FSE

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Edward Clayton let out a quiet sigh as he peered out of the wagon, watching the city roll past. To say it was hot would've been an understatement. "Ed, Close that cover," his father hissed back at him. The stallion leaning back and letting the flap down. Alan snorted, "Last thing we need is one of these _predators_looking in and deciding we might be worth tasting." The older Percheron let out a snort and flicked his tail at his son, "Check those ropes while you're at it."

"Yes, Father." Ed tried to keep the distaste and worry from his voice as he secured the ropes and tightened the cover. While his father was right, it was the way he'd phrased it that Ed found distasteful. They did have to step carefully in the Sultanate. They were here merely because it amused the Sultan's whims that they should be allowed within the city. By all he'd heard that could change at a moment's notice.

More than that, their entire lives were in this wagon. They were merchants by trade and birth, though Ed's father had never been what one would call successful. He'd done well enough for a while, then Ed's mother died and things began to slide downhill.

Which is why they were here. Alan had sold off everything that he could get coin for, bought as many goods as he could to fit in a wagon, and then made sure they had good clothes. It was a last-ditch effort to make it big. His father had explained the plan several times over, usually after imbibing a few drinks, and Ed found it more than a little risky. Though he'd quickly learned to keep such opinions to himself long ago. A father must be treated with respect. It was practically a law in the Empire.

Stupid if you asked him. Bunch of supremely uptight people so concerned about breathing wrong that they were openly executing anyone considers different. Labeling people that questioned the religious stranglehold as heretics, witches, or at worst atheists.

Ears perked as the sound of the stone under the wheels changed and the cart leveled out. He didn't need his father to tell him what to do. Edward sliding up to the bench seat and settling in. Taking a moment to adjust his clothing and look over his father's outfit. They were in a short line leading to the palace itself, several other people before them. Guards milling about, speaking in their strange tongue of growls and harsh sounds. Edward had studied the language night and day and felt he was fairly adept. Perking his ears forward he could pick up the fairly standard brace of questions.

"Fucking cats," Alan grumbled under his breath, "wish they'd learn to speak Imperial like civilized people." The older stallion sneaking a flask from within his jacket to take a quick sip. Hiding it away and putting on his best smile as the guards approach. "Hello!" he called out in their tongue. His pronunciation making Ed wince inwardly. Alan turned up the charm and put on his best smile, "We have traveled far and brought many things to trade. We would like to request an audience with the Sultan."

A nervous twitch shuddered down Ed's back as the guards looked at them, muttered to each other, snorted, "Merchants?" One guard, a rather rough looking lion, stepped forward and sniffed, "What do you have to Merch, Ant?"

Ed watched his father's eye twitch, but that smile didn't fade. "Ah, only some of the finest goods from the Empire. Pottery, fabrics, so many things." His hand came down on the wagon with a clap. "I have so much to offer it would make your head spin." The guards just stared at him for a moment longer. "Why there are such wondrous items here that your Sultan would have your heads if he learned you let us slip away."

The guards exchanged a look and snorted to each other before wandering off. Alan's smile didn't face but he muttered, "That's right you ignorant savages," from the corner of his mouth.

Ignoring his father, the stallion watched as the guards approached the gates, whispering to the others there. Ed felt a nervous flutter in his gut as the guards glanced from whoever was in charge, back to the two Percheron, then back. Chatting for a moment longer before they motioned the cart forward. A somewhat relieved sigh came from the pair. Alan flicking the reins and guiding the cart horses forward.

They were let into a courtyard area and the heavy gates shut behind them. Edward felt a tremor of worry, but was putting it aside with deep breaths. Alan nudged him with an elbow, "Hey see, told ya I had a plan. All we gotta do is convince these fur lickers that we're a good trade partner. Help me get the cover off."

"Yeah, you really called it." Ed hopped down and started to undo the ties holding the cover in place. Rolling it up and letting the side down to reveal the crates of everything his father had crammed into that space. All told it was a great many things that could probably fetch a decent price. Though it likely would've been better off with them opening a stall in the bazaar rather than coming to the palace itself. Even if a stall there had cost them a pretty penny, it wouldn't have been too hard to make their money back. At least he didn't think so.

While his father did his best to primp and preen himself, Ed bothered over opening a few crates and setting items where they could be seen.

Minutes ticked away. Fading into hours. The sun moving ever higher in the sky and scorching the father and son. Ed did his best to keep in the shade of the cart without looking actively just crawling back into it. His father's demeanor steadily melting from confident and secure to sour. Even his anger starting to fade to something else.

The sun was starting to go down, and Ed had re-arranged the display several times to take advantage of the fading light, before a group emerged from the palace proper. A troop of rather ominous guards approached. Each bearing swords, spears, of some form of bladed weapon. In the midst of their group was an older, white lion male. Mane and pelt groomed to a truly impressive degree, back straight despite his advanced age. Heavy sword resting on his hip, and jewels adorning most of his fingers. This was none other than the Sultan.

Edward was on his feet in an instant, smile on his face and deep bow being offered. "Our humblest greetings and thanks for gracing us with your presence, your Magnificence."

Alan was somewhat slower to his feet, putting on a smile as well, though his was somewhat sun-worn. His bow wasn't nearly as deep nor did it last as long. "Greetings, Sultan Damis." The older stallion took a step forward, the guards immediately moving to block. He hesitated and almost took a step back, but the smug expressions on the guards' faces made him stop and square his shoulders. "I am Alan Clayton, of the Empire, and I come bringing goods." He turned and extended a hand towards the cart.

"You," the Sultan's voice was a deep rumble that was barely above a growl, "Are a Representative of the Empire?" Eyes flicked from Alan to Ed, "You and..."

Ed started to speak, but his father's arm was already around him, "My son, Edward." Worry began to gnaw at his gut as he saw the gears in his father's eyes turning. "We are representatives, yes. Hoping to establish trade and good will between our great nations." What was his father planning? They didn't have any right to be claiming such things. "In fact." The arm came off his shoulder and Alan reached into one of his jacket's pockets. "As you see here, we are part of an official envoy!"

Oh heavens no.

His father produced an envelop adorned with the Empire's official seal. The only thing that kept Ed's eyes from bugging right out of his head was that he was frozen out of pure fear. Out of all the questions he had right now, first and foremost was where had his father gotten that?

A jaguar, maybe a handful of years older than Edward, but dressed almost as finely as the sultan, stepped forward and took the letter. He turned it over slowly, examining the paper from every angle before breaking the seal. Ed's heart was hammering away in his chest as the letter was read. The male leaning over to whisper something into the lion's ear.

Sultan Damis nodded and strode forward, guards spreading and moving to allow the lion to pass. They formed a loose half-circle about the stallions and cart as the lion walked right past them to look over the crates and what was laid out.

Ed glanced from his silent father, to the lion, then the circle of guards. As he was scanning the surroundings, he caught a hint of movement out of the corner of his eye. Ears perked as he looked up at the upper floor window just in time to spot a figure moving back into the shadows. If his eyes weren't fooling him, it certainly looked like another lion with that royal white pelt.

"So," the growling voice pulled his attention back to the Sultan. "These are mighty fine gifts." Thumbs hooked into his belt as he turned, "You offer trade?"

Worry raced down the younger stallion's spine, praying to whoever was listening that it was just a poor choice of words. Alan stepped forward with his best smile on. "We have a great many things to offer," he started towards a crate, but a guard sharply cut him off. Worry solidifying into dread as his father looked from the Sultan, to the rather massive tiger, and back. "Pardon me," he took a step.

Or at least he tried to, but the guard was not moving. Alan's ears ticked back at a sharp angle, "Your Majesty, if you would tell your man to move, I would be more than happy to show you what we have to offer in trade."

Sultan Damis looked from Alan, to the cart, and then back. "These are gifts." Ed's heart dropped and he could hear his father's teeth grinding. "Given for the privilege of meeting with me." His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a somewhat smug look crossing his lips, "So, where are your trade goods?" The old lion scanned the courtyard, "Are they coming later?" He clapped his hands, "Ah, arriving tomorrow perhaps? Yes, send the gifts ahead so we may sort them. Wonderful idea." He clapped his hands and started to call for servants.

