Side Story 04
Body weak and legs aquiver, Yuzhen collapsed on the bed, breathless and intoxicated as she basked in the afterglow. Lips stretched in a smile she thought reserved for empty-brained fools, she ogled her handso lover as he laid beside her, lapsing in and out of blissful consciousness. After reading the reports detailing the abuse he'd suffered, shed rushed over expecting to find him half broken and bleeding. Instead, she found him healthy and... enthusiastic as ever, though the healing left him leaner than she liked. Running her fingers across his skin, she drank in his athletic fra, broad shoulders narrowing down to a slim waist, his sinewy, supple muscles glistening with sweat as he audibly panted, drained from their carnal embrace. Chuckling at his cute gasps, she sat up and straddled him with a ferocious grin. Rest up, my little lamb. Ive yet to have my fill.
rcy, great beauty, he pleaded, playing his part well. Its one reason she sought him out so often, his willingness to adapt to her varying desires without complaint. The mind is willing, but the body is weak. I beg you, allow but an hour's rest and Ill satisfy your every need.
Though his lips said no, his actions begged for more as his hands explored her body. Those amber eyes, so soft and warm, she could stare into them for hours on end, his broken nose and panda-like bruises long since healed. Slapping him across the face, she laughed mockingly at his frail protests, grinding her hips against him. My patience is limited and options aplenty. If youre too tired to sate my appetite, then Ill look elsewhere for-
Before she could finish, Gerel rose with renewed vigour, his temper flaring at her teasing words. Enraptured by his fervent need to conquer and ta her, he pressed her down and lood over her, his gaze filled with animalistic need. Enjoying the reversal of power, Yuzhens mind went blank with pleasure as she played prey to his predator, her struggles and protests dwindling away as she lted in his passionate embrace.
Only after thoroughly satiating her every need did he allow exhaustion to win out, crashing down beside her, their bodies intertwined in naked embrace. Gasping for air, he smiled at her slack, contented grin and asked, No need... to look... elsewhere... now?
Foolish n and their frail egos, its what made them so fun to toy with. Fair enough, she answered, allowing him a mont of smug gratification before adding, For now. A look of despair and desperation flashed across his handso face as she leaned in to kiss his shoulder, hiding her smirk. Ive made allowances for your injuries, but if youre still so lacking after the week is through...
Woman, youll be the death of . Off with you then, Im no match. Find another poor soul to tornt, Ive lost all will left to live.
So weak, how disappointing. My old man will never approve of our betrothal if you dont shape up.
The mood shifted as his hopes erupted before subsiding, tempering his aspirations with caution. Do not tease with this. Are you truly willing to marry a no-na warrior like myself? Suppressing her urge for mischief, she rely nodded, his palpable relief filling her with joy. So simple a thing, to be wanted for more than just physical release, shed never felt this way before but Gerels frown marred her joy. Why? Do you not have political nonsense to worry about?
Rolling her eyes, she bit him lightly and answered, I havent the faintest idea. Idiot. Why do you want to marry ?
She asked the question in a casual manner, but her heart was filled with trepidation. All of her previous suitors hid ulterior motives, hoping find so advantage against the Marshal of the North. While Gerel didnt seem like the type, there was still a tiny part of her which wondered at the possibility. Thankfully, his answer put a rest to her worries. There was a ti when all I thought of was battle, wanting nothing more than to fight better and kill faster. I've no family and few friends, so in my idle winter months, Id hide away alone at ho, honing my skills and pacing the walls, waiting for spring to co so I might find a worthy foe. It's all I lived for. Sighing, he kissed her forehead and nibbled her fox ears. Until this winter past. You were all I could think of, your smile, your voice, your scent, the mories plagued without end. I offered to co along as Rains guardian only to spend more ti in your presence, but Baatar had other plans. I even offered to guard the Magistrate's brat, but Akanai declined. It shas knowing how I leapt with joy upon hearing Rain was missing, joining the search party just to see you once more. Want has nothing to do with it, I am consud by the thought of marrying you. I will be your husband and you my wife, even if I must share you with a dozen others.
Unable to resist, she laughed and said, Oh good, I always dread of having a harem of husbands. You will be my first and most cherished, but a dozen is far too few.
Immoral wench.
Seeing his drowsy, contented expression, Yuzhen took his hand and whispered, Rest, my handso husband-to-be. If youd like to keep our marriage bed empty of others, then Ill need your best efforts. Staying to watch him fall asleep, she rolled out of bed and sighed, cleaning and dressing herself for the day ahead. Though Yo Ling and the Coalition were defeated, Sanshu was far from safe, with plenty of work left to be done. Already shed ignored her duties for too long, indulging her wounded lover after his demoralizing defeat at the hands of Butcher Bays Spectre. A young man not thirty years old, beaten by a veritable legend famous for killing nurous heroes of the Empire, and Gerel had the gall to be depressed. Surviving one clash was reason enough to count his blessings, but this blockhead pressed his luck a second ti. A dead hero wouldnt warm her bed, but Gerel was nothing if not confident.
