Forgotten Kingdom

[Zadkiel]

The kingdom was a small one. One would miss it completely if they did not make themselves known. They commanded attention with a kind, Righeous King ruling over them. The empire was set on the outskirts of one of the largest cities of Prasidion. But where technology and treaties ruled the larger cities, this empire was ruled by one. Their skin was not the green of their ancestors, but ranged from pale to tanned after hundreds of years of the taking of mates from other worlds. The castle was the main feature of the town, and its walls extended past the village into the very dunes that seemed to spit up the buildings that nestled between them.

Vegetation was plentiful, but only with careful cultivation, and none of it's people had heard of an 'air ship'. They traveled by foot, or gentile animal. They were scavengers and warriors. Proud and free of the laws of their brothers.

The villagers prospered under the King's watchful gaze. Even the lowest servant was treated kindly, or as kind as one could be to one on the lower end of the social ladder.

Inside the palace, life was teeming. The king had many a mate, as the kings of the old worlds had. The first to give him and heir was his High-mate. The others were concubines that bore him more heirs and filled the palace with twittering laughter and whispered behind hands. The guards were the finest and commanded by a general so feirce, some feared that one day, he would slay there king and take over the ruling. But in is mind, Zadkiel had no wish to slay his Majesty. The man was aging, but had been his ruler since birth. He felt loyalty for him. Respect, but also a dep seated jealousy. For in the heartof the harem was the jewel he wished to possess. And by the Gods that ruled their rains and the cycle of the seasons, he would have him. He would have him....

....

Zadkiel knelt before his Majesty on the polished marble of the main hall, his head near his boot, dark hair skimming the clean floor.

"Sire, the watch has been clear for nigh three nights now. I don't think we are in danger of an attack," he reported of the recen scares, daring to lift his eyes up to the aging man.

[Raimi]

Bagnael nodded, "Rise General Zadkiel. I thank you and your army for pushing back the invaders, and keeping such close watch." He shifted in his large, sandstone throne. "You and your men are in need of rest, and enjoyment. What thinks you, Ahjmael?" he asked, gazing to the side of the room where his High-Mate sat upon a pillow, their 3-year-old heir nestled against his chest.

Ahjmael bowed slightly, "My King, I believe that we should give them something to smile about." he replied properly.

The man nodded, wrinkled hand reaching up to touch his chin. "Then, tonight, General, your higher officers and you are invited here tonight. My Concubines shall dance for you, and you will be given a grand feast. For those lower ranking, they are welcome to the tavern to drink their fill upon my gold."

[Zadkiel]

Zadkiel rose and bowed once more. He could feel the excitment thrumming off his second and third in command, whom were bowing behind him.

"My men would indeed enjoy the hospitality. They will drink to your ruling, my majesty, and moral will rise with the dancing of your beautiful concubines. I thank you for your kindness and the offer." He bowed once more as was custom, before turning to the High-mate and their heir to also bow, showing his respect, before straightening.

"Tonight then," He nodded, and turned to leave, as the man had more to deal with, his cape snapping in his wake, boots tapping ever so lightly on the floor. His officers followed, their spirits already risen. It always was at the mention of a large feast and as many drinks as they could down.

"It's too bad we're not able to touch the concubines. I'll surely have to take a servant to bed tonight," Haiel, his second in command snickered.

"Surely. The king has all of the best bearers to delight us at the feast. We'll all be going to bed with servants, eh, Zad?" A smirk crossed Zadkiel's features.

"I've not the time to bed one of the servants." It was true enough, but not the reason trully...He had eyes for only one at the moment...Perhaps when he became King, there would be others.

[Raimi]

Bagnael motioned to a servant standing by, who quickly scurried up and bowed. "Go and inform the Concubines and Minstraels their services will be needed this evening after sunset. Also inform the kitchens that they are to cook as grand a feast as they have ever."

The servant bowed and scurried away.

He stopped before the large, thick curtain that blocked the rooms of the Royal Concubines, and bowed before their Watcher. "His Majesty wishes for the best dancers of the Concubines to be prepared to dance this evening after sunset."

The man, Cadfiel nodded, "Very well. He will want Kamali, Latif, and Manu then. Will he be wishing for the Favorite to dance as well?"

