To Save A Kingdom - [Haruchai and Verikatt]

[Haruchai]

Braxxus 'The Bulwark'. Champion of the King, and the kingdom's most hardy and stalwart warrior. Earning his status through blood and mettle, Brax was surprised when he was summoned to see the King himself. He was not the type of man for finery, despite his station, and he simply went as he was; greaves, belt, shield and blade.

Khorvaire, their world - Karrnath, their country and Karrnwood their home. Brax's King had managed to draw together their people out of the wild clans of the wood, forming them into a tenuous nation. Brax had been his right hand in all of this, so perhaps he was being summoned for his reward.

The huge warrior towered over even his peers. Seven feet tall and well over three hundred pounds, Brax is power given physical form, pure blunt trauma in the shape of a man. Warriors and noble alike give the man a wide berth, and his escort hardly seems necessary. After all, who would purposely intercept this man? The King... all others would not dare. Brax strode confidently to his destination, the singular messenger struggling to keep up with the warrior's strides. Soon the abode of his King was in sight. Built of wood and stone, it was the largest building in their city.

The stone stairs that descended slightly down into the meadhall were traversed and soon Brax had to pass through the huge main doors to the throne-room. Malik and Chag were there, men trained by Brax and Brax's own mentor, Romnus. They nodded their respect to him, and opened the doors so that he may pass. The messenger waited outside. He had not been the one summoned.

The heavy footfalls of Brax echoed softly in the massive chamber, which smelled of earth and wood, mead and sex. The appetites of the King were well known, and as ruler he had every right to any female except those claimed as the mates of other men. He took his ease as he saw fit, as Brax himself did, and the warrior could respect another alpha that acted within their power.

"King Stephan." he said simply as he approached his King. Unlike so many other men, Braxxus was not required to bow. Not to his knees. Instead he bowed his head, eyes on the floor as he stood before his liege. Beside him, Queen Beatriz sat. Her appetites were as legendary as that of Stephan, and the two often shared their conquests - the pleasured screams of their 'victims' echoing out into the forested night. Brax could not help but smirk. What might his King require of him?

He brought his gaze upward and let his eyes slide over his King and Queen both.

 

[Verikatt]

Queen Beatriz looked at Braxxus with an arched eyebrow. She didn't reprimand him for looking up before he was told to for Champions were given some leeway in their dealings. She let her mouth soften into a little smirk of a smile as she remembered his elevation to Champion. It had been a legendary night. Of course only The King, Braxxus and herself knew what happened. If anybody else talked, Braxxus would take care of them and if he talked he would be executed. That would be a shame and a waste of manhood.

"Champion." Beatriz finally said. "Your services are required to escort the Princess on a ... diplomatic sojourn across our lands." Beatriz got up and slowly walked towards Braxxus, speaking as she did so. "You are to protect her for she is most precious to us. If she dies you had better have died first." The Queen walked around Braxxus, letting her hands trail across his muscled ass and then slowly made her way back to the thrones, winking at the King as she did.

"The Queen is correct Braxxus. You are uniquely qualified to accompany Kaitlin. It is my belief that sometime during this journey her true heritage shall manifest itself and I need somebody I can trust to guide her. To teach her along that new journey. She thinks it is to deliver messages to various kingdoms for next years festival gathering. It is customary for a royal member to deliver the invite personally. I am using this also as a means for everybody to size each other up. While she is doing the diplomatic responsibilities, I want you to also assess the might of the various armies, how they fare and how they treat their woman. It is time that Kaitlin marries. I want grandchildren to spoil and teach and I will not be denied this." The last part was said almost defiantly as if it was not proper for a King to admit such. Queen Beatriz just chuckled and patted King Stephan's hand until he calmed down.

"Do you have any questions Braxxus?" King Stephan asked, staring at his Champion with pride. He never had any sons so Princess Kaitlin would inherit his lands and he worried about that. At least with such a worthy warrior going with her he could find out some useful information about his rivals and allies.

 

[Haruchai]

Brax let one eyebrow quirk upward, about as heavy a look of surprise from the stoic warrior as one was likely to get. "I will, of course, protect her with my life. So the purpose of this pilgrimage is to hand deliver invitations for next year's festival gathering... yet also spy on the other nations? Possibly find her a husband as well?" In truth Brax was slightly confused and wanted to make sure that he had the mission correct. It seemed to be a multi-pronged agenda, and those were always difficult to pull off. Much less while minding the Princess.He knew just what they meant by her true heritage, and that worried him as well, though for the moment he remained quiet. The hands of the Queen over his body brought goosebumps to his skin, and he eyed her own shapely backside as she moved back to the side of her King.

