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Bonds of the Imperium

Chapter Six

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

11th March, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

Titus was terrified, he paced his opulent chamber, his cloven hooves alternatively clopping on the marble floor and muffled by the thick rugs. He felt the oppressive, almost sickening weight of the impending expectations on his narrow shoulders. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, accentuating the tension in the air. Octavius, as always, stood nearby, his eyes filled with remorse and concern for the stress and anxiety his Lord suffered.

As the sand trailed through the hourglass, a soft knock echoed through the room and Titus froze like a marble statue, his eyes wide and terrified.

“Come," Octavius called, breaking protocol, but knowing he alone had the authority to permit entry into his lord's bedchamber if his lord was incapable.

Meekly, Caspian entered, his head bowed submissively. “My lord Titus,"

Titus twitched, his ears slicking back and his muscles tightening, his breathing quickening as he had not expected the Gazelle's appearance.

Octavius's alertness stepped up a notch, as he held up a paw threateningly, halting the gazelle. “What have you got in your paw, speak now and speak the truth, or it'll be me who will deal with you."

With a whimpering bleat of fear, Caspian dropped to his knees, holding his paws up, and then uncurling them. A small glass vial lay in his left paw, as he held it up. “A gift, my lord. Nothing harmful, I swear on my life! I – understand – the gravity of the situation, my lord. This elixir will ease your nerves and ensure you can fulfil your martial duties with your new wife. It's a blend of herbs and essences known amongst my people. I assure you, my lord, it's perfectly safe and natural ingredients."

Titus shuddered. What does he mean? I've never been anywhere near a lady, or a servant, in a sexual manner. Yet he does not know this, how could he? I've never discussed such with him. Such things should not be kept from one I would have as a close personal servant, lest he speak the wrong thing, to the wrong person.

Octavius plucked it from the trembling gazelle's paw and frowned at it before he unstopped it and sniffed the contents suspiciously.

“My lord, I beg your pardon for intrusion into matters that might be considered private," Caspian murmured, his head respectfully bowed. “While I am still learning the intricacies of this culture, I've come to notice subtle details that may be of significance. I assure you, my lord, it is not my intention to pry or presume, but I am devoted to serving you to the best of my abilities. If there is anything you wish for me to disregard or if my observations cross any boundaries, command me, my lord, and I will obey."

Titus, confused, missed the subtleties of what Caspian spoke of.

Caspian remained in his submissive posture, before he nervously touched his left forearm, giving a nervous twitch and glancing at Titus's, where the beautiful bracer was affixed.

“Is it not customary, my lord, for it to be worn on the right wrist? On the left, has a significant other meaning. A meaning, that signifies to those who know – of your..."

A warning click of a hoof from Octavius made Caspian fall silent, the red deer's burning gaze fixated on the quivering gazelle.

“Forgive me, my lord, I meant not to overstep. You are my master, your whims and desires are not for me to refuse nor speak of." Caspian answered respectfully, his voice low and quiet.

Titus watched, then as Octavius frowned, he grew more fearful, as Octavius snorted softly, giving a subtle nod.

“What does it do?" Titus murmured in confusion and apprehension. “I've never – with a lady or even a common servant -"

Caspian remained in his submissive posture, lowering his paws and resting them on his knees. “It will enhance your sexual ability, my lord, and, if I may be so bold..."

Titus gestured where the nervous gazelle could see him.

“I can guide you through the proceedings. The union must be consummated, my lord, according to - “ Caspian murmured, then dropped his head. “Forgive me, my lord, I misspoke."

Titus sighed heavily, the weight of the impending consummation weighing him down even more heavily. “Very well, Caspian. Guide me through this, for I am in uncharted waters."

With Octavius watching Caspian like a predator watching over its prey, Caspian swallowed nervously. “I will do my best, my lord."

As Caspian proceeded to explain the intricacies of what would happen. The sensations, the undeniable pleasure and the incredible warmth as buck met doe for the first time. He was detailed and graphic in his eloquent, yet quiet, words. He held nothing back, including the initial moments and the deflowering that would happen with Lady Seraphina.

Titus found himself lost in a sea of information. The young lord, shocked and apprehensive, absorbed every detail as he listened to the Gazelle's words, trying to understand what was expected and acceptable, in the uncharted territory of his expected martial duties.

