Chapter 29

Underwater, The Southern Tropics

Spike and his mates swam at a brisk pace while they followed Princess Adagio and her entourage close behind. While the whole “changing races” thing was still a bit jarring to all of them, the former Wyvertii found that their new physiology was surprisingly intuitive. Swimming underwater felt like the most natural thing in the world, as did breathing through gills. It wasn’t quite the same sensation as, say, breathing air on the surface but at least it wasn’t difficult.

Never having dived before, Spike found that just underneath the surface, the ocean teeming with life. Colorful fish swam about, finding food, hunting, or just getting from place to place. Crabs scurried along the sand. The seabed was littered with colonies of coral, ranging in all shapes and sizes, beds of seaweed swayed gently in the current as if they were being blown around by the breeze. In the distance the deep, resonating cry of a Blue Whale echoed through the water.

Spike’s mouth gaped much like the fish around him when he saw Sonata swim up to a rather large Tiger Shark and affectionately stroke its scales like one would with a pet dog. Given how similar the Hydronepitae were to sharks, he supposed that it wasn’t too unusual for them to share a bond of kinship. However, Spike wasn’t about to start petting the toothy torpedoes just yet.

Adagio looked back at the Dragon Lord’s cautious expression and laughed, showing off her own set of dagger-like teeth. Which, in of itself, was both terrifying and funny at the same time because he could actually hear her voice carry through the water. She paused for a moment and oriented her body so that she floated directly in front of him.

“You’ll find that aquatic creatures are, generally speaking, quite amicable towards us. Sonata is… well, she’s a special case. She’s always had an affinity towards beasts. In your case, I would highly suggest showing any creature you encounter respect, and they shall return it in kind.”

Spike nodded. “My friend, Fluttershy, told me something very similar. Don’t worry! I will. I’ve always treated animals with respect. But—umm—I won’t be cozying up to Tiger Sharks like Sonata anytime soon…”

As if on cue, Sonata petted the Tiger Shark one last time and kissed the end of its snout. Aria rolled her eyes and sighed while Sonata waved goodbye to the predatory fish. The girls looked over at Princess Adagio’s handmaiden with dubious expressions, puzzled by the bizarre contradiction of an affectionate shark. With a collective shrug, they continued swimming towards their destination.

Adagio waved her hand and everyone abruptly stopped when they reached the edge of a cliff that led down to a deep, underwater trench. It was so vast that Spike couldn’t even see any light penetrating beyond a few meters of the surface. The desolation and eerie silence that pervaded the area sent shivers down his spine. An inexplicable feeling of foreboding dread gnawed at the back of his mind. It was as though the trench itself were whispering directly into his ear. The message was quite clear: turn back and stay away.

“Your highness, with all due respect why have we stopped? I can’t exactly put it into words, but this place is giving me a serious case of the creeps. Like there’s something dangerous lurking about. I really don’t think we should stick around here too much longer....”

Adagio bowed slightly. “Forgive me, Lord Spike. I nearly forgot how powerful our concealment spell is. You may have gained the physical aspects of our race, but the barrier does not recognize any of you as one of our own. It’s… a bit difficult to explain.”

“Concealment spell? I’m not sure I understand.”

Sonata raised her hand and waved it violently. “Oh! I know how it works! Ask me!”

Aria rolled her eyes. “You might as well let her explain. She won’t shut up otherwise.”

“Go ahead, Sonata,” Spike encouraged, “I’m curious to find out how Hydronepitaen magic functions.”

“Sure thing, Lord Spike! Ok, so I’m pretty sure that you’ve already figured out that we aren’t fond of surface dwellers, right? I mean, it’s not like you guys would have an easy time getting down here in the first place but we don’t like to take chances. That’s what the barrier is for!”

“Umm ok. I’m not sure I understand what you’re getting at.”

Sonata giggled. “Oh yeah! I totally forgot that you guys can’t see past the illusion spell. Well, there’s this big ole’ barrier that our most powerful mages cast over Megálo Margaritári to keep it hidden from outsiders. And, as an added bonus, it also keeps everything weighed down inside the city. Pretty neat, huh?”

“Weighed down? Like an artificial gravity field?”

