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Chapter 20

They'd awoken him at the crack of dawn and thrown a bag over his head. Orrin was not well-versed in laws, but he knew what such bags were used for. "To the gallows, then?"

The guard unfastened his chain from the wall and laughed dryly. "If only you were so lucky." He pulled Orrin along up a series of steps and out into the early morning air.

The raccoon sniffed around, countless scents mingling in his nose and blurring together. An entire crowd had gathered.

He was helped into a carriage, and Finn was seated by his side, their chains fastened to the floor. The door slammed shut.

Trivus shouted orders to his soldiers. "Go get your mounts. We must set off immediately. Dismissed!"

Soon, with a clatter of hooves, they returned, and the convoy got on their way.

Orrin closed his eyes, doing his best to not think about the lurid events to come. The palace interrogation room was not enough, apparently. He heard Finn breathing slow and steady by his side. "So, what now, squirrel?"

"Now, I try another plan." Any fear Finn had felt was perfectly masked. "Every word I've spoken has been perfectly controlled. No, they need to think I am a spy who is faithful to my superiors to the last. I shall stand torture and eventually crack, telling them all of my supposed secrets. And your secrets as well Lord Orrin." He cackled mirthlessly. "We are partners, you see. Tilmarii spies. You may deny it all you want. Until you tell them what they want to hear, however, they will just brand you a liar. And once the interrogation is over, I shall have my war. Tilmar needs it. They were destined to rule these lands."

"Who put this nonsense into your head?" It was too late to act against the perpetrator, but curiosity overcame Orrin.

"Something higher, I would say." For once and the only time since that day at the brothel when he threatened the raccoon's life, the squirrel sounded entirely sincere. "I have been in charge of the Llyran spy ring for well over two years. At first, I was as faithful as all of the others. But the more we worked this endless drudgery, the more I realized that we were but chasing our own tails. Spying, stealing little documents - it just isn't enough. We need to take drastic and powerful action. We need to show these Llyrans that the Tilmarii are not a force to be trifled with. What stronger message than killing their precious King in his sleep?"

"And what about the Secretary? Why did he have to die?" Orrin cringed at the senseless death.

"He was in the way - a vicious opponent of wars of any sort. He needed to disappear. As does the King."

"Well, you've certainly failed at that." Orrin smelt anger strong in the stuffy carriage. "And what will your war really gain? Tilmar isn't ready. They will be decimated."

"They will prevail. You do not know what my people are capable of." Finn's sigh turned to an impatient growl. "Oh, but why do I bother. If your father couldn't comprehend this, what hope have I got of getting through to you?"

The rattle of the carriage wheels grew far. The unwashed scent of vomit that lingered around the muzzle of his bag vanished. "My father?" He'd never gotten a chance to know and love that raccoon, but whatever love they might have grown to share, it was never to be.

"Oh, aye. I had hoped to get him on my side, to turn him into an ally. But he refused. So, I had to silence him."

"You?!" Orrin lunged blindly towards the squirrel, pulled back only by the uncaring chains that held him. Red hot anger flooded through his veins. "You are very lucky to have said nothing while I was free. I would have torn your throat out with my bare teeth, you scum!" He pulled against the manacles twice more before emotion gave way to logic, reminding him of just how thick and impervious the chains were. He settled down, exhaling slowly through his nose. "Mind, if I'm ever free, I will still do whatever I can to see you dead."

Finn did not reply.

As his head cooled and the red mist vanished from his eyes, Orrin fell into a light doze. Wherever they were going, they would be there soon enough. As the fog of sleep crept in, the raccoon felt the carriage slow. He chocked it up to a strange dream at first, but when the growler came to a halt, the raccoon knew he was not dreaming.

The carriage door swung open and sunlight poured in. But Orrin hardly noticed. A familiar scent filled his nostrils. "Tim?" The thought of seeing his friend again brought fresh tears to his eyes.

"It's me, alright." Tim embraced him with a quiet sob. "Orrin, I'm so sorry." He removed the bag, meeting the raccoon's eyes for the first time since their fateful separation.

Orrin shook his head. He smiled. "No, I should be apologizing to you. I have said some horrible things. I may love Trivus, but you are my closest friend, and you always will be."

"And you will be mine. No matter what, Orrin." Tim let the tears fall freely. "After our fight, I made a great mistake, Orrin: I lost hope. Remember when we first met? I told you to never lose hope, lest things truly become bleak." He stifled a sob. "Thankfully, I found hope again. Orrin, I'm going to make everything right. I will clear your name. You and Trivus will be free to love one another again."

"But how?" Orrin watched his friend's features carefully, trying to read him. Tim was smiling broadly, but his eyes were sadder than ever before.

"I will trade your infamy for mine." Tim held the raccoon close. "That is the only way. When they find you here and Finn gone, Trivus will have grounds to proclaim you innocent. Tell the King that you were merely trying to save him, and your glory is assured."

