Highness

[plightofsabine]

The final three finally stepped forward to be recognized. It was no surprise that Marsdan was successful. The second, Lord Stain, was another she had predicted would come through. The third, Lord Karem, was someone she didn’t expect to have made it this far. Lord Wayvrn had been knocked out of the last event in a lucky overturn of the contest. Sometimes it was just a stroke of luck that brought one to the finish line.

Her eyes settled on each of the victors, clapping along with the audience. It had been a fun challenge guessing who would be successful in this venture. Lord Karem she didn’t know well. He was a quiet sort as far as the nobles went. That could be a good thing. No one needed the drama of the court. Lord Karem came to do what he needed to and left for his residence when he was done.

Lord Stain had a rougher personality. He was middle age and very serious. The man never did anything without significant consideration. He had been a part of the nobility for as long as she could remember, and she was honestly surprised he had thrown his lot in on this competition.

Marsdan. She smiled, seeing his familiar frame standing there. She felt a warmth spread over her as long as her gaze remained upon him. Now it was time to send them on to their final leg.

The afternoon was quickly passing and she nodded to Navar who motioned for the stable boys to bring the horses. Each horse was laden down with equal provisions to get them through the next three days. The final stable boy brought out a spirited, ebony black stallion. The animal was sleek with a long, wavy mane, tail and feathers. The mount pawed the ground anxiously, ready to be turned loose. Sabirah smiled. It was a fine animal, but, Mardan had the choice.

Finally, Sabirah stood and spoke.

“I congratulate the victors for getting this far. You have been tested in strength, precision, and instinct. Now it is time to test your stamina,” she announced, pausing.

“You have a day and a half ride ahead of you. You have each been given sufficient provisions and supplies for the trip. Your task is to make it out to the golden glade, to the old tree. There, you will find a prize. Take it, and return to this spot. The one that makes it back with his prize first is the overall winner. Are there any questions?” she asked, watching the three.

“There are monitors along the way that will be watching your progress. They will not interfere in your progress, nor will they help you in any way. Your mounts have been brought to you. If you are sufficiently satisfied, we will begin the final leg. May the Gods protect and keep you.”

She had planned the tournament in such a way it would severely test the competitors with every successive test. This final test would put them to task. She had little worries with Marsdan. He had trained heavily over the last few weeks and he looked significantly stronger than before. She wondered how each would tolerate the final trip. She would know soon enough.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan looked at the three horse the over at Lord Stain, who was a much better horseman than he. The first temptation was to take the black stallion. But Stain was looking at a gelding with appraising interest. Marsdan gambled that Stain was looking at the gelding for himself and not as some ploy. Glancing at Wayvrn he was looking at the same horse.

Sealing the decision based on both competitors were looking at the gray gelding Marsdan chose it. When he heard Wayvrn curse under his breath, Marsdan knew it was a solid choice.

Mounting the horse Marsdan took off at a canter. He alternated walking and resting the horse with a ten minute trot every hour. Every two hours Marsdan dismounted and ran along side the horse allowing it to rest even more. The key he thought was to finish. Not finish fast.

As the sun fell Marsdan continued his trot toward victory.

 

[plightofsabine]

In the meantime, Lord Stain and Lord Karem fared well enough. Stain chose the chestnut mare, and Karem, the stallion. Each had their benefit. Marsdan had already been on his way a few hours before the other two had the opportunity to ready to go.

Monitors had been stationed out along the route and had been in place for full day in anticipation of this final leg. It was they who would keep an eye on the travelers to assure nothing serious occurred. There would be no sabotaging their efforts. The sun was already setting when Lord Stain took to the path and by the time Lord Karem managed his departure, it was completely dark. The countryside could be hazardous by dark, thus, the first portion of their journeys would begin on the road.

The sounds of the night started to fill the air as the activity on the roads ceased all that could be heard by the lone travelers were the sounds of the horses hooves and the animals that ranged in the distance. It was really up to the individuals whether they decided to stop for the night or not. Time had been built to accommodate for such things. Back in the main hall of the palace, the celebrations continued.

Sabirah made her rounds around the room as was due a Hostess. She liked being with the people, hearing what they had to say. Most were well-wishers, some were the regulars. She could hear bits and pieces of conversations going on, but she really didn’t care much about what was said. That is, until she was interrupted by hushed whispers.

“My Queen, there is some news regarding General Rayat,” Navar whispered.
“What is it?” she asked.

“Perhaps we can speak in a more quiet room?” he suggested.

“Very well,” she replied, gathering her skirts. She excused herself from the guests and headed out of the main hall and down a corridor.

“Tell me,” she commanded.

“It appears General Rayat was found this morning in his bed, drown in a pool of, well, his own fluids,” Navar informed her.

“Do we know anything else?” the Queen pressed.

“Nothing yet, my Queen. There was nothing to indicate someone had forcibly entered his chambers, nor of a struggle. It all appears quite normal, well, within the confines of not being murdered, that is,” Navar explained.

Sabirah had wondered earlier what had happened to him, now she knew. The queen shook her head. “There’s been a lot of unfortunate incidences as of late, and I’m getting tired of them.”

She hadn’t considered the possibility of magic, but her mind wasn’t focused on the what or why. Just the end result. The end result being he wasn’t an obstacle between Marsdan and her.

