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King Yedezh of Berogh cynically went over the motions. He walked up and down the fresh-faced troops lined up neatly in his courtyard. A bunch of birds flapped about the crenellations in the battlements above them, moving from merlon to merlon, and Yedezh realized that he had no idea what he'd just said. All the same, the recruits gaped at him in dazzled awe, hanging on his every word. The speech to new prospective soldiers had become almost completely automatic for him. Most of his audience were sons of field workers, who used to envision for themselves a life of humble but hard labor, which had very little appeal for the ambition of youth. Now that they'd pledged their lives to the service of Berogh, they were meeting Yedezh, their king, and the ruler of the greatest power in the mapped world. Some of the older stallions were taller, stronger, having clearly attained full maturity. Others appeared barely out of their teenage years, but in this time of civil conflict, the loyalist army of Berogh couldn't overlook any able body willing to fight for the rightful heir. It also meant that these folks would now receive soldiers' wages instead of cultivating the lands or finding work as artisans in the cities. The kingdom's expenses were spiking, and the rents steadily went down. The thought didn't really affect the blond-skinned horse king. In a strange way, the finances weren't really Yedezh's concern anymore.

The king continued to give his speech, as the wind suddenly changed direction, catching into his lengthy pale mane. He spoke of honor and duty to his intimidated audience, explaining the dignity and importance of their role as defenders of the homeland. He observed as their chests puffed up, their shoulders squared, and pride shone in their eyes. At this point only, he imparted them with the notion of sacrifice, inherent to a soldier's function -- he refused to lie about that, though he did go over it quick... He followed with the much more inspiring and very real fact that the Beroghan military was one of the unique areas where males could rise above their station, and become much more. Some among them, standing in front of their king on this day, would be knighted, becoming nobles, and some might even be granted lands, becoming lords. If they showed dedication and courage, and worked hard to hone their skills and obey their superiors, all this wealth and status could be theirs. It wasn't very likely, but it wasn't impossible either. It did happen from time to time.

Once they could barely hold in place, thoroughly excited to resume their demanding training under the harsh discipline of their sergeants, Yedezh let them go. A bronze-skinned lord with a black mane and a blood-red tunic gave his liege a haughty approving nod, and clopped away with his trainees. Yedezh made sure not to grace him with a reaction. Impressing the young troops was easy for him, with his priceless royal chainmail, covered by a high quality tabard made specifically to match him. The strong fabric had been dyed in the same milky white color as his flowing mane, while the trimmed hems of the tunic and the heraldic emblem of his family -- two charging lances -- mimicked the exact steely blue shade of his eyes. With his superbly crafted battle circlet to complete the picture, a single glance sufficed to erase any doubt that Yedezh was the one and only king of Berogh. His appearance alone screamed his divine right to rule. In comparison, his rebellious cousin looked like a tasteless, petty bourgeois. A pretender.

The Beroghan monarch walked alone through his castle courtyard. As always, Sylar tailed him from a distance, ever watchful, but Yedezh ignored him. If he tried really hard, he could occasionally forget his cage. The trick was to act as if Sylar wasn't there, and as if his own troops weren't wearing Massidian armors, and as if his castle wasn't defended by Massidian soldiers, and as if his army, out there, wasn't marshaled by a Massidian lord, and-

His frustration built up, and suddenly he felt hot in his armor. This was a lightless day, with a heavy sky of somber clouds and rather refreshing gusts of wind. The stallion had been comfortable a moment before, but now he found himself sweating and sensing hot metal pressing into his trapped flesh. He was taken over by an urge to remove his armor, and considered heading straight to his chambers to put on something lighter. Yedezh stopped and rubbed his blond equine muzzle, attempting to calm down. He knew, deep down, that there was no point. The armor wasn't the real problem. In fact, it had been masterfully crafted to spread its weight evenly and allow ease of movement.

The problem was elsewhere.

Yedezh usually made the most of every opportunity to wear his glorious suit of mail. That mail had no equal in the world. If it oppressed him on this day, it was because he knew that that too was of Massidian origin. His zebra ally, King Nyman of Massidia, had it crafted for him more than a year before. Yedezh's lords had been understandably thrown off when their liege returned from his secret trip to the neighboring nation with a new treaty, accompanied by a bunch of Massidian representatives -- including Sylar -- and wearing a suit of armor bearing enemy insignias on its shoulders. When the court heard that Massidia had become an ally in the war against the rebels, however, they soon changed their tune. The Beroghan aristocracy celebrated the new treaty as an absolute triumph, as it provided them with the troops and funds to turn the tide of the war, not to mention that Massidians were known for their expertise in siege warfare. Yedezh wearing the Massidian Black Wave seemed much more appropriate, then. They were allies, after all, so it wasn't nearly as awkward for their king to wear their insignias... The lords had no idea of the context in which this despicable document had been signed.

Yedezh swore under his breath as the guards opened the gates on his path. He wandered about at a brisk pace, looking annoyed. He wanted to be left alone while he simmered down, and so he headed toward the guests' reading room. It was a quiet, oil-lit chamber with multiple tables meant for visitors to the castle to read and write their letters privately, but Yedezh often went there to be alone in the twilight, when there were no visitors.

The horse king pushed the wooden door, but was startled to detect a presence. A terracotta mare sat alone at one of the tables, with her back to the entrance, poring over a wide parchment. Princess Ielian, from the vassal state of Julen -- a small land legally attached to the Beroghan crown. She was still there? Yedezh hadn't realized. These last few months, his court constantly busted his balls about the necessity of producing an heir, and as a result they invited an endless stream of suitable ladies of high standing from every nearby nation. The ladies arrived with high hopes, which promptly soured after a few days of being discourteously left by the attractive young monarch to wander the castle's stone corridors by themselves. They all departed in under a week, and some on the same day they arrived. But not Ielian. She'd been there for over two weeks, and she hadn't even made any attempts to approach Yedezh.

Ielian turned around to glance at the new arrival, and she was quite clearly stunned to discover the king of Berogh. He anticipated her to blush and babble, like people generally did when they unexpectedly found themselves in his presence, but instead she stood with an elegant curtsy and smiled. She wore a short white dress, as was the custom for eligible maidens in Julen, but hers bore detailed green embroideries representing vines and leaves.

-- Oh. I'm sorry. Were you looking for someone, my liege?

She had a soothing voice, confident and welcoming. Yedezh enjoyed the way her eyes discreetly moved all over his impressive armored figure. He felt glad he hadn't changed.

-- No, no. I just- I thought there wouldn't be anyone here.

She looked around at the empty room, caught on, and then she motioned to pick up her things on the table.

-- I understand. I'll be out of your way.

The warrior king stepped further in.

-- Don't be absurd. Stay, you're not bothering me.

Ielian relaxed, and swiveled once more to face Yedezh.

-- Are you hiding from your court, then? she teased.

The princess was bold. Yedezh could match that.

-- I guess so. Are you hiding from your family?

The mare's jaw dropped, and not in the most elegant of ways. The blond stallion couldn't help his outburst of laughter. Ielian seemed stunned that she'd been figured out so easily.

-- How did you know!?

-- You've stayed at my court for over two weeks, and I've barely been aware of your presence. There has to be a reason.

Ielian laughed in a practiced, ladylike way, but somehow, Yedezh believed her emotion was genuine.

-- You got me, there.

The pair settled into an awkward pause, but it wasn't wholly uncomfortable. In truth, it made Yedezh happy. He wasn't sure why. Ielian eventually broke the silence.

"If we're going to hide together, how about this? You tell me why you're avoiding your court, and I'll tell you why I'm dodging my family."

Yedezh nodded with amusement, but at the same time, he began calculating what was safe to reveal or not.

-- It sounds fair. I'm evasive because I've been on edge ever since the treaty. These days, there are as many Massidians in my entourage as there are true subjects of Berogh. To be honest, they irritate me, and now even my own nobles have been trying to push me around about... well... marrying. I'm afraid that if I get out there, I'll end up clobbering someone, and it'll provoke a diplomatic incident. I can't have that right now, so here I am.

