Fourth Vector Ch. 14

Bazu gave him an incredulous look. "Are you sure about that? We have all these servants here to take care of you, sire."

"I'm quite capable of walking myself. Come with me. You can fill me in on our way to the kitchens."

Bazu stuck out his bottom lip. "You're going to be quite a different king from your predecessor," he repeated.

Jack chuckled. "So I've heard. So fill me in. What do you have to report on?"

As Jack made his way to the kitchens, Bazu followed along in his shadow, carefully unfolding one scroll just to read the contents while juggling the others.

"As Your Majesty no doubt knows, the southern war of the clans is now over," started Bazu, reading from the first scroll. "At this very moment, I've gotten reports of just about all the clans moving back to their original territories after their concentration in the south."

"They were concentrated against me," said Jack. "The only clans that should be moving in this direction are theNumratha,Muthada, and theBurlada since they are under my personal command."

"It seems those clans make up the column that is heading in our direction, sire," said Bazu. "Although strangely enough, two other clans far to the north of here are moving in odd directions."

"Odd directions? Where are they going?"

Bazu pursed his lips. "From my report, it appears they are heading further north. Two clans in particular—theGartala andLapusa have started to move toward the coast."

"Any idea what they might be doing, Bazu? I wouldn't expect them to be moving because of the war still, right?"

"I'm not sure, sire, but we will keep our scouts on them for sure. It could just be that they are already going to war with each other, but I'll keep you informed. Otherwise, all other movements appear normal. Your clans should be here within the next three days."

"That's good to hear. It's been too long since I've seen several of my friends in that army," said Jack with a smile, remembering Abigail's and Vera's faces in particular.

They made their way into the kitchen, and Jack assembled a plate of food while Bazu continued to talk. "Sire, you are aware that now that you're high clan king, you'll have to relinquish your control of those clans, right? Kings don't personally control any clans."

Jack's eyes rolled up in thought. He hadn't considered that with everything that had changed in the last few days, but he remembered hearing that before. "That's something I have to discuss with each clan when they get here," he said. "Do I get to assign the leaders?"

"Some kings in the past were strong enough to assign leaders," said the vizier. "It will all depend on your prestige with the individual clans."

"I'll want to think on this some more then," said Jack. If he'd have to assign new leaders to each clan, he'd better start thinking about who had the right temperament to lead. It would do him no good if all the clans descended into the hands of the same kind of men that started this war.

"Of course, Your Majesty. In other news, Clan Chief Mahdi of thePurlovo clan has already sent a rider that he needs to discuss a border dispute with you. I'm sure you'll find that Mahdi will be a frequent petitioner of yours."

"That's fine, invite him to Septhada for that," said Jack. "Anything else?"

"Yes," said Bazu as he unrolled another scroll as they headed back to Jack's personal chambers. "I have this month's figures from the mines. Our total haul out for the last thirty days has amounted to thirty tons of gold and one hundred and ten tons of silver for precious metals."

"Thirty tons of gold?" said Jack incredulously. "How in the hell did that much come out of the mine?"

Bazu blinked at him. "That's a rather low amount for the mines for a solid month, Your Majesty, but there have been some labor shortages with the war and all. I'm sure the next month's productivity will be more than usual, especially once we receive more slaves from our allies, the Swabians."

"Wait just a second," said Jack as he came to a full stop. "The Swabians are bringing slaves here to work the mines, correct?"

Bazu nodded easily. "Yes, sire. They've been our biggest source of foreign slaves. The large number of slaves that they've brought to our shores have enabled our production from the mines to go up. In return, they get a percentage of everything that's pulled out of the mines."

"Where do the slaves enter the country? The slave city of Methusa?"

"Yes, sire, that's the one. If you've ever been there, there's an entire harbor of slaving vessels as well as a giant marketplace for—"

"I've been there, unfortunately," interrupted Jack. "I want you to get the word out to Methusa that the Swabians are not allowed to sell their slaves here anymore."

"But Your Majesty, so much of our economy—"

"Not. Allowed. Anymore," stressed Jack. "I've seen firsthand where those slaves come from, Bazu, and I won't allow it here."