“I want someone to look into this, and I want a report upon completion,” she instructed. Her thoughts migrated to Marsdan, as they always did in moments where her mind wasn’t obsessed with things to do. She wondered how far he had gotten before he finally decided to make camp, if that was in fact what he did.

There were three favors in the box at the base of the big tree, where each contestant was supposed to turn around; an emerald, a ruby and a sapphire. Each was of a fine quality and would make anyone a grand prize. Her intention was not only to prove they had made the journey, but also something to take away from the contest as a gift of good will. Sabirah hoped they would be satisfied.

 

[a_libertine]

He didn't sleep per se, but, Marsdan spent a good portion of the night in a near dream state thinking about the possibility of the future. the fact that the nobility would be less thaneased if Sabirah married him was a foregone conclusion. What mattered was the form that displeasure would take.

Not to mention the countries surrounding the Star Empire's borders.

And then there was the mage's council. Despite his eviction from the August body, Marsdan worried that they may interfere, and Marsdan figured they would.

His reverie was interrupted when a black and gray spotted owl swooped down in front of him and hovered a moment before flying next to him. "Master, " it said in a vaguely disturbing voice that was neither male nor female, or human.

In his shock Marsdan reined in his horse for a moment before collecting himself enough to start forward again. "Master?"

The owl gave a very human like nod before replying, "You are the master of magic now since your defeat of the old master. It is near time that you took the mantle that is rightfully yours."

Marsdan gave a cross look, "What are you talking about? "

The owl spared the briefest glance before replying, "All will be made clear in time, Master. "

Marsdan asked, "Who are you?"

The owl replied, "I am called the mage of the Northeast. "

Marsdan though a moment about the geopolitical maps trying to discern where the voice may call home. Giving up the train of thought he asked, "Where can we meet and when?"

"In time Master, first you must win the race."

Before Marsdan could reply the owl flew off into the darkness. Mid morning the next day Marsdan arrived at the tree and pulled the Ruby from the box and turned back toward the capital. "

 

[plightofsabine]

Today was the day.

Today was the day that would grant her freedom to choose; that is, if the right person stepped across the finish line. Sabirah stood there over her father’s planning table and looked at the maps again. She stared at the drawings envisioning what the empire would look like as the borders expanded. It was hard to consider going on the path of war again so soon. She had to remind herself that the majority of those men had just returned or were still returning from the previous campaign. It would be a year or two before they were ready to leave again.

She turned from the table and walked across the Emperor’s suite and out to the balcony. She placed her hands flat on the stone edge as her eyes scanned over the horizon. It would take nearly all day if the competitors pushed on, but they would start arriving in the afternoon. Sabirah didn’t’ have much to worry about. All had viewed the games and watched as the competitors made their way through the ranks. She could use that in part as justification for her decision. Even the nobles would eventually accept her final selection. The day would drag on, as far as she was concerned and she needed keep busy. The final feast would begin later.

Neither Lord Karem nor Lord Wayvrn took the time to rest. They, like Marsdan, realized the importance of pressing on. The stallion became a bit unmanageable for Lord Karem and before he could reach the glade, the horse had promptly unseated him and took off into the distance, leaving the noble standing there with his hands in his pockets. Unless he could find another mount, his part in this competition was through. Lord Wayvrn on the other hand, pushed on and plucked the emerald from the box before turning around and heading back.

Roland Wayvrn was no stranger to this area. He knew all the paths from here back to the capital city. Knowing Marsdan had a head start, he made a decision to deviate from the course and cut across the countryside. He was determined to make up some of that lost time. He estimated he could shave off a couple of hours, but he wasn’t sure it would be enough. Still, the prize was more than worth the attempt. With the debate in his mind having ended, he turned the mare from the path and spurred her on. If nothing else, it would be a close call. The move would pay off, just hours later.

The hours dragged by for Sabirah and the longer it took the more ancy she became. She must have gone through every outfit in her closet twice. She wanted this to be perfect. She wanted the moment to be the sweetest victory she had earned, so far. She chose a golden, diaphanous gown with a plunging neckline that dropped between her firm breasts. It was silly really. There was so much more to life than picking out the next outfit. There were campaigns to consider and real life problems to solve. Sabirah just couldn’t think about those today. All she could think about was the next step with her relationship with Marsdan.

As the afternoon progressed, people started reappearing along the race route. Sabirah finally took her place on the dias where she would witness the arrivals. It was a guessing game really, if it hadn’t been for the criers and monitors they had set in motion days before. True as form, she spied riders in the distance. Two specifically, both distanced from one another, but was still too far to see who was in the lead. Sabirah’s heart pounded in her chest. She prayed silently and in earnest for her deepest wish.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan could taste the victory as the sun passed overhead. He figured by dinner he would arrive at the finish line. He was positive none had passed him so there was no chance to lose.

The track had been a long oval arriving back to the capital by a different road than that which they had gone out. The way back came through farmland and was pretty enough if not a little sparse on the people. So it was with some amount of shock that Marsdan saw a horse barreling down a back road.

He spurred his horse on uncertain who the other rider was, but once Marsdan realized it was Wayvrn, Marsdan began galloping toward the finish. He was not sure the horse could take the abuse but it was crunch time and horse be damned. He was going to win.