"That is the trade, you stupid cat!"

Never in his life would Ed have thought he'd drop dead of a heart attack at twenty, but here he was.

Everyone froze where they stood. No one even dared breathe, no one save Alan and the Sultan. The older stallion's eyes wide and teeth grinding, "I mean, I knew you savages weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer, but this just blows me away." Chest was heaving with each heavy breath, "Can't you see?" He gestured wildly at the cart, "Those are the tr..."

A heavy thud sounded through the courtyard as his father hit the ground. That tiger guard slowly putting the weapon at his side, having slammed the heavy haft into the horse's head.

The Sultan sniffed, "Take him to a... special room." Eyes flashed to Ed, the other stallion looking more than a little surprised, but about as harmless as he could be. "See that his son is giving a room as well while we decide what to do with them."

Guards swarmed around Ed, the stallion's ears falling back as he flashed a nervous smile. "T-thank you for your hospitality, Your Magnificence."

A wiry smile crawled across the lion's maw as the guards surrounded the pair, "That is very wise of you." Head jerked towards the palace, "See that he has a room. His father... put him in a different room. We'll have to decide what to do with them later."

Ed did his best to smile, but it was a shaky, trembling affair. Turning about on his heel, he followed the guards as they escorted him into the palace itself. Sparing a glance over his shoulder as his father's prone form was simply grabbed by his arms and dragged up a separate set of stairs. Cold dread racing down Ed's spine as he watched his father being hauled off. As he turned his attention back to the path ahead of him, he caught the barest glimpse of that figure in the window again before he was lead inside.

In reality, he should have slept. Ed knew this. After spending most of the day sweating in the sun, he should have gotten some rest so he could plan things out. He had been treated well enough. No sooner had he gotten settled in a room than food and drink were brought. Mostly meat, but there was some grains and other things. Not wanting to insult his hosts further, he took his time picking through the meal and stomaching what he could. Which was more than he though, considering how his stomach was churning and knotted. Low sighs easing from him as he tried to tear his mind away from everything that happened.

So that was how he spent his evening. Pacing about the room. Occasionally stopping to take nibbles from the plate or a sip of water.

There were guards about, but none inside the room. The couple times he tried to leave, they were instantly at attention and snarling questions at him. First time he'd just ducked back into the room, but later he'd asked about a privy. They were more than happy to guide him right to one and immediately back to his room. Nice room, but he was pretty much a prisoner.

So it was back to pacing about the room. Occasionally trying to sit or lay down before returning to his anxious activity.

Evening passed into night. Sun dropping lower and lower until it vanished behind the horizon. Clear skies and moonlight drifting into his room through the vast, open windows. His pacing found its way over to the window and he looked out over the gardens. Ears perking slowly as his eyes roamed across the somewhat shaded expanse and up to the wall.

He leaned out the window and looked around slowly. This time of night there didn't seem to be anyone out and about. A plan. A crazy, desperate plan began to form. Every scrap of rumor and heresy about the Sultanate began to race through his head. Chances were good that he and his father would be executed. While he didn't know what was on that letter, he knew it wouldn't really matter. Not for his father, and likely not for him. Every instinct told him that it was likely he wouldn't make it out alive. He had no clue where his father was and had the feeling that I he asked, he'd wind up right alongside him in whatever dungeon the older stallion was in.

Fear and self-preservation drove him out the window. Edward Clayton leveraging himself out of the large window and down as far as he could before dropping down. Trying to be as quiet as he could as he ventured towards the wall. Maybe if he got out, he'd be able to reach someone, anyone, that could help.

Hurrying up to the wall, he angled his head back and peered up. It was tall, easily a several times his height. Ears pinned back as Ed leapt, hands extending for the top to try and grab whatever he could.

"If you want to get over that wall, you'll need to turn into a Springbok."

Ed's blood ran cold as that smooth, growling voice washed over him from the shadows. Turning very slowly, he nearly dropped dead from a heart attack as he saw a lion with a snowy pelt behind him.

Though this was not the Sultan. It took him a few seconds to recognize the figure as the one he'd seen earlier, watching him from a window. The lion was well dressed, almost as well as the Sultan though without the same ostentatious array of jewelry and decoration. From what Ed could see, his body looked fit, the lion perhaps the same age as he was. He wore a partial smile, though his eyes spoke of a weight behind them that held him down.

"A what?" Ed tried to sound casual, as if he weren't just caught trying to escape.

Brows lifted, "A Springbok, they're a type of antelope. Graceful, powerful legs, can just.." The lion motioned with his hand, "Sometimes you swear they can fly." Eyes roamed up to look at the wall, "Though they'd even have trouble with that." The lion kept his head turned towards the wall, but Ed could feel him watching out of the corner of his eye, "Not trying to escape are you?"

He began to stammer a bit as he tried to come up with a good excuse. That smile curling a bit more before the hand lifted to silence him. "It's okay," his voice was low, almost a whisper. "If I could escape from this..." that smile faded into a frown. "Not entirely a fitting thought for the Sultan's son though." His smile helped Ed relax some. "Rikh," he offered a hand.

Taking it, he shook, "Edward, but most call me Ed." Four ears perked as they heard some rapid footsteps coming from the palace as well as worried shouts. "Oh no," Ed started, worried ears hearing shouts about the Imperial. Seems his exit had been noticed. Which was surprising since he hadn't seen a single guard ever look into his room while he was in there.

A hiss came from the lion, "Come," he grabbed Edward by the arm and pulled him back towards the palace. "I'm going to need you to laugh, Ed." Ears perked and the stallion looked at him like he was insane. Claws dug into his arm as the lion hissed, "Laugh, damnit!"

Worried, Ed started to laugh. Rikh's expression relaxing almost immediately as he belted out a roaring laugh of his own. Throwing his arm around Ed's shoulder to draw the stallion closer, "So I said, I'm not an elephant either!" He staggered into Ed, practically howling with laughter. The percheron stumbling then nearly braying with laughter as he staggered back into the lion.

Guards rushed around the corner, weapons bared, only to come to a stop with confusion written across their faces.

Rikh actually snorted a laugh as he wiped at the corner of his eye. Taking a moment before he seemingly noticed the guards before them. Nearly leaning against the stallion, he looked among the guards slowly. "Is there a problem?"

The various guards looked among themselves slowly, "Ah..." Another glance about. "We had been told that the Imperial had escaped his room."

Rikh and Edward shared a look. The lion leaning back some as he gave the stallion a hard look over. "My eyes may be fooling me, but it doesn't look like he's escaping. Ed, my new friend, are you trying to escape our fair palace?"

It took every ounce of practice he had participating in every mandatory school play to feign surprise. "Escape? Why would I be trying to escape after your father has shown me such wondrous hospitality?"

Every one of the guards seemed to bristle at that. Rikh just laughed, "See? I was taking my friend for a walk." Rikh's powerful hand clapped on Ed's shoulder and pulled him in to a sidelong hug, shaking him slightly. "I figured our guest might have been bored and would like to see the palace as a whole, and what better time than when it is basking in the moonlight?" He heaved a sigh, "Though it seems my unplanned tour has made the palace guards nervous." Another slap to his shoulder, nearly staggering the stallion, "Come! Let us return to your room and talk. I would love to learn more about your homeland."

Throwing his arm around Rikh's, he strolled back to his bedroom with the lion, "And I would love to learn more about yours, Friend."

It was surprisingly hard not to burst into a run as he passed the guards. Even harder to not glance back as heavy footfalls echoed behind them. They somehow made it back to his room in record time, Rikh coming in with him. "I think I'll chat with my friend a while longer, yes?" He flashed a grin as he shut the door tight behind them. The lion heaving a sigh, "That was close, my friend. If I had not found you before they did, you would have wound up alongside your father." Rikh crossed the room and dropped into a plush chair.

Worry ticked through Ed as he followed the lion. "You know where my father is?"

Rikh nodded, rubbing his muzzle with his fingers. "Oh I do, he's in the same place..." a quick glance towards the door before his voice dropped, "He is in the same place as everyone my father feels slighted him. It is a miracle that I have not wound up in that dungeon myself." A slight smile flashed, "Slight benefits of," he plucked at his own cheek. "So, tell me about your home and I will tell you of mine, yes?"