Bazu started to turn white. "Sire, our economy is sure to take a hit with the loss of those revenues. Not to mention, the Swabians are generally people not to be crossed. They won't take the cancellation of an agreement lightly."

"You leave that part to me," said Jack. "I'm theTur'hava, remember? There's a lot of change coming to Andalucia, and that's only the first part. No more foreign slaves."

Bazu gulped noticeably. "I'll get word out at once."

"Get word to the clan chiefs as well. I don't want any of them doing their own personal deals with the Swabians outside of Methusa," advised Jack.

"I will send riders in all directions to spread the word."

"Excellent, Bazu. I know this may seem like an odd request, but there's reasoning behind it."

Bazu managed a brief smile. "I'm sure it'll make sense at some point. You were brought to us for a reason. I truly believe that."

For the next half hour, Bazu went over several more reports detailing farm output (always poor in Andalucia), more clan issues (what clan chief didn't have a problem with another chief?), and lastly filling in positions for several of the courtiers that abandoned Septhada once Vertulis was killed. Jack directed Bazu to oversee the filling of those positions, leaving that selection up to him, which seemed to greatly excite the little man. He left Jack's chambers in a thoroughly good mood, as Jack let out a sigh of relief at finally having some peace for the first time since waking.

Slinking into his chair, Jack looked out at the early afternoon sun. It seemed that the country was a littletoo quiet after the momentous events of the last few days. Yet, despite the reports, he knew the Swabians were unlikely to take the cancellation of their deal quietly, and he found it entirely likely that it would start another round of hostilities.

No matter where he went in the Vector, it seemed the Swabians were behind anything nefarious. And for a country as bleak as Andalucia, that was saying something.

I just hope I can set this country back to peace so that I can get on with my mission.

*****

After Bazu had gone onad nauseam about all the different reports and status updates for the day, Jack retired back to his chambers that evening a tired and somewhat crabby man. If he'd thought being an officer in charge of a task force was a thankless position full of endless reports, it was nothing compared to being a king of your own country. He now knew more information about Andalucia than he ever wished to know, even though it did give him better insight into the state of his new country, tiring as it was.

He'd barely closed the door into his chambers and collapsed against the bed before there was a soft knock at the door. Jack groaned loudly before muffling his voice into his pillow. "No more reports, Bazu."

The door cracked open and a delightfully familiar female voice started speaking instead. "I'll remind him that next time I see him," said Kat with a giggle.

Jack turned over to face her. "Oh, it's you. Sorry about that. Just the thought of hearing another status report on slave revenues was going to send me over the edge."

Kat slipped in from the hallway and shut the door behind her. She was already dressed in her sleeping clothes, wearing the same shorts and tank top combination as before. It was a sight that he always enjoyed, seeing more of the blonde woman's body than he'd been used to. It also served to remind him just how far they've come since that first day he met her in the interior wilderness of Sorella.

"I thought I heard you come back to your room, so I figured I'd come join you. As long as that's all right?" she asked.

Jack patted his bed. "You're always welcome. You know that, Kat."

She smiled demurely. "I was hoping you'd say that."

She walked to him slowly as he sat up on his bed, his feet touching against the floor. She wrapped her arms around him as he sat, which had the effect of pushing his face against her bosom. Jack took a deep breath as soon as he felt her against him, always enjoying the sweet smell of the Galician woman.

"You feel a little tense, Jack," she said while running her fingertips over the muscles on his back. "Has it been that long of a day?"

"It's been something," he muttered. "I'm just not sure I have any idea of what I'm supposed to do here. The ceremony this morning was jarring for me. All of those people look to me for leadership here, and I don't know if it's something I can provide."

Kat smiled and caressed his face. "You can provide it. Of all the kings that have ruled Andalucia, I'm sure none are more qualified than you. You've already led men in peace and war. You have an outsider's perspective, and you're intelligent and sensitive to their needs in equal measures. You'll be a great king."

Jack gave her a lopsided smile. "I think you believe in me a little too much."

She sunk down so that she was eye level with him. "Believing in you is my purpose." Her eyes danced with emotions, as if there was more meaning beyond the simple words.

"I have missed you terribly, you know? The entire time when you were gone," he said softly. "I didn't know if you were alive or dead, and for so long, I felt like I was just chasing a shadow."

