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Bonds of the Imperium

Chapter Seven

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

1st March, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

Caspian entered the gardens, the moon casting an ethereal glow on the winding paths. He found Lady Seraphina near a blooming rose bush, her silhouette illuminated as she stretched her neck out and sniffed the delicate rose before her.

“My lady,” Caspian bowed deeply, wiping the expression of confusion off his muzzle as he stood behind her. “I am here to serve.”

With a flick of an ear, Lady Seraphina delicately bit the flower, plucking it from the bush as she chewed for a moment, then swallowed it, a delicate ripple running down her spine.

“Thank you for coming, Caspian,” Lady Seraphina's voice was so quiet, even he struggled to hear her clearly, as she turned and looked over her shoulder, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and frustration. “I have need of your counsel and assistance.”

Caspian blinked, then nodded, attentive to her needs. “I am at your service, my lady. How may I help?”

Frustrated, Lady Seraphina's right cloven hoof stomped down on the thick grass, before tearing it into a groove with her sharp hoof.

“Senator Lucius Cervus has refused to acknowledge me as Titus's made at the upcoming Festum Forae,” Lady Seraphina explained, her voice tinged with irritation. “I need – your assistance. I believe your insights could be invaluable.”

Caspian frowned slightly, nervously reaching up to scratch at the base of one ear. “My Lady, forgive me – but I do not understand. What is this – Festum Forae? There is much about your culture, I do not understand.”

Lady Seraphina sighed quietly, turning around to face him. “The Festum Forae is a yearly festival, where we honour one of our Gods. It is a festival of feasting, honouring and beseeching the Goddess Flora, for bountiful harvests and the promise of new life with our stock. However...”

Caspian's ears flicked forward, intrigued and picking up the scent, body language and look from Lady Seraphina, that she was about to divulge something she found distasteful.

“There is customarily a... orgy – afterwards. As I have been forbidden by the Senator to attend – I would request your assistance.”

“My lady - “ Caspian stammered, his ears flattening.

“Caspian, stand - “ Lady Seraphina spoke quietly, her eyes locking onto his frightened ones. “I may be forbidden from attending the feast – I am not forbidden, from attending the... ritual afterwards. Now, I know, you see me as I am, you probably have questions...”

“I would never dare presume, my lady,” Caspian spoke politely, bowing his head.

“Some... Nobility, at the unmentionable post-feast activities – engage in intimacy not only with each other... but with beasts of field and forest, in some perverse belief they're honouring the Goddess. It sickens me Caspian, it sickens me to my very soul.”

Caspian stared for a moment, his mind reeling, before his eyes widened and his mouth fell open, as he mentally pieced together the puzzle Lady Seraphina's words put in his mind. “Oh...my lady... you...”

“Be at peace, Caspian, breathe, please.” Lady Seraphina whispered as she nuzzled his chest gently.

“I did not know - “ He began, then wisely shut his mouth.

Lady Seraphina nudged him backwards, until the gazelle slumped down onto the marble bench, and she could look him straight in the eyes, her nose almost touching his.

“I will place upon your heart, a terrible burden, Caspian - “ Lady Seraphina spoke, her voice even quieter than before, her gaze unflinching. “Lord Titus is unable to put me with fawn. However, there is one at this festival, who can. I know a little about your people, and you, in particular. Can you concoct something for me – to increase my fertility?”

“My lady - “ Caspian gasped, his eyes widening further. “Please, you know not what you ask of me! I know of only one... no, please, I beg of you my lady, please do not do this!”

“Give me your word Caspian, as the mate of Lord Titus, his wife, your life hangs in the balance. For I do it out of love for one who can not procure an heir. For if I do not, Titus will be stripped of his titles – and you will find yourself – and the others – on the streets. I beg of you, please, give me your word, aid me – and keep my dark secret, until your last days.”

“I...” Caspian quivered uncontrollably.

“Please - “ Lady Seraphina pleaded, her heart in her mouth. “I must produce evidence of an heir by the last light of the end of the year, or Titus will lose everything. This is my only option, is to be infiltrated into the festival festivities. I will have to use every charm I know, to seduce the one who wishes to see my heart served up on a platter – and have him do what Lord Titus could not. I have someone on the inside of the Senator's manse, someone loyal to me – so I will need something like...”

Caspian swallowed again, wracking his mind. “My lady – mayhaps... a moment, please.”