The servant looked slightly confused at the moment... The King hadn't said anything... Except... "He merely said the best."

He nodded, "Off with you then." And he ducked behind the curtain, almost pushed back by the wind of twittering concubines, all dressed in silks and jeweled chains.

The job of a Concubine was far more complex than one may first imagine; after all there were rules to follow;

First, a Concubine must always be prepared for the King to request them. There for, grooming was the first on their list, even the smallest hair out of place could possibly get them tossed out.

Second, a Concubine must never speak about what they had done with or to the King.

Third, they must obey their King and Watcher and none other unless the King or Watcher had ordered them to.

Fourth, a Concubine must never let their bodies be touched in any way by anyone other than each other, the doctors, or the King. Relationships with anyone, or sex, even kisses or hugs were forbidden with anyone but the King.

And lastly, they must be talented in more than just sex.

"I bring orders from his Majesty." Cadfiel called out, the chatter stopping, all eyes glued to him. "Kamali, Latif, Muna, and Raimi; you are all to be prepared to dance for the King this evening. Prepare yourselves now."

The four stood up and nodded, picking their way around the other lounging Concubines towards the open bath in the corner.

[Zadkiel]

Zadkiel stepped into the crowded guards hall, raising a hand and closing it into a fist. Immediately the chatter stopped, and they all looked to their general, eyes and ears open, straining. Good news or bad? They'd spent the past three days fighting for their empire. Surely...

" The king has granted us vacation," Zadkiel spoke, and paused while an excited murmur shifted around the room.

"My officers and I will be treated in the King's Grand Hall this evening. The rst of you lot will take to the pubs and drink and eat the gold supplied for your merriment."

Immediately after his words, a great cheer went up. Rauscious laughter and manly slaps on the back accompanied the excited chatter. No one was discontent or jealous. They were all getting something they would never have gotten if they hadn't done such a good job on the front lines.

Now was a time for relaxation and celebration. Zadkiel raised his and again, commanding silence.

"There were be four petty officers left to watch guard. On the morrow you will be relieved for a days worth of relaxation to do with as you wish. i will pull the name later. For now, go to your bunks and rest. It's a well deserved break." Once more a cheer before his men stod and filtered down the hallways to their rooms.

His officers remained behind, all gathering at one long table to decide the four lower rankin officers that would keep watch that night.

[Raimi]

---That Evening---

Servants placed the trays of food upon the floor before the General and his officers, bowing their way back to the wall to stand, ready for any command given to them. Some held jigs of Wine, eyes ever sharp and searching for any goblet only half full.

The King stood slowly, his High-mate sitting upon the floor slightly behind him, his other mates lined up behind Ahjmael, for once, none holding onto babes or children.

"Grand Warriors of the Dah-Nii, I humbly thank you for your grand service, and bravery. Without you, we would have fallen victim to the Outsiders." He rose his own, solid gold goblet, all others following suit, save for the mates, whom humbly rose mid-way their saucers of tea. "To Dah-Nii."

"To Dah-Nii." came the chorus, all raising their cups and taking a sip.

"Now, as my gift to all of you, the best of dancers shall preform for you." He sat, and clapped his hands.

Minstrels were already positioned in the far corner, away from the men, and from the doorway the four Concubines moved inside, each adorned with sheer silks, and gold. Their hair weaved with pearls found in the river, piled atop their heads and trailing down their backs in waves.

[Zadkiel]

Zadkiel raised his goblet when beckoned, his voice joining the other to echo about the walls, and leap to the rafters with the flames from torches.

It was a lazy night. Calm and serene. His men were out in the village making the most of the taverns and available middle class bearers. His officers eyes found the dancers as they appeared and he could hear the silent inhales of pleasure, could feel the pulse of instantaneous lust.

But none were ever to touch the King's concubines. It was a shure and swift death.

His eyes sought out the beautiful, silk covered body of his jewel. He had been hoping he would be chosen for tonight's feast. All four were a treat to the eye, but none more so than Raimi. The perals in his hair glittered and gleamed, and the gold tinged against his smoothe skin. Zadkiel wanted him as much as he had when he'd ben just a lad discovering the intricasies of bearers. He'd wanted him, and had to beat back that want when Raimi was taken by his Majesty. Out of his reach forever it seemed. But not for long...