Princess Ielian inclined her head knowingly.

-- I see. I heard about that before, to tell you the truth.

A cold sweat.

-- What?

-- Rumors are circulating that since the alliance with Massidia, the Beroghan throne has been haunted by the moping, angry ghost of a young horse king, turning his counselors away and rudely ignoring highborn ladies. It's part of the reason why I accepted to come.

Yedezh grumbled.

-- Don't the courts of vassal states have better things to do than to gossip about me?

-- You _are_the rightful ruler of Berogh. I'm not that fond of gossip myself, but in this case I tend to understand. You're a rather big deal. Your decisions impact the entire continent.

It stung, hearing this, but what could he say? The stallion couldn't admit how utterly whipped he was by his own ally. His authority suffered enough already because of the heir problem. Stuff like that would have his loyal followers flocking to his cousin. If that happened, the war would be lost, the Massidians would retreat, and all that would be left to do would be to flee his own country in exile, and plead for Nyman's protection as a powerless, dethroned king. Yedezh shivered in horror. That was the nightmare scenario. Anything but that!

The horse pulled himself together and stopped thinking about it.

-- Hrm. What about you, then? Why did you run from your family to someone that you expected would turn you down?

Ielian chuckled. Her clear voice helped Yedezh calm down.

-- Isn't it obvious, when you put it like that?

-- I imagine it is. You don't want to be married off.

-- I don't mind marriage, actually. My problem is with what comes with it. I have little interest in the proper ways for a lady to kill time. Honestly, I like jewelry and nice dresses as much as the next lady, but sitting put so that my husband can look more imposing isn't my thing.

Yedezh placed his hands onto his hips, more-or-less consciously showing his manly form.

-- What is it that does hold your interest, then?

She grinned.

-- Well, I do enjoy spending vast amounts of other people's money.

-- That doesn't count. Everyone likes that.

Yedezh paused and muttered bitterly to himself:

"Massidians especially..."

He swiftly moved on before Ielian asked him to speak more clearly.

"What else do you enjoy?"

-- I like cooking, going on fox hunts, playing music, watching tournaments, stitching, and...

At this point, Ielian lowered her eyes, embarrassed, and spun aside as she gestured toward the document she'd been reading. Yedezh stepped up around her, and his body tensed like solid iron.

It was a copy of the treaty with Massidia.

"... And politics. I've been walking around and observing, these last few days. I really understand why you feel frustrated. Can I be brutally frank with you, my liege? I know that's an unpopular opinion, but I don't think this treaty is very good for Berogh. In fact, I've been thinking about it, and it seems catastrophic."

Yedezh remained petrified. Had she noticed? How? His own nobles had taken it at face value. Even he had thought it wasn't so bad before Nyman gleefully explained to him exactly how it would screw him over. It looked like a fairly regular treaty. That was the whole point.

Yedezh adopted a casual attitude, but in secret he gritted his teeth.

-- What do you mean? We secured the help of the Massidian army and generals, we got a generous loan to help the war effort, we obtained weapons and equipment, and food too. Sure, we ceded a sizeable strip of land along the Massidian border, but that's hardly unfair. Since the alliance, the rebels haven't successfully pushed a single hoof further into our lands.

Ielian chuckled.

-- I should hope not, given how much your allies are spending on fortifications! But therein lies the problem. They're digging in! Look!

The king let loose a mental sigh while the princess tapped her finger on the ink of the parchment. He boiled at the thought of having to defend Nyman's treaty, but if people realized how terrible it was, then they would ask why he accepted it in the first place. Yedezh couldn't admit that he'd been on the verge of absolute defeat, and had to implore his enemy for help in unimaginably humiliating ways. He'd be instantly ousted by his own vassals, if they knew how weak his position was. They'd surrender him to his abominable cousin!

Ielian failed to notice the stallion's deep discomfort. Rather, she persisted, intent on explaining in minute detail how Yedezh was getting politically sodomized.

"The land is one thing. It may not seem a lot to you, but you almost doubled the size of Massidia, to the point where I've heard that they call it Greater Massidia, now! Notice how they've wasted no time fortifying this as well, but that's not where I want to direct your attention. Think about the situation. The loan you took is massive, and the interests must be piling up! If you'd taken the loan from one nation, and used it to buy the military services of a different nation, or mercenaries, it wouldn't be so bad. You could've hurried the war effort with crushing numbers to reunify Berogh, in order to start paying back the interests quickly. Berogh is a strong economic power, I don't doubt that you'd be fine, but that's not what you have here. Right now, the vast majority of your army is Massidian, and even your Beroghan troops have been put under the control of a Massidian marshal! Can't you see the issue with having your military ally also have a clear economic interest in slowing down the war effort? All they're doing is fortifying everything, and they're doing it with money that _they_lent to you! They could be making this last on purpose. It's almost as if they're trying to bankrupt the crown. To bankrupt you."

So, she did understand the crux of the problem, but at least she had no grasp of the extent of Nyman's control. In truth, the Beroghan crown had already become bankrupt two months prior. They were officially paying their troops with Massidian coin, in addition to equipping them with Massidian gear, and putting them under Massidian leadership. The soldiers were used to it, by then, because the treaty also provided a permanent heavily armed escort of elite guardians for the countless coffers of gleaming silver sent to fund the war. In other words, though at first the money technically belonged to Yedezh, his army had to go through Nyman's men to get paid. When the interests finally caught up to him, it made no visible difference. In truth, whether Yedezh owned the money or not didn't matter. He couldn't spend it without the zebra's permission regardless, since he so thoroughly depended on him. Worse, Yedezh's dreams of breaking free from foreign control after the war by refusing to pay the debt had been gradually ground into dust by the simple act of the Massidians fortifying into his own country, using the civil war as an excuse. Oh, they'd stopped the rebel advance, true enough, but now his lands were littered with hastily built forts and even a few new castles manned exclusively by soldiers under the flag of this or that Massidian lord. How could he refuse to pay someone that threatened his power from the inside? Yedezh was king in title only. Nyman ruled Berogh, and the zebra merely kept him in place to make the Massidian takeover more acceptable. Every month, he travelled to Nyman's court for a week in order to 'coordinate' with their allies. In actuality, he went to receive his next instructions, and to be cruelly reminded of his place. These visits were also the only opportunity Yedezh had to escape his 'gift', if he behaved. Yes. Nyman's political conquest reached even as far as the stallion's royal genitalia, humiliatingly caged into unpleasant, callous steel, for the zebra thought it would encourage him to comply. Disgustingly, it worked wonders, as the healthy young male wallowed in his natural urges and imperious desires all day long. It made him irritable and unfocused, and during the visits to Massidia, it sometimes drove him to plead and... Yedezh didn't want to think about it. Not a single day passed where he didn't consider the option of finding a discreet smith, and enduring the daunting notion of lowering his underwear and begging the artisan to free him from the chastity cage, but it was too risky. Cutting or breaking the cage was nightmarishly scary in and of itself for obvious reasons, but he also had Sylar to consider. If he tried that and Nyman learned of it... No. Hell no.

Thus, Yedezh listened mutely and darkened. When Ielian finished, he waited a long while to make sure the mare would understand that this subject displeased him. At last, she seemed to understand that she'd made a mistake talking about it.

-- I'm aware of how it may look. Things are complicated. Believe me, I know what I'm doing. Okay?

-- Yes, my liege, naturally! I'm sorry, I'm meddling in things that don't concern me. I shouldn't have said anything.

The Julen princess rolled the parchment to take it back to the castle library, and quickly escaped before she further tarnished her welcome. Yedezh watched her go with genuine pain. He thought it clicked between them, and he could imagine her generous sun-cooked curves, glazed in a streak of gleaming- Argh! His imagination was getting the better of him and now his captive sensitive flesh painfully pushed against the metal trapping his groin. God, it was unbearable! He wanted to tear it off, or strike it, or something else that didn't make any sense, but his aroused helpless frustration didn't grant him much mercy. That wasn't any way to live! And turning away all those potential mates did nothing to improve his degrading relationship with the Beroghan aristocracy. Surely that fool Nyman understood that locking a king's balls and dick into an insufferable chastity device would cause some serious long term problems with matters of producing an heir! Enough! It was time to do something about it.

