After visiting fourteen more towns and cities we had quelled the unrest. Not every town or city was as easy as the first. I took us a month and a half in the end to bring order to the region. The newly conquered area was a challenge. The queen had prepared for that, and we basically bribed our way out of conflict with them. Special contracts, and sweetheart trading deals went a long way in improving relations there. Rooting out the corruption was also essential.
We returned to Shin Shirochi, and we moved the nursery to the northwest corner outside the city and extended the shield. We did this due to all the farmland in the southern half of the city. The shadow from the Nursery wouldn’t have much impact on the shade loving farms on the Northern side of the city. It did cause some nervousness among the farmers directly under the island. Our rest was brief, as we were again summoned by the Queen. I already knew what this was going to be about. Fortunately, we were running out of titles she could bestow upon me. I seriously doubted she’d raise me to be a duchess.
Sure enough, she raised me to be a Marquise. A suitable rank to marry a prince. Which brought up the other reason she had summoned me.
“So you’ve retrieved the Gáe Bulga, and taken another husband, from the long hidden Darklings, and produced a Darkling heir. That’s quite an accomplishment. Also, am I right to assume, you have promoted one of your companion knights as the reincarnation of the Hero? Do you not fear even the Church? Isn’t it usually the job of the church to herald the coming of the hero?” Queen Matilde said.
“I didn’t do anything. Kanae picked up the spear, and everyone proclaimed her the hero. I can’t help it if she looks so much like the hero,” I said.
“You had nothing to do with making a replica of the outfit the hero was known for wearing?” Celes asked.
“Oh, I made her some casual clothes to wear, that would be easy to manage for breastfeeding. She likes to wear them,” I said.
“Right casual clothes that are exactly like the hero’s clothes,” Celes said.
“Are they? I knew they seemed familiar when I was thinking up casual clothing styles I’d like when not actively working,” I said.
“Well, you seem to be marrying and producing heirs left and right. Shouldn’t you finally be supporting the realm that has done so much for you, and made it possible to do all the things you’ve done? Should we not set a date soon, and have a bedding ceremony for you and Alexander?”
“We have discussed this. When Alexander graduates from the Academy. He’s just fifteen now. We have plenty of time. I’m not doing all the marriages out of desire. I might not have been able to get the Divine Spear any other way,” I said.
“Alexander was very shocked when you came back. He was expecting you wanted to wait before having more children,” Celes said.
“He’s right, I do want to wait years before having any more children. I currently am nursing six. In nine months or so I’ll have two more that may want to be nursed. I do not plan to spend all my days nursing forever. The answer is absolutely no more children for at least two years,” I said.
“Well, Alexander will be disappointed. He really enjoys his time assisting you with your nursing,” Matilde said.
“Has no one any respect for my private life?” I said.
“It’s hardly private what you do when you’re nursing. You nurse in front of many,” Celes said.
“I’m going to have to scold my household staff. Or root out your spies in my household staff,” I said.
“Doesn’t work. I’ve tried for decades,” Matilde said.
“Figures,” I said.
“But if you are really keen on having grandchildren, You have a very healthy and eligible woman, right here with Celes. A quick romance and bedding ceremony. I can even contribute the bedding drink to help matters along,” I said.
“Don’t think I haven’t tried,” Matilde said.
“Well, on another subject. The summer is over. Our last year of classes are here, and we still haven’t figured out the instigator of that event. We lost our opportunity to delve into Terranon,” I said.
“Yes, that was unfortunate. It is hard to penetrate that nation,” Celes said.
“It is a suspicious nation, and I’m sure they are up to something, but I doubt it was that,” I said.
“What do we know of Sinestelos?” I asked.
“Other than them being a seafaring nation and endless summer weather? Not much. They are a very secretive country. They are suspected to have close connections with the Barbosan Pirates, but there has never been any proof,” Celes said.
“Do we not have any spies there?” I asked.
“Every nation has spies there. None have ever succeeded in penetrating to the inner circles of the society,” Matilde said.
“Fascinating!” I said.
“I need a vacation. Maybe a couple of weeks by the sea,” I said.
“Sadly, classes start next week, and we still have more to do there,” Celes said.
