Haley Thistle
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Mila of the Polar: Part One (rough draft)
🕑 Added 2021-12-25 21:01:00 +0000 UTCWe received the news early in the morning that Obresh has been liberated. It was a tremendous weight off our shoulders. Obresh was the biggest port in the Empire, having it under Sanguis’ control had put a huge wall in front of our efforts.
“It feels like a miracle,” Dhaval said to me.
I scoffed as I went over the letters we had received from Himank. “It isn’t a miracle, it’s exactly what Sanguis deserves. Ugh, your brother is still on about giving me a physical.”
“He’s worried about you. He cares about you.” Dhaval looked me over with a close eye. Ever since what happened months ago, he’s barely let me out of his sight. Sanguis had me kidnapped and tortured, and after that I couldn’t carry mine and Dhaval’s child. I had never reached such depths of anguish in my life. I know now it is what sanguis wanted, which is why my vengeance has become bloody in my mind. Since then Dhaval has stayed here with me, moving his base of operations from the Rakshasa Kingdom to here in the Polar. For the first time in centuries, the Polar was the center of power in the Empire.
Dhaval glanced to the letter again. “Himank said the girl who helped start the liberation. She was merely a halfling. It sounds like a miracle to me.”
I sighed and rolled my eyes. He always has to make everything sound so romantic, when in reality, rarely few things were. Although, I suppose, it’s part of what I adored about him, even if it went against my very sense of reality. “It’s only a miracle because you underestimate the girl. Were she an orc or an onikuma, it would be fate or some other fairy tale foolishness. The girl is a hero, but what she did was no miracle. It was her own effort and will.”
Dhaval smiled at me and under the table I felt his foot stroke up my leg. “Perhaps we should invite her to the Polar, it sounds like she might fit in here.”
I smirked, joining his game of footsie under the table. “Perhaps, it would be nice to get her perspective on things.”
Dhaval stared dreamily at me over his cup of coffee. “Does Himank’s letter have anything else for you?”
I scoffed. “No. He’s just overly concerned with my health. I think he just wants to use me as test subject for the effects of blood magic.”
Dhaval’s brow furrowed. “He’s concerned because Sanguis tried to hurt you, or worse. He put such extreme strain on your body that the-” He grimaced, looking extremely pained as he tried to say.
“Miscarriage, love. I had a miscarriage.” I sighed and shook my head. “You can say it, it’s fine.”
“I know but-” He heaved out a heavy sigh. “It’s your health he’s concerned with. He wants to make sure you’re okay. He wants to make sure that if you ever do get pregnant again, our baby-”
A deep, invisible wound inside me ached. I turned away from his eyes and stared at the pattern of the lace tablecloth. I rubbed it between my fingers, reliving the cold, empty space that had been my room when I first found out.
“Our baby was too strong, this world was not ready for them,” I murmured.
Dhaval’s ears flattened to the top of his head. “He wants to make sure you’re healthy and safe. We don’t know what Sanguis could have done to you. He’s also feeling guilty.”
I furrowed my brow and glared at him. “Guilty? For what?”
Dhaval looked down at the letter Himank had sent him. “Soo-jin is expecting.”
That invisible wound throbbed a faint pain, but really, I couldn’t be happier for Soo-jin and Himank. He deserved this joy. “And why does he feel guilty for that? Is he worried he’s going to pass on his idiocy to the baby?”
Dhaval smirked. “He didn’t want you to feel-”
“Feel what? I can look past my own issues to be happy for him. He’ll pass on some wonderful traits to the baby, hopefully Soo-jin’s will block the bad ones.”
Dhaval leaned across the table and kissed me. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I huffed. “Stop worrying! I am pleased as can be to be an auntie. I will send the baby their first daggers.” I then placed my hand upon his face. “We will be blessed when we are meant to be blessed. Our child is coming, we just have to be patient for them.”
The soft, sad look in his eyes was enough to melt me into a soft puddle. “I know. Thank you, my love.”
I flicked my hand towards his plate. “Finish your meal, there’s much to do today about this Obresh situation.” I laid down Himank’s letters then picked up my drink, sipping slowly as I went through strategies in my mind.
“What is on your mind, my love?” Dhaval knew me just by looking at me. I sometimes wondered if he had received mind reading powers from his ancestors as well as the blood magic of Balafelamona.
I set down my cup and looked into his eyes. “I think we should hold a summit.”
Dhaval’s ears stood straight up on his head and his eyes widened. “You shouldn't be traveling just yet.”
“I can walk from our bedroom to the grand hall,” I scoffed.