Sonata cocked her head to the side. “Hmm. In a sense, I suppose. If we didn’t have it in place, everyone and everything would just sort of float around. That’d be really inconvenient. Especially when you’re trying to walk around town or have a quickie. Know what I mean?”

Delmira gasped in a theatrical manner. “Oh, my goodness! Floating around helplessly while attempting to make love would indeed be a terrible inconvenience! I’m sure glad that the Hydronepitae are such forward thinkers.”

Spike rubbed his temples and sighed. “Of course, you would say that.”

“Come now, Spike. Don’t be such a sourpuss. You can’t blame a girl for wanting to test out some new equipment~ Plus, with that wonderful ribbed cock of yours, I wanna see what if feels like when you pump it back and—”

Spike’s cheeks flushed. “OK! That’s enough. I get the picture. Can we please focus on the task at hand?”

Adagio laughed. “You’ve certainly got your hands full with that one, Lord Spike~ I can already tell that Delmira and I are going to get along just fine. In any case, it will only take a moment for Sonata, Aria, and I to ping the barrier so that we can all pass through it safely.”

Spike shook his head, trying to play off the massive blush that still colored his cheeks. He knew that the girls always meant well whenever they complimented his physique (even while in his Hydronepitaen form) but it embarrassed him to no end whenever they referred to his manhood in such blatant terms. Such was the life of a Dragon Lord, the young man mused.

In the meantime, the Dazzlings joined their hands together and formed a rough circle. Each one sang a single tone, while the other harmonized with it until they began singing a wordless, ancient tune. It was unlike anything Spike had ever heard before or since. There was an ethereal quality to it that was further amplified by the underwater acoustics. He found himself memorized, melancholic, and calm all at the same time. It was a strange feeling to say the least.

A deep rumbling shook the seafloor. In a matter of moments, a translucent bubble rippled around the trench. Adagio was the first to break free from the circle and motioned for everyone else to follow her lead. The Wyvertii put their trust in the princess and passed through the barrier with a watery “schlorp” sound. When the four of them finally reached the other side, their mouths hung agape in awe at the sight they beheld.

In the distance, a bustling metropolis bathed in a pale turquoise glow rose above the surface of the seafloor. To compare the city to Canterlot or Manehatten would be like saying that a revolver and an artillery piece were both firearms. Technically, they were similar in function but… the two were so completely different from each other as well.

Before Spike could ponder the matter further, Adagio sang a short melody that echoed through the water. A few moments later, two slate gray, fish-shaped craft sped towards her location and hovered above the seabed. The same, eerie turquoise glow lit up their eyes and the seams that ran along their surface. Without the slightest hesitation, Adagio mounted the craft closest to her like a horse and beckoned him to follow her example.

“What the hell is that thing?!!”

Adagio looked back at Spike. “The fastest way to get to Megálo Margaritári and the palace, by extension. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly safe. I’ve been piloting these ever since I was a teenager.”

“Ah well, ok then. It’s just that I’ve… never seen anything like it before.”

Adagio chuckled awkwardly. “Right. Of course, you haven’t. Erm—suffice to say: we are far more technologically advanced than any of the surface dwelling races. Like, by matter of centuries. It’s one of the many reasons why we go to such great lengths to stay hidden.”

“Why’s that? If I may ask.”

Adagio stroked her chin in thought. “Hmm. One of the major contributing factors is our longevity. We Hydronepitae can live for thousands of years. Aria, Sonata, and I are still relatively young. We’ve yet to reach our 300^th birthdays. I mean, we ARE considered adults but… it’s really all a matter of perspective, I suppose.”

“Uh huh. So… how advanced are we talking? That thing you’re riding looks like it came straight out of the pages of a comic book or a science fiction novel.”

Adagio shrugged. “I honestly couldn’t say. My education, while excellent, only covered the basics of how things work. You could always ask one of our scientists later if you want. What I do know is: all of our technology is powered by magically infused crystals. That’s where the glow comes from. Weapons, lighting, transportation… all of it uses crystals.”

Sonata jumped up and down excitedly. “Don’t forget vibrating sex toys!”

Aria groaned. “What is it with you two? I swear, I’m surrounded by nymphomaniacs.”

