Author's Note:

Next installment.

Probably could use a bit more editing. Hope you enjoy it.

As always, comments are welcome.


One hour ago

Skye looked like she was ready to be executed as conversation came to a halt. All eyes turned to Judy, the doe's ears flopping down, with a forced smile blooming widely on her face.

"Hah, hah… Nick's really into 'All My Bunnies'," she laughed. "Turns out Claudia's mystery father is... Dr. Jack Valance. Hah, hah. Sorry." Nick was nodding frantic agreement.

"I really shouldn't take it so seriously," he laughed. "It's just a soap opera."

"Well, if anyone is up for pie and coffee, this is the time to let me know," Bonnie said, coming to the pair's rescue. Demand for dessert was unanimous, and the matriarch called out for some of the older kits to come clear the table. Others brought in several different flavors of pies along with plenty of rich coffee. Skye and Bonnie went practically head to head for the most pie eaten; not even Nick could keep up with the expecting mothers.

Eventually the pies were gone, the hour getting late with no more mishaps. Nick's mood had also mellowed with pie.

"You will be staying the night, won't you, Kiathaas?" Bonnie asked the lynx. "Storm's raging outside and it's a good one-hour drive to your castle. We have plenty of room."

"We would love to, Bonnie," the lynx said. "We don't have any pressing business tomorrow. Perhaps Trina and I could get a tour of the farm?"

"That would be swell," Stu said. "You can pick some fresh berries while you're here. The raspberries, cranberries and strawberries are all in season."

"Fantastic!" Kataiahs said. "We look forward to it."

"You live in a castle?" Jack asked, intrigued.

"How fitting," mumbled Nick with a Count Macula accent. Judy pinched him under the table.

"Yes," Kataiahs said, casually. "The Snaydler Castle, at the North end of the city, overlooking Bunnybrook Bridge."

"The Snaydler Castle?" Jack said, fascinated. "It is one of the oldest castles in Mammaldom."

"Been in the family for generations," the lynx said. "You should stop by for a visit, someday, if you enjoy walking through History. The castle is also the longest continuously-inhabited structure in the world."

"The view of the river is extraordinary," Trina added. "And incredibly romantic." The black-furred doe smoothly hopped on to Kataiahs' lap, snuggling against his chest. Elena followed her lead with Reggie. Bonnie eyed Stu with a warm smile but settled for leaning against him to the buck's relief—not that he wouldn't like having his mate on his lap; he didn't want to take any chances of her falling when she was this close to delivery.

Nick's tail wagged, the tod arching his eyebrows at his mate, then his enthusiasm suddenly died when he noticed a single tear on Cynthia's cheek. The vixen yawned, standing up slowly.

"It's been a long day," she said. "I think I will call it an evening." Jack shot up to his feet, his chair nearly tipping over in his rush to go help the vixen up.

"Why don't I walk you to your room," he said. "Just to be sure you make it alright."

She smiled. "I would like that," she said, leaning on his shoulder.

"You know your way, dear?" Bonnie asked her.

"Yes, Mom," she replied. "I can find my way with Jack's help."

"Get some rest, dear," Bonnie said. Skye nodded and left with Jack. Judy gave Nick a told-you-so smile, then kissed him and stood up on her chair with a nod to her parents.

"You all might be wondering what's the occasion for this sudden get-together," she said, noting everyone's agreement. "Jemina, Dalia, Jethro, Kevin: Your partners aren't here tonight, but this also concerns them. Mom, Dad: As our parents, this is important to you." Her siblings, Elena included, were looking at her with curiosity. Judy took a deep breath and looked at Kataiahs.

"When we took Skye to visit Dr. Reylands this afternoon, I noticed several books and papers in his office that I found intriguing, so I did a little research on Dr. Reylands' work and decided to invite him over to explain to you what I found. Mom, Dad: Other than you, all of us in this room are involved with mammals of other species." She looked around at everyone, seeing their eyes widening. "I don't know about the rest of you," she said, "but I wouldn't change that for anything. Nick completes me, and I would be lost without him." The others nodded their understanding. "My only disappointment is not being able to give kits to my mate," she said sadly. Nick took her paw, letting her know he was not disappointed in her. She smiled at him, then looked at the others.