[Raimi]

They bowed slightly to all of them, before the music started up.

Their hips began to sway, arms moving rhythmically. The dances were old, traditional ones. Telling of the flow of the river that kept their people alive, of the sand and wind, the seasons changing.

However, as trays were taken away, and the wine flowed, the dance suddenly became more...

Their bodies began moving in far more erotic ways, all 4 in perfect harmony.

The King's mates were lead from the room and to their beds, leaving the only bearers within the room servants, whom were ignored standing at the walls, and the Concubines.

Kamali, Latif, and Muna sat down shortly after, leaving the only one standing Raimi, sandy hair curling down his back, sharp, green eyes catching the fire-light.

It...should have been expected that the King would ask him to dance alone after the mates left... It was no secret the 12 bearers were not at all fond of him. Had there been a law allowing more than 12 mates, Raimi would have been snatched up quickly.

Even the other Concubines were not at all kind to him; after all, would anyone be nice to the person who stole the attention of their love away? He was called into the King's chambers almost every night, dancing for him, singing and reciting poetry to him.

As of yet, he had not been taken, the age of being incorporated into the Harem was much earlier than the age one could be taken; 5 years in fact. But that did not stop the King from looking, and wanting to touch.

Raimi was actually...excited... He loved the King dearly, almost like a father in some respects... And next week he'd be coming of age...

The Music changed, and he snapped out of his thoughts, body beginning to ungulate in the dance of the Snake.

[Zadkiel]

Zadkiel believed he had perfect control over his body. Others were already excited, and he could hear the panting breaths, the groans. The first dance was not meant to entice so, but some of these men had gone months already without attention. They were officers and alot was expected of them. Now, when they could relax...

He sat back, his eyes glued to the slender hips of the God on stage. He looked like a God. Like a dream with his swaying body. His come-hither eyes and movements. He shifted, waving away an offer of another round of drink. He was quite tipsy already. Any more and he might drunkenly declare war on the King, or perhaps jump the luscious morsel dancing for their pleasure.

[Raimi]

Finally, the music came to and end and he stopped his dance, bowing to the King as Bagnael motioned for him to sit.

The other Concubines were already draped over the King, Kamali pouting the most, lower lip large from it, batting his lashes.

Muna was nuzzling the man's neck, arms draped over his shoulders, frowning ever so slightly when his blue eyes caught onto Raimi.

Latif was lounging in the man's lap, eyes asking if the King would like him to relieve his problem.

Raimir took his seat near the mass of flesh, watching the floor and blushing brightly from the scent and sound of the givers' arousal. Thankfully the glow from the torches hid it well.

Bagnael removed himself from his Concubines, much to their whining. "I believe, it is time for our gathering to end." he announced. "It is far past the mid of the night, and morning approaches and with it a new day. Please, enjoy yourselves the rest of the night." He moved to the door, his guards immediately moving to walk around him, letting the King speak to a servant before leaving.

Cadfiel immediately scurried inside, the servant repeating to him before the man rounded up the Concubines and ushered them out, lest the drunken givers try and take them.

"Muna and Latif, the King was impressed with both of you and wishes you to warm his bed tonight." he said as soon as they made it back to the Harem. "Clean yourselves up and you will be escorted to him. Raimi, you are to go as well."

Raimir started and blushed, nodding a bit and scurrying along with the other wom leaving Kamali to pout as he flopped down onto his assigned pillow. He knew he wasn't the best out of the four of them!!! But why Raimi!? He wasn't even of age yet!! The little whore...

Raimi stripped off his clothes and stepped into the warm pool of water, washing off the sweat that clung to his pale skin.

"So, how was it?" Khalil asked, leaning over his own pillow, stretching as far as he could on his arms towards the bathing pool to talk to him quietly.

Raimir blushed. "W---well...I mean...it was..."

"He had the officers pleasuring themselves within the first minute of his dance. Tell me," began Latif. "Was it the first time seeing a givers' member?"

Raimi turned even darker, causing Khalil to laugh madly.