After a thorough explanation, Caspian lowered his head in a submissive gesture. “I pray, my lord, my guidance proves useful to you – and my gift."

“Thank you, Caspian," Titus said, his voice a mix of gratitude and anxiety.

Again, Titus began pacing, his worried, concerned frown deepening with each hoof step. He knew the expectations placed upon his furred neck, and the repercussions thereof if he failed to fulfil them...

“It will hurt her, my lord - “ Caspian shuddered. “She may very well bleat or articulate in pain, but it will be a momentary pain for her. I know your heart, master. You are kind, gentle and compassionate. You would not be cruel, for cruelty's sake. I know not of the details of the ritual, amongst your kind, but I do know the importance of it. You're under a time restraint, my lord, the sooner the consummation is completed, the better it will be for all concerned."

“Octavius," Titus swallowed nervously. “Make preparations, please. I'll need a Priestess present, for the holy rituals that accompany the..."

Titus looked away, waving a paw. With a clap of his paw against his chest, Octavius nodded, then turned and looked down at the gazelle, who obediently rose and followed him out, closing the bedroom door behind them.

*

Titus swallowed, his heart racing in his furred chest, at the expectations of what he was about to do, what society and his father, demanded of him. He was formally led to Lady Seraphina's bedchamber, where he paused and clenched his paws again and again, his nerves palpable. Taking the vial from Octavius, Titus swallowed the liquid and shuddered, squeezing his eyes closed.

“I am not mentally equipped to deal with this, Octavius," Titus shuddered, feeling the strange medicine working already as he plucked at the robes that covered him, hoping it wasn't noticeable.

“I will be with you, my lord," Octavius murmured, adjusting Titus's robes and gently brushing his shoulders, removing the light dusting of shed fur. “Sooner done as better."

Titus let another mask settle over him, but it was a fragile thing, his appearance and mannerisms forced to become something he knew, deep inside, he was not – nor could ever be.

*

Opening the bedroom door, Titus entered, Octavius and Caspian following and stepping to the side, their heads bowed respectfully, as the Priestess turned to look at the groom.

“I am here, today, to witness the holiest of bonds, the combining of two souls in matrimonial mating. May the Gods bless this union between Lady Seraphina of House Callista and Lord Titus of House Cervus."

Octavius twitched, as he assisted Titus, removing the ceremonial robes and folding it over one arm, as he stepped back again.

My lord is definitely prepared – Octavius mentally noted, having seen the effect on Titus's body of the strange elixir.

“Lord Titus, are you prepared to consummate, before the Gods, with your mate. Before the Divines, do you promise to love, honour and protect her, as by Divine decree?"

“I do - “ Titus forced his voice to calmness, despite the terror that flooded his body.

“Lady Seraphina, are you prepared to consummate, before the Gods, with your mate? Before the Divines, do you promise to love, honour and protect him, as by Divine decree?"

Lady Seraphina's pelt quivered, as she saw Titus naked, her natural fears and the fact she was still a maiden, only compounded her own trepidation. Whilst Titus wasn't a monster – where it counted, he was still more than she'd imagined.

“I..." Lady Seraphina whimpered, her ears flat and eyes wide. “I will, I swear."

Raising her hands in a benevolent gesture, the priestess stepped back, allowing Titus to approach and gently place a paw lightly on the quivering doe's rump.

“Lady Seraphina," Titus whispered into her ears, as he gently pushed her down, into a kneeling position. “I am just as scared as you are. I will pray, my love, it will be quick, for both of us – there will be pain, my love – for this I apologise."

Gazing into her eyes, Titus gently cupped her chin, as he moved closer behind her, guiding himself against her, as he shuddered and swallowed the lump in his throat.

“Breathe, my love - “ Titus murmured.

His fingers tightened around her muzzle, trying to hold it closed. It was not out of cruelty, but to muffle the painful cries he knew would follow. Titus shuddered, feeling her hot, salty tears sliding down her cheeks, as she gazed back at him, her wedge-like tail fluffing out.

“Forgive me, please..." Titus whimpered, his own tears flowing, before he squeezed his eyes and in one quick thrust, took from her, that which could never be replaced.

