Safe Harbor

Boring game needs more spice.

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Sun Shang Xiang had just witnessed a rather interesting display of her brother’s skill: Sun Ce had managed to turn a battle with Taishi Ci into a yaoi encounter and she had been right beside him for all of it. Not that things like this didn’t go on at home, but to see her brother do it to a complete stranger was different.

If only the two of them were hotter, it might have done more for her. Maybe her mother’s claims of ‘global warming’ actually amounted to something. She knew that Ce used to be cuter. Evidence pointed to Taishi Ci having a better face too, however in person some things just didn’t pan out. Sad.

So now they were playing host to Cao Cao and Liu Bei. The Prime Minister retained some of his sexy edge to him but Liu Bei just seemed extra melodramatic. Bored with all the chatter about Zhou Yu, she decided to see what the men in camp were talking about. She started with evesdropping on the Xiahous. They seemed to be good for laughs.

“Zhou Yu used to be pretty. Now he’s just a drab transsexual.” Xiahou Dun scratched his beard and thoughtfully studied Zhou Yu.

“Did someone pay you to say that so loud?” Xiahou Yuan asked and looked over at a group of Wu soldiers who were reacting to Dun’s statement.

“No, but I’ll pay you to talk your way into his panties and find out what gender he really is.” Dun gave him a smile.

“I think I can do that without a medical exam.” Yuan said and punched his brother in the arm. “He’s not really my type.”

“About that….” Dun said and uncomfortably cleared his throat. “That Adrian Brody Kanbei cosplayer guy is quite the fanboy. You two have something going on?”

“No.” Yuan frowned. “You should stop listening to my son. The boy has gay sex on the mind all the time, he’s beginning to have yaoi hallucinations.”

Shang Xiang raised her eyebrows as she hid behind the tent. Xiahou Yuan had a son? You sure wouldn’t know it from any of the character interactions in the kingdom of Wei! Intrigued by the men in blue she set her eyes on Cao Cao who was talking with Liu Bei. She listened in.

“Mengde, I just admire Zhou Yu for his mind.” Liu Bei said and looked away from the piercing glare.

“Right.” Cao Cao rolled his eyes. “China’s biggest whore is only interested in a poster boy for his intellect.”

“That’s why you shouldn’t rule this country, Cao Cao. You’re so mean.” Liu Bei looked away to avoid showing him the tears welling in his eyes.

“Spare me your speech on virtue and just go over there and worship Zhou Yu with everyone else. I have some interracial porn waiting for me in my bedroom.” Cao Cao broke off the engagement and walked towards the barracks where his temporary accomodations, and stacks of porn, awaited him.

Shang Xiang was not anticipating him coming her way so she was almost run over. “Hi.”

Cao Cao stopped and looked her over. “Well well. I see you inherited the voyuerism gene from your mother.”

His condescending tone and lecherous old man eyes made her tingle. “Only if I follow you back to your room and watch you masterbate to porn. Or is that what you keep your cousin Dun so close for? I see a lot of that on PixIV.”

“I also see a lot of Panda porn on PixIV.” Cao Cao sighed. “And nobody believes me that it has to be me to unifies this country or else it will just go straight to hell.”

She looked around and listened in to all the chatter about Zhou Yu. “Is it just rape hentai or do you have something interesting?”

“Jia Xu has the rape hentai and tentacle porn. I never have to force myself on a woman, I prefer my porn to be more realistic. Horny sluts. You know, like your father used to be. Join me later if you’d like. Or you can go home with Liu Bei. I advise against that, he thinks that eating a girl out means sucking flesh off her humerus.”

Shang Xiang watched him walk away, his cape fluttering behind him. She turned around and listened in as Xiahou Yuan approached Zhou Yu.

“Hey, Zhou Yu! Got a question for you!” Yuan smiled and batted his eyelashes.

Zhou Yu narrowed his eyes at him. This was weird. He never before had dealings with Xiahou Yuan. Though even he had to admit he was irrestiable and adorable. “Yes?”

“I was filling out my pre-battle liability waiver and when I got down to question number 7 “Sex” I answered “Yes, please.” Since you’re so smart, I was wondering what you answered. I have to ace this exam or that guy in town won’t let me have the LoveRug.” Yuan smiled as the Wu officers around them all grew silent.

Zhou Yu glared at him. “Zhou Tai, would you please take General Xiahou somewhere and help him determine his sexuality.”

Zhou Tai raised his eyebrows. Did he finally get to play a part in the Wu story!? Woah. Never been paired with this Xiahou before!

Yuan heard Dun cackling like an idiot behind him. Oh yes, game on! “What about question #8? “Innie or Outie? I assume that is refering to my penis. Mine’s an outie. How bout yours?”

Zhou Yu’s hand began to shake. Who invited Wei to this battle!?

For a Twisted Ninja Writing Prompt
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“Do you remember when the world was mine and my heart was yours?”

Mitsuhide felt like the world stood still as he caught his breathe. They were inches apart, separated by only rain and two steel blades. Once Lord and vassel, now a victim and his usurper. The words stung though and although he knew it was supposed to be a solemn goodbye, an invitation to end his life….he could feel tears begin to fall and mix with the rain. “Yes, Lord Nobunaga. That is why it had to be me…”

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It didn’t start how he expected it to, he never expected a powerful man like Nobunaga Oda to have such a gentle touch or skillful kiss. Not after how he had seen him treat Nagamasa. Perhaps he was disappointed that his Lord respected him enough to treat him so well. Perhaps he really did want to be the raped prisoner Azai or obedient manservant Mori. Perhaps, his Lord knew he would be the one to end his reign and it was some sort of respect for his successor. Perhaps…he really did love his Lord to a greater extent than he knew.

The first touch had incited panic. The Demon King was on him like a bird of prey, his cape fluttering around him and surronded them both as his hand stroked Mitsuihide’s cheek. His heart pounded, unsure if his lord was going to try to break him as he had the poor Nagamasa or was finally expanding his harem and wanted a new submissive to kneel beside Ranmaru. It was a mere second that seemed to last ages. That cold hand stroking his cheek as the cape and his Lord’s statue and proximity blocked out the light and insulated them from the rest of the world. He felt his heart beat in his ears and felt Nobunaga’s pulse through his hand as he looked into those dark eyes. Then panic was erased by surprise and confusion as he read his Lord’s eyes and saw arousal.

