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Prince Tallian groaned, his body ached from standing still for so long. The young lion's stomach was grumbling, the sun had been just peeking over the horizon when he took up his post. Now he could see it returning to the world of night. All that time the young warrior had stood, one hand on his sword the other clasping his shield to his chest, staring out at the army of his enemy. He had taken no water, no morsel of food or even a single moment to relieve himself. His insides burned with pain, to match the ache of his legs, arms and back.

However, discomfort was something he was raised to endure, discomfort and more. Tallion was a warrior, a master of the long and short sword, none of his brothers or any of the army could match him with a blade. In the war he had fought many battles and never been beaten, unfortunately, the same could not be said for his brothers, or the generals.

It had been a mistake, a prideful foolish mistake. His father had underestimated their enemy, the King had looked at the lapine peoples, at their feeble scrawny bodies and decided they were ripe for conquest. A bloody war had been the result, where Tallian had learned the truth, scrawny the rabbits may be, but they are fast, their thick legs let them run and jump far faster than the best of his men.

The enemy had shown none of the fear the lion King had assumed they would, even in the face of a cavalry charge they had simply rained down arrows with accuracy so great it was as if each arrow was guided by magic. It hadn't been long before their invasion had turned into a rout. Tallion had taken many lives, but he had seen so many of his men fall. In the end, he and many others had told his father to sue for peace.

Now, he stood on the field of battle, around him he could see the broken swords and shields of his men. They had been outnumbered but held a defensive position and they had made a good accounting of themselves, but less than a quarter of their men remained able to fight. Faced with certain defeat his father had finally relented and had offered a truce, the negotiations were underway.

There wasn't much hope of a good settlement, they had been the aggressor and their enemy knew the cats' backs were flat against the sea. If peace could not be found, the invaders would become the invaded, and conquered.

However, that was more reason to not show weakness, to stand tall. If death was coming the Prince would meet it, face to face, sword in paw and he would make the bastard earn it. If peace was denied, he would make sure the rabbits regret it.

The sound of the waves crashing on the shore behind him was oddly calming, he focussed on them as the sun vanished and the cool air of night came. In the distance he could see the lights of the feline armies campfires, he smiled briefly to think of his men getting a night of rest. They deserved it, they were good men with a fool for a king. Talian, considered himself a good son, with a fool for a father. Now, their people would pay the price for his father's arrogance, and he would do whatever he could to repay the debt that was owed.

As he gazed at the lights of the army, he was awoken from his thoughts by a growl and the sound of canvas slapping on canvas. His father emerged, huge black mane looking ruffled. His ermine robes were stained with blood, the last battle the king had been forced to lay paw to blade and fight beside his men.

"Majesty?" Tallian asked, the question needed no more words.

His father nodded his head with a sigh, "peace, but at a price." The king grumbled and gestured for his son to move. Tallian's muscles and joints screamed as he forced them to bend once more. However, he showed none of the discomfort on his face, his mane was black like his fathers, but neatly cut and tied back to keep it out of the way while he fought.

As soon as the king judged they were out of earshot of the lapines, he stopped walking and turned to his son. "We have to surrender the fort at Glamis..." Tallian winced at those words, that was the gateway to their lands, giving it up meant the kingdom would forever have a knife held to its throat. However, his father had not finished, "much gold, silver and gems I have agreed to pay, over the next ten years."

"High cost indeed," Tallian agreed but looking ahead he could see those fires getting closer and he smiled. Those men would get to go home, back to their mates and cubs. The price may be high, but peace was worth it for that alone.

"I'm not finished," the king rumbled and Tallian noticed his father was looking out to sea, almost as if he feared to look the young Prince in the eye.

"What else? Silk, cotton?" There wasn't much else they could offer, maybe wines or meads. The Prince tried to catch his father's eye, but the king kept his gaze fixed offshore.

"The lapines have an ancient custom to ensure a lasting peace. One which they insist they cannot agree to any peace without." Tallian could hear something in his father's voice, fear maybe? His mind raced as to what this custom might be. The Lapines worshipped ancient gods, maybe a bloodletting, or worse a sacrifice.

"Our people are strong, whatever the price I am sure we can survive it," the Prince replied, though there was doubt in his voice.

"We as a people, yes. However, the price falls on you to pay my son." Sighed his father, and Tallian felt his blood running cold. Had his father agreed to give his own son's blood for peace. "Their custom requires the defeated side's ruler to give up his eldest daughter, for marriage to the least son of their conqueror."

"Father, I do not understand," the Prince knew what was coming, yet his mind refused to believe it until the words were spoken.

"I was blessed with six sons, but no daughters. In such instances... it falls to the eldest son to wed," his father had never looked so old and weak as he said this.

"So... I am to wed the least of the King Razule's daughters?" The young prince asked with a sigh. It was not uncommon for those of royal blood to marry for alliances rather than love. However, he had assumed he would take a lioness as his wife, eventually. It was his birthright to take over from his father and his eldest son would be king. No halfbreed child could ever be king, that right would fall to to one of his nephews. A bitter blow, but not so bitter as he thought and certainly one he could endure.

"No my son, you are to marry the least of his sons," the old lion muttered the words so quietly Tallian was almost unable to hear.

"But...father, I cannot rule with a man as my wife," Tallian replied, his heart racing as his stomach churned.

"No, you cannot. In fact, as the child of the defeated, you will be the wife. You will go to his house and live with your husband, for the rest of your days. The kingship will fall to your brother Erriac" Taking a huge breath the elder lion put a paw on his son's shoulders. "I am sorry, that I must ask such a heavy price from you."

"Sorry? You're sorry!" Snarled the prince. "I lose my birthright and my life because you would not heed my counsel, because YOU set to war with a peaceful people. I am to be a WIFE, a laughing stock because you were too hungry for power and wealth. Because of your stupidity, I am undone." With a snarl of anger, the young prince shook off his father's paw. His hand flew to the hilt of his sword, where it had rested for the day, and for a moment his fingers gripped it.

