Chapter 1 - Hostage

When the Dragon Empire was formed from an alliance among the "terrors of the sky", those who held the power in the budding alliance were very selective of who they allowed in. Dragas - dragons with long, powerful tails and no legs - were seen as a lesser race unworthy of a seat. There were several reasons for this - One of which was that unlike most dragons, dragas exercised their aerial dominance nomadically, and rarely in groups. They had no clan culture or lands to speak of, and no interest in attaining such things. The other dragons thus saw them as an annoyance - One which the growing empire cast out with brutality.


The dragas, once free to roam across the continent, found themselves unwelcome in more and more places. Naturally as they fled this persecution, they began to gather - At first, they simply populated areas more densely, but soon enough a purpose began to take shape in their gradual retreat. It became clear enough that the Dragon Empire wanted the continent for themselves, and so the dragas started to settle on the islands off of the mainland. One in particular, especially large and suited for their habitation, started to grow into more than just a settlement. This is how the Kingdom of Dragas came to be.


The dragon empire's lust for conquest seemed never to end, and the freshly formed kingdom fought to defend their new island home. They became hardened into fierce warriors, and the empire found itself unable to dislodge them. And so, they were eventually left to their own devices.


But the history of conquering that the dragon empire had enjoyed was tantalizing to the dragas, now organized, now honed by combat, still restless. Unwelcome in the lands they longed to fly over again, a king came to power who led them into conquest of their own. They began to take pieces of the continent, aided by their unparalleled speed and aerial agility, and a tradition of warmongering began. 


One draga warlord, named Gresak, was cruel, and lustful, and powerful. Among his many conquests, he took a lioness as his captive wife. Leora, a princess of the lions. After being raped, she bore for him a single litter of just two children, before taking her own life.


Gresak was a despicable man, but discovering Leora's death hurt him in a way he didn't realize he could be hurt. Even through his bitter denial and vicious outbursts, he quietly grieved for his wife. Something in him had been changed. He realized he had loved Leora, and while he took a concubine to replace her - A fellow draga, more than eager to accept his advances - He remembered Leora fondly. And so while he taught the son she had given him everything he knew, he also tried to raise him the way he thought Leora might, even if he never admitted it.


Sakiv was trained brutally from a young age, as had become custom amongst prospective warlord heirs. Gresak tried to show his son tenderness through the gauntlet; teaching him to think and learn for himself, affording his young boy a suite of healers to tend to his wounds promptly, and some days of rest when he felt it appropriate. He also made sure Sakiv was educated and cultured far beyond what Gresak's father had allowed him. Even still, Sakiv grew up to be a warlord - By age fifteen, he was seeing real combat. By eighteen, he was leading armies. And once he turned twenty-three, he had grown fed up with Gresak, and cast him down from the throne in a non-lethal duel, taking his father as an advisor to his own rule. 


Sakiv was ambitious, and determined to gain ground where the past two warlords had failed. His plan to achieve this started with something he thought would be very simple - Capturing a rabbit princess, and using her to apply pressure to the Rabbit Kingdom to negotiate some kind of gains or tactical advantage. He had read and been told all about the value of hostages and ransoms in these kinds of situations, and he felt more than ready.


He was in his study when he received the news. It started with a knock at the door.


"Enter," He ordered brusquely.


His royal guard captain, Aidre, opened the door. She was a relatively masculine draga, and had served his father loyally as captain of the guard for several years before he had taken the throne. Given how cooperative his father had been so far, he remained relatively certain of her loyalty. "Sakiv, the prisoner has been put in one of the fortified guest rooms, as you ordered. As she appears to lack combat training or the will to fight, we've left her unbound, since your orders were to leave her in the best condition we could manage."


Sakiv nods, rising from his chair. "Excellent. I'd like to see her for myself - Reports are that she was completely unharmed during the capture, but I feel I should confirm that."


Sakiv was a strong, handsome young draga. While he lacked legs and stood on his tail like a naga, he had a lean, powerful body with two arms and two nimble, flexible wings, able to be used as a second pair of arms in a pinch. A pair of flight fins ran along a section of his tail from his hip down to the spot where his tail normally met the ground; they were currently folded in. A second, smaller pair was folded up at the tip of his tail. He was relatively sleek; he had two pairs of horns, but both pairs were only around four or five inches in length, swept back instead of forward. Mainly decorative. His scales and horns were black, with a pale, reddish pink belly and blood red wingskin. His eyes were as red as his wings, with flecks of platinum in the irises. He cut an imposing figure, especially in his flight armor; lightweight steel bands sewn onto thick cloth in a style that the eastern kingdoms had come to fear. The look was made regal only by the crown he wore; a steel band with long, thin spines swept back along its length, as if bent by the wind. The crown had rings fitted around his horns, so he could wear it even in flight.


Aidre leads him to the door of one of the guest rooms. "She's in here. Want me in there in case she pouts aggressively at you~?" She jokes.


He chuckles. "I think I can handle a rabbit, Aidre. I'll go in alone. Stay out here in case I have questions, though."


And with that, he threw the door open, standing tall and crossing his arms behind his back as he locks his eyes onto the object of his plans. 


Inside, a young, pretty little rabbit gives a terrified squeal, tossing herself back onto the bed. The rabbit kingdom prided itself on the beautiful princesses it produced— they were almost an export, with how many kingdoms across the continent were married to one. They were always soft and plump, with womanly figures and heaving bosoms, and the bunny before him was no different. It was almost as if she was birthed for him— a satin black bunny with big pink eyes, a snow white belly and paws, and the cutest little white dot under one of her eyes. Her hair was long and wavy, worn in an elaborate, if mussed, updo. Her dress was ripped and disheveled, but made of the finest silks and lace. She was quite plump— fed well at her palace, he was sure. It made for large, tantalizing breasts and soft, adorable cheeks. 


He stares for a few moments, and a blush starts to form on his cheeks. Oh my gods, she's cute. I... Did not expect that. Subconsciously looking for a way to distract himself to escape the sudden and vexing loss of his confidence, he clears his throat, and speaks over his shoulder.


"Aidre! This rabbit's clothes are torn. You reassured me she had arrived unharmed. What is the meaning of this?"


The captain clears her throat. "I was assured she was unharmed bodily, sir. I have not taken the liberty of checking myself, but she even said as much. What, you're worried about buying her new clothes?" Aidre giggles.


He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself - This was all good, he had to remind himself, even if he had been taken a bit off guard. "The entire point of her being unharmed is so that she remains presentable for negotiations, Aidre. Yes, I care about her clothes. And besides, if they were rough enough with her to do that..." He huffs. "No matter. I'll just have to check myself." He closes the door, and turns back to the rabbit.


Right... The very beautiful rabbit. He expels the thought from his mind, and takes another breath. Oh gods, I have to ask her to take her clothes off, he realizes with some distress. He blushes a little again, and tries to delay a bit.


"Greetings, rabbit," He says, smoothing out his voice to retain an air of confidence. "You stand - sit - no, lie before Warlord Sakiv of the Kingdom of Dragas. Tell me your name." He uses a cold, commanding tone - He wanted to make sure she was aware of who she was dealing with on a visceral level. 


Her adorable little bottom lip trembles, and she pulls her knees a bit closer to her chest. Her lips and inner ears were a dark rose color, and looked incredibly soft, like velvet. “M-my name is Ciara, P-princess Ciara of the kingdom of rabbits...! Please don’t hurt me...!”


She begs him softly, crawling forward onto her hands and knees. Her breasts jiggle and heave dangerously, nearly coming free of her bodice.


He turns bright red, and his eyes go wide. "C-calm down!" He squeezes his eyes shut, clearing his throat to regain his composure. "Listen... You're being held captive for the express purpose of providing leverage against the royal family of the rabbit kingdom. So long as you are cooperative, and they are cooperative, you will remain unharmed. It is in my interests at this time to maintain your health and wellbeing. You are in danger only if you endanger yourself. Is that clear?"


“I’m... I’m a hostage...?” She asks, sitting back a bit. “For ransom...? You won’t hurt me...?”


"Yes, that's right," He sighs. He pauses, looking her over and starting to blush again. Now... I've got to ask her to take off her clothes. Do I? She seems fine... But if there's an infected cut, or... She's lost her virginity to my men... Everything must be deliberate.


"Speaking of bodily harm," He starts, steeling himself, "I gave my agents specific instructions to make sure you came to as little harm as possible. Thus, I'd like to confirm for myself that you are completely unharmed, as they claim."


“You want me to take off my clothes, don’t you?” She gives him an adorable little glower. “I can’t do it myself, you know. I need maids.”


Now that she knew what her place was in this, she’d become a bit more sure of herself, he noticed. 