"What about you?" Orrin already knew the answer. There was only one way for the plan to succeed.

"I run to Septimine, and then to Tilmar." Tim stifled another sob. "They will welcome me there. Don't worry, Orrin, I will be fine. I may hate the cold... but I hate being hanged for treason even more."

"But will I ever see you again?" For that, Orrin did not know the answer. But he did know he would pray.

Tim did not answer right away. He just held the raccoon, as if letting go would instantly and permanently separate them. "One day. Even if I have to come back here under heavy disguise. One day, we will meet again, Lord Orrin of Vintaa. You have my word."

"Good." Orrin rested his muzzle in the crook of the squirrel's neck and inhaled that familiar scent one last time. He never wanted to forget it. Whatever it took, he would see the squirrel again.

"Until then, take care of yourself. And Trivus." Tim looked outside, where the fox was sprawled out on the road, fast asleep, along with the rest of his garrison. "He really does love you, Orrin. All of this, it was his doing. He put his reputation and life on the line to drug those soldiers."

Orrin giggled. "I'm sure you helped."

"How could I not? That fox loved you more than even he himself knew. All I had to do was give him a gentle push in the right direction." Tim tweaked the raccoon's nose and made his way over to the other passenger. "As for you, Father. You shall pay for your treason."

Finn guffawed. "Let the Tilmarii courts try me, then. I shall prove my faith to them. They shall learn to see as I see!"

Tim smiled, but his eyes remained hard and full of anger at the person he once thought he knew. "No, you were met with a tragic accident - some roadside bandits - they stabbed you through the heart, and you bled out. I'm afraid you never made it to Tilmar. But your body will be interred with honors as someone who upheld Tilmarii politics and virtues."

"Wait." Orrin extended his paw as much as he could in spite of the chains.

Tim turned, an eyebrow cocked. "You want me to spare him?"

"Oh, goodness no." The idea would have made Orrin giggle, but the relapsing thoughts of his dead father had turned the air grim with sadness. "I wish to kill him myself. It was he who took my father's life. It seems Finn tried to recruit him to his ignoble cause and failed."

"Then, that right is yours." Tim unscrewed Orrin's left manacle with his dagger's tip and pressed the weapon firmly into the raccoon's paw. "It is my pleasure to let you have it."

Orrin faced Finn, his eyes unmoving, the dagger clutched tightly in his paw. "I never knew my father. But with all that I have learned of him, I could never forgive you for taking him away from me." He moved to strike, but something about the weapon drove a cold shiver up his spine. "The dagger." He stopped just a hairsbreadth from the squirrel's body. "If you hired the assassins, why did they need a fake Tilmarii dagger? Surely, if you truly were from Tilmar, you could have provided an authentic one."

Finn giggled, positioned his jaw off-center and bit down hard with a crunch, as if chewing some sort of candied nut. "Oh, you're a sharp one, Lord Orrin. Unfortunately, that sharp wit of yours is all for naught. That crunch you heard was a hollow molar filled with toxin. The legendary monster of Lake Griir sends me to the Beyond with his venom. I haven't much longer now. Thank goodness I waited. I may have failed my master, but at least I will die with the clean conscience of someone who has tried to his last. My master's secret is safe, and he shall still have his war one day. And to think, when that key failed, I thought he was trying to betray me." He giggled like a cub at the memory. "But no, he just wanted what was best for our world. The King's time has not yet come. I was a fool to think otherwise. Rather than persuade me when I wasn't ready, Master guided me to my own conclusions."

Tim's eyes had barely dried when more tears came. "Father, please. This person has betrayed you. Can't you see? He foiled your plans to kill the King the first time, and he turned you in to the Llyrans the second. He was clearly afraid you would disobey, so he lied to you. He used you! Hell's teeth, he probably had you recruit Orrin's father as a replacement in case you grew too unruly. How can you still remain so loyal?"

Finn's relaxed form stiffened. He sat upright, his voice an angry hiss. "My master had nothing to do with Orrin's father. That was entirely my decision. Besides, you know nothing. Master would never do something like that. He trusted me. He knew I would always obey."

Tim lowered his ears in dismay. "Father, he-"

"Oh, I'm not your father, you halfwit. I'm not even Tilmarii! I-" Finn shuddered and lay still.

Orrin stared at the dagger, dumbfounded. "This whole time... I'm such a fool."

"Don't blame yourself." Tim relieved his friend of the blade. "He had that molar ready to break at any sign of trouble. If you'd gotten suspicious earlier, he would simply have taken his life then. Besides, I was probably the biggest fool of all. That squirrel came to me, told me he was my father, and I believed him." He sighed. "I'd lost my mother, lost my father. I was so tired of life back then. I just wanted to escape. So, I seized that chance."