"There will be no peace, no mercy for our people, unless you do this. Tallian, I raised you better than to put your own wants in front of the people's needs." Growled the king, his paw grasping his own sword hilt, old and beaten he might be but his son knew his father was formidable on the battlefield.

Tallian paused, the dancing light of the fires of his men resting behind his father's head. With a sigh his paw left his sword, "would that my grandsire had taught you the same lesson, old fool!" The king bristled at the insult, but held his tongue. "What happens now."

"You come back and say goodbye to your brothers, and men, then you return to the lapine army. You will be wed on the morrow," his father gestured with his paw back at their encampment.

The young prince's eyes followed his father's gesture looking to the camp of his men. His heart longed to be there, amongst his comrades, to see them and let them know that peace had been achieved. To shake their paws, and wish them well in their lives. However, the thought of looking into their eyes and seeing their pity, it stabbed at his heart like a poisoned blade. "No... I will go now."

The old king gazed at him, and nodded. "I understand, my son. I will not be able to attend tomorrow. It may be years before we see each other again, if at all. Maybe your husband would accept an invitation to visit our..."

"You stupid old man! Have you not shamed me enough for one lifetime, I go now to serve at the feet of another man, my birthright gone, and you want to bring me before the royal court. For everyone to see how far your son has fallen," this time his paw didn't just grip the hilt of his sword, he drew it. "If my eyes ever catch sight of you again..." Tallian left the threat half uttered. His father may have been a fool, be he had enough wit to retreat from a fight he could not win.

His muscles aching, his guts tearing him apart, the young prince fell to his knees. His fist beat at the sandy beach, like a madman fighting with the sand. While he roared with rage and betrayal, his life undone and he was alone, his roars turned to whimpers. Alone Prince Tallian, general of his father's armies, hero of the battle of Travers, the man who slew the dread wyrm of Canlon, wept. His aching shoulders shuddering as he sobbed. He had given his all, and it wasn't enough.

Black skies turned purple, then red and orange as the sun left the world of night. The young lion drew himself to his feet, his sword still in paw. He held it aloft, above his head to salute the dawn. Then as the first rays of sun slipped out across the land he gripped the blade with his other paw and brought the metal crashing down on his knee. The blade, made by the finest blacksmiths of old, wielded by his grandsire, and many generations of his family, shattered.

With all his might the lion threw the hilt into the surf and his shield followed it, glinting in the morning sun before crashing into the foam. Then, Tallian turned and began to walk, his paws pulling at clasps as he did so. His armour, much dented and bloodied from many battles fell piece by piece. Landing on the beach, where it would rust unused or cared for.

By the time he reached the lapine army camp he was naked, but for a small loincloth that he wore to protect his genitals from the metal rivets in his codpiece. His only jewellery left, a ring on his finger, which identified who he was. The camp guards walked out to meet him as he arrived, "I have come for my wedding." the Prince growled at the lapine soldiers. They nodded, and without a word escorted him into the camp.

They led him past the king's tent, and to one of the ones beyond it. The captain of the men stuck his head into the tent, "Prince Zu, your betrothed has arrived."

The group waited in silence and eventually, the tent opened and out stepped a black lapine. He was dressed in leather armour, the kind the lapines prefer to wear in combat. Lighter than metal it allowed for faster movement and did not hinder their agility. The lapine stalked around Tallian, not saying a word just looking over the lion. There was a lot to look over, Tallian was well muscled, not a scrap of fat on his body. His fur shone, with the effort of years of good bathing and grooming, also with the sweat of three days in his armour.

"Well, so you are to be my wife," Zu muttered, his voice lighter than Tallian had expected, almost musical in its tone. "Welcome, I suppose. I will have my servants prepare some suitable clothing, is there anything else you need?"

"I need to shit," snorted the lion. He may have to go through this absurd deal his father had made, but he didn't have to be charming while he did so. The shocked look on Zu's face lasted almost a moment, but it was a tiny victory in Tallian's mind and it was enough for the moment.

"Also to bathe," replied the lapine with a wrinkle of his nose. "I never expected my wife to stink like a mule that has just been pulled free from a bog. Captain, show my betrothed to where he can relieve himself and then take him to the bathhouse." Two determined green eyes locked with Tallian's golden ones. "We are to be wed in three hours, I do not want the priest to pass out from the stench."

Tallian smiled at that, at least his husband to be could hold his own. He dreaded the thought of being wed to any man, but a weak man would be far more shameful. His mind nagged at him, there was something familiar about the prince's face. "Did you fight at Tarna?" He asked, as the captain of the guard grabbed his arm to lead him away.

Zu, had turned and was about to return to his tent, he turned back, "I did indeed." The black rabbit tilted his head and Tallian once again felt he was being judged. However, he was also examining the rabbit's face. Their eyes locked once more and they both remembered at once. "We crossed swords, on the hill, I seem to remember."

"I remember, you were lucky," the feline smirked with a flex of his muscles.

The rabbit bowed his head slightly in deference to the lion, acknowledging the feline had carried the day, if not by much. "If I was lucky you would have been better with your sword." The words were whispered so only Tallian heard him, for the first time the lion realised, Zu had been given no choice in his fate either.

"I will see you later," the rabbit said louder gesturing to the captain. Tallian was, once again, led silently through the camp. First to a place where he could ease his uncomfortable bowels, then to a bathhouse. An impressive little hut, given the army had been camped there for just a day.

The bathtub inside was big enough to fit ten men and as deep as his chest, filled with hot water, his nose picked up the scents of lavender, rose and lily of the valley. Left alone he let his loincloth fall and climbed naked into the water, the hot water seemed to boil away the tension in his muscles. Tallian lay back in the water, closing his eyes, while his mane soaked in the sweet-scented water.

A slight waft of cold air made him open his eyes to find that prince Zu had entered the hut. The rabbit held up some clothes, they looked like silk, at least he would be dressed like a noble. "My father wanted you to wear a dress, however, I have no wish to embarrass you any more than tradition demands. So I have brought you some appropriate mans clothing."

"Thank you for that small courtesy, my husband," Tallian added a little spite to the last two words, just to be sure Zu knew his friendship would not be so cheaply bought.

