Drevakin

The battle at House Lo'ara is over.

Elorshin has requested Prince Naefaren Viir meet with us now, right after driving the devos away. The repairs for the tunnel lights have already begun as a major priority.

We take only a few minutes to clean up, bandage wounds, and change before taking the carriages over to House Viir. Bruised, beaten, and wounded from the fight, exhaustion is a not so thin veil.

Arriving at House Viir is a shock after the events of the last few hours. Brightly lit with clean and well fed people. Warm. The nightmare we just went through clashes with the experience of the Major House. It is as if we step into a different world altogether.

Naefaren is waiting for us in his courtyard when we arrive, greeting Elorshin with a hearty slap on the back but giving me a more reserved nod as his sharp gaze takes in my appearance and then Clara's. He does not hesitate to invite us inside, taking us to straight his study. And he does not mince words.

"I hear Rathorin is dead," he says, his eyes on my face.

I hesitate, but then nod. It's not like we can keep it secret.

"Good," Naefaren declares, leaning forward. "That male was dangerous, not only to his own House, but to the rest of us." He shakes his head. "Many of the Major House Princes seem to forget we are not all powerful. Push too far and they will rise up." He looks at Elorshin as if remembering his transgression.

"You will not hear me argue to the contrary," Elorshin responds. "But we are here not to discuss generalities, but rather specifics. What do we do with House Ti'ana? Rathorin was much too jealous a ruler to have a competent Second, not that I would trust a Second that Rathorin appointed."

Naefaren nods, looking over at me. "Do you enjoy leading, Drevakin?" he asks, his expression somewhat odd.

I frown at the inconsequential question. "I find it a fulfilling, challenging role," I reply. "Enjoy is an odd description."

Naefaren's smile is almost gleeful, tinged with an edge of something wicked. "Do you vouch for Drevakin, Elorshin?" he asks, his voice almost idle.

"I do," Elorshin agrees, his voice thoughtful, as if he knows what Naefaren is asking.

"Excellent. Drevakin, how would you like to be Prince Drevakin Ti'ana?"

I stare at Naefaren, surprised by the question. "I killed their previous Prince," I reply.

"He won't be missed," Naefaren replies.

"I took part in killing many of House Ti'ana."

Naefaren shrugs. "I would lay that blame on Rathorin and his ridiculous orders. See point one." Naefaren stands, staring down at me for a moment before looking over at Clara. "What do you say? Do you believe he should take the position?"

I look over at Clara, but I know what she will say before she says it.

"Yes. House Lo'ara has a competent Second and House Ti'ana is in need of some...straightening up." She looks over at me with a smile. "I can't think of anyone better to clean the place out." She covers my hand with hers.

"That settles it then."

I stand as Naefaren offers his hand, clasping forearms.

"We will have a coronation. Do not worry." His grin is a little evil. "House Ti'ana will learn to love you.”

* * *

“I believe we should reconsider this trade agreement. It would be lucrative for both the Minor House and ourselves."

I look at the middle-aged male sitting across the desk in Rathorin's study. Now my study, though it will take some time to come to terms with the fact I am now the Prince of House Ti'ana.

A Major House.

I need to focus on the task at hand. The male looks confident enough, meeting my eyes straight on. I notice a slight tremor in his hand as he moves it to the chair's armrest. Clara's voice enters my thoughts.

This is the guy Rathorin threatened because he was bringing up something about a trade agreement.

Interesting, I reply through our bond.

I say nothing as I look down at the agreement he is speaking about, skimming through the terms.

He is correct about this being lucrative. Though perhaps House Ti'ana could get an even better deal if they expanded times open to trade. How quick can I make changes and not have a revolt on my hands?

I can almost hear Clara’s mind working from behind me where she stands braced against the wall. The other male's eyes flicker to her nervously. He is most likely wondering why she is even in the meeting. Or perhaps he is wondering why she is wearing trousers.