“Awww. C’mon, Aria! Don’t be such a grumpy grouper! You’re just feeling frustrated because you haven’t been laid in, like, forever!! Be honest with me, girlfriend. How long’s it been? A week? A month? I know you’ve been pretty busy with guard duty as of late but—”

Aria’s cheeks flushed in a combination of anger and embarrassment. “I AM NOT ABOUT TO DISCUSS THE INTIMATE DETAILS OF MY PERSONAL LIFE IN FRONT OF A BUNCH OF SURFACE DWELLERS! AND LEAST OF ALL, YOU!!!”

Sonata’s ear fins drooped. “You didn’t have to yell at me…”

“That’s enough you two,” Adagio admonished, “We can help Aria get laid after we get back to the palace and introduce our guests to my parents. There will be plenty of time for fun later.”

Aria crossed her arms underneath her breasts and pouted. “See? This is what I’m talking about. You two can’t ever mind your own fucking business. Always gotta drag me along to your wild orgies or set me up on blind dates. The last guy you set me up with sucked, by the way.”

“Hmm? Oh! You must be referring to that seaweed farmer. Zerron, I think his name was,” Adagio said. “He was fairly handsome, as I recall. And quite charming. Was he not good enough to satisfy your exacting standards, Aria?”

Aria’s lips scrunched into a sour expression. “Sure, he was decent looking. But that idiot was totally obsessed with my ass! He kept feeling me up when we got back to my apartment from dinner. I wanted to take things slow but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, I had to kick him in the dick to get the point across. Fucking loser waddled outta there like a lame penguin.”

Sonata shuffled her feet. “To be fair: you do have a really nice tushie, Aria.”

“I—you know what? Fine! Maybe I do. At least someone around here seems to appreciate all the hard work I put into keeping my body in top physical condition. I mean, it’s all part of my job but I do like to look good from time to time too.”

Adagio shot Aria a sympathetic look. “Yes, and you’re a damn fine guard at that. Look, I’m sorry if our… techniques have left a lot to be desired. We both love you, Aria. That’s why Sonata and I want to help you. Neither of us like to see you so down in the dumps.”

The poofy-haired princess hopped off of the hovercraft and encouraged her honorary sisters to come join her in a welcoming embrace. They all shared a group hug together and Aria reluctantly promised that she’d try to loosen up a little and have fun when the opportunity arose. Adagio and Sonata both agreed that they’d try to be a bit more understanding when it came to Aria’s personal preferences as well.

Without further ado, Adagio got back onto her hovercraft and motioned for Spike and Delmira to ride along with her. Unlike Adagio, Aria insisted on wearing a protective helmet and advised Sunset and Ember to do the same while she inspected the hovercraft’s controls.

A slight crackling noise filled Ember and Sunset’s ears while they put their helmets on. They were surprised to hear Aria’s voice a moment later. “Just so you guys know, these things have a communications array already built inside. All you gotta do is think of the person you wanna talk to and it’ll transmit your voice.”

In the span of a few seconds, the pair of hovercraft hummed to life and everyone sped off towards the capital of the Hydronepitaen Empire.

“Awww. That’s so sweet. They really are like sisters.” Sunset remarked.

Ember nodded in agreement. “Mhmm. Although, I can totally understand why Aria was so upset. Some guys can be real scumbags. Especially, when they start doing lewd stuff without even asking. I hate that! Just because I’m interested in going out on a date or talking, doesn’t mean it’s ok to jump straight to the part where we have sex.”

“Uhh… no offence, Ember. But you don’t seem like the type who’d have that kind of problem.”

Ember shifted in her seat uncomfortably and blushed. “Not anymore. When I was younger, there was a time when I tried my hand at dating for a while. Heh. I even grew my hair out past my shoulders and wore makeup. Nothing major. Just enough to get some attention from the boys around Brimstone. I wanted to get in touch with my feminine side, you know?

“Anyway, my makeover seemed to work. The blacksmith’s son, Flint, started talking to me one day while we were at the baths. Looking back on it, I don’t think he realized who I was because I’d changed my look so drastically from before. Otherwise, he probably would have kept his distance. Happens a lot when you’re the Dragon Lord’s only daughter.