"Dr. Reylands has found a way to fix that," she said.


8:01 PM

"What have you done, Octavio?" the Ambassador asked desperately. The old Siberian tiger shook his head at the wolf. Chia, Abigail, Palila and Windbright were conversing happily with the Ambassador's wife in the main room, laughter and giggles coming from all the ladies, including the matronly Lady Chalcedon, a notorious sour-puss.

"The Emperor is already after your head," the tiger whispered. "Why do you provoke the entire Pack, now, with this idiocy? Four wives? Couldn't you even just stick to canines? What happens when they don't have kits? Have you considered that? That's Reproductive Fraud, you fool. An automatic trip to the slave block."

"I trust Chia's judgement in this, my old friend," Octavio said, confidently. "She presented a most compelling case."

"This was that cub's idea?" the Ambassador muttered. "How could you go along with this? You know she is not completely... stable, Octavio."

"She is my mate, Gremwald," he said, summing it all up. "I find her quite reasonable."

"Yes," the tiger laughed. "You would. Killing Maedved only delayed your troubles, you know. Now this? The Emperor will go ballistic! Ketryn even tells me you brought the rabbit's brood into your household! You realize that puts a bunny in line for the Throne? The Pack will tear you apart!"

"Your concern truly warms my heart," Octavio said, sincerely. "But I have acted within the Law."

"You think they care about that? Please tell me you are not that great a fool."

"The Pack has always acted within the Law, Gremwald," Octavio said. "I see no reason they would stop doing so."

"Once they had you to deal with all dissenters, sure," the tiger sneered. "Before that, it was just murder and terror. You don't remember, Octavio; you were a pup. They care only about one thing: Staying in power. And you threaten that with this 'household' of yours."

"I have the device," Octavio said. The Ambassador stared in disbelief.

"Where is—no; don't tell me," the tiger said. "It's best if I don't know. Don't take for granted this thing will save you, Octavio. The Emperor already feared you enough without the prestige this plan of yours could bring. Maedved was here to keep you from ever succeeding, but now that he is dead and Chia is officially next in line for the Throne, the Emperor fears for his life."

Octavio shook his head. "I have never done anything but the Emperor's bidding," he said. "I have no interest in going against him, Gremwald. Why would I need to? Time will bring its own reward soon enough."

"He only understands power, Octavio," Gremwald warned. "You have power now, so you are a threat to him now. And he is convinced Chia killed her siblings as revenge for her mother, so he wants her gone, as well."

Octavio smiled at that. "A series of unfortunate events," he said, unconvincingly. "Chia has spent almost a year and a half in the Commons, under close supervision. I don't see how she could become suspect in any such conspiracy."

"But you could," the Ambassador said, then smiled grimly at Octavio's shocked expression. "Ah. You begin to understand. That is good. You are an honorable mammal, Octavio; that is both a good thing and a bad one. Bad in that you assume others are, as well. They are not, by and wide, and, worse, can manipulate those who are. We've had this conversation before, my friend. I cannot protect you, not that you have ever really needed me to. I'm just an old cat, serving out his time in a warmer climate, not an idealistic crusader anymore."

"Perhaps I am simply naive, Gremwald, but I cannot bring myself to believe the Emperor would be so treacherous after all I have accomplished in his name. All I have ever done, I have done for the Empire," Octavio said, proudly. "I have redeemed my House in the process and have earned the paw of an Imperial Princess as a result. Why grant me all that if treachery is his goal? It makes no sense."

"Then let's hope I am wrong," Gremwald said. "But the record of today's escapades will be in Aurora come morning time, and I expect an arrest warrant for you before noon." He sighed, shaking his head. "You had better hope that device is with someone you trust, because your life is in their paws."


Forty-five minutes ago

Skye led Jack through the burrow to where her room was, leaning on him for support. Her knee was much better after the injection Kataiahs had given her that afternoon, but it was still very weak. She also enjoyed leaning on Jack. She was on the second floor, a short distance from the elevator, in the adults-only section to keep her from being inundated with kits at all hours.

Jack was quiet, though Skye knew it was only because they were not in private. The droop in his ears gave away his troubled state of mind, though not what might be the cause of that trouble. She was certain Kataiahs played a key role in that. The way Jack's nose twitched told her he had missed her. Surprisingly to the vixen, though, his scent was not aroused, which had always gone paw-in-paw with the twitching nose.