It seems as though my Pari much prefers the mobility she has with trousers, taking to only wearing dresses for certain occasions. My mind flashes back to the beautiful blue dress she wore for my coronation. It covered her from neck to ankle, but it hugged all of her curves so my hands itched to touch all of her.

In fact, after the ceremony…

Stop it. How am I supposed to concentrate when you're thinking about that?

Clara’s voice is clear through our bond.

Will you wear that dress for me tonight?

I know only I can hear her laughter.

Fine. And as for your other question, you should move fast now, before they can rally themselves together and decide whether they want to accept you. It is much more difficult to stop something already in motion. Plus, if you do enough, they won't have any one thing to focus on. Oh, and they'll see the benefits of the changes sooner if you implement them faster.

Hmm.

Interesting strategy.

"I think you may be correct, though I would make changes before agreeing." I've surprised the male, though he tries to hide it. "Perhaps I can draw up a proposal and we can have another meeting tomorrow?"

He nods, smiling. "Yes. My Prince."

He stands as I do, bowing respectfully before he leaves the room.

Adjusting to leading a different House is difficult. Add because it is a Major House, and I killed the previous Prince... I have my hands full. So far, I have already changed how House Ti'ana trades and who we trade with, I've set out new rules about harassing or intimidating those from Minor Houses, and I have appointed Clara as Head Guard.

That last change caused more issues than I expected. The people did not take a female seriously as the Head Guard at first. They also judged Clara based on her choice to wear trousers. But they have since learned that she is not someone to cross. There was an incident where someone attacked a female from a Minor House.

After Clara chased him through the marketplace and beat him down with her staff, he was captured swiftly and punished despite the large discrepancy in their sizes. Ever since that public arrest, I've noticed the extra respect she is being given. I approve.

"I've noticed a few of the more daring young women wearing trousers," I comment as Clara wraps her arms around my waist from behind.

"Hmm. Good for them. If some of you males tried to get things done in a skirt for just a day, you would weep."

I chuckle as I turn around to wrap her in my arms.

"I must admit, I like how your backside appears in trousers," I say, reaching down to cup the lush curves.

Hmm.

"Likewise," she murmurs, reaching down to squeeze my backside.

I grin, enjoying everything about the moment. I am now in a position I never even dreamed of being in. My Pari is safe and I can change the culture of a Major House from the top. The possibilities are endless.

I am glad I agreed to take this position. At first, I thought the people of House Ti'ana might never respect me. After all, they are all too accustomed to looking down on those of us from Minor Houses. And it was difficult in the beginning.

"But they are coming around now," Clara murmurs, following my line of thought even though I didn’t actively project it.

I wonder if the Paritella is growing stronger?

"Perhaps," I admit.

"They particularly like the free trade with the Minor Houses. Wait, let me be more specific, they like the wealth you are helping them accumulate," she adds cynically, grinning widely.

"Perhaps you are right. And if wealth is all it takes, I count myself lucky," I say, chuckling.

"Lucky, hmm? Perhaps I can help you get even more lucky," she says suggestively.

"Oh?" I say hopefully, my cock stirring in interest. "How so?"

"I found out who was stealing the juntta," she says with a straight face.

"Oh," I say, disappointed. "Well done." Not where I thought this was going.

I do not have to worry about security and the guards at all with Clara in charge, leaving me free to work on the aspects I excel in.

You are my right hand.

Her face softens as she leans against me. "That is really sweet. Now I feel somewhat bad for teasing you," she admits, reaching down to take a firm hold of my cock.

"Oh. Well."

My dick harden immediately and I clear my throat. "Perhaps the bedchamber is in order?" I suggest.

She laughs, letting go of my cock and taking my hand instead to lead me out of the study and to our bedchamber.

My eyes automatically lock on her backside, clad in the thin, loose trousers she has helped the tailor fashion for her, saying they are much more practical for this heat.

I cannot help notice they also show off her figure quite nicely.

Yes.

Accepting this position was an excellent idea indeed.