“Yeah, that’s true. I’m going back to Shin Shirochi for a while. When classes begin, I’m bringing my Nursery. Let me know where I can park it. Inside the Academy would be perfect, but I can understand if I have to park outside the city walls,” I said.
“I will notify the Grand Commander and the Headmistress to find a place for it,” Matilde said.
“Thank you, my Queen,” I said.
“You need to talk to Alexander,” Matilde said.
“I already planned to,” I said.
“Good. Alexander has been a complete mess since you got back from the Darkling Fortress,” Celes said.
I returned to my city, and found Alexander in the library.
“I’m home, my darling. What are you researching today?” I said.
“Welcome home, my Queen. I have been studying dragonkin history,” Alex said.
“Will you assist me in a nursing session?” I asked.
“Of course, my love! I always love assisting you, when you nurse,” Alexander said.
I transformed to my dragon form and laid down.
Then come and ride me, my love, I said.
Alex climbed on, failing to pick on my comment.
This will be your first time in my new nursery, my Love, I said.
“It’s very exciting. I’ve been very curious about Aoi’s flying inventions,” Alex said.
We flew up to my nursery and landed. I transformed as he climbed down, twisting to have our bodies meet. I hugged him as we glided down. As we entered the nursery I showed him the things Aoi had done, and what the outer areas of my nest were like. Then we were inside my nest with my babies and the nursemaids and guards.
Leave us, I said.
When the nest was emptied, I began nursing my children. Alex did some healing as usual. When I was done, I got up, and slipped out of my clothes.
Aimrid, I cast.
“Heal me, my love,” I said. I slipped his pants off, as usual, and slid down on to his lap. He began to heal my breasts, and I began to grind on him. This was our first chance to be alone in weeks. Alex was very aroused. He wouldn’t last long. So I lifted up just a little and his throbbing rod lifted up with me. When I slid down onto his rod the shock almost made me laugh. It was too much excitement for him, and he climaxed almost immediately.
“I’m inside you! I’m coming inside you!” Alexander said.
“Yes, you are, my husband. I can feel the heat of your seed crashing in waves inside me, my love,” I said.
“Are you going to be pregnant now?” Alex asked.
“No, my mate. I have taken precautions. Yet, you are still my mate and legal husband by dragon law, and by dragonkin law. We have mated, and our mana has actually mixed now. I will continue to take precautions, but I will no longer deny you my body in full. I am your wife, and you may have your rights as my husband. I am sorry, for what happened with the Darklings. There may be more such incidents, over the years. Do not let it trouble your heart. It is the life of a Queen, or an Empress. I didn’t want you to feel betrayed by my political marriages. Indeed, our marriage is also political. I hope it does not remain that way. This is me showing my resolve to be your wife, and to take you as my husband. We will still have our official marriage after you graduate. We will have children, after you graduate. Unless of course the situation changes, and something pushes the dates forward,” I said.
“So we are married and will be pretending we are still engaged?” Alexander asked.
“You may do as you like. You may announce our marriage and mating, or keep saying we are engaged. All nations and all people must accept our marriage act here. It can still be considered an engagement by the laws and rules of the Dargon Realm and the Dragons and Dragonkin. Neither is a lie,” I said.
“You won’t mind or be upset, if I say you are my mate and my wife?”
“Not at all. But there is one thing that must be done,” I said.
“What is that?” Alex said.
“Ride me, with that stiff member,” I said, leaning back in my nest and pulling him down over and into me a second time.
“Ride me, until you have nothing left,” I said.
Three hours later, I finally allowed him to leave my nest. The nursemaids giggled as they came in and he stumbled out. He rode one of Aoi’s floating trolleys down. My nursemaids cleaned me up giggling the whole time.
I wish I had a nurse-butler to help me nurse like this, Sorcha giggled.
Don’t we all? I’m so jealous, another maid giggled.
It’s not that hard ladies, well it’s definitely better hard. They are easy enough to train. The training is half the fun, I said, and the maids all blushed and giggled.