Something was different, then.

She smelled a bunny on him. Not very strong, but recent; a few hours at most, which meant someone in the burrow. She fought back tears of disappointment, reviewing his dinner behavior with Trina. The doe had monopolized his attention with nothing but talk—and a basically non-existent outfit. She was unmistakably marked by Kataiahs, not that Jack would pick that up, nor would he pick up Trina's mark on the lynx. Trina was not a rival for Jack, Skye knew, but still, why couldn't he have spent a few minutes talking with someone else?

They arrived at her room. It was a guest room, with the feel of a cozy, country bed-and-breakfast. The window in the back revealed the intensity of the storm outside, though it was thick enough to keep the noise barely noticeable, something critical for the sensitive ears of a bunny. Jack helped her on to the bed, then sat on the floor, sending a twang of loneliness through the vixen.

'Here it comes,' she thought with dread. 'He's going to tell me he found someone he likes.'

Damn hormones! Knock it off, vixen, and just listen to the buck. She took a deep breath in anticipation of whatever came next. Jack sat there, legs crossed, staring at the floor.

"It's been hard," he said, "not having you here these past few days. Things have gotten so complicated, I'm not even sure I know what's going on, anymore."

She decided to bite the bullet. "Did you find someone else, Jack?"

"Yes," he said, looking up. "Matilda. I think she's perfect."

"What?" Skye yipped. "Matilda? Are you serious? When did this happen? Isn't she seeing some ram, Melvin or Mark, in Plainsville?"

"Marcus," he said. "I thought that made the whole arrangement even better."

"Are you insane, Jack?" she said to the rabbit, who was staring at her with his head tilted.

"Do you have a better suggestion?" he asked. "Did you want the spot?"

"The 'Spot'?" she said, nearly shouting. "Really, Jack? This is just a 'spot' to you?"

"I know it is important, Cynthia," he said, a little flustered, "but why you are so vested in this?"

"Jack!" she cried. "After eight years, how can you ask me that?" She curled up on the bed, head tucked against her chest, sobbing loudly.

"Are... we... on the same... page?" he wondered. "What's wrong, Cynthia? You are being very emotional for just a different Director's position."

"Emotional?" Skye shouted, then stopped herself. "What Director's position?"

"Arthur's, of course," Jack told her.

"Did you arrest him?" she asked, prompting Jack to spend the next hour relating the last couple of days. Skye filled in with her own experiences leaving out only her pregnancy.

"Doesn't exactly fit my original theory, does it?" Jack said, disappointedly, after learning about Kataiahs.

"Judy and I don't believe your theory is completely wrong, Jack. We just have to factor in this new information. We know Kataiahs is involved and is a major player in world affairs. What we don't know is exactly what Judy and Nick stumbled into, nor how Arthur fits in. We need to speak with Kataiahs; he seems to be on our side."

"...yoah soo good at this Reggie... ohh Reggie... raht theah... ohhh, dahlin'... ohhh maah goodness, Reggie..."

Skye and Jack stared at the air vent.

"...this bunny wants to rahd her fox home, Reggie... that's it dahlin'... let yoah bunny do tha wohk, dahlin'... "

"I thought Reggie was seeing Elena," Jack said. Skye giggled.

"That is Elena," she said.

"...OH, REGGIE... OH, DAHLIN'... HOW'S MAH RAHDIN?... YOAH BUNNY DOIN' IT FOA YAH?... READY TO COME HOME, DAHLIN'?... THAT'S IT, BEBY!... OHHHH, REGGIE... SWEET CARROTS, REGGIE, THIS IS BETTA THAN THA FUHST TAHM!... AHHM HOME, BEBY... AHHMM...MMMMNNNG...NNNNNMMMM...HHHHHMMM... mmmmmnnn... ohh, Reggie... ohhh... oohhh... darn, that stupid vennnttt... mmmnn..."

Skye looked at Jack. His ears were straight up, nose twitching furiously, and he was certainly aroused now. She wanted him, too, but there was something else she needed more.

"What am I to you, Jack?" she asked, surprising the buck with the question.

"What do you mean, Cynthia?"

