sabirah summon him he stepped through the small portal created by the diamond. His eyes found her immediately, and he smiled as he dropped his bags and snatched her to him.

His need stabbed her in the stomach as his mouth clamped onto her mouth. His tongue pressing into her mouth and dancing with her tongue. Her body was so warm through her gossamer night clothes and his craving abated not at all.

Powerful hands clamped the material and with a violent yank in opposite directions he ripped it from neck down and let it float to the floor. "How much time do we have, " he asked, his hunger evident in each syllable.

 

[plightofsabine]

Her face lit up when she saw Marsdan step through the portal. There was much that was different about him. In his eyes, she knew him. The depths of his soul, of who he was, all resided behind his gaze. She gasped, surprised in the strength by which he pulled her too him, nearly melding her softer, giving frame to him. The time he spent away from her had made her ravenous, as if the time he had spent away had been much, much longer.

Sabirah felt his raging hardness pressed tightly to her and the heat of his body radiated through the thin fabric that still draped her body. She clung tightly to him; her hot, aching body yearned for him and the scent of her desire rose, permeating the air around her as the evidence trickled down her flesh.

His lips felt divine, crushed up against hers. She had responded in kind, out of desperate need for him. She panted as his tongue plunged into her mouth, wrestling with hers and she moaned deeply into his mouth. Great Stars! She had missed the taste of his mouth and his need for her. Sabirah eventually yielded under his kiss, but not before showing him just how much she wanted him. When he thought to part from her lips, he left her gasping for breath.

The sound of the fabric being torn from her body pierced the air around them. Sabirah felt her heart leap into her throat, giving way to a shiver that gripped her from the base of her skull to the bottom tip of her spine. She could hear each thread popping in succession as the material slipped from her and she knew then there was nothing that would keep him from her. Every breath he expelled she took in. The more forceful his movements became, the hotter her enflamed belly burned.

"How much time do we have,” he asked.

Sabirah could feel the tangible nature of his primal desire; it hung thick around her, cloaking her like a blanket. His very words reinforced his intentions, of the excruciating pleasure he had intended for her alone, culminated to this very point in time after weeks and months of preparation. Her deep emerald gaze held his; captured by the very will it took for him to pause, and her soft, supple lips began to formulate her response.

“We have until late morning, my Love,” she answered softly. Sabirah glanced over his shoulder. It is but daybreak now…and I was desperate to see you…

 

[a_libertine]

The four figures watched the mornings events from a far. Years of planning, for one of them, was coming to a head. Carefully orchestrated events, each one timed with meticulous care were about to culminate in the crowning of a wizard king. Now that she was on the verge of success, the northeastern mage was looking forward to part two of her plan.

That would wait a bit though. For part two to begin in earnest and logically Sabirah had to marry Marsden, and it would be better if he impregnated her prior to the wedding.

An inkling of a thought flickered in her head and she suppressed it. War was not the end result desired, but it was a sure way to get to the desired end. The wedding would go on and the Augurers would control the timing as well as possible.

_*_*_*_
*_*_*_*

Marsdan she'd the simple silk robe he had been wearing letting it pool at his feet, after coaxing it past his hard member that stuck straight out from his body. His needs were immediate, there would be time for playing later on. For now it was going to be wild and animalistic rutting.

He wrapped his powerful arms around Sabirah and lift her easily off her feet and carried her to the bed. He dropped her onto her back and crawled up after her.

He stopped at her feet and pulled her legs wide allowing him to see her in all of her naked glory. "I have missed you," he declared as he scooted up toward her torso.

He lowered himself and kissed her passionately and possessively. His right hand reaching between their bodies to massage her clit.

Finding her as ready as he, Marsdan rubbed the head of his cock up and down her slit once, then pressed into her. Pleasure, like a volcanic eruption, exploded within Marsdan. He let loose a low groan as he filled her with his cock. "I am never again going a year with fucking you, Sabirah, " he said into her lips.

 

[plightofsabine]

“You better not,” she responded, as if she had any say in it. Inwardly, it pleased her to no end he wanted her. It also brought about a certain sense of security she had not had previously, knowing he endured and was eager to return to her.

When their bodies finally merged completely, Sabirah kissed him passionately and urgently, wrapping her legs firmly around his hardened waist. The pleasure that coursed through her body was electrifying and instantaneous. For her, it was a quenching of a desirous thirst, one that seemed to grow each time they were together. His kisses took her breath away and then each time breathed new life into her.

Gods! He felt incredible. It was as if she had been created just for him. She wrapped around him so perfectly, stroking his hungry, needy flesh and her moans filled the air, joining his chorus of pleasure. Her small fingers raked his back slowly as he began to stroke in and out of her, and the intensity of the sensations strengthened. He felt her thighs tremble deeply around him and she sought his mouth again and again before his powerful hips took control.

---

The early morning hours were a flurry of activity. Away from the tranquility of the royal apartments, the palace staff was buzzing. There was food to prepare, fresh flowers to bring in, tending to the visiting guests and preparing for the overall tournament. Navar had seen everything down right to the letter of what the Queen desired. Now if he could make it through the day, all would be complete. He was but one man, but he watched the activity like a hawk. As if on cue, Lord Stain and Lord Wayvrn entered the hall, as they did every day before the Queen’s arrival.