[Zadkiel]

Most of his officers were drunk with the sweet wine served to them, and the lust they'd finally gotten released from their systems. They began picking themselves from the floor, some trying to entice the servants that were left to clean up, to come along to warm their cots.

He stood from his place, sufficently calmed. It was not that he was a prude, though he would be accused of it later. Rather Zadkiel liked to savor his sexual conquests. He didn't want a quick wank in a room full of officers and servants, and dancing concubines. He wanted a leisurely roll between the sheets. And he would have it soon. He scowled slightly when Raimi was called to join those the king would have that night. The boy was not entirely of age yet. However, it was strange for him to be called.....He knew his coming of age was merely a week now. He would have to act fast. His plan was set to move into motion in the middle of the week. Several of his closest officers were joined in his cause. For personal gain, mostly, and loyalty at the least.

No other knew, and he made sure it stayed that way. Not even drink would loosen tongues. He stepped out into the corrider, reveling in the cool air as he headed towards his room.

[Raimi]

After bathing, he dressed in his best silks, brushing his hair until it shone, quickly putting on his best gold.

The King's Personal Guards came to escort the three, and he scurried along after Muna and Latif, right into the King's chambers.

Like all rooms, it consisted of one room behind a thick, dark purple curtain. Hundreds of pillows lay piled on the floor with sheets rolled up beside them. Curtains draped from the ceiling every where, the ones around the bed ready to be tugged closed with several small ropes.

As in the room of the 1st Heir and High-Mate, there were no windows, and the only way in was past the 8 King's guards outside, and the 4 inside the door. There were large chests along one wall, under wall paintings, that he knew carried the King's robes and sandals, the paintings of the river, the sands, the sky, and war. Unlike the Harem, the bath area was enclosed behind thick curtains that seemed to pile up on the floor.

Every inch of the room would be searched before the King was permitted to enter, even the water was tested, pillows and blankets and curtains turned over and combed over.

"There my beautiful boys are." the King said, a kind smile upon his face. Was was sitting among the many pillows where he slept, nude.

The three bowed, and Raimi still blushed. He'd seen the King's body a few times before... but still, he got embarrassed about it... He prayed he could get over such a thing before his coming of age....

"Come." he bid them. Latif and Muna confidently shucked their draped robes, becoming nude immediately. They crawled onto the pillows and over to their King, kissing him soundly on the lips. The older man's eyes caught onto Raimi, and he smiled again, "Do not be shy, Raimi. Come here." He held out an arm, beckoning him closer, and the nervous soon-to-be 16 year old knelt down and crawled to him, Bagnael gathering him into his lap. "That's a good boy." he praised, petting slightly damp waves of silk.

It still amazed the King, how the boy's hair looked just like the rolling waves of sand upon the desert, and his eyes like newly budding grass on the river banks.

"Kiss me, little one." he said, and Raimi complied eagerly.

Like all the others, he'd do anything to please his King. The man was kind, gentle... Loved by all, and he was loyal to him. He'd heard that he had even rewarded his family handsomely for producing 'such a beautiful son.'

He'd grown up poor, his family barely scraping by. His mother did odd jobs for the seamstress, weaving fabric here and there for a few coins. His father groomed grumba for very little, and harvested pearls when the season came; a slightly better paying job. Even patching roofs was something he did, if it meant he could afford at least a small pot of grain for his family. Raimi's older brother, 14 at the time swept houses and served water. He, himself at 11 had run errands for busy mothers, or elderly couples, often only bringing home a few slices of bread or a handful of clay beads for his mother to make coin purses to sell.

Needless to say, when the Watcher had come by, informing his parents that the King had wished to have him in the Harem... It had come as a shock. Families with members in the Harem were treated slightly better than others in their class, and more often than not are paid handsomely and supplied with food each week.

It was never enough to rise the family above their social class, but it was enough to get them by and not suffer as much.

The increasing pressure on his thigh tore him from his thoughts as he broke his last kiss with the King.

Bagnael was flushed, eyes glassed over with lust, the other two Concubines roving over his skin with trained fingers and lips.

"You may go now, Raimi." he said, voice husky. He'd end up taking the beautiful boy if he did not leave right now...

Raimi nodded and crawled off the mound of pillows, bowing a bit, face bright red as two of the 4 inner guards escorted him back to the Harem, the sounds of the King's lovemaking following him back.