Lady Seraphina's cries were muffled – but still heart-wrenching.

Titus consummated their mating bond, from that moment until his last, they were bound together. He shuddered, feeling the warmth, the tightness and the slick folds, just as Caspian had promised, before he grit his teeth and shuddered, feeling the collective eyes on him, before he slumped backwards and rose on his shaking knees.

“As witnessed by me, and before the gods themselves -" Spoke the Priestess, as she drew a knife and cut the bloodied cloth out, placing it in a box and sealing it. “It is done, the marriage has been consummated!"

Titus looked back at the crying Lady Seraphina, whose head slumped down onto the pillows. He had no words for her, nothing he would do or say would ease her pain and grief. He would cherish and honour her, as was expected – yet he knew, because of who he was, he would never lay with her again – nor would her ever love her, as a husband should...this hurt him more than he could ever speak of.

Octavius stepped forward, gently placing the robe around his lord's shoulders, and leading the sobbing buck out, the priestess sitting on the edge of the dais, gently stroking Lady Seraphina's neck and ears, offering comfort and support.

*

Titus stumbled out of the bedchamber, his limbs heavy with the weight and guilt of what he'd done. Around him, the luxury of the corridor seemed to mock him as he made his way through it, the echoes of Lady Seraphina's cries still haunting his ears. Octavius, ever loyal, guided him with a steadying hand on his shoulder.

As they walked, Titus couldn't escape the crushing heaviness in his chest, the guilt that threatened to suffocate him. He glanced at Octavius, a silent plea for understanding. The captain of the guard, however, maintained his stoic expression, offering a slight condensation of a reassuring nod as they continued down the corridor.

The grandeur of the mansion felt oppressive, and Titus longed for a moment of solace. Octavius led him out into the formal gardens, a place away from prying eyes, where his lord could gather his thoughts.

As Titus sank onto a marble bench, his tears began to flow like the tinkling water of the fountain before him. Octavius sat beside him, placing a comforting paw on Titus's thigh.

“My lord," Octavius began, his voice low and compassionate. “what transpired in there was necessary for the union, but I will not profess to understand the weight that it places upon you."

Titus sobbed, burying his head in his paws as his broken, sobbing words spilled forth. “I never wanted this. I never wanted to hurt her!"

Octavius pulled him close, offering comfort and reassurance. “Your duty to the Imperium sometimes demands sacrifices we would rather not make. Lady Seraphina understands this, as you must."

Titus's hooflets clattered as he gripped the edge of the bench, the conflicting emotions swirling within him. “I can't even look at her Octavius. How can I face her, after what I have done?"

Octavius pondered a moment. “My lord, you are a Lord of House Cervus. Duty and responsibility often come at a high cost. What you done, you were forced by tradition and law, to do. You have consummated your marriage, before the Gods. What matters now, is how you carry that burden."

Titus whimpered like a fawn, Octavius holding him close. “I thought being a lord would bring honour and glory, not this...darkness on my mind and my heart. I love who I love, Octavius, you – not..."

Octavius's expression softened, as he gently kissed Titus's cheek. “Darkness is part of the journey, my lord. Yet it does not define you. You have the strength to rise above it, to lead as you always have, with kindness and compassion. Lady Seraphina may need time, but your love and compassion can help shape the path ahead."

“How...how can I love her Octavius?" Titus's broken voice was wracked with guilt and sorrow. “Lady Seraphina is just a... a pawn in my father's political games. How can I love one such as her? Not that she is – what – she is, I know her people exist in our society, I even know a few of them. That isn't the problem – the problem is, she will expect me to share myself with her, emotionally, and most terrifyingly of all – physically – it is that, that I can not do."

“My lord, I am sure, in time, she will understand." Octavius pondered. “At least you will no longer have your father's demands upon your shoulders. Once proof of the consummation has been witnessed between him and Lady Seraphina's patriarch, it'll take that burden from your shoulders."

“You don't understand my father then..." Titus sobbed piteously.

*

Lady Seraphina, cloaked in the moonlight shadows of her private chamber, gazed at the wedding band around her right ankle. The intricate design spoke of a union with her lord, Titus, a union that had not been consummated in the way that society dictated. Love, genuine and unspoken, thrived within her feral-like heart for Titus – a love he could never share, and she did not know why.