The first kiss was hungry, powerful..possessive. Looking back it was not a means for dominating him, it simply was just the only way Nobunaga knew how to do it. He would remember his taste for the rest of his life. He had simply stood there and let him kiss him but slowly his body reacted as he never imagined it could and he found himself kissing back. A duel from the beginning.

He was clearly at a disadvantage. Nobunaga’s armor was hard and inacessible…Mitsuhide’s attire much less so. He wasn’t sure if in the heat of the moment if he had slipped out of his own clothes or if his Lord had helped him out, however he was definitely naked first. Not that he was going to complain as his body was touched in places only a man would dare to, in only ways that a man would want to be touched. He could remember his flesh pressed against that cold armor, his nipples hard from arousal and cold. His cock being stroked and his ass being stretched by a pair of fingers. Never before had he thought about indulging in these kinds of homosexual pleasures however he never lodged a single complaint when it did happen.

It happened quickly, one moment he was giving a report and the next he was on the table being molested by his Lord. He didn’t protest, but he didn’t surrender either. It was a bizarre situation, somehow he still remained on a level playing field as he fought back with kisses, grunts, thrusting and frustrated hands clenching at cloth. This was a display of Nobunaga’s skill at pleasuring him, not in his ability to dominate. He must have performed admirably as his prostate was the recipient of the reward.

Nobunaga’s armor was slowly coming off and he assaulted whatever bare skin he found. He nipped, sucked and slapped, enjoying the well toned form of a masculine body for the first time. His hands ran over muscle groups he only ever looked at one others with envy, wishing he had the physical form they did. In training that was all he thought of, the drive to make himself better. Now he looks and saw a palatte of delectable ripples that he wanted to lick. To hear his lord moan only urged him on.

It must have been a peculiar sight. Two men tangled together on the table touching and prodding each other. He finally pinned the larger man down when Nobunag finally got caught up in removing his armor. His eyes were on fire with passion, his smirk only egged him on and he helped the man rid himself of his remaining clothes. On his back, pinned beneath a subordinate, Nobunaga Oda casually reached up and grabbed a bottle of vegetable oil left from dinner and his smile broadened. It was a challenge. Who would be the volunteer to apply the lubricant. Who would go first?

There really was no question, Mutsuhide would follow his Lord. That was how it was supposed to be. Being a military man, his mind was programmed to make snap decisions and this scenario was no different. He was a subordinate, Nobunaga his Lord. He was also completely unsure of how to engage in this act and it would benefit him to find out what Nobunaga expected him to do to him by following in his footsteps. There was also a fear that if he did not perform to expectations that his experience would be exponentially unpleasant. He did not hesitate as he reached for the bottle; he would yield to his master.

He caught his breathe as he sat back and poured the oil on his Lord’s cock and his whole body reacted to the cold liquid. Muscles tensed and a gasp escaped from Nobunaga’s lips that make him all the more excited. His hand reached out to stroke him, coating his length with oil and making him even harder. He was guaging his oppenent, just like in any other situation, trying to imagine what this would feel like in him. As he was momentarily mesmorized another hand joined him and he looked up to see those dark eyes instructing him to pour the oil again.

Nobunaga sat up once his fingers were covered in oil and his hand slipped behind him once more. This time the intrusion would be kinder than before, the oil helped him probe with ease and made the stimulation all the more intense. He spilled some oil on his Lord’s chest by accident and leaned into him to allow him better access. The oil coated them both and he felt himself moan as another slew of kissed covered him from shoulder to lips. Another finger joined the others within his body and the addition made him wince. His mind had quickly calculated how many fingers he would need to equal his cock’s thickness and they weren’t quite there yet. His confidence began to waver thinking he might not be up for this challenge.

Nobunaga’s touch changed. An instant before he was becoming more agressive, but upon seeing his lover’s face change from pleasure to pain made him slow down. Mitsuhide felt his body roll over before he realized he was on his side and his Lord was over him again. The fingers did not move, only stopped their stretching. He watched his Lord pour the oil on his arm so that it would drip down his forearm, to his hand and funnel to the spot where it was needed. Then the empty bottle was thrown aside and his free hand brushed Mutsuhide’s hair from his face. A kiss, then his cock was stroked. A moan, followed by the gentle tug of his balls. He gasped, and immediately was stretched a bit more to produce a throaty moan.

His body was treated like a treasure and each move made was catious. Soon he heard himself beg to be penetrated…beg his lord to claim the reward he painstakingly earned. Mitsuhide was stroked to the edge of ejaculation, but each time Nobunaga stopped. It was evident that this was only foreplay, not the main event and he would not grant Mitsuhide the pleasure before he could commit to the act of intercourse. So he begged, not so much for the relief of climax…but needing to feel Nobunaga inside of him.

He gently raised himself to allow easy access and felt hungry kisses all over his lower back and ass cheeks. Then he moaned as he felt a tongue lick off some excess oil. He begged again and felt Nobunaga’s hands squeeze his buttocks appreciatively, then something foreign touched him. He held his breathe, realizing the moment had finally arrived. He tried to not clench his muscles, but it was an instinctual reaction. The handjob renewed and with each strong stroke, he actually reacted by thrusting backwards.

He wasn’t sure what was more painful: the aching erection or the penetration. It was surreal, he never expected to be in this situation but he had never been so aroused before in his life. Was it because of who it was gently working himself into his body or the anal sex he never knew he wanted? His body responded almost instinctually, understanding what needed to be done. In a few minutes he went from gritting his teeth to rocking back into the first thrust.

His moan shook his whole body as Nobunaga’s entire length settled inside of him. His Lord paused to let him grow accustomed to the feel of him and probably to enjoy the clenching anal muscles surrounding his member. Mitsuhide’s eyes felt like they were going to roll into the back of his head as the stroking became rough jerks, Nobunaga purposely stroking hard and then gently massaging the now purple head. His fingers tracing the foreskin and penis crack and Mitsuhide’s eyes watching him do it. Then a hand cupped his balls and rolled each testicle in his hand. He knew it was a sweet touch of extacy before the thrusting would commense. He wanted to retain some degree of control so he rocked forward on his knees, just enough to let Nobunaga’s cock slip out of him an inch or two, then he slammed back into him and cried out.

The sounds from him quickly dissolved from pain to delight. Their bodies rocked back and forth, Nobunag’s hands ran over his chest as he stroked him to the rythmn of his thrusts. The excitement, the thrill of this first exploration of his once sacred cavity led him to climax quickly. He felt himself clench so tightly around Nobunaga when he orgasmed that he feared for the man’s safety. However he only provided the last push needed to bring his Lord into the euphoric world he was in. They panted and didn’t move. Savoring the moment, preparing for the next stage.