Caspian slipped sideways, then stood, as he quickly moved amongst the gardens, his dark eyes searching for a specific plant. At last, he sighed and plucked a single flower, thought about it, then plucked two more. Returning to her, he held the delicate herb flower on the palm of his paw, as he showed it to her.

“This is Valerian, used as a sedative. If crushed up and its juice extracted, it would dull the senses of the one administered to. I believe this will help.” Caspian explained. “I will aid you, my lady – I swear, I will never speak of that which you have told me. I do not like your idea – for it is dangerous and risky – but for your mate and my lord, I will aid you in this.”

With a gentle lick to his chin, Lady Seraphina smiled nervously. “Thank you, Caspian...”

*

The Senator's mansion bustled with activity as the Festival of Flora, the Festum Forae, unfolded. Vibrant colours adorned the grand halls, and the air was thick with the fragrance of exotic flowers and other intoxicants. Guests, draped in elegant attire, mingled after the festival feast. Titus, feeling unwelcome and out of place, exchanged pleasantries with Noble's, staying close to Octavius who remained his ever-watchful, stoic self.

“I wish I could just go home, I have no desire to partake in the festival - “ Titus whispered to his loyal guard captain. “What happens is... debauchery of the highest order. How can they do that to the Goddess's children – knowing I am the Guardian of the Wilds? Do they not see the hypocrisy and cruelty in...”

A gentle tail touch from Octavius silenced Titus, who wanted nothing more than to tear the stupid ornate mask off his head and dash it upon the floor. Wearing these silly masks couldn't hide the fact of scent, fur markings and other things, that made this stupid and pointless masquerade useless. Everyone here knew everyone else – and as a servant struck a large copper gong, they tittered and muttered amongst themselves, moving towards the outdoors – where the main festival was to be held.

“If my beloved was here – I could at least try to be with her, as is expected, my kind breed true only, as is the tradition...” Titus shuddered, watching the other joyous nobles.

“You can not, my lord,” Octavius murmured. “Your heart does not love her, as a buck should love a doe. It would only arouse suspicions... now, please... your absence will be noticed....”

*

Lady Seraphina, stripped of her wedding band around her ankle, a crude rope halter on her muzzle, was led by servants of Senator Lucius into the gardens. She found herself positioned amongst animals from across the continent, including one that towered over her, its long, slender neck reaching skywards, its pelt adorned with golden spots that twitched and rippled. Its elegant, if long, legs, reminiscent of towering marble columns, carried it with an unnatural gait.

What in the beyond is THIS? Lady Seraphina fought to keep her surprise in check, never having seen a creature such as this.

Other animals were brought in, exotic, rare and precious – the striped horse from beyond the edges of the Imperium, gazelles, antelope, and other animals that defied Lady Seraphina's words to recall or describe. Last, was one that made her quiver. He was a proud, majestic red deer – on all four of his cloven hooves, he could have stood over Lady Seraphina and not touched her back... As if he knew what was going to happen – he was already prepared and a clear, viscous fluid dripped from his not inconsiderable male-hood, that Lady Seraphina found difficult to look away from.

Catching a glimpse of the servant who aided her, the servant discretely added the vial to a large goblet, then crouched down before the senator, holding it up. He roughly snatched up the goblet, spilling more than he intended, as he lifted the goblet up and let loose a drunken, raucous cheer.

“Let the festival of Festum Florae begin!”

He drank down the goblet, then thrust it back at the wide-eyed servant, who took it and bowed, then scurried away, giving a nervous glance over at Lady Seraphina, who acted innocent and confused, then set her plan in motion...

*

It took more than she desired to witness, but she singled out the Senator and led him into a darker part of the gardens, far from the debauchery and lecherous behaviour.

“Pretty...little... whoa...” Grunted the Senator, as he cruelly slapped the doe's rump. “Never... bred one... you....”

He swayed and shook his head, as he grinned lecherously. “Gonna...bleat real...”

Lady Seraphina's heart sank, her ears flat against her head. She felt sickened and horrified at what she was about to do – worse, what was about to be done to her.

Please work... Lady Seraphina's heart pounded in her chest, her ears flat and eyes wide as the Senator untied his belt and let his linen trousers fall, exposing himself. I can't bear the thought of his paws touching me...

“I'm going... rut your...your...” He slurred, then wobbled and fell flat on his back, the powerful sedative knocking him out.

With an explosive shudder, Lady Seraphina looked around, ensuring they were alone, as she looked down at the Senator's unconscious form. Swallowing her nervousness, she carefully stepped over him and awkwardly positioned herself.