 

[Verikatt]

Queen Breatriz smiled at the King as she walked over to this throne. She stood off to one side and let her hands wander over his muscled chest as she looked at Braxxus.

"No. You will not be required to find a husband for my darling Kaitlin. I'm not sure I'd trust any man to find her a husband. That will come in time. Make sure she does not fall into anybody's hands that she shouldn't be in."

Before King Stephan could react to that she leaned down and kissed him. "I will find her a husband and see her married love...and before she pops out a bastard. All of the kingdoms you have invited are politically suitable matches for her but that does not mean I want them as a son in law."

Stephan laughed and hugged his Queen as she protested. After giving her a thorough kiss, he motioned for her to take her chair once again and then turned back to address Braxxus. "Keep your eyes open. You are a valuable asset to me. Keep track of who you think will be our allies and who will not be. Your primary concern will be the Princess. You have always said that you are more than just a body wielding a weapon. This is your chance to prove it."

 

[Haruchai]

Brax smiled at the display the Queen gave him. He had seen it all before - and much more actually. He nodded at her words though and brought his fist up over his heart. "Your wish is my command, Your Majesties. I shall guard her with my life and gather what information that I can. I will prove I am far more than a blade for you to wield."

The King and Queen both seemed pleased with that answer and the King stood as he said, "Perhaps we should go and introduce you to my daughter. She has been eagerly awaiting the chance for this pilgrimage and to meet her escort."

With a gesture, King Stephan bid Braxxus to walk beside him, and the Queen watched both men leave with an admiring look in her eye at their retreating forms.

----​

The King led Braxxus through the halls, explaining a bit more as they walked. "I have had the royal cartographer prepare maps for you to take and use upon your journey. They should help immensely and guide you safely. Ove the last month we have also been having our finest blademasters train the Princess. She is coming along nicely, but that is something else you might use to pass your time."

The King led Brax into a courtyard where there sat two women, the younger of the two the Princess and the older her tutor. It appeared they were studying something from a couple of open books. Reading, or perhaps another language. The tutor looked up as the two men approached and touched the Princess lightly on the arm. It seemed their lesson was concluded for the day.

 

[Verikatt]

Princess Kaitlin was happy that the lessons with her tutor were over. She could have cared less how many lines a sonnet was suppose to have in it since she wasn't planning on composing any. That's what a bard was for. She'd have much preferred to be watching the warriors train. She loved to see their muscles glisten in the sun and hear the thud of any blows that slipped past their guards.

Kaitlin stood up and turned around slowly, making sure her face was in a neutral position. She did allow a smile to cross her face when she saw her father. She moved towards him with more speed than a princess should move but she didn't care. Kaitlin smiled up at her father, automatically assuming that the Champion was there to guard him. "Father! I am so glad to see you. What brings you out on a day like today? Isn't it glorious? Please don't say I have to go in already." Kaitlin leaned in closer to her father and added a whispered plead of "and don't make me go back to my lessons today." She looked up at her father with a look that was a mixture of adoration and pleading. This look had served her well over the years and she hoped it would serve her well this time.

Much to her surprise, the King took a step back from her and crossed his massive chest. "Your wish is my command Princess." While that was what she wanted to hear, she knew that her father had given in far to easy and she looked at him with suspicion. King Stephan dismissed the tutor with an imperial wave of his hand. After she had left she looked down at his daughter. "May all your demands be as easy to follow Princess. "

It was Kaitlin's turn to take a step back and look at her father. He *never* gave in that easily. King Stephan suddenly let out a hearty laugh and punched his Champion on his arm. "Look at her Braxxus. She is at a loss for words. I didn't think that was possible!" After his laughter had subsided somewhat King Stephan smiled down at his daughter. "I have dismissed your tutors for awhile and you shall have plenty of fresh air. Am I not a good father? I was going to wait until later but since you wish to have this fresh air, you may start tomorrow on your journeys. You shall go throughout my kingdom and invite the royals to our upcoming festival. You shall not delegate this responsibility to anybody else."