"Anything for my dear wife," Zu's tone held no trace of spite and yet there was a grin on his face that told of his mischievous intent. However, the look on his face was not what Tallian focused on, but his paws as the rabbit began to strip. The leather armour was peeled off, revealing the coal black fur underneath. Zu's body was that of a warrior, if not half as muscled as Tallian's, it was firm and well built. The rabbit was a handsome man, proud and strong. He had also shown some wit and grit. Tallian sighed, if their meeting had not been at war, he might have formed a friendship with him.

With barely a ripple the bathtub registered the entry of the lapine into the scented water. "Have you ever had a male lover?" The question was so bold and brazen that for a moment Tallian wondered if his husband to be was propositioning him. Yet the look on Zu's face was not the look of a man with lurid intent.

"I am unmarried, I have never taken any lover before," he snorted his offence at such a question made evident in the tone.

"Ah, for us, only a woman needs to remain chaste. I have had lovers, both female and male," Tallian wondered if the rabbit was boasting, but Zu's tone seemed very matter of fact and his expression passionless. "You do know about... how it works right?" Once again Tallian's ears strained to hear any hints of malice or derision, but all they could pick up on was mild concern.

"I am aware, I have seen horses mate," he snorted adding a little bit of bite to his words, maybe Zu's intent had not been to insult, but to assume he was not aware of the mechanics, like some child, was insulting.

The rabbit blinked at the hint of anger in his tones, yet showed no other sign of flinching. He grabbed something from the side of the bath and tossed it to at Tallian. With his quick reflexes Tallian could easily have caught it, however, he just let the object fall into the milky water. "It's soap, to clean yourself. You may be expecting animals mating, but I have no desire to sleep with someone who smells like a well-ridden horse."

The lion bristled with anger, but managed to keep it on the inside. He would marry this man, that didn't mean he had to make it easy for him, or himself. There was no reason in his mind why he should do any more than enjoy the warmth of the water he was soaking in.

Zu sighed, and gave a shrug, "fine, I guess tonight I sleep with an animal. Why should my dishonour be any less."

"Your dishonour?!" Talian shot his words quickly and loudly, his anger bubbling up quickly. "What of my dishonour, my birthright gone, my home behind me, my friends, my family my damned LIFE?!" With each item, the lion's huge fist had smacked into the hardwood of the bath. "I am firstborn son of the great King Zal..."

"You're the firstborn son of a damned fool, with too much power and not enough brains!" Zu cut in quickly, showing Talian that his husband was also a royal by birthright, born to rule and more than willing to stand up to any man. "He started this war, invading our lands. It was his folly to go to war and yours to follow him. Do not beg and whine for sympathy from me, I have neither the time nor the patience required to nurse your bruised ego." Tallian froze as the waves of Zu's vented rage lapped at his body. "I did not ask for this, did not want it. However, I am a Prince of the Realm and I will stand tall with my new husband, even if he is a mewling little lion cub, spoiled by too many years lording his birthright over his younger brothers."

The rabbit was breathing rapidly as he finished his rant, the lion sat in the warm water and just stared at him. Zu held up under the lion's, gaze matching him glare for glare. Eventually, the rabbit sighed and looked away, "I did not want this, nor would I have chosen it. However, I am commanded by my father, and king, to wed you in the name of peace. I knew someday he would marry me off, I had imagined some young daughter of a duke or one of his knights. It is my duty and I will fulfil it."

Tallian did not respond with words, he bowed slowly and then pulled his paw out of the milky water, holding the soap he had just snatched from the bottom of the tub. Zu smiled a little and took another bar of soap, lathering up his black fur. The two did not speak, yet Talian felt strangely better for the exchange. He scrubbed his fur and mane with the soap, a rare thing for him. Usually, he preferred just to rinse, to let the natural oils in his fur keep it glossy.

Without warning, he ducked down under the water, holding his breath, and closing his eyes. He felt calmer than he had in days, surrounded by warmth and the water cutting off all sound. Talian held himself under the water until his lungs started to burn. Then he rose to the surface taking in a huge mouthful of air, while water cascaded off his mane. He noticed Zu's green eyes watching him closely.

"I thought, for a moment, that you were trying to drown yourself," the rabbit observed with a little bit of a smile. It may have been an attempt at humour, Talian wasn't sure. Prey species were subtler in the motions, than predators, a habit born of their ancestors, too much movement might reveal them to a predator.

"I will not lie that I did give some thought to ending my life, last night," the lion replied sitting back down. He was clean, but there seemed little reason to get out of the tub, not while there was warmth left to the water. "I have my duty too, and I will fulfil it."

"Then, at least we have one thing in common," the rabbit replied with a growing smile. "Maybe something we can build on."

"It is not like I have anything better to do," Tallian replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "What... what happens after the ceremony?"

"A feast," Zu replied, easing himself down onto a bench that ran across the other side of the tub, looking at the wet feline.

"Well, my stomach will be happy for that. I have not eaten for the last two days," the lion replied and then his stomach made him ask. "There will be meat at the feast right?"

"Oh no, we lapines eat nothing but carrots and cabbage." for a truly horrible moment Tallian's stomach froze in terror, and then Zu burst out laughing, a rich musical laugh. "I had you there. Of course, there will be meat. I hunted a stag myself yesterday and one of my brothers killed a boar."

Despite himself, Tallian had laughed, out of relief and desperate need for joy. "Well, at least my husband can hunt, though I should warn you your wife to be is a terrible cook."

"That is what servants are for," Zu replied with a good-natured smile and a shrug. "As the least son of my father, my home is probably not up to the standards of the firstborn son of a king. However, I have a small place up in the mountains. I am the Lord of a valley, nothing really but a small crack between mountains. A small town called Steele, and a collection of hamlets."

Tallian sat still and listened, wondering what the place would be like. When Zu stopped he leaned forward, "tell me more about my new home. I would like to know." His words were gentle and soft, as polite a request as he was able to make.

"Well, the money, what little there is, comes from the iron mines, sometimes we find a gem or two as well. Plus there is a vineyard in the valley, which I own. We make some very passable wines, some even fit for a king..."