It wasn't optimal...

It sure wasn't pleasurable...

Yet she managed after a dozen abortive tries, to sheath him inside herself. Thankfully, it didn't take long – before Lady Seraphina, tears sliding down her muzzle, felt him quiver beneath her and give his seed to her.

Titus, my love – forgive me, for I have broken my oath to you, but I do this out of love... that I have for you, my buck.

Struggling back to her cloven hooves, feeling sick to her stomach, Lady Seraphina returned to the festivities, coming over and spotting her uncomfortable-looking husband, she moved purposefully towards him, then dropped to her knees, placing her head on his lap.

“No...” Titus moaned, his eyes wide. “Young one, you don't have to - “

Lady Seraphina looked up at him, and Titus's eyes went wide in horror and shock, as her scent reached his nostrils.

No, it can't be – she's back at the mansion and...

A gentle nuzzle of his belly reassured him before Titus whimpered softly and placed a trembling paw on her neck.

“I... can not...” He moaned helplessly, gazing down at her.

I know my love, Lady Seraphina looked up at him, trying through her body language to tell him why she was here, against the Senator's wishes...and to her sickened horror, she realised others were watching her – and – her mate. Some watched on with interest, some with lecherous, unpleasant thoughts. Forgive me, my mate – for what I must do...

Her head slipped under his tunic, her whiskers tickling his thighs, as she swallowed the lump in her throat and gazed at the furred sheath and testicles beneath the tunic.

Don't do this, you foolish doe – Lady Seraphina's mind screamed at her. You know he would forbid it...

Yet I must, for I'm drawing attention from the Lords and Ladies at the festival, if I do not, my plans will be ruined... Lady Seraphina argued back. I will explain everything to my Lord, in private – now...

Titus's eyes widened, as he felt warm breath and he began to quiver as his tunic was lifted up and down. He'd never experienced anything like this – his mind struggled, trying to interpret what was happening to him. Suddenly, he realised how it must feel for his beloved, when Titus himself, pleasured him this way. Sensations and experiences he'd never imagined, filling his young mind – his hooflet's gripping the edge of the seat on which he sat, his body beginning to tremble violently.

Around him, other nobles looked on, some laughing, some disgusted, some openly not caring, involved in their own lecherous and debauched activities.

Octavius watched, his stoic, immobile face betraying nothing, his paws clasped behind his back. Yet inwardly, he secretly praised Lady Seraphina's strength of character and her willingness to entice her husband. Judging from the moans and trembling from his Lord, Octavius made a mental note to quietly thank Lady Seraphina – privately.

“No...” Titus wheezed, his heart pounding and blood surging within him. “Please...do not... sto...”

He suddenly snapped his hips forward, and the doe between his thighs gurgled and convulsed.

Cheers and clapping rang out around the hall, as Titus squirmed and whimpered in shame and guilt, at what'd just happened.

Acting naturally, yet feeling the gift sticking to her throat, Lady Seraphina slid her head out and gently nuzzled Titus, giving him a look to keep him silent, before she began swallowing and Octavius stepped forwards, taking her gently by the halter and leading her to water.

After she had drunk her fill, her faithful and loyal servant gently took her by the halter and led her out of the Senator's mansion. Quickly, Lady Seraphina was escorted home by Caspian, whose nervousness and wariness remained.

“Come along, Doe,” Caspian growled, playing a role he felt sickened by, but knowing it was the wisest choice.

Lady Seraphina's eyes widened for a moment, before she swallowed and comprehended what was happening, acting as a meek, domesticated deer following in his wake.

*

Back in the senator's mansion, Titus's mind whirled, his body still quivering from the post-orgasmic pleasures as he struggled to regain his mask of impassivity amongst his fellow Nobles.

My mate, my wife – Titus's mind reeled. What she did... why is she even – here – now, at this festival? If my father finds her...

Titus's internal turmoil was shattered, as Octavius returned, placing a paw lightly on his shoulder.

“My lord, I think it is time I escorted you home, the hour grows late and...” Octavius whispered into his ear.

“Yes... yes, thank you, Octavius, that... would be welcome, thank you...” Titus stammered, still reeling from what he'd experienced, his mind conflicted.