When it looked like Kaitlin would say something her father held up his hand for her to wait. "You are very precious to me Kaitlin. This will not be an easy task to accomplish but I know you will do it. I will be sending Braxxus, and only Braxxus, with you as your guard. Listen to him. He will keep you alive. " King Stephan finally uncrossed his arms and pulled his daughter to him but didn't speak right away. After awhile, his hands went up to stroke her long hair and he finally spoke low although Braxxus was close enough to hear. "You are very beautiful Kaitlin. You remind me so much of your mother when I first met her. There will be many who will try to convince you to have relations with them. Use your judgment as best you can and if in doubt consult Braxxus. He might seem like a brute but remember he is a male brute and as such understands the needs of men. If anybody gives you problems he will take care of them. Your mother and I love you so much but it is necessary for you to make this trip."

Princess Kaitlin looked at Braxxus and then started to walk around him in a similar manner that her mother had done just moments before. Her nostrils flared out as she inhaled his scent and part of her thrilled at such a fine specimen. Finally she stopped in front of him and stared up at him. "Father, will I have a maid with me or is Sir Champion also to fulfill that role on our journey."

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus' eyes swept over Princess Kaitlin and he licked his lips. She was stunning, the most beautiful woman in the kingdom by his estimation, and he remained still as she approached her father. A brief smile tugged at the corners of his mouth at the banter between the two, though he actually stood up straighter as she moved around him. Like her mother she loved to appraise men, taking stock of his build and his scent.

His eyes met those of the Princess as she stood before him, her eyes bright and blue. His dark and intense. The King then answered his daughter's question.

"It will just be you and Braxxus, Kaitlin. A lady in waiting would simply slow you down, and would be completely unskilled in use of the blade. You are a skilled archer in your own right, but just now learning the blade. Braxxus is skilled in all forms of combat, but a third person with no training whatsoever might become a hindrance. I would not expect Braxxus to cook very much however, so your lessons from Dyann will be put to good use."

Braxxus watched her small frame there before him, his own literally towering over her. What a strange pair they would make, bringing welcoming missives from their kingdom.

"You will have tonight to gather what you wish to take, and already my Steward is preparing your supplies and a cart and mule for you."

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin arched an eyebrow at her father. She had his blood in her and wasn't scared to stare him down. "Very well father. No maid. You mention a cart and mule? Who is expected to drive them? Would they also not slow us down? Besides I would want to ride Riversong and not sit in a cart. I cannot image Braxxus sitting in the cart either."

Kaitlin glanced over at Braxxus and looked him over up and down before turning back to her father. "I am sure that Braxxus is very skilled in a lot of things and look forward to seeing him in action. I have always enjoyed his...feats...in the arena. It is only fair that I cook if he is to keep me alive. I will be taking my own horse with me. You know, father, that no other horse can keep up with me when I'm on Riversong. Do we have a horse large enough to support Braxxus? I would imagine that such a large man would require a special mount."

Kaitlin's questions were said with complete sincerity even though her eyes were sparkling.

 

[Haruchai]

King Stephan scowled when Kaitlin first voiced her concerns, her questions. Though her rational and keen mind made a lot of sense of things. It was not long before Stephan let out a laugh, eyes twinkling at his daughter. "I will make sure that Riversong is made ready for you. As for Braxxus, we do have Dante, though the temperament of the animal might need to be reined in a bit." The King winked at his daughter over the pun and he turned to Braxxus. "I trust you know how to ride?"

Brax nodded with a smile. "Many things, Highness." he replied, feeling flirtatious. Besides, if the King and Queen did not trust him with their daughter, they'd not send him along with her. Alone.

That very thought sent a shiver through him as he imagined some very... interesting things. The Princess must have caught him staring though, as her sparkling blue eyes raked over him. He met her gaze coolly, and once more licked his lips. Anyone simply observing might think that the huge warrior saw a sweet morsel offered up on a plate every time he looked at her.

 

[Verikatt]

While her father thought about what she proposed, Kaitlin snuck another glance at the Champion as if he bull which had won Grand Champion at the market.

Kaitlin swallowed hard and turned back towards her father. "Thank you father. Dante would be a great horse for Braxxus. Riversong has been prancing around him for days now. it should be interesting." Kaitlin smiled sweetly and linked her arm through her fathers as they started to walk back to the palace. She tilted her head back a little bit, knowing that she'd be able to see Braxxus for he was so tall and smiled. "You shall dine with us tonight Braxxus." Her tone made it perfectly clear that she wouldn't listen to any excuses for him not being there.

"I shall leave you alone now Father. I find myself with a wardrobe to plan and need to make myself presentable before evening meal." Kaitlin leaned up and gave her father a kiss on his cheek and then nodded goodbye to Braxxus. She really didn't need to plan her wardrobe for she knew that her mother would have already planned it for her. She did, however, want to bathe in order to cool down after spending time with the Champion.

