The Bandit Subjugation

The day of departure had arrived, and Mac was standing outside the royal carriage, his seven partners all hugging him.

Um...when did I get this many? He thought, trying to hug all of them at once. After making sure he properly said goodbye to all of them, he got into his carriage, and looked around. “This feels kinda empty with just me...”

A rustling came from his pocket. “Did you forget about me!?” Rhea asked, flying out.

Mac smiled, “Sorry. Thanks for keeping me company,” he said, rubbing her head.

“Why don't you have Marie and the maids join you instead of riding in the other ones?” she asked, hugging Mac's finger.

He shook his head, “They can't, this one is only meant for the royal family.”

Rhea seemed deep in thought. “Hmmm...does that mean I shouldn't be here?”

Mac didn't know how to respond. I didn't really think about that, since she's not really a person... “Um...I think spirits can be an exception. Actually, since I'm the King, I'm officially making it one!” he stated in an exaggeratedly pompous tone.

Rhea nodded with a smile, and grabbed his finger again.

As they traveled, Mac pulled his practice stone out of his bag, heating it up with his magic as he watched the scenery pass by. Some of it was familiar, since he had traveled this road a couple times now. He looked down at the stone, purposely turning up the power a bit to heat it slightly. He didn't really need the practice any more, but it helped to pass the time.

Rhea eventually left, saying she was visiting Marie, so Mac lay on the bed. Not like I can sleep on the carriage anyway...

Mac was woken up abruptly by a knock at the door. He could see through the slightly ajar window that it was almost dark out. Shoot...

Getting up, he opened the door, to see Marie standing there.

She raised an eyebrow at him, “Sire?”

Mac rubbed his eyes, “Sorry, I fell asleep...”

“Well, we've arrived at the inn. Captain La Hire is ordering food now.”

Mac nodded, and followed her inside.

Sitting inside, they had set aside a table for Mac by himself. Looking over at the others, he kept alternating between staring at his table, and where the others were. “Uhhh...” He got up and sat with everyone else.

“Sire?” La Hire asked, seeing him pull up a seat next to him.

“I don't really need a separate table if it's just me. I'd rather drink with everyone!” he said, raising his voice and holding up a beer, which garnered a rousing cheer from the guards filling the tavern.

Marie, who was sitting across from him, held her forehead and shook her head. “Well, at least you do a good job of keeping your troops' morale up,” she said, before taking a drink of the wine she had in front of her.

Mac looked at the bottle she had poured from. “I didn't know you liked wine.”

Marie smiled, “I don't get a chance to drink it too often,” she explained, before draining the rest of her glass and pouring some more.

“Can I...?” Mac asked.

Marie poured some in an empty glass and pushed it over.

Mac took a sip. “That's pretty good. I like the strawberry flavor.”

Marie smiled, “I'm glad you like it. This is one of my favorites...”

After drinking and eating for a while, one of the maids eventually came and showed Mac to his room. He washed off and changed into his pajamas, before getting into bed.

Laying down, he had a sudden realization...I'm not tired. Probably shouldn't have napped all day...

Sitting up, he wasn't sure how to pass the time now. Oh, guess I could talk with Rhea... he thought. He waited for a bit, but surprisingly, Rhea didn't show up. Rhea? You there? Is something wrong? he thought, scrunching his head intensely.

After giving Rhea a couple minutes to show up, he figured she must be busy, so he decided to look out the window. There wasn't much moonlight tonight, so the surrounding area around the inn was mostly cloaked in darkness.

As he watched, a knock came at the door. Who is...oh yeah...he started to think of who might be joining him, but remembered all his partners were still at the palace.

Opening the door, he was surprised to find Marie was standing there, wearing a thick nightrobe. “Sire, could I come in?” she asked, a serious expression on her face.

Mac raised an eyebrow, but moved out of the way, inviting her in and closing the door after her. “Is something wrong? I'm not feeling sleepy, so if we need to discuss-”

He stopped as when he turned around, Marie had untied her robe sash. Pulling the sides back, it revealed Marie was only wearing lacy red lingerie underneath, matching her hair, and her blushing face.

“Marie...?” Mac asked, eyes going wide (but not taking them off her).

Marie looked away demurely, “Sire...I've been feeling...lonely, lately. I've been trying to make my body as attractive as I can for you. I know it's improper to approach you like this, but...would you keep me company tonight?”

Suddenly several things fell into place in Mac's head. Some of the looks Marie had given when seeing him and his wives. Working out early in the morning. And maybe the person Rhea had seemed worried about was actually Marie?

Mac thought through all of this in a split second. Trying to keep a grasp on himself, he asked “Were you...planning this?”

Marie nodded, “I was. I was just waiting until I had an opportunity, and...the courage.”

Mac's mind was racing. I shouldn't sleep with someone besides my partners. She's really beautiful, but...he looked at Marie's glistening skin. She must have bathed before coming. No, I can't sleep with a random woman! Well, Marie isn't a random woman though, right? It's Marie! And I can't let her suffer if she's lonely...

While Mac was thinking, Marie blushed, before going to close her robe. “Sorry, I must be-”

but was stopped by Mac grabbing her arm.

“You're sure you want to do this?” he asked, looking into her eyes.

She nodded confidently.

Mac leaned in, kissing her passionately as her robe slipped to the floor. Mac wrapped his arms around her, pressing her against him as they continued to make out, her mouth tasting of the sweet strawberry wine from earlier.

Mac unhooked her bra, causing her voluptuous breasts to bounce out, which he grabbed and licked delicately on.

“Sire, it's poking against me...” she said, grabbing his member through his pants.

Mac shook his head, “If we're doing this, you have to call me by name now.”

Marie blushed harder and smiled, “Okay...Mac.”

Mac gently laid Marie onto the bed, stripping off his clothes as he saddled himself on top of her.

Marie stared at his erect shaft, as he knelt in front of her and pulled her panties off.

Mac rubbed her nether region, and Marie moaned in a cute voice, much higher pitched than her normal one, causing Mac to look at her in surprise.

“Sorry...” she said, blushing more.

Mac smiled, “Don't be, it was cute.”

Marie pulled him down, making out with him some more. “Please, I'm ready...”

Mac nodded, slowly inserting himself into Marie, until he was able to fully hide his member inside her.

Marie inhaled sharply.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, it's just been awhile...” she said, steadying her breathing.

Mac slowly started to pump in and out.

“You can go faster,” Marie said with a blush.

Mac acquiesced, speeding up until he was going as fast as he could.

“Faster, faster!” Marie cried out.

“I'm already about there...” Mac panted.

Marie wrapped her legs around him.

Mac thrusted as hard as he could, releasing inside her, with Marie shaking violently in pleasure.

Not unlocking her legs, Marie pulled Mac down and kissed him some more.

“Thank...you...” she panted, eyes tearing up, causing her glasses to fog up.

Mac took her glasses off and set them aside. “You're really beautiful...” he said, wiping the hair from her sweaty face.

Marie blushed again, “That's unfair when you're still inside me.”

“That's because you wrapped your legs around me!”

Marie covered her face, “I'm sorry, I just wanted it so bad and...” she stopped as she could feel Mac getting hard again.

Mac smiled, “Do you want to continue?”

Marie bit her lip and nodded vigorously.

Mac lay down next to her, grabbing her breasts from behind as he rammed himself up into her.

Marie turned her head around and made out with him some more.

“You're...so...good...at...this....” she got out between thrusts.

Mac blushed, “I don't mean it as a brag, but I do get a lot of practice...”

Marie let out another cute giggle.

Mac, getting even more turned on, felt himself coming again, holding her tight as he released inside her once more.

Marie was panting heavily now. “I don't think my workouts prepared me for this.”

Mac, also trying to catch his breath, added, “This didn't prepare me for working out, either.”

Marie laughed, before kneeling up and climbing on top of him.

Afterwards, they continued far into the night, until they both eventually passed out from exhaustion, not knowing how many times they had done it.

Marie woke up, still feeling tried, and head hurting. What...?

Opening her eyes, she looked around as her eyes adjusted to the light filtering in. She then realized that she was holding Mac between her breasts.