His eyes narrowed and his tail twitched. “You want to hold a summit here? But the Polar has never-”
“I know, my darling. I think it is time. I also think it will show us who is truly willing to fight for this Empire. Even if I do think this Centaur’s union is a ridiculous effort to uphold.” I rolled my eyes, but I had promised to not speak ill of the dead. “This is also the safest place in the world right now. If we are to house those important to this war, it should be here.”
Dhaval’s mouth pressed into a firm line and he sighed heavily. “I know you are right.”
I tilted my chin up. “I am always right. But what is your hesitation?”
“I am not sure, I just have this sinking feeling in my gut.”
I placed my hand over Dhaval’s and held it like the treasure it was. “After everything that has happened, I am not surprised. But you have to wade yourself out of that pond of doubt in your head. Obresh is free and we have liches on our side. Sanguis was terrified when he saw Amit the First, he was enraged. He doesn’t know we have three willing to stand with us.”
Dhaval sighed and held my hand in return. “You are right,” he chuckled. “I’m still terrified about what happened to you.”
I smirked and leaned across the table to kiss him. “You should be more worried about what I am going to do when I get the chance.”
Dhaval’s smile was slightly nervous. “Yes, I know.”
I am getting ready to go get dressed when there is another knock on the door. “I do so hope for the sake of the messenger that it is more good news,” I scoffed.
Dhaval answered the door, opening it to Nicolai. “Sorry to bother you both, but Lady Aksha just arrived.”
Dhaval’s brow furrowed. “Lady Aksha? What on earth is she doing here?”
Nicolai’s eyes darted to me then looked back to Dhaval. He was hiding something, I knew my brother better than anyone in the world. The way his eyes darted and the way his big feet tiptoed nervously, something was wrong.“She said it was urgent that she see you right away.”
Dhaval nodded. “Get her somewhere warm, she gets sick so easily and this cold must be a shock to her system. Tell her I will be down as soon as I’m dressed.” He hurried back into the room as Nicolai left, swiftly gathering his clothes to dress.
“Lady Aksha is Imani’s daughter right?” I asked. “Wasn’t she on a refugee mission to Bastat?”
Dhaval pulled off his night clothes, standing bare and naked before me. “I thought so too. I wonder what brings her here.”
I watched him closely, taking in his body as the fine drink it was. His long torso, his lean muscle, the small pooch that was forming around his belly from stress and the fatty foods of the Polar. Then there it was, his cock and full sack. They swayed with his movements, soft and pliable. I was used to seeing his cock hard and balls empty. I felt a stirring I hadn’t felt in a long time as I looked at my husband’s body. I reached out, touching his stomach then gliding my fingers down to the base of his cock.
“What are you doing?” Dhaval huffed as a flustered expression grew on his face.
I shrugged. “I think I want to fuck you. It has been quite a long time, hasn’t it?” I took him into my hand and bit my lip.
Dhaval grabbed my hand before I could move further. “As much as I would love to indulge in such an act with you, I really should go see my friend.”
I cocked a brow at him. “You’d rather see her than be inside your wife?”
Dhaval whined. His tail fluffed up twice its size. “You know I’d rather be with you anytime, but this could be an important matter. I can’t just indulge in…” His ears slicked back against his head and his tail twitched behind him. “Can you wait until lunch?”
I smirked, twirling a lock of hair around my finger. “I suppose if I feel it now, I will feel it later too. I’ll keep this image fresh in my mind for as long as I can.”
Dhaval’s smile was shy. “I am flattered, and extremely sorry.”
I patted his cheek. “I know. Go on,” I shooed him. “I’ll be done soon as well.” Unlike Dhaval I took my time dressing. I then took my cane and walked down to the parlor where I could hear Dhaval and Aksha talking in low hushed tones. I then heard another man speaking, his voice was gravely and stilted, he sounded afraid.
I walked into the room and Dhaval quickly stood to meet me. He came across the room, putting his hands upon my shoulders.
I glared at him instantly. “What is it?” I hissed.
Dhaval’s grip on me became firm and I knew then it was something that would make me angry. I looked at his hand, tightening my grip on the handle of my cane. “Dearest, darling, loving husband, let go of me.”
His grim expression held firm and he shook his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea right now, love.
I took in a slow, deliberate breath. “And why the fuck not?”
“Aksha has brought us a former ally of Sanguis.”
My eyes widened as I looked at him. He knew the score. He knew what needed to be done. Sure, having a former ally of Sanguis was good for us. But this bastard had stood by while Sanguis tried to rip our world to shreds.
