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Bonds of the Imperium

Chapter Eight

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

3rd March, 2024

All Rights Reserved

Authors Notes: This is the end of the -first series- for this story. Depending on how well it does, there may very well be further exploration of this Roman-Era world - it depends on you, valued reader. If you enjoy it, please favorite it, comment and leave a vote - it'd mean a lot to me, and give me the courage to continue this tale. Thank you.

In the quiet aftermath of the festival, the estate of Lord Titus stood shrouded in a blanket of uncertainty. Lady Seraphina, burdened by the weight of her secret, moved through the halls with a quietness, her mask hiding the turmoil within. Octavius, ever vigilant, watched over her with silent understanding.

*

As the days unfolded, the senator's mansion in turn, buzzed with rumours and whispers amongst his servants, each of them sharing their version of the debauchery that had unfolded during the Festum Florae – yet not one of them could say where the whitetail doe had gone, or who had removed her. The senator himself, having no recollection of the night's event, acted like it was the best festival ever. His ego grew with each telling and embellished re-telling of his sexual prowess and conquests. Each time, regaling his slaves with lecherous and debased accounts of his activities – not realising they'd found him passed out in a quiet corner of the gardens, having obviously enjoyed someone's company.

*

Weeks passed, Titus remaining silent about Lady Seraphina's unexpected appearance – and her very unexpected sexual encounter with Titus. He knew he should bring it up, but Lady Seraphina's sensibilities and his realisation that maybe she was just taking part in the festival... but it still troubled the young lord's mind.

*

One morning, just before dawn, Lady Seraphina began gagging and coughing. Her loyal maid immediately called for the House Physician, a grizzled old badger.

“Breathe my lady, please breathe!" Aveline moaned, rubbing Lady Seraphina's back, then holding a chamber pot up to her muzzle.

Lady Seraphina gagged and whimpered before the Physician finally entered and took one look at Lady Seraphina's anguished state.

“You, out, now!" He snapped at the rat girl, who obediently rose and fled the chamber. “Now, as for you, my lady! What did you eat or drink? Well?"

His gruff demeanour made Lady Seraphina's choking worse before she pulled the chamber pot close to her muzzle and explosively threw up, the badger wrinkling his nose before he took it away, the smell overpowering. Forgoing the lecture, he began feeling her throat, working his way down to her chest and belly. As his calloused paws pressed hard against her lower belly, Lady Seraphina's loud bleat of pain made him grunt and shake his head.

“Nothing wrong with you," He snorted.

Lady Seraphina shuddered and coughed, her ears flat and eyes watering from the lingering pain. “Then why do I feel so sick? I have been eating normally, not partaking in any wine or other substances..."

“Why?" He groused, as he stood up, placing his paws on his hips. “Truly, nobody has explained any of this to you? You're pregnant, Lady Seraphina. Congratulations I suppose. In about six or seven months, Lord Titus's heir will be born... if – you do exactly as I tell you! No rich foods, hay, grasses, maybe – some apples and berries from time to time, lots of leafy greens and vegetables – I'll organise some rock salt for you..."

Lady Seraphina blinked slowly, looking from the badger to her belly and back again. “I'm – really – pregnant? I just thought it was some bad grain or something..."

With a snort, the badger shook his head. “My lady, forgive me. I forgot you were a maiden, before the wedding and consummation. Obviously, you weren't educated on the – never mind. Yes, you are most definitely pregnant. You should tell your husband, he'll be delighted to know..."

“No!" Lady Seraphina suddenly snapped at him, her eyes narrowing. “Not one word! I will tell my Lord when I am good and ready. Thank you for your service – as unwelcome as it was, you really should work on your manners..."

With a snort, the badger physician merely rolled his shoulders and stormed out of her bed chambers, slamming the door behind him and leaving Lady Seraphina quivering in shock and fear.

“I must speak with Caspian..." Lady Seraphina whispered, her eyes wide and body quivering. “Aveline, send for Caspian, now!"

Poking her whiskered muzzle through the door, Aveline acknowledged her mistress's demand, immediately going to find Caspian.

*

When he entered, he approached and then bowed graciously. “My lady, you have a wish of me?"

“Caspian, that..." Lady Seraphina began. “The medicine you gave me – for my problem..."

Caspian's ear flicked and he nervously stepped from one cloven hoof to the other, his paws clasped behind his back. “Yes... my lady?"

Lady Seraphina looked pointedly at her belly, then at Caspian, raising her eyebrows.

“My lady – did you take the proscribed dosage, as I recommended?" Caspian whispered nervously, looking around as if he expected someone to walk in unannounced.