"As did I." Orrin watched the dead body sitting next to him, unsure of what to believe. "When Werill first came to me, I was scared and lost. But the sheer aspect of doing something more than the mundane - it drove me to say yes when I could have run. But I do not regret it. And neither should you."

Tim sighed again, his ears still folded. "It's a good thing he wore this bag. I still don't know if I would have been able to look him in the eyes. Father or not, he has taught me much."

"It's tough." Orrin cringed as the fresh corpse swayed gently, its muscles slowly relaxing in precursor to rigor-mortis. "What about him?"

"He comes with us." Tim unscrewed the squirrel's manacles and heaved the body over his shoulder. "As for you... stay here until help arrives and tell them how a band of spies came to free Finn and left you here to die on your own." He threw Finn out of the carriage, re-shackled Orrin's free paw and shared with his friend one last embrace. "We'll see each other in no time."

The lump in Orrin's throat made speaking impossible. The raccoon merely nodded, clasping the squirrel's paw in his own. He smiled, finally managing to say the words that lingered on the tip of his tongue. "Thank you, Tim. For everything."

"If I had to do it all over again, I would." Tim gave the raccoon's paw a squeeze and hopped out of the carriage. He and Rowann helped themselves to a stout pair of mounts and some supplies. They loaded Finn's corpse onto the back of a sturdy steed, tied it down with rope, and galloped away into the distance.

Orrin sat alone and wept until sleep finally took over. The bravery of his friend's sacrifice still lingered. All the promises they'd made to one another of meeting again were just vague words. For the time, all he had was the squirrel's scent as it lingered within the carriage. A friend he never thought he'd make became the closest friend of all.

"Lord Orrin, wake up!" It was Trivus, wide awake again and backed by several others, including King Rasdill himself.

With the count's help, Orrin climbed out of the carriage. "What happened?"

"We were hoping you could tell us." Trivus winked demurely while no one was looking.

"It was those spies." Orrin bit his tongue to hold back the giggles. "Lord Timmin and his servant. They came here to free Finn and take him back to Tilmar. They said he would be tried for his crimes there."

"Crimes?" Rasdill stepped forward. "So an attempt on my life was not by Tilmarii orders?"

"Of course not." Orrin spoke with a fresh confidence. "They are a small country. The last thing they want is war. Someone here in the palace is working to build them a bad reputation, however. Someone in Llyra wants this war."

Rasdill gasped. "This is indeed serious. And what about you, Lord Timmin. What was your part in all of this?"

"I overheard about this plot and decided to stop it." He conveniently neglected to mention his source. "I was planning to inform Count Trivus, but then I realized that someone within the palace might find out of my knowledge and push back the attempt. So, I went in myself."

"And I should believe all of this... why?" Rasdill's eyes were far from distrusting, but the question was perfectly valid.

Trivus took the lead. "If Orrin were such a valuable asset and a Tilmarii spy, why would the others leave him, not only to certain doom but to also be interrogated? Were he a spy, imagine the secrets he would reveal! They would never have risked such a security leak. At the very worst, they would have taken his life. Clearly, he meant nothing to them. Just a Lordling caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time."

"Your logic is sound, Count Trivus." Rasdill extended his paw. "Allow me to present you with an apology, then, Lord Orrin. We have acted far too rashly. We panicked. A more formal apology will be extended to you in a few days' time. Also, I believe your valiant service to the Crown and the peers of Llyra deserves a reward. I shall have to ponder what it is, but mark my words that you shall receive it. Our actions towards you were entirely unjust. I am glad only that your mistreatment was short and did not result in your death."

Orrin accepted the King's paw gladly and shook. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honor to serve you. It always has been. I am happy to have helped prevent your death."

"Indeed." Rasdill turned to his nephew. "Back to the palace, then. I believe we've all had more than our share of adventures for the day. Count Trivus, I want you in my study first thing tomorrow morning. We must begin our investigation into this war matter. If someone within my government is truly trying to arrange something so despicable, he must be stopped at all costs."

Trivus saluted. "It shall be done, Your Majesty."

"And I would expect nothing less of you, Count." The King gave his nephew a pat on the back and headed for the gilded brougham that stood waiting some dozen paces down the road.

The footservant held open the door and bowed. "Your Majesty."

Rasdill turned, looking over his shoulder. "Would you two like to ride with me? There is not much to be done but cleanup around here."

"It would be an honor, sir." Orrin grabbed Trivus's paw and pulled the fox along. "Come on, unless you really do want to be stuck with cleanup duty."

"I guess I don't, yeah." Trivus smiled sheepishly and followed along.

With the fox so near, Orrin felt happiness at last. The things that seemed so far away and impossible had come true. Thanks to Tim's selfless sacrifice, he and Trivus finally had a chance at happiness.

They returned to the palace and bade a respectful goodbye to the King. Whether or not Rasdill knew the reason for such a hasty farewell, he said nothing in that regard. "Remember, Count: in my study, first thing tomorrow morning. I shall be expecting you."

