Winter x Tourmaline

The next several days were downright blissful, heavenly even. It might've been too early to have favorites, but Ruby was already at the top of Winter's list. He didn't think it was part of a Queen's nature to be affectionate and playful (and submissive at times), but the Skywing had proved him wrong. She kept the appearance of a strong, powerful monarch and a doting mother out in public, but in private she was a needy, slutty mommy that was putty in the Prince's claws.

Winter wished he started with the Skywings first. Sure, Thorn was fun (and the look on Qibli's face was one he'd never forget) but he wished he had some experience under his wings before he started. The Sandwing was intense, overwhelming, but Ruby? She was what he hoped Moon would be - smart, sweet, insightful, strong-willed but empathetic. He liked feeling the warmth of her scales. He liked being held and wrapped up in her big, strong wings. And he liked using her warm, soft rear as a pillow (especially after a "massage session").

One lazy afternoon, Winter found himself in that exact position, resting his head on a royal red rump while Ruby massaged and ran her fingers down his tail. Little prickles of delight ran up his spine and through his body, nerves singing as gentle pressure was placed across sensitive spots he didn't know he had. The room smelled of lavender and cinnamon and the hint of musk from the sex they had in the morning. Birds chirped and wind whistled outside, and the Icewing found himself teetering on the edge of a nap.

"So," Ruby asked, rubbing the base of his tail spikes tenderly, "What're your plans after this? Who's next on your quest around Phyrria?"

Winter hummed, his paw idly rubbing her thick tail. "Gotta visit Coral next," He said softly, "Then Moorhen. Then Glory. After that, I'll head off to Pantala with their Queens. Who's in charge over there, again?"

"There's Queen Hazel of the Leafwings," Ruby explained, "She took over after Sequoia abdicated. Queen Jewel runs things for the Hivewings, now that the rest of her family's been imprisoned. There's the 'LeafSilk Kingdom' in the new forest in the south, and I believe Io is going to be their new Queen, but with this 'Silkwing Assembly' and their democracy, who knows how that works."

Winter blanched. The thought of the lower classes and lesser dragons getting involved in politics made him think of angry mobs and chaos, and especially of Qibli's grandfather, the warlord Vulture. None of those were good things for stability and civilization, in his mind. But perhaps more importantly, he didn't like the idea of democracy in regards to his quest. If every member of the Silkwing Assembly was in charge, did that mean he had to sleep with every single member? Would he have to submit himself to an orgy just to go home?

"I don't suppose you have any idea what the other Queens might be into, would you?" He asked. Ruby went quiet, her paw falling off his rump. Winter looked back at her, the Queen's expression now pensive and concerned. "Ruby?" She glanced up at him, a frown threatening to form.

"I can't speak for Glory or the Pantalans," She admitted, "But I have spent enough time with Coral and Moorhen to know they have… certain tastes. I know they tend to like their mates on the larger side, if Gill and the average Mudwing are anything to go by." Ruby looked at him, her brow furrowed with concern. "I've heard that Mudwing drakes will fight each other for the right to breed the Queen. These fights can get pretty intense, sexual even. One of my diplomats told me she witnessed a battle that lasted over an hour, as Moorhen watched a pair of suitors have a sex-fight in her honor. It ended in a draw, but they both had to spend several days with the healers before they could have their night with her."

Winter swallowed nervously. Mudwings were well-known for their size and their size. He hadn't seen Clay's member (though the way Peril would go on and on about it, the Prince could probably draw it from memory), but he once accidentally stumbled upon Umber as he was in the middle of "self-care". His winglet-mate was the runt among his brothers and sisters, and yet his erect penis was as big as Winter's. He tried to picture Moorhen's studs (big and beefy, with cocks as big as his foreleg), and if he could've turned any paler, he would've.

Noticing his fearful expression, Ruby sat up. "Winter?" She asked, "Are you alright? I didn't frighten you, did I?"

"Ummm…"

"I'm sorry," She sighed, shifting around to wrap her wings around him, "I don't want to scare you off from your quest. I'm sure Moorhen would make an exception for an ambassador. Throwing you to the drakes without any preparation isn't something I see her doing."