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It was how it began and how it continued. Their skills developed over time and what started out sweet only go better. He was most certainly the only man allowed to top the Demon King, an irony that was not lost on him. The man he trusted to top him in bed, was now the man who must overthrow him on the throne. They both knew what had to be done and Mitsuhide would be the one who euthanized him here. Because he did love him and you spared those you loved from the pain of life when it was time.

In a flash of steel the act was done and the arterial spray coated his face as Nobunaga’s life spilled out in the puddles on the wet stones they stood on. Mitsuhide’s eyes clouded with tears as his Lord’s body, leaking out it’s last drops of life, fell into his arms. He dropped his own sword and held him close to him and kissed his cheek, then dropped to his knees with him. He held him close to him and began to cry. He looked into those eyes for the last time and whispered. “My heart is still yours.”

“I love you, Sun Shang Xiang, remember that.”

The Sun princess looked up into the face of her husband, a man who she never thought she could love. His long brown hair whipped in the wind as they stood together on Chang Ban bridge surrounded by soldiers. His face was set in rigid determination, despite the overwhelming odds against their survival and she couldn’t help but smile as they locked eyes. “You do know how to be dramatic, don’t you Zilong?”

He looked around him as the waves of green pressed further onto the bridge. One side lead by Guan Yu, the other by Zhang Fei. He never thought he would be here again facing his former comrades. “Still can’t say it, can you?”

“I love you too, Zilong.” She said it quietly, upset at herself for never saying it until now. Moments away from her possible death. “I am proud to call you my husband.”

“That will do.” He said and in a quick movement swept her up into his arms, leapt up on the railing and dove into the churning river below.

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Ma Chao sat on his snow white mare on the shores of the Chang Jiang watching for any sign of life. He took off his green shroud and let it flutter into the rushing waters. There was no need for that now, he was no longer a General of Shu. Today he would return to being Lord Ma of Xiliang, beholding to nobody.

He signed as he thought about how quickly things had developed. How a once noble man now lay dead and a kingdom distigrated within hours. Perhaps he was simplifiing it too much. It had started years earlier when Liu Bei went to Wu to wed a princess and courted the wrong one. Sun Quan had made arrangements to wed his sister, Sun Shang Xiang, to the Shu leader and Lady Wu refused. Liu Bei courted the girl anyway and won her heart, but the old matron of Wu still refused to allow the union. Instead a new bride was presented, Sun Ren Er.

Initially the girl was intended as bride for Shu’s bachelor General, Zhao Yun. Wu wanted more ties to their ally and would do it with marriages to not just one man, but two. Sun Ren Er was younger, prettier and more ladylike. She was also apparently an assasin as she took her husband’s life when tensions began to form over the Jiangzhou province. However at that time everyone simply thought Wu was presenting a better candiate for Shu Queen than the tomboy princess. If anything Zhao Yun got the raw end of the bargain as he ended up married to a woman in love with another man. Sun Shang Xiang wasn’t going to let him forget it either and Chao always pitied his best friend. Half the country wanted to rip Zhao Yun’s clothes off, but the woman he was married to only wanted Liu Bei.

Chao pet his mare’s neck and tried to spear a fish in the river. That was history now. The present became more complicated. When Sun Ren Er killed the Shu King, the oath brothers cut her down and turned on her elder sister. Zilong defended her and managed to escape the walls of Cheng Du with his bride alive. Then the hunt began as the woods were scoured for the Princess and her protector. Chao was caught in the middle, ordered to hunt down his best friend and bow to the new King Liu Shan within the same breathe. Zhuge Liang said he was going to be the protector of the kingdom, ensuring it was taken care of while Liu Shan grew into his role as King. Chao refused. He wasn’t going to be part of some manhunt for one of their own just because the oath brothers were pissed. He wasn’t going to bow to a boy either. Finally, in a moment his father would be proud of, he declared that Xiliang, the Ma clan and it’s cavalry were no longer members of the Kingdom of Shu.

He sent his cousin out to find Zhao Yun and tell him they would wait for him downriver; He was welcome to join the Ma Army. Ma Dai was thrilled to hear they quit. He confessed that Zhuge Liang had ordered him to kill Wei Yan, suspecting the man of wanting to rebel. He wasn’t going to be a whiner, so he kept it to himself, however now that they were going to start their own army….it was time to fess up. After a rondevous in the woods with the outlaws, he raced off to Han Zhong to inform Wei Yan what was in store for him.

So in a matter of two days, Ma Chao the Splendid went from Tiger general to secessionist. He looked up as his mare caught glimpse of something coming down river. A log with some colorful passengers. He smiled, happy that his friend had survived. “You do realize that is what boats are for, right?”

Zhao Yun weakly swam to shore as his wife followed. He was too tired to come up with a good reply. “We had to jump off the bridge. No time for travel arrangements.”

Chao cocked an eyebrow. “That is by far the dumbest thing you have ever done.”

Shang Xiang crawled up on the beach and collapsed. “So are we supposed to salute you now? I hear you’re the King of the West now.”

“Not really.” Chao walked his horse out of the water and dismounted. He untied his blanket from the back of his saddle and wrapped it around her.

“Shu is just Liu Shan with Zhuge Liang and two oath brothers. You’re the new third kingdom.” She informed him.

“Is this what you two talked about on your log trip downriver?” Chao asked as Zilong started taking off some of his armor and extra clothes to try and get dry.

“She said she loved me. I stopped listening after that.” Yun smiled as a blanket was promptly thrown at him.

“I’ll see what clothes I can find for you then. We’re going to be riding North as soon as you are both ready. Kongming isn’t going to just allow me to walk away with half the army and most of the land that used to make up Shu.” Chao sighed. Next battle they faught would surely be against familiar faces.

“How the hell did this happen?” Zilong asked, suddenly very serious. “How did everything we’ve been fighting for vanish as soon as Liu Bei died?”

“He was killed.” Shang Xiang frowned. “That makes all the difference in the world.”

“Did you know about that?” Chao asked, needing to hear from her lips that she was no part of this plot.

“No.” She whispered quietly. “I…never thought Ren…I never thought my mother would be part of something like this.”

“I always thought those knitting needles of hers were way too sharp.” Zilong said thoughtfully.