"And I shall be there, Your Majesty." Trivus bowed to hide his broad smile.

"Very good. Well, I think it's time for a spot of tea. Good day." He turned with a swish of his mantle and headed in the direction of the dining room.

Orrin watched him go. "Nice fox." He turned towards Trivus. "And there's another fox I have been sorely neglecting. Shall we?"

"Oh, I thought you'd never ask." Trivus took the lead, scaling up the Grand Staircase no fewer than two steps at a time, a strong scent of arousal lingering in his wake.

They reached the room in record time.

Orrin knocked. "Werill?"

"Your Lordship?" Werill threw the door open wide and ran to embrace his master. "I thought they had you."

"They did." Orrin basked in the warmth of yet another person he thought he'd never see again. "But I'm back."

Werill stepped out of the way respectfully and allowed the others to enter. "I'm guessing you are not much for chatting right now, eh?" A rather unprofessional smile graced his muzzle.

Orrin squeezed the fox's paw. "Give us an hour."

"Done." Werill opened the door once more and showed himself out.

Alone at last, the two lovers made straight for the bed, undressing as they walked. They lay nude beneath the silk sheets, relaxing in each other's arms and enjoying the moment.

Trivus nibbled the raccoon's ear gingerly. "So, what now?"

"Now, we make love." Orrin slid a paw down the snowy-white fur on the fox's stomach, stopping at the sheath. "There are many other things to discuss, but I think they can wait until Werill returns."

"You drive a strong point." Trivus pushed his hips into the raccoon's paw, his member slowly emerging and growing in size. He pulled Orrin close, and their muzzles met. There was indeed much to talk about, but none of it was quite as important as the love the two of them needed to reaffirm.

Orrin shared the kiss passionately, his tongue brushing his partner's, eliciting moans of pleasure from the fox. Their arms entwined one another, and the rest of the world ceased to matter. They had come so close to losing what they had, and that made the love shared all that much more passionate and strong.

Trivus wrapped his paw around the fox's shaft and his own. He squeezed and moved up and down their length. No amount of imagining could ever have replaced something so powerful.

The passion burned brightly, and all Orrin could do was pray it wasn't all a dream. Things felt too perfect -- Trivus's fur, his musk, his presence. The raccoon let his lover take control and turn him over and onto his back.

Trivus smiled. "I want to see you. I want to see you and know that all of this is real." He lay atop the raccoon and shared with him a warm and passionate kiss. His claws grazed against Orrin's sides and then his legs, as if still unconvinced that what they touched was real.

Orrin stroked the fox's back fur with the same frightened trepidation, but each touch brought back with it the affirmation: They were together. The hunger Orrin had expected to feel was just as powerful as ever, but something greater superseded it. For once, Orrin realized, he was perfectly content with simply being there, held lovingly in the fox's arms.

When the raccoon did finally move to stroke his lover's length, it was from nothing less than a yearning to get even closer with the one person he'd grown to truly love.

Trivus helped himself to some oil from the bedside table. His slick fingers found their way slowly inside of the raccoon. They lingered exploring the delicate flesh as the fox shared with his bedmate an equally delicate and lingering kiss.

Orrin pushed back with his rump. "Go ahead." The thought of being tied to the fox, to make their emotional bond physical, made him smile even broader.

Trivus rolled the raccoon over and pulled him into a cuddle. He pushed gingerly in, his arms refusing to let Orrin go. His thrusts grew faster but remained delicate and loving.

For the first time in his life, Orrin knew the difference between having sex and making love. He lay in his lover's embrace, his head resting on the fox's shoulder, feeling each thrust and gentle caress.

Trivus's breathing quickened. He placed a paw around Orrin's shaft and stroked, his knot pushing and widening Orrin's pucker. At last, the opening grew wide enough. With one more push, Trivus sealed himself within his mate. He stroked Orrin until the surge of feelings within the raccoon's body finally peaked.

Orrin threw back his head with a loud moan, spraying the sheets with a stream of his warm seed.

Trivus wrapped his paws around the raccoon's waist and held him close, the knot still tying the two lovers together. "You know, after- after what happened in my study that day, I've imagined holding you like this, and it scared me more than I can describe to realize that such a thing would never come to pass again. But it has. Thank you, Orrin."

"Don't thank me." Orrin ran his claws through the silky fur on the fox's arm. "I love you, Triv. Any chance I had to come back to you and set things right, I would have taken. Finally being together again is the most incredible feeling in the world."

"It is." Trivus nuzzled his lover's neck and sighed. "Life will be strange for the two of us, certainly - a spy and the fox sent to catch him - but if you will have me, I will do whatever it takes to make it work."

"Have you?" The fox's knot had shrunk sufficiently, and Orrin pulled the shaft carefully out. He rolled over and looked Trivus in the eyes.