“All of it, it was quite bitter and - “ Lady Seraphina's eyes widened as she saw the horrified look that spread over Caspian's exotic features.

“All of it?" Caspian gasped in fright. “My lady! You were only meant to take like a quarter, as I explained to you... I have no idea what – it could do to one so young as yourself!"

Lady Seraphina shuddered and looked back at her belly again, then lay her head down on the mattress and moaned softly. “Caspian, my loyal servant... what have I done?"

Caspian found he couldn't answer her – he truly did not know.

*

Lady Seraphina's pregnancy remained a closely guarded secret, for another month – then one morning, as Titus, in a rare showing of affection, lay with her in his bed, cuddling her close and placing his paw on her belly. Lady Seraphina shivered before she lifted her head off the velvet pillows and twisted her head back to look into her mate's eyes.

“My love, my mate - “ Titus began, then shut his muzzle and gently kissed her on the neck. “How I wish I could truly love you, as a buck should love a doe -"

“You have, my love..." Lady Seraphina whispered gently, her eyes filled with her love and affection for her mate – a love she knew he could truly never reciprocate with her.

“How so?" Titus asked, lightly trailing his hooflets down her flank, then along her belly, a frown creasing his forehead. “Have you put on weight?"

Lady Seraphina rolled over and then knelt on the bed. Awkwardly, she straddled him, her forelegs on either side of his neck, her hindquarters sitting on his lower belly.

“Your paws, my love - “ Lady Seraphina asked, looking down at him. “Take them and put them on my chest, please."

Confused, Titus obeyed, gazing up at her.

“Move them firmly, but gently, down towards my udder, I'll tell you when to stop..."

“Lady Seraphina, you know I can not... with a doe..." Titus whispered, his eyes wide. “We – I – can not mate with you..."

With a deep sigh, Lady Seraphina banished the hurtful words, before she looked down at him. “My love, please, do as I ask..."

Gently yet firmly, Titus trailed his fingers down her chest and towards her belly. Suddenly, he blinked as she gasped and winced, then nodded her head.

“Yes, my mate – I'm with fawn..." Lady Seraphina murmured before she carefully lowered her front legs and began licking and kissing his neck. “Your fawn... I was have not been – dishonest, my mate."

Oh, how well you lie young one, Lady Seraphina's darker thoughts bubbled up. You rutted the Senator's tail off and you know you did – Titus may have taken your maidenhood, but this fawn is – not – his, and you know it...

“My..." Titus gasped, his mouth falling open, his wide, innocent eyes shocked and confused. “I'm going..."

Lady Seraphina gently licked his nose, her shy, gentle smile spreading across her lips. “Yes, my mate. You are to be a father, and the future of your house is assured – for a buck who can not lay with a doe – as you claim, it seems, my husband – you are mistaken. In about early to mid next year, our fawn will be born. I have no idea if it will be like you – or – like me. I do not even know if it is a buck or a doe, but I pray it is a buck, my love. We doe's are only fit to breed – and to be wed to a powerful noble house, it seems..."

Titus flinched before he tenderly reached up and wiped at Lady Seraphina's eyes, flicking the salty tears away. “You're...pregnant and..."

Lady Seraphina's tears flowed, but they were tears of happiness, the stunned and startled buck beneath her licking each cheek in turn, as he held her close, for the first time since the consummation of their wedding – nature did what nature does – much to Titus's shock and dismay.

“My lady - “ Titus gasped, feeling the warmth suddenly enfold him.

Lady Seraphina sat up again, then shuddered as he was suddenly fully mounted inside of her, her eyes wide and looking down at him in surprise and nervousness. “Titus – I didn't..."

He twitched, the sensation undeniable. He'd only mated once with her – the night they'd consummated their marriage. This time – there wasn't any pain from her – and the warmth and slickness he felt – sent his young mind reeling. Titus was lost, speechless, all he could do was lay beneath her, the doe's body pinning him to the bed. As his instincts commanded his frightened, irrational mind – as he quivered beneath her, the sensations only got more intense.

“My love..." Lady Seraphina whimpered, torn between the surprise mating and the pleasure that she had never expected.

Neither of them knew what to do – yet their bodies quickly meshed, instinct compelling both buck and doe – their combined bleats, gasps and moans filling the chamber.

Titus outperformed himself – it was nearly a full sand clock before he suddenly bit down on his forearm, muffling his cries as his hips slapped sharply upwards against Lady Seraphina's hips, and he gave her his seed in powerful spurts.

Her own release followed a heartbeat later, making her throw her head back and bleat loudly, long and with enough force to make Titus's ears ring.