Ed sank back into the chair with a sigh, worry for his father gnawing at him, "After saving my hide, I'll tell you everything."

They began to talk. Ed speaking of the Empire and their rather ramrod straight attitude about everything. Expressing his distaste for how any that were slightly different were either stamped into place or removed in sometimes brutal fashions. Barbaric fashions if you asked him, and not barbaric in the way that his father often described the people of the Sultanate.

Rikh frowned, "So your Empire even kills those who lay with others of the same gender?"

Ed nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Yes. They call them Sodomites and they are executed. Usually by hanging, but sometimes by worse measures depending on how they are feeling that day." Fingers graced his temples slowly, "Surprising how many are found even among the priesthood."

A snort sounded from the lion, "Cannot help but imagine a few scorned lovers were the source of those being turned in. Or ones wanting to have some thing then feel guilty after because," he made a fluttering motion with his hand, "some rule of no-fun gnawed at them." Fingers combed through his mane slowly as Rikh breathed out a sigh, "And what of you, have you felt these urgings before?"

He wasn't quite sure what Rikh was asking, "I have felt that there are a great many things wrong with the Empire and the way it handles things. I mean... if you feel a certain way about something, and you aren't hurting anyone, what is wrong?"

"Exactly!" the lion belted out, slamming his hand on the armrest. "Why, I have laid with my share of men and women alike. Made sure that each was willing as well. Truly willing and not just uttering the words because they are house servants." A heavy sigh heaved from him, "Far too easy to fall into the trap of just taking what you wish. Certainly when you are the son of the Sultan and they are," he searched for the word, "Not servant, stronger?" a growled word rolled out that Edward didn't recognize.

"Slave?"

Rikh snapped his fingers, "That is the one." Another weighty sigh, "I would love to do away with that practice. Nasty thing. Only have willing, well paid servants. Unite the tribes under one banner. See poverty lowered, heavens know that one cannot end it, but the masses could be educated better. I try to tell my father these things and what does he say?"

Almost in unison, the pair called, "Because it's not how things are done!"

They stopped. Blinked at each other. Then grinned as they made a connection. Soft chuckles coming from both as they leaned back in their chairs.

"So," Rikh purred towards him, "The question then becomes what do we do?" Claws unsheathed slowly and pricked at the wooden armrest. "The Sultan is getting old and others are murmuring that he is getting weak. He is feeling the pressure to do something to tighten his hold again."

Ed's ears perked forward, "Do you think he's going to start a civil war or something like that? Come down on one of the other tribes?"

Lips twitched into the barest frown. "I do not know what his plan is, my friend." He heaved another sigh out into the room. "If he goes after another tribe that is speaking against him, then the others might rally around them."

Chin rested on fingers as the stallion leaned forward, "Do you think some tribe might martyr themselves in order to change rule?"

He nodded, "There is a saying that what the Sultan is doing when he takes rule shall dictate what type of Sultan is he." Rikh parted his hands and sat back with a sigh, "My father earned his title in a coup. As did his father before him. And his before him." Hand rolling to indicate that it went on for a while. "My father has always been..." lip twitched with the briefest of snarls, "prudent when dealing with threats." He snorted a slight laugh, "It's why I'm his only living heir. No, he'd want to show his might in some other way."

Realization dawned, Edward's eyes widening slowly. "The Empire." Rikh looked at him with a confused expression. "Oh, oh no!" He sank forward and buried his head into his hands.

"What is it? Father wouldn't be so stupid as to pick a fight with the Empire. They would crush us and he knows this."

Ed shook his head, "My father had some sort of letter or something. It had the Imperial Crest on it, I don't know what it was though. He had some sort of official backing to be here." What it could be was any number of things, but he had a sinking feeling his father had called in some favor or the other.

A sharp inhale let him know Rikh had come to the same conclusion. "I could see it now." His voice took on a deeper tone, "These Imperials sent these fools to make a deal. They insult us, they believe we are weak!" Rikh groaned and leaned back with a sigh, "He won't wish to waste any time either." A heavy sigh. "His last Vizier would have urged him to do it tonight. Naji is younger though, chosen before his predecessor's passing. He might try to talk Father out of it, but..."

Silence fell over the pair. Ed's blood running cold with dread. Sweat beading along his back and running down. Heart starting to hammer away in his chest. Part of him wanted to scream, to cry, to make another break for it, to drop to his knees and beg for mercy. Mercy from who though? Surely the Sultan would ave none of it. Rikh? He looked at the lion who looked deep in thought. He might be able to help with something, though what he was not sure. He couldn't very well ask this near-complete stranger to risk his life just to save him. Base case he'd get out of town somehow. Worst cast Rikh would find himself in exile or worse.

A sharp smack made the percheron jump, heart racing. "Well," Rikh started, rubbing the armrest he'd just slapped. "Sitting around is making me feel rather gloomy." A low hum slipped out. "I cannot in good conscious sit here and do nothing while a guest stews in his own misery. There is not a great deal I can do, my friend, but perhaps we can make this a good night?"

Ed's head was throbbing in time with his heartbeat. "What do you have planned?"

The lion was before him in an instant, hands grasping his and guiding him to his feet. "As I said there is not much that I can do, but perhaps I can help with some regrets you might have?"

What regrets didn't he have? There were too many to count for having lived as sort of a life as he had. Only twenty years old, just barely a man by law. Still beholden to his father and the weight of countless morality rules. He was good enough to fake it at home, to put on the airs needed to survive. Faced with his own mortality there was that driving wish, that need, to cut loose for once in his life.

Breath came shaky, "I've never tasted alcohol. Heavens, I've never even lain with a woman."

Rikh's eyebrows bounced, "Never? Have you ever..." his hand moved in a strange up and down in a strange gesture. Even as unfamiliar with sex as he was, the countless lectures gave him some idea of what it meant. He shook his head slowly and Rikh's eyes went wide. "Well then, let us remedy this, my new friend. Follow me closely."

Nodding, Edward followed behind the lion. It was a strange thing, he felt as if he were drifting several feet behind his own body as it moved. Faced with his possible execution within days, hours even, and here he was about to sneak out with his friend. The son of the man who wanted him dead just to prove his manhood.

There was no sneaking out the window this time. Rikh strode directly for the door and threw it open. The guard jumping at the sudden motion and whirling to stare at the lion. "My friend is feeling restless. I am taking him out for a walk."

Eyes darted from the lion to the percheron and back. "My orders are that he cannot.."

What protest the cheetah had was cut short as Rikh turned. In an instant, his hand was about the guard's throat and he had the other feline slammed into the wall. Weapons clattering to the ground, hands closing about Rikh's wrist as the lion snarled, "What was that?" Lips pulled back to reveal fangs. Growling so deeply that Ed's chest was shaking from the exceptionally low noise. Every hair standing on end, "I care not what my father said. My friend is not leaving the palace, nor is he escaping. We are going for a walk and you are to tell no one. If you do..." The cheetah gasped, clinging to the lion's hand as Rikh lifted him off the ground. "Is that understood?"

If the cheetah nodded Ed didn't see it. Rikh let him down and released his hold. "Good. Now if anyone asks where our guest is?"

The guard coughed, "He is asleep and not to be disturbed without first asking you, your highness."

Rikh chuffed, "Good." Picking up the guard's weapons, he handed them back. The smile returned as he gestured for Edward, "Come, my friend. Let us walk, yes?" Ed's knees shook a little as he followed the lion down the halls. Once they were out of sight of the guard, Rikh uttered, "Sorry for such a savage display, Edward."

"Will he tell the others?" His heart was still hammering away as they worked down the halls.

"I should think not, though we might want to avoid other guards just in case." He flashed a toothy grin, "I can't intimidate the others quiet as easily as I can Tasim."

So began their adventure of sneaking through the halls. Ed doing his best not to let his hooves clop loud enough for the entire castle to hear. Even then, Rikh was practically silent beside him. Gliding along with each step, ears trained forward. Keeping a good few feet ahead. Often gesturing for Edward to wait or hurry.