"Yes." Trivus looked away several times, but his eyes finally stayed with Orrin. "I want you to marry me. I know it's preposterous, but I just feel like if I don't do this and you slip away, I will never forgive myself. I-"

"The answer is yes, Triv." Orrin licked the fox's nose. "Making this work will take some practice, but this is what true love's about. Oh, and I guess we cannot really have a proper wedding ceremony. Doesn't really matter if anyone knows, but we certainly do not want to draw attention to such things. Honestly, I think I can live without that. Just so long as you're there with me."

At that, Trivus pulled the raccoon close, stifling a sob. "Thank you."

Chapter 21

When the hour elapsed, Trivus and his fiancé finally made it out of bed. They picked out their clothes from the disorganized pile on the floor and dressed quietly. There was really no need for words after what they had just shared.

Werill awaited patiently in the sitting room. He stood to greet the happy couple. "Well, I have found most of the facts out on my own. I guess you know everything now, eh, Count Trivus?"

"The majority of it, yes." Trivus placed an arm around Orrin's waist. "But I think we can make this work."

"And work quite well, in fact." Werill motioned them to the dining table. "Please, sit. This will likely not be a very long conversation." He sat down at the head of the table and looked over the others. "Well, I have had time to think, and I believe that this whole charade can be made to work to our advantage. Count Trivus, contrary to what some Llyrans believe, Aarya does not want a war or to sabotage Llyra in any way. Quite the opposite, our presence here is primarily to prevent such things from occurring."

Trivus grinned sheepishly. "Honestly, I believed that myself for the longest time, but after what has transpired, I have, needless to say, undergone a change of heart." His paw reached across the table and came to rest on Orrin's. "And rest assured, no harm will ever come to Orrin, if there is absolutely anything within my power to prevent it."

"I suspected as much." Werill smiled at the affection before him. "Fortunately, we can help your cause as well. Someone here in Llyra is up to no good, and we have our ears to the ground. If we work together, we can put an end to this mysterious perpetrator. You would take all of the credit, of course. Above all, our operation's presence here must remain a secret."

"There's more." Orrin recounted his last moments with Finn. "Looks like he's managed to fool us all. Whoever his master is, he must be more powerful than we've ever thought possible."

Werill nodded. "To keep a Fiara poison capsule in his tooth and take his life so willingly, Finn most certainly must have a powerful master. Makes me wonder just how deep this conspiracy reaches. Lord Trivus, do be careful. Someone you greatly trust may be involved."

"Understood." Trivus presented his paw. "I guess this makes us partners of a sort."

"It does, yes." Werill shook. "I would recite to you the standard list of threats at this point, but I can see that you've got quite a personal investment in the matter." He gave Orrin a broad wink. "Shall I go ahead and wed you two, then?"

"Can you do that?" Orrin bounced on his toes with giddiness.

Werill shrugged. "Well, I was once captain of a ship, and they are allowed to perform such ceremonies. I'll go ahead and say yes." He motioned for Orrin and Trivus to stand. "Do you, Count Trivus of Rywer, take Lord Orrin of Vintaa to be your mate? To hold him in your heart and stand by him through all that fate may cast upon you?"

Trivus nodded, his eyes never leaving Orrin's. "I do."

Werill turned towards Orrin. "And do you, Lord Orrin of Vintaa, take Count Trivus of Rywer to be your mate? To hold him in your heart and stand by him through all that fate may cast upon you?"

"I do." The bond he'd lost all hope of ever making was sealed.

"With none but time to judge you, I pronounce your bond complete. May you live in happiness and only part to reunite again." Werill took the lover's paws into his own. "You may kiss and seal your promise." He gave a gentle squeeze and released, letting Trivus and Orrin embrace each other, as the two shared their vowing kiss.

It was no more or less important than the others, but it warmed Orrin's heart like no other had. Unlike so many kisses before, the raccoon knew for certain that this one was one of many more to come - whatever it took. The kiss did not last long. It did not need to. They could share another anytime they chose to do so.

A timid knock on the door interrupted their jubilation. Werill answered it. "Yes?"

Even with his large ears, the mouse stood several heads shorter than the raccoon. "His Majesty invites you to attend a feast in your honor tomorrow afternoon."

Orrin walked over to stand behind Werill, craning his neck to see their guest. "Afternoon, eh? Why not evening?"

"I am not certain, sir." The mouse shuffled nervously from one foot to the other. "If it does not suit you, I shall let His Majesty know."

"No, no. It suits just fine." Orrin accepted the invitation with a grateful nod. "Thank you." He dug through his pockets, realizing only then that he'd been stripped of all belongings. "Err, Triv, could you..."

"Of course!" Trivus produced a silver piece from his pocket and tossed it to the youngster. "Tell His Majesty it would be our honor to attend."

"Yes, sir!" The mouse beamed at the fox and then the coin in his paws. "Thank you!" He scurried off down the corridor and out of sight.