Sakiv blinks, taken aback. "You can't take off...?" He shakes his head - He knew many kingdoms had elaborate dresses that were not at all aerodynamic, but he hadn't realized the elaboration extended to how the clothes were put on. "What kind of ridiculous dress...? Nevermind," He sighs. He'd have to consider the matter of getting her maids to dress her... Presumably every morning? Although surely, she didn't need to dress up if she was just sitting around in her room. He'd figure that out later.


"How many people are necessary to remove your dress just for right now?" He asks. "I don't have time to organize maids for you right at this moment."


“I suppose you could do it.” She turns her back towards him and sweeps her gorgeous hair away. Her dress was knotted and laced up the back, he saw.


He turns bright red, swallowing as he stares at her back for a few moments. "Well, that... Seems simple enough," He declares, trying to sound confident. I was sorely unprepared for this, He thinks as he unties the knot and begins working the laces apart. Perhaps father was right...?


She lets him work her bodice off, and then her skirts, revealing a second set of laces underneath— a corset. Underneath the gown, her underpinnings, namely a silk chemise, bloomers, stockings, and garter belt, all seemed unscathed.


"I'm starting to see why you need maids," He says, trying not to think about her progressing state of undress. "This seems entirely inefficient, even for a creature that doesn't fly." He shakes his head, starting to unlace the corset gently.


“It’s not meant to be efficient. It’s fashion.” She says softly, glancing over her shoulder at him. Her pretty pink eyes meet his for a moment, and she blinks as she sees how he’s blushing.


He blushes even harder, scowling at her in masked embarrassment. He grabs her hair and turns her head back around firmly, before wriggling her corset down her body.


"I'm familiar with the concept, and I've done some studying on the cultures of the continent," He says. "I suppose it's possible I'm biased towards more aerodynamic clothing, or biased in other ways." He realizes that many of the women he knew were under his command or had had a hand in raising him; only his step mother, Shreliss, was a non-militant woman, and she was a concubine. And even she carried a dagger on her.


She gives a little gasp as he turns her head by her hair, and huffs a bit. “You don’t have much experience with women, do you?” 


She unclips her corset from the front and reaches up to take her hair down from its updo— his yank had put the final nail in the coffin of her poor hairstyle. The long, silky locks come down, brushing against his hands and chest. 


He clears his throat, taken off guard by being found out. I should have expected this... Father was definitely right, He thinks forlornly. "I have not seen the need for such pursuits thus far," He says evenly, even as his cheeks burn at her hair coming down. Again, he found himself reflexively trying to distract himself from the feeling of becoming stiff around the waist. "Why is your hair so long? I suppose that's another thing that rabbits find fashionable?"


“Of course!” She almost seems offended. “Long hair is a woman’s pride and joy.”


She turns towards him, no longer needing his help with her clothes. He finds himself yet again face to face with her beauty— long, dark hair falling over her shoulders, some strands framing her face like a painting. Her chemise hung loose on her supple body, clinging to her sweat here and there and outlining her curves, her hips... her breasts. He could see the big, fat nipples poking from underneath, and her cleavage peeking from the neckline. If his soldiers HAD in fact taken her virginity, he could understand why.


He swallows hard, clearing his throat. "R-right then, I'm sure you want to get this over with quickly, and I see no particular reason to deny you that privilege," He says, talking too fast to keep his voice even. "Do you... Need any further assistance?" He couldn't hide his blush or his stare anymore - And his erection only remained hidden because he was wearing the steel-ribbed gambeson down to his base. 


She sighs gently and shakes her head, reaching down to pull her chemise off with a little twist of her body. It comes up too quickly for him to savor, and her breasts and hair bounce out of the silk garment. Before he can properly take in the glorious sight, she’s turned onto her knees away from him and is wiggling out of her bloomers and garter belt, treating him to a little show of her tail, then soft ass, then plump, tight pussy peeking between meaty thighs. 


He licks his lips, trying to keep his breathing even. "G-good... If I may ask, are you still a virgin?"


“Yes, I am.” She finally pulls off her stockings and sits naked on the bed in front of him, bashfully covering her nipples with her little paws.


He sighs, steeling himself. "I... I need to see for myself," He says. "I don't personally take stock in such things, but I understand your culture places great importance on virginity until marriage. My aim for the time being is to keep you in perfect condition, and if my soldiers have failed me in that..." 


“Perfect condition...” she pauses to mull this over. “Well, then, I’m hungry.”


He closes his eyes, letting his sudden annoyance distract him. It was almost a relief. "You will be able to eat shortly, and I will allow you to have as much as you wish on your plate. Let's finish this quickly, and then - "


“I was not raped and I was not hurt. My dress was snagged when I was abducted.” She says shortly, as if presenting a report. “I’m. Hungry.”


He sighs. Now he wasn't sure whether he'd rather be flustered or annoyed. But… At this point, he was willing to believe her. With her attitude, and the ample opportunities for her to get back at the men who had abducted her, he would have heard about any grievances she had.

"Very well, I'll take your word for it. Do remember that I may make threats to your family regarding you before too long," He warns softly. "You will not necessarily stay this well cared for. Now, what do you usually eat?"


“I’m a princess.” She raises an eyebrow, cupping her breasts with both arms fully. “I eat the finest foods that wealth and status can buy.”


"Then you can eat lunch with my family," He sighs. "That shouldn't be too much trouble, it's almost lunch time anyway."


“What is it you eat?” She looks at him dubiously.


She had clearly caught on to the fact that their cultures were very different. And really, he should have thought of that himself… What did she eat? His intention was not to radically change her diet - It would be bad if her body changed in the time he kept her, if he was planning to claim he was keeping her safe. This food situation would have to be addressed.


"If you don't care for the food you're given at lunch, I will take you to talk to the chef," He sighs. "How does that sound?"


“Much better.” She looks around at her clothes. “Do you have something for me to wear?”


He thinks for a moment. He really couldn’t have her walking around naked - Not only would that be too much for him, but it would catch too much of the interest of the guards. Even though he trusted Aidre to handle that, there was no need to make her job harder. And then there was his father… Not to mention what Ciara would tell her parents when they got her back.

"Ah... Hmm. I'll make sure you're given new clothes, but... Well, perhaps my step mother could lend you something?"


He grimaced at the thought of bringing Shreliss, of all people, into this, but… He wasn’t about to ask Aidre. There was NO way her armor would fit Ciara, and he didn’t care to interrogate her on her clothing for anything more flexible. The servants wouldn’t do either - There would be rumors, and there might be something off-putting to the rabbits about a princess wearing servant’s clothes. At least a concubine held some status.


“Your mother’s clothes?” Ciara looks dubious and displeased.


"It's what I can offer you right now, unless you want Aidre in here to put your dress back on. I don’t think we even have any armor that would fit you," He sighs. A smirk twitches on his lips, and he can’t help but tease her. "You could attend lunch nude, if you so wish, but - "


“No! Absolutely not!” She yelps, covering her breasts even more— or at least, attempting to. They spilled out around her arms lewdly.


He blushes and giggles, relieved she had taken the bait - Backpedaling on that suggestion would have killed him of embarrassment. "Alright then, I'll inform Shreliss of your plight. Wait here." He steps out of the room, informing Aidre to remain stationed at the door, before going to see his step mother. With a firm knock on the door, he hears a moan from inside his father's quarters.


"Come in," Shreliss calls sleepily.


Sakiv opens the door tentatively, and as usual, Shreliss was splayed out on the bed, in nothing but her concubine sheets - Which did little to cover her. She was older than even his father, but very diligently maintained her appearance. She had shiny, cool grey scales, except for her belly, which was a brilliant, nearly blinding white. He was quite certain she polished those scales with something to make them even whiter. Her wingskin was nearly like glass, though she wasn't showing it off right now. He hated to admit it, but she was somewhat fetching - Although he refused to consider her constant offers. Something about taking his father's concubine as his own was grossly unappealing to him.


"Sakiv, dear~" She croons, giving him a naughty look with her brilliant blue eyes as she turned onto her belly. "What ever could you want with me~?"


"Your clothes," Sakiv snips tersely. "A hostage from the rabbit kingdom has arrived, and she's... Her wardrobe is rather difficult," He sighs. "She needs something to wear for lunch. Something that could make her decent, perhaps?"


His step mother looks mildly disappointed for a moment, before some machination clicks in her devious brain, and her eyes light up. "Oh, my! You finally have a girl, Sakiv~ Is she cute?"


"Clothes, Shreliss, stay focused," Sakiv snaps. "For your information, she is a strategic asset, not a toy."


Shreliss giggles, her jewelry clinking softly against her scales as she gets up. Shreliss was a fan of all manner of long, dangly, expensive things looped through her soft bits, and it was rather distracting. They were mostly black steel and jet with a matte finish, but she had a way of making even that oddly... Mesmerizing against her stark, shining white underbelly scales, with only the sheer black garments doing effectively nothing to hide her lewd body. He chooses to look away as she gathers up a few concubine sheets.