"Am I just a warm tail? A safe way to scratch an itch?"

"Why would you ever think such a thing, Cynthia?" Jack asked, a trace of hurt in his voice.

"I spent the last few days running for my life, Jack," she said. "All I kept thinking about is how much I missed you, how none of it would have been difficult at all if only you were there, with me. I had to face Death alone, and the only regret I had was not saying goodbye to you that morning."

"I don't—"

"I love you, Jack. With all my heart," she sniffled. "But now, being here, in this burrow, I understand if you don't want to be with me. I can deal with you wanting a young bunny to start your own hill instead of a well-used vixen. Just tell me what you want."

Jack stared at her. She could tell he wanted to say something, then he stood up, coming over to sit down nervously next to her, and sighed.

"In my life there's been heartache and pain, Cynthia," he said. "I don't know if I can face it again."

He took a deep breath, lowering his head. "But I can't stop now," he said with determination. "I've traveled so far to change this lonely life." He turned, misty eyed, and looked her in the eye.

"I want to know what love is, Cynthia," he told her, defiantly. "I want you to show me." He put his paws to his chest, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"I want to feel what love is, Cynthia," he cried, hopeful eyes beaming at the vixen. "I know you can show me."

Ever so gracefully, Skye sat up on her haunches facing Jack, with her front paws resting primly before the rabbit. Her tail wrapped around her as she gazed down smiling at the buck staring up at her with his big blue orbs glistening in the light, ears half-drooping in expectation.

"Jack Savage," she said sweetly, then glared. "Are you quoting a song to me?" she snarled, baring her fangs.

Jack's ears dropped down his back and his suddenly-dry eyes narrowed as he frowned, looking at his paws.

"Blast it, Cynthia," he grumbled. "What am I supposed to say to something like that?"

"How about, 'Oh, 'sorry, Cynthia, but I just don't feel the same way about you,'?" she said. "Or, 'I love bumping tails with you, Cyn, but you're just not wife material.'"

"Do I really sound like that?" he said.

"Ugghhg!" she screamed. "Get out!"

"Come on, Cynthia," Jack said, softly. "You know how I feel about you."

"No, Jack," she said. "I don't. I was lying in a ditch with my head stuck in a sewer pipe for hours, just waiting to die. Then, when I finally came out, it was Judy and Nicky who rescued me, Jack; not you—no. Don't interrupt. I understand why you weren't there; I can't fault you for that. But, if you had been there, I wouldn't be asking these questions." Jack was staring at his paws, so Skye decided to borrow a line from Judy's playbook.

"You get one chance, Jack," she said with finality. "But you have to say it."

He looked up at her, mask off. "I'm scared, Cynthia," he said. "You know..."

"Yes, Jack," she said, softly. "I do. You aren't the only one with baggage; I'm terrified right now. I've bared my soul to you, and I don't even know what answer I want to hear, so just tell me the truth, Jack. We can work the rest out later."

"What if—"

"Jaaaaack..."

"I guess—"

"Don't guess. Tell me the truth, Jack."

He sighed. "I love you, Cynthia," he whispered, cringing. "Was that the answer you were hoping for?"

"Are you willing to change it?" she demanded, almost hysterically.

"No, actually," he said, defiantly. "I'm not."

She pushed him off the bed, stripped off her clothes, then got under the covers, shivering. Jack stood there, watching her silently. "It's nice and warm in here," she said.

"You always said that…"

"…Only my mate gets under the covers with me," she finished, softly. "Are you coming in, or not?" Jack nearly ripped his clothes taking them off in his haste to jump in the bed. She didn't turn away from him as she usually did, either, but lay on her back, pulling him on top of her.

"I've always wanted to watch my mate making love to me," she whispered to his wondering expression. His face only came up to her chest.

"I could get used to this," he purred, putting his mouth to work on her firm bosoms. She cried out as he entered her, and their hips rocked together with the sure rhythm of long-time lovers, their eyes staring into each other's. Her tail wrapped around his and her paws gripped his buttocks, pulling him tightly against her as they quickly tumbled over into pleasure.

Elena now had competition for the air vents.

"Be still, Jack," Skye murmured afterwards, running her paws over his back and hindquarters. She nuzzled his head.