The Skywing's comforting wings allayed some of his concerns, but didn't banish them completely. He didn't have to worry about it now, but it was coming nonetheless. He was supposed to be in the Mud Kingdom in another month or two. How was he supposed to prepare fighting and fucking dragons as big as Clay?

"Ruby?" He asked nervously, "How can I get ready for handling big drakes like that?"

The Queen went still. Winter blinked and looked at her, seeing she was deep in thought. She almost looked fearful, in a way. Her paw went to her necklace, a claw tracing the central gem within.

"Ruby?"

She sighed. "...You weren't there to see my duel with Scarlet, were you?"

He nodded. Winter remembered the duel Ruby had with her mother for the Skywing Throne. Scarlet had the advantage almost the entire match, and it seemed to him that the old tyrant would retake the throne easily. But then her necklace came off, and Ruby turned into a dragon that looked like her mother, and promptly mopped the floor with her. She turned back to her old self as soon as she put her necklace back on, but it was just another example of how powerful and dangerous Animus Magic could be.

"Well," Ruby explained, "That other dragon you saw there - the one that I turned into - that was who I used to be. I was hatched as Tourmaline, but Mother feared that I'd one day rise up and challenge her, so she enchanted my necklace to turn me into... well, me." She fiddled with her necklace as she talked, the gem glistening with unspoken power. "Scarlet had me enchanted to be weak and agreeable, and to forget who I was. I started to break free of the spell when Cliff hatched, but I thought Tourmaline was my sister, until the duel. After that, we became... aware of each other. It's strange, but in a way I could feel her in the back of my mind. Eventually we figured out a way to communicate with each other, and figured out a way where we could 'take turns'."

"...With being in control?" Winter asked.

"Yes," She answered, "Though Tourmaline's been kind enough to let me have the crown and time with Cliff. She likes having sex, though, and she knows a few tricks to help you handle larger males. If you wish, I can let her out and she can show you what she knows."

Winter considered the offer. It was as Thorn warned him - the other Queens could be downright freaky with their kinks. He didn't know what to think or feel about having a sexual experience with a split personality… But he trusted Ruby, and if she thought this would help, he was willing to give it a chance.

"Okay," Winter decided, "Let's do it. I want to meet Tourmaline." Ruby nodded, hopping off the bed.

"Before we begin," Ruby cautioned, "I must warn you that my other side has very different... tastes than I do."

Winter furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"

"Tourmaline has a lot more in common with my mother than I care to admit," She explained, her tail twitching nervously, "She doesn't enjoy death and suffering like Scarlet did, but she can get a lot more... rough than I like it. If you weren't going to visit Coral or Moorhen I wouldn't even mention her to you. But you need to be ready for what they have in store, and Thorn didn't do a good job preparing you for how physical Queens can get."

Winter frowned at that, suddenly feeling nervous. "What will you- what will she do to me?"

Ruby sighed. "Tourmaline likes to mix pleasure and pain," She explained, "But unlike Scarlet, there are very, VERY strict rules and limits that she follows. She will only push you as far as you're willing to go, as long as you're willing to submit."

"'Submit'?"

"It's..." She paused, her tail wagging in thought. Looking into his eyes, she asked, "Do you know what 'Dominant' and 'Submissive' are?" Winter blinked, slowly nodding. "Well, when it comes to things like sex and intimacy, it's not uncommon for one partner to take charge and be in control of the other. You've had a little bit of experience with both sides with me, but Tourmaline is definitely a Dom, and she will push and prepare you for whatever Moorhen has in store for you."

Ruby stepped closer, placing her wings on his shoulders and looking deeply into his eyes. "But you will have power, too," She told him, "Because you get to decide how far you two can go. If things get too painful or overwhelming for you, all you have to say is 'Updraft', and you both can stop."

"…'Updraft'?" He repeated.

"Updraft'," She confirmed, stroking his neck, "That's our safeword. Say it loud when you're done, and I will come back. If you do a good job, I'll make sure you're properly rewarded tonight." Ruby emphasized this point by nuzzling him, her soft lips and warm breath tickling his cheek and ear. Winter's breath caught in his throat, his crotch starting to heat up and swell.