I may have created a monster. Alex became rather insatiable. But he soon enough discovered, that it was possible to get too much of a good thing. Although, we were in the third week of classes by the time he realized that. By then I had already been called in to the Queen, Celes, and the Headmistress. When I arrived at the summons of the Queen, they were all arrayed before me with the sternest of faces. I didn’t give them the chance to take control of the conversation.
“Yes, I have mated with Alexander and made him my legal husband. No, I am not pregnant. I am taking precautions, but we are legally married by Dargon, Dragon, and Dragonkin law. The fallout among polite society is no concern of mine. Step out of the past and join the weave of the Fabrik. Your ceremony is old and tired. Embrace the wider culture. We still plan to have the fancy showy wedding when he graduates, and we’ll even have children once he graduates. No moral codes have been broken here,” I said.
“We figured that much out. We’re concerned he may be a bit distracted, and also about his health,” Corrine, the Headmistress said.
“Oh. No worries there. He’s a total beast! He wants it every day! Five times a day. Don’t worry, he’ll figure out soon enough, there is price to pay for that,” I said.
Celes turned a whiter shade of pale, “Five times a day? Is that even possible? How is that possible?”
“It’s a lot of fun. For a brief time. Healing only holds off the inevitable so long, though. It’s not really a sustainable lifestyle,” I said.
“You are aware he is telling anyone that will listen that he is married to the White Dragon Queen?” Celes said.
“Well, it’s true. Better the truth than some sordid lie gets spread that maligns his honor and good conduct,” I said.
“The Church of the Goddess frowns on such marriages, and on any attempt to prevent conception,”
“The church can stick their staves up their collective asses for all I care. Perhaps I should help them all give birth to triplets and see how fast they change their tunes? Also, if the church has anything to say about Kanae, they are welcome to examine her qualifications. Her spirit affinity has awoken. She is now all-element, just like the ancient Hero. Not to mention even though the Gáe Bulga accepts me as a user. It seems to deeply resonate with Kanae. Let the church examine her. In public and in front of the whole world. Let them embarrass themselves and lose the support of all the people,” I said.
“A little passionate about your companions?” Celes said.
“Yes, I am. But I have zero tolerance for those hypocrites of the Church. Where were they when I was a three-year-old orphan, and needed to be protected? They not only turned me away, but openly aided the criminals who sought me. Fuck the Church and what they want!” I said.
“I didn’t know that. Yes, the Church is filled with abusive and evil people, but they are not all like that. They need a good cleansing, but no one can go against them,” Celes said.
“I have no intentions of going up against them, but it’s another matter entirely if they go up against me and mine,” I said.
“You and your companions are already the stuff of legends. There are those who still believe it is mostly tall tales and self-promotion. Still more who fear you for the threat they perceive you to be,” Matilde said.
“Oh, I know. I’ve tried to prevent all that and to live a quiet life as adventurers,” I said.
“Don’t worry it’s truly the only thing you’ve failed at. Spectacularly,” Celes said, through way too much laughter.
“You have a great future as a traveling comedienne, Princess. If there is nothing else, my Queen and my Princess, Professor Mordeacaizha, the Demoness of the Academy, has assigned us a rather vile and wicked assignment that we need to tackle,” I said.
“Oh, is the Demoness still at the Academy? Oh, she used to give the students of my day nightmares,” Matilde said, with a noticeable shudder.
“I do think the staff and board are afraid of the dear professor,” Celes said.
“That only makes her meaner, I think,” I said.
“Probably,” Celes chuckled.
“You know you are part of her class, even though you’ve not been there. You might want to think about showing up, she has not excused your absences, and she will be expecting your assignments to be handed in,” I said, as I walked out. I noted with satisfaction the pale look that came over Celes face.
We began investigating the nation of Sinestelos, only to discover that the Princess heir apparent was attending the academy, and was in the year below us. Almost nothing was known of the Nation or its people, or customs. All of our attempts to meet or talk with the princess failed.
“Princess Maleficia never interacts with anyone. A true loner who is always surrounded by her handlers. They are supposed to be her guards, but they don’t seem to be subservient to her,” Kiera said.
“I’ve noticed that as well. She seems shy, and withdrawn. I wonder what she might be like, if we could separate her from her handlers?” I said.