Octavius opened the bedroom door, confused and bewildered by the cries before his eyes widened as he took in the scene. He felt the smaller rat-girl slip under his arm, her eyes widening and ears going a brilliant scarlet.

“I think it best," Octavius murmured, as he pulled the rat-girl back and began closing the door. “We let the lady and lord have their privacy..."

*

The door clicked shut behind Octavius, muffling the sounds from within the bedchamber. Lady Seraphina straddled Titus, their panting breaths slowing in the aftermath of their lovemaking, leaving a lingering scent in the air. A mixture of emotions danced across Lady Seraphina's face – relief, uncertainty, and a hind of sadness. Titus, still bewildered by the unexpected turn of events, struggled to comprehend what'd just happened with his mate.

As the room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by their quiet panting, Lady Seraphina spoke in a gentle whisper, her voice carrying a weight of both vulnerability and determination.

“Titus, my love, I never wished for things to be this way, but life has a way of surprising us. Our – mating – tonight, was not just an act of passion; it was a gift from the God's themselves, of this I have no doubt."

Titus, staring up and struggling to catch his breath, looked up at Lady Seraphina, his wide eyes filled with confusion and realisation at what he'd done. “A... gift? What do you mean?"

With a soft smile, Lady Seraphina slightly crouched, bending her forelegs, as she licked lightly up his cheek, her touch tender and compassionate. “I carry your fawn, Titus. Our child, the heir to your Noble house. I didn't plan for this, but it is a blessing we must embrace – together."

Titus's eyes widened in shock, and the instinctively placed a paw on Lady Seraphina's abdomen, as if, once again, seeking confirmation of the life growing within. His gaze shifted from her belly to her eyes, searching for answers.

“Titus, I know this is a lot to take in," Lady Seraphina continued, her voice filled with compassion and understanding. “We face a future none of us expected, but we face it together. For the sake of our fawn and the legacy of your house."

Titus remained silent, processing the enormity of the revelation. The weight of responsibility settled on his young shoulders, and for the first time, he felt the gravity of his position as a lord.

“One thing..." Lady Seraphina murmured, as she shivered and leaned down, brushing her lips against his. “We will soon have proof of an heir...to appease your father."

Titus blinked, then his reply was muffled, as Lady Seraphina's furred lips pressed against his own, silencing him.

*

Outside Lady Seraphina's bedroom, Octavius guided the blushing rat girl, Aveline, away from the door. He kept his voice low as he addressed her, offering a quiet reassurance.

“Such moments are intimate, Aveline. It's best not to intrude. Lady Seraphina and Lord Titus will need time to navigate the path ahead – alone – We should respect their privacy and offer our support if they need it."

Aveline blushed and nodded, her embarrassment evident in her scent and the way her curving ears turned from pale pink to red. As they moved down the hallway, they left Lady Seraphina and Lord Titus to confront the unforeseen challenges that lay ahead for them both.

*

It had been almost six months, since Lord Titus and Lady Seraphina had made love within her chambers, and Lord Titus finally wished the announcement to be formally made. He'd invited the Patriarch of House Callista and his father, Senator Lucius of House Cervus.

Lord Titus's grand hall was adorned with crackling torches, sweet, heady incense and rich tapestries, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A long dining table was set for a feast, laden with platters of succulent fruits, grains and assorted leafy greens and vegetables. Lord Titus presided over the gathering, attempting to maintain a semblance of composure, despite his looming revelation.

Seated at the head of the table, contrary to what formality dictated, the inebriated Senator Lucius was in the midst of a drunken monologue, Titus's guests and Titus himself, feigning interest and laughing appropriately. The Senator's eyes were glazed, and the more wine he indulged in, the more boorish his words and manners, yet, as always, he reeked of his own ego and arrogance.

“My Lord's," Titus finally spoke, as he stood up. “May I have your attention, for I wish to make an announcement..."

A loud, obnoxious belch came from the Senator, who gazed lecherously at Titus, making plans for what he'd do later to this insolent, upstart youngster.

Octavius caught the look, and one eyebrow raised ever so slightly, a hint of a mocking smile touching his furred lips, there and gone, as the Senator turned to glare at him, Octavius once more stoic and impassive.

Let him try to get my Lord alone, let alone try to take him like a doe... This time, I will not just use pressure points on the Senator... Octavius thought to himself, standing silently, but ready to intervene if the situation turned hostile.

Around them, the air was charged with tension from House Callista, disgust and lustful thoughts from the inebriated Senator.

As the quiet clip-clop of cloven hooves, Lady Seraphina was escorted in by her maid, who bowed and quietly backed away.