Titus rose from the ornate seat, his legs feeling weak as he steadied himself. Octavius guided him through the bustling halls of the Senator's mansion, their departure noticed by a few curious onlookers. Titus' mind raced, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

As they made their way through the lavish corridors, Octavius broke the silence. “My lord, I understand that must be overwhelming for you. Lady Seraphina's actions were...unexpected.”

Titus clenched his fists, the taste of betrayal lingering on his tongue. “Why would she do such a thing? To expose herself like that in front of everyone, it's madness!”

“My lord,” Octavius addressed him quietly. “With the – intoxicants, present my lord, I doubt anyone would have recognised her. If they have they would dare not speak of it, to anyone. As far as they would be aware – she was an invited guest.”

Titus stopped mid-stride, then slowly, his cloven hoof come down as he turned and looked up at Octavius. “I demand an explanation, now...”

Octavius sighed softly. “My lord, we are not within the safety of your estate. There are eyes and ears everywhere. Let us return home, and seek explanations and the truth, in a more secure setting.”

Reluctantly, Titus nodded, realising the wisdom in Octavius's words. The journey home was silent, the clip-clop of the servants carrying the liter echoing the turmoil within Titus's heart. As they entered the estate, the heaviness only seemed to intensify.

Once within the privacy of his chambers, Titus turned to Octavius. “I need answers. What happened tonight, and why did she involve herself in... in that act? Does she not know what happens at that festival? Is she so...”

Octavius bore the worst of Titus's fear and anger, as the whitetail lord unleashed on him, at last breaking into heartbreaking sobs, clutching the red deer tightly. “Octavius, she could have been hurt – or worse! My father wants her heart on a platter – if he'd realised she was there...”

Gently, Octavius comforted his lover, stroking his neck soothingly. “I sense political intricacies at play, my lord. Bear no ill will towards your mate. Lady Seraphina was excluded from the festival, that is true. Yet we returned unharmed, I assume Lady Seraphina did as well. Perhaps – the Senator was otherwise distracted by the festival's activities. I have it first hand, my lord, he – partakes quite heavily...”

Titus shuddered from ears to cloven hooves, before he stepped back and stared up at Octavius, his eyes wide and shocked.

“My father...” Titus whispered disbelief in his voice.

“Yes, my lord. I have no doubt. I have seen him engaged in such – unnatural acts, not only with you, my love... but with...” Octavius's voice began to tremble before he drew a deep breath. “He's known, my lord, to share his bed chambers with creatures of field and forest.”

Shocked, Titus slumped down onto his bed, staring wide-eyed at his lover, who moved and sat beside him, placing a comforting arm around the quivering whitetail's shoulders.

“My father...” Titus began, his words failing him. “All my life, I never knew...”

Octavius nodded and gently nuzzled Titus's ear. “My lord, I pray it never comes up – but if he ever tries to take from you... or hurt you, you have this to protect yourself. Lady Seraphina will back you in this, my lord, as for her... I need to beg your forgiveness, I must as Captain of the Guard, check on your mate.”

Titus, barely hearing Octavius, waved a paw negligently, still trying to untangle the briar bush his mind found itself ensnared in.

“My lord,” Octavius stood and bowed deeply, before leaving the chamber.

*

Knocking gently, Octavius waited until Lady Seraphina's maid opened the door, then stepped aside.

“My lady,” Octavius spoke with formality, giving a courteous bow. “May I speak with you?”

In the dimly lit chambers, Lady Seraphina lay on her bed, her delicate features showed by the flickering candlelight. Octavius remained just inside the door, awaiting his lady's permission, his eyes reflecting a blend of concern and loyalty. The air carried a heavyweight, pregnant with unspoken words.

“Approach, Octavius,” Lady Seraphina murmured, lifting her head off the bed and gazing at him, her ears drooping with the secret she bore within her. “That will be all Aveline, you are excused.”

“Yes, mistress,” Spoke the rat-girl, bowing and backing out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

“Octavius, I must unburden my heart to someone, you, I know I can trust – as you guard me, as closely and loyalty as you guard your lover – my mate...”

Octavius twitched, a minuscule flick of his ear giving away his inner thoughts.

“Sit with me – please?” Lady Seraphina's voice was quiet.

Obediently, he sat on the bed, placing his paws on his lap. “Your wish is my command, my lady.”

“Octavius - that festival – the Festum Florae, is not merely a celebration of harvest and new life. It conceals a darker truth, a ritual that turns joy and hope into... debauchery,” Lady Seraphina confessed, her words hanging in the air like a heavy tapestry.