The horses thundered Marsdan ' s huge lead cut down to mere minutes. As he charged through the gate he could hear the crowd roaring and far too soon behind him he heard the second wave of cheers encouraging Wayvrn on.

As he made the final turn toward the palace Marsdan spared a glimpse over his shoulder and saw Wayvrn was not going to over take him. Letting a sigh of relief go just as he passed through the palace gates, two minutes ahead of Wayvrn.

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah had just about lost her mind as she watched the two race to the finish. There were so many variables in a race and they had done the most they could to mitigate the risks. Thankfully it was all done now. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she fought to keep her excitement under control. She clapped her approval just as everyone else did, closing her eyes a moment just to listen to the cheering.

Success.

She didn’t care to what entities she owed this favor, she was just delighted at the results. The horses were reined in and the winner was herded forward to the dias where Sabirah sat waiting. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, and the giggles from the ladies behind her slowly died down. The crier announced the winner as her eyes came to rest on Marsdan. She smiled then.

“I trust you have returned with the item from the tree?” she asked.

As Marsdan pulled the gem from his pocket, Sabirah reached out for it. She then held it high for all to see. The cheering amongst the crowd started again.

The queen waited for the cheering to subside. “As the victor of the great tournament I want to commend you for your skill, your stout decision-making and your endurance for seeing this process to completion. It appears you have won the favor of the people and, as agreed, you also have mine.”

“Hail the victor! Let us feast!” she shouted for all to hear.

A wave of hails followed, and the crowds migrated, dispersing through the capital. Sabirah stepped down from her appointed place and made her way to Marsdan, her ladies following behind her. Navar was a step or two behind. She slipped her arm through Marsdan’s and ushered him forward.

“I know you’re tired, but I hope you’re also hungry. The cooks have worked overtime to prepare a feast we have never seen the likes of before. You don't have to stay long, just long enough for them to see your face,” she whispered to him.

Food was the last thing on her mind, but she knew it was important to make a good showing despite her desire.

“Now the real work begins,” she added, smiling as they passed smaller groups of people gathering for dinner.

The hall opened up into a wonderfully colorful display. The empire banners were hung from the rafters and displayed proudly. The candelabras were lit, and each table was adored with a large display of flowers and greenery. It felt joyous and light. Sabirah scanned the room. Those who were present seemed to be enjoying themselves. The conversation died down as the entourage headed for the head table. When the group had taken its place and the wine had been poured, the queen raised her goblet to her lips signaling the beginning of the feast.

 

[a_libertine]

People everywhere. It seemed no matter which direction he turned there were people there and scores of them at that. He was tired, hungry, and worst of all his ass hurt from riding the damnable equine for so long. If he never saw another horse it would not be long enough.

While he had expected to have to attend the dinner and festivities Marsdan had hoped he would get at least enough time to bathe and change clothes, which was not to be for Sabirah whisked him giddily toward the dining hall which of course was packed with people. All of whom became quiet upon their entrance.

As Sabirah made the opening toast and food began to flow the conversation returned to the room some what subdued. He reached over to Sabirah and rested a hand on her thigh and squeezed it firmly.

Course after course of food was presented, a plate from each subordinate kingdom and seemingly from each major Provence of each kingdom.

They were on a post main dish course some sort of honey braised fowl when the large owl swooped in through an open window and landed on the arm of Marsdan's chair. Marsdan looked at the bird a moment then smoothed the back feathers.

It hooted at Marsdan a moment or two and Marsdan nodded, understanding what it meant as if the shared a language.

Leaning over to Sabirah he whispered, "I will be back, I need to talk to the other two."

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah acknowledged Marsdan as he rose from his chair. She had hoped to open these festivities, stay a few minutes and depart, but it looked like she might be there a few minutes longer than expected. Ah well, this feast would go on for half the night or more, so she wasn’t too worried about bending anyone’s nose.

As the flow of food finally stopped, Sabirah breathed a sigh of relief. While the dishes were all exquisitely laid out, Sabirah didn’t have a huge appetite. The scent of food and greenery filled the air, giving the large hall an earthy feel. Having chosen a few small pieces of foul and some of her favorite vegetables, the queen plucked small pieces from the plate.

In the meantime, her gaze traveled around the room. She made eye contact with every noble present. Most were quite jovial, raising their goblets in tribute. Some were less so, but that was to be expected. Prince Aiden was still nowhere to be seen. Sabirah caught the eye of his Excellency, Gayor Hambin, motioning him forward. It took him a moment or two to break from his current conversation before coming forward and bowing deeply.

“I congratulate your Grace on such a fine feast,” he began, smiling.

“How is the prince? Is he still feeling ill?” Sabirah inquired.

“The physicians have given his highness something to help him rest. I’m sure he will be fine in a few days.”

“I’m only sorry he wasn’t feeling up to competing. I’m sure he would have done splendidly,” Sabirah replied with sincerity.

“It is the way of the world, your Grace. It cannot stop for one person. But if you’re still considering your options, I understand he will be staying a bit longer.” Gayor Hambin looked at the queen then to gauge her reaction.
Sabirah dropped her gaze to her plate, and she pulled another small piece of meat from her plate.