"Steele red?!" Tallian exclaimed in shock and amazement. "I thought it was a dwarf brew, with a name like Steele."

"I had no idea my goods had reached your capital," the rabbit exclaimed with a hint of pride in his voice.

The lion felt a little sad to shatter the illusion, "not quite the capital, I was fortunate enough to sample some before the war. My father sent me to inspect the border and one of our generals was very much taken with your wine. He gave me several bottles of the Three-hundred and seventy-nine vintage."

Zu's nose wrinkled, "that is not a bad year, did he let you try the eighty-two? That was a much better year, the sun was particularly good to our valley and we got light rains many nights."

Tallian thought back and shook his head, "no, the bastard told me it was a terrible year, not worthy of a prince."

"Well I happen to have a bottle hidden somewhere, perhaps later we could share a glass and you could rain curses down on the general for keeping it from you," laughed the rabbit with a twinkle in his eye.

"Later..." Tallian sighed his eyes looking to the door of the bathhouse. Outside lay the wedding, humiliation and the end to everything he had believed. Even as the water grew cool he did not want to leave the bath just yet. "Why do your people do this?"

"It is an ancient custom, the intention is to prevent another war," Zu replied, also showing no desire to move. "The victor humiliates the defeated, but also takes them into his family. To go to war again would mean going to war against your own." The rabbit shrugged and sighed, "I knew it was coming, from the day we beat your armies out of our lands, I knew my fate was sealed. For you... I cannot imagine how you feel, to go from heir apparent to... wife in one day, but I am sorry, for my part, that this must happen."

"So soon we go out, we marry, we feast. Then I go live in your small home and... What do I do? Who am I supposed to be? My sword is broken, my birthright gone. What do your customs demand of me?" There was no anger in Tallian's tone, only the pitiful whine of a kitten that has lost his mother.

"To be my husband," the rabbit replied, standing up and moving to sit beside the huge lion, keeping a respectful distance.

"I thought I was to be the wife," snorted Tallian bitterly.

"Only for today, for our humiliation, we will be husband and wife. From tomorrow, I will not allow you to be called such." Zu's words were calm and very comforting to Tallian. "Tonight there is a requirement for you to lay beneath me, after that we will just see what we want. We will have much time on our way home to discuss our lives, to figure out what we want, talk over questions and try to agree what this bond means and what we are willing to accept in our relationship. For my part, if you desire a mistress or just casual encounters, I can make my peace with that."

Tallian froze, his mind was spinning. His ears had picked up nothing after the idea he would lay beneath Zu. "I... beneath you? I don't have a..."

Zu smiled and shook his head, "you don't need to be female to lay beneath your husband, if it were my choice I would spare you until you were ready, willing and dare I say wanting to be beneath me. However, tonight, after we wed and feast, we must consummate the marriage. The priest, and possibly my father, will want to confirm that the marriage is complete."

The lion closed his eyes and leaned back against the bath, "so not only must the humiliate me by forcing me to marry, they must take my dignity to show that I have honoured my word?"

"Yes," confirmed Zu with a shrug of his shoulders. "To ensure our humiliation is complete."

Tallian felt himself filling with rage, "no man has ever questioned my word, nor had cause to doubt that I honour my agreements!" His words, however, were the petulant whimpers of an impotent child, trying to struggle against the world they had no hope of changing. "It's not fair."

"You were the firstborn of your father, born to wealth, to power and to a birthright everyone else in your kingdom could only dream of. Do you think the serfs who work in your farms look at you and think that is fair?" Countered the rabbit, he didn't wait for an answer. "I am the least son of my father, I inherited a small modicum of power. I am more skilled a warrior than any of my brothers, I fought in many battles, while they sat in tents sipping fine wine, that I made. I am to wed a lion I have just met, while the entire court laughs at me, do you think that is fair? There is no fairness in this world. All a smart man can do is work hard to use whatever gifts he was born with to make his, and his children's, lot just a little better."

"So you think I should just work hard to improve my lot?" Tallian asked, more than a little gruffly. It had been a very trying day, he understood that Zu wasn't his enemy, in fact, he was the closest thing to an ally. However, just because he was close to an ally did not mean he was on his side. "Or is that what you are doing here, trying to improve your lot?" The feline asked and the accusation in there was clear. He was first born of a king, he did have lands, titles and a lot of money. Plus it was the wife's family who pays the dowry.

"Ah, you think I instigated this to gain access to your wealth?" Zu asked his tone infuriatingly even.

"How many brothers came before you? So many that all your father had left for the least of his sons was a small valley with no real value," for a moment it all seemed clear to the lion. "As your wife, everything I own belongs to you the moment we wed. As per the law of my people, and I believe yours."

The rabbit sighed and stood up, shaking his head. "'you can have my son, but you won't get another damned coin out of me. His lands, his titles everything stays with my family, you get my firstborn and that is all.'" Zu climbed out of the bath as he spoke and grabbed a town. "Those were your father's words. I get nothing and I asked for nothing. All war payments go to my father's treasury. All I get from this treaty is another mouth to feed." The rabbit picked up one of the piles of silk and pulled on a blue silken robe.

Tallian said nothing, he just watched as Zu opened the door. The rabbit turned back for a moment to say, "all I'd hoped to gain from this deal was a friend. However, I will settle for nothing, since that is what is on the table."

For a moment Tallian stared at the door that closed after Zu. A friend, Zu wasn't the only one who could use one of those. The lion almost leapt out of the bath, water splashing everywhere. He didn't take a towel, or touch the silken robes Zu had brought for him, he just opened the door and chased after the rabbit, naked.

Zu had not gone far and he turned to see the lion charging him, for a moment he dropped into a fighting stance, possibly thinking the lion had broken and would attack. However, Tallian stopped short of him, "friends are in short supply these days, in fact, I can be certain I have almost none left. I would be grateful to make one in you." The lion said standing tall and proud, not caring for the soldiers who gaped at the naked brute of a feline.

However, Zu smiled, his eyes straying just a little lower than was polite, then he offered a paw to Tallian, "so be it, husband and friend." Tallian took the offered paw gratefully, gripping Zu's wrist in a proper warriors greeting, while Zu gripped his in return. "Now, go put your robe on, you are making all the men jealous."