The blond horse initiated his glorious march toward the corridor, and when he nearly tore the door open in helpless irritation, he stumbled straight onto Sylar, leaning with his back against the wall. The leopard bodyguard wearing a tunic exhibiting the Black Wave smirked with amusement. He'd undoubtedly witnessed Ielian fleeing the room a minute before.

-- Girl trouble?

-- Do you have to be a dick about it? You know damn well what's going on.

-- Being locked down there doesn't prevent you from being pleasant company to visiting ladies, my liege.

-- That's not... Shut up! I don't have to justify myself to you. I need you to send a message to Nyman, right away!

Sylar straightened up with an insolent look.

-- To...? I think I misheard.

Amazingly, Yedezh managed to achieve some restraint, though his noble equine snout burned. He breathed in and out and quickly curbed his flaring anger. He checked around to make sure no one was listening in, and spoke softly.

-- To Master Nyman. We need to talk. He can't keep my damned balls shackled up. It's harming my authority! I need an established heir to stabilize the kingdom. Right now, if something happened to me, my cousin would have the legitimate claim! This is crazy!

Sylar rose his clawed mitt. Yedezh was getting excited, so he forced himself to cool down once more. The leopard watched the impulsive stallion get himself under control.

-- You're getting pretty good at this. I remember when I arrived here. You threw a tantrum every twenty minutes. Go on.

Unsure if this was meant as legitimate praise, or if Sylar was trying to mock him, Yedezh did his best to ignore the comment. He didn't enjoy thinking of himself as more tame than before, though he couldn't deny that there was some truth to the statement.

-- Look. It's a dangerous, volatile situation. My court hates it and they don't get why I do nothing about it. It won't be in master's interests if I get overthrown, or if the Beroghan lords leave my side. He must remove this... obscene device! I won't be rebellious, I swear. I'll continue to obey his instructions to the letter.

Sylar meditated on that for a moment. Then he nodded. The horse's stout heart leapt.

-- I agree with you, sire. I feel the tension among the court. This is a problem that shouldn't be ignored any longer, but it isn't my decision. I'll send a message immediately, stressing the points you mentioned.

Yedezh wasn't big on predators by any means. Berogh was a major horse power, and the rare predators that lived there occupied low, unenviable positions, suffering the scorn and mistrust of the general populace. Massidia wasn't much different in that regard, also being dominated by ungulates, so Yedezh had been surprised when Nyman assigned a leopard guard to handle him. In this moment, however, the horse king was glad that Sylar had been chosen. Sure, the feline annoyed him a lot, but Yedezh had grown accustomed to him, since he'd always proven reliable. When the leopard turned and strode away, Yedezh had no doubt that Nyman's answer would arrive soon. And it did.

Sylar opened the carriage door and stepped aside to allow the Beroghan king to disembark. Yedezh curved his back to avoid bumping his head, and he descended. As soon as he left the shadow and his hooves struck the stone-paved road, the back of his neck cooked under the sheer force of the Massidian summer. They weren't even that far south compared to the Beroghan capital of Rausk, and yet the weather difference in Onent was noticeable. Yedezh blinked a few times while Sylar grabbed a large chest containing his sumptuous chainmail from the carriage. He'd brought it with him because of the contents of Nyman's response.

In short, the message politely acknowledged Yedezh's complaints, and then commented that his timing was impeccable, as it proceeded to formally invite the stallion to a feast which would be hosted with the intent to 'strengthen diplomatic relationships' with 'a few acquaintances'. The letter formally invited the rightful ruler of Berogh to attend as a 'friend of Greater Massidia', promising that they would resolve his issue in private then. The tone of the message had been properly ceremonial and respectful, and the handwriting was that of Lorris, the soft-spoken antelope and favorite servant of the zebra king, so Yedezh was naturally terrified. It seemed like a lethal trap of some kind. Not even once had the message referred to him as 'stud'. Odd.

Yedezh walked around the carriage that Nyman had provided for his trip. The day was exceedingly hot. Massidian servitors hurried from the castle gate and splashed fresh water over the panting, sweaty pair of robust, naked slaves harnessed together at the front of the vehicle. Both were clearly of Beroghan origin, and both were strong blond males with Yedezh's exact body type. There wasn't a single chance that they'd been selected at random. This was the kind of jest that amused Nyman, but Yedezh couldn't really complain about it. Berogh too had accumulated quite a stock of Massidian slaves back when the two nations had been locked in a state of open warfare, though his father's failed invasion of Massidia had provided their enemies with way more free labor than the reverse. Since neither nation was very keen on giving up its profitable spoils, the matter of slaves had been left out of the treaty entirely, which was common between warring kingdoms. Both sides kept their captives.

The well-trained blond bodies stood compliantly while the stable hands removed their blinders and detached them in order to take them inside where they would be protected from the sun. An antelope servant that Yedezh recognized immediately left the group and approached the horse king cheerfully, while possessively petting the closest Beroghan slave on the neck. Damn, they really did look like Yedezh a lot... It was profoundly embarrassing to watch the first one's muscular buttocks rub together as he was led away, his fleshy rear branded with the Black Wave, and the second one who stood tamely for Lorris to pet. The saddest part was that Yedezh wasn't in a much better position than those two. Yedezh knew it, Nyman knew it, and, of course, Lorris knew it as well.

-- King Yedezh of Berogh! exclaimed the nimble antelope. King Nyman's court is honored to welcome you once more. I was wondering when you'd return. Did you make a good trip?

Lorris had a distinctive presence. He cultivated a warm, affectionate vibe through a mix of subdued mannerisms, soft facial expressions and sudden cheerful outbursts. Nevertheless, Yedezh had learned what untold perils could lurk behind this playfully adorable demeanor. The stallion still suffered occasional nightmares of the sharp horns twisting straight up in a dark spiral, and the somber half-moon markings under his eyes, made even more striking by the purity of his white face. The white-and-brown buck wore his usual white baggy clothes, symbol of his status as a high class servant. Something seemed different, however. On this day, the pronounced shadows accentuating his markings made Lorris look more tired than cute or sad. The corners of his eyes were red, and the window to his soul wasn't quite as open as that to which Yedezh was used. Lorris moved more sleepily as well, but he did seem happy.

-- Yes, thank you for your concern, Lorris. The journey went fine.

Yedezh made sure to be polite to the servant, but kept his answers minimal, hoping the antelope would bring him in the castle, so that he could speak to Nyman and be done with this entire thing as fast as possible.

Lorris rubbed the horse slave's neck more forcefully, making him bend his head while the stable hands waited around to take him away. Lorris glanced at the obedient Yedezh lookalike.

-- Handsome, aren't they? They work so hard for us; it's difficult to believe they initially came here with hostile intent. I guess a few years pulling carts under the whip will make anyone humble. But look.

Lorris extended his finger and traced downward along the muscular back. The horse slave bent more to display the faded textured streaks that Lorris was following.

"They're all old marks. Those good boys don't get whipped anymore. Nowadays, the drivers just crack the whips over them, and the sound suffices. They'll pull whatever we want them to pull."

Provocation. It was mere provocation. Yedezh didn't have to react. In fact, he shouldn't let it affect him at all, but it did anyway. No one in the world knew how to coax anger out of him quite like Lorris. Yedezh clenched his teeth.

-- And you're telling me this because...?

-- Oh, no reason. I just thought it was interesting how these tame, prideless blond slaves were once fiery stallion warriors. Say, a long mane looks really good on you! It's grown a lot!

Yedezh smoked under the sun, trembling with the effort to contain his temptation to say something that he would unmistakably regret. It was Nyman that had decided he preferred him with a more natural looking mane, rather than the brush mane appropriate for high status males and warriors. He hated it. Hated it!

Lorris studied Yedezh's tense expression of poorly contained emotions while the horse king blew burning steam from his nostrils. The servant burst in delighted laughter.