“I’m sure he’ll need a few days to recover, but I don’t believe our victor would not appreciate us cheapening his accomplishment. The prince is free to go as soon as he is well enough to travel,” she suggested, a warm smile forming on her lips. “I do appreciate every effort you have made on behalf of your Master. I only hope my ambassador works as hard and is as pleasing to his court as you have been in mine.”

Gayor bowed deeply once again before withdrawing back to his seat, “Thank you, you Grace.”

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan walked over to the two defeated lords and sat with them for nearly a half hour. Starting guarded as they talked the two lords slowly relaxed and engaged in the conversation with Marsdan. By the end Lord Karen had warmed enough to guffaw heartily and slap Marsdan's back in familiarity. Lord Wayvrn was not quite as open but his smile was no less genuine.

Afterward he headed back to Sabirah's side. "That is done," he said.

He picked up a gobject and drank some wine. Leaning toward her he whispered, "I am going to go clean up and will meet you in your chambers at midnight."

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah acknowledged Marsdan with a smile.

“Of course,” she replied. She knew he was most likely sore, hungry and tired, so she didn’t really expect him to make good on his statement. The day had been a long one for all involved; for the palace staff, for the participants, for everyone who had a role to play. Today had been a success, especially for Navar.

Navar, with the rest of the familiar faces, took his place at the tables. He too was taking part of the delicious food that had been prepared for the feast. He chuckled under his breath as he watched Marsdan depart. Navar had assured the queen would get exactly what she asked for and as far as he was concerned, he had made himself invaluable to her. If Marsdan’s claim came into question at any time, Navar would be of the next few candidates to be considered. His seals and levels of trust were to date, unquestionable. As he looked up again, he caught the eye of the queen and he raised his goblet in tribute.

Sabirah, in turn, raises her goblet in response and drank deeply of the wine. It was a fruity, sweet red wine she had come to enjoy. She licked her lips briefly before setting the goblet down. The queen clapped her hands together twice in rapid succession, signaling the noise to die down.

“Musicians! Play us a tune!” she shouted across the hall, to the lute players who were poised near the door. The minstrels scramble from their chairs and grabbed their lutes and proceeded to play a lively, light-hearted tune. Of the participants in the hall, there soon came the sound of clapping. Sabirah enjoyed the music. It was something she felt that soothed her much.

Sabirah stood again, still clapping with the rhythm of the music. “Come! Dance!” she motioned, to those who were standing off to the side. Again, people started to flood the floor, and the music was combined with the dancing. Sabirah watched in delight as the dancers took on a life of their own. Skirts swished against the floor, men stomped, women twirled, and the music rose higher and higher. This is what they needed. This is what was needed to burn off all that excess energy. Sabirah smiled in satisfaction and sat down again.

The queen stayed as long as her attention would stay engaged. She watched the dancers a while and she started to pick at her plate again. She was on her second goblet of wine and she decided that would be quite enough for the time being. As she sought to down the last bit of her wine, she saw Navar approach and bow deeply with his hand outstretched.

“It would be a great honor if your Grace would consider a dance?” he asked of her.

Sabirah’s eyes lit up. She could have just asked anyone, and they would have been duty-bound to accept. Navar had taken a chance, and Sabirah took the opportunity. She walked around the table and slipped her hand into his and they walked out onto the middle of the floor. The music started again, this time playing a quick, happy tune and Sabirah laughed and twirled with the music. Her ebony hair shimmered in the dimming lights and the shadows played upon the curves of her body as she moved. Most eyes had migrated to her as she danced her way around the floor, moving from partner to partner as was the custom of the dance. Her laughter was infectious, leaving the room in a jovial mood. By the time the tune was done, the queen was breathing hard, and she fanned herself with her hand to help stave off the heat that had enveloped her. She wasn’t sure where that burst of energy had come from, but she felt energized and alive. She thanked Navar for the dance and had bid the court adieu for the night. It was getting late, and she still needed to bathe.

Sabirah hummed the little tune all the way down the hall and to her quarters, her ladies following behind her.

“Ready my bath and turn down the bed then you can go for the night,” she instructed.

Sabirah took the time to remove her jewelry and stripped out of her clothing as the women prepared her bath. “Use the rose oil, this time,” she added.

The queen ran her fingers down her body running from her breasts, to her abdomen and over her hips, assessing. She wondered if she would always be pleasing to the eye. When her bath was finally ready, she pinned her hair up, and her ladies helped her into the overly large bath. Sabirah could smell the rose oil that had been added to the water….red rose petals floated atop the water. Sabirah leaned back against the edge and closed her eyes as the ladies proceeded to scrub her arms and shoulders. “Add another stone,” she instructed. The bath was a luxury she enjoyed very much. She was also thankful she had the means to enjoy it. As the additional stone warmed the water, Sabirah laid back just to soak. A long, soft sigh left her lips. Just a short soak…

The heat soaked into her bronzed skin and the flowered scent rose from her skin. As she pat herself dry, the ladies took their leave of her. The bed was already turned down, the lanterns lit, and the night was left to her. Sabirah dropped the towel and padded over to her dressing table where she retrieved and slipped on the matching gold arm bangles, sliding them into place. Sabirah brushed out her long, ebony hair. With each stroke, her thoughts shifted to Marsdan. He was a very strong man who had a lot of talent and vision. There was more to Marsdan than she could possibly imagine. The young queen grew anxious and hungry at the thought of him. He was the only man she would ever wait for. Sabirah needed to come up with a wedding gift. What could she possibly give him that she hadn’t given him already?

