Deadly Dreams. 35

It was late in the evening as Prince Kenji Noriko Duma left his estate and made his way through the city to the royal palace. For him, it had been a bad night. His dreams were his problem. Dreams, not really his dreams. More like his nightmares. He kept dreaming about his older brother and his father. Maybe I should explain.
Six years ago, Atrua had been a happy place. We weren't at war with anyone. Our only enemy had been those damned Hyena's and their slave raids. For years my father Msia and his closest allies, Yonas Kinya, king of the Tigarens and Kybaris Enhu, emperor of the Rhinon empire nation. They fought slavers and witches. Warlocks and Animages. They even fought a witch doctor that thought he was a god. They lost Kybaris wife in that battle and sent the Enhu plains into mourning for a week. It was very sad times.
Ok, let's get on with the story. Five years ago, Atrua was very quiet. Sakura spent his time studying the many different ways of fighting and learning the tactics of the ancient ones. He learned to battle with swords, staff, mace, and spear. Father allowed me to learned hand to hand and to start my magical studies Mother taught me the different herbs and medicinal things that could be found in the jungle. It was a busy time, and we enjoyed our classes. Then again, I think Sakura was bored. I mean I know he loved the wrestling and our staff training, but I always got the feeling he thought there was something missing. He loved Panthera and our people, but he wasn't sure the life of a king was what he wanted. He wanted excitement and adventure. And I think he found it. Well, he found something and it's in Tigaress. That's where he went the night I followed him. He went to a cottage in Naraya. I waited to see who else was there but I had to leave before I got caught there when the sun came up.
I'm not sure what happened after that. I went back home just in time for breakfast. I was hoping to talk with Sakura, but he didn't come home. In fact, he's been missing since that night. Mother is really worried about him. He disappeared just like father did when he ran off to save the Canins west of
here.
Now, mother and I are here with only the regent here to protect us. I'm not sure I trust him. I keep catching him sneaking around the castle with strangers. Dark ugly strangers. They give me the creeps.
Father has been gone for almost twenty-one years with G'ania Gazini standing in as our regent. The thing is once. G'ania hits twenty-one years, he can declare father dead. Then he can marry mother and crown himself, king. Now you see our problem. When he was young, the Regent and father were good friends. The fought many battles together, conquered many cities and expended Panthera's borders. They gathered timber and granite to build our walls and homes, the commercial center, the elder hall, and our temples toTyree. They both worked on the palace and city gardens making Atrua the paradise city it is. But over the years since Father has been gone, the Regent has changed. He doesn't visit the temples anymore to give praise to Tyree. He's not the feline he uses to be. I've noticed it and so has Mother. He's been quiet and dark lately. And all the strangers I keep seeing him with. It's always late at night and he takes to deep down into the bowels of the city. What's he hiding down there? I tried following them, but I lost them in all the twists and turns in the palace dungeons. That place has changed too. All the sounds and smells, I get the feeling that there are things there that can hurt me? I think it's time I take this to mother to see what she thinks.
Kenji sat up in his bed and pushed his wool sleeping furs to the side. He looked around his messing room to find a clean tunic to wear. There was the red one with the yellow sun on it in the corner on the chair, but it wasn't clean. It had the berry stains on it. Getting to his feet, Kenji walked to the closet and took out a pair of short brown shorts, then found a black tunic with strips like his and through it at his bed. Once his clothes were picked, Kenji yawned and stretched then made his way to the fresh spring that ran into his restroom. As he opened the glass door to his springling, a cheetah servant came in to bring him soap and fresh towels. Kenji to them and said thank you to the servant.
"Would you be needing any help with the spring?" She asked with a smile. "Maybe wash your back?"
"No, Jasara," Kenji said as he closed the door. "Maybe later."
"As you wish young Prince." Jasara bowed then turned and headed out of Kenji's rooms. As she left, Kenji watched her sweet bottom swing left and right. He reached down and stroked his member thinking about the last time they had used the springly. Maybe he should call her back. Then he changed his mind. His mother should not be kept waiting.
As warm water ran down his body washing him clean, Kenji couldn't help but think about the last time He and Jasara had come in here to play. He remembered rubbing soap down her back. His hands stopped for a few moments to play with the curves of her ass. She giggled then gasped as his finger slipped through the warmth of her tender hole. Anxious for more, Jasara pushed back so his finger went into Kenji's knuckle.
As Kenji pulled his finger out, he wrapped his arms around her and spread her legs. Jasara whimpered as she put her hands on the springly wall and begged him for more.
"Please my Prince," She cried. "I need it. I want it so bad!"