The two nobles claimed seats at the large table that ran near the length of the hall. The first trays of food had already been placed and they took it upon themselves to help themselves to an early breakfast. There was little talk between them, other than the normal business of their holdings, finding it best to avoid speaking of the event at hand. Only one person would be the victor today, each hoping for success. The remaining company in their party started to filter into the hall. Soon, the voices dominated the hall activity as the servants flitted in and out keeping the table stocked with fresh breads, cheeses and fruit. Lord Stain reached out and swatted the serving girl soundly on the ass. “I need meat, girl!” he demanded, sending her back off to the kitchen in a hurry. The men around the table chuckled and the conversation started again.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan rolled Sabirah up in a little ball allowing him the leverage to batter at her with his cock like he was a battering ram and she a castle gate. He hips rose and fell with increasing speed and power the year absence and abstinence not allowing for any subtly on his part. He was rutting like an animal and knew it.

When the time came he arched his back, driving his cock as deep into her as possible spraying his seed deep into her womb.

Freeing her legs Marsdan collapsed on her. "Fuck we need more time."

The sounds of the day were beginning to fill the city as more contestants arrived. The sounds brought Marsdan from his blissful state. He sighed heavily, "TThere is work to be done. How many days is your contest?"

 

[plightofsabine]

Marsdan’s rutting was a welcome sensation and it excited Sabirah to no end. The depth in which he thrust left her gasping for breath and her womb appropriately coated with the abundance of his seed. She felt a flush wash over her and she shivered deeply. Each time he would come to her, he left her needing more. It was no different now. She held the talented mage, her lover, silently praying he would be successful in his endeavors over the next 48 hours. If he wasn’t, she would bend heaven and hell to make it right and it didn’t matter what she had to do.

Sabirah turned her head looking at the man she had already accepted over her, kissing his chin. Well, the contests should take up the afternoon, but the cross country ride is going to take three days total. A day and a half out and the same back. Each participant will provide his own mount. I would have provided them, but it was thought it was best to have each rider comfortable with his normal mount. She looked at Marsdan pointedly. Each rider will be given the end point. How they get there I do not care. Just as long as the favors are returned.

“Remember the large tree beyond the grove where my Father used to take me, when he had the time…Remember the tree,” she said.

She sighed heavily and kissed him lovingly. “This is just a formality to prove a point, my Love. Show them your brilliance, I believe in you. She reached over to the nightstand and pulled a long piece of emerald silk from it.

“This is for you.”

She had no qualms showing her favor.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan almost laughed at the rules for the cross country. "My normal mount is a scythe griffon. How does that meet with the rules?"

Being able to ride his griffon would be a huge advantage in any race. Being able to fly would give him a broad, insurmountable, advantage. Even if he could not fly, the proximity of the griffon would render most horses useless with terror.

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah smiled with deep pleasure. She knew there would surely be protests if he showed up with such a fierce beast. Someone would cry foul play and all her plans would be ruined.

“Well, you can always ride Aladon. I’m sure he won’t mind the jaunt out. Or if you like, you can choose any number of mounts in our stable. Every animal in that stable is of good blood and stamina. Take your pick, my Love, if that is what you wish,” she replied and added, “You will need to choose a suitable mount anyhow. You can’t go about the interior of the capital city on a gryphon.”

Yes, she was quite confident.

----

There was no better day for a tournament. The day was sunny and fair, and there was no rain to be seen. There was a slight breeze that rustled the branches of the trees. It was almost perfect.

The stands on the tournament ground were starting to fill with the audience. As the people from the surrounding area came into the grounds, the participants were warming up on the archery range. There were many, lining up in three firing lines. Some were busy stringing their bows, others were busy waxing their strings. Whatever they were doing, they were a most nervous bunch on the field of competition.

There were a few people yet to show. Marsdan, General Rayat, and Prince Aiden. Most all the others had already shown up early, so they could get a look at the contest field. All seemed to be agreeable to Navar, but one wasn’t always sure. There was a sense of energy filling the air as people looked on anxiously at the group on the field. There were even some wagers taken to see who would be taken out of the competition early. As the noise rose, it carried up to the palace where some of the last of the nobles were filtering out, taking their time with getting to the field.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan oil his reluctant leave of Sabirah; heading down toward the assembly of hopefuls. He registered under his own name adding his surname guessing that few would look for him using his surname.

Dressed in his chain armor and helmet his features, and his much increased size, would serve as sufficient disguise for the nonce.

He smiled when he saw the format. The unlanded hopefuls would have a battle Royale first to weed out the numbers a lot. Then they would enter the unwanted and nobility combined archery tournament, followed by another battle royale. The system was designed to keep an unlanded person from winning.

He entered the battle royale armed on with daggers. After a couple minutes he held a short sword in each hand and worked his way around the perimeter of the battle making sure her was never cornered by more than two people. The melee itself was best described as a chaotic mess. A small group of four men dominated one side of the melee. Marsdan held one side, while a group of three held the middle.