"She must be rather boring for a rabbit princess, if you don't want to make her assets your toys~" She teases. "I'm afraid I got rid of anything opaque in my everyday wardrobe years ago... Still, a few layers might help with that," She muses. He didn't realize she was lying; he'd only ever seen her in sheer clothes and didn't pry into her wardrobe, or have any desire to.


"Mm. I suppose we'll have to make do," Sakiv says shortly, attempting to ignore Shreliss. A thought occurs to him. His plans regarding Ciara should have only been known to the guards. “How did you know she’s a princess?”


Shreliss rolls her eyes at him behind his back. "Please, Sakiv, it was obvious enough. Let's go see this 'tactical asset' of yours," She teases, rubbing her tail against his as she slithers by him. He turns red and growls at her, which just amuses her even more.


As they arrive at the door, he's unable to stop her from opening the door with no warning - And he hears her gasp and toss the door open, squealing abruptly.


"Oh, she's so cuuuute~! Sakiv, you're heartless if you don't just adore this sexy little tart~" She croons, rushing over to the little bunny without giving anyone a chance to react.


Ciara squeaks and pulls the covers of the sheets up to her chest bashfully, leaning away from the enthusiastic dragoness.


Sakiv hurries into the room and closes the door behind himself, and Shreliss purrs, pulling the sheets down off of the bunny forcefully.


"Oh, there's little point in that, dear~" She coos. "You should see what you'll be wearing~"


She squeals again, before puffing up in indignation. “What do you mean?!”


The dragoness smirks and splays her arms and wings, shaking her boobs gently, as if to point out how exposed she was in her own sheer scraps of cloth. She wasn't as impressive in the chest as the bunny, but even flattened with age, that still left her rack a lot of lewd volume. "I'll give you more than what I've got, but that won't do much~ Besides, you're practically Sakiv's concubine already... You really should get used to him drinking you in~"


"She is not my concubine," Sakiv says sharply. "Leave the poor thing be, Shreliss."


"But I can't help it~" She croons, slipping up behind Ciara and grabbing the bunny's wrists with her wings. "I can't believe you can keep yourself off of her, when I'm having such a hard time of it~" Ciara finds her arms splayed wide open by Shreliss's powerful flight muscles, and the dragoness's palms over her nipples. She mercilessly sinks her hands and fingers into Ciara's breasts, kneading them like dough. "Sakiv, she's so soft~ Have you felt her~?"


Ciara cries out softly, cheeks going bright red. “Nooo...! Wait, stop...! Doooon’t~!” 


She looks helplessly up at Shreliss and then back at Sakiv, thighs pressing together as his stepmother fondled her. It was incredibly lewd— he could tell how supple and soft she was just by the way Shreliss was pressing her hands in. The bunny’s breasts spilled between the dragoness’s fingers like dough, and her fat nipples hardened and stood up with the stimulation. 


Sakiv turns beet red. "Sh-Shreliss! That's enough!"


"Oh~? Possessive of your new toy, Sakiv~?" She croons, giggling as one of her hands slides down the bunny's belly. "Why don't you come peel me off of her~?" Her voice was low and husky, and her fingers slipped between Ciara's thighs naughtily.


Sakiv suddenly has one of his swords out and at Shreliss's throat. She tenses up, not even breathing as she looks down at the blade in shock.


"Th-there's no need for that, Kiv," She says, voice trembling slightly. "I'm just teasing you..."


"Tease me all you want, but don't involve anyone in your scheming against their will," He says coldly. His blade might as well have been held by a statue; his skill with it was clear even without him moving.


The dragoness slowly removes her hands from Ciara, holding them in the air. Only once she's stopped moving again does Sakiv swing his sword back into its scabbard in a practiced motion. He lets out a breath, rubbing his forehead.


"Shreliss, do listen to me when I speak," He says, sounding tired. "I don't hate you, and I don't enjoy turning my blade against you."


"Why - "


"Ciara doesn't deserve you rubbing yourself all over her uninvited," He scolds her. "It's... also of not insignificant note that her hymen is a strategic asset, and I wasn't sure if you were aware." He clears his throat a bit. 


Ciara slumps back against Shreliss’s chest, shuddering, bright red, with tears in her eyes. She was feeling a wild mixture of fear, embarrassment, indignation, and... arousal. Not just at the mischievous dragoness’s groping— at the sight of the warlord’s prowess with a sword. Her heart had skipped a beat watching him protect her.


Shreliss sighs, then after a moment's pause, suddenly giggles. "Listen to you... 'Her hymen is a strategic asset'. You just want to take her virginity yourself, don't you~?" She rubs the little bunny's shoulders gently - It was clear she wasn't feeling as adventurous as before; this seemed like an apologetic gesture more than her being handsy.


Sakiv groans, rubbing his face. "I don't... That's... Nevermind that," He huffs, blushing a little. "Clothe her so we can feed her. Please."


Shreliss nods, pulling the bunny fully out from underneath the covers and starting to wrap her up in sheer cloth. Sakiv turns away to give Ciara some semblance of privacy - She notices his hand resting on the pommel of one of his swords, though. It seemed like he was ready to rip it out again at the slightest squeak. Shreliss was being quite gentle, too - Though she snuck in a daring lick to Ciara's cheek, grinning madly.


She manages to bite back a little squeak, giving her an adorable glower.


"Oh, she's so terribly adorable, Sakiv," She croons. "You've got to start screwing her~ You won't get another catch like this very easily~ Although I suppose if you're saving yourself for me..."


Sakiv huffs. "I think you know I'm decidedly not, Shreliss," He spits defensively. "Is she dressed?"


"Yes! Take a look~" Shreliss tugs Ciara to her feet - She had wrapped several layers of sheer cloth around the bunny's lewdest bits. While the many layers of cloth did at least make the outfit translucent if not quite opaque, the way she had situated everything would leave Ciara quite exposed at the slightest perturbation. Just walking would likely flash onlookers if she didn't hold everything down. She did notice that the cloth was amazingly soft and smooth, like silk - Maybe better than silk. It was almost slippery, without being wet. 


She blushes deeply looking down at herself, pulling the cloth tighter in an effort to try and cover herself more. “This is incredibly lewd, I’ll have you know!” She objects.


"I didn't really have much to work with, it was either that or letting everyone see through your clothes~" She teases.


Aidre pokes her head in. "Hey, lunch is ready. That goes for Ciara, too - I overheard that she'll be eating with us and informed the staff." She shuts the door again, apparently unfazed by what was going on inside.


Ciara sighs a bit, before turning her nose up. “Let’s eat then. I’m hungry.”


"Please, gods, I'm starving too, and I'm rather sick of these... Antics," Sakiv hisses, glaring at Shreliss as he opens the door.


"Anything for my Kiv~" Shreliss teases, rubbing his shoulder on her way out.


Before Ciara has a chance to step out too, Sakiv locks eyes with her. "I apologize for Shreliss; she got to where she is by seducing her way onto the throne, and she's likely trying to warm me up to her for the sake of her own security. Either that, or she's just gotten used to it and is a horny old hag," He chuckles. "My father will be there, and he's worse, but leave him to me. He knows his place now." There wasn't any coldness in Sakiv's words, unlike when Shreliss had been in the room. His tone was rather conversational, even.


She nods a little, blushing a bit. He was quite handsome, she noted, before shaking herself out of it. She was a pawn for political gain. This was practically something all her sisters and cousins had been trained for. How to act when kidnapped, when used for ransom, when raped, when starved, when beaten, when married, when bearing children. She knew her place, and she knew her worth.


"Well, anyway, um... Let's go eat," He says, hiding his blush by turning away. As he leads her to the dining room, she notices a big draga, with similar coloration to Sakiv, but much larger horns, curved forwards like a bull. While she had noticed that all of the dragas she had seen were quite lean and sleek for their size, and this man was no different, he had a bulk to him that belied a great deal of training. She noticed that his scales were mussed, too; she realizes it's because many of his scales had grown over scar tissue. He was an old and storied draga, it seemed. She had noticed Sakiv's scales had a bit of that, but it was far more pronounced and pervasive on this one.


"Oh my gods~" The big dragon says, grinning from ear to ear. "Sakiv, you dog! You went and got yourself a concubine, did you?" He approaches them, reaching to slip his hand under one of her breasts, but Sakiv is wiping his sword off on a bare section of his gambeson a moment later - And the older dragon is clutching his wrist, bleeding profusely with a wry smile.


"That's quite a deep cut you made, Sakiv," He hisses, chuckling. "You're usually more reserved... Fond of the little slut, are you~?"


"Hostage, father," Sakiv says evenly. "Do not call her a slut."


"Oh, come on, she's dressed like - "


Sakiv whips the tip of his sword across the older dragon's jaw, and that seems to shut him up. His father busies himself with patching up his wounds, as if this was of little note, and Sakiv seems to act the same way. She wonders at this facade - Was Sakiv angry? Was he fond of his father, and this was how they bonded? His father seemed to think so - Even as he looks at the blood on his fingers after touching his jaw, he's smiling. 