Oh yeah...she thought, blushing as she remembered the previous night, equal parts exhilaration and guilt at what she had done.

She had been lonely ever since her husband had passed away years ago, and this had been exacerbated recently seeing Mac being all lovey-dovey with his partners around. She didn't begrudge them, but she did feel jealous, and she had hoped she might get a tiny amount of his affection as well. She had begun working out to try and make herself as appealing as possible, until the opportune time had shown itself.

What she didn't expect was the encouragement of Rhea, who seemed to clock onto her feelings, and had basically sussed out her plan before she could even enact it, and then even helped set her up on this trip.

Of course, that didn't mean Mac's partners might not get mad at her. She knew she was betraying their trust, but she was hopeful they would at least accept her as one of Mac's lovers...

She shook her head. Now wasn't the time for that. She needed to thank Mac for comforting her, and try to re-establish their relationship as King and Magistrate.

“Sire....er, Mac...wake up.”

“Wake up,” Mac heard, his body softly being shaken.

“Sorry, sorry, let's get breakfast,” planting a kiss on whoever had awoken him.

“Mwmhhh....Mac...”

Mac shook his head, eyes focusing. After a couple seconds he realized the naked woman he was holding was most definitely Marie, and the previous nights events flooded back to him.

Oh...now what...

Mac let go of her, holding his head.

“Mac, thank you for last night. We should...”

“Mel is going to kill me. No, they're all going to kill me...”

Marie shook her head, “What are you saying, why would they be mad at you?”

“I mean, I feel like I betrayed their trust...”

Marie shook her head. “Why? I requested to...sleep with you, and you accepted. You could even say I seduced you...”

Mac shook his head.

“Plus, I'm your retainer, so us being lovers isn't that...”

Mac continued to shake his head.

“What, do you regret it that much?” she said, starting to get angry.

Mac stopped fretting, his shoulders sagging as he looked at her. “...No. I mean, you feel better now, right?”

Marie blushed a bit, but nodded.

“Then I don't regret it. But that doesn't change...” he caught sight of Marie's naked body lying next to him. Blushing and looking away, he continued, “that doesn't change me feeling guilty about it.”

Marie grimaced, He must really love his wives...oh damn it all, I'm getting even more jealous... “I'm...I'm sorry, sire. I didn't mean....”

“I told you to call me Mac, right?”

Marie nodded, “Mac...I...we can just keep this a secret, and pretend it never happened.”

Mac shook his head. “Are you really okay with that?”

Marie bit her lip, before shaking her head. “No...in truth, I was hoping we could become lovers, and you might keep me company occasionally, when you had extra time you weren't with your wives...”

Mac raised an eyebrow, “You didn't want to be something more?”

Marie blushed, “No. I...I can't have children anymore, so there would be no point.”

Mac shook his head. “That doesn't make a difference. It's not a requirement for a wife to have children, is it?”

Marie, realizing what he was saying, started to break down. “Why would...? You want to marry an old widower who can't even provide you with children?”

Mac wrapped his arms around her. “If its you, then gladly. I care about you just as much as the others, and I want a happy Marie in my life. No, I need Marie in my life. If you were to leave, it wouldn't feel right without you. And the Kingdom might fall apart...”

Crying, Marie buried her face in Mac's chest as he hugged her.

After she cried herself out, she leaned up and gave Mac a wet kiss.

Mac, trying to make sure they would end on a positive outcome, added, “If I'm going to be King, I need the hardest worker in the Kingdom as my Queen.”

Marie laughed, “Haha, I think Eleanor might have me beat there, though. Maybe even Emma at the rate she's going.”

“Well, with all of you, the Kingdom is in good hands then...”

“Oh, stop it, I'm already going to accept, you don't need to drown me in compliments,” she explained with a chuckle, before beginning to make out with him again. Noticing his member was erect again as well, she stared, “Are you serious?”

“We've been lying here naked and kissing!” Mac said, jumping on top of her.

Giggling in delight, Marie wrapped her arms around his neck as he inserted himself into her.

Quickly finishing after all the previous emotional excitement, Mac fell over next to her.

Marie played with his hair. “We should probably...”

A knock came at the door. They both opened their eyes in shock, before slowly looking over at it. After a few moments in silence, there was another knock.

Mac quickly jumped out of bed, pulling on his tracksuit before opening the door. Marie was hiding behind the covers.

One of the maids was at the door, blushing heavily.

We were probably too loud there...

“Um...sire, we're...about to...leave,...if you're...ready...” she barely got out as she squirmed, embarassed.

Mac nodded, “Thanks, I'll be down soon.”

She nodded. “Also, we...Marie isn't in her room. Do you know...”

“I'm here,” Marie said confidently, pulling down the sheet covering her face, although blushing heavily.

The maid blushed even harder, before nodding and turning away.

Closing the door, Mac turned to Marie, who was getting dressed. “I'm surprised you didn't want to hide.”

Marie shook her head. “You already accepted me, so I have nothing to hide from.

Besides, they would have found out eventually anyway. Although being found like this was a bit embarrassing...” she said, looking down at her body again for a bit, before tying on her robe.

Mac pulled her close, and gave her another kiss. “I find you very attractive, so I don't want to hear anything negative about how you look.”

Marie raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I didn't think that would be an issue, considering how last night went.”

“Oh...” Mac replied, not expecting that answer. “Sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Marie said, giving him one final kiss before heading through the door.

Mac stood in his room in silence.

Well, I'll worry about how to explain this later...

After washing up and heading down, Mac felt like he was getting a lot of sidelong glances.

Trying to pay them no heed, he quickened his pace and headed for the royal carriage.

As he opened the door, he immediately got hit by a spirit to the face. Peeling off Rhea, he was about to say something, but realized several people around him were staring.

Quickly going inside, he closed the door.

“Congrats!” Rhea said, bits of confetti falling around them.

“Are you...” He stopped, noticing Marie was sitting at the table, reading some documents. Turning back to Rhea, he asked “Were you worried about Marie? Was this your doing?”

Rhea laughed haughtily, “Hehehe, I've transformed from Arborhea, spirit of the forest to Rhea, master of matchmaking!”

Mac wanted to to get angry, but instead just sighed. “Thanks for looking out for Marie.”

Rhea nodded, while he noticed Marie blushed a bit as she was reading the paper she held.

As they headed out, Marie set down her papers when she was finished reading them, and headed over to the bed to lay down. Ugh, Mac was rabid yesterday, I'm so sore... she thought, trying not to blush too much as she squirmed on the bed.

Mac, noticing what she was doing, asked, “Are you alright?”

“I...” Hmm...maybe I can... “Could you come over here?”

Mac sat on the bed next to her.

Marie pulled him down, before sidling up next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“I'm a bit tired after...well, after last night, so I was hoping I could nap with you,” Marie suggested.

Mac looked at her for a moment, before smiling and nodding, brushing her hair with his hands as she closed her eyes and laid there.

Towards the end of the day, they were nearing Loren, although before they got there, they swung south on a bypass road, before eventually stopping at a large clearing by the side of the road.

Mac opened the door, and stood on the step, looking over the sight before him.

The clearing was filled to the brim with wagons and tents, warriors of every shape and size milling every which way, and dozens of cooking fires strewn about.

This is one of those fantasy world moments...Mac thought, before quickly shaking his head.

“What's wrong?” Marie asked, appearing in the door behind him.

“Nothing, I was just...taking it in.”

Marie nodded, “Yes, it's quite a sight.” She walked down the steps, and looked back up at him. “I'll go ahead and gather everyone needed for council.”

Mac nodded with a smile, “Thanks.”

As Marie walked away, Mac went down the steps as well, only for Captain La Hire to come over to him.

“Err...um...sire?” La Hire asked, not able to look Mac in the eyes.

“Yes?” Mac said, a bit confused.

“Would you...like to inspect the men with me while preparations are made?”

“I don't really know enough to give any pointers though...”

La Hire, back to his normal self now, shook his head. “I think just having you there while I'm examining them will boost morale. You're very well liked amongst the guards.”