Octavius maintained his composure, masking any hint of surprise or concern at her discomfiture. “I know, my lady. The Senator's festivities are known for their excesses.”

Lady Seraphina's eyes held a mixture of pain and determination. “I had to infiltrate that ritual, Octavius, to secure the future of our lord and his lineage. The Senator had forbidden my presence, and I could not let Titus's heritage be jeopardised...”

Octavius swallowed, the scent he'd picked up – barely perceptible – finally made sense to him. He felt both shocked and surprised in equal measure. Yet his stoic demeanour remained unchanged, a testament to his years of unwavering loyalty. “You risked much, my lady. The consequences of your actions being discovered in such a compromising situation would be most dire.”

Lady Seraphina shuddered, as she laid her ears back. “I had no choice! Titus is my mate, and I would do anything to ensure his rightful legacy. Alas, he is incapable, of putting me with fawn. The night he consummated with me – so he thinks – he did not. Yet this burden of this secret, that I share with you weighs heavily upon me, Octavius.”

Octavius trembled, he couldn't help it, as he reached out and lightly placed a reassuring paw on Lady Seraphina's neck. “You carry a heavy burden indeed my lady, but you are not alone. I swear by my life, to keep your secret, as much as it pains me. I too, remember the Senator's warning to our lord – about his need to produce evidence of an heir, by year-end. Together, we must traverse these troubled waters. I will, through neither word nor deed, imply your unborn fawn, is not Lord Titus's naturally beget offspring. It is for the sake of our lord, and the preservation of his name.”

A flicker of gratitude crossed Lady Seraphina's muzzle. “Thank you, Octavius. Your support means more than words can convey. But I fear, there is yet another layer to this truth.”

Octavius inclined his head, inviting her to continue.

“The Senator,” Lady Seraphina swallowed, the flicker of disgust in her eyes there and gone. “his debauchery extends beyond the festival. Octavius, he engages in unnatural acts with...”

Gently, Octavius placed his paw over her lips, silencing her. “Yes, my lady – I have witnessed many such festivals, at the Senator's mansion. You need not speak of such vile, depraved acts. It troubles my heart, that you were witness to even half of what transpired. However, I have confided such to Lord Titus. If such a revelation could be proven – it could shatter the foundations of his power and influence with the Senate. Yet I fear we must tread carefully, my lady. Such exposure would have dire consequences... not only for us but for Lord Titus.”

Lady Seraphina nodded, a resolve settling over her. “I... understand, Octavius. This knowledge is a double-edged gladius. Lord Titus deserves to know the truth about his father, and we must find a way to protect him from the storm that will surely follow.”

Their heavy discussion lingered in the chamber, the weight of their shared secret pressing down upon them both. In the silence that followed, Lady Seraphina laid her head on Octavius's lap, gazing up at him.

“Octavius...” Lady Seraphina murmured. “Do you... love Lord Titus? As a buck loves a doe?”

With a deep shiver, Octavius quivered and gently stroked Lady. Seraphina's ears. “Yes, my lady – I do. I love him with all my body, my heart, and my soul. He is... as you should be, my lady. I only wish I could... help him, and help you. Your marriage is a lie – a marriage of convenience and political power. He does love you, my lady, I promise. I just wish he could love you, as he should.”

Lady Seraphina drew a deep breath through her nostrils, looking up at Octavius. “You're a... Cervus elaphus, are you not? He's a... Odocoileus virginianus...”

With a gentle smile, Octavius stroked Lady Seraphina's neck again. “You are correct, my lady.”

Lady Seraphina's nervous smile crinkled the edges of her lips. “Forgive me, Octavius, but I must know... It is... impolite for me to ask, you may refuse to answer...”

As if sensing where she was going, Octavius trembled and held his paws apart in a pretty good assessment of what she referred to, her eyes going wide.

“Oh my god's...” Lady Seraphina gasped in shock and disbelief. “You're... not embellishing the truth, are you?”

With a nervous laugh, Octavius shook his head. “No, my lady. I'm not.”

Lady Seraphina's blush turned her ears a pale salmon colour, as she looked away and quivered. “How...”

Octavius smelt her scent and chuckled quietly. “Liberal use of olive oil, and carefully...”

Placing her head back on his lap, Lady Seraphina sighed and quivered, as Octavius continued gently petting and stroking her, seeking to give the frightened young doe comfort and protection, his own mind burdened by the devastating secret she had shared with him.

TO BE CONTINUED...