Navar stood outside in the courtyard and pulled up the hood of his cloak. It was going to be a cooler night. His eyes shifted upwards to the glowing light in the windows above. He knew them to be the queen’s apartments. A smile formed on his lips. Daylight would come, and with it, a new day. Without a sound, he turned upon a heel and headed out into the darkness.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan left the ballroom and worked his way to his old tower. As he approached he smiled at the small guard placed before the door. They weren't the palace guards, rather they were spellswords, the guard that reported to the mage's council. Mostly fighters each one had entered the mage's council aspiring to become mage's of the realm and lacked either the talent or drive to fully realize their magical potential.

The spellsword in charge was Rashdet, whom Marsdan had worked with in the past. They nodded in greeting as Rashden approached, "I am sorry Master Marsdan, you are not allowed entry into your old residence, as ridiculous as that sounds."

Marsdan laughed and nodded, "Let me guess, you have a crew of mage killers? "

Rashdet smiled ruefully, "No, though that was discussed. Please understand that I like this not at all."

Marsdan gave Rashden a pat on the shoulder and replied, " Worry not, I have very little in there that I care about and nothing worth a good man's life."

After a short conversation Marsdan left and headed toward the apartment he was given by the steward ' s people. He noted that it was peculiarly close to the Queen's chambers, almost too conveniently so.

He pondered it a moment then went to the window. Throwing it open he cast a spell and whispered into the gentle breeze then poured himself a goblet of wine. He noticed after he hefted it, that it was the goblet he had drank from at state dinners with the old emperor.

For a moment he looked confused trying to decide if Navar and his team were being complementary or giving him an intended if politely done slight. He had set the goblet down looking at it as if it were a poisonous viper when her heard a tentative voice at the window ask, "Master?"

He turned to see Ashliah at the window. He smiled, "Hello Ashliah." He waved her inside, "There are three more coming, make yourself comfortable while you wait."

He removed himself and headed to the bed chamber and it's attached bath. He began filling the tub and threw a half dozen stones into it, needing a hot soak to loosen the damage the horse had done to his butt and back.

He heard the rest of his invitees arrive and he smiled. "Okay Boyd and girl, come on in!"

An hour later he felt much better and his team had their instructions. He left Ashliah and her her old paramour Felix alone in his chambers with instructions to make all the noise they so desired.

He slipped out of his chambers and through the halls until he found a secret door and slipped in. A few minutes later he slipped into Sabirah's chambers.

"My queen," he said, voice full of pent up hunger.

 

[plightofsabine]

Even while Sabirah pondered on her immediate thought, her mind was already several steps ahead. As she rubbed a delightfully fragranced cream into her soft skin, she was already considering the next campaign. Despite her initial hesitation to consider it, Sabirah had her own plans.

The Citadel.

There was the matter of meeting with the war council to discuss future plans. It was not lost unto her that General Tarath was moving into retirement. Much as the great leader he was, he too, needed to enjoy his family and some of the quiet life. Men like the general were rare; Sabirah knew this. He had given year after year in service to her father and Sabirah could only let him go, if for nothing else but to thank him for his years of dedication. This fact left her with an unsettled mind. There were always men to step into powerful positions, but few who truly had their heads and their hearts in the right place.

But wait.

If it was just military support she needed, it would be easier. No, she had to find the backing of some of the more arcane. As Marsdan had pointed out a few times along this journey, there was more to this empire, and the sore in her side. Now she had to win the backing of mages. What did a bunch of mages want? She saw few of them in court; they were probably studying scrolls and practicing their art.

How did they practice their art?

Sabirah pondered for a few minutes longer – Until she heard his voice.

"My queen," he said, voice full of pent up hunger.

Sabirah’s eyes met his in the reflection of the mirror. She felt the butterflies in her stomach rise. There was no mistaking her pleasure as a smile formed on her lips. The queen rose from the comfortable chair in front of her dressing table. Her long, ebony hair cascaded over her shoulders and was the only thing that hid any of her flesh from view.

“Is this where I get admonished for whisking you into dinner without a proper bath?” she asked, padding forward across the rug.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan's eyes roamed over her body, hidden by her glorious hair. With a word in a long dead language a sharp gust of wind exploded from his finger tips stopping her on the carpet and blowing her hair straight back, to fall down her back.

He smiled slightly and said, "One should never trifle with an arch mage."

With a wave of his hand, bands of force leaped from his fingertips and shot at Sabirah. Two wrapped around her arms, one half way between elbow and shoulder and one at her wrists, and pinned her arms to her sides. One wrapped around her head in line with her mouth gagging her.

He stepped up to her and caressed her heavy breasts with the back of his hand. His eyes found hers and he made love to her a hundred different times, a hundred different ways. His other hand fell to her stomach and he caressed the flatness before trailing his fingers further down until he felt her folds on his fingers.

He walked slowly around her cupping her pussy and a tit fully and yanking her back against his burgeoning hard on. "There is a price to pay when one trifles with a mage."

He picked her up and headed toward her bed chambers.