Mac nodded and followed after him. The guards were all setting about various tasks, fitting their armor, hammering out kinks, giving swords and spears a try and testing for balance. As Mac walked by, many of the guards gave him big grins along with their salutes. Well, they do seem in good spirits.

Being quite hungry since he had not had a chance to eat, he grabbed a bowl of stew from the soldiers mess tent (which seemed to endear him to them even more) and sat on the steps of his carriage as he ate.

While he was sipping on the broth, he was startled as something landed on his head. Looking up with only his eyes, he saw Rhea sitting there.

“Were you checking out the forest?” he said, not too loudly so as to not grab the attention of any random passerby.

Rhea nodded before fluttering in front of him. “This forest is...sad.”

“Wow, that's pretty menacing coming from you.”

Rhea shrugged, “It's to be expected, there's been so much death and destruction in it recently.”

Mac grimaced. “Well, unfortunately...”

“I know I know. Hopefully after this it can begin the healing process...”

“What do you mean by healing?”

“Well, for starters, you could clean it up a bit...”

Mac thought about how they could possibly do that as he took a bite of his roll. As he was sitting there thinking, Marie appeared in front of him.

“Sire?”

Mac looked at her, “Shouldn't you be...”

“...Mac,” she said with a tinge of a blush. “Everyone is ready.”

“Okay, I guess we-”

He was cut off by Marie's stomach grumbling.

Mac looked at her, before holding out the once-bitten roll.

Marie looked at it, then at him, before snatching it quickly and stuffing it in her mouth.

Leading him to a large tent in the middle of the encampment, Marie held open the tent flap and he went through.

Inside were some familiar faces.

“Aha, son, it's good to see you!” came the boisterous Lord Cartegna, slapping him on the back.

“It's good to see you too, ah...father,” Mac smiled, which received a massive grin back.

“Lord Cartegna will be leading one of the groups. He's the most experienced leader here,” Marie explained.

Lord Cartegna's face took on a more somber expression. “I'm glad you called this, son. These damnable bandits need taken care of once and for all.”

“Captain La Hire will be leading the other.”

La Hire merely gave his textbook salute.

“Lady So-”

Marie was cut off as a tall elven woman stepped in between them. “Ahh, King Mac, it's so good to see you again. Or should I also call you son as well?”

Mac looked up to see the breasts (and face) of Lady Sophia in front of him. “Lady Sophia, it's good to see you as well. I guess I'm technically not yet...”

Lady Sophia wrapped an arm around him, “Semantics, you will be soon enough. You haven't sent Charlotte back to me so I'm assuming you get along fine...”

“Yes, she's doing great. She and Daisy made fast friends.”

Lady Sophia's smiled slipped a bit.

Marie, who's face was twitching in barely controlled anger, continued “Lady Sophia will be in charge of the elven contingent.”

Lady Sophia let got of Mac and took on a more serious tone. “After our agreement, I figured this would be a good first step. No one can say the elves aren't helping.”

“Aye, and the dwarves neither!” came a voice across the room. Lord Harald stepped out, nodding at Mac.

“Lord Harald is leading the dwarf contingent,” Marie explained.

“Good to see you as well. Is that everyone?” Mac asked, turning to Marie.

She nodded, “The rest here are mostly younger nobles, many of whom didn't fight in the last war, and don't have much in the way of experience.”

“They'll get it soon enough...” Lord Cartegna said, looking solemnly down as he pointed.

In the middle of the room, a map of the southern areas of Ositiania was laying on a table. Lord Cartgena put his finger down at a circle on the map. “We're here. These...” he pointed at some 'X's on the map “are bandit encampments our scouts found. It's possible there's more, of course, but these are a good start.”

“What about these?” Mac asked, pointing to a few squares on the map.

“Those are camps with fortifications. I wasn't sure how you wanted us to deal with those, since this is ostensibly supposed to be a cleanup operation, and not preparations for a siege.”

Mac raised an eyebrow. “Like... a castle?”

Lord Cartegna gave a chuckle, “Oh, spirits no, they're mostly either caves with traps set or large farmhouses they built palisades around. Although that's still enough to make an assault on them costly.”

“Can we just...burn them down?” Mac shrugged.

“With them inside?” Lord Cartegna asked, a hint of surprise on his face.

“I mean, I'd rather they die than our soldiers. I want to minimize casualties as much as possible.”

Lord Cartegna nodded. “In that case, we'll prepare the measures to burn down any of the fortified houses. Although the caves will still be a problem.”

“Haha, leave that to us,” Lord Harald laughed, “Ain't no way bandits are going to best dwarves in our normal habitat.”

Lord Cartegna nodded, “That should work.”

Lady Sophia chimed in, “What about the elves? I mostly brought tree-archers since much of the south is forested.”

Lord Cartegna responded “I was going to have you support each of the groups.”

Mac raised his hand, causing them all to turn to look at him.

“Sire?” Lord Cartegna asked.

“I had a different idea for the tree archers. I'd like to have some of them patrolling the edges, making sure none of the bandits escape.”

Lord Cartegna raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Part of the strategy was to drive the stragglers farther south and out of the country.”

Mac shook his head, “While that would take care of them on our end, I don't want to start an incident with the neighboring country, blaming us for sending bandits into their territory.”

Marie smiled and nodded in agreement.

Lord Cartegna nodded. “Lady Sophia?”

She nodded back, “That should be doable.”

Having gone over the major plans, they then discussed the minutiae of the campaign, which Mac followed but didn't have much input on, mostly just nodding to say he was fine with their planning.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

After a couple hours, Lord Cartegna moved to adjourn. “Anything else you'd like to add, sire?”

Mac shook his head, and they all bowed and left, with Marie and Mac following suit.

As they were heading back, Marie casually asked, “Would you like me to accompany you again tonight?”

Mac almost tripped in surprise. Marie stopped, looking concerned. “Si-, Mac?”

Mac resumed walking, mumbling “You don't need to ask...”

Marie blushed slightly and nodded, following him back to the carriage. Once inside, Mac turned to Marie to see what exactly she was intending, only to be held tightly by her in an embrace.

“Are...are you okay?” Mac asked,

Marie nodded, face buried in his chest. “I just want to hold you for a moment.”

Mac wrapped his arms around her, causing her shoulders to sag as she no longer held them upright. Mac ran his fingers through her hair, “Thanks for working so hard every day.”

Marie looked at him and smiled, “I told you you don't need to drown me-”

“What!? I can't compliment my...future wife?”

Marie blushed hard hearing that, sticking her face back in his chest.

It's like she's... “It's seems like you're more embarrassed by the prospect of marrying then you were about being lovers...”

To Mac's surprise, Marie nodded. “It's easy to make a man sleep with you, but much harder to get them to devote themselves to you. Especially when you're an old widower.”

Mac grimaced, knowing that was probably true in most circumstances in this world. And probably his old one.

“Luckily I think you're the opposite,” she smiled, sliding up and giving him a kiss. “Unconcerned with their past, you fall for any woman that talks nice to you.”

“Hey, that's not true. If it was, I might have ended up in Lady Sophia's carriage right now, instead of with you.”

Taken aback for a second, Marie giggled. “I guess that's true. Maybe I'll need to...show off a bit in front of her tomorrow,” she suggested, slipping away from Mac and over to the bed.

“Please don't cause any trouble just when our relationship with her is improving...” Mac pleaded, following her over.

Marie gave a devious smile, “I'm not going do anything that bad. Just asserting my territory,” she explained. “Now...what would you like to do?”

Mac climbed up behind her, unbuttoning her shirt. Marie giggled as he slid it off her arms. He then reached for her again, grabbing her...shoulders.

What is he doing? Did he....wait, this feels really good.

Mac was rubbing her shoulders, sticking his fingers into her muscles as he massaged her. “It seemed like you were tense, so I figured this might help.”

“Yes, this is very relaxing,” Marie explained, giving a contented sigh.

This lasted a while, until Marie seemed satisfied, so Mac slowly moved his hands off her shoulders and onto her breasts.

“I see you're ready to continue...” Marie said, giving a seductive smile as she turned around to face him.

After going at it three times, Marie laid back down, exhausted. Mac was barely awake next to her, probably more exhausted than she was.