With a laugh, Tallian did as Zu asked, returning to the bathhouse and drying himself. The silk robe was light and comfortable, though so thin the lion was sure he would feel the lightest breeze. It would suffice for the wedding, but afterwards, he would need his husband to supply something far more durable, and warm, for the journey home.

The lion paused in his thoughts on clothing, his mind turning to home. He wondered what would become of his house, a gift for a lord or maybe one of his brothers? What of his servants? Old Garrack the head of his house would no doubt look for his master's return, only to be given a new master. The old guy had been in the house since before Tallian was borne, he was part of the furniture. If his new master decided to replace him, the shock would surely kill Garrack.

Tallian made a mental note to write to his father, the old bastard owed him, he could ensure the new owners took good care of his servants. In his heart, Tallian knew he would never return, his hunting hounds would have new masters, his fine horses would be taken and even his personal belongings would be plundered. His fist clenched, and he felt the metal of his ring pressing against his fingers. His last and only possession, symbol of his former birthright, a day ago the value of the ring were beyond measure, now... he could maybe get a few coin for the gold it was made of.

With a shake of his mane, Tallian cast such thoughts from his mind. There was nothing to be gained by looking back, it was time to look forward, and as his new friend would say, work on improving his lot. So he stepped outside and met his fate with the same bravery and boldness he showed on the battlefield. He stood tall, and proud, before the royal lapine court. His gaze daring the lords and ladies assembled there, to laugh at him.

Before a priest and the amused court, he and Zu pledged their lives to each other. Then, before he knew it, the ceremony was over and the feast was starting. He sat, with his new husband and father-in-law, at the head of the banquet. Zu proved to be good company, the two dined on venison, while the rabbit told of the hunt. Tallian loved hunting and the rabbit ensured him, there was good hunting land near his new home.

The sun was not yet over the horizon, when Zu stood up and offered the lion his hand, "come, my bride, it is time to retire."

Taking the offered paw Tallian got to his feet, he tried to ignore the amused looks of the nobles around them. As they started to walk away he heard the king observe, "I hope my son is careful, she looks like such a delicate bloom." The lion's face burned with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"I thought we should get away from that lot as soon as was possible," Zu whispered softly. "Tomorrow we will start our journey home, and there will be no-one to mock us."

"It is over," sighed Tallian relief flooding him.

"Almost," Zu replied as he pulled the door flap for his tent open wide for the lion to enter.

Inside was oddly familiar to the lion, he had lived in a similar one for many months during the war. A heavy canvas that kept out the chill, armour laid neatly out on a tarp and a simple bed of furs. Although Tallian noticed the bed had recently been expanded in size. He also noticed a glass bottle, red with the wine inside it, along with two glasses.

Zu pulled the tent closed and pushed past the lion and sat down at the far end of the bed. Picking up the bottle he gave a wink, "this is the eighty-two." With a deft paw, he uncorked it and took a light sniff, "better to let it breathe for a while. Are you going to stand all night?"

Tallian smiled a little and looked at the bed nervously, "honestly, I'm not really sure what to do."

The rabbit had a sympathetic look on his face, "I understand, I think. It's never easy your first time and this, "he waved at the tent and their robes," I am sure is not what you imagined of your wedding night. Certainly, I bet you never imagined marrying someone like me."

Falling to his knees on the very edge of the furs, Tallian gave a shrug and replied with absolute honesty, "given what I have seen of you and what I have seen of some of the noble ladies in my land, I could have done much worse."

A laugh burst forth from Zu's lips, he buried his face against his knees for a moment, before emerging to reply, "that... was not half as complimentary as you might think." The rabbit picked up the bottle of wine, while Tallian's face burned with embarrassment, he took a full glass as it was offered. "However, I will take if for the intent behind the words and thank you." Zu leaned across the tent and clinked his glass against Tallian's, "to an interesting marriage, and hopefully a start to something worthwhile."

With a nod, Tallian agreed with the sentiment, clinking his own glass back he said, "to peace, long may it last and to new friendship, long may it last." Zu's eyes shone at the last part and Tallian knew this time he had chosen the right words. Then he put his glass to his lips and took a sip, his eyes went wide and he took another much bigger sip. Rich and robust red wine covered his palate, sweet and yet mature flavours dances on his tongue, with hints of fresh strawberries, from the first crop of the summer. "Wow, now that is a wine too good for a king."

"Would you like to know the secret of making good wine?" Zu asked, a proud smile spread across his face.

"Yes indeed," Tallian replied, as he used the greatest skill any feline has, and found a comfortable place to lounge while still looking graceful.

"Have the guys who step on the grapes, wash their feet before they start," chuckled the rabbit. A rumble of laughter escaped the lion's chest. It was an old joke, but somehow that just made it funnier.

Tallian drained his glass and Zu refilled it quickly. The lion couldn't help but notice, the two of them had slowly moved closer to each other. He felt comfortable around Zu, he was glad that of all the nobles he had met that day, Zu had been the one he had to go through this with. The rabbit had shown his far more compassion that he would have shown had the situation been reversed. Those laughing at him would have shown him little or none, all their thoughts would have been on their own embarrassment and their own anger.

They lay next to each other sipping wine in comfortable silence. Zu had moved closer, but there was a small comfortable space between them. Draining his last glass Tallian rolled onto his back and looked up at the white canvas roof, with no candles, the only light was the dim twilight remains of the sun filtering through the canvas.

Somehow the sounds from outside were muffled, he could still smell the wood fires the soldiers had been cooking on, the vague hints of venison and pork. He had been feeling too on display to eat much, all eyes had been on him. Tallian was used to that as a prince, but this time they were laughing at him, a new and unpleasant experience and it had put him off his food.

"I remember my first time sleeping in a tent," Tallian whispered, he didn't know why he was speaking, only that the story had come to his mind. "My father was visiting the Duke or Durbain, I was allowed to go with him. I think I was seven or eight maybe. Old enough to ride a pony and make the long journey. None of my brothers were allowed to come. So it was just me and my father, and his escort. We had ridden a couple of leagues that day, my muscles ached and I just wanted to close my eyes and rest.