-- Ha! Hahahaha! You're such an easy target, stud! I can't help myself! Honestly, I miss you terribly when you go. Come on, I'll take you inside and stop messing with you. We'll have Sylar put your things down in my place for tonight. The castle is a tad packed at the moment, but I'll find you a good room by tomorrow. I promise.

On this, Lorris rubbed the horse slave's shoulder and whispered that he should go and get some well-deserved rest with a gentle push toward the stable hands. The slave was taken away while Yedezh awakened to what had just been said.

-- What? Wait Lorris, no. I'm not staying this time. There's an urgent thing I need to discuss with Ny-... with my... my master Nyman. I'll be right out.

The antelope adopted an amused, but also sympathetic air. He shook his head.

-- I'm afraid not. The king wants you here, and would've required your presence regardless of your message. You can't see him today, but he tasked me to tell you that your, um, problem...

Lorris vaguely designated the stallion's lower half.

"... would be taken care of after the diplomatic meeting. King Nyman of Greater Massidia wants you to attend, and expects you to behave appropriately. Those are his conditions. He wants you there starting only tomorrow, but you'll likely be staying for a while after that."

From behind them, Sylar meowed.

-- Do you guys mind hurrying up? This box is heavy as shit.

He was promptly ignored. Yedezh spoke.

-- Lorris, please-

-- No, no. Don't plead with me. First, because it's the king's decision, not mine, and second because you're a dumb stud who will do everything he's told. Understood?

The antelope became much sterner. Yedezh caught a glimpse of nightmare mode Lorris, and fear submerged him.

-- Yes, Sir Lorris!

The antelope pointed a condemning finger.

-- Say it!

-- I'm a dumb stud! I'll do everything I'm told!

-- You will spare us your useless opinions, then? On your knees!

Yedezh flushed and looked around. If the wrong person saw this and rumors reached Berogh, that could be the final blow to his reputation.

-- But, sir, people might see-

-- I could arrange for them to see something way worse.

Yedezh fell to his knees.

-- I'll spare you my useless opinions! I'll obey silently!

-- You will?

Lorris became soft and happy again.

"Good! Up, up! Before someone important sees you."

Lorris offered his hand and helped the king of Berogh to his hooves, while the leopard behind them grunted and moaned.

-- The box! The box. Please help... I can't...

-- Let's go and get you settled in comfortably, said Lorris, before Sylar dies on us.

To Yedezh's massive surprise, Lorris wasn't being facetious. They reached the servant's room, but the stallion wasn't presented with a humiliating bundle of blankets on the floor to serve as his bed. Instead, while Sylar dropped the chest and crumbled upon it, Yedezh was offered Lorris' real bed. It smelled fresh and had been washed. The horse sat down on it and looked around the small but cozy room. He'd seen it before, of course, but it felt different now that he was allowed to truly inhabit it.

"Apologies about the mess," said Lorris. "I haven't had time to clean everything, because I've been working hard on a secret project these last few months, and I was too tired to do it."

-- This is fine, sir.

Yedezh really meant it. The orderly room had maybe a few corners in need of a slight dusting, but nothing to inconvenience even a king. Yedezh's own room in his castle was probably in a worse state. The stallion got up and looked out the one and only window.

-- I have the best view in the castle, boasted Lorris. This is why I wanted this room. It was supposed to be a guest room for visitors, but I twisted my king's arm until he let me have it. I never share it, even for important people. I'm making an exception for you only, because I like you.

Yedezh leaned on his forearms against the window sill, and his gaze got lost into the foamy meandering shape of White Moss River, as it flowed lazily from the God Hills dominating the horizon, a lengthy mountain chain that formed a natural border between many nations as it ran across the continent. The prosperous Massidian capital city stretched from the base of the castle alongside both banks of the river, with the greatest density of tall stone-and-lumber constructions gathered around the perpetually busy city docks. Chaotic, confusing streets divided the districts, with buildings often flaunting slightly different architectural styles from an area to the next, proving the town's slow growth from ancient beginnings. Further along the banks, the developed neighborhoods gradually gave way to endless colored fields of gold and green, sporadically peppered with large wealthy farmhouses. Thin artificial canals irrigated the lands, and, here and there, a solitary mill, with some of the furthest ones still under construction. Over all of this, the sun finally began its descent after an endless day.

-- I can see why you'd be jealous of it, sir.

-- Right?

They looked out the window together.

-- Pffsht! Get a room, you two!

Lorris turned to the annoying leopard.

-- We're in a room, he pointed out.

Sylar suddenly straightened up from the chest he'd slumped over.

-- Oh, right. What am I doing here, then? Lorris, consider our guest officially under your care. If anyone needs me, I'll be in the guardhouse, enjoying my brief vacation by getting absolutely hammered on sentinel moonshine. Wake me up in a few days when I'm needed. Or don't.

Sylar left. When the door shut, the loud sound awakened a sense of weird intimacy in Yedezh. There was no denying the fact that Lorris could do to him -- or indeed make him do -- absolutely anything he wished, no matter how degrading or unpleasant. Yet the antelope stood next to him, calmly looking out the window with a soothed look in his delicate traits. Despite the cold knowledge that this situation was completely out of his control, Yedezh wasn't all that terrified. Well, he sure as fuck wasn't fully reassured either, but still, he had to admit that he felt some amount of control that eased him considerably. Why this illusion? Perhaps it was simply because he knew Lorris, by then. He found himself fairly confident in his ability to avoid provoking him. It even emboldened him enough to try and strike up a conversation.

-- I noticed that you seemed tired when I first saw you today. May I ask about that secret project you've been working on?

-- You can't. You'll know in due time. It'll be a surprise!

That didn't sound good. Yedezh wisely opted not to insist.

-- Sorry, sir. I won't ask again.

-- It's alright, stud. I like it a lot when you're all polite and treading carefully. You can ask me something else, if you want.

-- In this case, I do have another question, but I don't think you'll be willing to answer it either.

Lorris giggled.

-- How intriguing! Try it or you won't know!

Yedezh sensed his guts twisting. It made him nervous to even ask.

-- I want to know why king Nyman wants me here at his summit. What will he do with me?

Lorris pinched his white chin in silence. He squinted as he reflected, which gave him an expression that Yedezh interpreted as annoyance. The stallion backed the hell down.

-- I'm sorry! A dumb stud like me doesn't need to understand, only to ob-

Lorris interrupted him with an open hand gesture.

-- I'll answer that. I'm not technically supposed to say, but I wasn't ordered not to do it. I'm supposed to ensure you'll remember your place, so that you'll be on your best behavior for the feast. I don't think this'll be too much of a problem.

Lorris beamed at the blond horse. Yedezh felt the antelope's hand through his thin shirt. It landed smoothly on his lower back, and led him a few steps toward the door.

"Here's what I propose. Neither of us has anything planned for the evening, and tomorrow we'll both be locked in endless boring official diplomatic nonsense. Therefore, and since I missed your presence a lot, I want you to spend time with me! I want a nice walk along the river, with my buff warrior king, whipped into shape and entirely mine to order around. After that, if you've been kind and pleasant company, and I'm convinced that you'll behave tomorrow, I'll gladly answer your question."

-- You're kidding.

Lorris frowned. He began to emit the nightmare aura. Yedezh revised his opinion.

"You're not kidding. Okay. Um, I accept, then."

Lorris brightened right up.

-- You do?

-- Well, yeah. I'm your dumb stud. I have to do everything you say.

The antelope inexplicably soured up, and became pouty.

-- That's not what this is about! It won't be worth it if I force you. You don't have to do it, but I won't answer your question, and your evening will be boring.

This was weird and unexpected. Yedezh hadn't seen it coming at all, but regardless of any claims about him being allowed to refuse, the stallion had been sufficiently trained by this bunch to know better than to disappoint Lorris. Besides, he really did prefer to know in advance about whatever Nyman would put him through. He had to try something, though.

-- If I come willingly, can I have the chastity cage off?

-- Haha. Nice try. No. You'll be locked and docile the entire time.

It was worth a shot.

-- Alright, I'll do it anyway, but you must get me a change of clothes.