Once down to ten the melee was halted and the ten were advanced to the archery portion of the tournament.

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah sat where she could see everything. She didn’t want to miss anything. The first battle was total chaos and was designed quite on purpose to do that. In war, there was chaos. One had to always watch his or her back. It wasn’t just the specific design that was important, but it was the ability to adapt and overcome she was looking for. It was hard to see who was who when it was said and done. She watched the feats of strength continue and she could hear her ladies commenting on one thing or another in the background. Sabirah didn’t have much interest in what was said. She just wanted to see this tournament come to an end with a result she expected.

"Your Grace," whispered Alia. "Did you see that man on the far end of the field, holding his position in that corner?"

"MMMhumm," the Queen replied.

The two women behind Sabirah started to whisper again, giggling like little girls. Alia leaned forward again to whisper to Sabirah softly.

"He has muscles up to his neck! I wonder if his cock is as grand," she suggested with a wicked tone.

Sabirah felt the flush before it took over her cheeks. She knew exactly how it felt to be under him, and she had no intention of sharing that with anyone.

"Alia! That's shocking!" Sabirah responded in mock offense. She wasn't really offended, but it was pleasing to know others found Marsdan as attractive. For all she knew, she would have to start beating women off with a stick.

Sabirah pointed out Lord Stain in the near center within the group of three. "Alia look!" she said, pointing out the noble. "Look how he defends his position. Watch his legs, his feet," she noted. The ladies watched on as Lord Stain dispatched an opponent with a sweeping blow.

"Ooooohh... ahhhh..." came the crooning appreciation from the girls behind her. Sabirah sat there and a smile formed.

Watching the display, it was clear who was and who wasn’t familiar with an all out melee. Those who weren’t were weeded out quickly. The remaining were weeded out one by one as others fought back to back, and fought one or more opponents. In battle, there were no rules. Alliances were quickly severed to serve personal interests and others were formed. At the end, it was a free for all, knock down fight.

Satisfying.

She had, at some point, spotted Marsdan. He had tucked her silk away and in all the flurry of activity, she was able to spot the green. He had become a magnificent fighter. His moves were fluid and deliberate. Striking quick, meaningful blows meant to disable and disengage his opponent. Alia was right. He was perfect. She felt a stir in the depths of her belly as she watched him and subconsciously drew her hand across it. The butterflies that remained eventually faded. She dared to think it.

He would make a very good king.

When the melee came to an end, there were cheers from the audience. Novar handed the crier the list of names for those who had been victorious and the names were read out to the crowd. The crowd cheered them on. Soon, she could see small groups of people who were rooting for one person or another as the applause and cries mounted. Now it was time for the next challenge.
The firing line in the archery challenge was long. The distance of the targets was intimidating, but any good archer could land them with a bit of concentration. She watched at the first volley of arrows flew through the air. Some landed short and others hit the target. Those who had missed were quickly cut out of the group. The second and third volleys flew through the air, each sinking deep into their targets. It was going to be a close call. Once the results were reviewed, Novar walked the line of archers and dismissed three more, leaving five participants on the field. Sabirah watched who was chosen. She tilted her head.

Where was General Rayat? She thought about it more. Where was Prince Aiden? Sabirah looked around, seeing no signs of them. This was entirely odd. Neither would have given up their chances at this tournament. Did they even make it through the first challenge? Sabirah wore a puzzled look on her face. Two of the strongest competitors… gone? She shook her head and applauded the efforts of the group. They still had to make it through the maze. She smiled as Marsdan passed her, headed for the gardens. The five competitors would be waiting as the audience shifted to the mental challenge that was laid out for them.

Pleased, Sabirah took her spot and sat back and waited for the next challenge to begin. Her heart was thumping hard in her chest. She could taste victory as it hovered so close. She felt like she could burst with anticipation. Soon... very soon… said the small voice in the back of her mind.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan hated archery with a passion. Yet he had done well enough to make it through to the maze. As he stood at the maze entrance he idly played with the green silk scarf that Sabirah had given him. Images of what he would do with the scary flitted through his mind and his heart began to race.

It took nearly a half hour for the important spectators to get into position. At that time the objective of the maze was given. The three contestants that first arrived at the queen'ss favorite dining spot within the maze would advance to the last competition. Marsdan almost laughed aloud. He knew exactly where to go.

He had dinner there with her not so long ago as she measured time.

An added twist was given, for each minute the first man to arrive at the spot waited for the second he would get a ten minute head start on the third leg. The second man would get a five minute start for each minute he waited for the third. Marsdan knew the maze was several acres in area, the delays could amount to an insurmountable lead.

When Navarro announced the start Marsdan waited a minute before starting. He headed straight to the spot. Even though the maze had been changed a little it took him less than five minutes to arrive at the spot where a lunch had been laid out. His laughter did come when he saw the food. Sabirah had the cooks prepare the same dinner he had fed her.

He ate and drank in silence, Sabirah's favor now wrapped around his neck. Thirty minutes later the second contestant arrived. Marsdan would have a five hour head start.

It was over.

Short of being waylaid by someone there was no chance Marsdan could lose. Sabirah had stacked the deck heavily in his favor.