The path was long and winding, with the pair often having to double back on themselves to avoid something. Edward couldn't have begun to make his way back to his room even if he'd wanted.

"Okay," Rikh chuffed happily as they approached a door, "inside quietly." He popped the door open just enough to let Ed squeeze in. The stallion easing through and waiting as the lion hesitated outside before joining. Holding the door as he gingerly eased it closed. "Welcome," he gestured, "to the Harem."

Ed turned and his jaw nearly hit the floor. There, spread before him was a wider assortment of women than he'd ever imagined, all of them barely wearing even the slightest hint of clothing. For most, the only clothing they wore was a simple collar about their neck. While it was getting later in the evening, it seemed most of the Harem was up and awake. An array of oil lamps casting enough light that Edward was able to see a great many details.

Angry and worried whispers rippled through the room as Ed stood there with a dopey grin on his face, pants rapidly starting to tent. Eyes snapping over as Rikh strode up alongside him and put his arm around the stallion's shoulder. "It's like heaven, isn't it?"

"Rikh!" a voice called out from the harem. A shape launching from the shadows and darting across the room. Instinct drove Ed back a step, ears up and muscles tense.

The shape slammed into the lion with enough force to drive him back a step. Supple arms wrapping about his shoulders as very bare legs coiled about his waist. Deep chuffs sounded from the pair as lips pressed to his in a heated kiss. That singular embrace having far more passion and warmth to it than Ed had likely seen in his entire life.

A clap sounded as Rikh's hand came down on her rear. The lioness breaking the kiss with a breathy gasp. Head tossing back with a look of joy on her face, long hair whipping about her as eyes glimmered in the lamplight. The scent of sweat and something else tickling at his nose as the lions chuffed at each other.

"What is that I smell?" Rikh planted a kiss on her neck, teeth working at her flesh.

The lioness gasped and arched against him, tail whipping excitedly behind her. "What do you think, _my_Prince?" There was something in her tone that hinted at a possessiveness. "We had been hiding it as much as we can, but only a matter of time before..." she leaned in to kiss his head, attention finally shifting to Ed, her ears perking up. "Who is your friend?"

Rikh wasn't about to turn his attention away from her. Tongue and teeth brushing over the lioness' collarbone, "Anisah, might I present Edward Clayton. He has the misfortune of having a father who insulted the Sultan." Head dipped lower to nuzzle her bare breasts, "He is a good man with good ideals." Rikh flashed a smile up at her, "Can you think of any of your fellows who would be freely willing to give him a memorable evening?" Rough tongue pressed to breast and slid over her nipple.

Anisah gasped and arched against him with a moan, "Oh I think I could round up a couple." She flashed a smile towards Ed as her hips rolled, "Do you have a type, stallion?"

It was getting very hard to think right now. Edward was very certain that every drop of blood had rushed to the wrong head to do any thinking. "Ah..." He blinked and looked over the harem. Predators, prey, slender, stocky, more types and flavors of women than he could begin to process. "I think I'll leave the expert choice to someone with more experience." He offered a shaking smile and half-bowed towards Anisah, "I am in your capable hands, Lady."

Something like a gasp and a ripple of whispers flitted through the harem room. A smile creased Anisah's lips as she detached herself from Rikh. "Such a Gentleman," her fingers traced over his jawline. "I believe I can find a couple willing, yes." Her tail flicked up as she looked over her shoulder at Rikh. A smile crossing her features when she saw his gaze was firmly locked on her rear. "A private room though. Don't want any chance of being caught."

"No we do not," Rikh mused, lip curling back as he took a deep breath. "Come," he gently took Ed by the arm, "You know which room?"

Anisah turned and pressed back against Ed, her rear grinding rather heavily against his tented bulge, "I do, and I shall see you in there shortly." Leaning in, she kissed the heir deeply again. Her hips backing up and rubbing into Edward with enough force that he was certain she was seeking to make him embarrass himself.

She was gone before he could. The stallion huffing to try and cool himself down. Only Rikh's hand kept him somewhat stable as he was lead through the harem and into another hall, "Servant's hall," his companion explained. "No one should be down here. None are allowed near the Sultan's Harem unless they are women or are lacking."

Ed could only nod dumbly as he was lead into a room. "Sultan's entertaining room. Meant to entertain guests and allow some access to a limited number of the Harem. Though since Father is rather jealous about anyone touching what is his it hasn't been used in a time." Rikh pulled something from a pocket and had a lamp lit within a few moments. "He keeps it clean though, because it would be an insult to him if it were even the slightest bit dirty."

The room was extravagant. Cushions piled up to form a seating area that surrounded a low table. Heavy wooden shutters allowed a bit of breeze through, but Rikh moved to quickly cover them with heavy curtains as not to betray their presence.

"Gods," the lion huffed as he leaned down to sniff his shirt, "That woman is beyond devious. Her scent is all over me," He chuckled and began to take off his shirt. "She knows just what it would do to me." Glancing over his shoulder, "Might want to take that off," there was that easy smile of his, "you have been in it all day."

Ed's ears fell back at as he watched the lion start stripping his clothes off. Revealing a broad, muscled chest. While undressing with another male was something he'd done many times before, the fact he had an erection was making him hesitate. "You're right." Besides, he had a feeling he'd be naked before long and if he were facing death soon then a little embarrassment over having an erection in front of another man was the least of his worries.

Rikh whistled as Ed started to undress. "Here we had been lead to believe that all who live in the Empire were soft."

The stallion started to open his mouth and say something before he looked at his own body. A lifetime of working hard at his father's trading company. Lifting and moving boxes, double checking the books, and countless other things, had won him a body and mind to be proud of. "We had been lead to believe that those of the Sultanate are mindless savages." Looking about for somewhere to leave his shirt, he spotted Rikh's on the ground. So that's where his wound up as well. "You sir, have proven that wrong."

The lion chuffed as he dropped onto a cushion, erect cock slapping proudly against his belly. "While people like my father continue to strive to uphold that image proudly." His eyes took in the stallion's body as it was bared before his eyes widened as that cock sprang free. "Whoa... I believe you might give the women a shock with that thing."

Ed's ears fell back as he shifted to grab a cushion, pulling it to cover himself up. Rikh's ears fell back as well, "I did not mean to embarrass." He rose and shifted to lounge beside Ed, pulling at the thick cushion slowly. "I was merely teasing."

He laughed a bit, "Just nervous. We're told that our bodies are something to be somewhat ashamed of. That sex happens behind closed doors, under the covers, with no lights."

"A body is nothing to be shamed of. If your God did not want you to be proud of it, then why would he have given it to you?" Ed blinked at just how much sense that made. Grip loosing on the pillow and letting it be pulled away. "There we go, my friend." He heaved a sigh and dropped down beside Edward. Toned body stretching out as he groaned.

The lion looked over the stallion again. Seconds ticking by, their manhoods slowly relaxing. "You know," Ed broke the silence. "Hadn't spent a great deal of time around your father, but from all you've said and what I've gathered, it sounds like you'd make a much better Sultan than he."

Rikh chuffed, "You flatter me." He heaved a sigh, "I don't know if I have what it takes to be a sultan. There is a sort of viciousness needed for it."

Rolling his head, Ed looked over the lion's body. He was beyond fit it looked like. Then he remembered the way that Rikh casually hefted the other guard. "I think you could hold your own. Who knows, maybe people are getting tired of all the fighting."

A low hum came from the lion as he leaned back, head resting against his hand as he thought.

Not that they would have long to think and ponder before the door creaked open. Both males stilling and looking towards the shadowy door as figures slipped in. The door creaked shut again and the curtains were pushed aside.

Anisah smirked over the two before stepping aside, drawing the curtain with her. Three other harem members flowed in behind her, all naked save for that collar, each bearing a tray. "Greetings," her voice rolled softly, "May I introduce Batool," a zebra mare strode forward, almost as tall as Edward with a wider pair of hips. She gave the barest of nods, smiling as she sat her tray on the table. Breasts swaying as she poured drinks. "Leyla," a gazelle bowed and entered. She was nearly as tall as Batool, body slender but toned with a dancer's build. Her tray of fruits and meats balanced easily on one hand. "And last, but certainly not least, Nweh." A smaller feline came in, head and shoulders shorter than Anisah, but with a wild smirk on her face. Balancing a tray of flat breads that was set alongside the others.

