An Empire to Conquer Your Heart

Authors' Note: Thanks for the reviews. We hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 20

"Izuna I tell you this because I would rather not see you alienate yourself further from our people." Amira sighs and tucks her hands deep into her sweeping sleeves. "You knew that what you did would be reported, and yet you did it anyway…I don't know if you're brave or foolish."

"Maybe both." Izuna bows his head in concession to the reprimand. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't…for your sake." Amira turns from him, aware of the watchful eyes of their peers who await her return.

Izuna closes his eyes and sighs softly. Then he opens them and turns towards his favourite part of the room, away from most of the crowds. The glass windows of the stardeck were as magnificent as they ever were and showed every constellation in vivid clarity. Every star sparkles like a tiny gem, and yet Izuna sometimes felt that he was a starless sky. He leans against the railing of the deck, one arm over the other, and stares out into space, where the most beautiful of natural sights could be found.

"I've never seen someone look so solemn at their child's introduction before." Madara sighs as he strides over to his Mate, wrapping his arms around him. He doesn't hesitate to place a kiss against Izuna's adorable elfin ear. "Is it truly that terrible for you? I suppose the fault is my own. I haven't ensured they understand your position."

Izuna's ear flicks, then both turn down as he brushes his hair back over them. "To be honest, I don't think even I'm sure about my position here. I came back to be a diplomat for you, to be a parent to Haruka and so that you might too, and because I love you I thought I would just fall right back into your bed. But it feels like nothing is going exactly according to plan."

"We could easily remedy that last part. I'm certain Haruka will fall asleep quickly tonight after all the excitement." Madara gives the ear a gentle nip. "If you desired to. I always expected that I'd follow a traditional Chikara courtship pattern, but...that apparently wasn't in the cards. You are precious to me, though. I'd like to make our relationship more official in the eyes of my people."

Izuna blushes and squirms away as he tries once more to rearrange the dark strands to hide his ear from Madara's insistent lips. "And just what do you mean by that? I studied diplomacy, not…courtship patterns." At least, not in depth, only superficially so that he would know if someone was courting, who with, and if they were hitting on him.

"There are different kinds of public displays depending on the level of commitment." Madara smiles, almost pouting at the squirming. He didn't remember Izuna being this shy. "Ideally, I'd like the ceremony that would publicly acknowledge you as my mate, but the consort ceremony could work just as well if you're not quite ready for the former."

Dark eyes widen and Izuna slowly turns to face Madara. "You…you want a public mating ceremony?" That went way beyond just courting, that was…Izuna had come across mentions of THAT in his research. In an instant, his face turns beet red. "Wait, don't those usually involve an actual mating…on the floor…in front of your guests?"

"You've become rather bashful over the years, but those practices are considered borderline prehistoric by Chikara these days. We're far too possessive to engage in much in the way of exhibitionism." Madara shakes his head. Clearly, he had already bungled this. His Mate's reaction to a proposal shouldn't be panic. "We would simply declare our devotion for one another in front of others. The mating ceremony is more elaborate than the one for a consort and typically it's expected to have a larger attendance list, though."

But. But. But. There were so many protests racing through Izuna's head, screaming at him that this was a bad idea. And yet, he couldn't imagine being with anyone else. "Yes, I'll…the mating ceremony…what do I have to do?"

"I'll explain the details later when you look less like a startled cadet." Madara smiles and kisses his cheek. "Relax, my love."

Izuna huffs quietly and buries his face in Madara's shoulder. "You asshole…you're the one who sprung it on me all of a sudden…how was I supposed to not be startled by you asking me to marry you in the middle of Haruka's introduction? Especially when things are still so…shaky." Only a few weeks ago, he'd had to defend his honor from one of Madara's officers. There was no telling what the rest of the Chikara thought of him.