As she pushed back, Kenji pushed her tail out of the way and slipped his cock through the ring of her ass driving it in hard. Jasara cried out for more. She begged him, pleaded with him to fuck her harder. Her head went as the water poured over their bodies. Taking a step back, Kenji let Jasara lay on her back with her legs in the air. As he got back down between her legs, Kenji slammed his member in pushing her up so her head rocked into the mossy edge of the springly. Again and again, Kenji rocked her, filling her ass then pulling out and slamming into her ripe cunt. Jasara held on as best she could as he tore into her. Thrust after thrust, Kenji rocked on. He knew his seed was burning to get into her. As he threw back his head, Jasara pushed her two fingers into Kenji's ass. He yelled as his cock slipped out and sprayed his load all over her face. Jasara opened her mouth and took in as much as she could.
As Kenji leaned back in the bliss of his memories, he stroked himself until he blew his load over the mossy banks of his shower. With a groan of satisfaction, Kenji finished his shower, dressed and hurried out to meet his Mother, Michiyo Zigari Duma, Queen of all of Panthera.
Dressed in his brown cloak, Kenji left the palace he and Sakura shared, and headed for their parents Palace. The streets of Atrua were busier than usual, The streetcars were full from the Pantherens on their way home after work. Shopkeepers were closing up and hurrying to get home. Taverns were just opening and getting ready for a long night. With his cloak pulled down, Kenji moved on past the city guards that stood outside Gnark's tavern where the scantily dressed street walkers always seemed to be. As he moved to pass, a guard turned to look his way. Kenji winked as Captain Akira smiled and tipped his helmet in recognition of the young prince.
From the business center, Kenji waved down a coach to take him to his parent's palace. A blue and white striped coach pulled over to the curb and parked. As Kenji stepped down, the coach door swung open and the driver greeted with a cheerful word.
"Myumbo." He said with a smile. "Where can I take you?"
Settling down in the coach, Kenji pushed back his cowl and the recognized him.
"Prince Kenji!" He bowed his head. "It is an honor to have you in my coach. Where can I take you today?"
"The royal palace, please."
"Yes, my Prince."
As the driver pulled off, Kenji looked over the interior of the coach. There was a small sign that said the driver name was Matsui. The coach was immaculate. No road dust, the seats were clean, there was a pleasant smell of spring Sunflowers in the air. Kenji was impressed. Whoever the driver was, he really took care of his coach.
From the business center, the coach drove on following the main road out to its end then made a left up through the homes of the warrior caste then into the working caste. Kenji frowned as they drove through the worker's homes. It used to be so bright and clean here, but now it seemed dull and littered.
As they came to the end of the road, they stopped at a stop sign where row after row of warriors marched down the road heading for the sparring grounds outside of the city. Kenji frowned. He knew this wasn't right. They were supposed to be at peace. These warriors shouldn't be doing maneuvers. they should be at home with their families or out tending their fields.
"My apologies young prince," Matsui said. "Atrua's roads are overrun with all the warriors out these day's. You would almost think they are preparing for war."
"Yes," Kenji said turning away from the driver. "One could think that."
"I'm so sorry Prince Kenji. I shouldn't speak like that. Especially not in front of you."
"It's OK Matsui." Kenji reached over the seat to pat him on the shoulder. "You are not alone in these thoughts. Some of us at the palace think just as you do and we are trying to do something about it. But we must be careful. There are those who will betray us to the Regent. So be careful who you talk too."
"Yes my Prince," Matsui said. "I promise."
The wait was about fifteen minutes before the warriors had all passed the intersection.  Kenji and Matsui spent the rest of the ride in silence. Kenji had just made a dangerous promise. One he wasn't sure he could keep, but he would try his best. He wasn't sure if he should tell Mother. It wasn't that she would disagree. She doesn't like making promises. They always led to someone being let down and didn't want the responsibility.
As Matsui drove up to the main gate of the palace, Kenji slid the window down and spoke quietly to the gate guard. They talked for a few minutes, then Kenji was waved in.
"This is as far as you go, Matsui." Kenji opened the door and stepped out the coach. "Thank you."
He fished in his side purse and pulled out a hand full of coins. He passed them over to Kenji and shook his hand.
"Be safe my friend and enjoy your vacation." As Kenji turned and walked into the castle, Matsui looked down at the coins in his hand. He gasped in shock as he realized there were no coins in his hand. Instead, he held six perfect almond sized diamonds.

With a storm brewing in her head, Michiyo Duma made her way to the royal library where Panthera's regent was deep in a conference with four of his war cronies planning his next move against their mysterious enemy. An enemy no ones ever seen or heard of. G'ania's keeps saying things about the Hyenen, but they have never and would never dare to attack Atrua. So that means there are only one people he could be fighting. The Tigarens. Mia won't like that at all.
