Three Square Meals Ch. 141

"You wanted immortality and to spend eternity at John's side," Edraele said without judgement. "It's a magnificent prize... but you have to earn it, Emandra. You don't deserve that life yet, not without paying penance for all the terrible things you've done over the centuries."

Emandra held her face in her hands and wept, shedding anguished tears for herself... and all her countless victims.

***

Kali squealed with joy as the massive green dragon snapped out her wings to their full length, the air whistling past as she slowed their flight. Jade banked gracefully around the palace, then stretched out her four claws, landing without so much as a bump to the six passengers holding on for dear life.

"WAS THAT LANDING TOO ROUGH?" the Nymph rumbled, twisting her long serpentine neck around to look at the Maliri clinging to the spines on her back. "I TRIED TO BE AS GENTLE AS POSSIBLE, BUT I HEARD ONE OF YOU SCREAM."

"It was me, Jade!" Kali called out with a beaming grin. "I wasn't frightened, I was just excited! That was one of the most incredible things I've ever done!"

Lyvia lay down to give the dragon's scaly back a big hug. "Thank you so much for letting me ride a dragon, Jade. I think you're amazing!"

Jade chuckled, her laughter reverberating in her huge chest. "I'D LET YOU GO AGAIN, BUT THE OTHERS ARE WAITING FOR THEIR TURN."

She crouched down and repositioned her wing, angling it so that her passengers could slide down to the patio. They were met by a barrage of questions, with everyone wanting to know if flying on a dragon was as terrifying as it looked. John was waiting for Kali as she slid down and effortlessly caught her in his arms. Her eyes were alight with excitement and despite her windswept appearance, she looked gorgeous and full of life.

Kali giggled and gave him a big kiss. "That was so much fun!"

"I don't think I've ever seen you look so happy," John said, gazing at her with open admiration.

The Loraleth matriarch blushed and fidgeted with her ruffled hair. "I must look a terrible mess."

John caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. "You're beautiful, Kali. You've never looked more ravishing."

He glanced down at her figure-hugging white dress, then reverently caressed her toned belly. Knowing that she was at the peak of fertility in preparation for their night together sent a thrill coursing through his body. When he made eye contact with Kali again, John saw smouldering desire in her enchanting indigo gaze. She bit her lip, then crossed her wrists behind his neck and kissed him passionately.

Alyssa was watching the pair like a hawk and smiled with satisfaction. It appeared that one of the main events of the evening might be running ahead of schedule.

*Ladies, it looks like John and Kali will be retiring a little early,* she warned her fellow matriarchs. *Jade, you might want to postpone the rest of the dragon rides until later, assuming you want to watch John become a father again.*

*I'm shifting back!* Jade exclaimed. *I'll apologise to the Maliri.*

*Don't worry, they won't want to miss this,* Edraele interjected, her voice alight with anticipation. *I'll make an announcement.*

*How's Emandra?* Alyssa asked, watching John and Kali whispering together.

*She won't be joining us,* Edraele replied, keeping her voice neutral. *Emandra's coming to terms with the woman she's been in the past. She has a very long and very gruelling road ahead of her before she can earn redemption.*

Alyssa didn't miss Edraele's carefully worded response, but now wasn't the time to discuss it further. *John, there's no need to think up an excuse to leave early. Just head up to the bedroom whenever you and Kali are ready.*

He glanced at her in surprise. *Won't I be missed if we just sneak out?*

*As long as you have no objections, Kali doesn't mind an audience. She thought the new matriarchs might like to see what's in store for them if they're good girls.*

John turned to whisper to Kali and she giggled and nodded her head, confirming what Alyssa had just told him.

*I'll see you upstairs, handsome,* Alyssa purred, enjoying seeing his look of surprise turn to lust.

***

Kehlarissa Venkalyn walked up the long flight of stairs, following the procession of matriarchs led by their queen. She could scarcely believe what they were about to see, the thought of watching John and Kali together making butterflies flutter in her stomach. Phelora mounted the stairs at her side and a glance in the younger matriarch's direction made it quite clear that she was just as thrilled.

When they reached the upper corridor and approached the bedroom, Edraele's sultry voice echoed through her mind. *There's plenty of room, so spread out and make yourselves comfortable. We'll all be sleeping here tonight, so feel free to get settled down; there are more than enough pillows and blankets for everyone.*

The sheer size of the massive bedroom caught Kehlarissa by surprise, but one glance at the enormous hexagonal bed confirmed that Edraele wasn't exaggerating. It was illuminated in soft lighting, setting a romantic mood despite the dozens of people present, and the absence of the lovers that had triggered this migration. She walked around the outside to one of the mattresses that wasn't yet occupied, accompanied by Phelora who clearly intended to follow her to wherever she decided to sit.