“My lords, may I present, Lady Seraphina – my wife." Titus smiled, as he gently placed a hand on her neck in a romantic, gentle touch.

A lecherous grin spread across the Senator's face, as he slammed his wine goblet down, then used the back of his paw to wipe his mouth. “Titus, I see you kept the feral around. It seems even my own noble house has its...problems."

Titus clenched his jaw, trying to maintain his composure. Lady Seraphina gently nuzzled his shoulder, silently willing him to endure the impending storm. The Senator continued, his words slurred and dripping with disdain.

“And yet, here I thought you had standards, Titus! A feral, really? I'd have expected better from a scion of the Imperium!" the senator sneered, taking another deep drink from his refreshed goblet.

Titus, his patience wearing thin, muttered a response under his breath, his voice laced with bitterness. “Pulcher es loqui de coitu cum feralibus, pater..."

Lady Seraphina's eyes widened in horror, as she glanced at Titus.

You're a fine one to talk about mating with ferals, father – Lady Seraphina's mind translated the latin back into english almost instantly. How... how does Titus know... - DOES – he know, what I have done? I was careful and cautious... no one seen me with the Senator...

The Senator, too drunk to hear the latin slur, laughed crudely. “Hah! What... what was that? You slut of a doe, Titus? Speak up, or should that be brought up? Should I take you here and now – show your feral whore of a so-called-mate what you really are? Don't deny it – you bleat like a doe when I..."

“ENOUGH!" Titus snarled, slamming his paws on the table, as he glared at his father. “You dare insult me in my own mansion, before my honoured guests? I said... you're quite adept at speaking about mating with feral's, father..."

A hush fell over the room as the senator's laughter ceased, replaced by an unsettling silence. The Patriarch of House Callista and Lady Seraphina exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the tension in the room. Titus' bold revelation hung in the space between himself and the Senator, who merely clenched his three-fingered hand on the table, his eyes narrowing in rage.

“My lord, Patriarch of House Callista, I wish to announce, the pending birth of my – our – fawn. Lady Seraphina is with fawn, my fawn. Our fawn will be raised, loved and cherished, honoured here in my mansion – be it a buck or a doe, like myself, or Lady Seraphina, I give you my oath – this fawn will be protected and loved." Titus spoke quietly, his voice struggling to remain calm.

“You did it - “ Sneered the Senator, glaring balefully at Titus. “You actually lowered yourself to mate with a beast of the forest..."

Titus held his composure, meeting his father's disdainful gaze with an iron-like resolve. The grand hall fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air. The Patriarch of House Callista observed the unfolding drama, looking horrified and sickened at the Senator's words and behaviour, whilst Lady Callista stood at Titus's side, her own emotions masked behind a facade of civility.

The senator's sneer persisted, fuelled by intoxication and arrogance. Titus, however, chose to address his father with a measured tone, each word chosen to convey both strength and determination.

“My lord Patriarch, Senator Lucius," Titus began, his voice cutting through the tension. “I understand this may be difficult for you to accept – father – but Lady Seraphina is my wife, my mate, and the fawn she carries within her is the heir to our House, a continuation of the bloodline I share with you. I won't allow insults to tarnish the sanctity of this moment, from you – or anyone. Lady Seraphina is a noble lady by right of birth, she will be afforded the same rights and respect as you, or any other, noble expects."

The Senator, undeterred, chuckled with a cruel mirth. “Your heir, you say? A feral bastard half-breed, an abomination before the gods, born of a creature of the forest? What legacy is that? House Cervus, tainted by the blood of a feral?"

Titus's jaw clenched, but he bit back the rising anger, a subtle signal to Octavius heightening the Guard Captain's already alert senses. Titus responded with a calm, yet firm rebuttal. “The Imperium values strength, my lord. Our legacy will not be defined by narrow-minded prejudices such as your own but by the strength of our house and the love we invest in our family. I will stand by Lady Seraphina and our fawn, and I will defend them with the same vigour I would any member of House Cervus."

The Patriarch, sensing the escalating tension, intervened with a voice that cut through the animosity like a gladius. “Enough, Senator! This is a matter that concerns House Callista as well! We shall discuss it privately, and find an amicable resolution. Lord Titus has made his announcement, and it deserves our respect!"

With a dismissive wave, the Patriarch rose and bowed politely to Lady Callista and Titus. “My lady, daughter – my lord, I will beg your forgiveness. I can not sit here and have my daughter's honour so insulted."

“My lord, I ask your forgiveness for bringing turmoil into your life," Titus spoke quietly. “I give you my word, I will love and care for Lady Seraphina, and our fawn, I swear."