“We’ll have plenty of time to talk on the ride home. Unless you want to take that log all the way to Jian Ye?” Chao asked, curious as to where these two stood. Zhao Yun without a country and Sun Shang Xiang no more than a pawn to hers.

“We’re with you, mighty Lord Ma Chao!” Shang smiled at him.

“Does this mean we have to come up with some battle cry about ‘Justice’ or ‘Vengence’?” Zilong asked thoughtfully.

Who doesn’t love a AU story? Who doesn’t want to see Wei generals in tight baseball pants?

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Cao Cao tied his hair back before setting the baseball hat on his head backwards and looked over at his cousin who was stretching and getting ready to warm up for the game. “Ready?”

Xiahou Dun cocked an eyebrow at him and picked up his glove. “Sure.”

Cao Cao grabbed his catcher’s mitt and mask. “I’m going to make Liu Bei cry this time.”

“Just as long as you don’t ask me to hit him with a pitch again.” Dun snorted.

Cao Cao smiled recalling how the other teams pitcher had practically screamed for his mother on home plate the last time they faced the Cheng Du Dragons. “Then he should play golf or chess.”

Dun stepped out of the lockeroom and onto the parking lot. He heard some girls cheering and rolled his eyes. Cao Cao and his women.

The teenage catcher smiled at the girls and gave them a smile as he waved. “I can’t wait to celebrate our win.”

“Keep it in your pants until after the damned game.”

“Easy there Dun. You have to stop getting so stressed out. Your scholarship is already secured. Free ride to state no matter what.”

Dun thumped his fist into his glove and quickened his pace to the ball field. “Go fondle your prom queen, I have work to do.”

“Oh for Christ sake! Quit being so bitchy.” Cao Cao trotted after him and slapped him on the ass. “You’re going to be unbearable in college and probably dead from a heart attack before you can get to the Majors.”

“Not everyone is as blessed as you. Some of us have to work at it.”

Cao Cao frowned as his cousin stormed off to grab a ball and probably try to break the speed barrier with his first throw. He wasn’t blessed, he was just gifted. He could do just about anything or anyone that he wanted. Senior class president, prom king, debate team captain, National honor society, academic team…whatever he chose to do he excelled at. He chose to be a catcher because it was the only position on the team where he could call the shots. He called each pitch, he fucked with the batter’s head and he was the only man on the field who could see every position. It was the only position that interested him.

“That’s awesome. Piss off the star pitcher before the big game.” Yu Jin spit out a few sunflower seeds and smiled.

Cao Cao looked at the second baseman and shrugged. “He throws better angry.”

“Like when he threw his fist into Guan Yu’s face last time?” Xu Huang asked and tossed a ball at Yu Jin.

“Thankfully that was in the lockerroom.” Yu Jin sighed. That would have been a catasrophy had any adult caught wind of what really happened. Dun would have been suspended and that would have been the end of the season for them. The Jian Ye Tigers would have been in the regionals instead of them. He threw the ball back at the shortstop, Huang, and cracked his gum in his mouth.

“You girls want me to find you a softball to toss around?” Cao Cao asked.

“Talk shit all you’d like.” Yu Jin snorted. “My girlfriend can pitch a full game instead of retiring in the seventh inning stretch.”

Cao Cao smiled. “That’s what she said last night when she was handling my balls.”

“Ha…Ha.” Jin took out his gum and stuck it on Cao Cao’s nose.

“Want me to get her to suck this off me? If I knew you wanted to watch….”

“Cao! Fucking hell, do you want a goddamned invitation to get your ass over here and catch me?”
Dun screamed.

Yu Jin chuckled and took his gum back. “Try to not break your hand.”

Cao turned as the cheerleaders started to organize their ‘Go Phoenix’ cards and were arguing about which vowel followed the ‘h’.

Lu Ling Qi dipped the brush in the pot of paint and stepped back from the mural to see if the color was to her liking. “Wenyuan, I’m not sure how to depict the Wu soldiers pissing their pants. It sort of looks like they’re the ‘Yellow Crotch Rebellion’.”

Of course there was no answer but her own voice echoing off the tomb walls. Her husband, Zhang Liao, was lying peacefully at rest behind her. Though it hadn’t stopped her from being with him. She spent most of her time now in this tomb working on murals to tell future generations the ture story of the Three Kingdoms Era. It was about all she could do to pass the time, waiting for death was hardly her style.

Things had been quiet these past few years, after what seemed to be a bombardment of funerals as prominant Wei generals and Kings were laid to rest in the dirt they bled on. Though things were beginning to get tense again and everyone suspected the Sima clan was going to try and despose of Cao Rui. Good ridence. He was a weak link.

“Grandma?”

“In here, Han.” Ling put the paint brush down and waited for her grandson to appear. He had only vague memories of his father, Cao Cao, as they had buried him when the boy was merely 7. Her daughter had still managed to raise a fine son.

“You wanted to see me?”

She looked at his young face and his tall, lanky body. She hoped he’d fill out eventually. “You need to eat more.”

“I am.” Cao Han smiled and looked at the painting she was working on. “Are they wearing their cavalry trousers backwards?”

“Ugh.” Ling crossed her arms and sat down on the stool. “I don’t know how to make them piss their pants!”

He chuckled. “I’ll try.”

She watched him begin to paint and try to salvage her work. He was his father’s son, a master of just about everything he touched. “How are things in the capital?”

“Sima Yi is ready to strike, I can feel it. He’s so pissy.”

“Then you better take control of your father’s empire before he does.” Ling watched him stop painting. He daughter, Yu Ming, didn’t know how to encourage her son to be a usurper. So the task fell to a woman who still hadn’t learned tact. “I’ll kill Sima Yi for you.”

“What?”

“Han, he has his armies ready to strike and once a man has the notion to rebell in his head….well he’s only going to make you his puppet until he finally gets tired of it. He’s an old friend, we both knew this day would come.”

“Grandma…” Han turned to her and watched her smile. “He’ll kill you.”

“That’s the plan. We take each other out.” She stood and felt some joints pop and her bones creak. “I hated your father for taking mine from me, but now I almost feel like he saved him from this hell. To bury the ones you love, to stare longingly at an empty casket wanting more than anything to be with your lover again. I’m ready, more than ever.”

“There has to be some other way.”