That Phelora wanted to keep her company made Kehlarissa happy and she shared a smile with her new friend as they got comfortable. The lights dimmed shortly afterwards, plunging the encircling mattresses into darkness, while leaving the central one illuminated. As they sat there waiting, Phelora's fingers brushed against her own, a tentative caress that made Kehlarissa's hand tingle. When those furtive fingertips stroked her skin a second time, Kehlarissa interlaced their fingers together and gave her friend an appreciative squeeze.

They didn't have long to wait until John and Kali emerged from an adjacent room, each of them wearing white robes. They also held hands as they walked to the central bed, where Alyssa and Edraele emerged from the surrounding darkness to greet them. Both matriarchs were nude, the sight of their spectacular figures taking Kehlarissa's breath away. Edraele had the flawless body of a nubile thirty-year old and Alyssa's exotic bronzed complexion was enthralling.

Alyssa nimbly disrobed Kali and Kehlarissa watched in awe as the Maliri maiden was guided back onto the bed. She couldn't help moaning with desire as Alyssa parted the young woman's smooth thighs and began to lap away at her most intimate places. Kali was vocal in her response, her blue fingers curling through those long blonde locks as she cried out with pleasure.

Edraele knelt in front of John, her head bobbing as she worshipped his magnificent cock. The Maliri Queen was usually the epitome of refinement, so to see her acting so submissively was as shocking as it was arousing. There was movement on the bed beside Kehlarissa and she felt Phelora wriggle closer, a supple limb making light contact with her own. Rather than shy away from the touch, Kehlarissa craved it, and she uncoupled their hands so that she could stroke her friend's firm thigh.

To her surprise, she discovered that Phelora was naked, letting her touch bare flesh. The sensation was electrifying and Kehlarissa only hesitated for a moment before stripping off her own dress. She immediately renewed the body contact and smiled as she heard Phelora gasp in recognition, their secretive actions almost as much fun as watching John with Kali.

Kali's breathy moan sent a shiver down Kehlarissa's spine and when she focused on the lovers again, she was startled to see that John had already mounted the beautiful Maliri. It was almost impossible to believe that she could accommodate his huge shaft, but John smoothly pistoned his burgeoning cock into her right up to the base without complaint. Kali arched her back and screamed out in ecstasy as he thrust into her again and again, climaxing repeatedly as he hilted himself in her body.

"I'm so turned on," Phelora whimpered, her voice drifting out of the darkness from very close by.

A soft moan echoed across the room and Kehlarissa was sure it came from the audience rather than Kali's frantic cries. She could only imagine what the rest of the matriarchs and the Lionesses were getting up to in the steamy darkness.

"Come closer," she whispered to her companion, feeling Phelora do just that a moment later.

Working by touch, Kehlarissa repositioned herself on the bed to sit directly behind the young woman, then she leaned forward to embrace her. Pressing their bodies together, Kehlarissa savoured the warm skin against her breasts as she rested her chin on Phelora's shoulder.

"Is that alright?" she whispered in her ear.

Phelora nodded eagerly. "You feel wonderful..."

Emboldened by the positive response, Kehlarissa encircled the younger woman in her arms, feeling the underside of Phelora's breasts brush against her forearms. She stroked her lower belly, listening to Phelora gasp and feeling her trembling with excitement.

"You looked so beautiful with your tummy full of Baen'thelas' cum," she murmured, letting her fingers dip lower. "It won't be long until it's you underneath him, his gorgeous cock driving you wild as he puts a baby inside you."

Phelora quivered with pleasure as Kehlarissa rubbed her clit, her mouth open in a wordless scream. She came long and hard, her climax a mirror of Kali's as John pinned her down and unloaded in the beautiful young noblewoman. It was Kehlarissa's turn to whimper as she rubbed her own clit in time to John's thrusts, watching in awe as he pumped a huge load into Kali's womb. Her waistline rapidly expanded into a curved dome, Kali's body stretching to accommodate several pints of creamy cum.

She sagged against Phelora's back, panting in her ear as she recovered from the most powerful orgasm of her life. Through hooded eyes, Kehlarissa watched John carefully dismount the comatose matriarch and curl up behind her, his powerful arms wrapping protectively around the dazed noblewoman. Rather than being jealous of Kali, she found herself feeling thrilled for her, although she couldn't help wishing that she was in her place, being held in his loving arms.