With a nod, the Patriarch turned and left, the Senator sneering at him, then gulping down the wine and throwing the empty goblet to the floor.

“My son – mated a feral and put her with fawn... I should..." Snarled the Senator in disgust, before his eyes widened and he stared up at Octavius, who stepped before him, towering over the smaller deer before him.

“My lord, may I suggest you leave... your presence here is upsetting to the Lady and my Lord. I ask politely, my lord, that you remove yourself in the most expeditious manner possible. As you are a guest here, in my master's mansion – at his whim, I could remove you myself..."

“You... dare..." Senator Lucius gasped, wide-eyed.

Octavius, quicker than anyone suspected, unsheathed his gladius and pricked the throat of the Wolfen bodyguard behind him.

He froze, yellow eyes widening in surprise and fright. Barely touching his own gladius at his waist.

Octavius, his eyes never leaving the senator, merely stared at him, his eyes narrowing into a look of apathy and disgust. “My Lord, I have no wish of bloodshed in my master's mansion – especially in front of Lady Seraphina. I ask once more, that you leave, and respect my Lord's desires."

With a disgusted sneer, the Senator backed away, masking his fear under the bravado of his drunkenness, as his bodyguard likewise stepped back.

“I won't forget this slight, fawn..." Snarled the Senator to Octavius. “I'll have your antlered head decorate my throne room when I am crowned Emperor..."

Octavius sheathed his gladius, then gave a courteous bow, gesturing towards the large double doors. “No, my lord – you will try..."

*

In the dimly lit chamber of Lady Seraphina's private bedroom, Titus lay beside Lady Seraphina, surrounded by the quiet sounds of her inconsolably weeping. The grand hall's revelry and tension had dissipated, leaving only the flickering candlelight to bear witness to the emotional unravelling within this private space. The weight of recent events pressed heavily on Lady Seraphina, her tears tracing silent pathways down her fur as Titus, with gentle kisses and tender strokes, sought to offer solace to his distressed mate.

In the soft glow of the dim chamber, Titus could feel the depths of Lady Seraphina's pain, a pain that extended beyond the immediate confrontation with the senator. Unspoken fears, societal prejudices, and the challenges and threats that lay ahead for their unconventional marriage manifested in her tears and trembling body. Yet, even in her vulnerability, Lady Seraphina found refuge in Titus's comforting presence. Their shared grief becomes a bond, forging a connection that transcends the societal expectations that threaten to tear them apart.

As the night wore on, the emotional tumult within the chamber seemed to manifest physically. Lady Seraphina's breaths quickened, her body tensing with a different kind of intensity. The stress of the situation began to take its toll, and in a moment of confusion, Titus suddenly found his groin and thighs slick and wet. He felt a sudden urgency, a heightened awareness that went beyond the emotional currents that had enveloped them. It was as if the very air in the room crackled with energy, foretelling an imminent change.

In the quietude of the chamber, Lady Seraphina's tears gave way to a short, quivering breath, her eyes widening before she bleated in agony as the first contraction squeezed down on her. The realisation struck them simultaneously – her water had broken. The impending arrival of their fawn became an undeniable reality. Titus's fear gripped him, as Lady Seraphina shrieked again, writhing in Titus's gentle grip.

Instantly, Octavius burst in, alert and aware, before his eyes widened and he looked at the stained bedding.

“Aveline, now – summon the Physician, go, now!" He snarled at the rat girl, who turned and fled.

“Octavius - “ Titus whimpered in terror, unable to let Lady Seraphina go, helpless and powerless.

Held close against him, Lady Seraphina cried out as yet more sickening pain lanced through her, pain unlike anything she had experienced in her life.

Quickly, the badger returned, immediately ordering Octavius to be forcibly pulled from the bed, despite Lady Seraphina's wailing protestations. “Out, now, the pair of you!"

Octavius physically dragged Titus out of the room, watching as Aveline slipped inside, then shut the door behind her.

“Octavius, let me go!" Titus screamed and struggled futilely, in the guard captain's iron-like grasp.

“My lord," Octavius wept. “It pains me so, to refuse your order – but you can not help – your presence would only make it worse."

“I'll have you... you... flogged for this!" Titus wailed and writhed.

“As is your right, my lord..." Octavius continued to hold Titus tight. “Yet I will not let you go – you can not help your mate... now, its in the lap of the gods..."

Octavius shuddered, hearing Lady Seraphina's agonised squeals and cries, his heart breaking, as he refused to let the hysterical noble lord go.

END OF BOOK ONE