Yet, first, we had to eat, with the men no less. My father, the king and a dozen of his men sitting around the campfire, eating and talking of things men talk about. I sat among them, and I was so proud. I wanted to be like them, like him. I was so tired I almost dozed off right there, but I was so terrified of being called a boy or thought of as weak, that I kept digging my claws into my leg to keep myself awake. It wasn't until my father announced it was time for bed that I returned to my tent."

Tallian paused as he felt a paw gently land on his shoulder, but he made no moves to shake it off or pull away, "then I lay in the tent and damn it was so cold, I pulled the furs tight around me and fell fast asleep. When I woke the sun was high and I emerged from the tent to find all the others had been taken down... my father and his men had gone, all but one. He told me... my father had seen how tired I was and knew I was not yet man enough to make the journey. So, he left me without a word and sent me home, where I had to face my brothers, the same brothers I have teased with pride about being a man."

Zu's paw had moved down his chest and he felt the warmth of those fingers, his body welcomed the heat. He could feel a warmth pressing up beside him and he had to admit he loved the feeling. "I dunno why I just thought of that, nor told you."

"It was a good story, if sad," Zu whispered softly and Tallian felt the heat of his words blowing in his mane. "My father, he never really paid me much attention or dues. My brothers never had much time for me, none save Tazu. He is my father's third child, he looked after me. Taught me to fight, how to be a man. I learned almost nothing from my father, but Tazu he taught me to read, told me stories and he made me think. My first time in a tent was with him, on a trip to a nearby town, there had been an outbreak of plague.

Most people run away from the sick, my brother... he has always gone towards those in pain. He left me in a nearby village, he took food and medicine into the plague town, even though the sheriff warned him he would not be able to leave once he was exposed. For three weeks I lived in that town, in the home of the mayor, as his honoured guest. Then my brother returned one day, told the sheriff the plague was gone, that many of the villagers had survived. I have no doubt because of my brother.

On our return journey, I asked him, how did he know he would not catch the plague? He replied that he had not known, but he knew that without help more people would die and that his conscience would not rest if he did not do all he could. These days he wanders our country as a healer, nobody knows of his birthright, my father speaks not of him. However, I think of him often." As Zu finished speaking Tallian realised the rabbit's paw and reached fully across him and embracing him.

"I... don't know what I should do," the lion whispered softly. He liked the feel of another body pressed to his, but he trembled as he thought of what was to come. Pain didn't bother him, but... this was something different. Tallian found his body turning on instinct, welcoming the embrace and reaching out a mighty paw he put it across the rabbit's flank.

Zu smiled, and Tallian felt a gentle paw caressing his face, "it's ok. I do, don't worry. I will do everything I can to make this a pleasurable night for us both." As he spoke, Zu's head moved closer, Tallian's nose picked up the rabbit's sweet wine-scented breath and the warmth of it made his whiskers tingle. He wanted to do something, but he wasn't sure of what. In the gloaming light, the green of Zu's eyes shone invitingly.

The rabbit pushed forward and he felt warmth and moisture on his lips. For a moment he froze and then he closed his eyes sinking into the warm sensation. Zu's fingers stroked his cheek calming him, while the lion felt his first true kiss. A deep rumbling purr bursting forth from his chest, letting the lapine know the gentle touch was very welcome. The rabbit's other paw squeezed his arms and he heard soft moans coming from Zu's lips, he could almost taste them.

Tallian pressed into the kiss, his paws gripped the rabbit and he found his body pressing against Zu's willingly. Zu pulled back from this kiss and Tallian sighed deeply, opening his eyes to look into two shining greens. "That was good for the first time," the rabbit moaned and then he thrust forward, their lips meeting again, this time with a passion that took Tallian by surprise. He moaned deeply against Zu's lips, his paws grasping the lapine's body on instinct, he loved the feel of the firm muscles under his fingers. Then he felt Zu's tongue wiggling against his lips, it wormed its way into his mouth.

There was no shock, in the passion of the moment, he welcomed the invading tongue, sucking on it gently as he tasted his new husband. Sweet wine and something else, something exotic, like cinnamon and fresh cut grass. He pressed his tongue back into Zu's muzzle eager to taste more. The rabbit was squirming in his arms and then he felt something he hadn't expected.

Zu's paw had stroked down his chest and stomach and then he felt warm fingers surround his maleness. He cried out in pleasure as silk and bunny paw surrounded his erect member. Their kiss was broken and Zu looked up at him, he squeezed the lion's shaft firmly making Tallian gasp as a wave of pleasure and just a hint of pain blended inside him. "Get your robe off." The rabbit's commanding tone took him by surprise, the bunny reinforcing the command with another manly squeeze of the lion's hard shaft.

Tallian did as his new husband instructed, and Zu followed suit. He had seen the rabbit's naked body just that morning, yet this time it was different. The gloaming light was fading, yet it seemed golden warm against the rabbit's black velvet fur. Zu's maleness was standing to full attention, a good size, bigger than his and with a girth that gave the lion pause. The red flesh standing out against the sea of black fur and the firm body.

While Tallian looked at his husband, Zu had taken stock of what was in front of him. His paw had retaken its hold of the lion's meat, his thumb teasing the spines along the shaft and around his coronal ridge. He gasped at the touch and looked down, he wasn't sure what to do, so did nothing.

The rabbit, however, knew exactly what he wanted. Tallian moaned as the black head leaned forward and then he cried out as he felt a tongue lapping over one of his nipples. His cock throbbed as little thrills of pleasure erupted through his body. The rabbit, chuckled and his lips left the sensitive nub and he looked up at Tallian and winked, Tallian just stared as the rabbit turned back to his nipple. Then he felt teeth, those powerful lapine incisors pinched his nipple and he bit his lip to suppress a most unmanly squeal. Pain and pleasure mixed in his head, making it spin in confusion and arousal.