“So, you have a plan?” Aoi asked.
“None at all!” I said.
“What we need is a distraction,” Eoghan said.
“A distraction? Care to elaborate?” Kiera asked.
“Well. Just suppose, a potion in potions class, failed. Spectacularly. And there was smoke and fire and confusion. Then suppose some overly concerned person, pulled the princess away to safety. Then consider the handlers got routed away, rather forcefully by a crowd of fleeing individuals, and the two parties wind up very much separated. The princess would certainly need to have some interaction to make it back to her dorm room, or wherever she was staying, after making sure she is safe, healed, and made to look presentable. Heaven forbid a Princess should be out in public and not be in the best presentable state,” Eoghan said.
“Oh, my, goddess! Isn’t that just a brilliant idea. I mean a tragic situation,” Kanae said.
“Is this going to affect someone’s grade?” Aoi asked.
“Well, considering none of us are in Maleficia’s class, it won’t be any of our grades. Perhaps, if the wrong ingredient winds up in her potions class, it will make the distraction that much better, and not affect the grades of any of the students, but probably cause some strong scolding of the person, or persons, who set up the classroom,” I said.
“A marvelous idea. Let’s get on this,” Fergus said.
So our secret mission to sabotage Maleficia’s potions class began. A week later, we had everything in place. We were loitering around the neighborhood of the potions class when the explosions began. The hallway was filling up with magikal smoke. We darted into the classroom and bumped into Maleficia’s handlers. Some of us were herding the classroom out of one door, and the others out the other door.
“This way!” I grabbed Maleficia’s hand and dragged her out the door, forcing my way to the front of the crowd. I made sure, that she had been hit with enough of the dust and ashes to be a concern. We were out the door closest to our own dorm. I turned around and looked at the princess.
“Princess Maleficia! Are you alright?” I said, as I scanned her with a spell. Maleficia was slightly panicking, and looking around.
“Where are your guards, Maleficia?” I said, and looked around as if hoping to see them. If plans worked out they were on the other side of the building.
“Oh, my Goddess! Your clothes and hair are a mess. We can’t let anyone see a princess in a state like this. Come with me. My dorm is nearby!” I said, and pulled her away. Her eyes shot wide open as if total fear was taking over, but she still hadn’t said anything. I blinked, and we were at the dorm and I pulled her inside.
“Come on. Let’s get you back into a presentable state,” I said as I headed for the ladies’ apartments, pulling her along.
“Queen Deirdre, I must get back to my guards,” Maleficia began resisting me for the first time.
“No titles! We are at the Academy. I could never forgive myself, if I let you wander around outside in this condition. Let us get you cleaned up, first,” I said, pulling her up the stairs and into our bathroom. Fully equipped for preening and beautifying ladies.
“This outfit simply won’t do! What a travesty!” I said and quickly disrobed her to her undies.
“Now, let’s get you cleaned up!” I said.
“Lady Deirdre! I must protest!” Maleficia, said meekly but visibly upset.
“Yes, I know this powder room is barely fit for commoners, and is an absolute insult to such a refined royal as yourself,” I said, as I continued to clean her up.
“There, now at least your skin is clean. But your hair is ruined! And full of foul and odious dirt and ashes!” I said as I tore her hairdo apart.
“Deidre!” Maleficia yelled in a very startled state!
“Let’s start with a good cleaning, shall we?” I said, and pulled her back to soak her hair and rinse off the top layer of dirt and ash. I then began shampooing her hair massaging her neck and head as I did.
“Such wonderfully, long, obsidian, black hair you have Maleficia. So, what in the Name of the Goddess happened back there. We were just walking by the classroom when explosions, smoke, and fire burst out into the hallway. The classroom looked to be some kind of battlefield,” I said, massaging and pouring in relaxation spells.
“I don’t know. One moment we were preparing an innocuous potion, and the next everyone’s potions were exploding. My guards disappeared in smoke and confusion. Suddenly you were pulling me out to safety. I really must get back to my guards,” she said.
“Don’t be silly, you can’t go anywhere in just your undergarments and a head of wet and soapy hair,” I said, as my massaging began relaxing her even more. I then rinsed her hair off.