"…Okay," Winter said, "Let's do it. I trust you."

The Skywing smiled, giving him a quick peck, and stepped back to work her necklace. "Tourmaline," She said aloud, "Don't go overboard with him. He's very new to all this."

Ruby took off her necklace, and her body started to change. She started to compact a little, trading some of her length for bulk. The scars that covered her body vanished one by one, her dark red scales turning bright orange. For a horrifying second, Winter feared she was transforming into her mother, the old Queen Scarlet. But then she looked at him, and what she saw instead was wry mischief instead of cruelty.

"Prince Winter," She purred, looking him up and down appraisingly, "It's so good to finally meet you. It's been so long since Ruby let me out to say hello." She started walking around him, inspecting him with her tail like he was a fresh recruit. She lifted his head, his wings, even his tail.

"What're you doing?" He demanded, sidling away, his tail curling down underneath his crotch.

"Seeing what I have to work with," Tourmaline said, nodding her head appreciatively, "You're a little smaller than I'd expect from an Icewing, but you're still young. Normally I wouldn't take someone like you under my tender loving care, but since Ruby asked so nicely, I can make an exception." She started walking to the door, motioning for him to follow. Winter complied, and they left the bedroom to go through the Palace, making their way down level by level. The place was oddly empty this time of day, as only one servant caught sight of them as they went downstairs, quickly backpedaling and retreating.

"Don't worry," Tourmaline said, "The staff here has gotten used to seeing me. They also know what goes on down here, so you don't have to worry about your friends hearing about what we do - unless you want to tell them, of course."

Winter coughed, thinking of the last week. Would Moon and Qibli be impressed that he slept with the Skywing Queen? That he made her moan his name? That he filled her belly and her ass with his essence?

Well, Qibli would, probably.

They approached a large metal door, which had a large padlock on the handle. She took a key off the top of the door, unlocking it with a loud KLINK! The Skywing opened the door, letting him in. Winter's jaw dropped, as he took in what he saw.

He'd never seen or heard of a sex dungeon before, but this was exactly what he would've pictured. The room was dark, the only lights coming from torches the dragoness lit herself. The room was quite large, easily enough to hold a dozen dragons were it not for all the "equipment". There was a rack on one side, which held up a wide variety of sticks and whips and harnesses, among other instruments of corporal punishment. There was a table which had leather binds for the ankles and wrists, and a strange hanging contraption of chains and furred shackles.

But what scared him the most were the shelves: they were filled with dozens of different kinds of dildos. They were carved out of bone or wood or stone, very few of them looking like they had any flexibility to them. Some were small, like tiny rods that'd fit easily in his palm. Some were big enough that they could double as melee weapons. Flared heads, spaded tips, fat knots. Why so many of them were distinctly not draconian, Winter didn't want to know.

"Now then," She began, fishing around a drawer, "Before we get started, you need to know this is your last chance to back out. The things we're going to do will hurt just as much as they pleasure. You will surrender yourself to me, and the only way we'll stop is if you say the safe word, which is…"

"'Updraft'." Winter answered.

"Exactly," Tourmaline confirmed, as she pulled out a spiked leather collar attached to a leash. She placed the collar on his neck, securing it as he held still. "In here, I'm Mistress Tourmaline, and you're my Pet. You will only speak when spoken to, or when you break. Should you last, I'll be sure to give you an extra special prize." She emphasized the last part with a teasing kiss on his neck, sending chills down his spine. "Do you understand?"

"Yes... Mistress Tourmaline," He answered obediently. This part wasn't that strange to him - growing up as royalty, he knew a little about Queens and Princesses being into dominating their partners. Princes and Kings, after all, were breeders, their primary duty being to give them eggs and satisfy their needs. Some of those needs involved taking control of their mates (or surrendering it to them, if they were extra-kinky).

"Good boy," The Skywing said, "Now hold still while I lock you into into the hanger rack."

