The Princess and the Pool
By Theo S. Bernard
Tanner awoke to the warbled cry of the fruit seller hawking his wares out in the street. The young dog blinked in the lazy sunlight of a summer morning, and stretched his lean body. He ran his paws through his unruly brown fur, then eased himself off the straw-filled mattress and stood - naked - in front of the wash stand, where he splashed his face with cold water from a battered tin bowl. 
It was a very small room, its one window looking out onto a dusty courtyard and a high wall. Footsteps approached and a fat brown corgi dog strode into view. He wore grubby leather trousers, and carried a hoe over his shoulder. He glanced in the window, started, and held his paw up to his face in mock horror.

"By all that's holy, Tanner! You offend the Gods with your unseemly appearance!"

Tanner smirked. "If you don't like it, Rupert, avert your gaze!"

"Who says I don't like it?"

"Are you making inappropriate suggestions?" Tanner gave an exaggerated wink.

"Don’t flatter yourself!" The other dog turned with a laugh and strode off towards the vegetable gardens. At that moment, the bell in the distant clock tower began to chime. Tanner counted nine chimes. Damn, he thought. I'm late!

He grabbed his clothes from under the bed and pulled them on. He wore loose pants and and a simple shirt made from coarse cotton. He washed his paws and face once more, then hurried out the door. He picked up a bread roll as he passed the kitchen, and waved to the cook, who cried "'Morning, Mr Tanner!" at his retreating back.

Crossing the yard, he grimaced when he saw Duncan on duty at the gateway into the main palace courtyard. "Yes yes, I'm tardy", he pre-empted as he scurried through the heavy door that the gnarled and grey-whiskered old dog held open for him.

"Watch yourself, young Tanner," the guard grumbled, but the younger dog was already striding past into the palace gardens.

Here a path of fine river gravel followed the precipitous inner face of the high compound wall. Ahead, lawns and topiary rose in wide tiers to the palace above. The dog cherished his job despite the low pay and cramped lodgings. It certainly beat washing dishes, as had been his lot in the not-so-distant past. Here, he spent his days in the tranquil beauty of the gardens. Hard work, yes – but sometimes, when the day was fine and nobody else was about, he could pretend that it was his garden. Tending the shrubberies and flower beds was satisfying work, and he was actually quite good at it.

Today, though, he must see to the crown prince's outdoor bath. A buzz of excitement had been growing in the palace for several months, and indeed in the sprawling capital beyond the palace gates, for the prince was to marry a foreign princess. The excitement was nearing fever pitch due to the imminent arrival of the princess. Rumour and gossip abounded, but such things were of little interest to Tanner. All he knew was that they had been working extra hard in preparation for the royal visit - every lawn must be trimmed, every weed pulled and every shrubbery clipped to neat perfection. And since the princess would be staying in the summer guest house adjacent to the bath, his first task was to ensure that all was clean and tidy.

It was sometimes referred to as Prince Diego's Folly: A ten yard by five yard pool, chest deep and lined with neatly fitted stone. Broad steps led down into the water at the end, and there was even a waterfall which splashed into the pool from the side. A high wall surrounded the bath, softened by ferns in raised beds. For all its folly, it was a perfect retreat from the heat of summer.

He'd trimmed the ferns a few days earlier, but the courtyard needed a good sweep, and he really needed to scoop all the dead leaves out of the pool. However, the waterfall was the biggest problem. The water emerged from an iron pipe hidden in the greenery at the top, and it was supposed to flow down over a huge boulder and into the pool. Right now water was gushing out the side and making a puddle on the flagstones of the courtyard. 

Tanner scrambled up the rocks beside the waterfall to find the problem. A little glade of hebes and ferns grew at the top, screening the pipework. It was a tranquil spot, and Tanner sat on the cool rock and enjoyed a quiet moment. A brick had fallen out of the basin where the water emerged from the pipe, and it was deflecting the flow out the side. He was about to pull it out when he heard the gate creak open. 

He'd seen the news-sheet lithographs of Princess Margaret, and peering through the fern fronds, he knew it was her. She was every bit the English Mastiff - tall, sturdily built, and regal. Her coat was a light honey colour, paling to white around her throat. A mask of darker fur highlighted her square face with its high brow and broad muzzle; her large ears hung almost to her shoulders. She had a reputation for simple elegance, and today she wore a sky-blue summer dress and a silver tiara (because she was, after all, a royal). 

Tanner held his breath. He knew he should reveal himself, but he didn't want to startle her. What was she doing here? She wasn't supposed to arrive until tomorrow at the earliest. Still, there was no doubt - she was here. He ought to stand up, cough politely, and apologise for intruding. But still he waited, uncertain. Most likely, she was just touring the grounds, and would leave in a moment, allowing Tanner to finish his work. And in the mean time, the dog was smitten by her beauty. She moved with a confident grace despite her size, and Tanner decided to watch a little longer from his secret position. He'd waited too long, anyway - it would be very embarrassing to emerge from hiding now. 