“Then throw them in jail. I don’t care what they’re trying to offer us or what change of heart they have had!” I shoved Dhaval aside, stepping forward to see Aksha place herself in front of a young gnoll fellow. It was Edragon. I had seen him in Bastat the day of the massacre. He had been with Sanguis every step of the way. He had more blood on his hands than anyone.
“You!” I roared. I ripped the sword hidden within my cane out and started to charge forward.
“Mila wait!” Aksha screamed as she kept herself in front of Edragon.
I tried to rush forward but Dhaval grabbed me again. He grabbed hold of my arm and wrenched it upwards so the sword was above our heads. He then locked his other arm around my chest. Rage boiled and frothed from my chest, bubbling up so my throat burned as if I was going to spit fire.
“What are you doing?” I roared at him. “Let me go!”
“I’m saving you from shedding blood on your mother’s favorite rug!” Dhaval finally gripped my hand in such a way I had to drop the sword. “I’m also stopping you from making a huge mistake!” He lifted me so my feet no longer touched the floor.
I glared directly towards Aksha and Edragon. The pitiful villain couldn’t even look at me. “Huge mistake? He tried to kill you not too long ago!”
“Guards!” I screamed.
“No!” Aksha gasped in horror. “He wants to help us! He’s come to give information on Sanguis and his plans!”
“He’s still guilty as sin!” I spit at her. “You can’t wash away the past because he suddenly decided he was on the wrong side! He stood beside Sanguis through it all and he deserves to pay for that crime!” I swatted at Dhaval with my cane. “Let go of me!”
“Not until you calm down! I won’t have you getting hurt.” He grunted as he kept me held from the floor.
“Please, Czarina,” Aksha pleaded. “Just listen to him!”
“I will not!” I roared at her. “How dare you be taken in by him! I had better faith in Imani’s bood!”
“Mila!” Dhaval snapped angrily at me.
Edragon’s gaze never left Aksha. He was too ashamed to face anyone, he knew what he had done. But the way he looked at her, it reminded me of how Dhaval gazed at me, and it made me ridiculously angry.
The guards came in and stood on either side of myself and Dhaval “Seize that man! Put him in the Squall!”
“Yes, your highness.” the guards went forward to take Edgragon. Aksha tried to keep herself between Edragon and them, but she was even smaller than me.
“Aksha, she’s right,” Edragon murmured. He stepped out from behind her and eased her aside. “It’s fine.” He let the guards take him.
“No!” Aksha started to cry. “No wait!” She tried to catch up with the guards, but they whisked Edragona way too fast. Dhavals topped her, putting his hands upon her as she shook.
“It’s okay,” Dhaval coaxed her.
“But he wants to help!” Aksha snapped at me. “He came here for you!”
I glared down at her. “What sort of view of the world do you have, little girl? He committed atrocious crimes, ones I happened to see with my own eyes. Bastat was wiped out while he was there. Gattertock. Gravelmeuse. All of them were held by his hand. He has crimes to pay for, and he can help us while he atones for them.” I leaned down towards her. “Being nice doesn’t mean he’s forgiven.”
Aksha broke down before me. She was so small already, but now she appeared so tiny and frail. She wept into her hands so hard she began to tremor.
This display I would expect from the Rakshasa, but only for one thing. “Oh crap,” I rolled my eyes. “She’s in love with him!”
Dhaval was conflicted. Aksha was one of his oldest friends, but he knew I was correct. He kneaded his hand into her shoulder comfortingly.
Still, as a woman in love I could faintly see her plight. “Lady Aksha, you are a friend and guest while here. Even if you brought Edragon here with hopeful intentions, you still managed to bring in an enemy of the Empire, and for that I will commend you.” I stepped away from them, turning my gaze onto the fireplace. “I will allow you to visit him as long as it is supervised. But you have to understand that even if you love him, he has harmed countless people in this world.”
Dhaval put his arm around Aksha and she clung in desperation to him as she sobbed. I frowned, bothered by this display. “We’ll get you a room.” It was all I said as I turned and left.
I went to my study, sitting down at my desk and staring through the wood with a grimace upon my lips. Edragon was Sanguis’ right hand man, having him as an informant would be a boon to us. I took in a deep breath, and bit by bit I let it out slowly. I needed to calm down. After seeing his face there was too much rage inside me.
Sometime later, Dhaval came into the study. He walked slowly across the floor and stood behind my chair.
“Are you going to fuss at me for being cruel to your friend?” I asked. I set my quill back into the holder and leaned back in my chair. “I won’t apologize. She fell in love with a monster you tried to kill you, who tried to kill your mother and many of your friends. A monster who partook in the massacre at Bastat.” I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Dhaval still standing there quietly. “She should know better. Being Imani’s daughter I had more hope for her. All of you rakshasa are so soft. The heat must melt you into the malleable clay you are.”