Winter did just that. Tourmaline took her time putting his shackles, teasing him with little licks and touches as she put them on. She put an additional chain on his tail, pulling it back until the other end connected to his neck, exposing his rear and vent. He kept quiet as she set him up, only whining briefly as she pulled the chains that lifted him up, until he was up in the air, dangling and hung up like some party toy. He was spread-eagle midair, held at about waist height - just high enough to make mounting interesting.

"Very good," The Skywing purred, her claws trailing across his body, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you've had some experience being someone's pet. Is that so My Pet?"

Winter blushed and looked away. "Princes are expected to take care of their Queens," Winter explained, "Even their more... exotic desires. Hailstorm and I went through 'training regimens' like this to ensure how to be submissive to our mates, and what was expected of a breeder."

"And yet you've never had sex until my alterego gave herself?" She stopped in front of him, gently forcing him to look at her.

"I was too young for that," He admitted, "And besides, my virginity was prized back then. If my future wife knew I'd been used, my family's ranking might go down. They went as far as they could without taking me over that line."

"Then you should know what's expected of you." Tourmaline ran her claws down his neck. Winter shivered, as she kept trailing down his body. Her claws went down his chest and belly, tracing all the way down to his half-erect penis. A claw went up to the tip, catching a small bead of precum as it formed. She licked it away, letting Winter watch as she started sucking her finger, lewdly cooing and moaning as she fellated the digit. His cock twitched at the sight, this little display already hotter than the pawjob Thorn gave her.

"Looks like you're enjoying this," She teased, letting her paw slide down his crotch and up his tail, "But let's see how loose I can make you before I break out the toys."

Winter swallowed, knowing and dreading what she was talking about. He grunted as he felt the digit circling around his vent. The Icewing tried to relax, focusing on his breathing and the pleasure the teasing was providing. Here and there he probed himself during the heights of self-pleasure, something that was considered embarrassing by most Icewings (but that both Qibli and Hailstorm assured him was pretty common). He raised his tail, giving her better access.

"Good boy." Tourmaline pressed her claw, sliding in. Winter gave a strangled, mewling cry, struggling against his bonds as she wiggled it around. His cock hardened and throbbed, more pre starting to drip from his tip. She sank deeper and deeper, hilting her claw. There was a moment of relief when she pulled back, only for the pain to be doubled as she pressed a second finger in. Winter winced, moaning at the strange mix of pleasure and pain coursing through his body.

"Aren't you a sensitive little drake?" She giggled, rubbing around his prostate without directly touching it, "If I just press the right spot, I can make you blow your load and ruin your night. I have complete and utter control of you, all with two little claws. It's pretty thrilling, isn't it?" Winter could only whimper, unable to stop her master's actions. She kept wiggling and shoving inside him, keeping right on the edge of busting. The tension was excruciating, every fiber of his being crying out for release and pleasure. Just as he felt his willpower start to give out, the claw retreated, exiting his ass with a wet POP!

"Looks like I've loosened you up," Tourmaline mused, "Try to stay relaxed as I get ready."

Winter watched as the Skywing went to a display, grabbing a medium-sized yellow dildo attached to a harness. Realizing what she was going to do, he felt his heart beat faster. She smiled and winked at him as she put it on, making a little dance of it as she shimmied the straps up her legs. Once secured around her waist, she strode over to The Prince. It landed on his muzzle, a soft and rubbery material just firm enough to stand up, but not tear a hole apart.

"What was the name of that Sandwing drake you liked so much? Qibu?" Tourmaline giggled, sliding the tool along his face. "Pretend this is his cock. Slurp him up before I fuck you with it."

In Winter's mind, he pictured Qibli, resting his magnificent dick upon his head like the lewdest crown. He could almost smell his musk, an almost pleasant smell he carried after workouts, filling their room even as he told him to wash first. If he looked up, he could see his cheeky grin, his devilishly sparkling eyes. "Yeah, Winter," He could hear him say, "Go ahead. Suck my dick. Spirits know you want to."

And Winter did. Spirits curse it, even after moving on and knowing how wonderful a dragoness felt, he still wanted it. His tongue stuck out, licking along the length of the toy. It flicked atop the tip, curling around the base as he took it into his mouth. It was warm, though not hot as he imagined. It felt big enough though, and he had to force back a gag as he eased back. Tourmaline moved her hips back and forth, the dildo sliding in and out of his mouth. He closed his eyes, imagining his crush, surprised by how natural this felt.