 

[plightofsabine]

Marsdan's eyes roamed over her body, hidden by her glorious hair. With a word in a long dead language a sharp gust of wind exploded from his finger tips stopping her on the carpet and blowing her hair straight back, to fall down her back.

The gust of wind had startled her, drawing a gasp of surprise from her perfectly full lips and sent her blood racing through her veins. He always found new and interesting ways to take her off guard and each time they would come together, the stronger and more direct he became.

He smiled slightly and said, "One should never trifle with an arch mage."

Sabirah returned a smile. She wouldn’t have cared less had he been a blacksmith or a farmer. The fact he was a mage made life interesting, and she suspected it would only grow more interesting over time. In the moment however, there was no telling what his mind was conjuring, and she was the recipient of his attention.

With a wave of his hand, bands of force leaped from his fingertips and shot at Sabirah. Two wrapped around her arms, one half way between elbow and shoulder and one at her wrists, and pinned her arms to her sides. One wrapped around her head in line with her mouth gagging her.

There was little time to respond. Each invisible band that wrapped around her was nearly instantaneous. By the time she realized what was happening, she was effectively bound. There was no escape. There were no pretty bows to unravel with her fingertips, nor a sound that could escape the gag that had found its way to bind her mouth. Her heart started to pound in her chest and she could feel the heat of a flush that coursed over her flesh.

Holy stars – This wasn’t fear that gripped her, but excitement. Her dark eyes watched Marsdan momentarily as he stood there.

He stepped up to her and caressed her heavy breasts with the back of his hand. His eyes found hers and he made love to her a hundred different times, a hundred different ways. His other hand fell to her stomach and he caressed the flatness before trailing his fingers further down until he felt her folds on his fingers.

His touch was like an electric charge that stimulated every cell under his fingers. Sabirah was very much awake. Every breath she took in quickly left her and subsequently, she started to tremble. Her gaze, lost in his, remained captured. Those wonderfully, expressive eyes of his disarmed her each and every time she looked into their depths. They held an entire world she wanted to discover. The need for his touch slowly intensified as his fingers grazed down her skin invitingly, beckoning to her like the touch of seductive silk. Then it was she who arched her body, begging silently for more.

He walked slowly around her cupping her pussy and a tit fully and yanking her back against his burgeoning hard on. "There is a price to pay when one trifles with a mage."

He felt her flinch then, and a silenced moan was lost in the depths of her throat. She closed her eyes as if doing so would help her gain control over her pounding heart. It did not.

He picked her up and headed toward her bed chambers.

Every time the pair came together it seemed the connection between them strengthened. For her, it had come to the point where he was nearly more important than the breath that filled her. In her quiet moments he filled her thoughts, and in moments of chaos, she found herself grounded in the possibilities of him. Sabirah was nearly weightless in his arms as he carried her into the other room. His frame was harder and sturdier than ever before.

She swallowed hard.

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan lifted Sabirah off her feet and carried her back to the vanity where she had been brushing her hair. He sat on the bench and draped her across his knees so that her bare ass pointed straight up.

He sat looking down at the perfection that was her ass for a minute or two before he started rubbing it gently. Slow feather like strokes and caresses, he fondled her ass and legs slowly. The hardness that was his cock poked into her stomach, threatening to pierce her not unlike a dagger.

He said nothing while he touched and caressed her until Sabirah began to squirm. He swatted her ass firmly and ordered, "Be still."

Almost immediately he began stroking her ass a little more firmly. His hands never lessened their pressure and her skin began to warm slightly to his touch.

Then he raised his hand and swatted her ass gently, barely hard enough to make it wiggle. Over and over his hand raised and fell gently slapping her ass until the cheek was bright pink.

Noticing he neglected one side almost entirely from the spanking he asked, "Shall I continue? A nod will suffice. "

 

[plightofsabine]

His touch confused her. The feather like strokes had evolved to firm ones and eventually to gentle swats. Those swats, individually, wouldn’t have caused her a moment’s thought, but then, they began to stack up and warm her skin. Stroke after stroke began to excite her. The sting of his hand against her flesh gradually increased and Sabirah started to pant softly. Only when he paused to speak did she feel the stinging of her flesh transform to a throbbing itch.

"Shall I continue? A nod will suffice. "

Sabirah bit down on her bottom lip to bite back a groan and nodded. It was difficult to stay still on Marsdan’s lap when every touch encouraged her to writhe. What was more disturbing was knowing each slap was arousing her. Was there something fundamentally wrong with her? If he meant to punish her, this wasn’t going to meet his intent. On the other hand, if he meant to arouse her to near frenzy, he would surely be successful if he stuck to this path. The arousal that was building reminded her much of the feelings she experienced as she was bound, and again as she knelt at his feet and begged to taste him. They were all related, she felt.

Sabirah could not recall a time where a hand was ever raised to her. It was only now, stretched across Marsdan’s lap, that the notion struck her. Was it the physical response that brought pleasure or was it the notion of pleasing Marsdan that motivated her? It was probably a little of both.

When Marsdan started on the other side of her ass, she struggled harder to remain still. Her body tensed and she was forced to breathe to remain limber and relaxed. He would make this difficult on her, but the end results would be worth any sufferance on her part.

