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Silence.Silence was a soothing balm, a quiet respite to all formulated thoughts and opinions. It was a space for contemplation, for the rueful ebb and flow of one's thoughts. Silence was what drew between two particular individuals.Guldabra Dron, statuesque in his build, ambled along the observation deck, his eyes soon set on the woman who was silently pondering before him."Good afternoon, where are the battle reports?"Rukuku handed Guldabra a stack of the battle reports, freshly printed from the readout monitor before them. Her slender fingers graced each page elegantly as she looked them over, handing them to the taller, older man with a passiveness."Here."Rukuku, dressed in her typical white and blue military finery, looked ahead of her soon enough, catching Guldabra's gaze."Is something the matter?"Guldabra nodded to Rukuku as he accepted the reports. "Nothing much," he said, taking a moment to peruse them. "Just curious about something."He looked up from the page he was on, his piercing hazel eyes glinting in the artificial light. "Do you believe in love at first sight?"The question caught Rukuku off guard, her blue eyes widening ever so slightly before she narrowed them."What a silly thing. That sounds akin to those aliens from Logo Dau. Of course I don't."She felt mildly curious as to why he'd asked such a thing, though Rukuku, in all of her austerely aloof behavior, couldn't suffer such a thought."Our forces sustained two major losses thanks to those pesky aliens... now is not the time to contemplate such trite."Guldabra raised his hands in apology, "I'm sorry, that question may have been a bit out of line..."He paused for a moment, studying Rukuku's face. He knew that the woman prided herself on her pragmatism and efficiency, but he couldn't help but pick up on subtleties in her demeanour. He noticed the way her eyes narrowed just a fraction, a sign that perhaps there was more to her than she let on."But you do believe in marriage, right?"Rukuku's eyes met his, searching, curious and guarded. Love at first sight? A concept almost as foreign to her as the concept of love itself, but marriage was not."Love at first sight. I doubt the military has a place for such a fickle, romantic notion, but in regards to marriage, well-"Nevertheless, a part of her felt a small surge of curiosity."The magistrates will soon be allowing particular families to join in such a union as well as those among our class. I was told that Kamarara Kaw and Jarulu Jiba have gotten married recently... a commandant with a commandant, imagine that. Why do you ask me such a thing? What about you?"Rukuku's porcelain face bore a mildly interested look, the beauty mark under her right eye scrunching as she raised a brow.Guldabra leaned back in his chair, his hands folded elegantly on the armrest. "Ah, Kamarara and Jarulu," he murmured, recalling the details of the recent union. "A match made in the annals of history." He shrugged and then turned his gaze back towards Rukuku, meeting her gaze without flinching. "As for me, I've already been arranged to be married to a member of one of the noble families."He then looked over her figure, taking in her attire and the details of her physique. "Have you now? Interesting."Rukuku had been, for her greater advancement, seeking to get married to a noble. An upstart who had risen through the ranks to a higher caste among the Buff clan, she had made a name for herself for her elegant manners as well as her snobbish, aloof demeanor. Rukuku was not one to be trifled with, though in this particular element, she had become a bit closer to Guldabra as the Buff clan had occupied the planet Baruda. She'd been assigned by Harulu Ajiba herself to accompany him and see to it that the occupation occur seamlessly and without fault.He had interested her, though she kept her thoughts to herself, his noble heritage and bravado as a well decorated commandant had been attractive to a woman like herself who was interested in prestige and material possessions. There was hardly any love there in her mind for him, so she felt, though she often did feel the stirrings of something else.Guldabra observed Rukuku, noticing her subtle interest and the way she subtly sized him up. It seemed that he had unwittingly caught the attention of this reserved and aloof woman, much to his own surprise.With a casual, almost mocking tone, he replied, "Interesting, you say? You're rather intrigued, aren't you?" He paused, studying her features closely. "After all, a woman of your status, assigned to my unit? Quite curious.""It was a special appointment, though its not as if you already don't have ten toes to the ground as is. I suppose Harulu believes you needed the support."She took a seat not too far from him, pouring herself a cool glass of water before she took an elegant, mannered sip, her light pink lipstick staining the edge of the cut crystal glass. Aliens did produce some beautiful things when they wanted to, such as the brilliant cut rock crystal in her possession."But tell me... just whom have you made an arrangement with?"Guldabra leaned back in his chair, crossing his long legs at the ankles. He chuckled softly under his breath. "Of course, Harulu always knew how to make things interesting."He observed Rukuku as she poured herself a glass of water, his eyes lingering briefly on her lips before he answered her question with a hint of a smug smile."Ah, my arrangement? Let's just say, my bride-to-be comes from a certain noble family," he responded, a note of vague specificity in his voice.She held his gaze as she drank her water, sitting the glass down before she crossed her fingers over her lap."Well, I take it that its none of my business."Rukuku turned her nose up ever so slightly, reaching for a nearby book."I'm sure she'll be pleased... perhaps she'll renew your vows after the two year period is up."Guldabra followed Rukuku's gaze towards the book she had picked up, a small smirk still lingering at the corners of his lips. "Ah, the two-year period..." he commented with a hint of humor, shaking his head slightly. Per Buff Clan traditions, ones of which arose out of pure necessity for breeding and class structures, marriages were contractual. After a period of two years, a wedded couple, no matter their status or station, could choose to renew their vows or separate.Rukuku paused, clearly offended by his words."What in the world did you just say?"She sat the book down, her brow furrowed as she felt utterly disparaged by such a notion."Jealous? Jealous of a woman I clearly don't know? Why, that's preposterous! I simply said that surely she'd renew vows... marriages among our caste are contractual, are they not?"Guldabra chuckled, a mischievous spark in his eyes at Rukuku's reaction. "I'm merely teasing you, Rukuku. It's amusing how easily you take offense," he replied with a sly grin.He leaned forward slightly, intrigued by her defensiveness. "Yes, they are contractual in nature, but it seems your lack of personal experience in such matters shows.""Well, I've yet to get married... there are no suitors who have made the cut. Besides-"She turned her head away, looking to the large window before them."There are men who have been married several times over. Their wives never renew their vows, even, and they move along to the next and the next. I wouldn't dream of being with such a man." Her comment was, in fact, undercutting of what she knew of his own past.Guldabra's expression softened a bit at Rukuku's bluntness, his amusement replaced by a hint of genuine curiosity. "Ah, so you're more than just a smart woman, but also a romantic. I like that."He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest. "But I have to ask, you're quite young, aren't you? Why would no men have made the 'cut' yet?""I'm no romantic. There simply is no time for those sorts of dalliances," she rasped. "Though you did mention love at first sight. I suppose those mores are to your liking rather than mine."She stood up, her back turned to him as she looked out of the window."Why burden myself for two years with a man of my own status? He hasn't won more battles than I... he has no private manor... no conquests..."However, there was one who did, and he was right in the room with her.Guldabra watched Rukuku stand and turn away from him, intrigued by the subtle tension in the air. "Love at first sight? That was merely a figure of speech," he replied with a casual wave of his hand.He rose from his chair, slowly walking behind Rukuku and gently resting his hands on her shoulders. "Ah, now I see the depth of your desires, Rukuku." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You seek a man who can match your ambition, eh?"The warmth of Guldabra's hands on her shoulders made Rukuku freeze, her slender form standing more erect and to attention. She cast a sidelong glance to her left, her lips pursed as she listened to his words."Perhaps I've said too much... I shouldn't be left to rant about such meaningless things."Still, his touch on her body wasn't denied...Guldabra chuckled softly as he felt Rukuku tense under his touch. He left his hands on her shoulders, sensing her desire to be both defiant and submissive. He leaned closer, his mouth now at her ear. "Now now, Rukuku, there's no need to deny yourself. After all, I'm merely indulging your little rant."He slid his hands down her arms and gently encircled her slender waist, pulling her closer. "And it sounds like you've been feeling quite neglected, haven't you?"Rukuku's eyes widened as Guldabra pressed her against his frame, a soft gasp falling from her lips. She was admittedly stunned by his actions, however she couldn't quite place how to respond in turn or in kind."G-Guldabra-!"She stiffened before she frowned."I... am not neglected... not in the slightest."Guldabra chuckled again at Rukuku's flustered response, his hands slowly circling around her waist as he held her against him. "Ah, but you're practically a bundle of tension right now. Your body betrays you just a bit, you know?"He leaned in closer, his lips now at the shell of her ear as he continued to speak softly. "Are you trying to convince yourself, or me?"Rukuku blushed deeply, pulling away from him before she turned to face him."That's enough... of whatever it is you're doing. I understand that men of your mettle play particular games, but I won't tolerate such behavior... like this."She brushed her abdomen off, metaphorically ridding herself of his warmth."Now, if you please."Guldabra chuckled again, his amusement growing at Rukuku's flustered protest. "Ah, but Rukuku, you do respond so deliciously to a touch."He took a step back, but his eyes remained fixed on her slender form, still intrigued by her resistance. "You're quite feisty for someone in your position, you know."He paused, a sly smile on his lips. "Perhaps I enjoy getting a reaction from you... it's almost endearing, in a way.""I am not some doll for your amusement, Guldabra, and I find that to be most unbecoming of someone in your station."She huffed indignantly, picking her book up before she stormed out of the room, heading towards the larger atrium that overlooked part of their occupied territory.As Rukuku stormed out of the room, Guldabra raised an eyebrow, his smirk firmly in place. "What a spitfire," he muttered to himself, amused by her reaction.Curiosity got the better of him, and he found himself following Rukuku into the atrium, still intrigued by her feisty nature. Guldabra followed after Rukuku, easily catching up to her given his longer stride."Now now, there's no need for you to get upset just because I like to tease you. You're just making me want to do it again, you know."He strolled up beside her as they entered the atrium, his gaze now locked on her profile. "And here I thought you'd be more open to a bit of harmless flirtation. I've seen men get far less flustered around you, Rukuku."She looked up to him, ignoring him at first, though his comment caught her off guard."Please, save your comments about... other men, Guldabra. They aren't here to defend themselves against such slander."Rukuku knew she was beautiful. She took care of her pale, milky skin, her light blue hair cut in an all too appealing coiffure - her makeup elegant and well exercised. Many a man had attempted to woo her, but it had been many a man she'd used to get ahead so coldly.She refused to make an example out of Guldabra considering the purpose that she was with him to begin with, but she couldn't help but notice how he had followed her."I'm simply not in a teasing mood."Guldabra chuckled, a note of genuine amusement in his voice. "Ah, but where would the fun be in that? It's much more entertaining to tease you, Rukuku. Especially when you get all flustered and defensive like this."He moved a bit closer to her, still smiling. "You know, I think I rather like it when you get a bit riled up. It's quite endearing, in a way. But then again, I've always been a bit of a sucker for women who don't let me have my way."Rukuku couldn't help but smile ever so slightly, a coy grin playing at the corners of her pale lips."Well, we all must hold those we respect in high esteem."She placed her hands behind her back, idly peering at him from the corner of her eye."All the same, such close proximity is looked down upon for a reason. I'm sure whomever you've planned on marrying would be livid if she saw you with another woman that way."Guldabra chuckled once more, amused by Rukuku's coyness. He moved a bit closer, now walking in almost perfect pace besides her."Yes, my future wife would quite possibly be rather upset at such behavior, wouldn't she?" he said, his tone almost mocking. "But you see, Rukuku, I don't care if she would be livid. She's not here, now is she?"He smirked, his gaze now fixating directly on her. "And I quite enjoy spending time with you, so why should I let such trivialities ruin my fun?"Rukuku continued walking, wondering what his end game truly was in all of this."How amusing."Where she led, he seemed to follow, though his comment on spending time with her made her heart flutter oddly."Spending time with me? Surely we haven't become so intimate.""Oh, there's only one thing more entertaining than spending time with you, Rukuku, and that's spending time with you when you're frustrated."He chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in delight. "Come now, we may not be intimate in the traditional sense, but I do quite enjoy irritating you. It's quite... exhilarating, to say the least."Guldabra's smirk widened as he watched her walk. "And the more flustered you get, the more I want to keep teasing you."He then turned his attention back to Rukuku. "You have a habit of being cryptic, don't you? I sense some envy lurking underneath that indifferent facade of yours."She looked at him with a mildly off-putting expression."How dare you be so childish? Irritating me like some child is quite annoying if I do say so myself."Rukuku paused as they now stood in front of a larger common area of the facility, her expression faltering."You must think very little of me."Guldabra chuckled, enjoying the way her expression changed. "Childish, you say? I prefer to think of it as playful banter. It's quite amusing, really, watching you get so flustered by something so harmless as a bit of teasing."He paused, his gaze fixed on hers, a sly smile on his lips. "And I don't think very little of you at all, Rukuku. Quite the opposite, actually. I think of you often, in fact. And it's not just your irritation that I'm so fond of, you know."Harmless, was it?Somehow, even barely, Rukuku let her guard down and heard him out. Perhaps she was reading into things too far, letting him wind her up on accident of all things. She nodded once, collecting herself as to not seem so easily bothered."You think of me often, do you?"She raised a curious brow at the older man, his frame illuminated by the crimson sunlight from the window, the sun setting in the horizon.