Princess Margaret circled the pool, looking with interest at the cool water. Tanner winced when he remembered the dead leaves which he hadn't had time to remove. He watched appreciatively the sway of her hips and the graceful curve of her long tail as she passed his hiding place.

Surely now she would leave, and Tanner could try not to think about her shapely but unobtainable form as he got back to work. But after inspecting the pool, the princess sat down on a sun lounger and lay back. Tanner watched for a moment, still dithering. Perhaps he could pretend that he'd been busy trimming the shrubbery, and hadn't seen her until he finished. He had more-or-less made up his mind, when the princess sat up and took off her tiara, placing it carefully on the drinks table. Then, as Tanner watched, she slipped off her blue dress and hung it over the lounger. Under it, there was nothing but luxurious fur. 

Tanner realised that he was staring, mouth open, and probably not breathing. He blinked and looked away, hoping the princess couldn't hear his heart pounding. But the glimpse of naked mastiff princess was too much to resist, and drew him back. She lay back on the lounger, eyes closed. The sun gleamed on the soft white fur of her belly, extending down to (Tanner gulped) the dark mound of her sex, nestled between her voluptuous thighs.

Tanner realised that he hadn't been with a female in many months. 

Tanner noticed a pleasant tingling of expectation in his loins. 

Well, he certainly couldn't reveal himself now. He'd just have to wait until she finished sunbathing and left. He shifted into a more comfortable position on the rock, careful to make no sound, and prepared to wait. 

He knew he could be beheaded just for watching the unclothed princess, but he couldn't help it. And somehow, without really thinking about it, his paw moved down to his sheath. It felt good, and there was nothing else he could do, so he just relaxed. The mastiff princess seemed to glow in the morning sunlight, and he imagined burying his face in the deep fur of her chest, kissing her broad muzzle, stroking her velvet ears. 

He knew such thoughts would only bring him frustration, and he ought to think about more obtainable girls. But in the glow of spring sunshine and infatuation, he could think of no others but her. 

Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, she stirred. Her paw moved down her stomach, and Tanner watched transfixed as she caressed her inner thigh and then her entrance. Two fingers traced around her vulva and then slipped inside.

Suddenly Tanner's pants were hot and constricting. He slid them down until the cool breeze caressed his balls, and he could more easily stroke his sheath in rhythm with the movements of the princess below. The dog's knot was swelling inside his sheath, and as he closed his fingers around his shaft and imagined slipping it into the mastiff, he couldn't help but thrust his hips a little. This turned out to be an unfortunate mistake.

Tanner's paw slipped on the rock, and he canted forward. He tried to brace himself, but his pants tangled his legs. He grasped desperately at the ferns as he toppled forward in comical slow motion, but to no avail: he slipped head-first through the bushes, rolled over the side of the rockery, and landed with a crash in a bed of lantana shrubs.

Tanner blinked and tried to regain his breath. The lantanas had broken his fall and he was only winded. He'd heard a little squeak of surprise as he landed, and he imagined the princess gathering her breath to scream for the guards. He risked looking towards her. He expected to see terror, but in fact she just looked surprised as she stood by the lounger with her dress held up in front of her naked body. As he watched, her expression shifted to a wide grin, and she stifled a burst of laughter as she saw his predicament.

"I beg your pardon, Ma'am!". He scrambled to his feet, at the same time trying to pull his trousers up. Unfortunately they were still tangled around his ankles, and all he managed to do was trip himself over, so that he collapsed once more into the lantanas. Now the princess was laughing so hard she was bent over. At least she wasn't screaming for the guards, Tanner thought as he lay amongst the wiry stems.

When the dog looked up again, Princess Margaret was standing over him. "Well well, what have we here!" she giggled. Up close, Tanner thought she was even more radiant, and she had a suggestion of naive innocence to her bearing which was very charming. "Why don't you join me? And - " she nudged his ankle-entrapping pants with a sturdy foot - "don't worry about those!"

This was no less than a royal invitation, so what could Tanner do? It might end with his imprisonment - at the very least - but it almost seemed worthwhile. He untangled his trousers and pulled them fully off before he attempted to get up, and then, after brushing the leaves out of his fur, followed the princess back to her lounger, where she indicated that he should sit beside her. Tanner was acutely aware of the warm sun on his naked sheath, and just how close she was. She had folded her dress so that it discreetly covered her lap, but her chest remained bare. Her fur was just as soft and white as he'd imagined, and it stuck out in cute little tufts. 

"I'm very sorry, Ma'am!" he tried again. "I was fixing the fountain when you came in, and I... er... fell off the rocks."

She looked pointedly at his naked state. "Fixing the fountain, eh? Is that what you call it?" she giggled again. "Well, that's the most fun I've had in weeks! You can't imagine how dreadful it was being stuck in a cabin on that ship." 

"It sounds terrible!" Tanner commiserated, although he'd never actually been on a ship. He was just content to be here in the sun beside the very lovely princess. 

"Anyway," she continued, "I don't know anyone here, and you're such an adorable lad..." Tanner noticed that her hand was on his leg, and it stroked his fur. "And you've seen me all naked, so now you have to return the favour!" 