Soon she disappeared into the castle and called for Rebekka her maid.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus caught her glances and the color on her cheeks, and as she made her proclamation that he would eat with them he could do nothing but agree. "Of course, Princess." he acquiesced. He had not known of the state of the horses, but it did not surprise him. Dante was of a royal line himself, and his progeny were infamous. If Riversong were in a state of estrus...

He brought himself back to the present, trying to catch up with the conversation, and nodded back to her. The Princess disappeared and he turned to the King. "My liege, I had no time to properly bathe as well, and would ask permission to do so, to be presentable for such a momentous occasion."

The King raised one brow, but soon nodded. The baths were semi-public in the castle, and there would be others present. "Of course, Champion. You know the way. Dinner will be served in an hour." With a nod he departed, and left Braxxus to make his own way to the baths...

The warrior strode through the entrances to the baths, and set aside his weapons and shield and armor. He then began to look for a suitable pool and waterfall for his frame that was not being used...

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin moved from her quarters to the royal bathing chambers.  These chambers were quite huge and only the royal family and their Champion could use them.  Kaitlin, with Rebekka following her, moved to one of the waterfalls. She loved the natural feel of the bathing area and especially the waterfalls. The area she went to this time had plenty of rocks in order to sit upon if she so desired.

Kaitlin told Rebekka to fetch her clothes for the evening meal while she bathed. She wasn't worried about her safety within the grounds and also knew that Rebekka wouldn't be gone long. Soon Kaitlin walked into the water and was soon soaping up her body. She let her hands glide over her naked body, enjoying the feel of skin on moist skin. She wondered what it would be like to have Braxxus' hands on her. She knew that he had loved many women and she, late at night and all alone, sometimes dreamed she was one of them. With those thoughts in mine, she started to hum as her hands caressed herself and soon was lost in her own thoughts as her hands tweaked her nipples and massaged her own breasts.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus moved through the baths, the structure built part and parcel around the forest itself, natural waterfalls adding a fine mist throughout the house. He was barefoot now, and padded nearly silent, despite his size. The baths were unoccupied, or seemed so, until he saw a pale figure with raven hair. He stopped. The Princess herself! He remained where he was, unabashed and simply observing. Her lithe form was divine, and she tweaked and tugged her nipples, those rosy peaks pebbled and pronounced as she played with them.

His eyes moved over her; the swell of her hips and her rump, and as she moved, just slightly, a peak at the very small patch of dark hair above her virginal slit. At least, that was the rumor. That the Princess had yet to know a man. The very thought made Brax's cock twitch. His member hung between his legs, thick and veined - a suitable member for a man of his physical size. Already he could feel that familiar throb, and only with the greatest of will did he turn his eyes away.

With a grunt he moved to an adjacent pool and slipped into it.

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin had always had good hearing and she knew when there was somebody joining her in the pool. She guessed that it must have been Braxxus for her father always made more noise and sang when he bathed. Her mother would have joined her and that left only the Champion.

Kaitlin wondered how much he had seen but wasn't overly concerned. She wasn't that much of a prude and if they were to travel together he would probably see her naked at some time. She had to smile at that thought.

Kaitlin's hands changed direction and she leaned back against one of the boulders. Her long hair was dragging into the water and swirling around as her hands moved down towards her mound. She knew there was speculation on whether or not she was a virgin but she wasn't in a hurry to enlighten them.

She spread her legs a little further apart as she slipped one hand in to play with herself. Her other hand was still rubbing her hardened nipples and as a moan escaped her lips. She knew she didn't have much time for dinner was less than an hour away but she couldn't help it. Her mind was drifting to what Braxxus would look like. Kaitlin had heard the talk from the maids. They were always talking about how hung he was and she didn't doubt it. Perhaps one day on the trip she could have a story of her own. Until then, she'd just have to mutter his name as she imagined him taking her into his arms.

Kaitlin wasn't aware that she was actually saying his name as she stroked herself. She was lost in her own thoughts and fantasy and let the world go on as she moaned "Yes...there. Oh yes. Harder...." As she moaned those words her fingers worked harder and harder to bring her the release that her body was demanding. She was almost there when she heard her name being said. At first her brain told her it was Braxxus finally coming to her but shortly thereafter, she realized it wasn't the case. Braxxus wouldn't have had such a high persistent voice.

"Princess...Princess..Princess Kaitlin. Your mother wishes to see you before dinner. I am to fetch you now. Princess? Can you hear me?"

Kaitlin hung her head down and sighed. She knew Rebekka wouldn't give up until she appeared. She was very annoying like that.