"You know, I'll admit that I don't know as much about your people as I should, but is it really customary for someone to call their fiancee an asshole?" Madara chuckles, holding onto his Mate for dear life. "I think it's fitting to ask at Haruka's introduction. He is the living embodiment of our love for each other and believe me when I say this is the right move both romantically and politically. The people need to understand your position and I'm tired of having every power climber try to crawl their way into my bed because they are too obtuse to understand I'm taken."

"You should hear what the ones too afraid to try and approach you say behind your back." Though…maybe that wasn't such a good idea. After all, Izuna didn't want any of them to end up shamed just for gossiping, or worse…knowing Madara's temper.

"I should very much like to know what they say. I'd rather throw treacherous vipers off of my ship lest they decide to do more than hiss." Madara rolls his eyes. Most of them would never dare to do more than that, but he'd rather not take the chance. "Perhaps I should hold a tournament and see to it that these snakes participate. Remind them why I rule and they do not."

"They're harmless, all they do is whisper. They know that they can't defeat me in combat. Or at least they do now." Izuna straightens and rests his hands on Madara's forearms. His soft onyx gaze peers up into those flickering crimson eyes. "I'm stronger than they are and they know it. Chitose made sure of that."

"That's true. I suppose the bastard was actually useful for something after all. Perhaps I should just lock Seiren and him in the same room together. Whoever comes out is the victor. With any luck, they'll kill each other." Madara snorts. He didn't know how infuriated him more. The cowards or the ones brazen enough to question his choice to his face. "Still, I would have the names of these harmless cowards. I'd rather not make the mistake of promoting someone who is lacking in both a spine and loyalty."

"Then let me take care of them." Izuna might lose his position over it. But now…he supposed that wouldn't matter. The elders wouldn't dare send for him to be brought home once he was mated. "I'm the one who heard their words, so let me be the one to fight them. Besides, it wasn't you they insulted, so let me be the one to defend my pride."

"They insult me when they insult you. Mates are one." Madara sighs, looking at Izuna. He loved the man more than anything, but were their species really so different? "Are you never going to allow me to act as a proper Mate to you? Mates are supposed to protect one another."

"I'll let you protect me when I need protecting." Izuna raises a hand and cups Madara's cheek. "Besides, you already are protecting me. You're protecting my ability to believe in myself. It's been so hard to do that…so please, protect my heart for me. Both the one inside of me, and the one I birthed for us. That's more precious than seeing you fighting in a ring for me."

Madara sighs, leaning into the touch. Why was everything always such a struggle with his beloved? He was only doing what any good Chikara would do, but it was never what his Bijin needed. "You know that I would do anything for either of you, but I'm not oblivious. You're doing this because you perceive it as protecting them. If you wish to fight for the sake of your honor then do so. I have every confidence you'll win. If you're only doing this so I won't punish them then don't bother. I'd rather not see you put yourself at risk to protect the disloyal."

"Madara…" Izuna's lips curve into a mischievous smile. "If I only gave you their names, you would just punish them outright. And then, what satisfaction would I get? I know that I can beat them." The smile slowly begins to fade. "And once the ceremony is done, I want to watch the fear bloom in their eyes when they realize that even a Bijin can hold a grudge like a Chikara."

Madara kisses Izuna, stroking his cheek. "Then I look forward to watching that fear blossom in their eyes alongside you."

"I'm looking forward to a lot of things with you." Izuna's smile returns and glows warmly as he takes Madara's hand and presses it to his waist. "Though I suppose that this definitely puts plans for another baby in our future."

"Good. We've both suffered enough. We should allow ourselves to be happy once more." Madara smiles, his hand trailing over Izuna's waist and to the curve of his hip, but worry was evident in his eyes. "I'd love that and I know Haruka would too, but are you sure it's safe?"

"Safe?" Izuna raises an eyebrow, then raises a hand to stifle a laugh. "Madara, I gave birth to Haruka in a tiny apartment with my talented and brilliant twin sister as my midwife. We had the basic equipment, but ultimately it was down to Naori's medical training and my own strength. And Haruka came out perfectly healthy."

Madara frowns. Why did it look like Izuna was trying not to laugh? "It's a legitimate question. I don't know if pregnancy and labor are harder on you."