Rikh nodded his head, "You all know me, this is my friend, Edward Clayton."

The lioness opened her mouth to speak, but Nweh interrupted, "Ooof, look at the cock on him. Thing looks like my fucking arm, doesn't it?" She nudged the gazelle, "Think he'd split you in half, Leyla."

Leyla sniffed delicately, "You say that like it's a bad thing." A hint of a smile danced across her lips, "Besides, we all know you'll be yowling for your turn with him." The quartet tittered with laughter, helping to disperse the tension.

Anisah strode to the lounging pair, smoothly collecting a pair of earthenware mugs from Batool as they were offered, "I apologize for taking so long to arrive, we thought refreshments might be wanted." One mug was offered to Rikh before she sank down with him, legs draping against his as she leaned in. Not even giving him a chance to sip before their lips met.

"You'll have to excuse them," Leyla eased herself down against Ed's side, offering him a mug. Her fingers graced his as he took it, the gazelle curling herself against his side. "They were friends long before Sultan Damis decided to take her into his harem. Likely as a way to taunt his son." She was warm and soft against Ed's body, a gentle fire that he'd never imagined feeling before. Her smile making her eyes light up as she angled her head ever so slightly. "That is neither here nor there though."

Fingers dropped to brush over his chest, resting over his heart. "Feels like your heart is about to burst from your chest..." Her head tilted ever so slightly, "If you wish, we can talk and relax you."

It was getting a little harder to breath, each pant bringing the scent of the harem women. Exotic, excited, enticing, and everything a warm-blooded male could want. "W-well," he started nervously, taking a sip from the mug. It was something spiced, fruity, with a burn that followed. Alcohol, but he wasn't sure what type. "I would be a fool if I wasted even a second of this opportunity." Attention shifted as Batool joined the Gazelle, trapping the percheron between them. Her larger fingers trailing over his chest. "I... um..." it was suddenly getting very hard to think as all the blood rushed to his other head. A soft moan drawing his attention to Rikh. The lioness was half-atop him and that sand cat had her maw buried between his legs. Leyla's gentle fingers guiding his head back to face her. "I leave myself in your capable hands."

Her smile filled his vision, "I was hoping you'd say that, Edward Clayton." Breath that smelled of something earthy and spiced filled his senses as she leaned in and kissed him. His word exploding as soft lips pressed to his, her fingers trailing over his chest. Batool's thicker digits roaming his belly as she shifted, guiding one of his arms around and behind her so she could get closer.

The kiss broke, leaving him breathing more heavily than he'd ever in his life before. Leyla's lips closing about his bottom lip and holding it for a second as she drew back. "Please, call me Ed," he mumbled.

"Well," Batool's deeper voice whispered, "If I may?"

A nod, "I'll gladly allow you first taste, sister." Leyla shifted against him, offering a bite of fruit. "He looked virile enough to satisfy both of our urges. I'd love to spoil him while we have the chance." One that he gladly lipped away.

Then nearly choked on as fingers curled about his cock and something warm and wet brushed over the head of his cock.

Ed's attention instantly snapped down to the zebra. She was gently cupping his cock, fingers as soft as the finest silk brushing over his shaft. Her broad tongue gently tasting his flesh before allowing it to enter her mouth. His mouth falling open as those incredibly soft lips brushed down his length. Tongue brushing against his spire as she hummed quietly to herself.

It was incredible, easily the greatest experience he'd ever had in his life. Eyes rolling back as her lips brushed over his shaft and head bobbed steadily. Looking up at him with a smile as she shifted her body. Head dipping lower to take more and more of his cock until his entire length was buried within her maw.

To be entirely fair and honest, Ed would have peaked within seconds if she'd just been stroking him. All that kept him from finishing as quickly from her maw was the sheer shock at how good it felt. Once that faded even the slightest amount there was no holding back the rush. An entire adulthood of denying himself even the act of manual pleasure came rushing up with a "God!" The shout quickly smothered by a Leyla's mouth.

Batool smiled as she rolled her tongue on his flesh, feeling each shot as it was released. Basking in the joy and the stallion's rich flavor.

All three felines' perked their ears as they heard the cry. All three looking over as Ed's body shuddered. Batool's rear swaying happily as she swallowed his load, Leyla practically on top of the stallion as she kissed him deeply.

Rikh's smile widened as the gazelle broke the kiss, "How was it, Friend?"

"Yeah, how's he taste, Batooommph." Nweh was silenced as the lions both pushed her head back down onto Rikh's cock.

The zebra mare lifted, grabbing Leyla by an antler, and pulled her into a kiss over Edward. A moan easing from the smaller female as a tongue invaded her mouth, happily suckling on what was offered. Ed could only stare at them in awe as moans drifted down at him. "It was the best thing I'd ever felt," he panted.

Rikh's laugh was rich, the sound deepening into a grunt as Nweh sucked that much harder about him. "If you think that is good, just wait until the real fun begins." Teeth ground as the sand cat eased her hand back to massage his taint, drawing a chuff from the lion as she urged him onward. Rough tongue playing against his cock and even teasing his barbs.

Ed was watching the ladies kiss over him, still reeling from having just pumped his load down Batool's gullet. "It gets better?"

Leyla broke the kiss with a gasp, a strand of drool and semen connecting her lips to the zebra's for a moment. "Oh yes it does," she moaned out. Licking her lip slowly, a shiver ran down her spine, "Oh you are delicious, Ed."

He laughed, laying his head back. "Just sorry I finished so fast."

Hands roamed over his chest and down his front, both of the ladies stroking his cock and bringing it back to life. "It is beyond okay," Leyla nearly purred as she nuzzled into his neck. Looking towards her companion with a smile. Finger trailing up to trace on of Ed's nipples. Batool's eyes were fixed on the cock that she was toying with. "It's been a while since you've had a stallion, hasn't it dear?" Her legs slid on either side of Ed's, letting him feel that warmth that was waiting there. "Why don't you continue your taste?"

Ears shot up and the mare looked at her, "Are you certain, Sister?"

Leyla nodded, smile crawling over her features, "Oh yes. I think he is too large for me. Least not without you helping him slicken."

"Slicken?" Ed asked, confused.

A touch to his chest silenced him. Batool nodding her head, "Thank you, Sister. I'll make sure to get him nicely lubed for you." She rose and swung a leg over Edward's body. Tail lifting to show off a dark pair of lips that flexed with her excitement. Flashing that slick, red interior at him as she shifted over his mottled length. The zebra mare's breath coming in shorter pants now as she positioned herself over him.

Without thinking, Ed flared his nostrils and took a deep whiff. Batool's scent hitting him with all the force of a brick between his eyes. How on Earth had he missed that delicious, intoxicating aroma before? Despite having never experienced it before in his life, he knew exactly what it was. She was every bit as in need as Anisah was, and she was lowering herself steadily to his bare length. Ed's fingers twitched, grabbing the cushion, pulling at it as he watched her inch ever closer. Time itself seeming to slow to a crawl. He noticed every last detail. Every flex of her muscles. Each twitch of her pussy. Even the glistening of juices as they trailed down her lips to gather at the edges.

He shouldn't be doing this. Every single teaching that had been drilled into him since the time he remembered screamed in his mind that he should leave. How dare he even find himself in such a situation. Naked amongst savages, alcoholic swirling about his gut and his cock about to be buried in a woman that he wasn't married to.

Blazing pussy lips kissed his tip now. Gliding over his flesh as she spread her heretical honey across him. That sinful slit just starting to part as it winked against his pure manhood.

Twin slaps echoed through the room, followed by a sharp bray that was quickly cut off. Batool's eyes wide, hands clapped over her own mouth to silence her joyful cry. Ed's hands clasp tightly about that heavenly rear, every muscle tensed as he held himself against her. Instinct and need having driven the stallion to grasp her and draw the mare back and down over him. Cock pulsing within that paradise that lay between her legs.