“Long story short: we ate lunch together the next day and then he took me into the forest to find some firewood for his father’s forge. When we finished, we sat down in the grass for a while to get some rest and chat. That’s when he kissed me. I liked it at first, but then he started to get aggressive with me. You know, like groping and stuff. I didn’t want to seem like prude, so I just… went along with it.

“I knew things had gone too far when he finally decided to pry apart my legs. I told him to stop but he just kept going like I never said anything at all. While he was busy fiddling with his penis, I punched him straight across the jaw and kicked him while he was laying on the ground a couple times for good measure. I don’t think I broke any bones, but he did have a massive black eye for a couple of weeks afterwards. Cried like a baby too. At least that part of kind of funny.

“I was way too embarrassed to tell my father or anyone else about what had happened in the forest. And umm—he would have gone ballistic anyway. For as much as I hated Flint for nearly raping me, I didn’t want him to die. He was just a hormonally charged teenager like me who let his eagerness get the best of him.

“Ah—it’s probably a good thing that Flint never said a word about it either. Especially, when he put two and two together and finally figured out who I was. He did eventually approach me while I was bathing one morning and apologized for what he’d done. I could tell he was sincere but I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything more than forgive him and move on with my life.”

Sunset gently rubbed Ember’s shoulder. “Ember, I had no idea you went through something so traumatic. I’m sorry. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

Ember sniffed. “Thank you, Sunset. Believe it or not, you’re the first person I’ve ever told that story to. Not even… Spike knows about it. He’s nothing like Flint, of course! I just—I don’t want him worrying about me. Spike’s already got enough on his plate as it is.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. But I really think you should tell him at some point. Maybe when things start to calm down a bit. Look on the bright side: you two seem pretty comfortable having sex together. At least, that’s the impression I got when I walked into the sparring room…”

Ember’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “It did take us a while to get that way, though. But… I’m really happy that he’s my mate. Spike’s always been very gentle and understanding whenever we make love. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to me.”

“I think I may have some idea.”

Ember grinned sheepishly. “Oh, yeah. I nearly forgot that you two went to the charity ball in Canterlot. Ah… what do you think of Spike’s skills?”

“As a lover? Hmm. I was technically still a virgin up to that point, so I’m not sure if I can answer your question properly. But—uh—we did have great time bumping uglies. Spike definitely left me feeling satisfied, that’s for sure. Makes me wonder how he’ll handle more than one of us.”

“I honestly don’t know,” Ember admitted quietly, “The thought of making love to either you or Delmira terrifies me. I’m not sure how good I’d be at it. NOT that you two aren’t beautiful or anything like that I just happen to… prefer men.”

“Don’t sweat it, Ember. We’ll figure it out together as we go along. It’s not one of those things that has a set of strict protocols to follow. Just do what you feel is right and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s a process, you know.”

Ember let out a deep sigh. “I suppose it is. How much longer do you think it’ll take to get to the palace? This floating fish thingy is going pretty fast but—”

“About five minutes,” Aria interrupted, “Sorry, didn’t mean to cut you off. The capital and the surrounding area’s a lot bigger than it may first appear. One word of advice though: stick close to me when we disembark. I don’t want anyone to get lost.”

Sunset and Ember chorused their agreement. With nothing further left to say, the fiery-haired amazon wrapped her arms around Ember’s waist just a little bit tighter and ran her fingers along Ember’s stomach as a sign of affection. The tomboy tensed for a brief moment, but returned the gesture in kind by gently sliding her foot along Sunset’s ankle.

It was a small step towards deepening the intimacy of their relationship together as mates, but a crucial one nonetheless. Neither Ember nor Sunset could honestly say that they’d ever been attracted to or in love with another woman before, but they definitely trusted one another and considered themselves much closer than mere friends. More akin to sisters, perhaps.

Given enough time and the right opportunities, they figured it was entirely possible that strong feelings of passion might very well develop between them. However, that time had not arrived just yet. Instead, the girls sat in comfortable silence for the remainder of the ride, content to enjoy the sensation of each other’s silky-smooth scales and the warmth of their bodies.

Everyone disembarked from their respective hovercrafts after they were parked in the docking bays near the barracks attached to the palace. Two guards armed with a pair of beam rifles and clad in royal armor stood at attention and saluted Adagio as she led everyone into the side entrance that was typically reserved for staff, servants and guard details. The princess apologized for the faux-paus in proper royal decorum but insisted that it would attract far less attention if they went in that way instead of the front gate.