"The pregnancy doesn't differ much from a normal one, there's good days and bad days. I have to be careful about my stomach and about what I eat, or I'll puke it back up." Izuna's hands slide down and wrap Madara's arms around his waist. "The labor is what's a little different. Because of how much is crammed into my body, the birthing canal is tilted towards the back, so I have to give birth sitting up and leaning forward. Gravity has to help me."

"Well, that doesn't sound so bad." Nothing like the horrible nightmare that the viper would have him believe anyway, Madara nods wrapping his arms around Izuna tighter.

"Yeah, and don't worry, the screaming and crying was mostly just the shock of my first time. It won't be so bad the second time now that I know what I'm doing." Izuna was confident that the second time would be easier. Though his lips curl into a smirk. "Just like after that night you had me brought to your room in chains and seduced me into letting you take my innocence."

"Funny, I seem to remember our first time going a little differently." Madara shakes his head, squeezing Izuna's backside. "It's good to see some things will never change. You're still such a brat."

Izuna couldn't help himself, he really couldn't. His tail slides around his hip and between Madara's legs to stroke at his lover's still soft asset. "Some things really never do change."

"If you insist on placing appendages that close to my cock, I will take that as an invitation and tell Tamaki to watch Haruka for the rest of the evening." Madara's eyes turn red again, but for a far different reason this time. A growl of anticipation escapes his lips.

Izuna's heart pounds with a wild abandon, the words echoing from so long ago. Madara was right, one never forgot their first bedmate, and Izuna would never forget those words either. "Hn." He lifts his chin almost arrogantly and presses his tail firmly into the fork of Madara's legs.

"Yes, I expect Haruka will get a younger brother or sister far sooner than expected at this rate. Don't bother to run. You've made your bed. Now you'll have to lay in it and be ravished like a good Bijin." Madara walks off towards Tamaki. It was best to inform the nanny that neither he, nor Izuna would be available for quite sometime.

Izuna smirks and takes the chance to slip away towards the king's chambers. If Madara thought that this was going to go entirely the way he planned, he was sorely mistaken.

It had been…so long…

The embroidered vest is the first article of clothing to hit the floor as Izuna strips off the tight black shirt he'd been made to wear for Madara's pleasure all evening. By now, it didn't surprise him in the least that Madara would dress him so that he looked good enough to eat.

And Izuna wanted to be…

Warning Lemon

He steps out of the boots and strides across the floor towards the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes behind him as he sheds the dark, loose pants in the doorway. He pulls the tie from his hair as his tail curls around his hip and between his legs. The warm, muscular appendage sneaks its way between his thighs and he pants softly as the tip begins to tease and taunt. He didn't have long, he knew that he didn't have long, but he needed it. His body thrummed with the need.

He needed relief…

Izuna approaches the bed and his ears perk up as he hears heavy footfalls in the hall. His tail slides in a little, the tip slowly beginning to work him open. Not enough, but something to start. Then the outer door slides open and he jumps, his tail slips in further and he claps a hand to his lips to stifle a moan as he leans against one of the four tall bedposts.

More…

He runs his fingers along his tail and squeezes his thighs together as the questing appendage sinks deeper, fucking him slowly. His eyes slide shut and his skin grows hot. His long, silky hair feels almost rough against the sensitive skin of his back. And the only thing anchoring him to reality are his fingers wrapped around the bedpost and a warm breath in his ear as several locks of his hair pull tight. "Ah!"

"You know for a diplomat, you're absolutely horrible at following orders." Madara brushes his lips against his Bijin's elegant ear. He wasn't surprised that his defiant lover had chosen to ignore his very reasonable request again. What was unexpected was the speed with which Izuna had fled to the bedroom and proceed not only to strip, but to fuck himself with that sinful tail of his. "As your king, I really should see you disciplined for the severe lack of deference you've shown to me."