“If the Sima clan takes control of this kingdom they will eliminate everyone tied to the old regeme, I don’t need to tell you that. Cao Pi’s line is weak so we need to replace him with a more suitable heir. You. Son of Cao Cao, grandson of Zhang Liao, greatgrandson of Lu Bu. You have the support of your cousins and Uncle Hu, in addition the Xiahou family will be by your side. You have the charisma your father lacked, everyone you meet likes you. You’re brilliant and a master of every weapon you get your hands on. I don’t know of a better candidate that has ever set foot on this earth.”

He blushed. Grandmothers always thought that about their grandkids.

“However you’re 15, and you lack the accomplishments to back you. The experience that is isnvaluable. I can help, some. I had the weapons that defined your family brought to your mother. The Luna Spear, Gold Wyvern, Sword of Heaven and my own Sword of Truth and Light. When the time comes, she’ll have them placed in your throne room to remind everyone who you are. When you define yourself, when the world knows who Cao Han is, please return them to their owners.”

This was all so very well thought out. Like he was being read a will…”Is this goodbye?”

“Yes. I’ll take out Sima Yi tonight before your mother can tell your Uncle Hu what I’m doing. He has always been my protector.”

“Unify this country, Han. In doing so you’ll protect your family.”

“I will.” He began to cry and ran over to his grandmother, knowing once he left this tomb the next time he returned would be to bury her.

Cao Ang chuckled and ran his hand through his hair, he honestly had no idea how to answer Lu Ling Qi’s innocent questions sometimes. “Well, I guess I just don’t understand my father as much as you do yours.”

Ling Qi leaned over to look in his eyes. “You have to have some idea! He’s not working for my Dad because he owes him his life! What’s he planning!”

“I told you, he doesn’t talk to me about things like that!” He raised his hands in a playful plea of defense.

“You know him though…you have to be expecting something! Is he going to betray us? Try to kill my father? Try to seduce Diao Chan?”

“Okay.” Ang smiled and put his arms on her shoulders and pushed her towards a bench where he could force her to sit down. She grudgingly complied and he knelt in front of her so she could see in his eyes he was trying to answer her honestly. “Ling, my father has been scheming for most of my life…he didn’t dote on me like Lu Bu did for you. I tried to learn my lessons well, but his imput was few and far between. He just didn’t have time for me, so I’m really the wrong one to be asking. However I don’t think he’s capable of killing your Dad or stupid enough to try and get in Chan’s dress. I don’t think he’s going to betray anyone…I think your Dad’s empire is going to crumble without any outside assistance. He doesn’t listen to anyone’s advice.”

“So it’s a waiting game?”

“Probably. You have to admit, your Dad really does have a hard time listening to advice.”

“I know.” He sighed and realized he had put his hand on hers at some point. She blushed a bit and suddenly felt a little warm. Ever since Cao Ang arrived in Chang An, they had been hanging out together for lack of anything else to do. He was handsome like his father, but without being rotted by ambition or deception. She found herself thinking about him a lot when she was trying to get to sleep. Now here he was, so close she could find out how good he smelled.

Ang gulped as she squeezed his hand. Finally they were alone and close and without training or words to occupy them and the awkward silence seemed to be pushing for something more to happen. He really liked her, she was a beautiful girl with a ton of spunk, but he was terrified of her father and moreso his own. Sure the great Cao Cao would kiss his Lord’s daughter here alone in the courtyard, but if his son did….by god his ass would be red for a week! Knowing his father he’d probably even do it publicly! He was about to stand up and find something else to talk about but he was too slow.

Ling Qi leaned forward and gently kissed his lips. She had never been so cautious but she was afraid of his reaction. She didn’t care if Liao had thrown her in the Koi Pond when she grabbed him by the tunic and kissed him. Hell, Zhao Yun had falled over backwards and crawled away from her when she jumped him. She was her father’s daughter, and a Lu never asked for anything! They took it! However she liked Ang more than she wanted to admit and the prospect of him avoiding her scared her more than anything. So for the first time, she took it slow and waited for his reaction.

HOLY SHIT! Cao Ang felt his face flush with excitement as those perfect little lips so gently touched his. His whole life he had been afraid to step out of his father’s huge shadow, knowing he was nothing compared to him. He didn’t want to admit he could never live up to him, he didn’t want to hear it either. So he played it safe and tried to please him as much as he possibly could. This was his moment though, he could either decide to run and avoid what hell was going to come or kiss her back and finally define Cao Ang as a man…not just a errand boy. He reached up and put his hand on her face to tilt her head and give him a chance to elevate this simple kiss into something a bit more involved.

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Cao Cao nodded as Lu Bu finished chattering on about a supply raid and finally left the room. He was about to tell Xiahou Dun to ready the cavalry, but instead his air was cut off and he was yanked from the room by his collar.

Xiahou Dun blinked. All he had seen was Lu Bu’s huge hand in the doorway an instant before Cao Cao vanished out of it. He darted out the door hoping his cousin’s neck was still in place.

Lu Bu turned Cao Cao around and threw him against the balcony. “What is your son doing to my daughter?”

Cao Cao coughed and tried to focus. Being choked had let a few black spots encroach on his vision. He followed Lu Bu’s finger and his eyes grew wide. SHIT! Ang was on his knees in front of Ling Qi and was obviously giving her a demonstration of what his tongue could do in her mouth! Of all the damned women in the country he has to pick her? Didn’t the boy learn anything from him when he told him NOT to do what he did! Then the situation took an unexpected turn as Lu Bu’s baby girl pounced and pinned Ang beneath her so she could escalate the affections. “What is your daughter doing to my son?”

Lu Bu’s mouth dropped open as Ling put Ang’s hand on her breast and began snaking her hands into his robe.

Xiahou Dun wanted to laugh. There was something so horrific about this scene it was funny. “Why don’t you leave them alone?”

“What?” Lu Bu turned on the officer that he both respected and wanted to beat to death. “She’s my daughter!”

“She’s been grabbing my ass.” Dun grumbled. “She needs an outlet for the sex drive she got from you and I think someone her own age is more suitable than any of us. Mainly because that poor kid is going to piss himself when you both threaten to castrate him.”

“I’m glad you find this so amusing.” Cao Cao growled.

“I don’t have kids. I can find it amusing because tonight someone else has to deal with it. For now, let them be kids.” Dun shrugged and noticed Ang’s rope was now completely opened and Ling’s mouth was on his nipple. “She moves fast.”

Lu Bu began to hyperventilate as his face threatened to explode. “LING!”