As Michiyo turned the next corner she ran it to a crew of Bobcat maintenance workers busy putting a new painting up. She stopped and stared up at the covered picture which took the whole wall.
"Who authorized this painting?"
"The Regent did your highness." The maintenance cat said. "Is there a problem?"
"No." She said in a sharp voice. "You can put the painting in the east closet for now."
"He also ordered his things moved to the royal bedchamber. Do I follow that order?"
"No, you do not."The Queen said sternly. "Leave his things right where they are."
"Yes, ma'am." They bowed as they watched her turned to leave.
Queen Michiyo was furious. How dare he think I would join with him and give hope on Msia I know how long he's been gone, but he'll be back. I know he will and I won't give up hope. I will be here true to him no matter him long it takes. As she walked her anger grew. G'ania had done a good been a regent at the beginning of his reign. But as time went by, something in him changed, He stopped thinking about the people he ruled. All that mattered was the throne and his reign as the king of Panthera.
As Michiyo passed a mirror she stopped to gaze at her reflection. Her hair was golden brown with a few silver locks. Her eyes stared back at her with an emerald green stare. Her face still had that youthful look that Msia loved and her lips were cherry red. Atop her head, she wore the queen's circlet, and around her neck, the mystical Eye of Panthera. as she gazed at her reflection she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten to her present station.
Michiyo had come from a small village north of Atrua. She had grown up farming and working the fields beside her parents. She was happy in her village with the occasional ball and the summer celebration. Tyree's day and Vitale's celebration where sometimes the king would visit to bring all the children gifts. Michiyo was a simple girl on her father's farm when a young Pantheren named Msia found his way to her father's farm looking for a place to rest. They say they fell in love on the day they met. I guess that's possible, Father never could say no to Mother. but then he never had to, She was content with to be his queen and our Mother. G'ania was in there with someone she had never smelled before. As she moved closer, the voices became clearer. She stopped to listen.
"Why are you here? G'ania asked. "Things are working out for us and there's no need for your interference."
"I am here to look after our interest." The slick voice said. Michiyo could feel her skin crawl when the stranger. She wondered what it was that had brought out to Panthera.
"I know what you want," G'ania said. "And when I have the crown, they are yours."
"But we want one now! Our hunger burns, we must eat soon."
"You will wait." G'ania with a stern voice. "You can take a peasant. but none of the royal family. Just wait, I will tell when the time is right."
"What if I can't wait? "The voice said with a mocking tone.
"Then I will be displeased and I will take it up with your Master." G'ania was threatening. "I know you wouldn't want to anger your Master."
"I have no master." The voice said. "You know that, so your threats fall on deaf ears. But I will wait for now. But don't make me wait too long. You will not like my anger."
As Michiyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Michiyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back their city.
As Mickyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Mickyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back they're the city.
Moving at a fast pace, Michiyo hurried back to her private apartment. As she rushed through the doors she called out to all her house staff to attend to her. Shadi she sent to gather gold from her private vault. Mischa was to go find five of Atrua's fastest mounts and have them ready when she called. Danda was to get her things packed. All she wanted was plain cotton riding clothes, nothing fancy. She wanted dark cloaks with hoods and boots.
"What's wrong?" Dandra asked.

With a storm brewing in her head, Michiyo Duma made her way to the royal library where Panthera's regent was deep in a conference with four of his war cronies planning his next move against their mysterious enemy. An enemy no ones ever seen or heard of. G'ania's keeps saying things about the Hyenen, but they have never and would never dare to attack Atrua. So that means there are only one people he could be fighting. The Tigarens. Mia won't like that at all.
As Mickyo turned the next corner she ran in to a crew of Bobcat maintenance workers busy putting a new painting up. She stopped and stared up at the covered picture which took the whole wall.
"Who authorized this painting?"
"The Regent did your highness." The maintenance cat said. "He ordered all of Msia's paintings taken down and replaced with paintings of him. Is there a problem? "
"No." She said in a sharp voice. "You can put the painting in the east closet for now."
"He also ordered his things moved to the royal bedchamber. Do I follow that order?"
"No, you do not."The Queen said sternly. "Leave his things right where they are."
"Yes, ma'am." They bowed as they watched her turned to leave.
Queen Mickyo was furious. How dare he think I would join with him and give hope on Msia I know how long he's been gone, but he'll be back. I know he will and I won't give up hope. I will be here true to him no matter him long it takes. As she walked her anger grew. G'ania had done a good been a regent at the beginning of his reign. But as time went by, something in him changed, He stopped thinking about the people he ruled. All that mattered was the throne and his reign as the king of Panthera.