“She knows what she's done,” Dhaval was surprisingly stern with me. “She brought him here because she knew he would be safe.”
I stood up from my chair to face him. “He will be a prisoner here for a long time.”
Dhaval’s posture was tall and firm. He had his arms stiff by his side, and his gaze was harsh and penetrating. “I know that, and even she knows that. But Edragon won’t be found and killed here in the Polar. He’s betrayed Sanguis, he’s no better than shit under his heel now. Aksha knew you would not be forgiving and she still brought him here anyways. He is better to use alive than dead, you know that. Look past your anger, love, try to find the truth inside your rage. You know this is the best place for him!”
I felt that stirring again. Seeing my usually soft, sweet husband so rigid and serious stoked the spark that his body lit this morning. I smiled and glided my tongue along the rim of my lips. “Take your cock out.”
Dhaval’s tail fluffed up and his brow furrowed. “What?”
I reached behind me and patted the top of my desk. “I know you heard me, husband.I don’t like to repeat myself.” I licked my lips and chuckled. “I enjoy seeing you like this. I want you.”
Dhaval was confused, but only for a brief moment. “What here? Now?” He spoke urgently and quietly.
I lifted my skirts, showing him that I had not put on anything beneath in anticipation of this moment. “Would you prefer somewhere else?” I looked into his eyes. “I’m ready now.”
Dhaval rushed upon me, kissing me hungrily while his strong hands dug into my soft hips. I clung to his shirt, popping a few buttons as I tried to force it open. Dhaval set me upon my desk, biting my neck and shoulder as he pushed my skirt up.
His big hand cupped over my mound so our heat melded together. “It’s cold today. Why didn’t you wear anything beneath?”
“I didn’t think it’d be necessary since you promised to fuck me.” I gasped between kisses. “You look so good when you’re mad.”
“I wasn’t mad-” he moaned. “I was worried.”
I reached down, hastily un-fastening his belt. “You melted me, that’s all that matters.” I reached inside his pants and sighed with relief. “Good. There you are.”
“Mila,” Dhaval moaned into my ear.
I smirked, biting my lip as I stroked Dhaval’s cock. “I’ve made you wait too long. You must be even more desperate than I am.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Dhaval began rutting into my palm. “I wanted you to feel well enough. I would have waited as long as needed for that moment.”
“You’re far too patient with me. I don’t deserve you.” I stroked my hand down his chest then pressed my palm over his head. His pulse tickled my fingertips and I dipped down to kiss him there. “I love you. That is something in this world that will never change.”
Dhaval smiles. “Above all else, I know that for certain.”
I kissed him, letting his rough tongue into my mouth. He inched closer, pushing himself between my legs that I locked around his waist. His shaft slipped up against my thigh then prodded at my plump mound.
Dhaval’s gaze was tender and needy. “I love you so much, I’d do anything for you.”
I kissed him as he found purchase against my folds. The tip slipped around, rubbing against the sensitive bud at the top. I moaned against his mouth, pushing my hips out so he had better access. His cock found the right spot, the tip hit inside me and I grew dizzy with excitement.
“Put it in!” I whimpered. “Dhaval, please!
Dhaval began to phant into my ear as his cock pushed in deeper. I whined against his chest in pleasure. It had been so long and I needed him so desperately. Dhaval pushed me down onto the desk, thrusting himself inside as deep as possible before slowly pulling out.
“I love you so much,” he whispered.
I was biting onto my knuckle as he pushed back inside.
“You’re so beautiful and terrifying, and you’re all mine.” He stayed in place, rubbing there as he felt me trembling. “You’re the most powerful in all the Empire”
I whimpered out loudly. “What’s gotten into you? You’ve never been so talkative.”
Dhaval kissed me, moving slowly as he made love to me. “I want to praise you. You deserve to hear it.” He licked my neck and continued on. “You’re so hot and wet today.” He thrust faster and I could hear the sound of his hips slapping against me.
“Your cock feels so hard-” I shivered. “So good-” I covered my face with my hands and arched my back off the desk.
Dhaval growled, going harder now. He surged deep inside me, hard, hot, and throbbing. I squeezed tight around him, wanting to take in everything he gave me. I whimpered as the pulsing shook my belly, stirring the fire that had been growing all this time. I cried out loudly for him, grabbing hold of his shoulders as he laid into me. What coursed through me next was a revived feeling of energy and desire. The fire fed off my bones and burned me until all I felt was my husband. I felt like the proverbial phoenix, born anew from the ashes.