Yet her love, though deep-rooted like a great and ancient oak, was laced with the black tendrils of bitterness and resentment. Titus could never love her – would – never love her in return, as buck and doe. Nor could he gift her with the fawn that would secure their future. Lady Seraphina's heart broke, as she began to formulate a plan – a plan – that if ever revealed, would lead to her execution and permanent shame and dishonour for her beloved buck.

As she began to sob heart-brokenly, her maid of honour approached, holding a delicate lace handkerchief, which the young rat-girl gently dabbed at her mistress's eyes with care and diligence.

“My lady," came her quiet voice. “Why do you weep so? How can I ease the burden on your heart?"

With a sniffle, Lady Seraphina's tearful eyes turned to look at Aveline, her attendant.

“I wish you could take my heart from my chest, and dash it upon the floor!" Lady Seraphina wept. “For such would only free me from my pain."

Aveline blinked, then wiped Seraphina's eyes again. “My lady, please, say not such terrible things! Lord Titus loves you, cherishes you and protects you. The fact that -"

Her muzzle shut with a distinctive snap, and she immediately dropped her eyes, knowing she'd spoken too much.

“Aveline, speak not of that which you were about to say, please. Do not make me command you," Lady Seraphina whispered.

Wringing her paws and clutching the handkerchief, the young rat-girl moaned helplessly. She dared not withhold from her Lady, she knew that, but to speak of what she had heard might cause her irreparable heartache.

“My lady, I've heard... things amongst the servants, that I dare not believe! You wouldn't believe how servants gossip amongst themselves..." Aveline stammered nervously.

“Speak, Aveline – please," Lady Seraphina's voice was quiet, but the plea was a command the rat girl dared not disobey.

“Mistress Seraphina, I wish not to cause you more pain – but I have heard... things... that I dare not speak. Things that may darken your heart further," Aveline hung her head, her voice a quiet, barely perceptible whisper. “But know this, my lady, you are not alone in your suffering."

*

Titus treated Lady Seraphina well. They ate together, exchanging pleasantries and gentle kisses like two newlyweds were want to do, but he never returned to her bed chambers. Such things did not go unnoticed among his servants. They whispered in hushed voices, becoming increasingly aware of the loveless state between the lord and lady. Of course, never where either would hear it or even when Octavius or Caspian were around – knowing to openly speak of such would, at the very least, lead to dismissal from their position in Titus's manse.

*

Titus, burdened by the weight of duty, spent long hours wandering the sprawling gardens. The opulence of the mansion had become a suffocating reminder of his father's schemes. Octavius remained close by, unobtrusive in his presence, yet his eyes missed nothing, and his sensitive ears were alert to the slightest noise.

One evening, as Titus strolled through the moonlit garden, lost in dark, brooding thoughts, he gasped as he rounded a moonflower bush and stumbled across Lady Seraphina. Her silhouette was framed by the moon's soft glow, as she blinked and looked up at him from where she lay on the cool, night-kissed grass.

“Lady Seraphina," Titus murmured, his voice holding a detached politeness.

She lifted her head, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and longing. “My lord."

“Tradition binds us," Titus spoke quietly as he slumped down onto a marble bench, looking downcast at the ground.

Lady Seraphina rose, then turned herself about, resting her chin on his lap as she looked up at him, the pain in her gaze unable to be masked. “Indeed, my lord. Duty and tradition dictate our path."

The moonflowers cast a gentle glow around them as Titus swallowed and timidly stroked her neck.

“I beg your forgiveness, my lady," Titus sniffled, trying to be strong for her. “This marriage was never founded on love but on duty and necessity. It is a path we must tread together. I care for you, but I cannot be the buck you wish me to be. I wish to speak honestly and openly. You are a beautiful, intelligent person – I do not deny that, but I fear I cannot... be what you ask of me. I'm... unlike most males, my lady."

Lady Seraphina's heart shattered in her chest, yet she remained calm and continued to gaze up at him with a look of love and understanding.

“I understand, my lord. You love who you love, I understand this. Our marriage is one of convenience, forced upon us both. I will never betray your trust or your secret, I swear. You may never love me as a buck loves a doe – again – yet I fear my heart yearns for more, my lord."