Marie smiled as she looked over at him. I guess we're just going with this until he changes his mind...

In the morning, Mac was awakened by the sounds of anvils and metal clinking. Marie wasn't anywhere to be seen, so he presumed she had already gotten up to oversee the soldiers getting ready.

Washing his face and getting dressed, Mac quickly left to go join, only to see them lining up at the edge of the clearing.

“Ah, there you are son!” came a voice from the side. Lord Cartegna was striding over to him, clad head to toe in armor, his visor up so his face was visible.

“Lord- err, father,” Mac replied with a nod.

Giving a big grin, Lord Cartegna gave him a salute. “If something were to happen, make sure to take care of Eleanor.”

Mac grimaced, “Well, try to be careful, you don't want to fall in battle before you get to see your grandchildren, right?”

Lord Cartegna paused, before laughing, “Haha, that's true, I guess I'll need to make sure I return.” He waved, before striding back to his men.

As he left, Lady Sophia walked up to Mac, followed closely by Lord Harald. “Sire,” she said with a bow, “I already have my archers on patrol. They've taken out a few bandits we found so they can't warn their compatriots.”

Mac nodded, “Excellent.”

Lord Harald stepped up and bowed next, “My dwarves are already marching to the nearest cave. We should be able to clear our the first three today, assuming there are no difficulties.”

Mac waved his hands, “Don't push too hard, the goal is to minimize casualties, so if progress is slower, that's fine.”

Lord Harald gave him a smile and a bow, “Understood, sire.”

Lady Sophia took a step and started to talk, when Mac felt an arm wrap around him from behind. Lady Sophia had a grimace on her face.

“Sire, come see your soldiers off,” Marie said, pulling Mac close as she stopped next to him. While it wasn't overly intimate, it was enough to put off Lady Sophia.

Lord Harald, seeing the interaction, gave a laugh, “Haha, you sure are popular with the ladies, King,” before turning around and walking off.

Lady Sophia bowed again before turning around.

Marie let go as she walked away, whispering to Mac “I think she wanted to have you spend the day with her.”

“Are you sure? She may have wanted to ask something else.”

Marie shook her head, “If it were something else, she wouldn't have backed down so easily.”

Oh...that's probably true.

As they walked over, Captain La Hire shouted at the guards to get in line. “Sire, would you like to say anything?”

“Errr...” Captain La Hire was looking at him expectantly, while Marie smiled and nodded at him. What am I even supposed to say.

Mac walked in front of them, and the guards all got silent. After a few moments of thinking, Mac started, giving a small shout so everyone could hear “While this is an important job, everyone do their best to come back alive, so I can buy you all a round once we're done.”

The soldiers erupted into a big cheer, before starting to march into the forest. Captain La Hire gave a rare smile and nodded, before turning and riding along the troops.

As they left, he turned to Marie. “This feels weird, having them go off to fight and we just stay here.”

Marie raised her eyebrow at him, “What do you mean? We have work, too!”

- Later that day-

Mac sat in the war council tent, going over the reports coming in. Marie sat across from him, also going over reports (and having a finished stack twice as high).

The bandit clearing was so far going well, although with every report he gave a grimace. One casualty. Three casualties. One casualty. Two casualties. It usually wasn't very high, but it hurt nonetheless.

Marie, noticing his expression, asked “Are you alright? You can take a break if you need too.”

Mac shook his head, “No, it's okay.”

Marie seemed unconvinced, but nodded.

I guess more people would die if we just let the bandits keep causing havoc, I'll just keep telling myself that.

After a while, the reports had slowed down, and Captain La Hire came into the tent. “Sire. The immediate area has been secured. We've found a good area to set up a forward operating base, whenever you'd like to move.”

Mac nodded, and he and Marie left so the tent could be packed up.

After getting some dinner, they headed back to the the carriage, and they left soon after to head to their new base of operations.

As they got to the new camp, it was past dusk, and Mac could see campfires strewn about. They had picked this area as it had at one point been a small estate with a wall, so it was easy to defend. The bandits had been using it for just that purpose, until they had been cleared out today.

In one corner, there was a small stack of coffins, causing Mac to grimace again. Shaking his head, he looked around some more, until something else caught his eye.

In one corner of the estate's yard, a small shed was standing, and inside it, and spilling out the entrance, was stacks and stacks of rusty gear. Walking up to it, La Hire followed up behind him, “They must have been collecting all the gear left behind from the last war. There were a lot of battles here, and a lot of the equipment, especially the one's on bodies, just got left behind,” he explained.

Mac nodded. “For extra supplies?”

“No, I doubt even bandits would use rusty gear. They probably planned to sell for scrap metal if they could, or reforge themselves if they have any smiths.”

Hmmm...interesting. “Would this be useful for us?”

La Hire shrugged, “I mean, it'd be nice to have the extra gear, if it wasn't rusty. We could sell it off, or use it ourselves. As is, it's basically junk.”

“Actually, I think we can do something with it. It can wait until we've finished the subjugation, but I have an idea. Make sure we catalog and collect any other equipment we find.”

La Hire didn't say anything for a moment, but then saluted and went off to write down the King's instructions.

In the carriage, Marie was talking with Rhea, who had just returned.

“I don't think there's anything going on,” Rhea said, shaking her head as she floated in front of Marie. “Definitely not as many as us.”

Marie nodded, “That's good. We'll need to keep an eye out as we work our way south, though.”

Rhea saluted, before flying out again.

The door opened, and Mac came back in. “I saw Rhea flying away, how was her report?”

“Everything's fine, although we're still a ways from the border, so we still need to be vigilant.”

Mac nodded, before slumping into a chair.

“Mac,” Marie said, looking at him as he grabbed a drink.

“What? Something else?” Mac asked.

Marie shook her head, before standing behind him. “I was just going to do this,” she said, before putting her hands on his shoulders and starting to massage. “Tell me if it's wrong, I haven't done it before.”

Mac shook his head, “No, it feels nice,” he said, rolling his neck.

After a few minutes, Mac stood up, giving her a kiss for in compensation. “Thanks.”

Marie blushed a bit, “Mac...I'm a little tired after the past couple nights, I don't know if...”

Mac chuckled, “It's not like I'll die if I don't have sex everyday. I'm not really feeling it tonight anyway.”

Marie nodded, before heading to the door.

“Wha-where are you going!?” Mac asked.

Marie looked confused, “I thought we weren't...”

“I didn't mean...we can still sleep in the same bed!” Mac said, incredulous. “In fact, I'd appreciate having someone to hug.”

Marie nodded, walking over and holding out her arms.

Mac was confused, but decided just to walk up and hug her anyway.

After hugging for a minute, they both quickly changed and got into the bed, holding each other again.

“I think I've gotten a bit spoiled,” Mac said, looking at her.

“Well, if you do want me to leave...”

“No, no, I'd rather...”

Marie giggled before holding him tighter. “I don't want to leave either.”

In the morning, the subjugation continued. Instead of a tent, Mac and Marie set up their headquarters in the estate house.

“Why did you request the guards to collect all the arms and armor they find?” Marie asked, confused look on her face as she pointed out the reports. “I mean, it's not like the scrap is completely worthless, but I don't think its worth our time collecting.”

“Yes but aren't completed arms and armor worth quite a bit?”

“Well-made, non-rusty ones are.”

Mac smiled, “I think we can fix that.”

“How are-” Marie paused, thinking. “Is this an Otherworlder thing?”

Mac nodded. “It may not work properly, but if it does, then I'll be able to restore them fairly easily.”

“Well, if you say so. I've sent for more storage wagons to transport it all.”

“Thanks,” Mac replied with a smile, leaning over kissing her cheek, causing her to blush then cough.

“You shouldn't-” she started, before the door opened, and Captain La Hire came in.

“Sire!” he said, giving a salute.

“What's u-I mean....what do you need to report?”

“Lord Cartegna has successfully cleared around half of his area. We also received a report that the camp Lord Harald and Lady Sophia were staying at was attacked, but they repelled them off and killed all their attackers.”

“Are they okay!?”