“Are you alright, how do you feel?” Dhaval managed to speak through his labored breathing.
I sighed as I laid there, closing my eyes so I could swim in this feeling of rejuvenation a bit longer. Dhaval had laid his seed deep inside me, and I intended to keep it there. I smiled to myself stretching my body across the desk and I lounged in the pool of Dhaval’s affection.
“Mila? Darling?” Dhaval urged.
“I’m fine, my love.” I opened my eyes and beamed. “I haven’t felt so good in a long time.” I sat up from the desk and kissed him lovingly. “This is how I know I need you. You turn my anger into joy.”
Dhaval’s ears slicked back and his sweet little boy smile returned. “You’ve been so deep in it for so long. I was worried.”
I nuzzled his cheek. “I will be angry until Sanguis’ head is on a pike above my walls,” I whispered into his ear. “But I will know peace as long as I am with you.” I kissed him one more time. “Now is the perfect time to hold a summit. With Edragon here, we will have time to interrogate him and gather all the information we can about Sanguis.”
“I will alert Himank,” Dhaval nodded. “Do you want me to start interrogating Edragon as well?”
I frowned. “No. I will. I need to.” I gathered up my clothes, smoothing down my skirts and placing my shawl around my shoulders. I handed over my study to Dhaval so he could start composing his invitation to the other royals in the empire.
I went to tell my parents the news about Dhaval and mine’s decision to bring the summit here to the Polar. It would possibly be a shock to them, the Polar hadn’t been open to the rest of the empire in ages. I suppose there could be an argument, but I was willing to stand my ground on this.
I knocked on the door to my parent’s chambers then opened the door. Inside I saw my father asleep before the fire, his head hung back and a book laid open on his chest. I didn’t see my mother anywhere.
“Papa,” I gently shook my father to wake him. “Come on, get up. You are far to young for these sorts of naps.”
He grunted and swatted at me, glaring through sleep encrusted eyes. “Let me alone, Katrina, you’ve had enough for one day. I am not the young buck I was.”
I sighed and clicked my tongue. “No, Papa, it’s me, your daughter.”
He slid on his glasses and looked at me. “Oh! So sorry, darling.” He cleared his throat. “Your mother is probably getting a bath right now.”
“I can talk to you until she’s done.” I sat down upon the sofa. “Dhaval and I have decided to hold a summit.”
My father sat aside his book and straightened out his clothing. “When? Your mother and I can prepare.”
“By next month,” I replied. “And it will be here.”
He made no reaction, he just watched me closely. “That is a big deal, my darling. As your advisor, I must ask why you have come to such a conclusion. Our home has not held outsiders of this magnitude in generations.”
I smiled, pleased my father was thinking of this as a czar decision, rather than one made by his child. “It’s time, and with Dhaval moving his base of operations here, it is not only more polite, it is also safer for all those involved. If anyone turns out to be a traitor, we’ll throw them in the Squall.”
“Speaking of traitors,” he chortled.
I nodded. “Yes, a traitor to Sanguis is being held in the Squall as we speak. I plan on interrogating him myself in the morning.”
My father gave me the eye. “Why the morning?”
“I wanted him scared and rested,” I said with a smirk. “Obviously.”
The door to the bathroom opened and my mother stepped out, wearing her fur lined robe. “Do I hear my child?”
“Yes love, Dhaval and Mila will be holding a summit here.”
My mother stalled, her long white hair falling freely down his shoulder and close to her hip. I had always wished I had inherited her bright red eyes, if only for the terror their gaze inflicted. She then surprised me by chuckling. A smile grew upon her lips and she sighed.
“It would be fun to see everyone here, just so they know what they have been underestimating all this time. Now that we have the little kitty king under our thumbs.”
I sighed. “Mama, Dhaval is not under our thumbs. He’s under my thumb.”
“You are the hand that holds us all, my czarina.” My mother came and sat down beside me. She took my hands and held them. “It is now known that you are queen of all the empire, it’s time you show your power to those who mocked us in the past. I am glad you are having the summit here, I will make sure our best weapons are on display.”
“What a good idea,” my father laughed.
“Gregori and I will take care of everything. You and Dhaval worry about the matters at hand.” She kissed me then pulled back, looking me up at down. “You had sex.”
I frowned to hold back my smile. “Mama!”
My mother wrapped her arms around me. “That is wonderful! I am so relieved.” She kissed me again then smoothed my hair from my face. “Lovemaking is important to a happy and powerful monarch. Not only that, as a mother, I was worried.”
“There is nothing to worry about.” I brushed her off.
My mother shook her head. “My little baby, as a mother, I worry about everything. You will understand one day, I am sure.”