Werill closed the door. "An afternoon feast. Strange. Most strange. I don't recall one in all of my days here."

"Well, I suppose he must have his reasons." Orrin yawned. "Whatever it is, we will find out tomorrow."

Trivus took the raccoon's paw once more. "Shall we head to bed?"

"Let's" With another round of thanks to Werill, the newlyweds retired to Orrin's room and fell asleep in each other's arms. No strange dreams haunted Orrin that night. Trivus's warmth kept the raccoon content and sleeping soundly until dawn.

***

Trivus tried to wiggle quietly from the raccoon's embrace but without success.

The raccoon stirred and awoke with a groggy smile. "'Morning."

Trivus kissed his mate on the nose. "No need to get up yet. I've got to see His Majesty. I shall return shortly."

"I like that plan." Orrin lay back against the pillow and let his eyelids fall.

When next he awoke, the fox had already returned. "Good morning again, sleepyhead." Trivus had changed into his best finery - an outfit of Lincoln green that set off his russet fur with a flare.

"Already time for the feast?" Orrin rubbed sleep from his eyes and sat up.

"About an hour." Trivus sat next to him. "I think you may want a bath." He sniffed. "I love you no matter how you smell, but others may not share that sentiment."

"Hey, even I don't share that sentiment." Orrin hopped to his feet, scratching his sheath lazily. "I'll do my best to hurry." A nightgown had been laid out on the chest at the foot of his bed. Orrin slipped it on and tied the sash. "Tell Werill to pick something nice out for me to wear and bring it downstairs." He kissed the fox once more for good measure and trekked to the baths.

Seeing the marble pools, the air above them oscillating gently with the rising steam, it all made him think of a certain squirrel. A tear trickled down his cheek and fell to the floor. "We made a promise, Tim. But is it one we'll keep?" Wherever the squirrel was, he was no doubt thinking the same thing. The trek through Llyra was long, but at least the King had not bothered to send anyone after the two spies. In Septimine, they would be safe.

Orrin slid carefully into the water, but a long bath was not in the cards. He scrubbed his fur quickly with soap and a sea sponge before rinsing off and hopping right back out.

Werill arrived shortly after. "I have some very good news, sir. Just received by carrier pigeon." He leaned close, his voice a whisper. "Your friends have made it safely to Serryll. They have re-provisioned, purchased a carriage, and are on their way to Septimine by land."

Orrin lit up. "That is fantastic news!" He allowed himself a smile. "I do hope they will contact us one they've arrived."

"I am sure they will." Werill brushed his master's fur meticulously and dusted it with a light lavender powder. "That squirrel really cared for you. He will not stay out of touch for long."

"Yes." Some sadness seeped in, and Orrin let it. "I do hope I'll see him again."

"The future is a mysterious thing, Your Lordship." Werill helped Orrin into an outfit of blue velour trimmed lovingly with gold thread. "But I do hope to see Lord Timmin as well."

After a moment of silence for their traveling friends, the two raccoons reunited with Trivus upstairs and headed for the Grand Ballroom.

There, a line of nobles had already formed by the door. They looked at Orrin and Trivus with great interest as the two walked into view.

Murmurs of conversation broke out. Doubtless, at least a few of those present had identified Orrin when the raccoon was being led to the carriage.

The mouse list-keeper who stood by the enormous wooden doors recognized Orrin immediately. "Your Lordship, right this way, please." At his behest, the guards who stood to either side of the doors swung them open and saluted.

Orrin and Trivus walked through, ignoring the stares. All would soon be made clear to the peers, and hopefully the murmurs would cease.

King Rasdill awaited them, seated upon his throne, with the Queen and the Prince seated to his right.

The young fox held his mother's paw, looking over the newcomers with large, violet eyes. "Who are they, Mummy?"

The King smiled. "These are Lord Orrin and Count Trivus, my son. Peers of the realm."

Trivus bowed. "It is a pleasure to serve Your Highness."

Orrin followed the fox's lead. "Indeed. We hope you enjoy the feast."

The youngster beamed. "I shall! Daddy made sure the feast was early so Mummy and I could make it. We are going away tonight."

Trivus met Rasdill's eyes. "Oh, are you now?"

"Yes." The King put an arm around his wife. "We feel that with all of the unrest in Septimine, it would be best to send an envoy of peace, to let them know that they have not been forgotten. My wife has volunteered to make the journey."

Prince Natier nodded. "And I'm coming with Mummy. She says I have to learn to speak to the people eventually, and this will be a great experience for me."

"I am sure it will be." Orrin kissed the Queen's paw. "It was a pleasure seeing you."

Trivus opted, instead, for another bow. "We shall go take our places at the table."

Rasdill nodded in approval. "Please do." He clapped his paws twice, and the mouse by the door began reading off the long list of names, squeaking each one with all of the authority he could muster up.

Away from the King's ears, Trivus finally spoke his mind. "A peace envoy, eh?"