Zu seized on the moment of confusion, his lips pressing to Tallian's his tongue delving into the lion's maw. Tallian moaned happily and purred, gasping as the lips were torn away from him. Zu's head disappeared downwards fast and then Tallian felt a new wonder. Warmth surrounded his maleness, as his new husband took him in his muzzle fully. He couldn't take his eyes off the sight, Zu's lips kissing his crotch as inside his muzzle the rabbit's tongue squirmed against his hot length.

It was a pleasure, unlike anything he thought he would ever feel. His paws clasped at the sheets, while his instincts forced his hips upwards to meet the bunny's lips. He cried out loud, no longer caring who might hear them through the canvas, his pleasure was far too great to stop. Zu moaned around his meat, making no move to stop him, the rabbit just sucked firmer and lapped over the thrusting meat, his tongue seemed to find every sweet spot on his lionhood.

Tallian's huge paw landed on Zu's head, holding the rabbit down while his hips bucked wildly. He was an animal lost to the heat of his lusts, nothing in his life had prepared him for sensations like this. He could feel his blood racing through his body, a great weight was building on his chest, like someone was sitting on him, it grew by the moment, while his balls tingled.

The lion wasn't able to control himself, he bred the rabbit's mouth like a wild animal taking its mate. He could see his pinkness glistening with Zu's salvia as it was pulled free from those wonderful lips. The sight just drove his lusts higher, Tallian thrust, again and again, holding the unresisting Zu down on his maleness, while the pressure grew and grew inside him.

Then the damn burst, Tallian roared with pleasure as his down in the floodwaters of his orgasm. Pleasure filled his body, making every inch tingle as his cock throbbed and he shot his seed forth into the willing muzzle of his new mate. He bucked and thrust desperately, eager to get every last drop into the rabbit. Until, utterly spent, he fell back onto the furs panting heavily, his paw falling off Zu's head.

Zu pulled off his cock, and Tallian felt the rabbit kissing his cocktip, "see, I told you I could make this pleasurable for you. Now, my husband, roll over."

Tallian was still basking in the afterglow, but he complied rolling onto his chest, enjoying the feeling of fur against his spent and softening cock. He felt paws on his rump and guessed what was about to happen, somehow it didn't seem as scary anymore. He closed his eyes and prepared to submit to his husband. However, Zu's cock was not pushed to his hole. Instead, he felt something warm and slick stroking gently, he moaned at the pleasurable tickling sensation. Tallian knew whatever was touching him was too soft to be a cock, unless Zu had softened up a lot while servicing him.

He whimpered softly as that warm slickness stroked up his taint and then to his puckered entrance. Tallian clenched a little on instinctual fear, and the warmed swirled around pleasantly, then poked just a little, softly teasing his ring open. The lion moaned as he felt something slip into him for the first time, it was firm and yet gentle, not what he had imagined at all. The feeling was pleasant, pleasurable even, he glanced back and gasped at what he saw.

His husband's face was mashed between his golden cheeks, a black paw gripping his tail by the base, keeping it out of the way. Tallian realised the slickness inside him wasn't a softened member or anything he could have imagined. His husband's tongue was worming around inside him and it felt good, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the sight, it was so beautiful and the feelings were wonderful, soft and gentle waves of pleasure.

The lion wondered if he should say something, but he couldn't think of anything so he just held still as under him his cock began to throb with need. The tongue inside him swirled and thrust, pushing deeper and opening him up more. Fingers were rubbing up and down his taint, they felt slick with oil, but Tallian didn't think too much about anything, all his attention was on the tongue wiggling inside him.

He moaned softly and yet sadly as he felt the tongue pulling out from his rear. Then, groaned in shock as he felt two slick fingers pressing inside him. This time there was a little pain as Zu pushed firmly, yet it didn't hurt as much as he once feared it might. Zu worked his fingers in deeper, Tallian groaned as he felt the rabbit's knuckles pressing against his rump and he realised he had taken all of them in. "You are doing well, going to add another finger soon. Just relax and let it happen, it will start to feel good soon. I need to get you ready to take me." Zu pulled his fingers out slowly and then thrust them in hard and fast, Tallian cried out in shock and pleasure as his husband grinned down and whispered huskily, "or rather, for me to take you!"

Those words echoed in the feline's ears and he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like. The fingers stroked around inside him, suddenly they brushed against something inside him, a blossom of pleasure grew inside him and he cried out in delight. "Oh, I think I found a spot you like," Zu purred down at him, his fingers thrusting into that spot again, Tallian hadn't felt so weak and helpless since he was a kitten. He submitted to the pleasurable feelings that were being brought forth, sparks of pleasure dominating his thoughts.

A third finger was added, and it sank easily into the warm gold of the lion's tawny rump. Tallian heard a soft mewing and then he knew those pleasured sounds were coming from him. He hoped they did not carry too far, though any thoughts of being overheard died in his mind as three fingers fucked down hard into some wonderful part of him he never knew existed. His muzzle buried in the fur, he mewled and moaned like a bitch in heat, pushing his ass back against the fingers.

Tallian whimpered as the wonderful feeling disappeared, as the fingers were pulled out. Two gentle paws on his rump calmed him as Zu whispered, "shhh, it's ok. It is time, just relax and breath normally. I can make this feel so good, and you know you want it." There was no denying his desire to feel more pleasure, he had his duty to do, it was only now that he was being done that he realised how wonderful that duty was.

His breath caught in his throat as he felt it, a warm mass pressing to his needy empty hole. There was no fear from him, only a desperate need to feel something inside him. It was like Zu was some under some sort of spell, his mind filled with nothing but thoughts of the rabbit. He wanted him, he wanted to be his. Then he felt that warm mass push forward, slowly and gently, teasing his stretched hole open easily, the thickness sinking in deep and easy. Hot breath panted over his neck, as Zu leaned over to moan, "fuck... you are so tight. You feel like... warm honey around my cock, golden and sweet." As the rabbit purred his words he kissed and nipped on Tallian's shoulder blades.