La Hire nodded, “Yes, both Lord Harald and Lady Sophia are fine. They actually seem to be working in tandem quite well, based on their progress.”

Well that's good at least.

La Hire excused himself and left.

The rest of the day went mostly uneventful, as more sections of the south were cleared (and more gear was collected).

During dinner, Mac sat around a campfire, eating some stew. Marie had already gone to bed, saying she was tired after the long day. Several guards sat around him, chatting amicably.

“Sire, may I join you?” a voice came from behind.

Looking up, Mac saw Captain La Hire. Mac nodded, mouth full of stew, and scooted over on the bench he was sitting on. Swallowing, he responded, “Of course, glad to have someone to talk to.”

La Hire gave a weak smile. “I don't know if I have much interesting to say, though...”

“Well, that's fine, we can just make small-talk. I should get to know my future brother-in-law more anyway. Actually, won't we be double brother-in-law's? Is that even a thing?”

La Hire seemed confused. “Small-talk? And I don't think they differentiate after the first, although it's actually not that uncommon, since marriages offer a chance for the partners siblings to meet and form connections.”

“That makes sense...” Mac responded, nodding in understanding.

“Speaking of which...” La Hire said, averting his eyes. “Are you and Marie...” he started to ask before trailing off.

Mac blushed a bit. “Yes, it's as you're assuming.”

La Hire nodded, still averting his eyes.

“What? Not what you expected?” Mac said, giving a slight chuckle.

“I...well I just didn't expect you to choose an older lover like that, nor your own Magistrate for that matter.”

Mac shrugged, “Well, neither of those bother me. Or, I guess I should say, they don't in Marie's case. Oh, and I didn't choose her or anything, she actually initiated it, and I accepted.”

La Hire choked on the stew he was eating, coughing loudly. Mac slapped him on the back to help.

“Sire...she approached...you?” he finally got out between coughs.

Mac nodded. “Why, is it that surprising?”

“Not so much that a woman would approach you, my lord. Just...her specifically. I've known her since I enlisted with the royal guards, and it's just hard to imagine...”

“I was surprised too, honestly...”

After successfully engaging in some more small talk with La Hire, Mac went back to the carriage. The lantern wasn't lit, and Marie was already asleep in the bed. Doing his best not to wake her, he crawled in behind her, putting his arm around her, before falling asleep.

“...up.”

Mac felt something on his cheek.

“Wake up!” a voice said in his ear.

Mac jumped up in bed.

“Finally, I never thought you were going to wake up.”

Mac looked at the source of the voice, Rhea, who was floating in front of him.

“Why did you...wait, is something wrong?”

Marie was sitting up at this point.

Rhea nodded, “Yes, like you guessed, the other country is amassing troops.”

Marie, instantly going into business mode, asked, “How many were there?”

Rhea closed her eyes, “Um, probably about as many as you have here.”

“So, not including the elves, dwarves, or Lord Cartegna's troops?”

Rhea nodded again, “Yup. And I didn't see any more coming, at least before I came to tell you.”

Marie turned to Mac, “Do you think he's just being cautious?”

Mac shrugged, “I don't know, but I don't really want to take chances. Even if we might win, I don't want to fight right now, especially when we haven't even finished with the bandits yet.”

Marie nodded, “I'll send a messenger for a meeting,” she explained, before heading out the carriage into the night.

Mac patted Rhea, “Thanks for keeping a watch out.”

Rhea laughed, “Hehe, glad I could help,” and flew over and kissed his cheek, before flying into his pocket. “I'm gonna sleep now.”

Since Rhea was getting some (much-earned) shut-eye, Mac sat down at the table and got some water. Now, what to say to the King of Provent...

* Later that day -

King Ferdinand of Provent crumpled up the paper he was holding. Damnable bastards! How did they know I was mustering troops already? My scouts didn't see any of theirs this side of the river!

Ferdinand turned to his adjutant. “Gabriella, send a reply immediately accepting their offer to meet. And put all our scouts on latrine duty.”

Gabriella saluted, before walking out of the tent.

King Ferdinand looked at the map on the table. His father, the previous King, had invaded Ositania six years ago. After some initial success, they had eventually gotten bogged down, and some of their other neighbors had invaded them, forcing them to retreat. They eventually lost around a third of their country to the other invaders before making peace, and his father had died shortly after.

Probably from the grief of it. His father had seemed like a broken man after the war. Ferdinand had inherited the throne at that point, being the oldest of his siblings.

They must be coming for vengeance, he thought, grimacing. He knew they would be well in their rights to be, after what his father had done. Now, the newly summoned King of Ositania had mobilized troops and was slowly marching south. Why is he going through the forests instead of using the main roads? He didn't hide the mobilization, but maybe he wants to obscure the number of troops they had?

Of course, maybe he could reason with the new King of Ositania. Since he had been summoned only a few months ago, he may not share the hatred of his countrymen. But why else would he have requested a meeting if not to issue him an ultimatum?

He grabbed and re-read the reports he had concerning the summoned King of Ositania. As he did, he hatched upon an idea, a devious grin coming on his face.

Around the same time, Mac and Marie were traveling to the border, a contingent of Royal Guards accompanying them. The rest of the guards and soldiers were still partaking in the bandit subjugation, having moved out of the forest and into the plains near the border.

“Remember, we don't want to come across as hostile, especially since we actually are not hostile, at least at the moment,” Marie lectured.

Mac winced. I know we might need to go to war with Provent eventually, but it would be great if we could avoid it. “So, should I just try and explain everything right away?”

Marie shook her head. “No, let him talk himself out. If he's angry, then he may calm down, and we can explain after. Diplomacy is always easier with cooler heads.”

Mac nodded. He stared a bit at Marie, thinking about a certain topic.

Marie, noticing he was staring at her, blushed slightly and looked up from her papers. “Mac, we can't right now, it's the middle of the day and...”

Mac shook his head. “No, I...are you okay, meeting with the King of Provent?”

Marie sighed, setting down her papers. “I'm not going to burn them to a crisp, if that's what you mean.”

Knowing full well Marie actually could do that, Mac winced. “No, I mean, emotionally....”

Marie got up, walking over and wrapping her arms around Mac. “I appreciate you thinking of me, but I'm fine. I miss my former husband, but I've grieved and moved on. Well, you especially have helped me move on,” she added, reinforcing her words with a kiss to Mac's cheek.

Mac blushed a bit, “Well, as long as you're happy...”

Marie giggled, “Yes, quite.”

They stopped for the night near the border, setting up camp on the top of a hill in the plains they were in. Mac ate around the campfire with everyone again, the mood being merry as the bandit subjugation had been going so well.

As he was drinking, Marie came over. “Sire, could we speak for a moment? I wanted to go over the meeting tomorrow.”

Mac was confused, I thought we already did? Maybe she thought of something else... He nodded, setting down his drink and following her to the carriage.

After they were inside, Marie locked the door, before immediately unbuttoning her top and launching herself at Mac.

“I thought...you wanted...to talk...” Mac barely out, as Marie started passionately kissing him.

“That was just to get you over here. I've been wanting to have at you since you were staring at me earlier.”

They both quickly undressed and got onto the bed. Marie didn't seem to want to mess around, so Mac immediately got on top and went inside her, causing Marie to smile and blush. “Do that thing you normally do...”

Mac raised an eyebrow, unsure what she meant. Marie grabbed his hands and put them on her breasts. Oh...

Mac started squeezing and rotating, causing Marie to start moaning. This got Mac more excited. “I'm already there...”

Marie nodded, wrapping her arms around Mac to pull him in close, as he shook and released inside her.

Panting, they continued making out, barely able to breathe from exhaustion.

“You're so passionate, every time,” Marie said, flopping her head onto a pillow behind her.

Mac rolled off of her, wiping her sweaty hair from her face. “I could say the same for you...”

The next morning, they were getting ready to meet the King of Provent. Mac was wearing one of his nicer looking robes, and Marie was wearing one of her red zipper-dresses, with a deep v-cut that amplified her cleavage.

“Can you zip me up, Mac?” she asked.

Mac walked over and did as she asked, before giving her a kiss.

“Hey, don't get too excited...” she said, although blushing with a smile.