Ciara gives a little whimper, the sight of blood making her a bit woozy.


"I'm not particularly in the mood for more little problems today, father," Sakiv sighs. "Do not touch Ciara. Let's go eat, alright?"


His father nods gently. "Alright, Kiv." As they turn towards the dining room, she sees his father looking her over hungrily, and he licks his bleeding jaw before patching it up. Even so, he stays true to his word, and doesn't touch her again.


"My name is Gresak, by the way~" The big dragon croons. "I'm Kiv's old man. He's grown into a fine, strong young man - Me and Leora raised him well."


"Father, what have I told you about mentioning mother?" Sakiv sighs.


"Sorry, Kiv," Gresak says, looking wistful. "Ah... Anyway, what's your name, little bunny~? Is it as pretty as you~?"


She blushes and turns up her nose at the big dragon. “If you MUST know, it’s Ciara. Princess Ciara, of the kingdom of rabbits. And I am NOT a slut. It was not my decision to wear these... sheets.”


"Kiv's, then~?" He teases, grinning.


"I had Shreliss help dress her, because her dress had been mildly damaged in transport," Sakiv corrected him.


"Ah, good old Shrill," Gresak purrs. "That old whore knows what I like~ If Sakiv wouldn't kill me for it, I'd have plowed you against the wall the moment I laid eyes on you, Ciara - But at least I get some eye candy watching you strut around~"


"I'm going to tell her you called her that again," Sakiv warns him, shaking his head.


"What a merciless boy I've raised," Gresak chuckles, sniffing the air. "Ah, there's lunch - You smell that, Ciara?"


She takes a moment to pause being offended and sniffs the air.


The air wafting in from the dining room up ahead had a sweet tone mixed with hearty umami. "Mmm... Heard from the kitchen staff - A honey glazed venison roast with roasted vegetables," Gresak purrs as they head in to where the food was being served on a table large enough for extended family. It was clearly just the private dining room - They must save the feast hall for events. "Gods, smelling that is making me even hungrier~"


She looks around, and then frowns. “That’s... that’s the first course? Unusual choice, but I suppose that’s how things are done here...?”


"First course?" Gresak chuckles. "We're just having lunch - Plus, our servings are pretty big. We're dragons, after all - Even if the bastards of the empire don't seem to think so."


Sakiv frowns with concern, regarding Ciara carefully. "You usually have multiple courses during lunch, Ciara?"


“Of—“ she looks very concerned, and then very annoyed, her brows crinkling in a way that would have been menacing if she weren’t so adorable. “Of course I do! What kind of barbaric—?! First you strip me and make me wear SHEETS, and then I’m fondled like some sort of brothel whore, and now you intend to serve me a hunk of meat for my meal?! No appetif?! No champagne or amuse bouche? I’m sure you wipe your hands on cloth napkins like absolute animals.” 


She huffs and crosses her arms, turning her nose up.


"Good gods, you've got a greedy little bitch here~ Put her in her place, Kiv!" Gresak roars, cackling and whipping his tail through the air in excitement.


"Father, I value your advisement in certain areas, but do NOT tell me what to do," Sakiv barks. "Sit down and eat. Aidre, fetch the chef, please. Ciara should be able to explain her needs."


“I’m hungry too, damnit,” Aidre huffs quietly as she slithers away.


Gresak blinks. "What? You said she was your hostage," He says in confusion.


"She is a valuable political pawn, father, I'm not going to starve her," Sakiv retorts.


"This is hardly starving her," Gresak says, sitting down and digging into his food voraciously as if to demonstrate. "She's being treated quite well, even. I mean, you only fondled her? No rape?"


Sakiv throws his fork at his father, scowling darkly at him. "I didn't fondle her," He says cooly, graciously accepting a new fork from one of the maids.


"That was me~" Shreliss coos from across the table, giggling. "And he nearly cut my throat open for it."


"Oh, he called you Shrill again," Sakiv mentions. Shreliss stiffens and throws a steak knife at Gresak, pouting. The point chips one of his scales harmlessly, and once again, the kitchen staff present her with new silverware.


"Protective of her, aren't you?" Gresak chuckles.


"I want her in good condition, father," Sakiv says. "I want her family to get here to beg for her back, see her as if she only left yesterday, and then threaten to do unspeakable things to her until they're begging to become my vassal for her safety instead. Thus, I need to treat her how she was treated at home. So no fondling, no lack of amenities, and certainly no rape."


"Not until you don't get what you want," Gresak chuckles. "I see~ That's my boy, patient and cunning~"


"It may be possible that I see fit to follow through on some of my threats should they not bend the knee," Sakiv muses. "But I could just as easily falsify any number of things. If she stays in good condition, I have options."


Ciara, meanwhile, has broken into a light sweat on hearing this. She looks incredibly nervous, the color having drained from her face. She knew, she knew in her heart of hearts, that Sakiv’s ‘plan’ would not come to fruition.


Gresak shakes his head. "I won't pretend to understand... But it should be interesting to see if this works out," Gresak muses. "Your first real move as warlord. I'm proud of you, Sakiv. I think... Your mother would have been, too. This was more her speed, I think."


"Mm." Sakiv starts eating in silence, looking thoughtful.


"And if things don't pan out, he has a wonderful new concubine~" Shreliss coos. "Or maybe he'll give her to you and take me as his~?"


Gresak bursts out laughing, slapping the table, and even Sakiv chuckles a bit at her suggestion, politely covering his mouth. Even Shreliss stifles a giggle at herself.


"What? A woman can dream~" She croons.


Gresak gets his laughing more under control, wiping his eyes. "Shrellis, dear, I love you, but... Keep dreaming," He teases. "Even I would take that chunky bunny bitch over you, and I've been fucking you since Sakiv learned to slither upright~"


Shreliss raises an eyebrow at him and picks up her new knife with a devious smile. She aims carefully, and manages to lodge the point in Gresak’s cheek between two of his scales, drawing blood. He hisses, popping the knife out and getting out his bandages.


"What was that again, dear~?" Shreliss coos, accepting a new knife from the staff graciously.


"Good shot," He chuckles, hissing in pain. "You hit something sensitive, there..."


"I know I did," She says with a wicked grin, taking a bite of her food looking all too pleased with herself. “That’s the scar from Leora,” She points out matter-of-factly, carefully removing the amusement from her face and tone. Gresak falls silent - She’d carefully removed the amusement from his face, too.


Ciara’s flicked between nervous to outraged at being called chunky to being woozy at the sight of blood all in the span of a few minutes, and staggers to sit in a chair beside Sakiv.


Just then, a warthog comes in following Aidre, and the guard sits down and dishes herself up.


"I was told we have a guest with, uh..." The warthog clears his throat. "Unsatisfied needs?" Aidre chuckles around a mouthful of roast, apparently finding his phrasing amusing.


"Thank gods, Jusso," Sakiv says with a relieved smile. "Yes, please treat Ciara as our guest until further notice, and make sure you accommodate anything she asks for."


"Yes, sir," The warthog says with a nod. "How may I serve you, miss?"


“To be clear,” she says, turning to Sakiv, “I’m allowed the same meals as I was at home?”


"Anything we're capable of providing," Sakiv affirms. Gresak shakes his head in amusement, and Shreliss looks on curiously as she eats.


“Perfect. Seeing as you appear woefully unprepared, I’ll skip the amuse bouche for today, but I will take a glass of champagne while I wait. I expect a soup course, a seafood course paired with the perfect white wine, a light salad course, a roast course paired with RED wine, and then a fine selection of fruit and cheese served with espresso. At home I receive my morning coffee in bed with a light pastry— that’s with fruit or cinnamon, take your pick— and then breakfast in the dining hall. Breakfast should AT LEAST include tea and fresh milk, though I do enjoy a fresh squeezed fruit juice. The courses for breakfast are eggs and smoked fish with watercress, a quiche or an omelet— I’m not picky— and then a parfait with fresh seasonal fruit and cream. That should be accompanied with fresh, hot bread, lemon curd, jam, marmalade, butter, clotted cream, and honeycomb. I suspect you have a poor selection of tea, so for afternoon tea I’ll take herbal until you find something more suitable. That’ll be with scones and finger sandwiches of course, and tea cake. I like nuts in mine— sweet ones, like hazelnuts. I will not eat anything with peanuts. And get started on the menu for dinner. It should start with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, then an amuse bouche. It had better be good since you aren’t making one for lunch. Then the soup course, the seafood course, and then the fowl course. I like my fowl course with a light pasta or rice— though, not a long pasta. I dislike slurping my noodles. Then a lemon sorbet palate cleanser, before the roast course. Potatoes are a must, though I will take stuffing. After that, the salad, and then dessert. Chocolate is traditional. Then I’ll take the fruit and cheese course with your finest cognac before bed.”