"Of course you'd be an expert at this," Tourmaline teased, pulling her piece out of his mouth, "You princes are always good at sucking your own dicks. You go more than five days without cumming, and you act like your balls are about to explode. Don't worry, my little snowflake, I'll help get you off." She walked around his body, his bindings squeaking in protest as she mounted him. Winter's tail arched back as he felt that slick and warm slide between his cheeks, getting into position.

"Last chance to back out," She warned, getting the tip aligned with his vent, "I'm not stopping until I spill your seed on the floor."

"I... am ready, mistress." He replied, accepting his fate.

"That's the spirit." The tightening of her grip was the only warning Winter had, as the toy pressed at his hole, and slid inside. The Icewing gasped and moaned as it filled him, stretching parts of himself that had only dreamed of such sensations. The Queen pulled back, leaving him to feel empty, only for their cheeks to clap as she slammed herself back in. She repeated this motion again and again and again, setting a steady rhythm. Winter moaned and cried out, tail and wings flailing about as pleasure and pain filled his body. His body was experiencing sensations he'd never felt before, as the Skywing held him and pounded away with the skill and precision of someone who'd done this dozens of times. His tail arched higher, and he squealed as she bit down, holding it in place. Winter closed his eyes, imagining Qibli mounting him - his claws holding his hips, his hot breath on his neck, his thick cock ramming his ass with reckless abandon.

"Yeah! You like that, don't you?!" Tourmaline growled, "You like getting pounded in your tight little ass, don't you? Boy-bitch like you needs a strong dragoness using him whenever she wants! A powerful Queen who makes sure you only get to cum when she lets you. Like right... about... now!"

The Skywing adjusted the angle of her thrusts, and went harder and faster. The dildo pounded on his prostate, bringing him to the edge and pushing him over. Pleasure filled his body like a blizzard, and Winter gave a pathetic, mewling cry as his cock spasmed, and he blew his load onto the floor. His whole body shook, his eyes rolling back as he submitted to bliss. As much as he might've wanted his Sandwing crush to be the one to take his anal virginity, Tourmaline was as good as anything he could've dreamed of. He went limp in his bonds, barely held up by the chains and her strap-on. A pool of white formed beneath him, his balls emptying harder than they've ever had.

"That's it!" She cried, still pumping into him, her own thrusts becoming frantic, "That's it! Almost there! Almost, almost-!" The Skywing roared, blowing a jet of flame above them. Winter could feel her whole body shake, her grip tightening to a painful level as she brought herself to climax. Her thrusts started to peter out, something wet flowing down his ass and legs. Tourmaline pressed her head against his neck, panting and sighing. Together, they rode out their combined orgasms, basking in the combined afterglow.

The Queen was the first to recover, after a minute or so. "Well done, little prince," She complimented, "Not every drake can handle a little pegging. You've earned your mistress's respect." She dismounted, the dildo pulling out of his ass with a wet schlorp! "But don't think we're done just yet. There's one more thing I wish to try with you."

Winter was only half-paying attention, vaguely aware through the post-nut afterglow as Tourmaline took off her strap-on. His vent felt so sore, but every other part of him felt soooo good. He wouldn't have believed being used like this could be so amazing. Would Moon be interested in-?

"You ever been spanked before, Prince Winter?"

Winter looked up. Tourmaline now had grabbed a riding crop, testing its flexibility. She had an almost malicious look in her eye, as she dragged the edge along his back. "O-once, mistress," He stuttered, "W-when I was very y-young. I-it wasn't... fun."

"It's not meant to be fun for dragonets," She said, dragging it across his rump and tail, "But can be quite fun for good and bad drakes. Now, let's make things interesting, pet. I'm going to give you ten spanks. If you can make it all the way without using the safeword, I'll ride you until I'm dripping with your cum. Few drakes have ever had the privilege of filling this cunt with their essence. I wonder if you'll be lucky enough to do so the first time."

She placed the crop on his rump, the cool leather sending a shiver up his spine. Winter remembered the safeword, but did his best to steel himself. He wasn't weak, nor a quitter.