Oh he was going to burn in hell for this.

A gasp rose from the stallion as her walls clenched about him. Pussy winking about his base. He was going to burn and it was going to be worth every second for this.

Rikh was grinding his teeth, cock twitching as Nweh and Anisah licked over his cock. The lion having to bite down on his wrist to keep from roaring as he peaked. Hands and faces moving to catch his seed, sharing it with each other. That clap made his ear twitch, glancing over in time to see Edward bury himself inside Batool. The mare's eyes rolling back and a look of pure bliss on her face "There we go, Ed my friend!" He chuffed, laying back on the cushion. "It's much better there isn't it?"

The heir looked, finding both female's rears pointed at him. A grin crossed his face as his hands dipped down, each cupping a pussy. Nweh's tight and slick, eager for the fingers he plunged into her. Anisah's burning with the need for a male to seed her. Drawing a yowl that was muted into his thigh as his finger sank in. "Say, Edward?" A strained noise came from the stallion as Batool lay back against him. Her hips barely moving as she rose the stallion. "What say you to a little challenge? A friendly affair between new, fast friends?" He hooked his finger within the two pussies. Licking his lips as the rears were arched towards him

It was hard for Edward to even breath. His arms wrapped about the thick zebra as he drove up into her. The sound of his balls clapping off her body readily competing with her soft moans and the slick noises of their rutting. "A... a challenge? What do....do you w-wa...fuck...wager?" Talking was good. It distracted him from how great it felt to be balls deep in the mare.

Rikh's hands swept over those lifted rears. Trying to decide if he should bury his cock in the far tighter sand cat, or risk so many things and plant it within Anisah. "Hmm, what to wager?" Tongue ran over hungry lips as he tried to decide. "If I win, then you join my harem." He laughed at the absurdity of it.

Ear twitched, well in for a pound. "Deal," he grunted. "If I win, then..." it was hard to focus, he was only thankful for the oral affection earlier, or else he would have already finished. "If I win, then I'll start my own harem with you!" he teased back.

A quiet laugh sounded from Leyla, "Can you believe them, Sisters? Such well endowed, lovely boys we have."

Oh it was so hard to chose, though he was leaning one way. "What was that?" Rikh half-growled.

"It is hard to believe," Anisah crooned as she shifted away from Rikh. A smile on the lioness' lips as she lay on her back.

Nweh was crawling atop her companion almost immediately. Legs sliding and hooking under the lion's. Pussy sliding against pussy as she purred over her shoulder. "Should really leave the thinking to us women, shouldn't they?"

A solid spank drew a yelp from the sand cat. "And what do you suggest, you bothersome woman?" Rikh's voice carried a growl, but from the smile on his face they knew he was teasing. Nweh's tail arching as she lifted her rear towards him. "Other than that, obviously." Kneeling on the cushion, he rubbed his tip across the two offered entrances.

Leyla crooned, "A competition is good, but perhaps who can last the longest?" She leaned in and brushed her lips over Ed's neck.

Anisah's voice lifted in a pleased noise as she rolled her body against Nweh's as Rikh lined up and pushed in. The sand cat gasping as she was spread around his prime member. "Ooooh," the lioness cooed, arching as she felt the shaft slide against her before vanishing into the smaller feline. "Now that sounds like fun." She smirked up at Rikh, body rolling into his, "See who can keep going around us? What would the wager be?"

Claws pricked at her sides as Nweh squirmed happily. "If Rikh wins..." she gasped as the lion drove into her harder. "Heeeee becomes Sultan."

A deeper, growling laugh came from the lion as he leaned in to bite at her shoulder, "So if I win, I challenge father? And what if Edward wins?" Biting harder, he drove himself into the feline, barbs flaring just enough to tickle her insides as he drew back.

Batool was gasping as she bounced against the stallion. Hips clapping off his body as she rode him with a fiery passion. "He....Mmmm, he becomes ambassador to the Empire." A shudder ran through the zebra, followed by a gasp as Leyla's hand slipped between her thighs and played with her clit.

Skilled, careful fingers circling and toying with the hard button. "Oh, but Rikh would have to be Sultan for that to happen."

A gasp came from the zebra mare as she felt his tip flaring against her walls. "I didn't think about that..."

Whatever she might have said was taken by a croaking noise as the gazelle's lips closed about her clit. Hands fondling Edward's weighty orbs.

Here he thought that it couldn't have gotten any better and the wonderful ladies were proving him more and more wrong with each passing second. "Ho... how about," he ground his teeth as she clenched around him harder. "We go for pride?" Oh fuck, oh fuck he was about to cum again. Hands clapping on Batool's hips and pulling her down as his body tensed.

Rikh drew out of the panting Nweh, barely giving an instant's notice before his cock was buried within Anisah, his hand falling over her face to smother her yowl. "I like that," he growled, "I really like that." Hips clapped off the lioness as she squirmed under him, eyes rolling back in her head. "For pride then?"

A pair of grunts made him look back in time to see Batool twist her body around, long muzzle pressed to Ed's in a heavy kiss. The equine pair visibly shaking as they rode out their finishes. "Seems I have some catching up to do," he growled, grabbing onto his pair before digging in harder. Pounding his body against Nweh's as his cock invaded the blazing, welcoming fields of Anisah.

Ed's head was swimming as he sank back into the cushion. Body shivering as he felt her walls fluttering around his member. Something trickling down his shaft and tracing down his sac. He was only dimly aware of the fact that they were kissing, only becoming aware of that as his head started to clear. Ears perking wide at the feel of another's tongue buried within his mouth. His own pressing against it awkwardly before the warmth flooded him and he just melted into it.

Leyla smiled up at them, her lips brushing Edward's sac, suckling tenderly on one of his precious orbs as it jumped. Watching that thick cum vein pulse with each shot. Then watching as cum began to leak from around the seal made by his girthy rod. Rocking back onto her heels, the gazelle rose smoothly to her feet. Setting aside two plates on the table. One closer to Rikh and the other nearer Edward. Two bits of fruit going onto the stallions and one... a muffled grunt and glance prompted her to add a second to the lion's. And two for Rikh. Pouring wine into a pair of mugs, she offered them to Batool and Edward right as their kiss broke.

"Thank you," Batool panted, "Oh that was glorious, you are going to love him, Sister." A shiver raced through both of the equines as his cock softened enough to slip out. A wet pop signaling the departure, as well as a rush of thick cum from the zebra. She was panting as she shifted to lay on the cushion beside him, taking the wine with a smile. Ed took the offered mug with a smile and downed it hungrily, sweat matting his pelt as he tried to cool himself.

She looked at Ed, seeing the dreamy, somewhat stunned, look as he looked over her breasts and down. Legs sliding apart to show off the results of their tryst, a soft murmur coming from her, "Do you like what you see?"

"I ah..." It was hard to quantify really. There wasn't an instant of what they did that he hadn't enjoyed. Now there was that regret starting to creep in. The words of teachers, preachers, and elders screaming that he should be ashamed for what he did. His ears ticked back as he thought about it for a moment, eyes sliding away from her. "Every teaching I've ever had says..."

Her fingers brushed his lips, "Shh, I did not ask what teachings say. I asked what Edward Clayton thought." Ears perked, standing proud alongside that striped mohawk of hers, "Or does he have no voice of his own?"

Ears lifted then lay back as he thought for a second. Gently taking Batool's hand, he pulled it away from his lips. Then planted a kiss on it, then leaned in to plant one on her lips. "Edward Clayton is in heaven right now." He smiled at her, head dipping to nuzzle between her breasts, burying his face there and just basking in how soft and supple they are.

A laugh sounded, "Oh it seems we have removed the Imperial stick from his rear, Sistaaaaa!" the zebra gasped as his teeth found one of her nipples. Ed hesitated, started to pull back, but her hands kept him there. "No, that is good. Caught me by surprise."

Leyla gave a mock sigh of frustration as she sat behind Edward, "Ah I think we are learning who he enjoys more, Sister."