She pauses, before glancing at the stunned warthog. “You should write this down.” 


Everyone stares at her for a moment, a silence falling over the room. It's broken by Gresak snorting, before busting out laughing.


"Gods strike me down, that rabbit is FUNNY," He roars. "Either she actually thinks we'll give her all of that, or - "


"Father, I believe she's being serious," Sakiv sighs, "And I see no - " He pauses. "Little reason to deny her. Jusso, did you get all that?"


The warthog chuckles. "Yes, sir, I did. I haven't had a challenge like this in a while, I must say," He ponders, stroking his beard. "We have lobster for one of the dinner courses already, but getting good fish on such short notice might be an issue - "


"I'll take care of it," Sakiv says dismissively. "What else?"


The warthog blinks. "You mean personally?"


"Yes, I haven't had a good swim in a while," Sakiv says impatiently. "Move on."


Jusso nods. "We'll need more booze, if we're going to be doing this every day, but that won't be too much of a problem. The espresso will be difficult to make happen, but I might be able to improvise a suitable method until we can get a dedicated setup."


"I've been wanting to try coffee anyway," Sakiv muses. "Make me a cup with hers, if it's not too much trouble."


"The fact that she wants to have this roast three courses from now means we need to keep it warm..." The warthog sighs. One of the staff comes in with a glass and a bottle of champagne as he says this, looking to Sakiv for affirmation and pouring Ciara a glass once he nods.


"You'll need to keep my food warm, anyway, figure something out," Sakiv says.


"Of course - We can make more glaze, that should help keep it from drying out, if we set it on a low temperature," The warthog reassures him. "Though the fact that it's already been cut... I will figure something out."


"Is that everything?" Sakiv asks.


The warthog nods. "I'll get started. You'll have a fish for me?"


"Yes, yes I will," The young warlord assures him, getting up.


“I’m going with you, idiot,” Aidre sighs, getting up with him and mournfully looking at her still very full plate. “Don’t go too deep, I don’t want to get my armor wet fishing you out of the drink just because I couldn’t friggin’ see you.”


Gresak snorts, shaking his head and stifling a chuckle. "Hostage, my ass. I'll take some of that champagne, thank you."


"Me too~" Shreliss coos. "Ciara, I may have to join you in eating this well~ Gresak never would have let me do anything like this in his time on the throne, and I'm not his captive," She giggles.


Ciara sips her champagne quietly, enjoying the taste.


The parents are poured champagne, the remaining roast is taken away to be kept warm, and Jusso, Sakiv and Aidre leave the room to go perform their tasks in preparation for Ciara's meal.


Gresak shakes his head again. "This seems like a lot to go through for a hostage," He chuckles. "I hope Sakiv isn't disappointed by the effort."


"I'm not about to complain if it lets me eat like she does," Shreliss purrs. "But... I agree," She sighs. "But you've been putting pressure on the rabbit kingdom for a while, haven't you? Surely, they must be ready to cave to our demands, especially with one of their precious daughters on the line~"


Ciara looks away nervously, sipping even more champagne to avoid having to speak.


She notices Gresak eyeing her - And the look on his face told her that he had realized she was hiding something.


Shreliss sighs. "Your son seems to be taking to the throne quite well, Gresak~ We've got this champagne, perhaps we should make a toast to his success so far?"


Gresak snorts. "I prefer to celebrate when I see victory," He says carefully. "If we're going to be drinking champagne with Ciara every day, let's not go toasting for no reason."


"No reason? There's a perfect reason - Ciara represents a successful military excursion, doesn't she?"


"We've laid the eggs of a plan, but let's not count our hatchlings yet," Gresak says evenly, giving Ciara a piercing look. "Something could always go wrong. But... I trust Sakiv will be able to make the most of whatever comes. This will be his first test as Warlord, I think."


Shreliss huffs. "Listen to you - You've been practically glowing since Sakiv deposed you, and now you doubt him? I may not be a tactical genius, but I know my politics, and this is a solid plan."


"It is," Gresak concedes. "Even the best plans can fail."


"And if it does, he has a lovely little concubine," Shreliss says with a shrug.


"Who is very needy," Gresak points out, finishing his meal, then his champagne. He leans back in his chair, and closes his eyes.


Shreliss finishes her own meal, and stretches her wings. "Aah... That was a good lunch. I think I'll go watch Sakiv fish~" She coos, slithering out of the room. Once she leaves, Gresak cracks an eye open at the door she left through, and then looks around. It seems the servants had gone to help prepare for the sudden change in meal plan.


Ciara notices this as well, and locks eyes with Gresak— she knew she was completely alone with him.


Gresak gently picks up his steak knife, twirling it in his fingers with an expertise that came from extensive training. "Rabbit... You seem nervous," He says in what might normally be taken as a conversational tone. "Particularly whenever we mention our plan regarding your captivity... Is something the matter?" She could see suspicion and controlled aggression in his eyes, but he didn't seem like he was on the edge of attacking her. By her estimation, he was putting on a threatening front. Front or not, though, just by virtue of his size, of his body, of what she knew of him, and of the situation, it was still very threatening.


Her voice jumps two octaves and cracks. “N-Nervous? Why would I be nervous...? Ju-just because you plan on keeping me well until my parents refuse to pay your ransom and then you’ll do horrible things to me—”


Her voice gets faster and faster in her nerves.


"So that's it," Gresak muses, tone darkening a touch as he grips the knife. "You're useless, are you? Hm." He chuckles, leaning forward and examining her carefully. "They'll refuse to pay the ransom, will they? You seem so sure of that... Why? Why will they refuse to pay? Is it because you're a needy little bitch~?"


“No-no! I didn’t say they WOULDN’T. It-It’s a hypothetical! They love me! They’ll... they’ll want me back.” She goes a bit teary. “I’m not useless...!”


Gresak gives her an appraising look, the aggression and suspicion gone from his eyes. What was left was hard to read. He puts the knife back in its place.


"Ciara... You heard me mention Leora. I'm sure you noticed how touchy Sakiv is about his blood mother," He starts, voice gentle now. "Do you want to know why?"


“W... why?” She asks softly, wiping at her eyes.


"She killed herself," He sighs, looking away. "After she gave birth to Sakiv and his sister. Sakiv was too young to remember that - Far too young. But when I told him about it later in his life, told him why - It hit him hard. I didn't realize just how hard it would be for him, and it's affected how he approaches things, I think. I doubt he'll be the warlord I was." He chuckles. "I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or not. But from what I've seen of him so far, he's got a lot in him. And I think that came from Leora as much as it did me. He won't let me say it, but in her own way, Leora helped make him the man he is."


He shakes his head. "I'm not sure what he'll do with you, exactly. I can't really know. He isn't me. But if you're as useless as you say you are, and that's apparent from the start, I don't think he'd be the kind of man to take it out on you." He sighs, slumping a little in his chair. "Because that's exactly the kind of thing he's always hated about me."


She looks at him with eyes swirling with emotions. She wasn’t sure how to feel about what this terrifying ex-warlord was saying. His veiled threats, his back-handed way of praising his son... the story about Leora. 


“Why...? Why did she kill herself...?” She asks after a long pause.


He frowns. "Right... You know, I still don't exactly know. I have some idea of the gist of it, of course... When I'm not trying to nail down an exact reason, dozens come to mind. Maybe it was all of them." He leans back, looking up at the ceiling in thought. "When I was a warlord, I was quite greedy. We never gained any territory in my time... At first, it was because I was so focused on myself. I wanted everything - Women, food, blood. Many of my military excursions were really just excuses for me to pillage the lands that didn't belong to us. Leora was among my favorite conquests... So I took her as a wife. I thought that was a pretty simple decision," He chuckles. "She was a gorgeous lion... She was smart, she was sweet. She had some fight in her. Sometimes I'd fight her instead of fucking her," He chuckles.


"She..." He sighs. "At first I didn't care whether she enjoyed it or not. And then when I grew closer to her, I just assumed she must enjoy it. When she was pregnant with my child, she tried to talk some sense into me. She was worried for her children, I think - And she was telling me about how she'd like to raise them. I listened, but I was very set in my ways. I dismissed everything she told me. Then she gave birth... And insisted on getting wet nurses for the babies. She fought me over it, even though she was still recovering. Of course I beat her, but... To get her to rest, I gave in."


He shakes his head. "The day after the wet nurses got to work, I found her with a knife in her. I assumed at first it must have been an assassination - I practically tore the palace apart trying to find her murderer. It took me a while to calm down enough to think seriously about... The alternative. I realized that she had never been happy with me, always seemed worried, scared, angry... Defeated. When I asked my investigation team what they thought of the possibility, they told me they had already confirmed that as the most likely scenario, and just hadn't told me because they were terrified of me." She sees his eyes get wet, and he sighs through his nose.