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As the foreign, crimson sun cast its oppressive gaze along their bodies harshly, illuminating the white walls and flooring."Yes, I do," Guldabra replied, his smirk widening ever so slightly at her raised brow. "Quite often, actually I find you to be an interesting woman, Rukuku. Feisty, intelligent, and more than a little frustrating."He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "You intrigue me, I must admit. I can't seem to get you out of my mind, no matter how hard I try."She looked to Guldabra as he leaned forward, the smell of his breath catching in her nose. It was warm, fresh and minty.Rukuku nodded slowly in acknowledgement of his assessment - her interest was slowly starting to become piqued once more."I don't mean to be frustrating, but there must be no other way about it."She smirked smugly, her hands resting on her slim waist."Well, what could possibly be so frustrating about me to the great Guldabra Dron?"Guldabra chuckled, his smirk growing wider at Rukuku's smug expression. "Oh, I can think of a few things. Your stubborn independence, your quick temper, your ability to keep me on my toes... the list goes on, I'm afraid."He leaned in closer, his smirk turning into more of a smile. "But I suppose those things I find most charming. It's refreshing to have someone who doesn't just meekly bow down to everything I say... even though you should."Rukuku felt something odd stirring within her, a throbbing warmth as he spoke to her. His words, thinly veiled as being reprimanding, were filled with praise none the less. Her heartbeat quickened from his compliment, Rukuku drinking Guldabra's presence in a bit more thoroughly."I should bow before a man who has my own station? Intriguing."Suddenly, a shift in the air of her voice could be heard, a seductive twinge lacing every syllable."I have to say, Guldabra, I'm not one for being on my knees."Guldabra chuckled, a note of surprise and amusement in his voice. "Ah, I should have known. You're quite the defiant one, aren't you, Rukuku?"He paused for a moment, taking in her new, more seductive tone. His smolder deepened as he realized what this new turn might mean."Oh, I think I rather enjoy that, though. The thought of having you kneeling before me... it's not a bad image.""Why it may not be a bad image, it certainly won't happen. I only intend to bow before one man, and you certainly aren't him at the moment."She raised her head haughtily, an arrogant smile on her lips. "Only my future husband would have the pleasure.""Ah, so you intend to remain single then?" Guldabra's smile widened, a wicked gleam in his eye. "How tragic. I must say, I'm quite surprised you've managed to convince yourself of that."He took a step closer to her, now standing so close that their chests were nearly touching. Guldabra's gaze flicked down to her lips before returning to her eyes. "And here I thought we were having such a nice chat. But you seem desperate to be difficult, do you not?""..."She felt her breasts press into his broad, muscular chest, Rukuku holding his gaze firmly."The conversation may still commence, but you and I both are very well versed in logistics. I will bow to no man until that man is my husband. I'm sure you understand that, given that you're betrothed to some other woman."He chuckled, his chest heaving under her as he pressed further into her, their bodies now touching. "Ah, now you're using my betrothal against me, I see. Clever, Rukuku, clever."He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin. "And how do you even know that I will be faithful to whatever woman I marry, hm?"Perhaps you won't. You've been married a few times, have you not?"She left that hanging in the air, her blue eyes cold and pointed. He had taken many wives before, though the marriages were over as soon as the 2 year agreement had been fulfilled, never to be renewed in permanence or longevity. He had chosen many beautiful, well appointed women, had set them up and their families nicely, and yet, Rukuku had always been passed over."You may do what you see fit, but it will not be with me, Guldabra Dron."She knew how to strike where it hurt, that much was undeniable.A flicker of something - irritation, regret, perhaps both? - crossed his face, quickly replaced by a smirk. He raised a hand, cupping her face."Ah, you love to taunt me, don't you, my dear Rukuku? My little bird, always flying just out of my reach."He stepped back, allowing her to regain her breathing room as he chuckled. "Perhaps you'll change your view in time. We have plenty of it.""Hardly."She turned on her heels and walked away, suddenly annoyed with him albeit quietly."Have a good evening, Commander."Inwardly, she could have easily given in to the tension that was built between them, but Rukuku was a spiteful, petty woman when it came down to it. She couldn't see beyond her pride to give into her more base desires, let alone allow him a taste without getting what she truly wanted.Guldabra watched her leave, a frown forming on his lips."Ah, Rukuku, my little bird. Always escaping, always flying out of my reach. I suppose I'll just have to wait for the day where you'll finally see reason... and in the meantime, torment you until then."He allowed his thoughts to linger, thinking about how she'd look, her expression when she finally relented."I'm looking forward to it, my dear, to see you surrender to me."She paused in her footing as he said as much, slowly turning back around to face him. Her expression was painted with the hand of stoicism, though on the inside, she was fuming."I suppose that would work better, should I actually become your wife. As history would have it, that doesn't seem to be the case."She scoffed ever so slightly."I've no need to surrender to your games.""Ah, but I see plenty of ways to get you to surrender willingly, Rukuku. Though, I admit I didn't expect you to be such a pain to subdue."He chuckled. "It's always so much more satisfying when the woman gives in and gives me what I want, you know. I do want to see you in your most desperate state, begging for me like you'll be begging for that ring."She felt her eye twitch once, but as it were, she and the Commander were at war - this time, only among themselves. Sparring with their desires."It's becoming far more apparent that you'd rather beg me instead. Perhaps you'd suit yourself better being in your knees."She crossed her arms, looking up at him as if he were a mere little boy."I've begged no man for a single thing I've ever acquired. You either wish to be my husband or not, I'm not short of any playmates should I want them. Perhaps you simply want to be a part of that fodder.""A playmate, hm? That gives me quite a few ideas, I must say."He chuckled, his smirk widening as he began slowly circling her."Now, if you'll indulge me, Rukuku... I have a little idea brewing in my head. I'm sure you'll find it most...enjoyable, shall we say."Guldabra continued to circle like a shark hunting its next meal. "You and I, having a little fun together, that is. Of course, I'd have to give you something in return for our play sessions. A very interesting reward in fact. But only if you're willing to give in to my whims once in a while, of course. Do we have a deal, my dear Rukuku?"

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She blistered angrily.
"While you cavort with your title and your comfortable life? Why, you're far too influential to have a Mistress, and I certainly won't be the other woman."Rukuku wanted more, so it seemed, but Guldabra seemed content on not acquiescing."You pass me over... time and time again, only to offer me such a paltry dish. No gifts will make me satisfied." A lie if there ever was one, but she, quite frankly, needed more from his proposed arrangement if she were to give in. Bartering could be done, surely it could, but at what cost?He chuckled, his smirk widening at her annoyance. "A mistress, hm? Oh, now you really know how to rile me up. And such a feisty one, too. I do so love that about you."He paused as she spoke. "Ah, Rukuku... you are quite stubborn, my dear bird, I'll give you that."In a flash, he was right in front of her, his chest pushed closely against hers. "Tell me then, my dear, what gift would make you change your stubborn mind? Name your price.""As I said, Guldabra, my being belongs only to the man who I will marry. That is my price, and no monetary gain will make me part with all of this."She pressed a single finger into his chest, her nail sharp and pointed."I don't need an admirer out of you, no matter how thrilling some would think that could be. You have more potential than that."She certainly had a way with words. Her finger sent chills through his whole body and he suddenly found himself imagining how she'd look, pressed in his bed and begging. He pushed her finger back, leaning in so close that his lips were nearly touching hers. "Ah, Rukuku, you're too much. Are you trying to kill me, woman? Or drive me mad?""I am only being pragmatic. Reasonable."Rukuku gazed up at Guldabra idly."It all comes back to a particular position, does it not? You wish to have me before doing so correctly. What a needy boy you are."Addressing an older man like so was taboo, that she knew, but Guldabra was playing into a different hand now."Perhaps I placed you too high on a pedestal."Her response took him a bit by surprise, but he was rather pleased. A smirk soon crossed his features. "Ah, a challenge, then? Do you want me to prove my neediness, you tease?"He leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a low, gruff whisper. "Tell me, do you want me to beg on my knees for you, Rukuku? Or do you want me to push you onto your back and show you what I can do to you while you arch and cry out my name?"She froze in place, bewildered at his boldness, however, she had called him a 'needy boy' of all things. With all things considered, nothing was off of the table so it seemed.Rukuku looked away from him, her cheeks slightly flushing."I do not intend on preforming such acts with a man who has passed me over so many times..."He chuckled, wrapping an arm about her waist and pulling her close. "No? Not even a taste of what you've been denying me?"His free hand lifted her chin, making her stare into his face. "Come now, Rukuku, don't you think you've been quite cruel to me... you know I'm only so needy because I want you so badly. How cruel of you, to leave a man so desperate.""Nhgh-!"She kept her gaze away from Guldabra, withholding and cool, for as long as she genuinely could."I will not be your Mistress," she hissed. "Unhand me at once. I've denied you simply because you've denied me!""You can deny me until your last breath, but I still want you! How I'd love to hear you whimpering under me, Rukuku... how I'd love to see that look on your face as I-."He was cut off as he pushed her back against the wall, his body pressing tightly against hers. He leaned in so far his lips were touching hers, his breath hot against her skin. "You know you want it just as badly, don't you, you maddening, maddening woman?"She placed her hands on his chest, pressing off of him as best she could before her hands gave way."This is beyond barbaric to force a woman against a wall to make your point," Rukuku said, an indignant huff falling from her lips. "This changes nothing. I won't do such a thing with you... not until you marry me instead!"Her eyes were full of disdain and some inclinations of lust, though she couldn't deny how his hard body felt against her form, how it ignited something deep within her core. Rukuku refused, all the same, to be so easy."An easy target may be optimal, but I am no simpleton wench."Yet, despite her protests, he could see a desire in her expression that betrayed her, and this only served to excite him. He leaned in even closer, his hand gripping her hip as his lips trailed along the side of her neck."You should have been mine from the very beginning. I'd have spoiled you thoroughly, made you beg for me, if only you'd let me."At this point, he had her fully pressed against the surface, her chest rising and falling with every breath."Rukuku," he whispered, breath coming in short, ragged gasps. His hands gripped the wall on either side of her, anchoring himself as best he could. "Please, woman. I won't last if you keep this up. It's been such a long, painful journey and I've been so patient.... I need...."He stopped for a moment, his head bowed."I need you. I've been waiting. Please."She looked up at him, his faltering expression and the thickness of need in his voice seemingly striking a chord within her brain. Rukuku, indignant as she may have been, suddenly felt a different impasse of emotionality given Guldabra's tone and presence. He seemed to actually need her as much as he said, that deep voice of his tinged with a hint of insecurity, even."..."Rukuku sighed deeply. "A painful journey... for this?"Gently, she let her palms rake down his broad chest, the setting sun casting a stark reddish orange hue against their bodies.Her touch was light, and almost reverent, and he let out a deep shudder of a gasp as her hands traced the length of his chest, leaving a trail of heat behind.He closed his eyes, feeling the sensation of her slender hands against his chest, but it wasn't nearly enough- he needed more. He needed all of her, in every way he could have her."Yes," he sighed, his breath hitching, "for whatever this is, yes. For everything, if you'll let me."Rukuku contemplated his position, his proposal, even. There was something that needed to be done, something that needed to be completed. The common area of the compound and facility, while empty for now, was still too open and public. They'd need to go somewhere more private."Follow me."Silently, she took the moment of stillness to take Guldabra's hand and lead him away, her heart slamming in her ribcage roughly at the implication of what she was about to do, Rukuku's hips swaying hypnotically as she lead him for a long while to her spacious quarters.