"Thank you so much," Phelora murmured, nuzzling against her. "You're so good to me, Kehlarissa."

That brought her attention back to the woman she was rather intimately entwined with and Kehlarissa hesitated, the fog of lust receding and leaving her feeling embarrassed.

Oblivious to the riot of emotions in her companion, Phelora kissed her tenderly on the cheek. "Could we cuddle together? I'd love to fall asleep with my tummy next to yours again."

The doubts faded from Kehlarissa's mind as she remembered their rounded bellies pressed together, John's cum shared between them. "I'd like that too."

They separated for a moment, but only so that they could lie together on the bed, long limbs intertwined as they closed the distance. The embrace felt wonderfully intimate, bringing back all the good memories of the time they'd spent in bed with John.

Phelora gazed into her eyes from only inches away, their rich green just visible in the gloom. "I... like you very much, Kehlarissa."

Kehlarissa smiled and leaned closer, brushing her lips against the younger matriarch's. "I like you very much too, Phelora."

She let out a happy sigh, and snuggled in closer, murmuring her gratitude as Kehlarissa pulled the blanket over them. Over on the central bed, the Young Matriarchs had gathered to congratulate Kali, with John now surrounded by joyful Lionesses. Kehlarissa watched them for a few minutes, feeling tempted to join them in their celebrations. Phelora suddenly shifted in her arms, the Romenor matriarch stroking her lovingly in her sleep.

With a fond smile, Kehlarissa kissed Phelora on the tip of her nose and decided she was content right where she was. She snuggled closer and less than a minute later had joined her in a blissful slumber.

***

*That was a hell of a party, John,* Alyssa said, flanking him as she gazed across his chest at Edraele.

*Did everyone have a good time?* he asked, stretching languidly.

*Nearly everyone,* Edraele replied, kissing his chest. *Emandra's conscience is making its presence felt, and Beldrea and Kelenis were humiliated when they realised they looked like the servants.*

*Oh dear,* John said with a chuckle. *I should probably end their suffering tomorrow.*

*You're a kind and generous Progenitor, my Lord,* Edraele said with a warm smile.

*I'm really pleased the party went so smoothly,* he said with satisfaction. *Thanks for all the effort you put in, ladies. It's very much appreciated.*

Alyssa propped herself up and gave him a kiss. *You're welcome. I enjoyed every minute of it.*

Dana and Rachel padded across the bed to kneel beside them.

"Hey, don't hog him," the redhead protested. "We want to bask in his afterglow too."

Rolling her eyes, Alyssa smiled at Edraele. "She'll keep whining until she gets her way. Let's go and congratulate the expectant mother."

"Alright, I think the Young Matriarchs have stopped hugging Kali now. We might be able to get a turn."

They rose from the bed, making room for the brunette and redhead, who wasted no time in embracing John. He pulled them close and kissed each girl on top of her head, smiling from ear-to-ear.

"Mmm... post-impregnation afterglow... this is the best thing ever," Dana cooed, looking up at John's contented expression and grinning.

"I think we should be celebrating having a party without anyone getting maimed or killed," Rachel said, her grey eyes sparkling.

Dana sat bolt upright, a look of consternation on her beautiful face. "Hey, don't jinx us like that!"

Rachel laughed and shook her head in amusement. "I'm sorry. Should I have walked under a black cat first, or maybe have a ladder cross my path?"

"I mean it!" Dana protested. "We can't take any chances!"

John smiled playfully at Rachel, then he tickled the superstitious redhead, making her dissolve in a fit of giggles.

***

Hundreds of light years away, in the lifeless expanse that formed the periphery of Kirrix Space, a huge ring-shaped object hung ominously in the darkness. It was formed of a lustreless black metal, the surface stubbornly refusing to reflect the radiant light from the closest star. There was a sudden surge of activity within the ring, the massive capacitors crackling with crimson energy fields as they regulated an enormous influx of power.

A disc formed in the centre of that ring, the edges undulating almost as if they were alive as the Hyper-Warp Gate fought to constrain the wormhole. Emerging from the centre of that gateway, a sinister black ship powered away from the construct, making room for the succession of black-hulled craft that followed in its wake. Banks of guns bristled along their foredecks, leaving no doubt as to the true purpose of those malevolent vessels.

*The Hyper-Warp Gate is fully operational, my Lord,* Valeria informed him, watching in satisfaction as the vanguard of their armada crossed the galaxy to the staging area.