"I realized I loved her. And I realized I wanted to change. I wasn't sure I could, but... I tried to make sure that if I couldn't be different, at least my children could be. I raised Sakiv and his sister... Not quite like Leora would have wanted, but not quite like how I would have normally done it. I was unsure of myself, I think. But, somehow, Sakiv is the result of my uncertainty," He says with a laugh. "I can't believe how lucky I am. I didn't think I could change, yet I think Sakiv has raised me as much as I have him." 


Ciara sits quietly and listens, her nerves gone. Her eyes were soft, and she’s completely abandoned her champagne. She waits for him to look her in the eye, for him to acknowledge her again.


He seems to come out of a trance, clearing his throat as he looks at her again, before... Laughing gently, for some reason. "Mmm... I don't think Sakiv will hurt you. Not like I hurt Leora." He looks almost like he might cry as he says her name. 


She goes teary, and closes her eyes. She didn’t know what to say to the grieving man. A few hot tears spill from her cheeks— for herself, and for Leora.


He stands, straightening his clothes out. "I should go," He says softly. "I'm not the one eating, and if I'm in the same room as you when you're crying, Sakiv might hear of it and get the wrong idea," He says with a chuckle. "Enjoy your meal, Ciara."


“Thank you, mister Gresak.” She says gently.


He smiles, and then grins wolfishly at her. "Anything for a beautiful rabbit like you... Who knows? Maybe you'll let me have a little fun with you sometime~" He coos, before slithering out and closing the door.


Just then, Jusso steps in through the other door, followed by a pair of servants. "Soup's on!" He cries triumphantly. "I went for something simple, but flavorful. You'll have to tell me what you think," He says with a grin. "We're grilling a fine sea bass Sakiv dragged up - Said he had to go get his armor cleaned and dried, and he'd join you when the roast comes back out." He pauses, frowning at her. "Is everything alright? You're crying..." 


"Ah!" She wipes at her face quickly, trying to maintain her haughty princess exterior. "Of course! I wasn't crying, I just... had something in my eye."


The warthog nods knowingly, setting her soup down in front of her as a servant swaps out her silverware - And offers her a spare napkin. "I'd best go check on the seafood course - When I come back, tell me how the soup was," Jusso says, bowing slightly and stepping back out. The servants remain - Her solitude had come to an end, it seemed. At least she'd have someone to send off if she needed.


She pauses at the napkin, before turning to the servants. "Do you have any hot towels? This is absolutely ridiculous." 


Her voice isn't convincing, though-- still a bit soft, and damp with tears. Her big pink eyes and rosy cheeks from crying made her difficult to take seriously.


"I'll see about preparing some," One offers, stepping out. Just one is left with her, at the ready in case she needed something else.


She sits quietly, before taking a sip of soup. It was delicious. Warm and hearty, which was good for a luncheon soup. She'd have to remind the cook that dinner soups were either clear broth or bisque, where lunch soup could have whole vegetables and meat. He was talented though.


As she ate, the soup helped soothe her. The servant that had left finally returned with hot towels for her, and the two of them stood against the wall, quietly watching her eat and waiting to be needed.


She takes the moment of peace to think more on the situation she'd found herself in. 'Useless,' was the word he'd used. And ultimately, if she wasn't able to be married off, or held for ransom, or used in some twisted political move, she really was. Her place was one of luxury, but not one of freedom, and she knew that. She was the 3rd of a litter of 6, and that litter was the second of four her mother had had before dying. She had many sisters and brothers, and while her brothers had a bit more independence in their lives, all of them were born for the sole purpose of being moved and traded around the monarchies of the world. She had sisters in the furthest northern mountains, in the southern deserts, in the tropical islands, and in hot savannas. All were placed there to establish a foothold of peace and trade in that region. Her brothers were assigned land and became dukes, counts, and marquises. They were given wives from their lands, and produced children who would continue to maintain the Rabbit Kingdom's strength throughout the world. Produce. That's all they really were.


Her thoughts are interrupted by Shreliss returning, looking mildly disappointed.


"Well, that was hardly very entertaining," Shreliss sighs, slithering over to a chair across from Ciara. "I can't believe Sakiv wore his armor going fishing. As handsome and virile as that boy is, he can be a bit of a bore sometimes..." She sighs, leaning back into the chair. A smile splits her face slyly in the bunny's direction. "How's your extended lunch so far, Ciara dear~?" 


"It's wonderful. I thought you were joining me, Shreliss?" She asks politely.


"I thought I'd give the kitchen staff at least one meal to figure things out before I joined in and made things harder for them," She chuckles. "But don't worry, I'm not passing up my opportunity to eat like a real queen~ And I can certainly keep you company during lunch today... I don't really have anything better to do~" Ciara feels the dragoness's tail rub her calf teasingly, accompanied by a naughty smirk.


Ciara blushes a bit and huffs, looking away again.


Shreliss politely pulls her tail away, giggling. "Oh, you're so cute~ It's really quite a treat, having you around," She croons. "I wonder how long you'll stay? A few weeks at least, I'd think..."


"A few weeks? Do you think?" She asks, taking another sip of soup.


"Correspondence between kingdoms takes a while," She says with a knowing smile. "If there's any kind of negotiation happening at all, there will be back and forth, travel, each party considering their options, etcetera. If your family comes to visit, arranging such a trip will take even more time. You'll be here for a few weeks before they can even begin a discussion about what will happen with you. It will take longer still if they can't come to an agreement quickly, say if one party is making demands the other doesn't quite want to settle for... I suggest you make the most of your time here~" Ciara feels Shreliss's tail slap her thigh lightly, and the dragoness's tongue flicks through the air dirtily.


The bunny squeaks and pulls her thigh closer to her, giving an adorable little glower. "I suppose I shall. I won't have lessons here, at least."


Shreliss seems to take pause at this, nodding. "We could remedy that, if you like... You seem rather happy about being idle, but it's important to keep one's mind active. Gresak and I have plenty we could teach you, if you were so inclined to learn... And I have plenty of books I could lend you, if you're a reader."


Ciara pouts at this, looking like a disappointed child, before sighing. "I'll take those books, then."


"I can take you to my room after you eat to pick a few out~" She purrs, knitting her fingers under her chin and resting her elbows - And her breasts - On the table. "Provided Sakiv allows me... I suppose you are still a captive, after all," She says with a chuckle.


Ciara notices her breasts and blushes deeply, pulling her wraps closer around her.


Shreliss notices her embarrassment, and twirls the fine black chain dangling between her nipples around a finger, flicking her tongue in the air again. "Is something the matter, Ciara~? You know I could always help you if you're feeling a bit... Pent up~" She croons in a conspiratorial hush.


"A-absolutely not! I'm a virgin, and I'll stay that way!" She scowls, cheeks bright red.


Shreliss bursts out laughing. "Oh, you sweet little thing~ You realize there are plenty of ways we could have a little fun with that meager restriction in mind, yes~?"


She scoffs, face burning with indignation, and takes another bite of soup.


She giggles, leaning back and stretching her wings idly. "Ah... I probably don't have a chance with you or Sakiv, but it is so fun to tease the two of you~" She coos.


Ciara goes wide eyed, realizing she’d become just as much of a target as Sakiv, and the connotations of such a discovery. “I AM NOTHING LIKE—!”


Shreliss bursts out laughing, doubling over as she practically wretched amusement.


"Ohhhh sweetheart, you... Are you seriously saying you're nothing like Sakiv? That is... Not at ALL the point, dear~" She wheezes, covering her face. "Oh my gods I haven't laughed like that in a while~"


Ciara’s gone even darker red than before, and she slumps over in embarrassment, taking another sip of soup.


She giggles, wiping her eyes. "You're both cute when you're being teased, but in very different ways~ You, you're huffy, and haughty, and you blush so much - Sakiv, he's so used to it by now that he gets annoyed and can never quite decide between letting me do what I want and having me thrown out of the room~" She purrs, looking dreamy for a moment. "On occasion, he grabs me by the throat and just looks so fed up with me... And by the time he realizes he's making me drip down my tail, he's so embarrassed..." She giggles naughtily.


Ciara chokes a bit on her broth and glowers at the slutty naga. “You’re disgusting! I’m trying to eat!”


She laughs, covering her mouth. "Oh dear, I'm sorry... I'll let you enjoy your soup, I promise. How is it, anyway? Jusso really knows how to make good food, doesn't he~?"


“Yes, it surprised me just how delicious it was. He has a passion for cooking, I can tell.” She smiles a little.


She giggles. "Yes, he does. He's been with us since Leora's kids were young," She explains. "As I understand, the old chef was one of the... Ah, nevermind, maybe I shouldn't talk about that," She mutters thoughtfully.


Her ears prick up. “One of the...?”


She clears her throat, blushing a little. "Yes, well... Sakiv and Gresak might not want me to say too much, but there was... A murder investigation in the castle, a little over two decades ago now. Our old chef, from what I hear, was one of the... victims of the investigation." 