"Yes I hear you. I'll...I'm getting out now."

Princess Kaitlin quickly finished up her bathing in a more traditional manner and slowly walked towards Rebekka. She glared at Rebekka who took it in stride for such was the way of servants.

"I see that you brought my change of clothes. Thank you Rebekka. Can you do something with my hair to make me more suitable for mother?" Both Rebekka and Kaitlin knew it was a peace offering. It was a game that they played most often. "Of course m'Lady. I shall braid it for you. It won't take long."

Rebekka was right. It wasn't long before Kaitlin was "presentable" and walking back towards her mothers quarters. As she passed another area of the water falls, she couldn't help but turn her head to catch a glimpse of Braxxus.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus knew she was touching herself. He could smell her from where he was, and his nostrils flared at her scent, heady and heavy with desire. His member twitched and he stood beneath the waterfall, unable to hear her, but imagining just what she was doing.... to him. His eyes closed and as he stood beneath that water his arousal grew. Still, he only grew semi-hard, thoughts of a woman, any woman, not quite enough to bring him to full arousal. The thoughts were nice though, and he had to admit that what he had seen of the Princess told that she was a specimen like no other. Young. Nubile. Fertile. Virginal.

It was the last that made him groan, and his hand strayed to his member, hanging between his legs. Slowly he stroked, unaware that the Princess and her servant passed by. He was still not at his fullness, but she got a good eyeful of that veined thick meat. Even his massive hand left several inches uncovered, and from her vantage it looked like her hand might not even wrap completely around it. Seeing her people naked was not uncommon, yet she had not yet seen Braxxus, for all her dreams about him.

He was massive in all respects, his manhood proportioned to his physical size, and endowed to boot. Her much smaller form would be stretched quite nicely, and in his mind she was unbelievably tight.

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin and Rebekka had slowed down when they were passing over the area they knew Braxxus was showering in but when they saw him under the falls they both stopped.

Kaitlin put her hand up over mouth to keep quiet for what they saw was truly impressive. Rebekka let out a little yip of surprise and just as quickly Kaitlin shushed her. She hoped that Braxxus hadn't heard them.

Kaitlin knew that she should move. It was one thing to notice somebody being naked but to watch them while they were pleasuring themselves, for there wasn't any doubt in her mind that was what he was doing, would be rude. She couldn't move though. Her feet refused to move as her brain was taking in every detail of that sculptured body. She swallowed hard when she saw how massive his manhood was. Her entire body felt like it was on fire for the flush that came over her. Even though it wasn't fully erect she estimated that it was at least 8" around. She shivered and almost swooned at the thought of it entering her.

Kaitlins tongue came out and licked her dry lips and she wasn't aware that she had taken a step off the path until Rebekka caught her arm.

"Princess....Princess. We must not tarry. Your mother is expecting us."

"What? Oh yes. Thank you Rebekka. I'm coming." Rebekka smiled to herself as she forced herself to turn away from the sight her eyes were feasting on. Yes she was close to coming indeed and that was just by looking at the man. For once she hoped her mother would lecture her on something so that her thoughts could cool down.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus only became aware of the company as soon as the servant yipped in surprise. He did not open his eyes, but knew where they were, and his hand slowly moved over his growing and hardening length as he seemed to present himself to them. His head slowly lowered and his eyes opened just as the Princess turned away, and he caught sight of her shape as her hips swayed beneath the fabric of her shift. He smiled and though he was close he brought his hand away from himself and finished his clod shower, refusing to allow himself to come to climax. No, he'd save that for later, let the tension build. Perhaps one of the maids would receive what he had to offer.

He soon finished washing, and he was brought new garments to wear. Then his meager armor and his arms, and he was one his way to the meadhall, dust stirred slightly by his sandaled feet. He arrived and was shown to his seat, a place of honor near the right hand of the King. His eyes gazed out over the hall, taking in all who entered, which was nearly their entire town. Everyone was waiting for the King and Queen and the Princess.

 

[Verikatt]

It wasn't long before the Herald announced the arrive of the Royal Family into the Meadhall. The Queen was on the arm of the King but Kaitlin was behind him. took her place on the other side of the Queen and stood until she got the slight nod that the Queen always gave when it was time for the Royals to sit. Once they were seated, the rest of the crowd sat down.