Stepping out of Gerels room, she steeled her nerves as she strode past the beds of injured Bekhai, but to her surprise, they were nothing but cordial, though one or two n blushed and glanced away, likely rembering her... enthusiastic demands. How refreshingly delightful, were this anywhere else in the Empire, she would suffer through silent leers and whispered derision. It always seed unfair to her, for n who slept around were heroes and idols, while won who did the sa were labelled whores and tramps. The Bekhai seed indifferent to her romantic tryst, treating her with the sa aloof respect they gave all their superiors.
If this were a week ago, she wouldve already been dreaming of escaping to live among Gerels people in seclusion, but things were different now. Shed finally accepted her place, poised to beco the next Marshal of the North, and now that she had a real chance at surviving to accept the honour, she hungered for it. Not out of desire for power and authority, but to fulfill her old mans dreams and make the north a better place, to save others like he saved her. Only with power would she have the ability to enact change, ensuring disasters like the Purge and Sanshus relocation of its commoners never took place again.
Today marked the first step towards equality for human and half-beast alike.
Taking her carriage to the Magistrates palace, she arrived just in ti to greet her guest as he struggled out of his palanquin. Chief Councilman Chao Yong, it is truly a pleasure.
The fat toad answered haughtily. Of course it is. His lecherous smile betrayed his thoughts, believing himself untouchable now that he was a hero of Sanshu. I was wondering when you would co crawling, but you moved faster than expected. Good, good.
Barely able to hide her disgust, Yuzhen led him to the eting room and poured out two cups of tea. A minor courtesy of no real importance, but the toads smile widened even further. As you know, she began, The Coalitions heinous betrayal has left Sanshu in dire straits, your heroic efforts playing no small part in their downfall.
Though Im no warrior, as a loyal citizen of the Empire, I could do no less than stand against the hated traitors. The puffed-up toad ate it all up, and she had to wonder if he truly believed the lies he spun. Unbelievable. In fact, to sooner root out all possible traitors, I commanded my rcenaries to seize the Coalition assets, but it seems you were a step ahead of them. Openly sneering, Chao Yong continued, Im sure you have only the best interests of Sanshu at hand, but Ive lived here all my life and have a deep understanding of its dealings. It would be remiss not to use my expertise, and youll find yourself... deeply regretting your actions should you refuse my aid.
A flimsy excuse and thinly-veiled threat. Sipping her tea quietly, she nodded in agreent. There are many docunts and responsibilities regarding the Coalitions holdings, and I find myself out of depth. In the spirit of cooperation, Im sure we can co to an agreent.
Leaning forward, Chao Yong lowered his voice and asked, Speaking of agreent, how are the Bekhai? Our reclusive allies have refused all my requests to greet them, but I understand you were just there. I hold no grudge, they must be tired from their efforts, the Mothers Militia have also refused to et .
The idiot took so long to put the pieces together and now he thought himself clever. Feigning surprise and fear, she whispered, Oh no... This was almost too easy. After a long, thoughtful pause, she spoke quickly, abandoning subtlety out of worry he wouldnt catch on. I cannot relinquish the Coalitions holdings, they are traitors and the investigation falls under the purview of the Empire, while you are rely a citizen. My hands are tied you see? Pretending the idea just ca to her, her eyes lit up. What if I made you a Lieutenant Marshal? Then I could hand everything over to you and youd be free to do as you please. I only ask you spare , please...
Elated by her sudden capitulation, Chao Yong leaned back into his chair and stroked his beard. Hmm... yes, yes. This is acceptable. With the Coalitions assets and the office of Lieutenant Marshal, itll be even easier to annex the Unions holdings... Licking his lips, he stared hungrily at Yuzhen, weighing his options. Ive no desire for a barbarians leavings, so Ill spare you for now, but do not think this absolves you of sin. Even after youve taken office as Marshal, I expect you to know your place. Begone from my sight, whore. Have the papers prepared within the hour, I intend to start imdiately.
Hastily beating a retreat, Yuzhen smiled as the door closed behind her, yet another burden relieved. Even if she fought to hold onto the Coalitions assets, it was only a matter of ti before Chao Yong strangled her operations and left her with nothing, so why bother? Though he was a devious rchant, Chao Yong was an amateur politician, failing to understand the ramifications of his new office. As a Lieutenant Marshal, he wasnt being given the Coalitions assets, but rather the responsibility of overseeing them for the Empire. Given his nature, it wouldnt be long before she caught him lining his pockets, at which point she would levy charges against him, seizing his life and possessions in one fell swoop. Why settle for a third of Sanshus industry when she could have it all?
Despite her newfound optimism, she knew a long, uphill battle awaited her as Marshal of the North. If her brilliant and hard-working old man couldnt do it, what chance did she have? Thus, she devised this plan to seize Sanshus wealth for the province, allowing her to remove all the corrupt Lieutenant Marshals her old man had no choice but to rely on. With her own ans of production and supply, no longer would she be at the rcy of every rchant alliance and union, putting the outrageous profits to good use building schools and orphanages, raising scholars and soldiers loyal to the Empire. A small first step, but a vital one, she only needed to wait while Chao Yong wove enough rope to hang himself.
Her mood lively and steps light, she humd beneath her breath while heading towards her next eting, the future already looking brighter.
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