Kat pressed his hand against her chest. "There's only flesh here. No shadows."

"You have no idea how happy that makes me."

She smiled at him and kissed him gently. "As it does me. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again either, but I prayed that you would find me. Especially before that monster did anything to me." She shivered at the memory of Vertulis.

"It wouldn't have changed anything, you know? If he had . . . or you had been forced to lay with him, it wouldn't have mattered to me," he said honestly.

Kat nodded. "I know that, but I always hoped. I really do believe that I was meant for you, Jack. That's why I only want to give this gift to you. I want you to be the only man I lay with."

His fingers wrapped around her sides and pulled her closer to him. "As do I, Kat."

She kissed him deeply, moaning against his lips once her tongue greeted his. Jack's hands cupped her butt, kneading the flesh between his pliable fingers and causing Kat to push his shoulders back so she could climb on top. She straddled him on the bed as he felt his hardness pressing in between them.

Kat felt it too, subtly grinding her hips against him as only two small strips of fabric separated their desire. She whimpered softly as she stopped grinding, leaning forward to kiss him gently. "Are you going to be mad at me if I ask you to wait longer?"

Jack blinked a few times before realizing what she was asking for. Her eyes were vulnerable and passionate, but in moments like this, he had to remember her lack of experience. "No," he said firmly. "I told you before we'd go at your pace."

She kissed him lightly. "I don't want to tease you, Jack."

"It's okay," he said with a chuckle. "But I might end up seeing if the servants can prepare me a shower after this. A very cold one."

Kat started to giggle before a strange look appeared in her eye. "Or perhaps I can still help you with that?"

"How would you like to do that without me being inside you?" he asked with a funny look.

Kat gave him a wicked grin. "There are other ways to pleasure." Her hand snaked between them and wrapped around his erection. Jack groaned at the intimate contact as she slowly rubbed over it through his pants. "You may have to guide me at this, but I want to try it."

He still wasn't sure exactly what she was referring to, but he nodded his intentions anyway. He thought he might have signed up for a simple hand job, but Kat was full of surprises. Almost as soon as he'd nodded, she slid down his body until her knees hit the floor by the side of the bed. Her fingers then moved to his pants, undoing the button, and then pulling them slowly down his body.

Her eyes went wide as soon as his thickening member popped into sight, and Jack let out a groan of approval as she soon licked her lips.

"Wow," she whispered, looking at him in awe. "Is it always so . . . big?"

"When I'm around you, it is," he said quietly. "You turn me on to no end."

Kat smiled as her hand wrapped around him tentatively. Jack let out a low hiss at the contact as she explored his cock, making several smooth, slow strokes up and down. "Tell me if I do anything wrong, okay?"

Jack smiled. "I'm sure you'll be fine. Just do what feels natural to you."

Kat nodded slowly as she began to stroke him with a faster pace. Jack leaned back on his elbows to watch her, her small hand firmly encased around his erection while giving him long, full strokes. While she worked his cock, she gave him shy and innocent stares, with brief smiles that would appear on her lips. It was a combination that he found sexy and adorable at the same time.

Feeling his heart rate start to spike, Jack began to breathe heavier. "You're doing so well at that," he said a few minutes later as his hips began to thrust against her hand.

"There's something else I want to try with you," said Kat with somewhat labored breath.

"What's that?"

Without words, Kat leaned her head in closer to him and let her tongue slip out to tickle the tip of his cock. Jack groaned at the unexpected contact, causing Kat to beam with a smile. "That."

"You need to warn a man before you do something like that," he said with a chuckle.

Kat winked at him. "I thought I did!"

She then licked around his helmet one more time, all the while she kept her eyes locked on his. Jack thrust his hips forward, eager to take it further, which caused her to giggle against his cock.

"I see someone likes this," she teased, jerking him with several rapid motions.

"You have no idea," he said breathlessly.

"I'm glad that you like it." Kat continued to lick against his cock, moving to longer motions that went far beyond the tip. Her next trip went halfway down his shaft before she continued the motion all the way back up again. For several minutes, she licked away until she decided to try something new.