"That was disappointingly quick," Jack said, snuggling into her bosoms. Her legs wrapped around him, trapping him against her.

"My bunny," she said, sighing contentedly. Jack began moving again, slower this time, making the vixen moan.

"Might as well go for quantity," he mumbled, nuzzling her bosoms. "I have ever told you how nice these are?"

"Many times," she panted. "Have I ever told you how handsome you are?"

"No," he remarked. "I don't believe so."

"Good. I don't want your head to get any bigger," she moaned, rubbing his back. "I need to tell you something, Jack."

"I'm all ears," he murmured. She nipped playfully at tips of those ears.

"I want kits," she said, rocking her hips.

"We'll get them," he promised her. "Somehow."

"Are you ready to be a father, Jack?" she panted, nuzzling his head.

"I'm ready for anything when you're with me, Cynthia," he said. "I only wish I could give them to you, myself."

"Oh, Jack," she said, falling off the cliff, howling. Jack quickened his pace to join her.

"Ten-out-of-ten!" came a voice through the vent.

"Want to go three-for-three?" Jack murmured. She nipped his ears again.

"That is very disturbing, Cynthia," he said. "It actually feels good."

Skye turned on her side so they could lay facing each other, and they spent several minutes kissing.

"Jack," she finally said. "Did you really mean what you said about giving me kits?"

"Every last word of it," he said. "I think you'll be a wonderful mother. We just have to figure out how to get the kits."

"I'm pregnant," she said, smiling.

Jack returned her smile. "That's wonderful!" he said. "Solves one big problem, right off the bat. Who's the father?"

"You are," she said, proudly. He laughed.

"Seriously, Cynthia," he said. "Do you know?"

She growled menacingly, showing plenty of teeth.

"That's impo... ssi... 'Dr. Reylands'? That Dr. Reylands is the 'nice, older feline, gynecologist' you have been going to for the last five years?"

She nodded. "They have your ears," she said, shyly. "I have pictures, if you want to see."

"Most certainly! Get them," he said, enthusiastically. Skye reached under the pillow and pulled out the sonograms, showing them to Jack while explaining what he was seeing.

"We have kits..." he said. "You and I... we have kits." She nodded. "I'm going to be a father..."

"I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!" Jack shouted.

Cheers and applause came through the vent.


9:05 PM

Arthur stood looking at the dead fox covered in ice in the bathtub. It was a red fox, male, about the same size as himself, excellent physical condition, and much younger.

"He was your original contact," Kasani said, coming up behind him and hugging him. "There was a... conflict of interest."

"You mean, Octavio double-crossed me," he said.

"No, my lord," she said. "Octavio is the one who has been double-crossed. This agent was sent to kill you and dispose of the device you bring."

"That's crazy," Arthur said. "The device is a game-changer. Why throw it away?"

"Because it is the culmination of Octavio's work, my lord," she explained, taking a washcloth from the rack and scrubbing Arthur down. "This was a top-priority project for the Intelligence Ministry. Two year's budget and resources were used for this task at Octavio's insistence and personal guidance. If he succeeds in obtaining the device, he will secure the Intelligence Ministry and, if it is really as important as you say, he will likely become Prime Minister in Lord Maedved's place."

"Why bother? Octavio just needs to wait," he said. "Once Chia sits on the throne, Octavio becomes Emperor; he doesn't need anything else."

"No, my lord," Kasani said, rinsing him off. "The Emperor only wields the power he personally gathers himself. He may have the authority to suggest, approve or deny the actions of the various Ministries, but he does not rule by decree. The High Families prohibit that. The Emperor must rely on influence and alliances to move any agenda forward. Nor he is above the Law, though it may seem like it at times. He can be challenged, just like any other Baratean citizen, though he has the right to designate a champion."

"I'd forgotten how overly complicated Baratean politics are," he said, mesmerized by Kasani washing herself. She truly was lovely.

"They are actually quite simple, my lord," she said, scrubbing. "The Emperor is a male that married into the Royal family, so he may only act as the head of the Royal family. The Empress holds the true power, my lord, but cannot exercise it herself, only veto her husband. A Minister, on the other paw, has full authority over his Ministry. If Octavio becomes Intelligence Minister and Prime Minister, he effectively becomes the most powerful mammal in the Empire. All before Chia even comes near the Throne; after that, Octavio would be Intelligence Minister, Prime Minister, and Emperor."