The King raised his hand for silence over the chatter and announced in his booming voice that he had great news to give. Everybody looked at him in expectation for there were many rumors going around that the Princess was in the market for a husband. It would be closer to the truth that the King and Queen were in a market for a husband for the Princess but such was the royal life. "I am hoping that the Herald will forgive me bypassing him for this announcement as well as the cooks for delaying us eating their usual excellent feast, but I wanted to announce it myself." There was laughter at this and the Herald bowed low to the kind and waved his hand as if their roles were reversed. This, of course, set the audience off into laughter again, including the Queen who hid hers behind a napkin.

"As you may know", the King continued, "we are hosting an annual celebration this summer. This year, however, my daughter will go out and hand deliver the invitations to our royal neighbors. Perhaps by the end of the festival, I shall have more important news to give you."

This brought a royal flush to Kaitlin even as her eyes threw daggers at the embarrassment her father was causing her. Her mother, sensing that Kaitlin might want to throw a dagger at her father, put her hand gently over Kaitlin's. Whether it was to make sure that Kaitlin didn't actually throw anything at her father or just to show her support, it had the same effect. Kaitlin took a deep breath and put on that royal smile. The smile that said I'm doing this for you mother and father but one day...

The wise King ignored his daughter and then turned to Braxxus and bid him to stand. "My Champion. You have proved yourself over and over again to me and into your hands do I trust my daughters life. This will mean, however, that you must leave my side and in so doing you must choose your replacement. It is, I believe, customary for the Royal Champion to name his replacement."

The King sat down and waited for Braxxus to speak. He hadn't told Braxxus he was going to do such a thing and wanted to savor this announcement. The Royal Champion was a station even above that of Champion. It was, in fact, the first rung of nobility. It was barely a toe hold into the noble lines but it was still a legitimate one.

The Queen and Kaitlin arched their eyebrows at this news. It was obvious that the King had not mentioned it to either one of them. The Queen recovered first and started to applaud. Soon the entire room was applauding and waiting to hear who Braxxus would name as his successor.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus chuckled along with the rest at the antics between King and Herald, and his gaze swept out over the assembled citizens as the announcement was made about the journey of the Princess. A murmur passed through some, and he could see approval in others. A Princess that was not entirely clueless in the ways of the world, nor one who had been secluded by her own people was preferable he thought. He caught the look that Kaitlin gave her father and he smirked. It was his very job to make sure that nothing untoward happened to the girl, and yet just earlier he had basically presented her his cock. Welcome to the real world, Princess.

He lifted his head as the King spoke to him, and was as surprised as any that he would be taking the rank of Royal Champion. The Queen began the applause and soon the room thundered with it. Braxxus stood. "I am no good at speaking publicly, so I will keep this short and sweet." He turned to face his second in command, Romnus, and said, "Romnus, we have fought side by side for many years. There is no other that I would trust more to take over my duties as Champion. The position is yours - if you will have it."

The room had fallen silent, and eyes turned to Romnus. There really was little chance for him to say no, to refuse the offer when it was so publicly given. Not that he would have shunned the duty anyway. He stood as well, which was custom. "I most humbly accept." he replied, and the room erupted. Cheers and shouts, applause and people standing.

That was when Braxxus noticed the figure moving deftly along the wall. Lithe and nimble, slight, yet powerful and sure in its movements. He kept his eyes on the figure, and only when he caught the glint of light off the thin-bladed dagger it carried did he realize the purpose. He moved then, his size belying his speed, and as the dagger raised and descended, he was there. A shriek as others realized what was happening, and his left hand pushing the Princess back, hand pressed to her breast as he interposed himself between her and danger, right arm moving to intercept. That dagger drove downward, and Braxxus grunted as the blade pierced flesh, driving clean through his forearm, between radius and ulna.

He twisted his arm then, wrenching the dagger from the figure and effectively disarming him. His right hand snapping out the catch the cloak, fabric caught in his grasp, though the figure was faster still, more slippery, and shirked off the cloak. A wiry male form beneath, face shrouded in swaths of black cloth, and he moved then. Swiftly, more swiftly than anything Braxxus had ever seen, jumping out a nearby window and taking off toward the woods. "Hunting party! Now!" Brax shouted, knowing that giving chase as quickly as possible would be their only hope. Even now though, he knew the man had made the forest and finding him would be a miracle. He was just so damn fast[/u].

Heedless of the blade in his arm, Braxxus turned to the Princess and the Crown. "Are you alright?" he asked them.

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin watched Braxxus stand up and name his replacement. She nodded her approval for she had watched Romnus battle Braxxus before and he would be a good Champion.