Ed's ears perked then lay back as he looked over his shoulder at the gazelle and her exaggerated pout. He started to apologize before that pout cracked into a smile, making him realize what was happening. "My apologize, my sweet Lady." He planted a quick kiss on the zebra's lips, "If you'll excuse me, I seem to be remiss in tending to my other guest."

While he was nervous, wine and her hands drawing him closer served to bolster. The gazelle lay back as he moved over her, legs casually draping around his waist as arms curled over his shoulder. "What a gentleman," she cooed as she drew him down into a kiss. Arching her body into his with a throaty moan. Where Batool's kisses were deep, tasting of fresh grass and fruits, Leyla's kept hers lighter. Peppering him with the tiniest of pecks and nuzzles. Dancing on the line between hungry and teasing.

He felt his body responding, helped along by the smooth press of her body against his. And of Batool's hands and tongue finding his sac, toying with it. "It feels as if our stallion has plenty left to give, Sister."

"Good," Leyla breathed between kisses, "Would hate for his pride to be shamed." Reaching down, her hand joined the zebra's in coaxing his cock to life again. Rubbing his tip against her entrance before it was even fully hard.

She was tighter around him. Wet and ready, though not as achingly hot as Batool had been. Her skilled fingers guiding his tip between her folds even as he was firming up. Drawing a throaty moan from her as his length surged within her walls. Ed shivering over her and fighting the urge to slam into her depths as she welcomed him deeper.

Draping her arm around his shoulder, she gave a gentle pull, "You'll have to be softer with me," she whispered into his ear. Lips brushing with each word, "I am not as well equipped to handle a man such as yourself as Batool is. Just follow my lead." She gave his ear a gentle bite and tug. Legs drawing at him and easing him deeper. "There," she sighed into his ear. A roll of her hips almost shooing him away, "Good," came the moan as she set the pace. Guiding him through the dance even as breathy moans were whispered into his ear. Her tighter pussy gripping him so very tightly.

While Ed and Leyla were taking things slow, Rikh was really working up a sweat. He was crouched behind Anisah, pounding away at her with all due force. The lioness' lustful cries being muffled by Nweh's thighs. Her tongue lashing out to clean the cum from the sand cat's thighs and pussy in between those breathless gasps of hers.

Nweh was in bliss, the smaller cat's head rolling and tongue out as she tried to stay focused on keeping the lioness as quiet as she could. Rikh wasn't making it easy with how he was just railing her. Slamming Anisah's face right into Nweh's pussy. Insides till quivering from the orgasm and filling she'd received.

The heir thrust into his partner at just the right angle, making her jump and yowl. The sand cat's thighs and hands grasping the head, wrestling Anisah back down, muting the sound with her muff. She licked her lips and let out a low growl of her own, "Easy there." Petting the lion's head, purring as the tongue was buried into her pussy again. Lapping at the cum there. "How does Rikh taste?"

"Hey, Nweh." Her ear twitched at the voice, purring a questioning moan in response. "Would you like to taste Edward?"

Eyes were narrowed and attention focused on the lioness. "I would..." she hissed as teeth grazed over her clit and circled it. Watching the sheer ferocity that Rikh was taking his partner with. The sound of their hips meeting drowning out the softer chatter of the gazelle and stallion. "I would love to."

Batool shoved Nweh down and sat on the sand cat's face, grinding her pussy right into that muzzle, "There you go," she laughed. The sound dropping into a shuddering moan as the tongue gladly went to work.

Ed was lost in his own word right now. Every ounce of his focus honed in on Leyla, matching her stroke for stroke. A thrust here, rolling his hip there, pressing tighter. She had stopped talking to him, using only her body and those sweet moans to guide him through the act. He liked to think he was learning quickly, though the only indication he had was how loud she was getting and the occasional bite to his ear.

The gazelle shuddered under him, thighs pulling tighter until he was trapped. He could feel her walls flexing around him, instinct overriding what restraint he had. Thrusts coming fast and shallow now until he reached his finish mere seconds later. A throaty gasp matched by a low, muffled bellow from Rikh. Ed glancing up, seeing the lion's tail twitching as his sac leapt. Almost matching how the stallion's own was flexing as he filled his partner.

Leyla breathed out a sigh and lay back, looking from the stallion to lion with a dreamy expression on her face. "Well, looks like you two are still evenly matched." She let her fingers trail over his chest. Nails stroking over his belly and down before tracing where their bodies met. "Shame we are not judging on volume." There was a smile on her face as she watched Rikh pull out, seed running from Anisah's freshly used pussy. "Think we should take a breather perhaps?"

"Sounds good, " Ed panted, drawing away from her slowly. He rocked back on his heels and watched as his cock slipped from her. The gazelle flashing a smile at him as she reached down to spread her lips, dipping a finger in to play with the cum. Lifting her hand, she licked her fingers clean with a hum.

"Yes," Rikh huffed, gingerly pulling himself from Anisah, "A moment of respite sounds good." He leaned back to look at his work. Anisah flashing a grin at him as she arched her back. "Keep that up and neither of us will be walking come morning." His hand came down on her rear with a solid smack. "That puts us at..." he trailed off as he sat down to think.

Leyla sat up to get herself some wine, "Three each."

A pleased chuff came form Rikh, "This should be an easy win. Why lions are known for their vigor. Able to go dozens of times in a single evening!" He swept up a mug and bite of fruit. Biting down and chasing it with the drink.

Ed was a little more unsteady, having to get up and do a slow lap around the room before taking his seat again. He was aching, but not in a bad way at all. Legs and back muscles sore from being used in ways they hadn't been. "Well, certainly helps that you finish so fast." He offered what he hoped was a playful smile, "Maybe we should count mine for two, since..." he waved a hand at the mess on the cushions. Truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure if he could keep up.

Rikh looked at the sheer amount of spunk that lay between Leyla's thighs still. Cock twitching in wonderment of how it would feel to bury himself within those slick walls. "Well, if you believe you need to, then by all means. As for myself," he leaned over and grabbed one of her legs. Leyla uttering a surprised noise as she was pulled over. "I will straight up go one for one."

Despite the surprised noise, the gazelle rolled herself about. Readily presenting herself for the lion without spilling so much as a drop of her wine. "Ed dear, would you be so kind?" she offered her mug as her knees dug into the cushion and hips lifted.

"My pleasure," he took the mug to be filled. Ears twitching over as she gasped, arching into the lion's thrust Rikh shivering as he felt her body try to grip at him. Loosened from the rather impressive stretching the percheron had given her. His barbs only just kissing her insides as juices and cum soaked his shaft. Body rolling in a smooth press as he shifted into a steady pace.

Ears stood tall as Ed sat down before the gazelle, holding the mug for her. She flashed a smile, "Thank you....ohhh," she sighed happily and angled her head to sip at the wine. Ed's attention shifting to look behind. Seeing that Batool had shifted onto her back, muzzle buried between Nweh's thighs and lapping freely.

He could feel himself growing excited again. Youthful vigor and the scent of sex paired with the copious sweet noises of copulation to get him roused again. Nostrils flared as he took deeper breathes. Licking his lips with a deeper hum as he glanced at the mug. It was empty and Leyla was looking at him with an unreadable smirk on her face.

When he shifted to place the mug back down, her hand stopped him. Delicate fingers wrapping about his erect cock with a smile. Licking her lips with a hungry gleam in her eyes.

Even as clueless as he was, he'd have had to be blind, deaf, and dumb to miss that hint.

Mug was sat down and stallion turned towards her, Leyla leaning in even as he pressed towards her. Hand and lips wrapping about his cock with a pleased groan. Body arching and pressing back, rocking herself in between the males. Driving back into Rikh with the clap of her ass into his groin before gliding forward and burying Ed's cock into her maw.

Rikh's brow arched, a smile curling over his lips. Hands came down onto the gazelle's hips before drawing her back with a grunt. A moan shaking free from the gazelle and vibrating around the cock. Locking eyes with Ed, he nodded down at her head and smirked.

It took the stallion a few seconds to realize what he was supposed to do. Ears perking, then looking at the antlers, and back to Rikh. The lion nodded, tightening his grip on Leyla's hips and slamming in harder. A throaty grunt and moan shaking around his cock. Ed licked his lips nervously, reaching up to grab one of her antlers as he shifted. Leyla hesitated a moment, looking at him curiously before her eyes went forward as he thrust forward.