There was no way Tallian could respond, those words warmed him in a way he had never expected. His lusts grew by the second and by the inch as Zu sank deeper. Then he felt Zu's hips kissing his, their first gentle meeting, two dance partners meeting and pecking each other on the cheek before their dance. "All of me in one, no other lover has taken me so easily." Zu groaned happily, kissing up the lion's neck, his black body far smaller than the male beneath him. "I always wanted to lay with a lion."

As he talked, the rabbit was pulling his hips back. Tallian felt the cock slipping out from inside him, his spread insides feeling strangely empty as the manhood was withdrawn. Then he cried out in pleasure as the slick cock was returned to him, black hips slapping hard into his as they started their dance. "Damn, you feel so good, my big kitten."

If any other man had called him kitten Tallian would have left him bloodied and beaten to prove he was man. Yet laying beneath Zu, the word seemed different and somehow apt. He purred to hear it and then cried out as a third thrust followed the second quickly. The rabbit moaning at the feeling as he began to breed his new husband, "ohh fuck... yes. Mmmm so good." Zu didn't seem to be able to stop talking, while inside the feline the cock hit his wonderful spot again and again. Under him, his cock throbbed with need as he submitted willingly.

Zu groaned with deep pleasure, one paw grabbing the lion's hips. The other landed on the back of Tallion's head, pushing him down. While those black hips were a blur, the tent echoed with the sounds of his hips slapping rapidly as he fucked with desperate need, breeding the feline like a bitch. Tallian knew he could stop it, he could force his head up, but instead, he lay it down willingly, while inside him the pleasure built and built. He mewled and cried out with bliss, his eyes closed as he thought of nothing but those few inches of him surrounded the rabbit and the waves of pleasure that erupted from there and washed through him once more.

As the waves of pleasure threatened to drown him, Zu's hip's suddenly slowed down. The rabbit groaning and changing to a much slower pace, pulling his cock right out to the tip and then driving it in slow and deep. Tallian's chest never stopped rumbling as he purred deeply, the feeling of the slickness moving inside him too wonderful. The change of pace only seemed to increase the pleasure of the moment, while at the same time drawing it out.

Then, without warning, the cock was pulled from inside. Tallian's head spun, his body cried out at the empty feeling, his cock ached with the need. He looked back at the rabbit, his golden eyes confused and slightly hurt. Zu smiled at him, his voice breathless as he said, "roll over, I want... to see your face when I take you as my wife for the first time."

Tallian rolled over quickly, surprised by how little it bothered him to be called the wife. The rabbit pulled his mighty thighs apart. Zu looked almost half the thickness of the lion, save for his thick rabbithood. However, the rabbit was well used to being in command and he had shown he cared little for the size of his lover. He wasted no time pressing his maleness into the lion. A warm paw wrapped around his needy cock and Tallian cried out in surprise, his eyes looking down at the black fingers squeezing his cock.

"Mmmm well I know for certain you are enjoying this," Zu purred as he leant over the lion, his cock finding it's mark easily. An answer died on Tallian's lips as the rabbit's thickness filled him again. Zu gasped happily, fucking slowly but firmly, Tallian could feel every last inch as it stroked around inside him. He cried out as warm lips kissed around his nipple, and then whimpered as the teeth came in to play again. Pain and pleasure mixed into a dangerous poison, it burned through his veins like his blood was lava. Yet, he craved more, pushing into it all wantonly.

Zu's hips thundered home, with the sort of power and speed only a rabbit's hips can create. Inside him, Zu's maleness plundered his willing, quivering depths. Zu took him, as he gave himself willingly, the pleasure far too much for him to control. His cock throbbed in his husband's paw and jets of royal lion seed landed on his own golden chest, soaking into his thick fur. While, Zu cried out in bliss, the feline's clenching depths suddenly too much for him.

The rabbit bred him with everything he had, giving no quarter. His black hips grinding firmly as he fucked roughly and lifted his head in a cry of triumph, as he fucked and rutted his seed into Tallian. The lion groaned softly, too weak to do anything but lay there and take it as his husband fucked every last drop he could into the lion's quivering rear. The two stopped, Zu collapsed on top of him and they lay together, a mass of sweat, cum, fur and panted breaths.

It was Zu who recovered first, groaning as he pulled his softening cock out of his new lover. He sighed happily, his duty almost fulfilled. The rabbit crawled over the lion, and Tallian moaned happily at the soft and warm kiss he felt to his lips. Two paws cradled his cheeks lovingly, he opened his eyes to see Zu smiling down at him. Zu kissed his nose and whispered, "close your eyes my kitten, it is time to end our duty. Roll over, you need do, nor say, anything more."

Tallian knew what the final humiliation was to be. He did as the rabbit bid him, while Zu stood up and left their tent naked. The lion noticed the light had gone, the tent was almost pitch black. The sun must have gone down while they made love, but he had been too lost to the moment to realise. A minute later the tent opened again, Tallian's body tensed as the cold night air wafted over his ass, his abused and bred pucker feeling the chill of the night air more.

The lion did not look up, or back. He closed his eyes and bit his lip, as he felt paws grabbing his rump like they owned it, he bit back the feral urge to kill the man who would touch him with such authority. Cold fingers clawed at his pucker and his claws tore into the furs he lay on. "Satisfied?" Zu asked, his voice coming from behind whoever had his paws on the lion.

"It is done," the other person agreed, Tallian didn't recognise the voice and he was glad of it. Someday he may need to look his father-in-law in the eye and knowing for certain he had seen the feline in such a vulnerable situation would make that hard to do.

A few seconds later he was alone with Zu. the rabbit's warm body laying down next to him and pressing up close. "There, it is done. You will never have to feel that again... unless you want to."

The lion sighed happily and as Zu's paws reached around him, he covered them with his own huge paws. "I... would not be opposed to more." He whispered softly and then turned in Zu's arms, his own arms going around the rabbit's waist. "This morning I believed my life was over, that there was nothing before me but dishonour, humiliation and nightmares. Now all that I see before me is... you."

Zu smiled broadly, and pressed his nose to the felines, "before you, over you or under you. Whatever you want or need."

"For peace?" Tallian asked, half in jest.

However, any joke died in his mind as Zu kissed his lips and whispered in reply, "for love."

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