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A moment, a second, and they were away from there. Rukuku's place, her private quarters in the outpost they now called their temporary home.By this point, Guldabra was almost desperate, as if he might explode with need, as if he couldn't wait to take his prize. He felt almost giddy, as if this was the most important moment in his life, his whole body shaking as he followed her into the room."Here?" he practically gasped, and a part of him was still resisting the temptation to rip her clothes off."Yes, here. I cannot run the risk of us both being caught."She closed the curtains to the large windows, dimming the lights with a flick of her wrist. Turning around, she faced him."Follow me... to my bedroom, Guldabra."Rukuku's eyes, heady and half lidded, pierced into him like an arrow. She didn't know why she was giving in, but something deep inside of her brain needed to have him at present. His pleading, the genuine strain in his voice, the implication, didn't need to be ignored further."Do not hesitate..."The moment she uttered those words, his entire body shuddered with something akin to need, and his legs almost buckled from underneath him as the realisation of what was to come sank in.He closed in on her, his hands resting on her hips, his fingers trailing over the smooth skin of her stomach. He pulled her closer, leaning his head down to her lips."Are you sure you want me? I could ruin you. You might regret this, you know..." his voice was little more than a low growl, as if he was struggling to hold himself back.Rukuku huffed out, feeling the heat between them stoke and burn brighter and brighter. She had, decidedly, given into his desperate plea. There was opportunity on the horizon, whether she'd impart that to him or not, but Rukuku was a Commander; she knew how to play chess, not checkers.Nodding once in acknowledgement of his need, she lifted her head up to invite him for a kiss, her lips nearly touching his as he breathed out his warning of sorts."Ruin me... why, that sounds quite awful, but then again-"She pecked him on the lips once, marking him with her light pink lipstick, the oily texture of it smearing into his skin."-that may leave me wanting more."A growl that rumbled from his throat broke the air.His entire body felt lit on fire, his need for her almost tangible and thick as the air itself. The moment he tasted her on his lips, his control snapped; his hands tightened on her hips, his head dipping down to bury his face in her neck."I will ruin you," he panted, his voice a rough rumble in his chest, "I will make you mine."Rukuku gasped as his head lowered to nuzzle into her neck, her body shuddering as the feel of his breath against her skin sent a thrill through her- that and the promise he'd made with that low, guttural tone."Then do it," she breathed, tilting her head further and exposing the sensitive skin. "Make me yours right now. Prove it."The breath that he exhaled against her skin was hot, ragged and tinged with a primal need. His lips found their way to the soft flesh just below her exposed jawline, leaving a trail of fiery kisses in their wake.His hands, meanwhile, found their way to his favorite prize."My... you have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do to you," he said, his voice barely above a growl, as he pushed her back towards the bed.Rukuku groaned out as he grasped her by her rear, his squeezing palms powerful - like iron, his fingers dug in deep before she was pushed against her bed. She lay there, clothed and sprawled out, her light blue hair splayed along the firm bed. Rukuku gazed up at Guldabra, silently removing her white overcoat and trousers before her blue full length body suit was in view - her pert breasts and curves left little to the imagination beneath it."Look at me," she commanded softly. "Look at all that's here for you."Oh, God. The sight of her spread out before him, almost completely exposed, was enough to make his throat go dry and his stomach twist.He stared down at her, his mind almost going blank with desire, his entire world narrowed to this sight. His mind was filled with nothing but her."You... you're perfect," he said, his voice little more than a whisper. His breath was rough and labored. He took a shuddering step closer. His body was, quite frankly, on fire.He reached down, trailing his fingers along her stomach, feeling the soft, covered skin against his touch. He brushed his fingers against her shoulder, before slowly moving his hand behind her back, unzipping her bodysuit until it slid off of her.His eyes drank in the sight of her, his mouth going dry as she sat there, exposed and bare before him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his stomach clenching in anticipation.Rukuku looked to Guldabra with pensive eyes, reading his expressions - his reverent touches, his amazed gaze locked on her form. She wore a thin white bra and panties beneath her bodysuit, though they too left little to the imagination. Her pert nipples could be seen, her sex, even.She lent him a soft smile, though she reached out and pulled him closer."Shall I do the honors of undressing you, Dron?"The sound of his name rolled off her tongue like a sweet, sweet melody, and the sight of that smile made his chest ache.The heat in his mind flared, he needed to feel her touch on his skin..."Only if you want to," he said, and then, "My hands will probably take care of it, though."His eyes flickered down to her chest, her hips, her sex. He was already starting to have difficulty breathing properly.He took a shuddery breath as he started to remove his layers, his fingers deftly undoing the buttons on his billowing tunic. His uniform was quickly done away with and tossed aside, revealing his bare upper body. The muscle on his arms, his chest... even the smattering of crimson-hued chest hair, it was all on display for her."What do you think?" he teased, a teasing lilt in his tone, "Does it live up to expectations?", as if he didn't know the glowing answer already.Rukuku reached out, slowly running her hands along the bare flesh of his chest, feeling the smooth, taut muscles and the subtle ridges of his ribcage. Her fingers glided over his body, tracing every inch they could reach, and she couldn't help but let out a soft, breathless sigh."More than I could ever have expected," she murmured, her voice tinged with a trace of wonder, as her eyes roved over his form, taking in the sight. She leaned up, resting her forehead on his chest, "But you already knew that."She knew exactly how to turn him on.The feeling of her hands on his flesh, tracing over his body, left him shuddering in anticipation. He wanted to touch her, everywhere, but her teasing was delicious, it made his head spin and his heart pound.He let out a moan, his hands hovering over her body, aching to touch her, but almost deliberately resisting."I..." he started, and then stopped, swallowing, "I have to taste you," he said finally.Rukuku flushed deeply, her eyes thinning out in harsh lust as he asked as much, the bead of sweat that ran off of his jaw dropped onto her inner thigh. Rukuku moaned softly, smiling as she began to peel off her thin white panties."Taste me? Here?"She slid them off, revealing herself to him, and with a slow shift of her body, she held her legs up idly, her soft, pink folds on display."I'll allow it."She was a vision, laid out on the bed before him, bare and ready. Her smooth skin looked almost divine in the dim light, and the faintest trace of a flush on her face made her look utterly delicious. She was a woman who knew what she wanted.He swallowed, his mouth feeling dry. He let his hands wander, his palms splayed out over her skin, as if he couldn't get enough of her.Guldabra got closer, his breath ghosting over her thigh."Anywhere I want?" he said, his voice hoarse."Start there first," she cooed. "I have to say... I'm quite excited at the prospect."Rukuku felt his hot breath ghost over her core, her palm rushing along his scalp softly before she took hold of his long red ponytail."Go on, Guldabra. I'm refusing you nothing."Her fingers in his hair made something within him snap and he let out a low, guttural moan.He had to get closer to her, his mouth finding her deeply feminine heat her as he laid himself down, his face close to her womanhood."I have been waiting for this moment forever," he whispered, "And now you're in my hands. I think it is my right to give you the pleasure you deserve."He shifted, moving his body so that he was square between her thighs, his body hovering over her there. He was desperate to taste her. His mouth, his body, it simply ached.Rukuku bit back a moan as he pressed his mouth against her, his lips enveloping her most sacred place before she bit the edge of her hand."Mmnph!!!"Her cry was sharp and feminine, a high pitched mewl brought forth as he took his time savoring her natural flavor. Her thighs shook idly, trembling from how he kissed and worried her sensitive flesh. His lips were gentle, he took a moment to savor the taste of her body, her taste sending waves of excitement through every nerve in his brain, and within moments, His tongue, his lips, everything was focused on pleasing her, of making her feel good. His lips closed over her engorged clitoris, slurping at it softly before his tongue drug up and down her folds, digging in deeply within her core before he began to fellate her bundle of nerves. Rukuku's groans began to heighten as he did so, but he didn't stop until he began to feel closer to the edge himself."I'm sorry," he murmured, before taking a moment to catch his breath, "For all the years I have denied you this, that you had to wait."He paused, a low, husky laugh that rumbled in his chest, and then added, "Does this... feel good?"Rukuku's breath increased in pace, building as his tongue swept over her most sensitive place, her love covering her thighs ever so slightly the more he did so. Seeing him there, servicing her of all people, and in such a personal way, made her heart flutter."It feels... wonderful... mmmn- Gu-Guldabra...!"His breathing was heavy, his eyes closed, he was focused on making her feel good. He savored her taste, it was heaven. However, he pulled back, his square jaw covered in her passion."Mnnmgh... I want you," he groaned, "All of you."His breath was hot against her, "Can I...?" he asked, his voice thick with need.Rukuku nodded, holding her breasts softly as he pleasured her, her eyes focused strictly on Guldabra as his mouth possessed her. The pleasure and sensations alone were foreign, though she couldn't help but feel totally catered to in that moment."You may... mmnnh... you may..."She pressed her hips upward, meeting his ravenous mouth, her hands caressing her own flesh needily as she moaned for him."You're doing so well, so so well..."She was satisfying him in every way. Her words, her hands, her body... even the noises she made, the way she looked.This woman, she was a goddess of pleasure and he would worship her for the rest of his life. He wanted to make her feel good, he wanted to give her so much pleasure she would forget how it had been to go without it. A primal feeling washed over him, a sudden hunger, a burning desire to claim.He needed her, he needed her, he wanted to touch her, explore her, own her.He wanted to make her his.He wanted to own her heart, her body, her mind... he wanted all of her, to be hers and to be loved by her.He wanted to love her totally."Please," he murmured, his voice low, "Will you let me take you? Will you be mine?"

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Rukuku looked to him - it was a long, deliberate linger in her demeanor as he leered at her. Rukuku gulped, her body sheened with a soft layer of sweat, the stench of her femininity rising in the air. Her mouth drew dry and paltry however at the implication."And if I do? What will come of this... us?"She wanted to know, even in the veil of her arousal, if Guldabra would take a deeper plunge. Rukuku, unsatisfied with the prospect of simply being his Mistress, wondered what was on the tip of his tongue."Do you understand...?"This woman. She knew how to drive a man wild, didn't she. Her words did things to him, and his body reacted immediately to the mental imagery that came to mind.The idea of her, of possessing her, having her body, her heart..."I want... I want to make you mine," he began, his breathing growing labored as her essence rose to his nostrils, making his stomach twist in desire, "I want to take care of you. I want to give you everything you've need. Please."Rukuku let her hand slide from his hair to caress his firm, square jawline, her nails digging along his flesh."You know what that means, Guldabra. If I'm to be yours, totally yours," she cooed, her tone low and seductive. "You must call off your engagement."Rukuku felt her mind spinning, cruelty on the forefront of her tongue, but she wasn't about to back out now."You've tasted me, Guldabra. You won't forget the flavor along your lips... you could never kiss another woman without being reminded."Her touch made a shiver race down his spine. Even the idea of forgetting her in her presence, the taste of her on his tongue, was insane. If this was some kind of elaborate test he'd failed, because there wasn't a chance in hell he would ever forget her."Yes, my darling, yes." He swallowed, his hands moving down, gripping her hips. Her hands, her nails, it was just the sort of thing he wanted, "You have me obsessed with you, you know?"She raised a brow, her expression becoming pointed as she observed him."Guldabra. You will call off your engagement if you wish to have me, to truly have me, at your disposal."Rukuku took her legs, lacing them over his shoulders tightly, drawing him in tight against her core."You will abandon all prospects with that noble woman you speak of."A small moan escaped from his throat, her words making his stomach churn. He loved her, he loved the way she sounded, he loved the way she acted."Yes," he murmured, tilting his head into the crook of her neck, his lips kissing every inch of her skin they could, "I will, my love."Her words, her body, they had him wrapped around her, and he meant it. He really did mean it."I will call off the engagement at once. I want you. Only you.""Only me... that's right. I'll make sure you're well satisfied, Guldabra. I pomise."She let her legs loosen about his shoulders, lying back in total repose for him to do whatever it was he needed to."This is a sacrifice to you, my bodily oath to you, Guldabra. Indulge in me."The idea of possessing her, claiming her completely, was an intoxicating thought. He was a man possessed, his body reacting to every word she'd said, his mouth watering at the thought of claiming the woman who was now completely and irrevocably his.He nuzzled his mouth against her again, his voice a deep, husky murmur, "May I... may I... claim you now?"She nodded, her body thrumming with the need to be filled, to be made into a woman, a proper woman, at his very presence. Rukuku felt highly successful to start, but the deal had just begun. She looked down between them at his length, shivering at the sight of such sheer masculinity."Yes, yes you may... but please, kiss me as you take me."Her permission sent a jolt of pleasure racing through his entire body. She was his, and he could barely contain himself.He kissed her deeply, taking her mouth in his own as she'd requested, his tongue slipping into the sweet space, claiming her mouth.She was perfect, and she was his, and nothing would be able to take her from him. Ever.Her body was soft, supple and perfect. She fit in his hands like she'd been made just for him. He wanted to worship her for all eternity. He wanted her to know everything he felt, to be the light that lit up his whole body. He wanted to adore her.The feeling of her skin against his, of her soft sighs against his mouth as they kissed, was exquisite and beyond words as he moved into her.Rukuku trembled hard as she took him, the two instantly moving together in a fervent, passionate dance that left her clawing along his broad, taut back. She cried out his name over and over, immersed in the throes of pleasure that threatened to burn her alive."Guldabra... Guldabra-!!!"Rukuku wrapped her legs around his waist as he took her, her body pressed into the pillows and bedding roughly with each impact.the feeling of taking her, claiming her, was unlike anything, better than taking his breath. Nothing had been tighter, warmer around his length in his entire life. His whole body shuddered hard the longer he thrust within Rukuku, his chest tensing. "This is my life now," he murmured, one last kiss against her mouth. His body trembled with how good this felt, the feeling of his body pressed close to hers, their faces inches apart. He looked into her eyes, drinking in the vision before him, the woman of his dreams, the one he'd wanted this entire time, and she was his.His eyes were hungry. He wasn't done with her yet. Rukuku met his gaze, those fierce eyes pinning her in place as his hips crashed into her thighs, the bed rattling wildly with each and every movement he made. Rukuku held her tongue out, inviting him to take it, to kiss and suckle at it, a thick trail of saliva pooling from the side of her lip."Ahh-hahnn-!"Her toes curled and flexed as his powerful hips took what they wanted, hitting her in spots that she'd never felt before. Rukuku met his gaze, those fierce eyes pinning her in place as his hips crashed into her thighs, the bed rattling wildly with each and every movement he made. Her body, her taste, her passion was overwhelming. He knew he was no man of restraint, but he'd never been so completely overcome before. The sounds that escaped from her mouth, the gasps and moans he loved; they drove him wild with desire, making him want to give her more, take what pleasure he could from her.The bed creaked wildly beneath them, his hips pistoning wildly with each and every stroke. She was his. She had always been his. His entire life, she'd been the woman he wanted, the one he'd dreamed of having. Now he would claim her, he would take her, make her his for all the world to see.He'd wanted her for years, and now he'd have her, all of her, at last."Rukuku," he murmured, "say you love me. Say it right now."Rukuku let forth a winded breath as Guldabra went harder, her thighs forced apart more by his deep strokes."I-I-"That word, that phrase, was certainly loaded, but she didn't have the opportunity to not go forward with it. There were too many opportunities weighed in the balance, and she wouldn't let any of them go to waste.She nodded, moaning hard. "I love you... I love you, Guldabra!"She'd said it, she'd said the magic words. Her voice, her body, her face, it was all just so good.Good.The word repeated in his head like a mantra, that she was his. Finally, he had what he'd wanted all these years, the beautiful woman with the wicked tongue who'd always had that perfect hourglass shape.Guldabra, he couldn't hold back any more. He had to tell her how he felt, how obsessed he was with her, he couldn't hold it in, it was coming out."I love you," he moaned softly against her neck, "I love you, so much."And with that declaration finally out, the dam of his pent-up desire was bursting, letting lose a torrential downpour of pleasure."You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," he muttered into her skin, "and I'll do anything you tell me to do, so long as you say you're mine... you're mine.."Her eyes widened sharply as she felt his passion fill her, crying out in surprise and agonizing lust as his hot, thick climax seeded her deep. Her eyes rolled back, amazed at how he kept going despite reaching his peak."Ah-ah...ah...ah...hah... Gh-Gul-Guldabra..."She nodded slowly, manically as her face contorted wildly in pleasure - Rukuku, who bore a stoic, arrogant demeanor, was reduced to a near grotesque, pleasure addled mess, her brow furrowed *hard* as she came all over his thighs and lap. Guldabra growled softly as he felt her come undone beneath him, holding her close as he delivered a few more harsh slaps with his lips, stroking himself within her wetness before he growled out, rope after thick, hot rope of seed filling her womb."You'll be mine for life, right?" he gasped, his voice rough, "You'll stay with me until I'm too old to walk, right?"He'd been with many women before now, but none of them had had the same effect on him, none of them had awakened the powerful desire he'd felt when he first saw her. Rukuku was the one he'd imagined himself holding in the night, who he'd waken with in the morning, the woman who'd been his for years, his obsession, his true love.Rukuku closed her eyes, baring her teeth roughly as he continued to use her, her eyes clenched tighter and tighter as the pleasure bloomed and roiled deep in her core."Y-yes... yes...!!!"She didn't believe in absolutes, however, she couldn't bring herself to such conclusions, not when Guldabra was aiming to make her scream for him. She clawed down his back, hugging him close as she reached her climax, a long, shuddering cry, no, scream of pleasure ripped from deep in her throat. She clenched around him, and he lost it once again."Rukuku- Rukuku, I-I-I..."The feeling of her, the sound of her voice, the pleasure that coursed through him as they moved together, it sent him over the edge, and Guldabra buried his face against her neck, his own cry of ecstasy being stifled by her skin.He wanted her. He needed her. He had her.