“I'm fine, just wanted to show my thoughts on how good you looked.”

This caused Marie to blush even harder, giving Mac a kiss in return before plopping a crown on his head.

“This isn't the real one, right?” Mac asked, looking up at it.

Marie shook her head, “No, this is just a gold-plated one we have for meetings like this. The real one doesn't leave the palace most of the time.”

“Um...since you're joining me, shouldn't you have one?”

Marie smiled, “I appreciate the thought, but we aren't married yet, so I'm not actually a Queen. Plus, I didn't bring one, since I just wanted to be-”

Mac held up his hand, “But you are going to marry me, right?”

Marie gave him another kiss, “Of course, sire,” she added sarcastically, and then giggled.

As they exited the carriage, they got into a smaller wagon surrounded by guards, and headed to the border.

Mac looked at their surroundings. This part of Ositania was mostly plains and farmland, until it hit the river that served as the border between Ositania and Provent. He could see the bridge they would be meeting on, one of the few crossings between the countries.

As they neared, he could see a small border outpost. The guards gave them a salute as they pulled up. “Captain, the other party has already arrived, they're staying on the bridge as requested.”

La Hire nodded, before relaying the information to Mac and Marie.

Standing on the bridge, King Ferdinand watched as the party-of-two from Ositania walked up to them on the bridge. His party-of-two consisted of himself and his adjutant, Gabriella. Seeing who was accompanying the King, he had to force himself to repress a smile.

As Mac walked up, he took in the two people waiting for them in the middle of the bridge. One was a tall, middle-aged man. He wore a crown on his head, and had a few gray hairs in his hair and beard.

The other was a woman with long golden hair and blue eyes, and wearing a full suit of armor (her helmet was tucked underneath her arm). She looks like a female La Hire! was all he could think.

They stopped ten feet away. “King Ferdinand? I thank you to agreeing for to this meeting.”

“Of course. You must be King Mac? This is my adjutant and niece, Gabriella,” he responded. Gabriella showed no change in emotion and merely saluted.

Yup, definitely a female La Hire. “Good to meet you. This is my Magistrate, and fiance, Marie.”

Marie did an excellent curtsy, before pushing her glasses back up her nose.

King Ferdinand gave a small chuckle. “I had heard rumors you've been collecting all the beauties of Ositania since you're summoning a few months ago. It seems this is true?”

Mac gave a wry smile, “Not all of them, but my wives and fiance's are all very beautiful indeed.”

Marie gave a smile.

King Ferdinand continued, “Well, let's get to today's business...”

“Since you've been summoned recently, I don't know what your thoughts are on Provent,” King Ferdinand asked.

Mac made a nod. “True. I know that your country caused no end of suffering to my country, though. Including some of my partners...”

King Ferdinand only half-supressed a grimace. “I understand, but I'd ask you to reconsider you're invasion. I-”

He stopped as Mac tried to interject, “We don't-” but he stopped when Marie grabbed his arm, giving him a look.

Is she...holding him back? Oh spirits! King Ferdinand coughed, before continuing, “In exchange, I'd like to offer my niece as compensation,” he said, motioning to Gabriella.

Gabriella, who had thus far not said anything, blinked a few times. Then, after a couple moments, turned red and started shouting, “Uncle! What do you mean!? I'm your adjutant!”

King Ferdinand nodded. “Yes, and you've done an excellent job. But you're also past marriageable age. Are you saying you're unhappy marrying a foreign king?”

“That's not the point, I...” she turned red again, glancing at Mac, “I've never even met him before!”

Mac started to say, “I...” but Marie grabbed his arm again.

“We'd like to discuss your offer,” she said, before turning around and walking a ways down the bridge.

“Mac, you realize we have to accept this, right?”

Mac held his head. “I don't want another fiance, I have you and everyone else already!”

Marie blushed a bit, “Yes, and I'm very happy and looking forward to our...wedding...” she got out after a pause. “But this is different. Having a diplomatic hostage like this means they are much less likely to invade in the future. Plus, once you're married, we'd even have a claim to the throne of Provent, if a small one.”

Mac shook his head. “This seems like a misunderstanding though. Isn't he just afraid of an invasion? We're not going to, though!”

Marie shushed him, “I know, but like I said, accepting this would mean they're less likely to invade. And, loathe as I am to say it, it's possible they may even be allies in the future.”

“Would the nobles even accept that? Would you accept that?”

Marie shrugged, “The nobles might balk, but memories fade and hatred dies down. As for me, I can set aside my feelings for the good of the country.”

I really don't like this.

Seeing Mac was still concerned, Marie tried a different tactic. “If you're really that against it, just take her for a couple years, and if the situation changes, we can just send her back.”

“Wouldn't that anger them?”

“If she was, hmm...unsullied... then no. And by what we saw of Gabriella, she would let her kinsmen know if she was.”

“Well, based on her reaction, there's no chance of that happening...” Mac sighed.

Marie smiled. “Of course, you have your hands full with women that actually want to be with you.”

Mac shook his head while holding it again. After a few moments, he relented, “Alright, alright. But I do so only under protest.”

Marie nodded. “Noted. I'll take charge of her, since she might be hostile to you at first.”

Walking back up the bridge, King Ferdinand and Gabriella were standing at the meeting spot already. King Ferdinand looked rather stoic, while Gabriella was positively seething, looking daggers at Mac.

Sheesh, I don't want this either, if I could avoid it. Mac reluctantly affirmed, “We'll accept your offer. I'm assuming you need to to go get your things?” he said, looking at Gabriella.

She didn't respond, merely looking away.

King Ferdinand replied for her. “Yes, please give her a couple hours to grab her things from the camp. The rest of her items will be sent to your palace at a later time.”

Mac nodded, and all of them turned around to head the other way, their business concluded.

Back at the base of the bridge, Marie explained the situation to Captain La Hire and the guards, who gave the usual round of cheering at him whenever he acquired a new woman. Of course, he wasn't enthusiastic about it this time.

Waiting around while Gabriella was preparing, Mac sat in the carriage drinking with Marie. Actually drinking, as Marie had uncorked a new strawberry wine bottle. It was still only mid-day, but the events on the bridge had made Mac upset enough to agree when Marie offered him some.

“This is what...” Mac was counting on his fingers. “The ninth? I can't handle this many.”

Marie giggled. “I hope you can. You might even need more in the future. What about when everyone is like me and can no longer have children?”

Mac shook his head, taking another swig of wine. “Then I can enjoy my time with everyone in peace...”

Marie held him with her arms from behind. “I'm glad to hear you say that, but it's way too early to even think about such a thing.”

Mac sat down his glass, standing up and kissing Marie, who reciprocated. He then escalated further and grabbed her butt.

Marie smiled and blushed, “Stop it! We can't...not when Gabriella is coming soon.”

Mac shook his head, “So?”

“Shouldn't you be with her instead?”

Mac angrily shook his head, “No, I don't want to and she'd probably try to break my neck anyway. I'd much rather spend it with you...” he added, kissing her neck.

Marie blushed again, “I just meant talking with her...not...well, maybe we can do something quickly...” she said, pulling off Mac's pants.

Mac pulled down her dress, grabbed her waist as he rubbed his member on Marie's crotch.

Smiling seductively, she added, “You have to take them off first...” before doing so.

Mac sat her up on the bed, slipping his shaft into her as she cried out in pleasure. Unhooking her bra, he started rubbing her breasts as he rapidly thrusted into her. Going quicker and quicker, he finished inside, holding her tightly as he emptied himself.

Marie gave him a kiss as she also held him tight. “I'm sad I have to share you again once we get back.”

Mac smiled wryly, “Sorry, I...”

He stopped as a hard knock came at the door. Hard enough the door shook on it's hinges.

Eyes going wide, they both rushed to put their clothes on, while another knock came at the door.

Marie got dressed quicker, and opened the door.

“I'm here,” said a stern voice. Mac walked over to see Gabriella standing there in a white dress. A wagon stood behind her, filled with a couple chests and and her suit of armor. He sword was still at her hip, despite the dress. She then walked down the steps and back to her horse, untying it from the carriage.