-- Why?

-- These are screaming nobility, and I'm assuming it'll be best if I'm not recognized in town.

-- Why are you assuming that I'll make you do embarrassing things?

Yedezh blinked. Lorris thought for a second.

"Yes, maybe that's not an unreasonable assumption. I know! I'll get some guard clothes, and you can be my Beroghan slave bodyguard!"

Yedezh must've made a cringing face, because Lorris laughed out loud.

-- Yes! Yes! And on the off chance anyone asks, I'll make up some stupid name for you on the spot, like Studcake or something, and when they stare at you weirdly, thinking that can't be real, you'll glance back all sad and ashamed, being like: "Yes, that's totally the name I respond to, now. I'm that broken." Man, I hope that happens! Alright, let's get underway.

Lorris, overly enthused, pulled the stallion's arm and dragged him out of the room. Yedezh prepared to suffer.

The walk turned out disarmingly sufferable. Yedezh felt like a bit of a fool, covered head to hoof in Black Wave insignias as he wore the grey-and-black guard tunic, but it didn't seem quite as bad since he wasn't supposed to be Yedezh in that moment. He was just some ordinary Massidian guard of Beroghan descent. In that context, he was surprised at how much the tunic pleased him. One thing no one would take away from the Massidians was their uncanny ability to design impressive uniforms. It was sort of entertaining to pose as a royal bodyguard. Passersby in the streets sure granted them the respect they deserved as a high servant and a soldier of the king, though Yedezh supposed it was also possible that some of them simply recognized Lorris. One way or the other, Nyman sure was a popular monarch.

They moved amidst the warm early-evening roads, still filled with the activity of street vendors offering basic fresh goods like fruits and vegetables to their neighboring clients, while craftsmen of all kinds, carpenters, metalworkers, weavers and their apprentices happily slowed down and breathed after a hard day's work. More durable and refined items like flour, cheese, tools, cheap jewelry or cured meats for the rare meat-eaters were mostly absent, and would be found in larger marketplaces. The antelope navigated the mazelike paths with natural expertise, suddenly pulling the stallion toward this or that street, and cutting through tight, near invisible alleyways hidden between buildings. They soon emerged into the refreshing drizzle and the soothing sound of the peaceful but strong current that divided the city. They watched the flowing water from the street for a while, leaning against a low stone wall, until Lorris got moving once more. He turned and stared patiently until the strapping horse joined his side, and they trod along that part of the river bank which ran deep inside the town for about an hour. They spoke little during that time, but Lorris ceaselessly darted brief looks, and seized every opportunity to flutter close to his sexy male companion, like some kind of butterfly around a pot of honey. When they walked together, his soft arm brushed the side of Yedezh's solid chest through the tunic. His joy at having the Beroghan ruler with him showed, and despite himself, Yedezh thought it flattering that the antelope so appreciated his mere presence.

Suddenly, Lorris grabbed and squeezed the strong blond arm tightly while they strolled. Yedezh let him do it, of course. He glanced at the servant inquisitively.

-- Hey stud, said Lorris. Do you remember the first time we took that walk?

-- I do, sir.

It was a little over a year before. Yedezh remembered it very well.

-- You were so haughty then! The new king of Berogh, fresh and in such a hurry to show off his power and influence. What did you think of me, back then?

They clopped a few steps while Yedezh meditated this somewhat risky question, enveloped by the cool smell of the river.

-- I thought you were charming. I was very jealous of Master Nyman.

Lorris chuckled.

-- Nah, you thought I was a pushover. You tried to bribe me, remember?

Yedezh inclined his snout from left to right, embarrassed.

-- I guess I wanted you on my side.

-- Did you believe I would accept?

Yedezh nodded. Lorris pulled a bit harder on the stallion's muscular arm as he grinded his belly against it.

"Ah-ha. I see the way it is. I was a poor lowly servant in need of rescue from my humble existence!"

Lorris mimicked exaggerated despair, placing the back of his wrist against his forehead, and curving sideways with a meek expression.

"How could I possibly resist granting my total devotion to the imposing and attractive young king of Berogh, who tempted me with status beyond my wildest dreams? How could I be anything other than loyal and admiring for the rest of my life? Oh!"

Lorris pretended to faint, and then returned to his normal cheerful smile. Yedezh sighed, admitting defeat.

-- To be fair, if I'd better understood your place among the Massidian court, I probably wouldn't have tried that. Or maybe I would've offered you something more.

-- Hmmm.

They'd almost reached the docks. The smell of fresh fish, the sounds of boats being loaded and unloaded, and the shouting of agitated traders warned them. The busy hours never ended at the docks, which were, by far, the most important market in the city. Anything could be bought there, no matter how rare or exotic, from spices, salt and dyes to slaves, weapons and boats, and including every basic commodity imaginable. Lorris stopped Yedezh before they approached too much, and looked toward the reddening horizon. The antelope leaned his fragile frame against the well-built warrior monarch. Unsure what to do, Yedezh wrapped the warm body with his own, but not so much that it would appear dominant. The last thing he wanted was to provoke Lorris into proving that he was the boss... But the servant reacted wholly positively to the contact, and nestled securely into the stallion's hold. Yedezh sensed as his captive male limb inflated however little it could and his flesh was painfully contained by the hard steel, but he acted like nothing. Though his terrible sexual frustration mounted, he was condemned to endure the torture like he always did, reduced to praying for it to cease as swiftly as possible. Lorris rubbed himself into him provocatively, and worked his adorable tail end onto his waist with firm circular motions. It was maddening!

"Be honest with me. Would you have done it? Would you have made me a lord of Berogh if I'd convinced my liege to accept your deal?"

Yedezh tried to think lucidly, and shoved aside thoughts of round, submissive antelope bum. He had to calculate the best answer, damn it! He had to focus! Lying to Lorris was risky, that wouldn't result in anything pleasant if Lorris figured him out, but was that truth safe to spill out? Arrgh!

"I'm waiting, stud."

-- Y-yes. If it was at all possible, I probably would have. But if my other vassals threw a fit about it, I would certainly have walked back on my promise to a Massidian servant, even one that has been useful. I might not have risked my throne for you.

-- Whoa-oh-oh! That's some fat, juicy honesty, there!

-- Forgive me, sir.

-- It's fine, I like it. I've always known you were an ambitious one. So am I, really, but it's better to have that well under-control. It's why you deserved to be a little bit... you know... what's the word I'm looking for?

-- Reined in?

-- Precisely! Like a spirited colt that hasn't been broken in yet, and needs to be taught his place so that he won't rush and kick so aggressively anymore. I think we've been doing a pretty good job of that so far, don't you?

Lorris' arm went up above him, and he patted Yedezh's blond neck in the exact same way that he'd done with the horse slave earlier. Yedezh blushed in violent shame at the specific parallel being established, but he couldn't do anything other than acknowledge it despite the pain. He lowered his head in resignation, and the very fact that he resisted his defiant impulse to deny the statement proved the antelope's point thoroughly. His blue eyes wandered around, making sure that no one was listening.

-- Yes, sir. I'm being well disciplined. Thank you, sir.

Lorris got out of Yedezh's embrace, swiveled, and placed his right hand on top of the stallion's muzzle. His left hand brushed into the rich pale mane lovingly.

-- That's my stud.

As humiliated as Yedezh was, having Lorris approve of his behavior appeased him, and he blushed even harder at this realization. Lorris saw that, and was even more pleased, touched his nose even more intimately, and so on. They got stuck into that cute feedback loop for about five seconds. Lorris turned around, breaking it.

"Come on! The docks are right there. Let's get something to eat."