SMACK! Winter cried out, his rump suddenly burning with pain.

"That's one!" Tourmaline declared, raising her arm for another strike. SMACK! "That's two! Take it like a drake!"

Something was wrong. This wasn't fun. This was SO much worse than getting pegged. SMACK! He was taken back to when he was a dragonet, facing his parents' wrath after returning home without Hailstorm. They paddled him over and over, striking him until his rump was like a bright blueberry, and he walked with a noticeable limp for a week.

SMACK! Winter wailed, the strike forcing the air from his lungs. Tourmaline wasn't holding back, that much was clear. Could he last a full ten spanks? Could he still perform after she was done? Was this what S&M was all about?

SMACK! "UPDRAFT! UPDRAFT!" Winter cried out in pain, tears flowing down his face, "I yield, I yield! Updraft, let me go!"

Mercifully, Tourmaline stopped. As Winter fought against his tears and failed, she sighed, putting the crop away. "Very good, young drake," She said, "You recognized your limits and used the safeword. Not every dragon I bring in here remembers it. I have more respect for a drake who knows their limits than one who seeks bravado or humiliation." She stepped in front of him, reaching for her necklace. "I turn you over to my gentler half. See you around, Prince Winter."

With that, she clicked her necklace, and in seconds, the orange dragon transformed back into the deep red dragoness he'd come to care for. Ruby looked down at him, concern filling her eyes as she reached down to comfort the Icewing. Her paws worked quickly, untying him from the apparatus and taking him into her embrace. Whatever defenses he had up quickly fell, and Winter buried his face in Ruby's chest, holding her tight.

"Shhhh, shhhh," Ruby shushed him, gently stroking his back, "It's okay. It's okay Winter, you did great. I'm so proud of you, My Prince."

Winter let those tears flowed, but felt the pain and embarrassment melt under her affection. There was no judgment in her tender touch, only motherly kindness and empathy. Her wings enveloped him like a warm blanket, the gentle rocking and kisses upon his head putting his heart at ease. It might've been embarrassing to find so much comfort and peace with just a simple touch, but he didn't care anymore. He realized that Icewings were touch-starved, and having a queen of all dragons express motherly love for him was satisfying a need he didn't know he had.

"Come on," She said after a few minutes, "Let's get you back to my room. I'll have the servants get us some snacks and drinks. I know how to make my brave little drake feel better."

"Th-thank you, Ruby," He stammered, getting to his feet as he followed her, "You're... you're just the best." The Skywing smiled, already thinking of the ways he could show his gratitude...

Winter spent the next few days in Ruby's chambers, where the Skywing tended to his needs. The Icewing tried to assure her that he was fine, and that she didn't need to abandon her responsibilities to "mother" him, but she would hear none of it. Part of it, no doubt, was out of guilt and responsibility over how Tourmaline nearly broke him. Part of it also came from how they both knew Winter enjoyed the pampering. He enjoyed cuddling up with the larger Skywing, being held against her warm body. He liked how she'd massage him, her dexterous fingers able to work out kinks in his muscles he didn't even know he had. He especially liked how she'd wake him at dawn satisfying his morning wood, just as he enjoyed making a snack out of her pussy before bed. He even liked getting to talk and play with young Cliff, who'd come to visit every day.

The Icewing Prince used to have a pretty low opinion of the Skywings, but after the last two weeks, he wouldn't mind staying here longer. At least, if he got to stay with Ruby. She wasn't Moon - no one could replace her, in his mind - but Ruby had hit every mark Winter would want in a mate. She was smart, and kind, and witty. He thought Thorn might've turned him off from older females, the Skywing's nurturing, motherly nature had satisfied emotional needs he hadn't realized he'd been missing. Her alternate personality might be a little... intense, but once it was over, he could admit to himself that part of him liked being dominated by a strong, powerful dragoness (even if he'd have to work to keep up with her standards).

But Winter knew he couldn't stay there, not while he had his quest to complete. So, after two weeks of staying in the Sky Kingdom, he knew it was time to move on. He packed light, but still found the process of leaving long and melancholy.