Marie asked, “Are you not joining us in the royal carriage?”

“I refuse,” she simply said.

Marie seemed like she was going to be angry, so Mac grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the carriage.

“What are you...” she started, before Mac started making out with her.

“I didn't want her in here anyway, she would just ruin our mood...” Mac explained.

Marie seemed like she was going to protest, but stopped when she saw how excited Mac already was, and just sighed with a smile and took her dress off again.

Gabriella sat in the camp, keeping her distance from everyone. One hand held her sword hilt, while the other was petting her horse, Gale.

This is ridiculous. What is mom going to say? she thought. Actually, mom will probably be happy I'm finally being married off and no longer in the guard...

Looking around, most the guards seemed fairly lively, despite the fact they were no longer going to war. One, a male who also had blonde hair and blue eyes like herself, she could see was keeping an eye on her, if from a distance.

Ignoring him, she thought of her uncle's words to her while she packed, “Gab, I know you're not thrilled, but this is necessary for the Kingdom. We can't afford a war with Ostiania after losing all that territory. Just...seduce him. Marry him. Do whatever you need to in order to keep him away from us.”

Gabriella felt like crying, but held it back. Soldiers shouldn't cry, and she was a soldier.

To distract herself, she looked back at the royal carriage. The King of Ositania had simply ignored her and went back into his carriage with his fiance when she refused to enter.

Are they talking about me? Maybe scheming to a way to catch me off guard? She knew the King would try to force himself on her eventually. Her uncle had said he had a reputation for being a lecher and womanizer. Wait...is he forcing himself on his fiance since I rejected him? Poor woman...

Marie enthusiastically got on top of Mac, inserting his member into her as he thrusted up into her, sliding his shaft in and out in an increasing tempo.

“Sorry, I'm already about to lose it...” Mac said, thrusting up and emptying into her.

Marie barely suppressed a loud moan as she felt Mac hitting inside her, before falling on top of him breasts first.

Slowly and passionately kissing, Marie rolled off of him and onto the bed, arm above her head. “Oh Mac, this is incredible. I love...” she paused, blushing and stopping.

Mac smiled, “It's okay, I love you too. Even if it took a weird path, I'm glad our relationship ended up here.”

Marie teared up a bit, holding Mac close, their sweaty bodies pressed tightly together.

Mac woke up, noticing the carriage was moving. Looking around, it was dark, and he and Marie were still naked, on the bed together.

“Hehe, you finally up?” came a voice, and the only source of light in the carriage.

“Rhea, what...” Mac stopped to take account of his surroundings. “Are we heading back?”

Rhea nodded, “Yeah, they asked if you wanted dinner a while ago, but you two were conked out. How much are you two going to do it on this trip!?”

Mac blushed a bit, “Sorry, it's been very...emotional...”

Rhea giggled, “Hehe, it doesn't bother me, I'm happy you both are happy. Are you gonna wake her up?”

Mac shook his head, “No, Marie's worked hard, she can sleep more if she wants.”

Mac put on his undergarment, and walked to the window, opening it a crack. “I'm surprised we're traveling by night.”

“It's not that late yet, even if its dark. It's probably another hour to your camp,” Rhea explained.

“Yeah but normally it's dangerous.”

Rhea shrugged, “You cleaned out all the bandits around here, so it should be fine.”

Mac smiled, “You know, you're always helpful to have around.”

Rhea blushed slightly, “Aww, shucks,” and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Hovering in front of him, she asked, “Say, that other girl, is she supposed to be one of your fiance's?”

Mac groaned, “Supposed to be, but I don't think she wants too, and to be frank, I don't either.”

Rhea nodded, “I felt some weird animosity from her. Well, from you too, although not as strong.”

“It's not necessarily her just...oh, make her an exception, I don't want her to see you.”

Rhea nodded, “Yeah I already wasn't going to. Well, actually, she can't since she hasn't accepted being your partner anyway.”

Mac raised an eyebrow, “Oh, well that's sure convenient.”

Relaxing on his head, Rhea laid down for a snooze. “I've been flying around so much lately, I need to recharge...”

“I thought you recharged in the trees?”

“Mac..works...too...” she got out, before starting to snore, the cartoon bubble reappearing.

Giving her a small stroke, Mac sat down at the table. There was just a dash of the wine left, so he poured it in and took a sip. This is really good...

The next day, the different subjugation squads were filtering in at Mac's base of operations. They had successfully cleared out all the bandit strongholds, and the elven scouts were reporting they could no longer find any bandit groups.

Mac was entering the estate house to convene a meeting with the other squad leaders. As he entered, he noticed Lady Sophia and Lord Harald already there, sitting at a table, talking jovially.

“Haha, for real? She sounds like a dwarf, working with metal like that,” Lord Harald said.

“Yes, it's no surprise she's getting along well with the royal dwarfsmith-fiance,” Lady Sophia explained.

That's...surprising. I guess it's good to see them getting along though.

They both got up to bow as Mac entered, but he motioned to them to be at ease, so they sat back down. Mac grabbed some water and joined them.

“Of course, King Mac seems unable to keep his hands off the women around him. Well, most of the women,” she added, giving a wry smile.

“About that, I-...” Mac started, before the door opened. Marie came in, wearing her normal pantsuit, though a bit disheveled. It looks like she had gotten ready in a rush.

“Have you been enjoying the company of your Magistrate?” Lady Sophia.

Marie blushed, looking away.

Mac, deciding to get a playful jab in, added “Yes, actually. So much so I decided to make her one of my Queen's as well.”

Lady Sophia and Marie's jaws dropped, while Lord Harald started laughing uproariously. “Good man, no sense letting-”

But Mac didn't get to hear what he shouldn't let them do as the door opened again, this time Lord Cartegna entering. “I say, who is that beautiful lass you brought along sire? A dour look on her, though, and a bit young for my tastes, of course.”

Mac was about to comment about her being younger than his daughter, but then remembered Eleanor had once said her father enjoyed the company of some of his older maids.

Shaking his head to clear it of that thought, Mac explained. “Yes, about that...” and explained the events of the past two days

“So Provent thought we were invading, eh? Not that I wouldn't love to give them a good thrashing, but right now...”

Marie nodded, “Yes, and they apparently are thinking the same.”

Lord Harald laughed, “Haha, well, no war and you got another woman out of it.”

Mac was about to comment, but decided against it. I guess I don't need to say anything about the situation yet.

Marie looked at him stopping himself, and gave a silent 'phew'.

“Well, I think we can adjourn the bandit subjugation then. We've cleared every nook and cranny of the south. Any that may have gotten past the elves are surely in Provent, so that's there problem now.”

Well, according to Rhea, that shouldn't be any, but I won't tell them that...

Marie nodded. “I agree. We need to start transporting these arms back, too.”

Leaving the campsite, instead of going back towards Loren, they headed straight back to the capital. Gabriella continued to ignore them, riding on her horse and pulling her wagon along.

Traveling for the next day and a half, they reached the capital (although some of the wagons laden with the gathered arms and armor were well behind them so they didn't overexert their horses).

Gabriella looked out at the city as they neared it. According to Uncle, they laid siege to this city for a year but couldn't take it. She shook her head, If they hadn't failed, I wouldn't be in this predicament.

Going through the city itself, it didn't seem much different than the capital of Provent, except maybe a few more people.

Eventually, they left through the city, the royal palace in sight at the end of a winding road. As they entered through the gate, some of the guards gave her sidelong glances, but said and did nothing.

As they parked in the front yard, she stopped her horse, jumping off the wagon and petting Gale, waiting to be directed.

She looked on at the royal carriage. After a few moments, the door opened, and the King walked out, only to be mobbed by gaggle of women. Several beauties (including a couple that she had to admit were probably more beautiful than herself), a cat-human, a rabbit-human, an elf, and even a dwarf.

What in the damn Stone is going on? Are those really all his women? She looked as they each individually gave him a kiss (some more...intense than the others). Is he as lascivious as the rumors say? But then why did he not attempt lay a hand on me? She looked down at herself, then over at the the woman. I have to compare favorably, right? I mean, I'd cut off his hand if he tried, but...