[Zadkiel]

Zadkiel's rooms were saddeningly empty. He'd had his own share of offers tonight onhis walk back. Shy servants offering the general company, some going a far as sidling up to him to give him a grope. But he had more business to do, and he didn't need distractions.

He closed his door and moved to the desk. The king was getting up in his years. Defeating him in a swod match would be easy. He was more than skilled. The best. It was how he had become the general. And tomorrow afternoon would be it. He could only play the obedient soldier so long...what he wanted was in danger of bein taken from him again, and he wasn't going to let that happen.

He slid his papers inside the desk, and turned to undress. He was afforded a bed and a much more lavish room than his officers. They had cots and but a single window.

He closed the curtains, plans running through his mind. Plans for their empire..for the people of Dah-nii. Hewasn't certain if he would be loved as much, but he wasn't asking for their permission.

Zadkiel crawled under the sheets, the silk reminding him of Raimi's dance as he slid hands under his head, relaxing back into the mattress, sleep claiming him easily.

[Raimi]

Morning came, the bright sun flitting in through the curtains lining the windows of the Harem.

Slowly, each Concubine began to awaken, including Muna and Latif, whom had both been returned only an hour ago.

Raimi sat up and stretched, arms over his head. As with every morning, his hair was tangled and nothing more than a rat's nest, and the second Khalil saw it, he began to laugh.

"Hn....?" he asked, still not fully awake.

"Your hair..." began the other Concubine, hiding his laughter behind his hand.

It was no secret that Raimi was a violent sleeper, his Pillow at first had been closer to the other new Concubines, but after they'd been kicked and hit a few nights in a row, Cadfiel had moved him away from everyone.

Those four still hated him.

All in all, the Harem consisted between 20 and 30 bearers, all ranging from 26 down to his own 15. Normally, once they hit 27, if they had not become a mate, they were cast aside, but given compensation for their work and given a room within a large home a short walk from the palace. It was where a former Concubine learned a trade, or simply serviced givers of high Nobility. In that home, they would remain all of their lasting years lest they find their own mate.

He was once again knocked out of his thoughts when Khalil tapped his head with a brush. "Maybe we should braid it before bed..."

"But I might choke...." he protested, looking worried. It had been a fear of his always, the be strangled by his own hair should he sleep in a braid.

No one could figure out why.

He rolled his eyes a bit and began brushing his friend's hair out, working the kinks and knots until it shone smooth. Along with bathing and dressing, this had become routine. Breakfast was served to them by Cadfiel, who set large trays in the front of the room, each filled with a different food.

After they were taken away, the Concubines' day slowly began to move ahead. They'd sit and lounge upon their pillows talking, or playing small little games, even napping.

"I wonder if anything interesting will happen today..." Khalil began out of the blue.

He blinked at him. "Why?"

He shrugged a thin shoulder. "I don't know. I just feel that it might."

[Zadkiel]

Was he nervous? Of course he was. The Great hall was teeming with life. From villagers come to speak their woes to their king, to noblemen lounging about, with nowhere else to go for the day. He had slept peacefully, too quietly almost. The day had dawned serene and welcoming. He’d called his most trusted officers, and here they were, victory in sight. With no one the wiser…not even the guards he had personally hand chosen to protect the King.

He waited outside, eight of his men flanking him, waiting to be called into the great hall. And when they were, he strode in at the head, the others following as if nothing were amiss.

The officers bowed to the floor as was tradition. He hit his knee, bowing over, hair a silky mass as it covered his face. “Majesty, we all humbly thank you for the break afforded to us. The watch last night was calm. However, I have bad news for you..” He looked up, his eyes icy and hard despite their crimson tint.

His men stood, drawing swords, daring the guards to step forward against the general.

“It is time a new ruler took your place. Your rein was long and peaceful, but you are no longer then man you used to be. I, Zadkiel, challenge you for the throne,” He stood, cocking his hip, his face smooth and emotionless. The King had always been a respectful figure in his eyes. He‘d grown up under him, so the fight would be one of respect.

Zadkiel didn’t draw his sword. He was quick. If he needed it, it would be out in seconds.