"Are you sure you can't stay any longer?" Cliff asked almost pleadingly, the morning of his departure, "I didn't even get to show you to my friends at school!"

"My apologies, young Prince," Winter said, "But there are other Queens and kingdoms I have to visit. I have a responsibility to my own Queen and my tribe to go, as much as I'd love to stay here and hang out with you and your mother."

It was clear to Winter that he was sad to see him go, but was trying to hide it by looking pouty and brooding - an eerie mimic of his own. I haven't been brooding since I've been here, have I? He thought, equally amused and concerned, I've been happier now than… Maybe ever? I hope he doesn't start a grumpy phase because of me. Ruby might never forgive me.

"Did you at least get me a brother?" Cliff asked, sounding a little hopeful even as he avoided eye contact.

Winter was torn between laughing and blushing. It was a silly, precocious question, and he automatically wanted to say no… but considering how often he and Cliff's mother mated, it was a terrifying possibility that he could've put an egg in her.

Ruby was drinking moon tea all this week, wasn't she? She'd tell me if she changed her mind, wouldn't she? I'm not about to become a father, am I? Oh, Three Moons!

"No, you're not getting any siblings anytime soon," Ruby chuckled behind him, "Now, go ahead and say your goodbyes, Mommy needs to talk in private before he leaves."

Cliff's scowl disappeared, and before Winter could react, the little Skywing came up and wrapped his wings and forelegs around his chest. Winter froze for a moment, before tentatively wrapping an arm and wings around him. For all his silly remarks, he really was a good dragonet - if anything, Cliff made him think of what Qibli would've been like when he was younger. Winter couldn't help but like him.

"Bye Winty," He said as he pulled away, "Good luck on your journey. I hope you come back to see us when you're done."

"Goodbye, Prince Cliff," He smiled and waved, as the dragonet took flight, heading back to the learning tower with the other young students. He was alone with Ruby now.

"Don't worry," She giggled, closing the distance between them, "I took precautions. You're not going to be a father anytime soon. Besides, if you were, all the other Queens would have to fight me for you, because I wouldn't let you go so easily."

Winter looked away, his cheeks turning a bright blue. "Ruby," He said, trying to work his way through a storm of emotions, "You're... You're amazing. You're beautiful and kind and gentle. You're everything I could wish for in a Queen... and in a-"

Ruby placed a single talon on his nose, silencing him. She gave a motherly smile, her paw shifting and caressing his cheek. "You're a good boy," Ruby sighed, "And a terrific partner. But you have a long way to go from here, and I won't be the one to keep you from experiencing the world. I don't want to keep you from seeing your brother and sister again. But should you ever find yourself back in the Sky Kingdom, know that my palace - and my bed - are always open to you." Her gaze became distant for a moment, and her smile became a smirk. "Tourmaline also likes you," She added, "And she hopes you won't mind having more sessions with her when you come back. She even promises to let you top her if you're a good boy."

"Oh..." He felt his cheeks warm, as he thought of having Tourmaline beneath him, making her cry and moan as he had. Ruby giggled, as she reached under wing and fished out the letter.

"Don't forget about this," Ruby said, handing it over, "Can't go home without everyone's approval."

Winter looked at the note, noticing the Ruby-red lipstick stain next to Thorn's. Beneath the Sandwing's note, she had written, You will never find a more kind, passionate and generous lover than the Prince of the Icewings. Sincerely, Queen Ruby of the Skywings.

Winter smiled, blinking away the tears that started to form. "Thank you," He sniffed, "But truthfully, I could say the same thing about you."

They stared at each other for a moment, all the world seeming to fall away from them. They drew into each other, encompassing each other's world until all that was left was each other. Like gravity, their lips fell into each other, and their hearts beat as one. Winter placed a paw on her neck, pulling her in. Ruby held his cheek, humming softly as they shared the moment. They pulled away after a time, resting their foreheads against each other.

"Safe travels, Prince Winter," Ruby whispered.

"Spirits watch over you, Queen Ruby," Winter replied.

With that, Winter stepped away and took flight, doing his best not to look back. If he had, there was no way he could keep going. And he had so many more kingdoms to visit...