---

The walk for Navar wasn’t long and before long was secure in his own residence. The one thing he found the most frustrating was his abstinence. Navar wasn’t taking any chances. Over time, Navar has heard all the palace gossip and knew the power of what traveled by word-of-mouth. His ambitions were his own and so far, he had managed to retain the relationships of the nobles as well as the palace staff. He took stock of what he had accomplished and where he needed to go, still.

Marsdan was going to be a problem. The queen was obviously taken by him and the only thing Navar could do openly was to support her. Navar was uniquely aware of the recent deaths in and around the palace. Some of it was explainable, some of it, not so much. The deaths of Moren and Hadad were regrettable, leaving Navar to back off from his primary plan. But some of the other unexplainable deaths were perhaps of a more mysterious nature. These things would have the queen’s attention before long. It would be beneficial if he had some of the answers. He silently promised himself to look into the slew of unfortunate circumstances in the morning, starting with the unfortunate lady that had found herself thrown into a cell.

 

[a_libertine]

Sabirah's scent reached his nostrils as she nodded. He smiled down at her and whispered with great heat in his voice, "Good girl."

He continued his attentions to her lovely ass rubbing and spanking each cheek in turn until both cheeks had a rosey glow about them and she could no longer keep from squirming on his lap. He ran a finger up her labia and felt her copious need and cleaned his finger with his mouth.

His turgid member poked her in the stomach and her writhing stimulated Marsdan to the point that each of her movements caused pre cum to smear across her torso, coating it in a fine patina.

"I have had a year to prepare for this night," he whispered heatedly. "Now you will receive the fruits of my sexual frustration for so long."

He cast a spell and hundreds of small hands began caressing Sabirah. Some caressed, others pinched lightly, some teased at her vagina and anus. All the while he continued his slow methodical spanking driving her inexorably toward an orgasm, which he had no intention of allowing her until he could cum with her.

Marsdan stood and carried Sabirah to her bed and laid her down prone, delectable ass in the air.

He straddled her, hard cock resting between her ass cheeks as his balls sat next to her vagina, becoming wet with her juices. His voiced burned like a bonfire as he asked, "Is there something you would ask of me, Sabirah? "

 

[plightofsabine]

Marsdan’s heavy handedness caused Sabirah’s excitement to bubble over when he carried her to the bed. It was a bit different to find herself on her belly, but she knew he would take good care of her no matter what. While she hadn’t been without his attentions for quite as long, she was looking forward to the raw passion she had gotten a glimpse of. Marsdan was everything to her, and she would do just about anything to please him.

Every breath she took was laced with her desire, thick as the perfume that hung in the air. She could feel her pulse pounding heavily in her ears. Her nipples pressed into the blankets of the bed, and the fibers tickled her hardening flesh. Every slight movement only enhanced her body’s response, and the nectar that was gathering between her thighs started to trickle between her pussy lips.

"Is there something you would ask of me, Sabirah? "

“Yes…” she began.

“Marsdan, please,” she begged throatily, “I need to feel you thrust deep into me. I crave you... please, Marsdan.”

 

[a_libertine]

The owl landed on the sill to the rooms Marsdan had been assigned and upon hearing the sounds of passion inside, cooked it's head in a mixture of curiosity and satisfaction. Slipping into the window the expression, such as it was, changed once it recognized that the woman was not the one expected.

Confusion wrote across the owls face when it realized the man was not the one expected either. As silently as it entered the owl left by the window flying up toward the Queen's quarters.

Inside the Queen's quarters Marsdan hooked each of the Queen's ass cheeks with a thumb and spread them wide opening her up.

He looked down at her womanhood which was fully flush with blood and open like an orchid. He wiggled around until the head of his penis was pressed against her sex.

He pressed forward slowly but never stopping and some five seconds later his pelvis was pressed against her ass, his cock balls deep into Sabirah's sex.

He grabbed her hands and moved them to her ass cheeks and ordered, "Hold them wide."

As her fingers dug into her own flesh Marsdan pulled back and fired his hips forward with all the power he could muster.

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah cried out and the tones of her voice carried through the chamber. Her body had barely registered Marsdan’s extraordinary girth, gripping him tightly before he had pulled back. The force of his thrust jolted her body forward, and she felt him bottom out in her, buried in the hot, velvet sheath of her body. Sabirah gasped for breath. It appeared the more he exerted his will upon her, the more intense the lust that gripped her. Perhaps it was that she had been denied his presence for a time. Perhaps too, it was because she loved him deeply and openly gave herself to him. Whatever the reasons, it was clear he touched the core of who she was.

Sabirah started to pant and her body tightened around him. Gods, his body was powerful. His weight pressed her firmly against the bed, and the creaking structure protested to it’s over eager occupants.

She wriggled her ass up again and pressed back against him. The taste of him was like a fine wine. It only grew better and she had no desire to stop now.
The gold of the arm bangles Sabirah wore shimmered in the light, but there was no comparison with the light that danced off their heated bodies or the brightness of her life force when they were together. It was the power of the aura one felt so intensely and inevitably attracted others, despite one’s desire to remain hidden.

Her skin continued to tingle to the point of distraction and every second more threatened to push her to her tolerance. She groaned deeply.

“Take what you will, Marsdan, but please DON’T STOP!” she begged earnestly.