*It took you long enough,* Gahl'kalgor snarled in irritation. *Deploy the scouts. I want to track down this cowering worm and rip his lungs out; we've wasted far too much time here already.*

*It will be done, my Lord,* she replied, her tone respectful and compliant. Turning to the Bridge crew from her command chair, Valeria continued imperiously, "Contact the cruiser squadrons and order them to begin sweeping the area. I want this Baen'thelas located as quickly as possible!"

"Yes, Matriarch!" the crew responded, leaping into action to avoid provoking her ire.

***

John stirred from sleep to the very pleasant sensation of two soft feminine bodies draped over him. Glancing down, he saw a tousled mane of white hair resting on his left shoulder and a golden cascade covering his right. The blonde was obviously Alyssa, but it took him a moment to remember who had earned the second most highly prized location in the Maliri Protectorate. Very pleasant memories of his evening with Kali washed over him and he smiled fondly at the House Loraleth Matriarch.

Kali felt his breathing change as he woke and glanced up at him, her dark blue eyes shining with joy. "Good morning, John!" she greeted him in a hushed whisper.

"Morning, honey," he replied, leaning down to give her a tender kiss. "Did I oversleep? What time is it?"

"It's early... only seven," she said, snuggling in closer. "I had this amazing dream about having your baby, then I woke up and I realised it was really happening! Oh, John... I'm so happy! I've been looking forward to being with you for weeks... and you were just as wonderful as I'd imagined!"

He stretched and repositioned his arm to rub her back. "I'm really happy too... and I feel honoured that you chose me to be the father of your children. I'll always be there for you, Kali... I promise."

She let out a blissful sigh and reverently stroked his chest with her soft fingertips. "I can feel in my heart how much you care about me... and our baby. I know you're fighting the Progenitors to make the future safe for our family and I'll do whatever I can to support you against them."

John was touched by her sincerity and wrapped his arm tighter around Kali to caress her tummy. "Some things are worth fighting for."

"Will you hold me again? Like last night?" Kali requested with a shy smile.

Alyssa immediately pulled back, revealing that she was wide awake, and freeing John to roll over so that he could spoon Kali. She melted in his arms as he held her, the young Maliri radiating happiness as John stroked her stomach and whispered tender words in her pointed ear. It didn't take long for her to fall into a blissful slumber, feeling safe and loved in his comforting embrace.

*You're so sweet with her... really caring and protective,* Alyssa murmured, gently kissing his shoulder. *Seeing you like this is making me really broody.*

John carefully released Kali and turned to face his youthful matriarch. *I know being forced to wait must be difficult for you and the rest of the girls. Did anyone get upset last night?*

*Upset? No, we were all thrilled for Kali. Horny? Oh yes, definitely,* she said with a grin. *We all wished it was us last night, but watching you get another one of those sexy blue babes pregnant was such a turn on.*

Despite her upbeat reply, John heard a slight catch in Alyssa's voice, and looked at her quizzically.

*Oh, it's nothing,* she protested, rolling her eyes.

*No, that was definitely something. You can tell me what's bothering you in a minute,* John said, before sitting up and glancing around the bedroom at all the sleeping women. *Jade, Edraele... are you awake? I think we should have our first proper matriarch meeting.*

Edraele propped herself up on an elbow and gave him a seductive smile over Luna's shoulder. *Now that sounds like a wonderful idea, my Lord.*

Jade managed to disentangle herself from Helene in the blink of an eye and padded over to join him. *I'm ready, Master!*

He stood up and offered Alyssa a hand. *Not here... let's have some privacy.*

*How about the Raptor? It's parked just outside,* the blonde suggested, before making an imperious gesture towards the adjoining room.

A few seconds later, several white robes floated out of the wardrobe, and over to John and his trio of matriarchs. They padded out of the bedroom without disturbing anyone, except for Sarene who was gently nudged awake by Edraele's telepathic prompting. She smiled and waved goodbye to them before moving to take his place cuddling Kali.

The gilded halls of Saelihn Immanthe were deserted at that hour, with the servants occupied in the kitchen preparing breakfast for their guests. Jade took the lead, bouncing along with a spring in her step as they made their way to the glistening white gunship. There was an unfamiliar tingle of anticipation in the air as they walked together and when John glanced at Alyssa then Edraele, he could see that they sensed it too. They both shared playful grins with him as they crept through the palace, their stealthy progress adding an illicit undercurrent to their impromptu meeting.