Yedezh tagged along with Lorris through the busy area, but they avoided the piers where harassed workers constantly unloaded crates. Local bakers were making a fortune, feeding the dockhands. Lorris picked one of the fancier stalls which sold salted honey-and-apple pies, a lightly sweetened Massidian specialty with coarse salt baked in its crust, which uniquely could be served just as well as a main course or as a dessert. Lorris paid with two copper pennies, and they ate holding the hot pies in their hands. Lorris juggled his at first, and had Yedezh take it until it cooled. The horse held both without much trouble. Obviously, the antelope was a bit of a wimp when it came to physical pain, but the stallion made absolutely no comment. Lorris applauded his stalwart pie-holding abilities. They left the docks satisfied, and continued their walk. As they abandoned the town, clear moonlight lit the increasingly intimate scenery. Suddenly, they felt alone with the soft nightly chirping of insects from the cultivated fields and the constant flow of water. Lorris abandoned any pretense. He hugged his stud's side closely, leaning against his strong shoulder as they roamed along the river bank. It was no problem to Yedezh. Lorris wasn't exactly heavy. They kept going.

"It's so different. You were an impetuous buck. Now, look at what a kind male you are."

With a devious stare, the antelope slid teasing fingers over Yedezh's inner thigh, bringing attention between his legs, where his restrained cock and balls jumped painfully to life once more. The stallion's wicked arousal for being denied for so long seemed to multiply the sensitivity of his flesh, especially around his privates. Even through his pants, Lorris' touch was barely endurable. Yedezh tensed up in torturous desire.

-- Please don't, sir, that's-

But Lorris laughed him down. He stopped them both and greedily began fondling the hot blond body, slipping his hands under the tunic and through the neckline to enjoy the slick texture and the firm flesh of Yedezh's hips and chest.

-- Ha! Shut up, Yedezh. Don't think I don't remember how aggressively you behaved when you thought you were on top of the world. I'm not sure you had anything on your mind other than my tight ass. It was easy to get you started! You were all over me, standing too close and sneaking regular feels of my butt while you sweet-talked me about taking me under your wing. So impressive and dominant, right? The mighty ruler of Berogh! How could a meek little servant like me resist the appeal of your huge royal penis? It was right here, you know. I remember. You gave me quite a pounding, that day, right down there in the grass.

Lorris pointed a specific spot among the herbs. Yedezh had no idea whether this truly was the spot or not. It was possible. He sure as hell did remember the act, however, and the memory of watching Nyman's favorite servant going down before him and taking his seed up his butt created a new punishing impulse into his locked dick, desperately struggling to harden, and hopelessly, persistently losing this impossible battle. Lorris' warm, sexy presence wrapping him, touching his skin and kneading his muscles only made the punishment worse and worse as Yedezh's agonized male limb kept tiring itself against steel. The stallion moaned. He couldn't take much more of this.

-- Y-you didn't like it?

Lorris shook his head playfully as he blew his humid breath into Yedezh's neck.

-- I never said that. You know that this is more complicated than liking or not liking. You did what you did back then because you followed this.

With a firm grip, Lorris took the entire metallic package hanging between Yedezh's legs and squeezed it through his pants. The stallion groaned loudly and fell to his knees in the fresh grass.

-- Please!

-- You could've dealt with us fairly, but you didn't. You wanted to be on top, because that felt like the more pleasing option to you, and it felt pleasing because you were wholly dedicated to your own dick. Luckily, in Massidia, we know how to keep a forceful young stud in line. How ironic that the same force that motivated you is what keeps you domesticated and serviceable! No, stud. To answer your question, I didn't hate our first walk, but it could've been so much better if you'd been even slightly respectful. Now, the tables are turned, and _I'm_the one who gets to own you whole, and enjoy you however I wish. I have your entire, magnificent blond body to play with. It's almost too good to be true! So what shall I do with you first? Let's see.

Lorris crouched in turn and took the kneeling king into his arms while he made up his mind. Yedezh had seen him angry before. Right then, he wasn't, but the conquering way he embraced the horse did clearly signify that this was a good time to exhibit uncompromising obedience. Yedezh listened for his orders.

"To kick things off, I think I will settle right there on the bank and watch while you go for a nude midnight swim. That way, you'll be wet and you'll glisten in the moonlight."

Lorris rose and nodded decisively. Yedezh hesitated at first, half-expecting additional instructions.

"I mean, right now. Off with your clothes. I want to see your amusing little cage. Unless you don't think this is fair, and you prefer to head back to the castle immediately. But then I won't tell you what the king wants from you, and I might get a bit crabby while I look to get you a room."

Yedezh didn't even consider that option. He bowed his head in shameful resignation, and he stripped. When he was done, and his clothes were piled together in the grass, Lorris placed a hand right above his dreamy buttocks, while the other cupped his pectorals and played with his nipples. The hands wandered quite a bit. Yedezh was escorted to the river while Lorris felt and enjoyed him. He was gently pushed forward when his hooves touched the fresh water. The royal servant sat crossed legged by the river, biting his lips in contained excitement.

"In you go, stud! Dip and swim, but stay close. The current is strong."

Yedezh walked into the water which very quickly became deep. He felt the current indeed. Once waist-deep, the stallion decided that, while the water was on the cold side for sure, it wasn't uncomfortable after the hot day.

"Go ahead already! And swim that way first. I want to see if you can beat the current."

The antelope pointed against the current, so Yedezh did as he was told and plunged into the dark liquid. He couldn't see shit underwater, but the sudden absence of his weight and cool presence all around his body instantly pleased him. He emerged as instructed and swam toward the faraway mountains with a delicious bit of effort. Lorris was satisfied that the horse could indeed beat the current easily, and appeared to relax. He observed Yedezh's naked figure cutting through the water, powering with his arms and kicking with his legs, rolling the healthy muscles under his slippery skin and twisting his exposed body left and right. Yedezh made some distance, and then he floated up, letting the current gently take him back to Lorris.

"How's the water?"

Yedezh shook his head, playfully splashing around with his mane.

-- Cold but pleasant, sir.

Lorris leaned away, protecting himself with his hands.

-- Ah! Haha! Stop it! Bad pony! Show me your backstroke, instead.

-- Okay.

Yedezh swam away once more, this time on his back. He stared up into the starless sky, knowing full well that the chastity cage trapping his maleness shone in the moonlight. He heard Lorris mock him, but what could he do?

-- Aww! So adorable! Now, swim back here.

Yedezh agilely spun and described an elegant curve. Soon, he stood before Lorris again, waist deep in the river. The antelope designated a spot in front of him.

"Out, stud! I want some natural Beroghan scenery on display."

The stallion shamefully endured the taunts. Instead of responding angrily, as his vanity would have him do, he silently submitted and walked out of the current. His highly-trained bare body dripped in the earth for Lorris' viewing pleasure as gleaming water ran along his shoulders, his stomach, his pubis and his large stallion orbs, protruding through the tight metal ring that kept his fun bits captive. Lorris watched for several minutes as Yedezh breathed and lived for him.

"That's how I like my enemy warrior kings. Prideless and wet, and waiting for my orders. You can dry like this for a while. I'll put your clothes in my bag, and we'll start heading back to town. I'm an idiot; I should've brought the leash. Oh, well. You walk in front."

Yedezh sensed the antelope's presence tailing him closely while his sculpted figure gradually dried under the dark sky. Lorris mischievously stepped in close, brushing the stallion's humid rear, and grabbing his tail to tease him, only to suddenly allow Yedezh to distance him a bit, to get a more enjoyable view of the Beroghan king's bare tameness. Yedezh made sure to walk at Lorris' rhythm as best he could, as he'd been trained to do multiple times before within the castle walls, and not only for Lorris, but for Nyman as well. The humiliation of being treated like some kind of a pet frequently got to Yedezh, at first, but acting out on this frustration only ever got him more severely punished, more degraded, or likely both. He'd learned to beat back those harsh feelings and accept his place while he was there, which was exactly what the Massidians wanted, infuriatingly enough. Even when he was back into his own castle, Yedezh couldn't help but consider how he would be treated for the next visit if he displeased his 'ally' in any way, or failed to continually facilitate the zebra's discreet subjugation of Berogh. Often, Yedezh felt like a traitor, handing over his father's legacy -- not to mention his dignity -- to a foreign ruler, but there wasn't anything else he could do at this point. He undeniably belonged to Nyman. At least, the Massidian still needed him as his puppet, so he got to maintain his title as the king of Berogh. Maybe after the civil war against his cousin, if he asked politely and humbly, Nyman might allow him to take on a few of his old responsibilities once more, since he would already be roped and gagged by a debt that was impossible to pay back. Thinking of kowtowing to the zebra for this or that had become disgustingly natural for Yedezh. As for being Lorris' loyal boytoy, that was critical to even survive. The servant handled all of the day-to-day business at the Massidian court, and getting anything from food and water to clothes and blankets depended exclusively on him. Yedezh knew exactly what it was like to get onto Lorris' bad side. He'd never do that again.