That something new was slipping his entire tip inside her mouth, her lips forming a suction cup while she teased at the tip with her tongue. The feeling was exquisite, and Jack was soon panting for release.

"Am I doing okay?" she asked after releasing his cock from her mouth. "Do you like this?"

He struggled not to laugh. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm about on the edge here." It was true in more ways than one. Not only was he close to orgasm, but he'd kept scooting forward to be closer to her so that his ass was halfway off the bed.

Kat giggled again and licked the helmet. "Are you going to cum for me?" she whispered sexily.

Jack nodded. "You're going to make me cum so hard for you."

Kat grinned wickedly. "And where are you going to cum for me, Jack?" She made another suction with her mouth, rapidly sucking against the tip.

"Right there," he whispered, locking eyes with her. "I'm going to fill your mouth."

Kat let him slip out before she nodded. "I'd really like that, Jack. I want you to cum in my mouth. I want to taste you. Will you fill my pretty, little mouth? Will you shoot your entire seed into my belly?"

Jack groaned as Kat picked up the pace, taking more of him than she had before. Her lips began to slide lower on his shaft as she attempted to take all of him inside. First she went a quarter of the way down before she went back up. In the next attempt, it was a third. A moment later, she had half of him in her mouth, her eyes watery as she tried to take more. All the while, she kept jerking the lower part of his cock with her free hand.

It was too much for him. Even though Kat had never done it before, the combination of her eagerness and his feelings for her soon sent him crashing over the edge.

"I'm going to cum," he said as he felt the first spurt rocket up his shaft.

Kat closed her eyes and locked her mouth around the tip as the first gush exploded into her mouth. She did everything she could to take down his essence, but her inexperience got the best of her, which meant several jets soon slipped out the sides of her lips and cascaded to the floor. Kat didn't quit though, milking his cock through his orgasm to make sure that she got every drop from his body.

As his orgasm ended, Jack let his elbows slide forward, laying flat against the bed and trying to regain his breath. He looked down at Kat after a moment, the woman still nursing on his cock as it started to lose its rigidity.

"Was that all right?" she asked tentatively as her fingers grabbed a dollop of cum from her chin and scoped it into her mouth.

"You were great," breathed Jack. "That was incredible."

Kat beamed with a smile. "You're not just telling me that, are you?"

Jack had to laugh at that. "Did you see how much I just came?"

She gave him a guilty look. "I had trouble keeping it all in."

"You still did great. You were amazing."

She smiled and then pushed off the floor while Jack pushed back onto the bed. She crept into the crook of his arm and cuddled up against him. "That's better," she purred once she was comfortable.

He turned to face her. "Did you like doing that as well? It wasn't too much, was it?"

She shook her head quickly. "I think I might have liked that a bittoo much."

"What do you mean by that?"

Her face turned red. "I'm a little . . . soaked."

"You are?" He grinned. "Well, isn't it fair that I took care of you now?"

She rolled her eyes up in thought. "It would be entirely fair, but I'm not sure it's a good idea."

The smile left his face quickly. "Why not?"

She forced him to look at her. "It's not that I don't want that—it's just once my shorts are off, I don't think I'd be able to control myself. If I had that experience just now, with you between my legs doing the same thing for me, I can't see myself not telling you to go all the way. To put your cock inside me, Jack," she whispered.

He watched her sky-blue eyes as she spoke, and he softly caressed her side. "I wouldn't do anything unless you told me to."

"I knowyou wouldn't," she said firmly. "Like I said, I think I would lose control first."

He nodded as she placed a kiss against his cheek. "I'm enjoying this. As we explore our intimacy together, Jack. Never forget that, okay? Or think that I don't want you?"

"I won't," he promised.

She caressed his cheek lightly. "I never thought I'd find you at times, do you know that?"

"What do you mean, Kat?"

Tears appeared in her eyes, soon slipping down her cheeks. "I thought for so long that you just didn't exist. That I was searching for a phantom. That I was wasting my time. Now that you're here, and you're with me, I can't be thankful enough, Jack."

He smiled and pulled her closer to him. "Surely you didn't think it would be that hard to find someone to be intimate with, did you? You're an amazing woman, Kat. If not for me, someone would have snatched you up."