Cao Cao watched his son’s eyes almost pop out of his head as the Ling Qi jumped off him and assumed a defensive battle stance. Ang hastily tried to tied his robe back together and stumbled over himself and into the bushes when he tried to get up. So this was what his father meant when he said ‘Just wait until you have kids, Karma is a real bitch Mengde.’. Thanks Dad.

The carriage jostled back and forth on the long road back to Xu Chang. The iron bars over the windows alerted the peasants that the occupant was a prisoner and Gongsun Lian could see them whispered as it past. She rested her head on the back of the carriage and sighed. She spent the last ten miles searching the carriage for a weakness, but found none. She hoped that the nest rest stop would be more agreeable for her escape.

She was thrown forward as the carriage came to a halt and the escorting soldiers began to holler. She sat up and looked out the window, not able to see much through the dust and blurs of horses. The skirmish lasted no more than a few minutes and she curiously waited for a view of the victors. She turned as the door opened and the face of a man she thought she would never see again looked at her.

“Lian?”

“Zilong?”

“Hey kid! Quit flirting!”

Zhao Yun frowned and looked over his shoulder at Zhang Fei. “I am not flirting!”

“Is it really you?” Lain stared at his boyishly handsome face and her heart fluttered. This was the man she had fallen in love with when he worked for her father.

“What are you doing here?” Yun held out his hand and she took it, her hands shackled to the floor. “What did you do?”

“I succeeded.” She smiled.

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“I can’t believe you’re still alive.” Zhao Yun admitted. “To defy Cao Cao like that…I knew you were bold but…wow.”

Lian walked her horse into the small stable and paused. “There’s a dead woman here, without an arm.”

“What?” Yun dropped the reins and rushed over. “Lord Liu Bei must be in danger!”

Lian ran after him as he raced towards the house. She followed a few steps behind him as he burst into the small structure and discovered that his Lord was just fine. In fact they all seemed to be quite happy, as they had just set down for a feast.

“My lord….”

“Zilong, don’t be rude!” Liu Bei stood and smiled apologetically to his host.

“There was a dead woman in the barn, I thought you were in danger!” Yun tried to defend his entrance.

“That was my wife.” The host said flatly and took another bite of his meal.

Lian stepped to the side and looked at the man. “You knew?”

“She’s dinner.” Zhang Fei smiled and raised a piece of meat with his chopsticks. “Tastes just like chicken.”

“What?” the combined voices of Yun and Lian asked.

“Our host has made a great sacrifice for us. Don’t insult him, sit down.” Liu Bei ordered then smiled at Lian as he remembered her face. “So good to see you again Lady Gongsun. My condolances, your father was a good friend.”

“Are you going to join us?” Guan Yu asked, taking another bite.

“I’m not hungry.” She stared at the plates and then looked at Yun, who’s mouth was still open in shock.

“I meant join of army, but it’s a shame that you’re not going to have something to eat. The flavor is incredible.”

“I was planning on it.” Lian was beginning to wonder if everything she had done was for nothing. Did she really hurt poor Cao Ren so that she could join forces with a band of cannibals?

“Excellent!” Liu Bei smiled. “I recall you and Zilong used to fight so well together. It’s truly an honor.”

“I should tend to my horse.” Lian smiled and bowed as she exited the house. She had to go to the barn and check her eyes, make sure thatreally was a dead body in the straw.

Zhao Yun ran into the barn expecting Lian to be already gone. “I know this looks bad but…”

“Zilong, you left Yuan Shao because he was a pompous ass. You left my father because he was a selfish arrogant ass. Please tell me your not serving a cannibal.”

“Lian, he’s a good man.”

“He is currently eating a woman’s arm.” She said incredulously. “How long before you go from serving him to being served?”

“These are desperate times…” Zilong sat down on a straw bale. “Please, don’t let this first impression be what makes your decision. Please stay with us. Stay with me. I know our relationship ended on bad terms, but…”

“But I ended up seeing what you did anyway. I ended up taking the cavalry from him, but it was too late. He was already undone.”

“Then trust me.” He stood and took her in his arms and kissed her.

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Gongsun Lian watched the peasants and soldiers board the boats and the sails begin to catch wind. Wei troops were approaching quickly, hoping to stop Liu Bei’s escape but Chang Ban would go down in history as a victory for Shu. Lian however still sat upon her horse on the cliff overlooking the river and made no move to join them.

“Well, well…” Cao Cao smirked as he saw who the lone warrior was. “It is a small world, isn’t it?”

Lian looked over her shoulder at him as he approached on his black steed, his cape fluttering around him. She sighed and said nothing, just watched the ships begin to float away.

Cao Cao was puzzled and moved his horse over to look at her face. “Did Liu Bei get sick of your defiant tongue and cut it out? ”

“No.” She said quietly. “He threw his kid on the ground and had a fit.”

“Excuse me?” Cao Cao wasn’t sure he heard her right, she was talking so softly.

Lian finally took her eyes off the ships and looked at the mighty ruler of Wei who she used to detest. “Zilong rescued his son, and Liu Bi threw a fit because the baby endangered his favorite soldier. He stood there horrified, but said nothing. The man who told my father he was a selfish arrogant ass who deserved to rot in hell. He stood there and then got on the damned boat.”

Cao Cao stroked his goatee. “You intended to join him all along?”

“I loved him for being so noble, for standing up to my father and leaving. For being as brave as I wanted to be. Now I find out that he’s become a lackey. Comprimising his integrity and morality to serve some cannibal who just threw his own child to the ground. How do you justify that? I’ve been a fool.”

“You were bold enough to defy me, patient enough to escape me and now courageous enough to sit here with me. You’re certainly allowed your mistakes, I certainly have mine.”

She looked at the man next to her for the first time with kind eyes. “He ate another human being. Liu Bei, he ate someone.”

“We’ll catch him eventually.” Cao Cao patted her shoulder, then turned to look at the army behind him. “Ren, perhaps you can comfort your wife while we organize a unit to pursue them.”

“Of course my lord.”

His words didn’t quite sink in as he rode away, not until a hand wrapped around hers and she looked down at the face of Cao Ren. She opened her mouth to say something but he reached up and put a finger to her lips.

“I burnt the scroll.”

“Why would you do that? I tortured you.”

“We all need to find our own path, Lian.”

“I….”

“I’m not a man who gives up. I don’t abandon what I believe in and I don’t snack on peasants.”

She let a smile form on her lips.

“You’re not her type then.” Xiahou Dun came up behind them and noticed his cousin’s reaction.