He was, quite frankly, elated.

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They laid together idly for what seemed like hours, Rukuku unable to catch her breath for a long while as she lay beneath Guldabra. She caressed him gently along his shoulders and back, her lips quivering as she grounded herself. Silence drew between them, sans for their soft, steady breaths, however she mulled over every sincere thought and what this all genuinely meant. Guldabra lay there for several minutes, his eyes closed and his arms wrapped tight around her. He felt a profound sense of peace and contentment in just holding her like this, feeling her body pressed up against his, her skin still flush against his own.Finally, after catching his breath, he spoke quietly, his voice low and soft."Rukuku," he murmured, "have you ever... felt anything like that before?"She drew quiet, her blue eyes cast to the high ceiling above before she sighed deeply. Closing her eyes, she nodded 'no' and let her sweat drenched scalp rest along the sodden, muddled sheets."I haven't... not with anyone."Rukuku loathed to divulge more, but she knew that Guldabra, at least for now, was under her beck and call.
Not with anyone...
Guldabra felt a wave of possessiveness wash over him at this revelation. He raised his head from the crook of her neck to look at her, his eyes searching hers for a moment."You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "So perfect. And I'm the only one who gets to see you this way," he added, his hand moving up to caress her cheek tenderly.She felt herself frown somewhat, idly reeling in the sensation of his passion oozing out of her. It was dense, enough to make her wonder if she'd been bred totally. Rukuku, turned her head, feigning tiredness, before she began to speak to him."Now, Guldabra... are you satisfied? I look forward to our future together."His hand brushing along her cheek elicited a slight reddening of her face, Rukuku moving into his touch to feel his warmth.Guldabra was too content to notice her frown, his heart full of a giddy, almost childlike joy at her words. He hadn't stopped smiling since they'd finished, and the feeling of having her here in his arms, now that he knew, was beyond words."I'm more than satisfied, Rukuku," he sighed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You're... you're perfect. I can't begin to tell you just how happy you've made me."His happiness struck her as misplaced, Rukuku not familiar or even versed in manners of the heart in such a way. Still, she didn't want to disappoint him, whether she perceived she could or not, so she simply let him bask in the afterglow of having what he had evidently coveted for so long; right place, right timing. Rukuku needed to advance.She moaned softly as he planted that soft kiss on her sweat sheened forehead, Rukuku enjoying the attention and contact."I'm glad to have made you happy, Guldabra."Guldabra's hand continued to caress her cheek, his thumb tenderly tracing her jawline as he looked down at her, taking in every part of her face."You know... I've wanted this for so long," he said in a low voice, his eyes never leaving her own. "To have you all to myself, to make love to you. Do you have any idea how long I've desired that?"She suddenly felt irritated. Had he really? Why hadn't he made a move sooner? Why had he passed her over for other women of different merits and statuses? Rukuku drew even quieter before she chuckled."Well... one could wonder why that is."She lent him a cloyingly sweet look all the same, however, and soon enough, she was ready to rise and wash away the evidence of their tryst."Care to join me for a bath?"Guldabra was caught off-guard by the sharp change in Rukuku's demeanor, the brief flash of irritation in her eyes.But before he could question her on it, she was already rising from the bed, and he could do nothing but follow, his curiosity piqued."Of course, my love," he said softly, standing to accompany her to the bathroom. "I'd gladly take a bath with you, on one condition."Rukuku looked at herself in the large mirror near her bed, her pale flesh slightly marred by his possessive touches and kisses. She'd have to oil and tend to her skin, for no one would have the privilege of knowing that she had lain with a man before marrying him.Guldabra's posturing was met with a flat expression as Rukuku gazed at him via the mirror, much too vain to apply herself deeply."What would that be?"Guldabra noticed the way Rukuku paused to examine herself in the mirror, and he felt a pang of mixed emotions at the sight. He couldn't help but feel a sense of primal pride at the knowledge that he was the one who had marked her, that he was the only one who had been allowed to take her."My condition," he said, his eyes locked on hers in the mirror, "is that we don't bathe apart."She looked at him just as squarely, plainly, even."I did ask you to join me in a bath, did I not? I'm surprised that was lost on you."She slicked her pale blue hair back, noting how her pale lips were lacking her signature lipstick thanks to how she covered his body with it during their intense lovemaking.Rukuku turned on her heel elegantly, sauntering with swan-like poise to the door of her bedroom. "Follow along."--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guldabra felt a little embarrassed at her dry comment, but he quickly pushed that aside as he followed her, his eyes tracing over her figure as she walked. He couldn't help but marvel at the way her hips swayed, the sensuous movement of her body that was now, in some small way, his."You're right," he said as they entered the bathroom, "my apologies, my love. I'm simply... distracted by you, is all.""Are you really now?"Rukuku began to draw them a bath, throwing in a few salts and a warm, fragrant milky fluid, the scent of lavender rising through the steamy water roiling into the large basin - it would have allowed for a party of four thanks to its size.She stepped in elegantly, letting the water rise to her shoulders before she began scrubbing away with a bar of soap."Come."Guldabra watched her as she went about preparing the bath, his gaze never leaving her form. When she gave him the command to join her, he silently obeyed, stepping into the warm water and lowering himself down across from her.For a moment, he simply sat there and watched her as she washed herself, taking in the sight of her body, which was now partially obscured by the milky, lavender-scented water."May I assist you?" he asked after a moment, his eyes flickering up from the water to meet hers. "I have two free hands, after all.""Guldabra, I-"Why was he so eager to serve? It struck her as odd considering his place in the Buff clan. He was a stalwart Commander, of all things, and his image seemed to be of important. And yet... here he was, eager to give, eager to laud and deliver praising words and actions.Rukuku tried to make sense of it all, to try to not pass it off as a fleeting state of post coital infatuation, but it went without saying that this was certainly new to her. She extended her slender hand and placed the bar of soap in his palm."Yes... yes you may."Guldabra took the bar of soap from her hand, his fingers brushing against her own in the process. He smiled gently and began to work up a small lather in his hands, the soft, milky scent filling his nostrils."Where would you like me to start, my love?" he asked, his eyes flickering up to meet hers once more.His words of endearment were even foreign to her, however, Rukuku turned around."My back, wash me there."At least that seemed reasonable, all things considered.Silently, she plotted, wondering just where this all was genuinely going. He had said he'd call his engagement off, much to her surprise and arrogance, however, she needed to get deeper into what made him tick. Guldabra nodded and began to wash her back, his hands working the bar of soap gently into her skin. The feeling of her flesh underneath his touch was exquisite, and he found himself lingering a little longer than he should have in some areas."You have such beautiful skin," he murmured as he worked, his fingers tracing small, circling patterns along her shoulder blades."Yes, I make sure to take good care of it, as a woman should."She straightened the column of her neck and spine, her breasts poking forth as he washed and massaged her back. She could feel his breath at the nape of her neck, Rukuku raising a brow."I suppose you're enjoying this."Guldabra nodded, his tongue running over his lower lip as his eyes moved over her frame, from the smooth expanse of her back, down over the curve of her rear, and back up to her slender neck."I am," he said quietly, his hands working the lather over her, his fingers tracing small, light patterns across her skin. "Very much so. You have no idea how much I've longed to touch you like this."Rukuku nodded once. "A man and his longing unfulfilled certainly makes for some interesting behavior."She relaxed a bit more, noting how his large hands rolled along her lower back."If you'd like me to wash you, let me know."Rukuku wondered inwardly what had taken him so long. Was this all by chance? It both puzzled and irritated her equally.Guldabra paused, his hands stilling as he considered her offer. The thought of her washing him, touching him, it sent a shiver down his spine, but he also didn't want to come off too eager.After a long moment, he nodded, his voice low and slightly thickened with desire. "I would like that, yes. Very much."

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She nodded. "Well, the sooner you rinse my back off, the better it will be."Perhaps he was enamored with her, perhaps he actually did want her regardless of his past inactions. Rukuku figured she could, in methodical reasons, have some fun with it all. Guldabra swallowed, the thought of her touching him driving him wild. He began to rinse off the soap from her back, his hands taking a little longer than necessary as they caressed along her skin."Yes, of course," he mumbled, his eyes glued to the smooth, soapy flesh before him."Turn around," he added in a low voice.Rukuku turned about in the water, looking to Guldabra - his crimson hair hung a bit damply, his ponytail soaked with sudsy water. Her own hair clung to her skin, though as she peered at him through the foggy steam, she noticed the need and want plastered along his features. She could capitalize on it, if she were careful, but Rukuku had offered to wash him up. She took the soap from his hands and lathered up her pale, slender palms, soon rubbing them along his toned, hairy chest and along his shoulders with duty.Guldabra couldn't help but shiver at the feeling of her hands on his chest, her smooth palms tracing across his skin, leaving a wake of soapy lather. It took all of his willpower to try to hold back, to not pull her closer and press his mouth against hers.He swallowed, his adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he watched her work, his eyes drifting over her face, taking in every detail. "That feels... wonderful," he said, his voice strained.She lent him a soft smile, working her hands under his armpits and down his sides. Her breasts soon pressed into his wet chest, Rukuku's hands working down each of his muscular arms, taking in the veins and rippling muscles."Well, that's nice to know."Rinsing him down, she paused a moment, her mind reeling at the fact that she was, in fact, bathing him."Rise... so that I may wash the rest."Guldabra complied, rising to his feet with a faint slosh of water, his body on full display for her. He stood there, looking down at her with a mixture of lust and reverence, feeling unusually vulnerable in this moment.He was at her mercy, and he knew it, but there was a part of him that was eager to see what she would do next. Rukuku looked to his body, his half hardened length laying there thickly at his abdomen. That had been what was inside of her before...She narrowed her eyes not focusing on much else before she began to soap up his pelvis and thighs, scrubbing away at his abs, her eyes trained on his member intently. Her core warmed, ached at the sight of it, but she didn't so much as touch him. Guldabra watched her as she cleaned him, his eyes following her every movement as she washed his abs and thighs, the way she avoided touching his member sending his mind into a frenzy.He swallowed hard, his chest heaving as he tried to control his breathing, tried to keep himself from pushing for more."You're... being very thorough, aren't you?" he managed to get out, his voice thick and low."Should I be quick and inefficient?"Her blue eyes cast into his darker pools, Rukuku's brow slightly raised."What do you suggest that I do?""No," he said, his voice strained as he looked down at her, her slender hands moving over his skin, her blue eyes peering up at him. "Please... keep going. Just like that."His body felt taut with desire, his muscles tense as he struggled to maintain his composure. He wanted her badly, but he knew he had to be patient. As Rukuku continued to wash him, Guldabra found himself closing his eyes, his mind reeling with thoughts of what she might do next. The feeling of her hands sliding over his body was both torturous and delightful, a mix of sensation that was driving him wild.He could only remain still as she worked, his breath coming in shallow gasps."You're... teasing me," he eventually said, his voice hoarse.