Spike cleared his throat. “Adagio, you don’t have to apologize. It’s totally fine coming in the back way. I might technically be royalty but I’ve never been much of a stickler for all of that pomp and circumstance stuff. None of us are, for that matter.”

“While I appreciate your humility, Lord Spike, I still can’t help but feel somewhat guilty. Under normal circumstances, you and your companions would have been welcomed with a grand entrance ceremony. If my father is feeling gracious today, I’m sure he’ll hold a feast in your honor and allow everyone to stay in the palace as honored guests.”

Delmira arched her brow. “Indeed? Unless, your father wishes to incur the wrath of a goddess and the Wyvertii all within the span of a single day…”

“Again, Ms. Delmira, I mean no disrespect. But I have no way of confirming your identity. Of course, it was quite obvious from the start that you are all Wyvertii but… even you must admit that you don’t look anything like the massive, white dragoness of legend.”

Delmira pouted. “Hey! I’m not fat! Even in my dragon form…”

Spike reached over and gave his mate’s bottom a playful squeeze. “I dunno, Delmira. You seem to be pretty soft in your mortal form. Maybe you should consider going on a diet.”

“You’re lucky I love you so much, or I’d roast you alive for blaspheming a goddess. Besides, fucking totally counts as exercise and we do plenty of that, Mr. High & Mighty Dragon Lord.”

Ember and Sunset snickered at his expense, but Spike too it all in good humor. Sonata seemed amused by the whole situation and Aria simply rolled her eyes. As they all continued to pitter-patter along the marbled floor of the hallway, the young Dragon Lord took notice of the architecture. Stylistically, it was very uniform in both color and construction. Mostly in varying shades of greenish-grey and silver. It reminded him of a sleek, highly modernized version of ancient Roaman villas.

The walls had sconces molded straight into them, which emitted the same turquoise light that seemed endemic to all forms of Hydronepitaen technology. There were murals of famous warriors, diplomats, and other important figures throughout their history placed on the walls. They wore jewelry, cosmetics, and the occasional tattoo but their vibrantly-colored flesh was left uncovered otherwise.

Hydronepitaens, despite their advancements, didn’t seem to have any qualms when it came to showing off their bodies. In fact, both males and females of the race seemed proud of them. Even though Adagio hadn’t explicitly mentioned it before during their previous conversation, Spike figured that it was not only culturally acceptable to be seen unclothed in their society but was a matter of practicality as well, considering they lived underwater most of the time.

Unlike the Wyvertii, the Hydronepitae did make a conscious effort to wear protective gear whenever the situation deemed it necessary. Such as in the case of the royal guards. It made sense; Spike mused. Their skin, although plenty tough on its own, probably wasn’t quite durable enough to withstand the kind of punishment that the Wyvertii were accustomed to. Their acoustic based magic was also a complete unknown to the Dragon Lord. He knew it was quite powerful based on what he’d seen so far but how exactly it worked, Spike couldn’t say.

Spike’s reverie was abruptly cut short when they finally reached the throne room. It was a grand, if somewhat garish setup. The entire room was covered in the finest decorations, gems, and precious metals that one could possibly imagine. Sculptures of nude Hydronepitae set in various athletic poses stood in carved alcoves along the walls. The throne itself was in the center and carved from what Spike could only guess was some kind of exotic coral.

Upon it sat Emperor Tidal Wave himself. His face set in a stern, but thoughtful expression. He was an imposing figure of a man. Even while seated, it was clear that he was about two meters tall. The Emperor was just as naked as his daughter, save for a pair of gold bracers on his wrists and a pointed crown fitted with several red diamonds that rested atop his head.

The man’s bronze-hued scales practically glowed under the sconces; it rippled with taught, powerful muscle underneath the surface. His rusty orange “hair” was long and curly, it flowed down past his shoulders and partially covered his wide chest. Strangely enough, he seemed to have a full beard and moustache as well. Tidal Wave’s emerald-green eyes softened when he saw his daughter walk up to the throne. He immediately got up and wrapped her in a loving embrace.