She stopped as she saw them talking, and moving into the castle. What are..wait, did they forget about me!?

Mac and his partners (and Rhea) moved into the council chamber at his behest.

“What's wrong Mac? Did something happen? Does it have to do-” Melissandra asked.

Mac held up his hand, “I'll explain” he said. Pausing for a moment, he started “I'm-”

“I'm sorry!” Marie said, bowing deeply .

“What's wrong?” Emma asked, confused. Daisy and Charlotte also seemed confused, although the others all seemed to grasp what she was about to say, based on the atmosphere.

Marie blushed, “I...well, I seduced Mac. I'm sorry for betraying your-”

Mac butted in, “Wait, why are you apologizing? I'm the one who betrayed everyone's trust by accepting.”

All of them understood now (even Charlotte, who was blushing).

Melissandra asked, “Hold on, hold on, can you just explain things one step at a time. I think I understand what happened, but I would like the full picture...”

Marie explained the events that led up to them sleeping together, with Mac jumping in occasionally when he was involved.

“I'm so sorry, I should have conversed with you all first, I don't know how-”

Melissandra sighed, “I don't think either of you need to apologize. No one's going to get upset about you marrying Marie of all people. To be honest, I'm quite happy.”

The others nodded in agreement. “Everyone likes Marie,” Emma added.

“I actually thought about suggesting it to Marie myself, but didn't know how she felt...” Eleanor added.

“Hehe, Aunty Rhea's got you covered!” and flashed a thumbs up.

Mac was a bit despondent. “So...you aren't mad?”

They all shook their heads.

“If it had been someone besides Marie, like that other women you brought, then I might have been,” Melissandra explained. “Who is she, by the way?”

Mac and Marie looked at each other. “Shoot!” Marie said, rushing out of the chamber.

Mac stayed behind and explained that portion of their trip.

“She doesn't sound too enthused, nyahaha,” Kay said, laughing a bit at the story.

“No, and I don't intend on forcing anything. To be honest I'd rather just stick with who I have,” he added, garnering a smattering of blushes.

Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly. “Sorry, I didn't eat at all today.”

Leaving the council chamber and heading to the royal dining room, they started eating, joined partway through by Marie.

Eleanor gave her a hug, “It's nice having you eat with us now.”

Marie blushed a bit and nodded. The maids, who hadn't received the news yet, looked in astonishment, not sure how to react.

That night, Mac's rotation was starting up again, with Melissandra joining him. As they entered into her room together, Melissandra started making out with him.

“I missed you so much,” she said, before continuing.

Mac half-heartedly reciprocated, not fully into it.

Melissandra stopped. “What's wrong? Are you upset about...my body?” she asked, holding a hand to her baby bump. She was still wearing her normal dresses, which made the bump very pronounced, even if it wasn't large yet.

Mac shook his head, “You know that isn't true.”

Melissandra continued, “Are you still feeling bad about earlier? I told you I'm not upset, and no one else seemed to be either.”

Mac sat down on the bed. “I know, but I still feel bad.”

Melissandra sat next to him, holding his shoulders. “Why though? Everyone seems happy with the outcome.”

“Yes, but...” Mac trailed off.

Melissandra frowned, “Your mind is so complicated sometimes.”

Mac chuckled a bit, “I guess so...”

Melissandra thought for a bit. “Look, if you really feel bad, just make it doesn't happen again, okay? I mean, there aren't many women close to you like Marie anyway, so it shouldn't, right?”

Mac nodded, “That's true.”

“And if you're really sorry, you can show me how much you love me right now,” Melissandra said, standing up and slipping off her dress.

Seemingly accepting this course of action, Mac stood up and started kissing her, taking off her undergarments as she took off his.

“Are you feeling okay today?” Mac asked, gently pulling Melissandra onto the bed.

Melissandra nodded, “Yes, I've actually been feeling fine the past couple days. Besides, you know, my stomach growing a bit...” she giggled.

Despite what she said, Mac took great care to slowly insert himself into her, causing Melissandra to giggle again in pleasure.

“Why are you so giggley today?” Mac asked, smiling as he slowly thrusted.

“I'm just glad to have my husband back with me,” Melissandra explained, pulling him close and kissing him.

After a few minutes of careful thrusting, he felt himself coming, releasing inside her.

Falling over beside her, Melissandra pushed the sweaty hair out of his eyes, and gave him another kiss. “Are you okay to keep going? I don't know how much you and Marie-”

Melissandra got her answer as Mac started making out with her again, his erect shaft signaling he was ready to continue.

After a few times more, Melissandra held Mac tightly as she fell asleep. Mac, feeling exhausted himself, kissed Melissandra on the cheek. I definitely gotta make sure I don't disappoint any of you. With a renewed sense of purpose, Mac fell asleep.

Side Stories

Convincing Mac

A couple days before the bandit subjugation was set to begin, Marie and Rhea were sitting in Marie's office, discussing their strategy.

“Why are you waiting until the trip? You've been exercising for a while now, and you're look great!” Rhea said, giving her a thumbs up.

Marie blushed a bit, “I...I can't jump in between him and his partners. If he's alone on this trip, with none of his partners, he might accept...”

Rhea floated around her, seemingly deep in thought. “So you still think there's a chance he won't accept?”

Marie nodded. “He is very devoted to his partners, so taking a lover for him is...not something he'd normally do.”

“But you're going to try anyway?”

“Yes,” Marie responded, but blushing even further.

“Hmmm, I'm gonna help you out then!”

Marie smiled at her, “Thanks, but...what did you have in mind?”

Rhea rubbed her hands together, giving a devious grin. “We just need to set the mood...”

Camp Attack

During the bandit subjugation, in another camp in the forest, Lord Harald and Lady Sophia were discussing the subjugation.

“We could have cleared out more area if your dwarves hadn't been so slow,” Sophia complained.

“Well, sor-ry Miss Elf, dwarves can't jump along tree branches. Besides, you need us if there's any caves or buildings to clear,” Lord Harald said, rolling his eyes.

It was after dinner, and they were going over the map of the area they were in, planning out where to go the next day.

“Sire trusted us to clear this area out ourselves,” Lady Sophia explained.

“Aye, and he also said to minimize casualties as much as possible,” Lord Harald snipped back.

“...I guess that's true,” she said with a sigh.

“What're you trying to impress him so much anyway? Ain't one of you daughters already engaged to him?” he chuckled.

“So? I...” Sophia started to explain, before a ruckus and yelling surrounded them.

“It's an attack! From the north and west!” came a shout.

“We're being attacked at camp? By bandits?” Sophia asked.

Lord Harald grabbed his axe that was sitting behind him and nodded, “Some of the bandits are former soldiers. They ain't stupid, they're trying to take us out at night. Or at least scare us off,” before walking through the tent flap.

Sophia followed, only to be stopped right outside as Lord Harald held back a large bear-human bandit, growling as he tried to hammer him. She reached under her dress and grabbed a knife, throwing it at the bandit and hitting him right between the eyes, causing him to fall back as Lord Harald pushed him off.

Lord Harald nodded, breathing heavily. “Never thought I'd say it to an elf, but thanks.”

Lady Sophia smiled, “I'm glad you walked out first...” she said, before a bandit charged at her. Lord Harald pushed her out of the way and jumped in front, parrying him with his axe, before cleaving into his side. Holding out his hand for Lady Sophia, he helped her back to her feet.

“Um, I guess I need to thank you as well,” Sophia said with a nod, before lifting up her dress and grabbing another knife.

After fighting off a few more bandits, the attack seemed to have mostly subsided. After checking in with their staff and restoring order, they retreated back to the planning tent.

Sitting down and taking off his helmet, Lord Harald wiped the sweat off his brow. “Damnable bastards. At least this saves the trouble of us finding them...”

Sophia also sat down, sweating profusely as her dress stuck to her. “I hate to admit it, but I'm glad you were here, those bandits would have easily overwhelmed me.”

Lord Harald was taken aback at the compliment, but then smiled and laughed, “Haha, well, you helped me out too, throwing you knives every which way, so how about's we're even?”

Sophia smiled back, “I think we can go with that.”