She paused all together, sitting there in a somewhat obedient stance before she looked to his member again, watching it drool pre. His thoughts, the truth came pouring out of him."Now, that's just plainly rude."Rukuku rose from the water, standing before him, her head level with his chest with their height difference alone."Teasing you? Like some bully? Like a child?!"Guldabra couldn't help but look down at her, his eyes tracing over her form in the water. She was right in front of him, so close that he could smell her scent, that subtle fragrance of soap and sweat.He felt a stab of arousal at her questioning, at her tone, and he was unable to keep from speaking his mind."No... no, but... you're driving me insane," he confessed, his voice low and strained. "Your touch, your hands... they're torture.""You said you'd like it if I washed you in turn. I suppose I should have never offered given that you've insulted me so willingly, Guldabra."Rukuku knew what she was doing, but she was having a spot of fun all the same."Tell me to stop then.""Stop?"Guldabra's eyes widened at her words, his body tensing at her command. He didn't want her to stop. He wanted the opposite, in fact. He wanted her to continue, to touch him, to drive him wild with her hands and body.He swallowed, his voice thick with longing. "Why would I want you to stop? I... I didn't mean anything by it-""You have a funny way of showing it," Rukuku quipped, a small smirk playing at the corners of her lips.She knew he wanted her. She could see it in the way he looked at her, in the way he spoke to her. She knew that he was practically trembling with desire, that he was fighting the urge to grab her and take her then and there.Perhaps she could tease him a bit more. "You don't seem to understand what we've undertaken, Guldabra... what this all means.""I... I don't?"Guldabra could feel his pulse beating in his ears, his body tense as he looked down at her. Her smirk, her words, they were driving him mad. He was torn between wanting to take her right there and needing to understand what she was talking about."What... what does it mean, then? What have we undertaken?" he asked breathlessly, his voice laced with need."We've made an agreement..." Rukuku began, her tone almost condescending but not quite. Her hand reached out and traced a line down his chest, her fingertips caressing over his skin, trailing over his abdomen and down to his pelvis."An agreement to be... more than mere acquaintances."Her hand stopped at his waist, her fingers gently caressing his hip, just centimeters away from his member."Just as you've always wanted, just what you've denied yourself, what you've denied me."Guldabra let out a shaky breath at her touch, his body quivering as her fingers moved over his skin, setting him on edge. Her words were like a hot poker, igniting a fire within him that was difficult to contain.Her hand on his hip, so close to his member, was almost more than he could bear."I... I've wanted you for a long time, Rukuku," he confessed, his voice strained. "You're like a maddening addiction, a hunger that I can never fully satisfy..."Rukuku let out a soft gasp as he trembled under her fingertips, her body pressing against his. Her hands went to his chest, her fingers tracing over his collarbone idly, running down along his muscled torso.She could feel the heat and tension between them, the need that emanated from him like a physical force. He was all but aching for her, and she could feel her need to manipulate him grow more and more..."You haven't been a fool, Guldabra," she breathed, her voice laced with desire. "You've been... patient. Isn't that right?"Guldabra's heart was racing as her slender hands roved over his chest, their touch both soothed and excited him. He could feel the warmth of her body pressing against his, every line of her form imprinting itself on his skin."Yes," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "I've been patient. So patient that it's almost painful."He reached out, his hands moving down to her hips, pulling her closer against him as he continued to speak."But being near you, touching you... it's the sweetest kind of torment.""Do you feel that you perhaps... deserve less for your self imposed patience?"Rukuku moved into his touch, kissing him once on his chest as she felt him leak below."I would hate to have our arrangement be in vain. What will you do for me... for assurance? A woman needs reassurance." Like hell she did."Anything," he murmured huskily, his hands running over her hips again, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I'd do anything you ask, Rukuku. I'm completely... at your mercy."He looked down at her, his eyes dark with desire. The fact that she had this much power over him, that she could command him so completely... it only fueled his need for her."Please," he said, his voice little more than a broken plea. "Tell me what you want.""A token of your appreciation... for what's to come."She kissed along his abdomen, slowly making her way down to his pelvis as she squat in the bathtub, his length right before her face."You are to build me a fine home on this planet, something we can marvel at," she breathed, her sweet voice undercut with seductive elegance. "I wish to have your sword as a token of your protection over me."Guldabra's breath hitched in his throat as he watched her kiss her way down his abdomen, her delicate lips caressing his skin. It was like electricity, a sharp tingling sensation that sent his mind reeling.Her demand, spoken so softly, caught him off guard for a moment."A home... a token," he repeated, his voice hoarse. "You will have those things, and more. I will build you a home fit for a queen... and my sword is yours to wield as you see fit.""And," he quickly added, his voice taking on a possessive edge, "I am to be your partner. Your husband. No one else can touch you, or have you. You are mine, and mine alone. Do you understand?"There was a subtle command in his words, a firmness that betrayed a hint of jealousy. He was not going to share her, not with anyone.Rukuku smiled. "Such a thing is forbidden, though I assume you intend to contact the magistrates and marry me right away. Is that it? You plan on telling that poor woman that she can't hold a candle to me?"She kissed the very top of his length, tasting his saltiness, her lips stretching over slowly before her tongue rolled around in slow, deliberate circles. Guldabra's body shivered as her lips made contact with his sensitive tip, his breath catching in his throat. He knew he should tell her to stop, to push her away... but he couldn't bring himself to do it."Yes," he managed to get out, his voice hoarse. "I plan on it. She... she means nothing. She's nothing compared to you. I want you, Rukuku. Only you."He reached out, threading his fingers through her hair as she continued to tease him, his body taut with need. Her touch, her mouth, the feel of her tongue... it was all driving him wild."Rukuku," he gasped, his voice strained. "Please... I want you so badly. I need you, now."Rukuku inwardly was reeling with the most gluttonous of power, her palms resting on his knees as she began to take him further, her lips sliding down, down, down before her thin, angular nose was pressed into his pelvis.She inhaled him deeply, pulling back to take him deeply over and over and over again. Guldabra's breath came out in ragged gasps as she took him into her mouth, his body thrumming with each move she made. He was utterly helpless, completely at her mercy. The heat and wetness of her mouth were driving him insane, and he found himself gripping her hair more tightly, struggling to keep himself from losing control."This... this is not fair," he managed to gasp out between his breaths. "You're... you're tormenting me."She didn't answer him, though her pace increased, those nails of hers gently dragging down his wet, taut legs before they rose up to cup him. She never broke her gaze, though Rukuku could tell he was already on the edge of no return. Her tongue dug against him, stuffing her face."Mmn-mmph-mmoph-moph-"Guldabra couldn't help but watch her, his eyes locked on the sight of her lips around his length. Her nails, her tongue... they were driving him crazy, bringing him closer and closer to the edge. He was hanging on by a slim thread of control, but even that was unraveling fast. He was close, so close, but he didn't want to give in just yet. He wanted to prolong this moment, to make it last as long as possible."Rukuku," he gasped, his voice strained. "I... I'm close. Please... I need you... I need you to take me deeper..."She ignored him for the most part, relishing in his taste, showing him just how long she could take him, how she could eat him alive, literally and figuratively, her pale lips stretched over him effortlessly.Her tongue roiled along every vein, every inch of surface she could meet along that fat, girthy mast, pulling back only to suckle at the top. Guldabra's world was shrinking, shrinking as he fought to maintain his control. The feel of her mouth, her tongue, it was almost more than he could bear. He was teetering on the edge of a precipice, and he knew he was going to fall."Please," he choked out, his voice hoarse. "I... I can't take any more- I'm going to... I'm going to-"He couldn't finish his sentence, the words dying in his throat as he lost the battle for control. His body convulsed as he climaxed, a guttural moan tearing from his throat as he came undone. His hands gripped her hair tightly, his eyes squeezed shut as he rode out the wave of pleasure that washed over him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt the need for someone this strongly. This was more than just a physical need, it was an intense, all-consuming desire for this woman, this beautiful woman who was dominating him so completely. He was helpless in her grip, and he loved every minute of it. As he gradually came down from his climax, he gasped, his chest heaving. He was completely wrecked, his body limp and shaky. He was utterly spent, and it was all he could do to keep himself upright."Rukuku," he managed to gasp out, "you're... incredible."She remained calm as she felt his salty, dense climax fill her mouth, her eyes shutting softly as she drank him down deeply. It didn't seem to end, but inwardly, she patted herself on the back for the very fact that she could reduce him to such a state... especially so quickly.She slowly pulled off of him, licking her lips before she rose back up, the fragrant, milky water coating her skin in a brilliant sheen."Mmmn... that was quite tasty."Guldabra felt himself shiver as he watched her, his eyes roving over her lithe body, the water running along her skin, the way she moved. She was so beautiful, so perfect, and she was all his."You're... wicked," he managed to say, his voice still shaky. "You... you know just how to drive me wild."

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You're wicked, you know just how to drive me wild.
"Well, lucky you. I suppose I'll make for a good wife, what, for my cleaning and all."She looked to him over her shoulder, licking her lips clean of him once again, before she began to step out of the tub. She dried herself off, wrapping the towel about her pale body before she handed him one."Perhaps you'd like to continue resting here for the day, at least."Guldabra reluctantly pulled himself from the tub, accepting the towel that she offered him. His body still felt weak, shaky, but he managed to wrap the towel around his waist. He glanced over at her, taking in the sight of her in the towel, feeling a pang of desire again."I... I'm not sure I can rest after that," he admitted with a wry smile. "You've done quite a job on me.""A job, hm? I'm sorry, Guldabra, but we'll have to rest. You can prove your endurance to me after a spot of dinner at least. The day is still quite apparent, is it not?"She combed her pale blue hair back, gazing at the beauty mark under her right eye before she smiled at herself in the mirror."We should be discussing our plans."Guldabra chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief at her cool demeanor. Here he was, a puddle on the floor, and she was completely unfazed.He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "You're right, of course. We have much to discuss, plans to make."He looked at her in the mirror for a moment, admiring her beauty. "But first," he said, his voice taking on a hint of mischief, "I have a question for you.""Hm? What is it?"Rukuku tended to herself, saving no time for petting or cuddling, keeping her attention measured as she'd so long practiced."Whatever query you have, I'm listening.""Just... how are you so calm?" Guldabra asked, his tone still tinged with disbelief. "You just... you just completely dismantled me, and here you are, acting as if nothing happened."Rukuku paused in her preening, her expression flat and empty. She gazed to him in the mirror, raising a brow."Its my nature."She reached into the all white cabinet near her sink and reapplied her signature lipstick, gazing at the marks on her neck from his love bites. Applying a scented balm, she pat her neck and shoulders."What do you expect me to do? Its not as if I can collect you in my arms in a vat of water, can I? And to dismantle you, you say... why, that sounds as if I've cut you down in battle."Guldabra watched her in the mirror, his eyes tracing over her slender form, the graceful way she moved. Her cool demeanor was intoxicating, and he found himself both admiring her strength and wanting to break through that exterior."No," he said thoughtfully, "I suppose not. But still... you have a way of completely undoing me, of making me lose control. It's... it's both maddening and thrilling.""Well, those are two different things, are they not? Three, to be exact."She finished soon enough, applying lotion to her legs and arms and at the tops of her cleavage that poked forth from the crisp white towel."Do not compare my love making to battle or anything violent, its a very sacred thing. You should be more sensitive to the art of a woman's feelings, Guldabra."Rukuku couldn't help but gaslight him, hating how the focus was solely on her. Guldabra, on the other hand, couldn't help but chuckle at her comment."Oh, you're going to lecture me about sensitivity, are you? The woman who just reduced me to a quivering mess and left me in a puddle on the floor?"He stepped closer to her, his bare chest still glistening with water droplets. He placed his hands on her hips, gently pulling her closer to him. "But you're right. Your love making... it is a sacred art. One that I am eager to appreciate fully."She sighed, his touch welcomed, and yet she'd just lavished her body with lotion and special creams. His hands rubbing along it would muddy it, sully it, would it not? She remained quiet however, composed and elegant as he pulled her closer, feeling his length against her backside from the other end of the towel.He seemed hard again, even just a bit, Rukuku wondering why he was genuinely so aroused. A part of her enjoyed it, but he could prove to be rowdy if not checked."And you may again, once we have dinner and have our little chat, Guldabra."Guldabra felt her skin, silky and smooth, as he held her against him. The feel of her body, the scent of her skin, it was driving him wild. He knew he needed to keep a level head, but it was difficult when all he wanted to do was bury himself in her again.He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, to focus on the matter at hand. "Yes, I suppose I will have to wait a little longer," he said, his voice a low rumble. "But I must admit, the wait will be torture.""Guldabra... patience is a very important virtue. Let's face it, you certainly can't be making up for lost time so soon."Rukuku, giving in a little to keep his interest, let her hips roll against his softly."Please, have a meal with me. Let's discuss our future, at least."Guldabra couldn't help but growl softly as her hips moved against his. He wanted her, needed her. But he knew she was right. They needed to talk first, to discuss their future."Alright, fine," he said, his voice gruff with suppressed desire. "We'll have dinner. But you're not playing fair, you know that?"Guldabra reluctantly released her, his hands lingering on her hips for a moment before he stepped away. He picked up his towel, wrapping it around his waist once again, trying to cover the evidence of his arousal."I'll go get dressed," he said, his voice still husky. "I'll meet you in the dining room."Rukuku looked to him quietly, gathering herself. As he left the bathroom, she smirked wickedly, chuckling at the fact that he was on edge from simply being near her. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A few moments passed as she found him in her dining room, the accommodations moderate yet elegant as they were provided for her on the expedition. She wore a long white silken robe, her collarbone in view as a pair of matching slippers adorned her feet."I should call the help," she said. "What have you a taste for?"Guldabra sat at the dining table, watching her as she entered the room. His eyes roamed over her, admiring the way the robe accentuated her curves. He couldn't help but feel a pang of desire again, but he forced himself to push it aside."I'm not picky," he said, his voice softer now. "You choose."Rukuku smiled, walking to him casually before she stood behind him, her palms resting on his shoulders."You are still battle ready, I see. Have you forgotten any sense of formality, even with me?"She leaned down further, her lips dancing along his ear. "Guldabra... are you listening?"Guldabra shivered as her lips brushed against his ear. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the sensation, feeling his body respond to her proximity."Yes," he said, his voice low. "I'm listening."He reached up, placing his hand over hers on his shoulder, gently squeezing it."I must admit, it's hard to have any sense of formality around you," he said, a hint of a smile in his voice. "You have a way of making me lose all sense of composure.""Hmm, but that just won't do, I'm afraid."She allowed him to touch her, but Rukuku's ideals seemed to clash with his very own naturalistic ones. Sighing softly, she rolled her eyes."You are not lacking in tact or manners, that I know. Though, I suppose great men like yourself are hardly well behaved when it comes down to it."Guldabra chuckled softly. "You're right, I'm not known for my impeccable manners, especially when it comes to a woman as beautiful as you. But you can't blame me for being a bit... distracted."He turned in his chair to face her, his eyes roaming over her again. "You're intoxicating, Rukuku. It's hard to think clearly when you're around.""You flatter me, truly you do."She leaned into him, her knee riding along his leg, Rukuku's robe rising to show more of her flesh."But you must learn a little equal give and take. I understand how... ardent you are for me, as I am for you, however-"Rukuku narrowed her eyes at him sternly. "-tact goes a long way."Guldabra couldn't help but let his eyes roam over her bare thighs. He wanted to touch her, to explore her body with his hands. But he knew he had to control himself, to behave with at least a modicum of decency."Tact," he said, his voice a little gruff. "Right."He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I'll be on my best behavior, I promise.""Very well, I'll be holding you to it. Besides, passion is best shared in more quiet, intimate moments. Why, you act as if you'd take me before our soldiers if the opportunity struck."Rukuku planted the idea in his head, reading his face, searching for an expression that would validate her sick, self serving ego."Don't tell me you intend to do such a thing."Guldabra's eyes widened at her words, his mind flashing to the image she planted in his head. Taking her before their soldiers, claiming her as his own. He knew it was a mere fantasy, but he couldn't deny the surge of desire it ignited within him.He quickly shook his head, a hint of a guilty smile playing on his lips. "No, I... I would never," he said, his voice a little breathless. "I'm a disciplined Commander, Rukuku. I know my duties and boundaries.""Mmhm. Sure you do."Rukuku slid away from him, her eyes and lips stern as she followed his gaze."I will require some order going forward," she said. "Even outside of our duties to Doba Ajiba. We are stronger together, now more than before... I've given you carnal pleasure, and in return, I expect you stimulate my mind and life beyond it."Guldabra shifted in his seat, trying to compose himself, to regain his composure. He knew she was right, that they needed to establish a sense of order and discipline, both as partners and as commanders."You're right," he said, his voice firmer now. "I apologize, Rukuku. I'll make sure to be more mindful of my actions and my words in the future."He took a deep breath, looking at her with a more serious expression. "I value our partnership, both in battle and in life. I'll make sure to stimulate your mind as much as your body."She pushed a button on a nearby intercom. "send a low ranked Zouto to bring dinner for me, I've a guest, so make the portion double. The finest that is available, a bottle of wine."Rukuku stepped away, rounding off her shoulders. She put on music from their planet, the sonous tune elegant and nearly romantic in its percussion."You'd do well to keep me interested, what, given your history."Guldabra watched her as she moved around the room, her steps graceful and elegant. He felt a twinge of guilt at her mention of his history, knowing that he had been known for his numerous affairs before meeting her."You have nothing to worry about," he said, his tone earnest. "Since meeting you, there has been no one else. I have no desire for anyone but you.""There has been someone else. Who is this woman you're currently engaged to? No, arranged to be with?"Rukuku admired the art on the walls of the large dining room, the glimmering chandelier hung above them casting dazzling effects."Well?"