“Quit trying to protect me, Yuanrang.”

“Quit trying to save her.” Dun gave the woman a scowl as she looked to him.

“No.” Ren slapped his cousin’s leg and waved him off. “Go find something more productive to do.”

“Prepare dinner, perhaps?” Dun leaned over and patted his cousin’s helmet. “How do you like your peasant cooked? Medium rare?”

Lian’s face contorted as she thought about the brothers shoveling Lady Lo Mein into their mouths.

“Dun, that’s enough. Leave her alone. It’s been a rough day.”

“I can’t relate. I don’t think any of of my lords only to find out they like peculiar baby-tossing sports and BBQ human. Oh, wait….I have remained loyal to my lord my entire career. Weird.”

“Stop it.” Ren growled.

“It’s alright, I deserve it.” Lian admitted.

“You’ve made the right choice, that’s what is important.” Ren squeezed her hand.

“For the moment.” Dun added. “Do you want to serve Wu next week? I hear they have a Suncest festival, a whole new taboo for you to explore.”

“Dun, I said that was enough!” Ren snapped and scared his cousin’s horse.

“Fine.” Dun raised hi hands in admission of defeat. “Take your wife home and spank her for her misbehavoir, but don’t forget how quickly her alliegiances change or how easily she’s ripped you apart. Human nature is what it is, Ren. Even if you like to believe there is something worth salvaging. Just remember Lu Bu.” Dun tapped his eyepatch and slapped his cousin’s helmet once more before riding off to join the rest of the army.

“I’m sorry, Ren. You really are a good man, I am so sorry I hurt you.”

Gongsun Zan’s home was in flames and the rumors were that his family was already dead. Cao Cao’s soldiers flooded into the fortress and he rode his horse through the gate, his eyes scanning the interior to determine how much damaged there was. “Pi, see to it that these fires are put out. We’re trying to save this city for ourselves not have to invest time in building a new on one it’s ashes.”

“Yes, father.” Cao Pi gave orders to several subordinates and then noticed a small pocket of soldiers still fighting. “I’ll see to it that the rest of those men are taken care of before you advance.”

“I don’t see any men.” Cao Cao looked over at the burning house and at the one individual standing in the doorway with a spear. The soldier had just taken off his helmet to use as a projectile and his long hair spilled down over his shoulders. “I do believe that is a woman.”

Cao Pi knew better than to question his father’s judgement where women were concerned. Instead he followed him over to see who exactly this individual was.

Gongsun Lian stood in the door frame of her burning home. The flames engulfed the structure and provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for what would be the last stand of the Gongsun family. Her siblings and mother were dead on the floor inside, her father hanging from the ceiling by a noose of his own making. She watched as an imposing figure pushed through the blue-clad soldier and set the spear aside. “Prime Minister Cao, I suppose I should be honored you are seeing to this yourself.”

Cao Cao dismounted and walked up to the woman, his eyes were immediately drawn to the gruesome scene behind her. “Your father showed some dignity in his death.”

“Did he?” She looked over her shoulder as the body swung from a rafter momentarily before the beam snapped and both crashed to the floor.

Cao Cao reached out for her arm, as her hand was poised on her sword, still in the scabbard on her hip. “If you wanted to die you would have let him spare you this hell. I can only assume that you have some intention of taking care of your people. Hopefully to do a better job than he did. Give me the sword and quit wasting my time.”

Lian laughed at him. “I’m sorry, do you expect me to see you as a savior? That you’re here to free the people of this province from a warlords rule?

He tightened his grip on her wrist as she looked in in the eye and didn’t flinch. Few men could do that and no woman ever tried. “Something is to be said of the famed White Horse Cavalrymen if you can still be so confident amoungst this dispair.”

“Now who is wasting my time?” She asked and slapped his face with her free hand. “Come now, Prime Minister, it’s time to get your hands dirty.”

Cao Cao released her hand, never expecting her to actual hit him. He could almost hear everyone surrounding them gasp. “For a supposedly brave warrior, you are nothing but a reckless suicidal fool. Just like your father.”

Lian had her sword drawn and at his neck before he ended his sentence. Every man in the area took a step closer and she noted a few more famed Wei generals were now approaching. However Cao Cao made no move and simply stared her down with his cold brown eyes. “Still the cocky bastard you always were, Cao Cao.”

“Go ahead and end it then, if you think you’re capable.”

Cao Pi’s mouth hung open. “Has he gone mad?”

Xiahou Dun shook his head as he stood next to his nephew’s horse. “Yuan, just shoot her and put her out of her misery.”

“Will do, brother.”

Cao Cao watched her hesitate and took the opportunity to push away the sword and pin her to the wall of the house as it caved in behind her. “What is it that you’re after? Your father brought this on himself and his people turned on him. You turned on him, taking the opportunity to take control of the cavalry you so desperately wanted. So this is quite the theatrical performance for nothing.”

Cao Pi relaxed seeing that the woman was now pinned to a wall. “Now that is the father I know.”

Lian blew her hot breathe on his face as his hand went around her throat. “I’m not afraid of you, you can’t scare me. So here I am to defy you because I didn’t want my family name to be a footnote in history.”

“I can assure you, that won’t be the case.”

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Gongsun Lian sat at a desk and continued to sort through requests from the people. He husband scurried around the town making improvements, increasing productivity and bolstering troops and she tended to some menial tasks. She wanted to restore this city to it’s former glory and the White horse cavalry to it’s full strength. She wanted to dust the ashes off the family name, but unfortunetly it was going to be under the flag of Wei. She looked up as the doors flew open and the furious King of Wei stormed in. “If I had known you were coming I would have arranged for a sacking of the town.”

Cao Cao swiped the papers off the desk and his hands slammed down on it with enough force to rattle the remaining inkpot off the edge. “I spare your worthless life and you use it to make my cousin miserable!”

She leaned forward, mere inches from him, and looked up at his furious face. “I’ve made him look good, isn’t that what wives are for?”

Cao Cao had never encountered anyone who was immune to his rage. “You frigid little bitch…”

Cao Ren burst into the room in an attempt to stop his cousin from tearing his wife apart. He didn’t intend for him to get so upset when he admitted that his new wife was somewhat mean. “Mengde, please!”

“Is this how you intend to keep me in line, Ren? Tattling to your cousin?”

Cao Cao hand was off the table and mid air as his cousin shoved him off to the side. “If you won’t hit her, I will.”