Thus, he kept parading his kingly bare ass for the servant's amusement, and hoped that he would be permitted to put on his clothes before they reached Onent. Just as he thought this, Lorris closed the gap between them with a leap, and hung onto his docile blond horse, gripping his chest and arms tightly from behind when he shoved his muzzle over Yedezh's right shoulder. He grinned.

"Hee-haw."

Luckily, carrying Lorris could neither slow nor tire the stallion in any way. Contact with the warm body against his back did, however, augment the tension in his chastity cage as before. A fistful of Yedezh's long mane was suddenly taken, and pulled hard.

"Faster, pony."

Surprised, Yedezh nonetheless accelerated into a trot. The nightly breeze felt colder over his naked form, but Lorris wrapped his warm legs around his waist, solidifying his position onto the horse's back. His mane was pulled harshly again. This time, Yedezh winced. Lorris pointed a finger.

"Go right."

Yedezh sighed. The river ran to their left. To their right were endless fields.

-- There's nothing there, sir- Ouch!

Another mean pull.

-- Shut up, pony. You're being ridden. You don't decide! You'll go right, or left, or you'll run circles if I wish it. It doesn't matter.

-- Okay, okay, sorry sir. Just not into town, alright?

-- What if I want to show off my ride? No one will recognize you if you're naked. You won't be the first Beroghan slave they see.

-- Please...

-- I'll decide our path. I don't want to hear another complaint about it.

Lorris' arm imperiously extended once more.

"Now, veer your dumbass into that field, or I'll ride you like this all the way to the castle, and have the stable hands tie you to a post all night long as punishment. Is this what you want?"

Yedezh was dashing through the wheat before Lorris ended his sentence. The servant rode him at length through the tall crops which whipped Yedezh's nude flesh. He was led left, and right, and he drew circles indeed into the nearly mature field before he was allowed to return to the road and slow down. By then, Lorris had gone quiet. The stallion had taken his rider's thighs under his arms to support him and be a more agreeable mount. Lorris caressed the top of his slightly sweaty white mane while Yedezh walked closer and closer to the town, daunted by the increasing certitude that he would be ridden stripped through the city. And yet, Lorris brought him to a halt just as they were about to reach the docks, which were just as packed as always. Lorris 'dismounted' and stood in front of the stallion.

"Well, stud. We've almost reached the town. Aren't you going to sit at my hooves? You know how this works. Do you think I want to see you standing proudly over me like you used to do?"

Yedezh went down and sat his handsome butt on the cold cobbled stones, looking up at Lorris.

-- Please, sir, please. May I wear clothes in town?

-- That's right. You should be in your place, squirming nude and pleading.

-- Yes, sir, I am.

-- And do you apologize for behaving like you owned me? It doesn't make you feel very good when I'm doing it to you, does it? Do you like feeling inferior and vulnerable?

Yedezh dropped his head lower.

-- ... No, sir. I humbly apologize. Please, be lenient.

-- Even if you don't deserve it, because you would have never changed your ways if your little coup d'état hadn't miserably failed?

-- Yes, sir. Even though I don't deserve it, I beg you to be forgiving, but I'll accept it if you won't. I'm a dumb stud.

Lorris rubbed his chin with his thumb and index, mimicking deep deliberation.

-- Well, alright. I'm satisfied with that.

Lorris dug through his shoulder bag, and handed Yedezh's guard clothes back to him.

"Here, stud. Dress up."

-- Thank you, sir. Really.

-- Yeah, yeah. I can never be sure if you're being honest, or just broken. You know what's the only surefire way to get to know someone's true self? You watch what happens when they have real power over you. I've glimpsed at the true 'you', before, when you thought yourself untouchable, so I have trouble believing what I'm seeing now, no matter how much humility suits you.

Yedezh took a moment to cover himself.

-- I guess that means I'm getting to know the true 'you' as well, then, sir.

-- Correct. I don't expect that you'll ever be in a position to get back at me. So, what do you think?

-- You're a vengeful fellow, sir. That's for sure. I regret ever crossing you.

Lorris laughed.

-- Hahaha! That sounds about accurate. Though I don't think tormenting you would be nearly as fun if I didn't also appreciate you a lot in some ways.

-- We all want to possess what we like. Maybe we only realize it when we're presented with an opportunity.

Lorris frowned.

-- Are you comparing us?

Yedezh boldly went for light irony.

-- I'd never dare, sir.

Lorris slapped Yedezh's blond snout with one finger, but his smirk showed more satisfaction than irritation.

-- How very unwise of you, stud. I might remember that sass when I'm deciding what your accommodations will be.

-- Sorry, sir.

Yedezh wasn't sorry. The antelope always enjoyed having a latent excuse to bully Yedezh if he so desired, and submissively granting it to him -- thought that might seem irrational from the outside -- was a calculated way for Yedezh to keep this factor playing for him while minimizing the risks. A tribute of sorts. Lorris appreciated that kind of attention.

-- I was going to stay in the guardhouse, but now I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't simply leave my room to you. It might be better if I used you for my comfort tonight, as a punishment. It would be rather pleasant to have the handsome stallion king of Berogh hold me in his hot embrace while I go to sleep. What's the point of having access to a strong fully-trained stud, if he won't be my naked sexy pillow?

Yedezh bowed low, making a display of his surrender that would undoubtedly satisfy Lorris.

-- I'll accept my punishment, sir. Thank you for the discipline.

That was _not_the kind of punishment that Lorris bestowed when he was genuinely annoyed, so Yedezh was assured that his move had been a success. Lorris was in an undeniably good mood when they resumed their walk and went through the docks. That was the right moment for Yedezh to press his advantage. He gauged the appropriate amount of embarrassing obsequiousness he had to deploy next. His male pride barely even protested.

"Have I been a pleasant stud, tonight, Sir Lorris?"

-- Sure, you have. Are you ready to claim your reward? You want to know why King Nyman wants you to show up tomorrow?

-- Yes, sir.

Yedezh waited. They crossed bunches of citizens -- mostly zebras with a few buffaloes and wildebeests -- coming and going. Lorris had a candid look on his face, but he didn't speak until they were a bit more isolated in the street.

-- Alright. It's very simple, in truth. The king wants to form a league of nations around Greater Massidia to ensure long term peace and prosperity. To help this along, he's invited King Borstov and King Piel III to try to convince them to invest into a massive three-way trade deal.

The respective rulers of Vewich and Corpioc instantly appeared in the horse's mind. Borstov led a harsh nation located along the northern frontier of Massidia, on the other side of the God Hills. Vewich was of comparable size to Massidia, but with precious little arable lands under his control, the old bear's kingdom heavily depended on finding markets for the abundant valuable metals they extracted in their many mining towns. As the head of the one and only carnivorous royal family in a region heavily populated by ungulates, the rigid brown bear had developed terse manners and a guarded disposition, constantly threatened by the many powerful reindeer families that reluctantly tolerated his reign.

In almost perfect contrast, Piel III was the latest flamboyant monarch of Corpioc. He was an outgoing and sometimes irrational red deer, massively popular with his arrogant, cultured people. Corpioc was a landlocked territory along the southern border of Massidia, crisscrossed by often overflowing rivers. Corpioc was small compared to Massidia, but highly populated. Piel III, just like his ancestors before him going back more than three hundred years, was in the habit of constantly waging short and fruitless wars with the neighboring realm of Cander, and pretty much everyone else around them. The one exception was Berogh, naturally, with which they also shared a border. No nation provoked mighty Berogh if they could avoid it.