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With a hard gaze, Guldabra's once adoring, if not needy eyes, turned dark with the premonition of what was to come. Rukuku looked to him intensely, expectant of something, anything that would fall from his lips - so long as it benefited her."That's purely political," Guldabra explained, his tone firm. "An arranged marriage for the sake of maintaining alliances and strategic advantages. You know as well as I do that our society is built on such partnerships, and the woman I'm engaged to has the same understanding. There is no love or passion between us.""Hmm..." If only he knew that she held no love for him, either."And yet, I am still without a name of such a woman. You say she's a noble woman... that leaves many options. Perhaps I should probe deeper."Guldabra sighed, realizing that Rukuku would not let this go. He knew he couldn't keep the truth from her, but he also didn't want to upset her unnecessarily."Fine," he said, his tone resigned. "Her name is Anila. She is the daughter of Galam Gowa, and the alliance between our families has been a long-standing one. But like I said, she and I have no romantic feelings towards each other. It's purely a political arrangement."Rukuku's eyes widened, spinning on her heel to face him sharply."Galam Gowa's daughter?!"She scoffed, her eyes casting to the floor. There was no way that this would tide over easily, none whatsoever! A noble like Gowa would rebuke them both if he found out."You... no wonder you made me such a paltry offer to be your mere mistress! You've run out of options, but you could never truly cast away a woman like that! That'd be social suicide! You... you liar!"Guldabra's expression darkened as he saw Rukuku's reaction. He knew that she would take the news poorly, but he hadn't expected this level of anger."I didn't tell you for fear of this exact reaction," he said, his voice tight. "Yes, I have a political engagement. But that doesn't change the fact that I want you, Rukuku. I want to be with you, not her.""You could never marry me with such power weighed in the balance!"A knock sounded at the door, a servant soldier bringing their meals silently. He knew to not look either in the eye without permission, quietly placing their meals on the table alongside the wine she had requested."Get out!!" Rukuku snapped, the servant quickly pacing off before the door was shut.She was livid, insanely frustrated that her plans had been thwarted in part."No... this won't do!"Guldabra stood up, his fists clenched at his sides. He knew he had to calm her down before things escalated further."Rukuku," he said, his voice low and urgent. "You need to calm down. This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you. I knew that it would only cause tension between us."He took a step towards her, his eyes pleading with her to understand. "But you have to believe me when I say that you're the one I truly desire, not Anila.""I could care less about who you desire, as if your needs are of any concern as of now! It's always been your needs... you've... you've gotten what you've wanted from me ten times over! And what do I have to show for it?! Marrs on my skin from your greedy, greedy lips!"Guldabra clenched his jaw, his temper flaring at Rukuku's words."You're acting like a child," he hissed. "I haven't taken anything from you that you haven't willingly given me. And I would never force myself on you, or mistreat you in any way. Don't reduce our connection to something as shallow as mere physical pleasure."Rukuku could have tossed the entire bottle of wine at him, her pride and ego bruised so deeply that she couldn't rationalize it."A woman as sensitive as myself acquiesced to your pleading and needy glances! It was my duty as a woman! A kind, sensible woman at that! You will not disavow my actions as anything but!"She held back a frustrated sob, casting her eyes from him."What is a connection if it cannot be realized to the true scope of its potential?! This is beyond tragedy, this is beyond it!"Guldabra's expression softened as he saw the frustration and pain in Rukuku's eyes. He knew he had to find a way to reach her, to make her understand."Rukuku," he said, his voice gentle now. "I never meant to hurt you or take advantage of your kindness. I'm sorry if I've made you feel used or unappreciated. But please, believe me when I say that I care about you. More than I've ever cared about anyone."He took a step closer to her, lifting his hand to gently touch her cheek.She swatted his hand away from her pristine face, standing stiffly."You have touched me far enough. I was a fool to have invited you to my quarters, to my b-body...! All with the prospect of a real marriage held over my head, one that could never come to be even if I begged for it! One thing is for certain.... Rukuku Kil begs for no man!"She bounded to her room, shutting the door behind her, throwing herself on her bed as she sobbed, not out of genuine sadness at a lost love, but for the fact that her ascension towards a higher class and rank was thwarted so easily.Guldabra stood there, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He knew that he had hurt Rukuku and that there was no undoing what had been done. He had never intended to break her heart, but he had been blind to the consequences of his own actions.With a heavy heart, he turned and walked out of Rukuku's quarters. He knew that he needed to find a way to make things right, but for now, he needed time to think and to process what had just happened.
Silence, deep, resonate silence, drew between them.
Guldabra hesitantly knocked on Rukuku's door, his heart heavy with guilt."Rukuku," he called out gently. "Can I come in? I want to talk..."Rukuku didn't answer at first, but after a moment, the door opened a crack. Guldabra stepped in cautiously, his eyes searching for Rukuku in the dimly lit room. He found her sitting on the edge of her bed, her face hidden in her hands. She hid her face, though it was clear she'd been crying. A muffled sound, almost like a sob, uttered from behind her hands."Go away," came Rukuku's voice, her tone sharp and defensive. "I don't want to see you right now... not like this..."Guldabra's heart ached at the sound of Rukuku's pained voice. He took a step closer to her, kneeling down beside her. "Rukuku, please. We need to talk about this.""What else can be said, Guldabra? What?! This can't be... just forget it ever happened... let me have my dignity...""Rukuku..." Guldabra's voice was low, pleading. "You're not going to lose your dignity over this. I will do whatever it takes to make things right, I promise." He reached out, gently taking her hands in his. "Please, look at me. Talk to me.""I've already lost it... you've... you've done something I can't forget. Its my fault, it's all my fault.""No, it's not your fault." Guldabra spoke firmly. "It's my fault. I was weak, and I let myself be tempted. But I can't turn back time. All I can do is try to make things right again." He gently lifted her chin, his eyes meeting hers. "I love you, Rukuku. I always have."She looked to him, her glossy eyes full of shock. He had always loved her?"W-what? You've...?"She sniffled, her body trembling. "Guldabra... please... I can't take such a confession... not now... not like this."Guldabra took her in his arms, holding her close. "I know, Rukuku. I know this isn't how you wanted things to happen. But the truth is, I've been in love with you for a long time. I tried to tell myself that it was just a passing infatuation, but it was more than that. Much more."He gently stroked her hair, his voice soft and earnest. "You're an incredible woman, Rukuku. You're strong, brave, and beautiful. And I can't imagine my life without you."She sobbed against his shoulder, closing her eyes tight as bitter, hatred filled tears gushed from her. Rukuku, truly in all sense of it all, was behaving like a spoiled brat, her tears ambling down her face from being foiled above all."Its never been me... you've never chosen me, and now you choose me when it's far too late. I can't leave your life, I was never a part of it!""Rukuku, please, listen to me." Guldabra held her tightly, his voice urgent. "I know things haven't been easy between us. But I can't let you believe that you're not important to me. You are. You always have been."He gently wiped away her tears, his eyes searching hers. "And I don't believe it's too late. We can find a way to be together, no matter what obstacles stand in our way. I promise you, Rukuku. I will do whatever it takes to make this work."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As they both continued to speak, the idleness of their lives seemed to wash away, Rukuku crying herself to sleep. She woke hours later, tucked into her bed - sunlight poured through the window, her eyes puffy and reddened as she lay there. Was it all a dream? Where had he gone off to? Rukuku rose, holding the bedsheets to her bare chest, looking about the room. Silence and ambient noise filled her ears, but she couldn't see or find him in the immediate.Silently, she called out for him. "G-Guldabra-?""I'm here."Guldabra's voice came from the corner of the room. He emerged from the shadows, his expression gentle and concerned. "How are you feeling, Rukuku?"She wondered why she had even called out for him, her head slammed with a deep headache."..."Silently, she rose from her bed, looking at him with a conflicted expression before she sighed deeply."You should go..."Guldabra's expression faltered at Rukuku's words. He had hoped that they could continue their earlier conversation, but now it seemed that she was shutting him out again."Rukuku, please," he said, taking a step forward. "Don't shut me out like this. We need to talk."She looked away from him, holding herself as she stood nude and vulnerable... ripe for the taking."What else can be said, Guldabra? I've gotten too far over my head, haven't I? Can't we have the dignity of moving past this? To chalk it up as a mere tryst? I won't hold it against you."Guldabra's heart sank at Rukuku's words. He could see the pain and despair in her eyes, and it broke his heart. But he couldn't just let her push him away."No, Rukuku. I can't just move on from this like it's nothing. You mean too much to me." He stepped closer, reaching out to take her hand. "Please, talk to me. Tell me what you're feeling, at least!""Disappointment, shame, humiliation in myself for allowing such flighty thoughts to take over my mind for you."She shrugged. "I had lofty ambitions. You can't have me in a way that matters... not as some mere mistress."Guldabra's expression softened as he listened to Rukuku's words. He could hear the pain in her voice, and he knew that he had caused her a great deal of turmoil."Rukuku, please believe me when I say that you are not a mistress. You are so much more than that. You are the woman I love, and I refuse to let you feel this way"He gently took her hands in his, looking into her eyes."Please, give me the chance to show you how much you mean to me.""What could you possibly do? How? How could you possibly show me in a way that matters?!"She looked at him hard, shivering from the muted coolness of her room, her nipples hardening ever so slightly."Please... please don't humiliate me further."Guldabra sighed, conflicted. He could see that Rukuku was hurting, and he didn't want to make things worse."You're right, Rukuku. I can't show you how much you mean to me in a way that matters right now. But I don't want to give up on us."He gently brushed her hair out of her face, his touch tender and caring."Please, let me be there for you. Let me support you, and show you that I'm worthy of your love. That's all I ask."His words played on her very much hidden femininity, the warmer part of her that she hid behind her cool, all of exterior.She moved into his hand, seeking him, but conflicted all the same."...Alright."Guldabra smiled softly, feeling a sense of relief as Rukuku leaned into his touch. He knew that it wouldn't be easy to win her over, but he was determined to try."Thank you, Rukuku," he said, gently stroking her cheek. "I won't let you down. I promise.""You already have... ten times over."She sighed hard. "Please, leave me.""Right," Guldabra said, reluctantly letting go of her hand. "But promise me that we'll talk again soon, okay?"He stepped closer, leaning in to kiss her forehead tenderly."I care about you, Rukuku. More than you know."She closed her eyes, frustration taking hold before she began to feel herself shut down further."Goodbye, Guldabra. We will meet when it's conventional."She nodded towards her door."It's time that you resume your duty.""Alright," Guldabra said quietly, knowing that he had done all he could for now.He turned towards the door, but stopped himself before walking out. He looked back at Rukuku one last time, his expression filled with love and concern."Take care of yourself, Rukuku. And please, remember that I'm here for you. No matter what."Days would pass before they would convene again, though under more simplistic manners. The survey of the planet has been relatively fruitful, materials loaded back and shipped to their home planet. Rukuku was at the main control tower of the facility of the Buff Clan's outpost, her eyes still seemingly locked in deep thought as she observed the reports, hating that she wasn't somewhere else, anywhere else. Guldabra stood beside her, his hands clasped behind his back as he went over the reports. He glanced sidelong at Rukuku every so often, trying to gauge her mood. He knew that things had been fraught between them lately, but he couldn't just ignore her existence."So," he said finally, breaking the silence. "Everything's on track, it seems. Good work, Rukuku."He gave her a small smile, hoping to elicit some sort of response from her. Maybe they could bridge the gap between them, somehow."This is hardly my doing. Thank our soldiers and miners for establishing enough peace with these aliens to extract their minerals."She turned on her heel, walking away for a moment as she poured herself a glass of water.Guldabra's heart sank a little as Rukuku dismissed his praise. He had hoped that she would at least acknowledge his compliment in some way, but instead she had walked away.He followed her, watching as she poured herself a glass of water."Rukuku," he said softly, "is everything alright? You seem distant lately." He hoped that she would open up to him, tell him what was on her mind, no matter how impossible it possibly was to do so.She sat her glass down, sighing. "I've been busy, like you should be, but I suppose you're far too wound up in the affairs of another woman."She bore a haughtily cruel expression as her back remained turned, holding her head high. "Everything is right in my world. I'm focused."Guldabra's expression tightened at Rukuku's words. He could sense her resentment, the bitterness in her voice."You're focused on everything but me," he said, his tone tinged with frustration. "Don't I matter to you at all? Or