As Mickyo passed a mirror she stopped to gaze at her reflection. Her hair was golden brown with a few silver locks. Her eyes stared back at her with an emerald green stare. Her face still had that youthful look that Msia loved and her lips were cherry red. Atop her head, she wore the queen's circlet, and around her neck, the mystical Eye of Panthera. as she gazed at her reflection she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten to her present station.
Mickyo had come from a small village north of Atrua. She had grown up farming and working the fields beside her parents. She was happy in her village with the occasional ball and the summer celebration. Tyree's day and Vitale's celebration where sometimes the king would visit to bring all the children gifts. Mickyo was a simple girl on her father's farm when a young Pantheren named Msia found his way to her father's farm looking for a place to rest. They say they fell in love on the day they met. I guess that's possible, Father never could say no to Mother. but then he never had to, She was content with to be his queen and our Mother. G'ania was in there with someone she had never smelled before. As she moved closer, the voices became clearer. She stopped to listen.
"Why are you here? G'ania asked. "Things are working out for us and there's no need for your interference."
"I am here to look after our interest." The slick voice said. Mickyo could feel her skin crawl when the stranger. She wondered what it was that had brought out to Panthera.
"I know what you want," G'ania said. "And when I have the crown, they are yours."
"But we want one now! Our hunger burns, we must eat soon."
"You will wait." G'ania with a stern voice. "You can take a peasant. but none of the royal family. Just wait, I will tell when the time is right."
"What if I can't wait? "The voice said with a mocking tone.
"Then I will be displeased and I will take it up with your Master." G'ania was threatening. "I know you wouldn't want to anger your Master."
"I have no master." The voice said. "You know that, so your threats fall on deaf ears. But I will wait for now. But don't make me wait too long. You will not like my anger."
As Mickyo took a step back, the smell of brimstone filled the corridor. G'ania wasn't dealing with a Hyenen. Whoever was in the office with the Regent, had the of the Underworld about him. Turning around, Mickyo dashed down the hall scared to death at what she had just heard. G'ania had no plans to turn over Panthera to Sakura. He planned to take the nation as his own and feed the royal family to that dark beast from the Underworld.
Well, she would never let that happen. It didn't matter how long Msia had been gone or if he would be coming back tomorrow. She had to protect her children. That way, there was a chance they could return and win back they're the city.
Once back in her apartment, she called for all her servants. As they all hurried in the room, Michiyo gave them all direct orders. One was the gather traveling clothes. She wanted pants and blouses, nothing fancy just plain common wear. She would need her boots given to her from the Rhinon and the sturdy cloaks she had made by the Canons from the northern plains. Another was to gather the stones of gold Msia had hidden for her and the children in case there was a day they might have to leave Atrua and go into hiding. A third was given the task of bringing the Queen her personal weapons. Her sword, Nightstar, and the dagger Protector would keep them safe with the dagger's ability to keep them hidden and the sword's deadly accuracy.
Once the ladies had gone, Gwyn, stood starring at Michiyo as she dashed about packing a small bottomless bag with things she thought they might need while on the road. She grabbed Msia's endless canteen, three bottles of healing mead and the tent they had used while camping with the cubs. As she dropped the tent into the bag, Michiyo looked up at Gwyn.
"What are you waiting for? She shouted. "Get moving!"
"I'm waiting for you to tell me what's wrong?"
Michiyo stopped and turned back to Gwyn.
"Isn't it enough to just do as I say?
"It would be if I was one of your servants," Gwyn said. "But I'm not. We're friends and you can't bark orders at me. Tell me why and I will do as you say."
"Your right," Michiyo said in a sad tone. "Forgive me, but I don't think we have much time. Listen close because we don't have time for questions or explanations. Panthera has been seized by G'ania. He no longer wants to hold the power as a Regent. He wishes to be the king. Have you not noticed all the palace guards are loyal to him? Go look around, all the guards that were loyal to me or Msia are gone. All our guards have been sent away to make the coupe easy. Now comes the hard part. When G'ania makes his move to take the throne, the royal family either has to turn over power to him or stand and fight. Do you think Kenji will stand for that? No, and neither will I. That means we'll have to be dead. Kenji can stand and fight, but Nilsa can't. She's too young and I won't let her die or be ravage by him and his troops."
"That would never happen," Gwyn said, "Our troops would never do that."
"No?" Michiyo said sternly. "Would you bet your children's life on that?"
"No, I wouldn't," Gwyn said. "I will do as you wish and bring the children to you. But what do we do then?"
"We run and pray to Tyree we can find some help."