Titus sighed, his fingers quivering on her neck. “The heart's desires often clash with the obligations of society and the expectations of familial bonds. I swear, I will love you, cherish you, and protect you, from this day until my last, as promised before the gods themselves."

Silence lingered between them, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the chilly night breeze. Lady Seraphina's voice, barely above a whisper, reached Titus's ears.

“My lord, have you ever wondered what might lay beyond duty? What if, beneath the veils of obligation, there exists a chance for something more?"

Titus looked into her eyes, searching for meaning in her words. A quiet intensity enveloped them as Lady Seraphina continued.

“I am not blind, my lord. I see the subtle signs between you and your Captain. I am also not blind to the feelings you have for Caspian. He is exotic, even to one such as I. However, what if embracing our combined yet separate duties, we find a bridge to understanding and companionship? I ask not for you to come to my chambers, my lord if you cannot. I ask merely for us to portray our relationship amongst others, how they expect us to appear."

Titus felt a flicker of something unfamiliar – a glimmer of hope in the darkness that shrouded his mind. The moonflowers seemed to glow a little brighter, casting a luminous backdrop to this unexpected conversation.

“You... would do this – for me?" Titus gasped, his eyes wide.

With a gentle nuzzle of his belly, Lady Seraphina nodded, gazing up at him. “Yes, my lord – I promise to keep your secret, from this day until my last."

*

Lady Seraphina was startled, as the house servant approached her, carrying a sealed scroll.

“My Lady," Bowed the servant. “I have a message from Senator Lucius Cervus. Could you tell me please, where I can find Lord Titus?"

“As his wife, I accept this missive." Lady Seraphina spoke, adopting the mantle of responsibility and duty. “Lord Titus is... otherwise busy. Open the scroll and read it to me, please."

“My lady," Stammered the nervous young goat buck.

Lady Seraphina's smile spread across her lips. “Please, obey me. I have Lord Titus's trust and love. As I speak, so it should be taken as coming from him. Now, open and read the scroll, please."

The young buck goat hesitated nervously. “My lady, I fear I can not read. I am only a low sla...a servant of Lord Titus."

Understanding the situation, Lady Seraphina smiled warmly. “I understand, now, please obey me. I have Lord Titus's trust and love. As I speak, consider it coming from him. Now, turn the scroll so I may read it please."

He obeyed, holding it out in quivering paws, so she could read it. As Lady Seraphina read the flowery words, her expression shifted from curiosity to disgust. She carefully concealed he true feelings, dismissing the servant, and instructed him to leave the scroll on Lord Titus's desk.

“Thank you. Please put this on Lord Titus's desk in the study. Your service has been noticed. You are dismissed. Oh, one last thing..."

The goat turned back, attentive to Lady Seraphina's whisper. “My lady?"

Lady Seraphina thought for a moment, before she stepped closer, whispering quietly into the quivering youngsters' ear. “Send for Caspian. Tell him I have need of him at his earliest convenience. I will be out in the gardens."

“Yes my lady, at once." Backing away, the goat gave a bow, then quickly moved off, his small cloven hooves clicking on the marble floor.

Lady Seraphina pondered the senator's refusal to acknowledge her at the upcoming festival. A sense of determination ignited within her. The Festum Forae was an opportunity, not only for her presence to be acknowledged but also to navigate the intricate politics of the occasion. Though her path was fraught with challenges, she saw potential in the unpredictability of the festival, and her decision to involve Caspian risked not only her life – but his as well.

How dare he refuse me to attend with my mate and husband! Lady Seraphina's anger seethed within her. I know what sort of festival this – really – is... It not only venerates Flora, the Goddess of flower and fertility but after consumption of copious wine and – other – intoxicants... More than one Noble partakes of the pleasures in the festivities that follow. Not only with the slaves but with animals brought in... I just hope Caspian can assist me, as I'll need to move with cautious hoof steps...

Striding with purpose, Lady Seraphina moved through the mansion, then out into the spacious gardens, where she knew being surrounded by nature and edible plants, would soothe her anger and frustrations.

So she hoped...

TO BE CONTINUED...