"Yeah." Orrin stole a glance back at the Royal family. "But Rasdill is a wise ruler. I am sure all of this has been thoroughly thought out."

"True." Trivus held the raccoon's chair. "And I suppose it is better to quell the slight unrest now with such a powerful gesture of affection than it would be to smash rebellions that would otherwise breed."

The other guests filed slowly in, some still watching Orrin like an escaped prisoner. They took their seats quietly. With a sign from Rasdill, a swarm of servants and waiters rushed into the room, all bearing trays of food and drink. They served the guests in perfect, deft synchronicity before vanishing once more behind the kitchen doors.

King Rasdill walked to the head of the table. "My lords and ladies. I should like to make a few announcements." He chuckled. "But I think I can wait until you've all eaten your fill. Without further ado, welcome, and let the feast begin!"

With murmured thank yous and well-wishes, the guests started politely on their food.

***

The banquet was a stunning success. Food and wine were without end, and no expense was spared by the King for his guests and friends. As the feasting died down, King Rasdill rose from his throne and walked to the head of the table. At the wave of his paw, the peers and other guests fell into a respectful hush.

The fox surveyed his subjects with a smile. "My friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the heroics of Lord Orrin of Vintaa. This brave raccoon got wind of a plot upon my life. Instead of panicking, he took matters into his own paws and worked his hardest to prevent this atrocity from taking place. Secretary Riius?"

The squirrel parted from the crowd, carrying a small wooden box respectfully in his two paws. He came to a halt next to the monarch and opened the box. Inside, on a pillow of purple velour, lay a beautiful medal in the shape of a fox's head with a mace and sword crossed beneath it.

Rasdill removed the medal gingerly with his right paw. "Lord Orrin. I hereby present you with the Llyran Royal Medal of Honor and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your many sacrifices in my name."

Orrin approached timidly and bowed. "It has been an honor to serve Your Majesty."

Rasdill bade him rise and affixed the medal to Orrin's dress as the others applauded and cheered. "And it has been an honor to have you a peer in my realm." He looked up at the others and his smile waned. "There is another reason we have gathered here, my friends." He summoned the Queen and his son with a wave of his paw. "This evening, my dear wife and son will be heading on an envoy of peace to the faraway province of Septimine. The denizens of this province are far from the Capital City, and they often feel forsaken by the rest of the Kingdom. We wish to show them that they are far from forgotten. Please take this time to wish them a productive journey and a safe return.

In a chorus, the peers of Llyra spoke the age-old verse. "Fairest of fortunes to you, dear friends, and may warm winds one day guide you safely home." They bowed their heads in respect.

When the silence had lasted long enough, Rasdill clapped his paws together. "Well, I've said my piece. Please, there is still much food uneaten. Eat, drink and be merry, my friends."

The others needed no second bidding. They dispersed quickly back to their seats and continued the festivities. The merry celebration lasted until far past sunset.

While the others remained, King Rasdill and his family excused themselves and departed.

Orrin and Trivus followed.

They watched the King help his wife and son into the waiting carriage. He kissed each of them in turn and wiped a stray tear from his eye. "Be safe, you two. I await your return." He shut the door, still keeping the sadness at bay.

The driver whipped up his mounts without much ceremony, and the carriage rolled slowly towards the palace gates, through them and out of sight.

Rasdill turned towards the door. He looked up at Orrin and Trivus. "The sacrifices one must make. But the denizens of Septimine are afraid. All they need is a reassuring voice to tell them that they have not been forsaken."

Orrin beamed. "And I am sure your wife and son will do a marvelous job of it."

"I hope so." Rasdill sniffled and wiped his nose on a napkin, his ears low. "Excuse me, won't you. I must return to the feast. Will you be joining me?"

Trivus stifled a yawn. "We would, sir, but it has been quite a long day."

"It certainly has." The fox surveyed his two subjects with tired eyes. "Well, pleasant dreams, then." With a wan smile of someone who wanted desperately to be happy but found himself unable, he padded up the palace steps.

Trivus and Orrin stayed outside for just a little bit longer, enjoying the balmy night air, each lost in his own thoughts.

Finally, Trivus embraced the raccoon and gently licked Orrin's muzzle. "Time for bed?"

"I think so, yeah." Orrin returned the kiss, still struggling to believe that what he was witnessing was real. "If anything, we can cuddle until we get sleepy enough for bed."

"What a fantastic idea, Lord Orrin." Keeping the titles formal somehow made the interaction even more romantic.

Together, the two lovers adjourned to Orrin's chambers once more.

The raccoon looked about. "Hm, I wonder where Werill has gone."

"Well, we won't exactly need him for what we're heading into the bedroom to do." Trivus grinned mischievously. "I am certain he will return tomorrow, by the time we are awake."