“Adagio! You’re finally back from the surface with Captain Blaze and Sonata in tow. And I see that you brought some additional guests with you as well. You’d best explain why you brought them here before me. Our laws are quite clear when it comes to trespassers…”

Adagio blanched slightly but looked her father straight in the eye. “From what I gather, the white-scaled one refers to herself as Delmira. She claims to be the goddess of all Wyvertii. While we were still investigating the disturbance on the surface, I did confirm that they all were indeed dragon folk. Physically, at least.”

“Hmm. Is that so? Their kind being this far away from the forbidden continent is… unusual to say the least. They are nearly as reclusive as we are, my dear. However unlikely it is for them to travel outside of their homeland, such a thing is not entirely unheard of.

“Stand before me if you would please, Ms. Delmira. I wish to test your claim.”

The transformed goddess did as she was asked, mostly to ensure that no harm would come to her beloved mates. But it wasn’t as if she disliked Tidal Wave in the first place. He had asked politely and his daughter had also been very reasonable when it came to postponing any harsh punishment for intruding upon his empire. She bowed slightly and smiled.

“It’s been a while, Tidy. You look great, by the way. Must be keeping up with your training regimen and eating properly, huh?”

Tidal Wave chuckled. “By the oceans, I haven’t heard that nickname in centuries! A good first impression, to be sure, but I still require more… tangible evidence of your divine power. Please place your fingers over the magma diamonds on my crown. If you can make them glow, then I will no longer question your identity.”

Sure enough, when Delmira touched the diamonds, they glowed with a crimson light. Thus satisfied, Tidal Wave laughed and wrapped Delmira in a hug. She returned the embrace with gusto and placed a chaste kiss upon his chest. When they finally broke apart, Delmira let out a relieved sigh and gestured towards her mates.

“My apologies for intruding upon your empire, Tidy. But… we didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter. My mates and I were originally headed to Zebrica but our ship got hit by a rogue wave and we wound up marooned on a deserted island. That’s where your daughter found us.”

Tidal Wave frowned. “How unfortunate. The surface of the ocean near our capital has been known to be rough around this time of year. It is one of the reasons why the seabed just outside of the barrier is littered with shipwrecks. Was your captain not aware of the danger?”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps he was. I never thought to ask him. He seemed experienced though.”

Tidal Wave rubbed his chin. “My scouts did not report any recent sinkings. It is entirely possible that your ship continued on sailing to Zebrica without you. Even so, you know that I cannot allow you to attract surface dwellers here.”

Delmira shuffled her feet. “Yes, I know. It’s just that we… don’t have any supplies or a boat. We all have our magic and survival skills of course, but that’s not going to get us across the ocean. What would you have me do, Tidy? I can’t very well turn into my dragon form right now.”

“For the time being, all of you may stay here in the palace as my honored guests. I will need to consult with my advisors on how to send everyone to Zebrica without compromising our security. Will that suffice, Delmira?”

Delmira grasped his hands and shook them. “Thank you so much! I won’t forget what you’ve done for me today. If you ever need a favor, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to—”

“They’ll be none of that. You already helped me obtain the magma diamonds for my crown. Consider this repayment for an earlier debt. And I’d like to think of this as helping a friend.”

Delmira abandoned all decorum and kissed Tidal Wave on the lips. “You’re the best, Tidy!”

“Be careful, Delmira. My wife might get jealous.” The Emperor joked.

A tall, slender woman with the build of a ballet dancer gracefully entered the throne room. Her smooth, wine-colored hair billowed softly behind her as she sauntered towards Emperor Tidal Wave. Atop her head sat a crown made of silver and garnets, a matching necklace fashioned from the same metal except with an orange topaz in the center hung loosely around her neck. Otherwise, she wore nothing else.

Her breasts were relatively small, but firm and pear-shaped. It was quite clear that she was in excellent shape: the slight muscle tone in her arms, legs, and stomach attested to that. The light from the sconces made her deep burgundy-hued scales glisten ever so slightly. Or it may have been the Hydronepitaen version of sweat. The jury was still out on that. She placed her hands on her hips and looked over at Tidal Wave with a mischievous expression in her violet eyes.

“I leave you alone to go out for my daily exercise routine, and find that you’re kissing another woman? Have you no shame, dearest husband?”