She raises her eyebrows in curiosity.


"Gresak threatened to kill her, so she fled," She explains. "When I came around, there was a rumor among the staff that he had her hunted down before he came to his senses, but... No one knows for sure. Gresak doesn't like talking about it, of course."


Just then, Jusso steps in holding a platter. "And for our second course, I present grilled sea bass, lightly seasoned with a touch of lemon juice," The warthog declares, setting the platter down in front of Ciara's soup bowl. "When you're ready, the servants can take your soup bowl." The aroma coming from the fresh grilled bass was amazing - This was some very high quality food. She realizes the bass literally went from the ocean to the grill; Sakiv had just caught it specifically for her. 


She purrs a bit, motioning for the servants to take away her soup and digging in to the fish. “Ah, mister...?” She looks to Jusso for his name.


"Tabath, m'lady, Jusso Tabath. Most people around here just call me Jusso, though," He explains.


“Ah. Jusso. The soup was spectacular. I have high hopes for my stay.” She gives an appreciative smile.


"Splendid to hear," He says with a smile. "The roast course is technically already done, but I should make sure it doesn't dry out. Please excuse me - And enjoy your fish." He turns and heads out, leaving her with Shreliss and the servants again.


Shreliss gives her a naughty smile. "So... How's the fish~?" She coos, with a tone that implied eating the fish was somehow mildly sexual. 


She huffs and turns up her nose at Shreliss, pointedly ignoring her.


"You know... The fish that Sakiv caught just for you~?" She teases, grinning dirtily.


“You seem to be implying that I’m attracted to your son. I’m sorry to say that I am n-not.” 


She closes her eyes in defeat— she stammered the last word. She might as well have proclaimed her love for him in front of her. 


Shreliss giggles at her blunder. "Of course... How presumptuous of me~ Perhaps you'll give me that fish, then, if you're so unenthused by his efforts~?" She was having it both ways - Underhandedly teasing Ciara about how obvious her budding interest in Sakiv was, and playing on her denial as well.


Just then, Sakiv himself comes in, in a robe rather tightly fastened around his waist. "My armor was going to take some time to dry, and I'm having a hard time getting anything done while I'm still hungry for lunch," He admits. "Please excuse my state of dress. I really should get a second suit of armor fitted..." He sighs. "How has the meal been, Ciara?"


“Your mother has been harassing me.” She says immediately, cheeks bright red. “Sexually. And trying to steal my food.”


"SHRELISS!" Sakiv shouts, drawing two of his swords. "I thought I made myself VERY CLEAR - "


"Only a little! I was just teasing her a bit!" The dragoness begs, holding her hands up in surrender. "Ask her!" Ciara found it cathartic to see Shreliss once again genuinely alarmed.


Sakiv holds his swords down at his sides, giving Ciara a questioning look. She wasn't sure if he was out for murder, or just waving his swords around to scare Shreliss - It was hard to tell with him.


“... She was teasing. But I want her to stop.” She turns her nose up at Shreliss a bit before taking another bite of fish and purring happily.


Sakiv looks back at Shreliss. "I expect this to be the last I hear of this, or I'm putting you in the dungeon for three days," He warns.


Shreliss sighs in relief, but looks put out about the whole thing. "Yes, Sakiv."


The young dragon sheathes his swords in a slow and deliberate motion, only breaking eye contact and sitting down once they’re all the way in. 


Ciara glances over shyly at him, before looking back down at her fish. He was quite handsome.


"Other than Shreliss..." Sakiv sighs, leaning back in the chair, "How has the meal been?"


“Excellent.” She pushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she leans in to take a bite. The action makes her let go of her sheer wrappings for a moment, and her breasts peek from the silky fabric.


He turns red, staring a little. "R-right... I'm glad it's to your tastes," He says quickly, forcing himself to look away. Shreliss stifles a half-hearted giggle, and Sakiv sucks in a breath as he pointedly ignores her.


She pulls the silks back up quickly, blushing gently. If this is what it was like here... she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.


Shreliss leaves halfway through lunch, claiming to be too tempted with them both around and not wanting to be imprisoned. Ciara and Sakiv spend the lunch together, with Sakiv writing a letter while she ate, and trying the coffee Jusso made them for the last course. Finally, Sakiv gets up - Still in his robes, he fumbles to close the fabric over his crotch.


"Right then... I'll lead you back to your room," He states. "I'll have you stay there through most of the day until we can get you more suitable clothes. You'll be escorted at all times, keep that in mind." He offers her a hand to help her up, not thinking about the connotation.


She blushes deeply and hesitates, looking between it and his face.


He blinks, and then suddenly realizes why she's hesitating. "Ah, right, you... Probably want to hold onto your clothes as you get up," He says, attempting to avoid the real reason for her hesitation as he takes his hand away. "Mm... Feel free, then."


She stands gently, pulling the sheets a bit closer. As she does, he realizes that, for most of lunch, he’d almost forgotten how gorgeous— and how nude— the little bunny was. The silk sheets clung to her curves beautifully, highlighting every soft mound, every roll and every jiggle. He could see now that her tail— trapped underneath the silk— was pulling the fabric taught across her plump rear, and he could see the individual cheeks jiggle as she walked...


He finds himself salivating as he stares at her rear end, following her to her room almost in a trance. He tries and fails to keep his wits about him, and ends up slithering straight into her back as they get to the door. She can feel his erection through his robe for a moment, before he pulls himself away in a hurry.


"Ah...! S-sorry, I was... I'm sorry," He manages, beet red. "That was silly of me."


She blushes deeply and turns away, trying to remain haughty and aloof. Her long, silky hair swings temptingly, and he’s reminded of how, just a while ago, he yanked it while stripping her naked.


He exhales a little more heavily than he intended to, and gently reaches around her to open the door for her. With him so close, she can smell him - The salt from him diving into the ocean for her, his powerful, virile natural musk... Her instincts kick in as her nose processes what's happening to it. Her womb starts throbbing— her body telling her that it was a big fan of Sakiv.


She bites her soft bottom lip as she fidgets— her thighs pressing together as her ears bob and flick and her little tail trembles beneath her sheer sheets. This feeling in her hips was not new, but she’d never felt it this intensely before. As she walks through the now open door, she can feel— and hear— her thighs squishing together wetly.


Sakiv turns bright red as he hears it too, and he struggles to contain his erection in his relatively open robe. "Are you - " He pauses, realizing too late that it was probably better to say nothing about her condition. He realizes then that the longer the pause went on, the more awkward it became, but he wasn't sure how to break it and was left standing there dumbly, holding his cocks in his hips desperately as he thinks far too much about how wet Ciara must be to be making noises like that. 


"I-I'm sorry, did you say something...?" She mews gently, pulling the sheets tighter around herself.


"Ah... N-nothing of any significance," He says, closing the door behind them. "Anyway, are you... Situated well, in here? You'll be spending much of your time here, so if you need anything..."


"For now, I think... I think this will be fine." She goes over to sit on the bed, checking to see if it was comfortable.


"Right. Let the guards know if you need anything," He says. "And, um..." He catches his robe opening on its own, and he turns bright red as he's forced to very obviously put his hands over his crotch. "I-I should go," He says, turning to leave. "I-I'm very busy, running a kingdom and all," He says, as if he needed to explain as much. He slithers out in a hurry and closes the door behind him, fleeing down the hall to his room and hoping nobody notices his plight. 


She watches him go, before letting the silks fall to the floor and climbing in bed. The whole ordeal of being captured, then harassed, then fed, and now this feeling of lust in her stomach was too much, and a nap was in order.


Sakiv had no such luxury as being able to sleep off his lust - He had work to do, and some of that work involved Ciara or her family. To make matters worse, Shreliss happens to spot him on his dash back to his room. As he's trying to get dressed in something less revealing, she slips into his room.


"Sakiv, is everything alright~?" She croons. "I - "


"Fine! Everything is... Fine," Sakiv huffs, keeping himself turned away from her. She slithers up behind him as he tries to collect his thoughts enough to stave her off like he usually did. "I'm just changing into - "


Shreliss interrupts him by looking over his shoulder at his huge, twitching erection, making him yelp. "Oh my, Sakiv~ What's gotten you so riled up~?" She teases.


"It's nothing, and it's none of your business anyway," He snips. 'Now - "


"It's that bunny, isn't it~?" She purrs. "I can tell you want her~ Apparently you want her very badly~" She croons, rubbing his hips and nuzzling his neck. "But you can't have her yet, can you~?"


Sakiv takes a deep breath, and says nothing. He couldn't stop thinking about Ciara, even with Shreliss breathing down his neck.


"You know... I could always help you~" She purrs. "Just for a little while... Just until you can get your dick in that rabbit pussy~"


"Shreliss, what makes you think - "


"I won't ask for anything, Sakiv," She moans softly. "No strings attached~ Use me as your little fuck toy~ Just once, maybe twice~ That's all I want~" She licks at his jaw delicately, a finger tracing over one of his cocks.