am I just a burden, an inconvenience in your perfectly focused little world?!"He was tired of the constant tension between them, the endless games and coldness. He wanted to reach out to her, to bridge the gap that seemed to be widening every day."Should I focus on you? Should I lavish you with attention to stoke the fire burning in your loins?!" She spun around to face him, her arms crossed indignantly. "You grow tired of the woman you can't control, is that it? One that will go quietly into the night and not be your plaything?"Guldabra's expression darkened, his frustration boiling over."Is that what you think of me?" he snapped, his voice laced with anger. "That I see you as just a plaything? Someone to control? You know me better than that, Rukuku."He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers."I don't want to control you. I want to love you, to be a part of your world. But you make it so damn hard sometimes, with your cold glances and dismissive words."Her expression faltered ever so slightly as he barked back."You can raise your voice at me all you please, it doesn't change the fact of the matter."Rukuku balked. "Don't make me laugh at you. You love what I can do for you... how I could kiss and console you.""That's not true, and you know it!" Guldabra shot back, his frustration mounting. "I love you for who you are, not just what you can do for me. But sometimes, it feels like you don't want to let me in, like you're determined to keep me at arm's length."He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair."Is it so hard for you to believe that I actually care about you, Rukuku? That I want to be there for you, no matter what?""Hmph... if you say so."Rukuku looked him up and down, tapping him on his chest firmly."Romantic men like you make for good lovers, but I've yet to see beyond it. Where is the manor you promised me? your sword? Fine baubles?""You're hopeless," Guldabra said, exasperated. "Is that all you care about? Material things? Do they really mean more to you than anything else?"He took a step back, frustrated with her stubborn refusal to see past her materialistic desires."You're smart, Rukuku. You know that I can't give you all that right now. We're on a survey mission on a foreign planet, not some holiday!""Hopeless and destitute. Perhaps I should marry a nobleman I don't care for if it means I get to look down upon you from my throne. Truly, that's all I'm good for in the eyes of you men. I've always been last, always the smallest of the litter. And yet you think you and I can have something that is more than just the physical."Rukuku chuckled. "Perhaps I will lay with you when the time comes for it again. There's no man who's ever gotten that deep before."Guldabra was speechless, his mind reeling from Rukuku's words. He had always known that she had a cynical streak, but he never thought she would be so cold and dismissive of his feelings."You're wrong, Rukuku," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're so much more than that. You're strong, ambitious, and beautiful. And I'm not just talking about your physical appearance, although that's certainly a part of it. But I see you for who you truly are, beyond all the armor and bravado.""You've no right to make assumptions about me! I am a product of my environment! Of being dismissed! I'm tired of it, quite frankly."She drug her palm down his chest idly."And if I became your mistress, if you went along and had me at your disposal, you'd have to juggle two women. I can be quite a handful if I will it."Guldabra sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the strain between them. He knew that he couldn't force Rukuku to reciprocate his feelings, but he couldn't bear the thought of giving up on her either."You're right," he said softly. "And I know that it's not easy for you, the life you've led. But I'm not just making assumptions, Rukuku. I've seen glimpses of the person behind the armor, and I want more than just a mistress. I want what we had before.""Camaraderie? The one night of passion that left you a boyish, trembling mess?"Guldabra's face flushed at the memory, but he couldn't deny the truth in her words."Yes, that," he admitted, his voice quavering ever so slightly. "But not just that. I want the connection we had back then, the ease and comfort we felt with each other. I want us to be able to talk and laugh and be honest with each other. I want to be with you, Rukuku, in every sense of the word.""And yet I'm content on torturing you for your affections towards me. See? I'm a viper, and yet you love being bitten."She lent him a coy look. "It ultimately will be my choice if I fall deeper into depravity with you. If I acknowledge your feelings.""I suppose you'd like a little kiss."Guldabra swallowed, feeling his heart race at Rukuku's words. He was hopelessly ensnared in her web, and he knew it."Yes," he whispered, his need for her palpable. "I do want a kiss."He leaned in closer, closing the distance between them, his breath hitching in anticipation.Rukuku looked at Guldabra, chuckling rudely before she pulled him closer, her breasts pressing into his abdomen. She licked her lips before she kissed him, slowly, ardently, practiced passion as she allowed her tongue to snake along his, tasting his saliva thickly. Guldabra moaned softly, feeling the heat of her body pressed against him. He reciprocated her kiss, his tongue swirling around hers as he savored the taste of her. He wanted more, but he also didn't want to push her too far, not yet. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close as he deepened the kiss, his desire mounting with each passing moment.Rukuku's lips and tongue grew more furious, downright making out with him as if she were a harlot, saliva pouring down her chin. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, seeing how he succumbed to her. Guldabra was losing himself in the kiss, his mind filled with thoughts of Rukuku and nothing else. The taste of her, the feel of her body against his, the heat between them... it was almost too much to bear.He moaned into her mouth, his hands roaming over her back, pulling her even closer. He was lost in her embrace, and he never wanted it to end.Guldabra eventually broke the kiss, panting slightly as he looked into Rukuku's eyes."I think I'm addicted to your kisses," he whispered, his voice husky with desire. "I can't get enough of you, Rukuku."He took a step back, trying to regain his composure, but he knew that it would be difficult to resist her further advances."We should probably return to our duties soon," he said reluctantly. "But I hope this isn't the last time we share a moment like this."Rukuku raised a brow, dabbing her lips with her handkerchief elegantly before she folded it back up."No, not yet. I haven't amused myself to the fullest."She came to a low squat before him, her hand undoing the white uniform belt about his waist, tossing it aside as it was mere trash."Your length, Guldabra. I wish to look at it."Guldabra swallowed, feeling his heart race as Rukuku knelt before him. Her request was bold, and he could feel himself growing hard at the mere thought of her looking at him in that way."Are you sure, Rukuku?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly with desire. "Once we go down this path, there's no turning back... not yet, anyway."Rukuku, meanwhile, remained squatting, knowing that he was on the edge. Staring at him through lidded eyes, her gaze heated. She wasn't in a rush, merely wanting to see and savor what was before her. "I'm in no hurry. I hope you understand.""If you want my attention, then you'll amuse me."Guldabra couldn't resist Rukuku's command, even if he tried. He fumbled with his zipper, his hands trembling slightly as he exposed his length to her. Once he was exposed, Guldabra hesitated, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as Rukuku continued to look at him. He couldn't read the expression on her face, and he wasn't sure what she expected of him next."Rukuku," he said, his voice thick with desire. "Please, tell me what you want from me."She gazed at his member, silently leering at his flesh with an inspecting demeanor. "Hmph... this thing was in me, wasn't it?"Guldabra nodded, feeling his face flush with arousal and embarrassment."Yes," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was, and it was one of the most intense experiences of my life.""Hmm... interesting. Even more intense than battle? Than sparring?"She pursed her lips, leaning forward before her nose was filled with the fresh, masculine scent of his body."Well, I suppose I should get acquainted with it, what, being your Mistress and all.""I-" Guldabra stammered, his mind spinning at the thought of Rukuku getting acquainted with him in that way. No, not just acquainted," he thought, "intimate.""Rukuku," he managed to say, his voice husky with desire. "I'm yours to command. Whatever you wish, I will do.""That's not true," she murmured. "You won't do anything for me, just enough to feel pleasure. Do not contest it, save me the romantics."She pressed her lips to the top, smooching it hard, tasting the saltiness there before she reared her head back. Guldabra couldn't resist moaning softly as her lips met his sensitive flesh. He was overwhelmed with pleasure, and he felt his knees go weak at the sensation."Rukuku," he gasped, his voice wavering with pleasure. "Please, don't stop.""A well adored, powerful fleet Commander buckling at the knees like a little boy from just a kiss," she mused. "It's a bit... cute."She kissed along his length, though she didn't offer her tongue or the deeper confines of her mouth, covering his sensitive flesh with her light pink lipstick. Guldabra moaned louder, feeling his body shudder with pleasure as Rukuku's kisses traced along his length. He wanted more, needed more, but he knew that he had to let her set the pace."This is torture, Rukuku," he gasped, his voice pleading as he struggled to remain standing. "Please, I can't take much more of this.""This is only an nth of what I feel, what you've inflicted upon me. You should be happy a woman like myself has reduced their station to being your Mistress."She continued planting kisses along his length, fondling his scrote as she persisted."This is the thing... that will sow children in that lucky woman..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Guldabra couldn't hold back any longer; he was beyond caring about anything she had to say. To ignore her would be one thing, to allow her the jest of amusement would be another, but no, he was a man... a man of the Buff clan, and there was no room to allow her the ability to be so self serving. He knew inherently that it was wrong, that he was cheating on the woman he was betrothed to, manipulating aspects of his status to do so with Rukuku, but he couldn't let her slip away so easily. His hips presed forward, feeding her his cock, slamming it home over and over down her throat just to shut her up. Guldabra Dron had, quite frankly, had enough of it.She gasped as he pressed her down the entirety of it, her throat shivering around him as he moved."GLUCK, GLUCK, GLUCK, GLUCK-!"Rukuku groaned and gasped, unable to react as he continued, her eyes boring up into his angrily as he took control. As Rukuku looked up at him, her eyes filled with surprise and anger, Guldabra felt a surge of pleasure and domination. He knew it was wrong to take control like he was, but he couldn't help himself. Seeing Rukkuku in such a submissive and vulnerable position was becoming one of the most intense experiences of his waking days, of his life, even. He had never felt so alive, so powerful - no battle or obstacle overcome could compare to that very moment.She planted her hands on his thighs, saliva drooling from her lips in thick, wet bubbles as it hit the pristine white floors. The front of her uniform was becoming absolutely stained with spit, her lips puffy from the activity.Rukuku gurgled a moan out, a burning sensation taking over her throat and chest the longer her took the reigns, his shaft being fed to her so ruthlessly that she felt as if she could upchuck. Guldabra felt a rush of pleasure and power as he continued to thrust into Rukuku's mouth, gasping and panting with the exertion. He knew he shouldn't be doing this, that he was being selfish and taking advantage of Rukuku's submission, but he couldn't stop himself. He was too far gone, too lost in the intense sensation.As he continued, her eyes slowly rolled back, inhaling through her elegant nostrils and unable to move with how hard his hands were holding her head. Her lipstick was absolutely ruined, the hardness of his length bullying her throat making her squirm.Guldabra felt a sudden rush of guilt and empathy as he saw the pain and discomfort in Rukuku's eyes. He knew that he was taking things too far, and he had to stop. Suddenly, however, Guldabra felt a rush of adrenaline and determination. He was done with Rukuku's teasing and snide cruelty, and it was time to take things further. With a sudden burst of strength, he yanked Rukuku off his length by her hair, leaving her gasping for breath, saliva oozing off of his member.She panted hard, her mouth agape and her tongue held out as she gathered her wits together. Rukuku gazed at him through narrowed eyes, soon leering down at his slickened shaft - It excited her yet revolted her deeply at how much it turned her on.Guldabra grinned, feeling a rush of pleasure and power at the sight of Rukuku's vulnerable state. "You thought you could push me around and not face any consequences?" he taunted, his voice deep and husky. "I'm not some meek servant to be used and discarded at your whim."He continued to hold Rukuku by her pale blue hair, relishing the feeling of dominance. He knew that he was being harsh, but he also knew that Rukuku needed to be put in her place. He was tired of her bullying and manipulation, and it was time for her to learn a lesson. He took a step closer to her, still holding her by her hair."You will learn to respect me," he growled. "And you will learn to obey my commands. Is that clear?"Rukuku looked at Guldabra with wide, shocked eyes, her lips trembling as she witnessed the wrath that he so effortlessly yielded against her. For once in her life, she felt small and pathetic, though she didn't want him to realize as much.She gulped, her lips slick with thick, frothy spit."I... I've done nothing wrong..."Guldabra laughed, his tone cold and mocking."You've done nothing wrong?" he repeated, his grip on her hair tightening. "You've bullied and belittled me since the day we met. You've treated me like nothing more than a servant, a pawn to be used for your own gain. And you think you've done nothing wrong?"He shook his head, his expression hardening. "You're delusional, Rukuku. You've lived your life in a bubble of privilege and entitlement, never once considering the feelings of those around you. It's about time you got a dose of reality."She felt conflicted, upset and yet dreadfully aware of everything he