Hands flew to his hips, not to stop him, but to wrap about his hips, eagerly holding on as the two males began to rock her between them. Rikh's thrusts confident and sure, Ed's a little more hesitant. Though the more he felt her breath puffing on his groin and how her tongue bathed his shaft as she pulled herself against him, the more confident he became.

Grunts rang from the stallion, growls shook from the lion, and moans were driven from the gazelle. Their pace increasing to a point where her hands shifted to guide him back. Ed once again following her lead. Breaths coming harder now as his tail twitched behind him. Balls swaying as her drool ran over his length and down his sac. Moans shaking harder as her hips rolled and rocked back against the lion. Giving as good as she was getting.

Rikh's voice lifted in a snarl first. Hunching over Leyla as he began to add his seed to the mess within her. Ed wasn't too far behind. His body arching off as he planted his hand on a cushion with a groan. Sac lifting as he drew Leyla down against his groin. Her nose driving into his lap as he peaked. Happily and readily gulping down his seed.

Leyla stayed down until he was finished before wrenching her head back with a gasp. Eyes shining with pleasure as she nuzzled his cock, "Gods above," she groaned, licking his sac and rubbing the base of his length with her nose.

A smile crept over Rikh's face, chest heaving as his tail flicked behind him. "So that's four..."

Ed huffed, rubbing Leyla's cheek lightly, "think I've got plenty more in me."

Thus the evening began with four. Hours passed. The wine goblets being steadily emptied as the women were filled. Lamps had guttered and been ignored. Group moving about in the dark, navigating by feel and voice. Weariness starting to set in, but neither male dared to give in.

Ed's body was soaked with sweat, limbs shaking. He was stretched out on his side, tongue bathing Rich's cock with a low grumble. "Think I was up to..." it took him a long moment to remember numbers, "Ten?" The scent and taste of all four of their partners soaking Rikh's cock, though Anisah's was the freshest on the member.

A chuff puffed against his groin, Rikh kissing the base of the stallion's ram, "Nonsense, were were at eleven." The scent of Batool's heat clinging to the rod and drawing a pleased growl from the lion. Teeth barely grazing the shaft, "Less you want to give me a lead."

"In your dreams," Ed's lips fluttered about the cock before he drove his head forward, suckling around the shaft. Bobbing his head quickly as his flat tongue pressed over the length. Rikh's breath came in a sharp gasp before hands curled about his shaft and began to stroke, lips pressed to his tip and easing it into that dangerous maw of his.

Ed cast a look over Rikh's thigh as he bobbed his head. He could just make out the forms of all four of their partners as they slept. Curled into a loose pile on the nearby cushions. All four of them leaking cum, having taken each of the males in their slits at least once. Though Ed had personally taken Batool at least twice, maybe three, it was kinda hard. He'd even managed to, somehow, fit his cock within Nweh's tightness. Though he had been exceptionally gentle. Even then they practically had to smother her with cushion. The sand cat having proclaimed, "You hit my spot every stroke!" as she batted his chest afterwards.

Didn't know what she meant by that.

Most of Rikh's attention had been on Anisah throughout the evening. Though he did seem to enjoy taking one of the women right after Edward had finished. Saying something about sloppy seconds being enjoyable.

Ears shot up as Rikh's fingers roamed past his taint and probed his rear. Lips fluttering about the lion's length as slickened digits were driven into his rump. Pumping away to tease the stallion in a way he'd never imagined.

While he wasn't entirely sure what the lion was doing, other than the fact it felt amazing, he was more than ready to return the favor on his own way.

He began to roll his head, making use of his longer muzzle as he bobbed his head. Lipping at the lion's sore sac and pressing his tongue to the beaten barbs. Cheeks caving as he sucked, trying to mimic how Leyla and Batool had tended to his cock.

Shaking hands gripped at the shaft. Rikh bobbing his head faster as he huffed, eyes narrowing. Gods above, the stallion was a quick learner. Thighs shaking as that tongue fluttered on him, blunted teeth grazing his cock. He huffed about the length and increased his efforts. Feeling that sweet precum spilling into his maw. Ed's rear clenching about his fingers and the stallion's half-thrusts telling him that his friend was close.

The evening had worn on both of them. Shaving whatever control they had down to the barest threads. Even with that youthful vigor there was only so much they could handle. Bodies shaking before driving forward. A muffled snarl met with a hoarse whinny. Cocks flexing as cum was spent into maws.

Rikh quickly having to pull back as the volume, diminished as it was, overwhelmed him. Gasping as the cum stained his white pelt. Lion groaning as he slumped back. Cock popping free of the long muzzle and spraying the barest amounts of seed over Ed's muzzle. Rikh falling onto his back and stretching out. "That makes twelve, and a tie."

Both rolled onto their backs, looking up at the dark ceiling. Ed's ear twitched, knowing he couldn't go another round. Not without his cock just falling off from overuse. "Are you offering a draw then?"

"A postponement until we get some rest." Rikh's yawn echoed through the room as the lion stretched. Every inch of his body shaking with the effort to even do that. He dropped to the seating, head almost on the floor. Body aching and stained with seed.

Voices lifted outside the door. Ears straining as footsteps came racing down the hall. Weary males both lifting on shaking arms as the doors exploded inwards, guards swarming into the room.

---

"What happened?" Rory's ears perked, grasping his cup as he stared at his father with... awe? Shock? Surprise for certain.

Edward sipped his whiskey and rolled his lips back. He turned his attention on his son and looked him over slowly. "We were taken out and executed for daring to defile members of the Sultan's Harem." A genuine smile flicked over his lips. "Well, I nearly was. As it turns out, Sultan Damis had given orders to be woke before dawn so he could decide the fate of my father an I. By all accounts he wanted our heads on the wall by dawn. Luck was on our side. When the Vizier went to wake up, the old Sultan didn't respond. Bastard passed in his sleep."

Rory stared at his father as the older stallion poured another glass for both of them. "So after all that it was alright?"

Head shook slowly, "Far from it. It took Rikh snarling his best to get the guards to drop me." He chuckled, "Naked, voice cracking, and barely able to stand up without his legs shaking. Even then he managed to get the guards to back down. It took months before my father and I were seen as honored guests. Months more before the first trade agreement was drafted up."

"How many months?"

A smile danced across the lips, "Well over a year. Father got listed on the trade, since he is the elder and had official papers from the Empire. Though Rikh refused to sign until I was listed as the official Ambassador to the Sultanate. He never revealed why other than, 'I like the head on his shoulders." Edward took a long draw off the glass. "I stayed to help settle the tribes as well. Some resisted even when it was made clear that the new Sultan had the backing of the Empire. Though some..." there was another enigmatic smile, "were easier to convince."

Rory was actually interested int his. History tended to gloss over details like this, "Why was it easier for some?"

"Well," fingers tapped against glass, "you see, it was a custom back then for the Sultan to enslave important members of the tribes, ensure their loyalty. Tribe stages an attack," his finger lifted to draw across his throat. "Makes one wary when the chieftain's son or daughter is within reach." He chuckled softly to himself, "I'll have to introduce you to the royal twins at some point."

He blinked, "Royal twins?"

"Mmm," Edward nodded slowly, "Your older siblings. Turns out that Batool... well it should be obvious." He finished his drink and sat it down. Leaning towards Rory, "I didn't want to keep all this from you, but... Do you understand why I did, Son?"

It took a moment before Rory nodded. Even then the gesture was slow as he processed it all. "If any of the other people with titles found out you'd be exiled."

"Exiled at best. At worst..." he heaved a sigh, "At worst I might have infuriated some relative of someone within the Church. I certainly ruffled some feathers by achieving my status. If they knew how, well then they'd come to try me as a heretic, and those of my line as well."

Rory's eyes widened as he nodded slowly. "I won't tell anyone, and I do understand." He sipped his whiskey, trying not to cough as it burned down his throat. "So... ah, what now?"

"Well, we're here for several months at least. What do you want to do?"