She looked over at Braxxus and then noticed he had spotted something but before she could ask or turn to look she found herself suddenly pushed back and Braxxus hand on her breast. How did that get there? She'd analyze it later because suddenly there was a man who was wanting to hurt them. She gasped when Braxxus put his arm up to stop it.

"We're ok. But...oh no! Your arm Braxxus! You're...you took the knife."

Kaitlin grabbed the napkins off the table since they were still clean and prepared to take out the knife. "Hold still. You can't keep the blade in there....what? Is that....It's smoking!"

Kaitlin was breathing hard and wasn't sure what to do. She knew how to bandage a wound but she's never seen a wound smoke before. Before she could say anything more, her mother was there and took over. "Kaitlin, when I pull the knife out, put the cloth over the wound to stop the bleeding. Now pay attention. Do you hear me?"

Kaitlin nodded and got the extra makeshift bandage ready to use. She could hear her father issuing orders but they didn't register because she was worried about wounds that smoke and what had happened. She saw Romnus head out with others which Kaitlin assumed was the hunting party that Braxxus called for.

Kaitlin watched her mother pull out the knife and wrap it up in the large napkin and motion for Kaitlin to apply her bandage. She quickly put it over the blood that started to gush out of Braxxus arm and looked up at him. "Thank you Braxxus. I don't know why they were coming for Father like that. Usually our enemies aren't so bold as to enter the castle."

 

[Haruchai]

That silver-bladed dagger had hurt, and the escape of the assassin had not improved his mood. Braxxus hissed as the Queen pulled the knife from his arm and immediately a wave of relief washed over him. "Thank you my Queen." Brax said, possibly warmer than prudent as his fingertips brushed over the Queen's arm. Kaitlin put the cloth over his wound, which looked like he had been stabbed with a red hot blade. Braxxus' hand briefly covered her own and he smiled at her. "Thank you Princess." he said.

A fight, combat, getting hurt... it always made him horny as hell. It was the blood he knew. The images of the Princess earlier swam through his head, despite the severity of the current situation. He knew the assassin was long gone. But then, he'd caught his scent. He'd never forget it. Woe be unto him should Braxxus ferret him out. Then, Kaitlin's words brought him back to her. Her father? She thought that attack was aimed at her father? A man yet ten feet away? Braxxus to his right, and Kaitlin to his left? It was obvious that the girl did not realize she was the target, and with a glance to Beatriz he smiled softly. "He is safe now though Princess." He vowed then to never get too far from her. Who else might be lurking about?

The looks from the Queen meant she was thinking the same and Braxxus gave a small nod. Kaitlin never out of his sight.

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin missed the look that Braxxus gave her mother since she was concentrating on the blood soaking through the napkin. She heard his words though and finally looked up at him, giving him a smile. "You are having a busy first few minutes of your new position Braxxus. May it go a little more peacefully for you. Congratulations on your promotion."

Kaitlin reached over for another napkin but found none within reach. She looked around and finally saw Rebekka. "Rebekka. Fetch some bandages and ointments. Get them from the royal healer. I know that she has some that father always uses." As Rebekka scurried off to the healers Kaitlin looked at her mother. "It's ok Mother. I'll look after Braxxus if you need to organize things here. It does seem a little more chaotic than normal."

Queen Beatriz wasn't sure if she should be annoyed or proud that her daughter was taking the attack in stride. Of course if Kaitlin realized that she had been the target, she might not have been so calm. Finally the Queen stood up and nodded to Kaitlin. "Very well daughter. I will leave him in your hands. Queen Beatriz had the reputation of being able to stop fights in the meadhall with just a look. Those who had never witnessed it doubted it but today she proved them wrong. She straightened her back and calmly walked into the fray with a calm but stern look on her face. Each person who found themselves looking into her eyes settled down. When she reached the middle section where a fight had broken out over who would go on the hunt, she merely took hold of the closest ear and walked the culprit over to the other side of the room. By the time she turned around and stared at the rest of the would be hunters, they too had settled down and hung their heads in shame. Most likely being shamed for being caught and not the act itself. Finally Queen Beatriz walked back to her seat and motioned for the servants to carry on with serving the meal.

Kaitlin shook her head at the sight. "I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do that." Kaitlin's attention was diverted at the sight of Rebekka returning. "The Healer said to use this ointment on the surrounding area but do not put the ointment on the cut itself. She has already added the herbs to the ointment that will help with healing." Rebekka explained as she held the ointment and bandages out to the Princess.