His vision was already bathed in a seductive crimson red tint thanks to Izuna's little strip tease. The sight of his Mate leaning against the bedpost, a rosy pink tint blossoming upon his luminous skin, and fucking himself with his tail was more than enough to drive Madara insane. Madara considered himself a patient Chikara. He had to be to conquer as many planets as he had, but even his self-control wasn't without limits. So, really Izuna shouldn't have been surprised to find himself pinned flat on his back against the bed before he could issue a retort. Madara straddles his thighs to ensure his Mate wasn't going anywhere. "Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

Izuna groans softly as his tail is pressed even deeper by Madara's weight. "Would you…really prefer me to do what you say?" His eyes glow faintly as he reaches up to press his hands to Madara's chest. His hair fans out beneath him, save for what was trapped in the king's iron grip.

"It would certainly make your life easier if you did, but I suppose not." Madara glides his tongue along Izuna's jaw before capturing his Mate's lips in a possessive kiss. His hands roaming the sculpted planes of Izuna's chest with a nostalgic eroticism. How long had it been since he'd truly explored his lover's beautiful form to his heart's content? Far too long. "But that would be too sensible for you. I can only conclude that you enjoy being punished. It's why you provoke me at every turn." A small growl escapes his lips as he releases Izuna from the kiss.

The Bijin pants unevenly, his lips swollen and shimmering. Using a strength once unknown to him, Izuna pushes his lover up to free his trapped hips and thighs. "Provoking you…is the best part." And he flips his lover over to land the king square on his back. Though he groans helplessly as he straddles Madara's hips and the sudden shift of weight causes his tail to thrust straight into his spot. It was almost like having Madara's cock inside of him again.

"I missed this." Madara slides his hand over the pale column of Izuna's throat, his broad shoulders, and over the seductive curve of his back until it rests against his firm backside. "The feeling of your skin against mine. It was sweet torture to lay next to you and Haruka every night. Being near you, but having to suppress the urge to fuck you into the mattress." He raises his hand only to smack Izuna's ass, knowing his tail was already deep inside. Izuna's groans were a wonderfully easy to read book. Madara knew precisely where that tail was touching his lover.

"Ah!" Izuna's eyes widen and a desperate cry falls from his lips. His body trembles and his pulsing, throbbing cock expels his climax over his lover's stomach. He rocks back and forth with each wave of pleasure, only for each wave to grow a little stronger as the tip of his spasming tail jabs mercilessly inside him. "I wanted…for so long, I've wanted…" So badly that he couldn't even wait for his lover to reach the room before trying to find that feeling again.

Madara watches in surprise and awe as Izuna loses himself to pleasure. It had been far too long since he'd been treated to that beautiful sight. He'd never been a poetic Chikara, but even he recognized the ethereal poetic nature of Izuna's eyes darkening with pleasure. The way his entire body would stiffen and then sway like a waterfall that had found its course again. "I can tell. You couldn't even wait to get my clothes off before you started fucking yourself with that tail of yours. As much as I have enjoyed the show, I believe I'm tired of being jealous of your tail. So here is what's going to happen. You're going to be a good Bijin and get on your knees and then I'm going to fuck you within an inch of your sanity."

Don't pull the tiger by the tail. Don't pull the tiger by the- "Make me." Izuna's dark eyes gleam with the challenge. He'd never been good at following those much-vaunted rules, after all. He pants softly as his lips curve into a smirk. "Or aren't you Chikara enough to handle one Bijin, Your Majesty?"

Madara's entire world goes red in an instant. "You've always got to make things more difficult for yourself. Even when you clearly want fucked so desperately that you came all over that pretty tail of yours before I was undressed, you've got to be a brat." He slides his shirt over his head slowly. Inch by inch revealing tanned skin stretched over muscles that had been sculpted by the heat of a thousand battles, before kicking off his pants. "I suppose it falls to me to teach you some manners." Madara hadn't bothered with undergarments, nor did he waste further time on pointless explanations as he reverses their positions. He shoves Izuna onto his knees on top of the bed's soft blankets.