Lian leaned back as his hand narrowly avoided her face. “I’m waiting.”

“Mengde, I didn’t mean anything by it….” Ren tried to put himself between his angry cousin and his hostile wife.

“Ren, you’re too kind for a woman like her. I’ll recify that.” Cao Cao grabbed a scroll of the floor and threw it on the empty desk. “Get me a quill and ink. I’ll annul this ridiculous marriage right now.”

“Mengde, we can work it out!”

“Ren, she’s already outlasted her use. You’ve done fine work rebuilding this city and I’m sure they won’t miss her much. I said give me your pen!”

Lian dipped the quill in the ink on the floor and handed it to him only to have Ren snatch it from her. “Stubborn aren’t you?”

“Nothing good will come of this Lian, I’m not going to give up and hand you over to be…” He stopped as Cao Cao grabbed the pen from him and began to write.

“Executed?” Cao Cao finished the sentence. “I’ll find you a more suitable wife. One who won’t revel in your bleeding heart.”

“Mengde, I asked for this. You have to give me the chance to…”

“Have her rip you apart more?” Cao Cao shook his head. “I should have listened to Dun, he told me you’d see this as some attempt to rescue a rabid dog and keep her from being put down.”

“Lian, please, say something.” Ren looked over at the woman who had been married to him over a year, the woman who verbally skewered him every chance she got.

“Do you need help writing that, Lord Cao?”

“Here.” Cao Cao handed the scroll to Ren and stared at the woman behind the desk who showed no emotion. “You’re a bachelor again.”

Ren took some consolation in the fact that he didn’t order her execution in the same sentence.

“You are a prisioner again.”

“I always have been.”

Ren watched Cao Cao grab her arm and drag her from the room. He should have kept his mouth shut.

Guan Yu stroked his beard as his brother continued to rant. “Mmm…hmmm.”

Liu Bei stumbled over something and decieded to just sit down and quit pacing. “What a way to really help the people, brother. Rob from the rich and give to the poor.”

“You really shouldn’t have had dinner with Yuan Shao.” Guan Yu sighed.

“It wasn’t dinner, it was a buffet! He doesn’t do anything but talk about how much money he has or his great name. Think about what the peasants and villagers could do with even a sack of his money.”

“So you want us to become thieves?” Guan Yu asked.

“Yes. I want to give up this whole running from lord to lord nonsense. We aren’t accomplishing anything except for being used.”

“Right.” Guan Yu looked around for help but Zhang Fei was too interested in the take-out containers that Liu Bei smuggled out of Yuan Shao’s Golden Child Buffet.

“We’ll all wear the same uniforms and anyone who wants to help can join us. We’ll live in the forrest and move around the country helping people!”

“By stealing.”

“Redistributing.” Liu Bei smiled.

“Just from Yuan Shao or do you intend to take from everyone?”

“Cao Cao can spare plenty, everyone can. We’ll be feared and loved and we’ll make a difference!”

“I want to wear tights.” Zhang Fei mumbled between bites. “Green tights. These clothes don’t do my package justice.”

“Excellent idea!” Liu Bei smiled. “I can’t wait to tell Zhao Yun.”

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“I quit.”

“Zilong, please!” Liu Bei grabbed at the still shimmering warrior as he backed away from the small band of merry men in green tights.

“No. This is insane. I won’t wear that.”

Zhang Fei snickered. “Why? Your ‘little dragon’ going to disappoint?” He grabbed his crotch in emphasis.

“No. I won’t do it.” Zhao Yun backed up again. “Liu Bei you have crossed the line here. Certain fashion expressions should be limited to conventions or the bedroom.”

“Zilong, he’s supposed to be wearing a tunic just like the rest of us…but his mom wrote him an excuse note…something about sensitive skin and his nipples.” Guan Yu explained.

“Yes. My nipples chafe so easily, I just would rather not wear a shirt.” Zhang Fei nodded. “Very tender nipples.”

“I don’t care! This is just wrong.” Zhao Yun jumped on his horse. “I’m sorry, but I must leave your service. I can’t justify what your doing here….”

“NO!” Liu Bei screamed and chased after the young warrior as he galloped away.

Zhang Fei snorted. “Next time we see that kid we steal his horse….and armor.”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Three months later….

Edward looked around the tavern and tried to ignore the curious stares and excited whispers. He was about to leave when the barkeep pushed a ledger towards him.

“You can add your request if you don’t see the mercenary you’re looking for.”

“Thank you, but I was just looking for someone…”

“Hasn’t been in here for months.” The barkeep cleaned another mug and lowered his breath, “Last time anyone saw her she was with you.”

Edward let the information sink in. Certainly by now she would be healed and back to work, unless something had happened. He nodded his thanks and left the small tavern. If she had died his father would have triumphantly told him what his foolishness had brought.

He mounted his black charger and announced, “Time to consult with my father on the progress of the war.”

Chandos nodded and gave his customary reply, “I’ll keep things in order until you return, my lord.”

Xxxxxxxx

The ride home had provided the Prince with enough time to think of everything that could have possibly happened over the last few months. This was his doing; he had brought her here and left her in her mot vulnerable state. Whatever happened was his fault.

He had arrived home late, the castle was quiet and it was a little after midnight. His anger had reached a boiling point and he marched towards his father’s chambers ready to wake him and demand an answer. He swung the door open after waving off the guard’s worried protests and clanked his way towards the royal bedchamber. “Father, I must talk with you…now.”

The King was awakened not by his son’s sudden appearance but by the sound of a blade being drawn in the otherwise still night. He was instantly awake and lit a candle to help himself see in the moonlit room. Something other than a dark figure and a glistening blade at his throat. “What the hell…”

The Black Prince was motionless, but not because of the sword point pinching his soft throat. He let his father’s candle illuminate the face of the woman he had come here to find, a woman who was naked and holding a sword to his throat.

The King quickly surveyed the situation and rubbed his eyes. He heard her sword go back into its sheath and the bed creak as she settled back down into it. He stood up and wrapped his robe around himself, walking over to his stunned son. “Are you ever going to outgrow this stage?”

Edward looked to his father and back to his beloved mercenary, betrayal and surprise faded from his face and his anger returned. “Do you pay her for this too?”

The King hit him harder than he had really wanted but it was difficult to hold back. “Meet me in my study when you’re done feeling sorry for yourself.”

Karen wrapped the sheets around herself as he looked her over. “Better go before you piss him off more or I decide to take care of it for him.”

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