Tidal Wave walked over to his wife and wrapped her in a loving embrace. She squeaked in delight when he planted a few butterfly kisses along her neck. “Melodia, my love, you know that you’re the only woman for me. I was just catching up with an old friend. She just happens to show her affection more openly than most.”

Empress Melodia Maritime ran her fingers along Tidal Wave’s stomach and chuckled. “Oh? Is she the infamous albino dragoness you spoke so highly of? I didn’t realize that the Wyvertii were known for their shapeshifting abilities… but then again, transforming into a human female shouldn’t be too much an issue for a Goddess.”

“You know I’m standing right here.”

Melodia nodded politely. “Yes, dear. I know. Please understand that I meant no disrespect towards you or your kind. I was merely… thinking aloud. Hmm. I must say: you really are quite a beautiful creature. White is a very fetching color for your physique. Makes your scales shine like freshly fallen snow.”

“Well, I do like to take care of myself. The same could be said about your body, Empress Maritime. How do you manage to keep in such good shape?”

Melodia tittered. “Mostly through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dancing has to be my absolute favorite physical activity. Next to sex, of course~ Just ask my daughter and husband, they’ll tell you how passionate I am about it.”

“Sex or dancing?”

“Both. And at the same time on occasion.” Melodia proudly proclaimed.

“Ooooh, kinky~ I bet you two have all kinds of fun together!”

Melodia waggled her eyebrows. “Like you wouldn’t believe. I consider myself fortunate to have a loving husband who spoils me and satisfies my needs on a daily basis. Isn’t that right, dear?”

Emperor Tidal Wave took the opportunity to swat his wife’s bottom and nibble on her ear fin. “Indeed, it is, my beautiful starfish. I think you and I could very well have some of the fun Delmira was referring to while the feast is being prepared. What do you think?”

“My thoughts exactly! But I get to ride on top this time~”

Adagio took a seat on one of the many cushioned chairs that adorned the throne room and let out a long, suffering sigh at her parents’ antics. While embarrassing, she was grateful that their marriage was still healthy and strong after four centuries. Captain Blaze had long since left the throne room to attend to her royal guard duties, and Sonata sat next to her princess, eyes sparkling with glee, happy that everyone was getting along so well. The handmaiden looked over at Spike and beckoned him to come closer.

“Psst. Hey! I’ll make sure to set you guys up with the BIGGEST guest room we have available. Oh, and if you give me just a little bit more time, I’ll stock with all kinds of scented oils, lube, toys, whips, gags, ropes and—” Sonata whispered.

“Erm—thank you, Ms. Sonata. The girls and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

Sonata giggled. “No problem, Lord Spike. There’s nothing quite like Hydronepitaen hospitality! One word of advice though: if you’re gonna have sex, do it before the feast rather than after. ‘Cause you might get a tummy ache, otherwise. Nobody likes those!”

Sunset laughed out loud. “Wise words to live by. You know, I’m actually pretty curious to see what it feels like to give this body a go. I wonder if Hydronepitaen orgasms are structured differently or happen to be more intense due to their non-mammalian physiology. I know one thing though: that big ole’ ribbed schlong of yours looks like it’d be a blast to try out.”

Spike wasn’t quite sure what he was more embarrassed about: Sunset talking about sexual intercourse like she was narrating a nature encyclopedia (it reminded him way too much of his sister) or that his penis had, once again, become the centerpiece of the conversation. Delmira chose that very moment to saunter across the room and sit atop his lap. She placed an affectionate kiss on his lips and rested her head against his chest. Once she got settled in, he began stroking her hair softly while the royal couple conversed amongst themselves.

Princess Adagio got up out of her chair, stretched out her arms with a satisfying pop, and watched her father carry her mother off to who knows where. Probably out to the gardens, she mused. They were infamous for having wild, outdoor romps whenever the mood struck them (which was quite often). And all without a shred of shame or decency if anyone happened to be walking by. Not that Adagio herself, had much room to talk.

Adagio clapped her hands together. “Alright, everyone. Follow me if you would please. I’ll give you a tour of the city while Sonata prepares the guest suite. And don’t worry about spending money for souvenirs. I’ll cover anything you want with my allowance. Erm—within reason, course. Now, let’s get to it!”