Kaitlin nodded and then looked up at Braxxus. "I'm not sure if all the bleeding has stopped or not yet but here goes." Kaitlin lifted up the bandage and found that the wound was still bleeding but not at a dangerous rate. After pulling off the rest of the makeshift bandage, Kaitlin reached for the herb infused ointment and sniffed it before starting to applying it. "Hmmm. Some sort of mint in it as well as St. John's Wort. She must be worried about infection." Kaitlin carefully scooped up some of the ointment and started to apply it. She could see how red and inflamed the wound itself was and hoped that it would heal. A couple of times she had to stop applying the ointment to sop up the blood again but eventually she was ready for the bandages. The first bandage wrapping had to be taken off immediately since the blood soaked through it too fast. That, of course, meant that the ointment had to be applied again.

Kaitlin didn't look at Braxxus while she was tending him. She was concentrating on getting this done right and to show that she wasn't quite as helpless as some people thought. When she finished, she took one of her gold pins and secured the bandage with it. "There. That should do you until morning. I will change it again before we leave."

Kaitlin handed Rebekka the empty ointment bowl and spare bandages. "Take these back to the Healer and request that she pack a medicine bag for us to take with. Have her write down any special instructions or ingredients that she might need me to know about and give her my thanks." Kaitlin looked up at Braxxus. "Thank you for taking that blow. I know it is your job but still...thank you. That cut looked like it had been poisoned, the way it was acting. Please do not be your usual brave self. You must tell me if it gets any worse."

Kaitlin felt like she wanted to say more. Her breath was catching and her heart was racing. She wasn't really sure why but perhaps it could have been the large man she had just tended to. Fights usually did get her heart to pump which was one reason why she loved to watch the arena matches. Kaitlin swallowed hard and tried not to stare at Braxxus chest...that broad chest filled with muscles that rippled with every breath he took....

Kaitlin blinked and tried to think of something else to say but couldn't. Instead she just stood there and looked at Braxxus wondering why all of a sudden her lips and throat felt so dry.

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus winced as the balm was placed. He always hated silver burns, and they stung like a bitch. But there were few ways to heal such a wound very quickly. Anything other than silver and he'd already be knitting up. He watched carefully though, as Kaitlin applied the salve and she took great care with him. Just another scar to add to his collection. At her thanks he merely nodded and they both stood there a moment - until he brought his right hand up to caress her cheek with the backs of his fingers.

"I will always protect your family. And you." he said simply, not wishing to tell her the attack was for her.

Soon word came back that the assassin had indeed escaped into the forest, though they did not let that deter them from their meal or celebration. In fact, it was not long before the feast was in full swing, and they were enjoying themselves immensely. Braxxus even danced with the Queen, gently groping her backside with a grin, before that song ended and he extended a hand to Kaitlin...

 

[Verikatt]

Kaitlin felt bad about causing pain to Braxxus but she knew it was necessary in this case. She gave him a brief smile when his knuckles brushed her cheek. She muttered a 'thank you' but was thankful when the celebration started for she wasn't sure how much longer she could have stood there without throwing herself at him. Even though he was the Royal Champion, she was sure her mother would have had a major frown on her face, although it might have been worth it to see a frown break the calm of her mothers face.

When the music started she enjoyed watching the dancing and frowned at her father whenever somebody tried to approach her to dance. Once or twice she managed to get in a dance when the King was distracted by someone else. When Braxxus held out his hand, she gave him a big smile. She knew that her father couldn't refuse the Royal Champion such a request.

"Thank you for rescuing me Sir Champion." The dance that they were doing was one of the slower ones which she was glad for. It allowed her to hold on to his arms more but she was careful for his wounds. Finally she had to ask him a question that had been forming in her mind. "Braxxus, after thinking of the recent events I have noticed that you were not surprised about smoke coming from your arm. Neither was mother or father. Why? I know that I can cut myself and smoke doesn't come out. Why did it for you?"

 

[Haruchai]

Braxxus loved the way she smelled, and in fact smelled no male on her. She was unmated, likely a virgin. The mere thought send a shiver through him, and his cock ached. At her question on the smoke he smiled softly. "As you know, many of us here are shifters. The blade was silvered, meant to kill. It will take some time for that wound to heal. But I thank you for your bravery and quick thinking Princess."

Before she could protest he bent, he had to, to kiss her chastely on the forehead. The kiss he wished to give her was not so chaste, but kissing her sweet nether lips would likely bring far more complications than it would be worth at this point. Perhaps once they were on the road...

He blinked. The thought had his arousal becoming known, and the heat from him could likely be felt by her, much less that growing length. His eyes sought her out and he licked his lips, his eyes darkening in his want of her.