Arthur whistled, understanding.

"So, my lord," she told him, "the Emperor and the Pack are afraid of him. If his project fails, or they can convict him of a capital crime, he can be eliminated as a threat and Chia will have to choose another mate, if she has enough time, or face the slave block. Either way, the Emperor ensures his power and, perhaps, a more agreeable heir." She walked up to him and gave him a kiss, stroking his aroused malehood.

"I am delighted my lord finds me so appealing," she said, coyly. "But we must move quickly if we are to get to the Aerodrome in time."

"So," he ventured, staring at the dead body. "He was supposed to kill me?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Maybe he should succeed," he said.


9:10 PM

"Are you mad at me?" Judy asked her mate back in their room. They had sat through Kataiahs' lecture with the others on how it was possible for inter-species couples to have kits. While the lynx told them that no clinical trials had been approved, Judy and Nick, at least, knew the procedure was successful. The lynx had explained how he wanted Judy and Nick to help with publicity to get the trials approved and encourage other mixed-species couples to join the effort. Removing much of the stigma from mixed-species relationships would be possible once having kits became a reality.

Kataiahs had then given an overview as to why horrible defects would not result from these unions, though it was unlikely anyone but himself really understood it. Judy had a feeling he could explain it much simpler, and she intended to hear that version soon.

Nick shook his head. "Not really, Fluff," he said. "I just wish you had let me in on this sooner. It's a lot to take in." He held out his arms and Judy came in for a hug. "I still want to know why he shot me," he added.

"Well," she said, "you'll get to ask him, yourself. He wants a private meeting with us, Jack, and Skye later tonight, when things quiet down."

"How much later?" he asked, nuzzling her ears.

"You have a one-track mind, Slick," she said.

"Easier to stay on course," he told her, nibbling her ears. "Plus, you owe me."

"Yeah," she admitted. "You did get short-changed today." She went and leaned across the bed, wiggling her tail. "Can you ever forgive me?" she said, looking over her shoulder.

Nick went to collect his reward. "As many times as I can," he said.


9:30 PM

Octavio's phone rang in secure mode. He looked at the number and frowned.

"If you'll excuse me," he said to the Ambassador and his wife. "I must answer this." He stepped into the Ambassador's office and closed the door.

"I wasn't expecting to hear from you, Arthur," he said into the device.

"My lord Belyiklyk," came an unexpected voice. "It is Kasani. You are betrayed."

"What are you doing there, Kasani?"

"Lady Chia advised me that my lord Arthur was being extracted tonight."

"'My lord Arthur'? What have you done, you silly pup?" Octavio chided.

"I have claimed my life's prize, my lord," she said defiantly. "If I had not, he would be dead, and his parcel destroyed. Those were Kendon's orders; I kept the message file for you."

"What have you done, you silly pup?" he repeated, softly. "If I am betrayed, you have bedded yourself into mortal danger." He sighed. "What is done is done. You should not trust any Ministry contacts; those whom you could trust will be watched."

"I have alternate plans, my lord," she said. "This has been my obsession for a long time."

Octavio smiled at that, recalling how much the vixen had always talked about Arthur. "Do you have enough resources available?" he asked.

"My lord Arthur does," she said. "He is traveling under a pristine sleeper identity. We also have plenty of cash, his car, and the charger for this secure phone."

"It will have to do," he told her. "Arthur is exceptionally good, but he does not know our ways, so you will have to guide him. I wish there was something of help I could offer you, Kasani; we will all have to trust Chia's judgment in this, now. You and Chia have your own means of communicating. Those might be safer to use; I will set this phone for a dead-mammal text. Whatever plans you and Chia have made, follow them, and may good fortune smile upon you; if we survive, you and Arthur will always be welcome with us. Be safe, little one. Should I tell Chia she is not your guardian, anymore?"

"Please do, my lord," Kasani said, happily. "You sound different, my lord, if I may be so bold."

"It is Love, Kasani," he said, a little frustrated. "Chia tells me you are acquainted with it."

"Yes, my lord," she said. "It makes us reach for the impossible, does it not?"