Begging had become a necessary part of how she showed her desire, never once ever considering what that meant. One had to wonder, if a queen could beg, would she still have the strength to lead? Was she fundamentally changed in any way? If one considered further, one would have to also ask what had changed in the mage.

For the time being, none of these questions mattered, but the reunion was everything.

 

[a_libertine]

It was an offer to excellent to refuse. “Take what you will, Marsdan, but please DON’T STOP!”

It rang in his ears like some aphrodisiac that he really didn't need beyond the totality that was Sabirah. Yet, somehow, he got harder, thicker, maybe longer, at her desperate plea.

It goaded him to hammer harder at her hips. Her fingers that were holding her spread for him banged into his hips and the repetition of the action threatened to leave slender bruises in the two of them.

He reached forward and wrapped his hand in her raven locks and pulled her back as far as she would bend and kissed her hard; his teeth grinding against her lips as his tongue thrust itself into her mouth. He found himself wishing he had more hands to grope, feel, poke, prod, and caress her with.

He wrapped his free arm around her waist and held her tight as he burrowed his cock as deep into her as possible. Breaking off the kiss he nibbled at her earlobe and hoarsely proclaimed, "Mine," as his cock exploded deep inside Sabirah, filling her with his seed.

 

[plightofsabine]

Marsdan pounded hard into his queen, his lover, and she cried out desperately as the pleasure reached new heights. Every time he did, the lingering quaking in her body remained. The slapping of his flesh against hers could be heard across the chamber, much as the tones of her voice. The scent of her filled his senses and hers and she knew there was no denying him his greatest needs. His kiss nearly bruised her gentle lips and still her kiss was thick with need. The pleasure she felt could not be expressed in any coherent fashion.

His possessive declaration over her was as much of an aphrodisiac to her as her desperate pleas were for him. It was a balanced give and take relationship that Sabirah had come to know so well. Now, there were no obstacles between them. She felt every inch of him – From his hot breath on her neck, to his persistent and ardent pounding into her young, firm body. Every second pushed her towards her peak. When she heard the deep hoarseness of his voice, she lost all control over her own body. Sabirah cried out and as his cock pulsed with life, seeding her, she felt the fire in her belly burn hot. She tensed and spasmed around his powerful cock, triggering a lingering orgasm. The excess results of their union trickled down her inner thighs. Their intense fuck session was seared into her body, marking her with their lust.

When she finally regained her voice, Sabirah groaned out, “Yours.”

 

[a_libertine]

Marsdan held her tight against him as his cock dribbled out the last of his cum into her. One evening could not possibly make up for the lost year, but there were decades ahead of them. Decades that he planned to use to make sure the Star Empire entered into a new Golden Age.

As they settled into the mattress he kissed the back of her neck and caressed her stomach, and trailed his hand down toward her crotch. He caressed her slowly, his fingers toyed with her lower lips, his middle finger rubbing her clit softly.

He continued kissing her neck and moved slowly to her ear. "We have much to do Sabirah. Tomorrow."

He turned her toward him and asked, "What has been going on while I was gone?"

 

[plightofsabine]

Sabirah settled against Marsdan and started to relax. The last weeks were generally her see-sawing through anticipation and frustration. She was relieved now, to have him so close. It was hard to concentrate when Marsdan’s fingers were playing between her legs, bust she managed to put together some thoughts.

“Well, in reality, it was just a few weeks for your absence, but, there were still a few odd events that occurred. I had anticipated toe tough competition for the event, but the morning of the event, General Rayat was found dead, having drowned in a pool of his own fluids,” she paused in thought.

What was the likelihood on the morning of the tournament, one of the lead competitors would have been found dead? Not just any man, but a general in their army. It was a strange event. She wanted some explanations.

“I’m not sure what happened with the general’s death, but it’s entirely strange to me that a military leader would be found in this manner. It’s just not normal.”

Sabirah thought again, and remembered the Ilranian prince. Too, another competitor who had come from Ilrania, did not even show up for the tournament. There was no sign of him at the start.

“Another competitor, having come from Ilrania, was a no-show for the start. For someone who wanted an active part in the tournament, it was very unfortunate for him just not to show. I know his people knew what time everything started. When the inquiry was made, it was found he had gotten deathly ill and was bed-ridden through the next few days. Aiden didn’t look sick to me, in fact, he seemed to be extremely energetic when he arrived. I know the tournament was to showcase your skills, but I couldn’t have guessed these unfortunate incidents would occur.”

Sabirah turned her head and looked back at Marsdan, completely unwilling to move from her position of being nestled up against his warm body.

“I ordered a full investigation into these matters and I am in hopes we can figure out what’s going on. The chances of two of the top competitors having been eliminated through natural means, and I say eliminated because I do not believe in coincidence, is extremely unlikely.” Sabirah sighed softly.

“Navar has been entirely helpful with the arrangements. I’m pleased. But we need to move forward before opposition mounts. Now that the results of the tournament will be spread, the neighbors will be getting nervous. Before, they were unwilling to move in hopes I’d find some use in accepting one of their own.” A satisfied grin formed on her face.

“I’m so glad you’re back, please don’t leave me again so soon,” she pleaded earnestly, snuggling back down against him.

Sabirah felt much more secure when he was within reach.