said. Her cold demeanor, her empty responses, her arrogance. She had found him attractive, had worked with him closely in ways that belied the camaraderie they shared. She had been denied herself, skipped over for other women, so she in turn had denied him."But... but what of my feelings? Do you not know why I'm down here to begin with? On my knees? That I still acquiesced to your desires... that I've so openly accepted such a lowly position just to be in your life?""Your feelings?" Guldabra repeated, his tone incredulous. "Are you serious? You've spent this entire time belittling and demeaning me, and you expect me to care about your feelings?"He yanked her head back, forcing her to look up at him."You're only in this position because you're desperate and pathetic," he growled. "You're not doing this for me, or for any genuine reason. You're doing it because you're insecure and scared of being alone."Rukuku stared at Guldabra with an empty, void-like gaze. Humiliated, belittled, put so thoroughly in her place.Her eyes grew as glossy as her saliva coated lips, gazing down at her chest and thighs, how the heat and shame she felt in her body commingled so terribly, knots forming in her gut as she lowered her head, dejected.Guldabra saw the look in Rukuku's eyes, and for a moment a pang of guilt swept over him. He knew he had gone too far, that he had been too harsh with her.But then he saw the way her chest heaved with her shaky breaths, her body trembling beneath his grasp. He saw the way her pride and arrogance had been shattered, and a sense of satisfaction washed over him."Look at you," he spat, his voice tinged with disgust. "Reduced to a quivering mess beneath me. Maybe now you'll think twice before belittling someone else."He released his grip on her hair, watching as she slumped forward, defeated."You're nothing but a weak, pathetic woman," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "And that's how I'll treat you from now on."Rukuku shivered in both anger and a misplaced sense of arousal, her eyes cast to the floor before she leaned forward silently. Without even a word, she eased closer and resumed worshipping his saliva riddled length, her tongue and lips making a mess of it before she took him once again, her head working back and forth rapidly. She wasn't sure what had overtaken her, why she was even doing such a thing after being humiliated so deeply, but she couldn't stop.Her eyes looked into his, her lips stretched and terse as she worshipped his cock, her tongue dragging along the bottom as she pleased him handsfree. Her expression was desperate, submissive, utterly feminine as her brows furrowed.Guldabra could feel Rukuku's desperate need to please him, and it only added to his satisfaction. He watched, his expression stoic but his mind spinning with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he despised Rukuku's arrogance and entitlement. On the other, he couldn't deny the thrill of dominating her so thoroughly, of reducing her to a quivering mess at his feet.He knew that he should stop, that he should show Rukuku that he wasn't really that type of person. But he couldn't. The power and satisfaction he felt in that moment was too intoxicating. He knew that Rukuku was submitting to him out of fear and shame, but he didn't care. He told himself that she deserved it, that she had brought this upon herself with her arrogance and disdain. And as he stared down at her, his grip tight on her hair, he knew that he was right. He was in control, and he was going to make her pay for every ounce of disrespect she had ever shown him.Guldabra couldn't help himself. He knew that what he was doing was wrong, but he couldn't stop. He knew that he should let Rukuku up, give her a chance to breathe and regroup, but he didn't want to. He wanted to keep going, to push his advantage until he had completely broken her.He yanked her up by the hair, forcing her to look at him with watery eyes."You want to apologize to me?" he growled. "Beg for forgiveness, then. Beg for mercy."Rukuku couldn't speak, her head still rocking back and forth even in his possessive grasp, her eyes watery and wide as her lips drug over every inch of him, the squelching gurgles coming from her throat indicative to how wet her mouth truly was becoming. Snot pooled from her nose, but she couldn't stop. She didn't know why she was continuing, why she didn't fight back or something, anything, but she couldn't help it. Some raw, primal thing was taking over her, a womanly thing, and she couldn't help herself.She placed her hands on his bare, muscular thighs, not even caring if she was seen potentially, her face riddled with subservience.As Guldabra watched Rukuku continue to service him, he could feel his anger and frustration beginning to dissipate. He was still angry, still resentful, but seeing her like this, so vulnerable and submissive, was satisfying in its own way.He yanked her head back again, forcing her to look up at him."Is this what you wanted?" he taunted, his voice low and dangerous. "Is this what you wanted all along? To be on your knees, worshipping me?"She gasped, a thick, wet bubble of saliva forming in her mouth before it popped, her gasping, heaving breaths hot and dense."I'm sorry... I'm... I'm sorry... I'm sorry....""You're sorry?" Guldabra repeated, his grip on her hair loosening slightly. "What are you sorry for? For being a bully? For treating me like dirt under your feet? Or for being too weak to stand up for yourself?"He paused, his expression softening slightly. "Or maybe you're not sorry at all. Maybe you're just sorry that you got caught. That you got caught being the weak, pathetic woman you truly are.""G-Guldabra... Guldabra I'm... I'm going to-"She gulped, "I'm not pathetic..."Rukuku whimpered, shame and desperation taking hold."It's not my fault... It's not all of my fault... I couldn't give in... I couldn't do this, not when you had others... passed over, like I was nothing...."Guldabra felt a pang of guilt at Rukuku's words, but he quickly pushed it aside. He knew that she had a point, to an extent. But that didn't change the fact that the way she had treated him was wrong."It doesn't matter," he said, his tone cold. "Your feelings don't change the fact that you were cruel and heartless towards me. You deserve every ounce of humiliation and shame you feel right now."She gazed at him and back down to his turgid length, overwhelmed by his dominance over her and how she was made to submit to it, the character assessment of her cruelty and aloofness making her quake."Guldabra... I'll... I'll be with you... you've won, alright? I promise to be softer... kinder... please..."Guldabra felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction at Rukuku's words. Here she was, the arrogant, cold, and calculating woman who had treated him so poorly, now kneeling before him and offering to be softer, more compliant.He released her hair, taking a step back to observe her. "I like the sound of that," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But I won't just take your word for it, Rukuku. You'll have to prove it to me. Starting now."She didn't know what to do, feeling as if she were totally at fault for not giving into him sooner. Rukuku gulped, feeling lost and hopeless. Should she have waited on him forever? For him to choose higher status women to be his wives over her? Was that simply the way?Rukuku placed her hands on her lap subserviently, her eyes cast to the ground as she lowered her head.Guldabra could see the conflict and confusion on Rukuku's face, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her. He knew that he had put her in a difficult position, that he had been harsh and unforgiving in his treatment of her. But he also knew that she had been cold and uncaring towards him for so long, and he couldn't just let her off the hook."Rukuku," he said, his voice softer now. "Look at me."With a bout of hesitation, she acquiesced, looking up at Guldabra with a hint of remorse. She couldn't help but gaze at his saliva soaked length again, his sheer masculinity making her ache deep in her core. There was no humiliation that could be worse, so she felt..."First," Guldabra said firmly, "You're never going to treat me like you used to. No more arrogance, no more disdain, no more belittling comments. Understand?"He paused, waiting for Rukuku to nod in agreement. "And second, you're going to prove to me that you mean it. I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Rukuku. Any sign of your old behavior, and you'll be back on your knees.""I understand."Rukuku felt ashamed, defeated, and desperate to prove to Guldabra that she wasn't really such a horrible person, and never was. She'd become jaded and bitter from years of seeing her fellow Buff clan member wives-to-be get selected over herself for higher ranked partners. She'd taken her own self worth issues out on him, projecting her insecurities like a vicious demon of hate.She looked at Guldabra now, her eyes watery."I'm... I'm so sorry. I really am."Guldabra's expression softened as he looked at Rukuku, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. He knew that she had been treated unfairly in the past, that the Buff clan's rigid class system had been stacked against her. And he knew that he had been part of that system, that he had been complacent in perpetuating it.He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face."I know," he said softly. "I know that you've been hurt. But that doesn't give you the right to hurt others."Rukuku was gaslit to some degree, but she didn't notice or see it. Instead, she suddenly was prone to the idea that she'd been a horrible person and that her behavior, of which she couldn't even rightfully think of, was somehow meant to be punished. She'd kept him at arms length, had succumbed to his rather apparent need when he had asked to be with her intimately, and now, she felt as if she had some obligation to be his partner, even if it wasn't under the guise of a genuine marriage.
Maybe this was her lot in life after all.
Rukuku sat there on her knees, her head bowed. She flinched gently as he pushed her hair behind her ear, queasy and uncomfortable. Guldabra saw the flinch and took a step back, giving Rukuku some space."I'm not going to hurt you," he said softly. "I just want you to understand that I'm not your enemy. I'm not trying to make you feel bad about yourself, but I also can't just let you treat me badly and get away with it."He paused, letting his words sink in. "We're in this together now, Rukuku. And that means we have to communicate, we have to work together. Can you do that? Can you be open and honest with me?""What if... I don't want to be your partner...?"She looked to the ground harder, feeling as if she could crumble up and die. "Why must I reciprocate your feelings...?"Rukuku felt like a useless little child, nowhere near the competent, capable woman who he had fallen for. He had confessed his love, had talked down to her and made her teasing more real when he had taken her throat. A part of it excited her deeply, yet another part left her without an identity to hold to."Must you be a man... and I your woman? Is that what must be?"Guldabra felt a pang of hurt at Rukuku's words, but he knew that he couldn't force her to reciprocate his feelings. He took a step back, giving her more space. "I can't make you reciprocate my feelings," he said quietly. "But I also can't just let you go. Not after everything that's happened between us."He paused, looking at her sadly. "You're not useless or helpless, Rukuku. You're strong and capable. And I respect that. I just wish you could see yourself the way I see you."She always had seen herself as worthy, jealous and resentful, yes, but always worthy. Internally, she knew she couldn't throw that in Guldabra's face; he simply didn't care about how his actions had genuinely affected her. Always second fiddle, always second best, and now, it was all a little too late. He'd marry Anila, have his loveless marriage, but he'd reap more benefits. She'd get the crumbs, taking on the brunt that he'd never pass along to his wife to be."..."Rukuku sat there on the floor, heavy as stone, unable to move before she sucked back her tears. Rising, she gazed at his still hard length, revolted at how the sight of its slickness aroused her so deeply. She was a woman, a woman with needs she often denied, and Guldabra had been the only man who satisfied her.Guldabra could feel the weight of Rukuku's emotions crashing down on him. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, to tell her that everything would be okay. But he knew that wouldn't be enough. He needed to show her that he truly cared about her, that he was willing to make sacrifices for her."Rukuku," he said softly. "I know that you don't love me the way I love you. But I still want to be there for you. I still want to help you, to stand by your side. Can you let me do that? Can you trust me?"She simply nodded, stepping forward, albeit a bit shakily, before she pressed her body against his. His warmth covered her frame like a blanket, Rukuku feeling his throbbing length press against her abdomen."I will allow it."
She knew, inherently, that she could manipulate him no more.
Guldabra felt a surge of relief as Rukuku stepped forward and pressed her body against his. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't let you down, I promise."He paused, taking a deep breath. "But there's something else I need to ask of you. Something important. I need you to be honest with me, no matter what."Rukuku stood there quietly before she nodded."Yes, Guldabra?"Guldabra took a deep breath, looking into Rukuku's eyes. "When you said you didn't want to be my partner," he began, "was that true? Do you really not love me, or was it just something you said in the heat of the moment?"He paused, waiting for her response. "I need to know the truth, Rukuku. I need to know where I stand with you."Rukuku knew that couldn't be true - he didn't have to marry her, but his prestige and honor were in the balances. Those things, among many others, were more important than his feelings for Rukuku ever would be.She bit back a sob, her last shred of pride yielded like a shield as she kept her head up."I will not interfere."Guldabra felt a pang of sympathy as he saw the pain in Rukuku's eyes. He knew that this was asking a lot of her, that he was essentially asking her to stand by and watch as he married another woman. But he couldn't deny the reality of their situation. The Buff clan was a rigid and unforgiving society, and as the son of a war hero, he had certain obligations and expectations to uphold. Guldabra's heart sank as he watched Rukuku struggle to hold back her emotions. He knew that this was hurting her deeply, that his decision was causing her pain and heartache. He wanted to take it back, to tell her that he didn't want to marry Anila after all. But he knew that he couldn't. He had made a commitment, and he had to uphold it, no matter the cost.
End of Book 1