It seemed unlikely to Yedezh that any argument would get those fiercely independent characters to give in to Massidian influence, even if the nation was at its peak power, but then again, he'd learned the hard way that it was best not to underestimate Nyman, so he reserved judgment. At any rate, if Nyman succeeded into forming a lasting military pact with Vewich and Corpioc, after his insidious subjugation of Berogh, the zebra would have no potential rival left. Massidia would truly become the first power on the old continent, and probably also in the new unexplored worlds.

He responded to Lorris.

-- I see. But what does this have to do with me?

Lorris inclined his head to the side, waving his sharp horns.

-- Obviously, King Nyman will be taken much more seriously if his new ally stands by his side. You'll go in with your amazing ceremonial armor, and sit at the king's table in a gracious show of support. Everything will go much smoother if we're visibly backed by a power such as the Beroghan throne. Don't worry, you literally won't have anything to do except to sit there and look impressive. As soon as the deal is signed, we'll solve the problem about which you wrote.

That was it, then? Yedezh was reassured, but at the same time he felt insulted. This was his life, now. He would be flaunted around as proof of Nyman's influence. He was political cattle for Nyman to milk to his enormous advantage until he ran completely dry, and Nyman owned the world. Meanwhile, he got nothing but the opportunity to stay in his place and say thank you, and to bend over in private while pleading for Nyman to ream his ass slowly and vigorously enough that he might have a chance to ejaculate, this time. For fuck's sake! Even this pathetically sad perspective onto his also pathetically sad existence was enough to renew the tension in the depraved instrument locking his desperate cock. That was how sexually bothered he was! Damn Nyman! What an evil bastard! Well, at least, if this was to go on, Yedezh would unavoidably have to be unlocked; there wasn't any other way around the heir problem. All he had to do for this was to accept one more humiliation. Soon. Soon, he would be able to get pleasure again. The young stallion knew that he'd willingly endure pretty much anything for that promise, and this notion didn't exactly fill him with pride.

Yedezh's mood darkened. Unexpectedly, Lorris gently patted his back and lowered his head to look into Yedezh's eyes.

-- Hey, it won't be so bad, stud. Just do your best to support your master in this, and I'm sure he'll be satisfied with you.

They kept moving through the quieter and quieter night, as they roamed the empty streets further from the docks. Yedezh simply let Lorris guide him through the confusing city. The horse felt oppressed. He'd been good for over a year, but he got nothing for it! It didn't seem fair. Boldly, he touched Lorris' shoulder, stopping in the middle of the street.

-- Can we speak as equals?

The request was blunt and out of nowhere. Even through the dark, Yedezh saw that it startled the antelope. Lorris' fingers left the horse's warm back, and the servant appeared colder and businesslike, though he also allowed Yedezh's hand to stay on his shoulder.

-- As equals?

Lorris evaluated the stallion, deciding whether or not he deserved the opportunity to be taken seriously. Yedezh had hope. He'd been docile. He waited patiently.

"Alright, Yedezh. We can talk frankly. What is it that you want to say?"

The antelope adopted a solid grounded stance and finally chased the hand from his shoulder. Yedezh steeled himself as well. He couldn't waste this chance.

-- I want to know when my punishment will be over. I made a mistake, and I'm sorry for what I did. I get that you guys are still angry, but it's not fair that I should be treated like this forever. I've been a humble and loyal slave for over a year, Lorris! I'm king of Berogh! My country doesn't belong to Nyman. The penalty is disproportionate!

The antelope frowned. His delicate melancholic face transformed into a callous mask. This time, Yedezh didn't buckle. The emotional momentum of getting this off his chest was enough to flood him with courage, and endure the retort.

-- Punishment and penalty? What world do you live in, Yedezh? Look at the reality around you. You're an enemy. Your mere existence is a direct threat to us, and you've proven your willingness to usurp Nyman, to usurp my liege when he welcomed you in friendship! You're not being punished, you're being kept in place. You're living the logical consequences of your actions.

Yedezh yelled, but no one in the dark street was present to witness the altercation.

-- I've paid for that! It was wrong of me to try to force Nyman under my control! I recognize it! I learned my lesson... Please, I just want to get back on my throne. I'll leave Massidia alone. How can I prove that? Just tell me and I'll do it!

While he said these words, Yedezh searched his heart to figure out if they were true. It occurred to him that he wasn't certain of what his intentions were. What he knew for sure was that he ardently wished to get out from under Nyman's hoof. He couldn't specifically identify why, or what he would do if he actually regained his sovereignty. He wanted to recuperate his rightful place and his dignity as a king. He didn't want to serve, or obey, or feel contained anymore. Spending all day carrying out other people's humiliating orders was for commoners and slaves! He was above that! It was awful!

Lorris paused, gravely shaking his head.

-- There's nothing to prove, horse. Trust is for friends, and your betrayal excluded you from that group. You showed how little you consider us, and you offered us a perfect opportunity to neutralize the danger you represent. Even if we believed you, it would still be safer to keep you on a leash. King Nyman will never needlessly put the country for which he's responsible at risk. There's nothing to gain from releasing you. Accept it, already. You'll live at our mercy.

-- It's not right. You can't treat me like this! I'm the rightful king. I have responsibilities to the people of Berogh.

-- Those will be taken over by King Nyman. If you're so worried about his lack of rights over the throne of Berogh, you can always surrender to your cousin. He's got a decent enough claim, and it would keep Berogh out of our hands. I'm sure you would be dragged through the streets in chains and that an appropriate example would be made of you, but feel free. I suspect this isn't really about duty, though. It's about your pride, and I honestly don't give a damn about that. You tried to have my liege captured and whipped! You almost caused me to become a plaything for honorless soldiers! Call me cynical, but I don't think we would've gotten second chances if your plan had worked, so don't talk to me about what's right or not. Nyman won't trust you again, and as far as I'm concerned, it's perfectly satisfying if you spend the rest of your life stripped and begging!

Lorris seethed, and Yedezh searched in vain for any more arguments he could use. He felt himself shrinking before the antelope, increasingly walled in silence as Lorris pinned him down with his glare.

"Anything else you wanted to discuss, stud?"

Yedezh wished that'd come as a shock to him, but no. Deep down, he'd always foreseen the possibility that his fate was sealed, and that he had to accept the fact that his subjugation wasn't temporary. Still, it was near impossible to swallow that he truly was a slave, now, and that he merely masqueraded as the ruler of his own country. He lowered his head and shook it in final defeat. As if to punctuate this moment, light raindrops began to fall. The equine felt the tiny impacts on his tunic, on his arms, and in his lengthy mane.

"Good. You won't complain about this ever again. Tell me why."

Lorris tapped his hoof impatiently. Clearly, he didn't mind getting soaked as long as the message sank deep into the stallion's broken spirit.

-- ... Because I'm a dumb stud, and I only need to obey.

-- Correct. You'll keep things simple and behave exactly how we tell you. Don't try to think, it's a waste of good energy that you could be using to submit.

There was an awkward moment as Yedezh knew he had to acknowledge but his body seemed to refuse. It was torturous to resign himself to this fate, knowing what it entailed. There were no other paths. He got angry at himself in an unspoken way, but he couldn't fight Lorris, and the zebra king even less. He was powerless and defeated. There'd be no coming back.

-- Sorry, sir. I won't do it again.

-- Right. Now, let's hurry back to the castle. I'm getting wet.

Lorris surprisingly didn't hold a grudge, that night. By the time he led Yedezh to his room, he was calm again. They dried themselves with towels, and Lorris made playful small talk the same way he usually did, as if nothing peculiar had happened. The horse didn't respond much. As announced earlier, Lorris made him undress once more, and had him warm up the bed. When the extremely sleepy antelope soon joined Yedezh, he curled up into the strong embrace without a care in the world, and quickly fell asleep, tightly spooned by the sexually restrained male, apparently delighted to feel the severe steel covering Yedezh's genitals against his hot back and bum. Needless to say, Yedezh didn't sleep so easily with the adorable servant in his arms, and fought his body's miserable attempts at erections all night long.

The next day would be rough for sure.