"Yes. It does, indeed," he said. "My congratulations to you both, Kasani. Good luck."

"Good luck to you, my lord." The phone went dead.

So be it.

He went back into the main room, resuming his seat next to the Ambassador. All that was needed for the astute feline was a slight nod from Octavio.

"I hope nothing too grim, my lord?" Chia asked, picking up on Octavio's mood.

"Nothing entirely unexpected, beloved," Octavio said. "I may have some business in the capital; how would you like to visit Aurora for our honeymoon?"

Chia's face turned cold. "Yes," she said, sounding to the others like a stalking predator. "We really should introduce our House to my father."

"When should we leave?" Palila asked. "It will soon be too late for sister Abigail to travel."

"Morning travel is best," the Ambassador said, looking at Octavio.

"Oh, all of you," Lady Chalcedon said, annoyed. "Who do you think I am?" She stared at Octavio. "They're coming after you, Octavio, aren't they?"

"I believe so, Chamelia," Octavio said, smiling. "I was never able to fool you."

"You have an honest face," she told him, "just like your father's. It doesn't like deceiving. You won't do anything more foolish than you already have, will you, dear pup? You have this wonderful family to take care of now."

"They are always in my thoughts, Chamelia," he said. "I will do what I must to protect them."

"Just keep that temper of yours in check, Octavio," she warned. "It is a weak point in your character, though your wives seem to be keeping you steady."

"Yes, Chamelia," he said.

The tigress looked at his wives. "I don't like change," she growled, "but I see it coming with the four of you."

"How you all have managed to attach yourselves to Octavio is between you and him," she said, looking each in the eyes. "But you are all High Ladies, and you know how this goes: The Pack is not forgiving; if this is some stunt, you have all destroyed your families for nothing. I have known you or your families for years, and I would hate to see disaster strike you. We can still call this off before the records are transmitted."

She looked at Abigail. "Of all your insane ideas, Abigail," she said. "You were free! Why are you here? Think of your kits."

"I am, Chamelia," she said, rubbing her belly. "Eight of them are as tall as I am; two are taller. What future do they have? Life as a freak, like their mother? My husband—and I now treasure that word—has shown me a different Baratea; one that I can be a part of. Where I am appreciated. So, if it comes down to dying with him, or alone in a tower on my estate, I choose him. I have already wasted too many years alone. I feel alive, Chamelia, and if I die because of this, then simply think of me as a shooting star in the night sky. I am not afraid anymore."

The tigress shook her head, then looked at Palila. "At least you I understand, Palila," she said. "I would have done the same under your circumstances." She looked at Windbright. "And you!" she said. "Could you simply have not gone back and accepted discipline? Your father is not so unreasonable that he would ruin your future for a simple indiscretion. He would likely just arrange a suitable husband for you."

Windbright laughed. "My lady," she said. "My husband bested me in paw-to-paw combat while he was blinded. How could I ever give myself to anyone lesser again? I will stand by him, or die with him, my lady; there is no one else I would have by my side."

"Chamelia," Chia said warmly. "You have been a good friend to me in this desolate place. I have brought together a House like no other the Empire has ever seen; my lord Belyiklyk will be an Emperor to remember. With friends like you and Lord Chalcedon, I know we cannot fail."

"To do what, Chia?" Chamelia asked. "This bad blood between you and your father will be the death of you. Just end this madness now and bide your time like a proper heir."

"There is no time," Chia said, direly. "The Empire stands at the brink of a war it cannot win and my husband has obtained the means to avert this conflict if only my father can swallow his pride long enough for it to be delivered. I will not allow my father's unbridled hunger for power destroy the Empire we love. That would be madness, Chamelia."

"And just what do you think you can do, pup?" Chamelia demanded. "Walk in to the palace and dictate to your father how to run the Empire?"

"I can walk in to the palace and deliver Octavio's package to the House of Lords," Chia laughed. "Then, they will tell father how to run the Empire." She giggled. "Or I could just set it off and start ruling with a clean slate." She clapped her paws giddily. "Oh, the possibilities are endless!"


Author's Note:

There you have it.

Kinda makes you wonder how it all ties together, I hope. Kataiahs is about to explain it to them.

(Hope you liked the song reference.)

Until next time,

Thanks for reading!