Izuna's elbows nearly buckle under the force of Madara's strength but he holds firm. His tail quivers in delight, still lodged inside of him but now loosening and relaxing as the dripping scales slip against his intimate skin. He breathes hard, each breath quickening in anticipation. Izuna's head rises and his hips sink to the blankets as he looks back over his shoulder with a curtain of raven silk across his back and wicked smirk on his lips. "Having performance anxiety, My King?"

"None at all. You're already acting as though I've fucked you senseless and I've barely touched you." Madara takes hold of Izuna's tail, pulling the flexible appendage out with ease. He pulls the tail up to force Izuna's backside into the air, then replaces the tail's touch with that of his tongue. He begins with gentle, coaxing licks against the sensitive skin of the soft pink folds. Only to alternate with possessive, bold licks meant to claim whatever they touched as he kisses his way into his lover's most intimate place.

A helpless moan falls from Izuna's lips as he presses his forehead to the blankets. His hips press back into Madara's questing touch and into the wonderfully foreign sensation of Madara's lips and tongue. His essence drips down his inner thighs, slickening the soft skin there. And his tail wraps around Madara's forearm, seeking out as much touch as he could get. "Yes…Madara…" His hips roll into the helplessly arousing kisses.

Madara smirks as his tongue brazenly tastes his lover. Just as sweet as he remembered. He moves up a bit, one hand wrapping around Izuna's stomach possessively as he glides the tail away from Izuna's entrance "You're more than wet enough. Show me how much you want this and I might be a merciful king."

Izuna's thighs quake with need as he raises his hips. His knees slide across the blankets as he spreads his legs. His tail curls over his back and away from Madara's arm. He takes the slippery, scaly appendage in hand and pulls on it, lifting his hips high into the air to finally expose every detail of the flushed flower between his legs for his mate's viewing pleasure. "Please Madara…I've missed you…" He'd never taken this position before, always cleverly concealed it and never letting his lover have a proper look. But Madara accepted him, loved him. Only Madara could have him now. "Take me, Madara. Put another baby in me and show them who your mate is."

"You know that's not fighting fair." Madara chuckles, nipping at Izuna's neck as he buries himself inside his lover. Izuna jolts forward from the force. "Playing on my Chikara instincts like that after being such a cock tease." Fuck. He was hot and wet and tight. Madara groans as he begins to move inside his Mate. It was as if Izuna never wanted to let him go.

Izuna moans loudly and rolls his hips back into his lover's thrusts. They fit together even more perfectly than he remembered. "Ad-admit it. You w-want to see me growing r-round even m-more than I do."

"That's yet another reason why you're not fighting fair." He slams into his lover harder and faster. The bed shakes underneath them from the force of their lovemaking. Madara's hands slide everywhere, touching every inch of beautiful, bare skin they could find.

Moans become pleasured cries as Izuna bends and rolls with every thrust. He could feel the motion of Madara's hips invade his body like a wave, driving pleasure through every inch of his body like water crashing onto a beach. His hair falls around him like a waterfall and the spiky locks pool on the blankets like drops of the night sky. His fingers twist tightly into the blankets and his muscles tighten, leaving the sweat on his skin to make the topaz markings shimmer and shine.

"You're beautiful." The words were too common and too simple to truly capture the sheer majesty of Izuna in moments like this. His markings practically sparkled and every sound he made was a joy to Madara's ears. He reveled in the feeling of being deep inside his lover, thrusting faster and faster. Snarls of pleasure slip from his lips and fill up the room around them.

"Madara!" Izuna's loudest cry yet pierces the room and his inner walls clench tightly around Madara's length as his rosy thighs grow shiny and wet from his release.

Madara climaxes with a roar. His release was made him feel as though he could see stars and was flying without the help of a ship. "I'd say that was a fine start to the evening." He slides out of his lover, laying on the bed and pulling Izuna on top of him. "Shall we continue?"

Though dazed with pleasure, Izuna smirks and kneels invitingly over his lover. "The last one to fall asleep wins."