“That must have been so stressful. I know! Let’s relax in a hot bath!” I said, and undressed and quickly rinsed the dirt off me, and then pealed off the rest of her clothes, and pulled her into the hot bath we maintained in our dorm. Maleficia was resistant at first, but once we sank down into the waters she totally relaxed.
“OMG, it is so nice to relax in a nice hot soak, isn’t Maleficia?” I said.
“Yes, Deirdre, it is. I’m almost never allowed to relax like this,” Maleficia said, the relaxation lowering her defensive barrier.
I began chatting to her about one silly thing after another. Anything to pull her out of her shell, and relax her.
“You know what would be perfect right now? Some nice relaxing tea and some snacks,” I rang a bell and the Dorm maid came in,
“How may I be of assistance, my Ladies?”
“Please bring us some nice relaxing tea and some wonderful snacks,” I said.
“As you wish,” the maid said.
“I really must get back to my guards, and classes, Deirdre,” Maleficia said.
“Oh, yes of course! But surely, you must be famished and exhausted from that conflagration. At lest let me be a proper hostess, and provide you with some tea and snacks before we leave and find your guards. We’ll get my staff to help you get composed and properly dressed,” I said, assisting her out of the bath and giving her a towel. We dried off and went to my room. The tea and snacks were brought in. My maids helped us dry and style our hair, and helped us dress.
“This dress would look marvelous on you!” I said.
“Oh, I couldn’t. Just let me wear my dress,” Maleficia said.
“Absolutely not! Besides, I’ve already sent it off to be cleaned and repaired. How about this dress? It’s a lovely shade of blue that brings out the color in your eyes,” I said.
“It’s a lovely dress, but too beautiful for me. I should be in my uniform, Deirdre. I have more classes today!” Maleficia said.
“Oh, phoo! Very well, I have a spare uniform, with a self-fitting spell. I suppose that will have to do. I still think this dress would be perfect on you,” I said, as I pulled out a uniform for her.
Then her makeup and hair were done up, and we left, the dorm.
“You must come over for tea, so we can socialize. Also, if you want help studying, I would gladly assist you,” I said.
“I am afraid I have no time for socializing. I thank you for the offer though. I have my tutors to assist me if I have problems with my studies,” Maleficia said.
“I’m sure your tutors are fine, but I have actual experience with the courses offered here and the material covered. As well as a deep knowledge and understanding of what the professors are looking for. I’m sure with my help you could be among the top of your class,” I said.
“That actually sounds very tempting, but I doubt I’d be allowed,” Maleficia said.
“We could meet in the library. Perhaps even by accident. I do spend a lot of time there. There are so many wonderful texts there! If you were to visit, I’m sure we’d be bound to bump into each other. Surely they wouldn’t prevent you from going to the library for research purposes?” I said.
“That does sound lovely. I usually visit an hour or two before closing to avoid the crowds, or the first two hours in the morning, before most students start to arrive,” Maleficia said.
“Well then, perhaps we will bump into each other tomorrow morning. I do love the quite morning hours, myself,” I said.
“Wonderful! Oh, damn. There are my guards,” Maleficia said, and headed for them. I followed her.
“Well then, Maleficia. I am so glad we were able to reunite you with your guards. You will, hopefully, be safe now. May the Goddess bless you and the rest of your day!” I said.
“May the Goddess bless you, and the rest of your day, as well, Deirdre, Thank you for rescuing me back there,” Maleficia said, as her handlers glared at me, and her. Then rushed her off.
My companions joined me.
“Well, she’s a shy one. I may have cracked through her ice. She is definitely being controlled by those goons. Operation a success. I’m not sure if we will gain any reward from this though. She’s a prisoner in her own home, and I think she is being manipulated,” I said.
“Did you learn anything?” Kiera asked.
“She has a low opinion of herself, but that is not terribly unique for a teen woman. She is lonely,” I said.
“Could it be an act?” Kanae asked.
“It would take powerful spells and artifacts to fool me, but sure, it’s possible,” I said.
“At least we will have some spies inside now,” Kiera said.
“Oh?” I said.
“I managed to slip in some insects to the handlers,” Kiera said.