He pulls away, shuddering. "I have things to do, Shreliss, I don't have time for this," He insists, starting to get dressed.


"Tonight, then~" She purrs. "I'll be ready~" She slithers out before he can say anything else, and he finds himself feeling very frustrated - And thinking about Ciara again.







Come morning, Ciara is treated to the coffee and pastry in bed she had requested. It was a welcome change - they'd not fed her the way she was used to on her way to the castle. Sakiv's guards had kindly included her in their own meals during the trip, but hadn't given her anything else.


Sakiv, Gresak and Shreliss were all there for the first course of breakfast, but Sakiv had brought some of his work with him, and kept himself busy, avoiding conversation. He seemed to be avoiding looking at Ciara specifically. Shreliss seems silent and inattentive, perhaps still afraid of being thrown in the dungeon. She mercifully has her arms crossed over her breasts, and her eyes are closed, as if she's just waiting for the food.


Gresak, on the other hand, was all too eager to stare at the bunny. "Ciara, you look pretty today~" He purrs, licking his lips. "The concubine look really suits you~ Do you like it?"


“Stop that!” Ciara blushes a bit, huffing. “I have no negative or positive feelings towards this manner of dress.”


She pauses.


“Though, it is quite comfortable.”


Gresak smirks coyly. "Comfortable, eh~? I've seen what the rabbit royalty usually wears, and I can see how you'd be a lot more... Free out of those big dresses," He says with a wink. 


She huffs again and turns her nose up in her classic way. “Honestly, are all of you so vile? I’ve been here two days and have been violated by two of you and ogled by a third.” 


Gresak raises his eyebrows, grinning big with his battleworn teeth. "Violated? What did I miss~? Did Sakiv - "


"No," Sakiv says shortly, not even looking up. "Leave Ciara be, father." 


She blushes again, and looks around impatiently for the food. Shreliss catches her eye as she does.


Shreliss has a lewdly smug look on her face, and pointedly looks away from Ciara, as if hiding her expression to tease the bunny.


Sakiv blinks as he finally processes what Ciara said. "Wait... Two of us? What - "


"Eggs and smoked fish with watercress, as requested," Jusso purrs as he throws the door open, followed by several servants carrying the plates for each person dining. "Tell me if this is up to your standards, Ciara~" 


Ciara sighs in relief. “You’re the only one around here I can depend on, Mr. Jusso.” She smiles at him as a servant sets her plate in front of her. “Is this salmon?”


"Yes, indeed," He purrs. "It was hard to get my hands on, but I had to have it, what with our new meal plan." He beams at Ciara. "It seemed fitting for the occasion."


She smiles at him happily, and digs in. He, and Sakiv, notice just how gorgeous she was when she really smiled— she’d been such a pouty little thing up until that point.


Sakiv blushes deeply, turning to his food and busying himself with it. He didn't want to think about her too much, lest he get riled up again.


Jusso blushes a little too. "I'll be back with the next course soon," He promises, beaming with pride as he steps back out.


"Mmm, this is good~" Gresak purrs, before shoveling more fish into his maw. "I have to admit, Ciara, you have pretty good taste~"


“Of course I do~” She purrs, giggling happily as she enjoys her breakfast.


Sakiv finishes his breakfast not long after that, and excuses himself quickly, taking his work with him.


Gresak sighs, frowning a little. "It's oddly quiet today... Shreliss, everything alright?"


"Mmm~ I'm fine dear~" She croons. "Though the bunny seems to have the ability to have me sent to the dungeon, so I'm staying quiet." She plays at an aloof, put-upon little pout, but Ciara notices her fighting to keep a straight face.


Gresak balks at this. "What? Really? What in the hell is Sakiv - "


"It's not a big thing, dear," She coos, voice dripping with sweetness and happiness. "A small price to pay, for... Sakiv's success thus far~ Besides, it would only be a few days."


Gresak snorts. "I don't like this," He mutters. "I'll have a talk with Sakiv - "


"There's really no need, sweetie~" Shreliss croons, allowing herself a mischievous smile. "I can... Take care of my own affairs~"


He frowns harder at this, but sighs. "Alright, if you say so. I think I'll go bother Aidre, she wanted to train with me," He says, getting up from his devoured breakfast and heading out. As the door closes, Shreliss purrs, moaning softly and rubbing her back against her chair like a horny bear enjoying a tree way too much.


Ciara stares hard at Shreliss, squinting a little. She couldn’t figure out what that meant. What the coy smiles, the self satisfaction on her face meant. Or why she was making such a poor show of keeping this “secret.”


Shreliss notices her, and feigns being apologetic as she sits up straight. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I was just... Reminiscing~" She croons. "I'll try to stop, though forgive me if... Well, I really shouldn't say anything, should I~?" She giggles, covering her mouth and looking away. "You might think I was teasing you, and we can't have that~" 


Ciara’s lip purses and she turns her nose up, huffing loudly. “I was just ignoring you anyway.”


"I'm glad to hear that~" She coos. "Now that we have some privacy, it might be hard to contain myself~" She giggles, and just then, Jusso comes in with the second course.


"Omlettes for you, ladies," Jusso offers, bowing. "Spiced, with fine beef mixed in. Enjoy." He bows, and the plates are swapped. "How was the salmon, Ciara?"


“Delicious! I have a request— I’d like a mimosa. I find my dining partner unpleasant, and I feel champagne may ease me.” She scoffs a bit at Shreliss.


He nods quickly. "I'll have a servant up with that shortly," He promises, stepping out.


Shreliss shoots Ciara a naughty look, but turns to her omlette quietly. It's clear she's still up to something, though - She keeps squirming in her chair, moaning and whining as she ate. She seemed like she wasn't quite present, clearly daydreaming about something filthy. She stops just long enough for Ciara to receive her mimosa, then continues.


Finally, Ciara’s had enough. “STOP THAT. YOU FILTHY... YOU SLAG. STOP!”


Shreliss feigns a pout, covering her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Ciara... I just can't stop thinking about last night~" She moans, a hand sliding under the table. "Oh! Oh dear, look at me..." She grabs a napkin, and that goes under the table, too - Ciara can hear wet sounds, as the dragoness presumably cleans herself. 


Ciara just about gags. “DISGUSTING! You OBVIOUSLY want to tell me about whatever disgusting thing you pleasured yourself with last night, so come out with it and go AWAY so I can EAT in PEACE.” She hisses, slamming her palms down on the table.


"Promise you won't let Sakiv throw me in the dungeon. Ever." She has a very smug look on her face, and knits her fingers under her jaw.


“I might have him throw you in the dungeon if you don’t COME OUT WITH IT ALREADY!” She snaps.


"Sakiv." She lets the name of her stepson hang in the air with a filthy grin, as if that explained everything.


“Yes, yes, I won’t have him throw you in the dungeon! Now just tell me what you were doing last night!” She huffs.


"Sakiv!" She barks, cackling and doubling over. She has to push her food away so she doesn't end up setting her tits on her plate. "Sakiv screwed me like an unchained beast last night~" She gloats, grinning as she finally got her laughing under control. 


Ciara’s eyes go wide, and she can feel her mouth go dry and her heart drop all the way down, past her stomach, into her womb. Her face flushes red with anger and embarrassment. “You’re lying! You’re lying just to tease me!” She barks.


She chuckles. "No, really... I don't know what you two were up to after lunch yesterday, but whatever it was, he came away so fucking horny that he gave me what he's refused to for four YEARS~ And oh my GODS it was better than I could have hoped for in my wildest dreams~" She moans plaintively, rubbing her cheek on the table and squirming like something was trying to possess her.


Her face goes even deeper red than it ever had, and she stammers and stutters weakly. Shreliss was a whore— a seductress who gained her position through sex. And if she was writhing with pleasure just remembering it... she could only imagine. And she did. She imagined them— him on top, pushing her down, grabbing her throat, having his way with her...


And then she processes what Shreliss said before that. ‘After whatever it was you two did, he was so horny that...’ All they’d done was walk to the bedroom together. 


“Y... you’re disgusting.” She murmurs, lips pursing in a defined pout, cheeks burning deep red. “Stop talking now that you’ve said your piece.” 


She seems to calm down a little after the opportunity to brag, and she gives Ciara a tender smile. "If it makes you feel any better, I could tell it wasn't really me he wanted. He focused on satisfying himself, and once he had, he had me leave immediately. He was still horny, too." She sighs. "And even still, it was amazing~ I'm not quite sure how to thank you. I might have a few weeks of this to look forward to, with you around... So if there's anything I can do, let me know. But I'll start by giving you some peace and quiet." She gets up, composing herself a little. "If Jusso asks where I went, tell him I'm still getting used to the longer meals, but I very much enjoyed the food."


The bunny stays silent, pout well set in her soft little face.