"Yes, I'm sure you're right." Orrin slid his paw down the fox's torso, undoing buttons as he went. "So, is cuddling really the plan?" His paw traveled lower, to the quickly-growing bulge protruding from Trivus's breeches.

"Yes, perhaps the cuddling may evolve into something else." Trivus leaned into each caress.

Orrin pulled him into the bedroom and shut the door. "Now, let's dispose of those pesky breeches, shall we?" He unfastened the belt and slipped the fabric down the length of the fox's supple legs.

The scent of arousal grew stronger and stronger until it permeated the room.

Orrin made to pull down the fox's shorts next, but a knock on the door interrupted his plans. With a sigh, he rose from his knees. "Yes?"

"It's Werill, Your Lordship. I've urgent business."

Orrin shut his eyes, holding back a tired moan. "How urgent?"

"Urgent enough to postpone your copulation for another few hours." Werill cleared his throat awkwardly.

Orrin inched open the door and poked his head through. "Yes?"

Werill leaned in and whispered. "It seems that His Majesty has come into possession of some very valuable documents. Nothing detrimental to Llyra, but our superiors would like to possess them."

"So, does this mean the coup is over?" Orrin pushed Trivus gently away from his throbbing erection.

"It is not, but we have established our own rule here. We are of a firm belief that things will soon return to normal. As such, we must uphold our work here and continue to gather intelligence for when our King returns." He winked. "And we are keeping an eye on your otter friends as well. Approaching them at this point will only draw attention from potential assassins, but once the coup ends, we will need to find them quickly and return them to Aarya."

"Understood." Orrin's erection had long since retreated back into its sheath. "So, these documents... Rasdill's desk?"

"Correct." Werill nodded towards the door. "You may want a head start."

"Don't worry, I have got that covered." Orrin slammed the door shut. "Where were we." He pushed Trivus up against the chest of drawers, kissing him deeply.

Overwhelmed, the fox played along without question.

Orrin, meanwhile, sneaked a paw into the top drawer, producing his lock picks and hinge oil. He slipped both into his waistcoat pocket, making sure to kiss too passionately for the fox to even remember his own name. Next, the raccoon's other paw found the scent muter and placed it into his other pocket.

Trivus moaned, his erection pushing hard against the raccoon's own.

Orrin sighed and parted the kiss. "Let's adjourn to the bed, shall we?" Not waiting for answer, he pushed the fox down onto the soft mattress.

As Trivus stroked his knot in anticipation, Orrin slipped his breeches back on. "Let's continue this in a bit. I've got an errand to run. I'll be quick." Orrin winked and sprinted for the door. Before the fox could get his wits together, the spy slammed shut the door, locked it and removed the key. He leaned against the wood, stifling his giggles. "I was thinking we make it a game, eh? If you catch me, you get the document. If I escape with it, I get to keep it."

"Oh, you sly little- fine. Can you unlock the door?"

"No. Sorry." Orrin tossed the key onto the tea table and sauntered out of the room.

A splintering crunch made him look over his shoulder.

Trivus, armed with a decorative pedestal had managed to smash the lock. "Knock, knock." He drew his sword.

"Oh, good work. Putting those strong arms of yours to some use, I see." Orrin's grin broadened. "I was almost concerned I'd made it too easy on myself." He turned heel and sprinted out of the room, Trivus following eagerly in his wake.

Their first game of many had begun.

Afterword:

"Your plan has failed. Finn's interrogation never came to pass, and we never did get to ask that squirrel of Lord Orrin's involvement. We should not have maintained such distance from him."

"It was for our own safety, Sire. If anyone were to see myself interacting in any form with that spy, the consequences could have been dire. Even that one liaison I sent to soothe him after the debacle with the keys was risky. Besides, Lord Orrin is of no consequence to us at present. He is a lordling who got wind of our dearly departed spy's plan. That branch of our scheme is at a dead end, and so is he. As for Finn, not all was lost. The Secretary is dead, and my identity is secure; that is more than I need to set the rest of the proverbial gears into motion. Rest assured that I have things well under control here."

"Yes, that squirrel's devotion was indeed quite a boon for us. You have chosen him wisely. And what of Septimine?"

"The revolt is going ahead as planned. The fact that Rasdill's wife and son will be caught in the melee is just an added bonus to our cause."

"Good. I look forward to returning to Llyra once more without such heavy disguise."

"And you shall, sir. What about your son? Is he in place?"

"Yes. He and my brother have just sent their regards. All is well."

How long can Trivus and Orrin play their dangerous game? Read Streets of His City & Other Stories today and find out!

For more of Prince Natier's adventures, check out The Prince of Knaves!

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Oh, and don't forget your copy of Sarin Barneby and the King's Gambit_, availa_ble NOW! With beautiful art by the one and only OrlandoFox! At the very least, click the link and check out the awesome cover!

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[Edit]: The full version of Spies in Their Midst is now available from Rabbit Valley! Go and get your copy here!

Thanks for reading!