Tanner looked at her with ears up and head a little sideways, unsure where this was going. She definitely seemed naive. Or was it all an act? "Come on," she said, impatient, and then she tugged at the hem of his shirt. 

"Oh, ah, OK!" he stammered as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to one side. "Better?"
"Much better!" she nodded enthusiastically as she looked him over from head to toe - and everything in between.

Tanner was in good shape, if a little lanky. His tan fur tended to misbehave, especially since he never bothered to brush it, but years of physical work had made his muscles firm and defined beneath his coat. Now he wished he was a bit more careful with his grooming. The princess didn't seem to mind, though. When she leaned towards him and nuzzled into his neck, he felt his breath quicken. He risked putting his hand on her side, just to see how soft her fur was. 

This has got to stop, he thought, expecting nothing less than the death penalty if he should be caught. But when she nibbled the side of his face, he felt a tingling in his balls. And then she looked down at his nether regions, so proudly displayed in the morning sun, and her paw moved down to stroke his sheath, and he tried really hard to say something to discourage her, but he didn't. Instead, he slid his own paw along her soft inner thigh, and with her free hand she tossed the blue dress to one side so that the fullness of her sex was displayed for him to see. And then he had to run his fingers over those large dark labia, bigger and softer and more inviting than any he'd seen before. Her legs moved apart, and his fingers slipped so easily inside her, into her velvet smoothness. Now his cock really was getting hard, and her paw moved expertly over his sheath, almost as if she'd done it before.

Their muzzles met in a kiss that was wild and strong, and he felt her large tongue against his. When they parted again, he knew he had to explore further, and he slipped off the lounger to kneel before her, as befitted his position as a lowly servant. She parted her legs further as he buried his nose between her thighs, and lapped around her vulva. She sighed as he slid it inside her entrance, and explored oh so gently, marvelling at her softness and her sweet metallic taste.

But that was far enough, he told himself. He had done as he was told, and entertained the lonely princess, but it would be wrong to take it any further. Very wrong. Reluctantly, he extracted himself and sat down beside her again on the lounger. But her warm honey-coloured fur gleamed in the sunlight, and before he could say anything she bent down, and her paw closed around his sheath. With expert fingers she pulled it back, and her muzzle enveloped his cock.

Then he couldn't think for a while, except that he knew he had to mate with her. It was probably a fatal mistake, but he couldn't stop now. When she lifted her head from his midriff, he saw his wild desire reflected in her eyes, and he knew that she also demanded more. Driven by instinct and need, he stood, grasped her waist, coaxed her to turn. Understanding what he wanted, she complied eagerly, turning around to kneel on the end of the lounger. There she bent over to display her wonderful rump to him, and he ran his paws down and under her tail, feeling her entrance, still slick with his saliva. Her tail pulled to one side at his touch, and now he could see her pert vulva in all its glory. He brushed his tongue against her once more, as if to tease himself or to really make sure, and his need overwhelmed him. Squatting, he grasped her hips and felt her tail against his thigh and her labia against the end of his sheath where his cock waited, already firm. He guided his sheath with his paw as he thrust forward, and nothing mattered any more as he slid into her hot depths.

Her body felt huge, soft and enveloping as it surrounded his cock, and he wanted all of it, he wanted to fill it, as deeply as he could. He pushed upwards and into her, hard and deep, pulling her close as her vulva pushed his sheath far back and his sensitive knot slipped inside. He thrust again and again, with frantic desire, as the outer parts of her vagina contracted around his swelling knot. With every thrust he could feel the end of his cock penetrate into her delicious tight depths, and her muscles twitched and contracted against his shaft. 

Then orgasmic bliss overcame him, and his tail flagged downwards in time with his thrusts as his cum exploded into her, filling her with wave after wave of hot seed. It seemed like he'd never cum so much in his life, and her muscles contracted in time with his pulses to milk every drop from his cock. He stopped thrusting and held her tight as the world spun around him, and he knew nothing except the exquisite bliss of her muscles clenching his knot. He was dimly aware that she was moaning, pressing back against him, and gasping at the pleasure of her own climax. 

Coarse tan fur pressed against soft white, hard slick cock locked deep inside velvety folds, breath and heart slowing, he held her close. "Mmmm, that was amazing" she murmured.

"Indeed," he replied, running his fingers through her luxurious belly fur as, deep inside, his cum trickled. "Your highness."

Stimulated as it was, his knot remained hard and locked inside her for many minutes. His knees were getting sore by the time he finally slipped out of her with a splash of watery cum. She collapsed on the lounger, and Tanner was just wondering what he should do next when they were both brought back to reality by the unmistakable scrape of a sword being drawn from its scabbard.

Tanner spun around, and found himself face to face with an imposing husky. The other dog wore an immaculate uniform over his fine back and white fur. He held a sword, and its tip was uncomfortably close to Tanner's chest. 

"Prince Diego! Your Highness!" Tanner squeaked, uncomfortably aware of how naked he was, and how dripping wet he was with the mingled fluids of himself and the prince's Fiancée.

"Tell me why I shouldn't run you through with this admittedly ceremonial - but nonetheless very sharp - sword?" The prince's neutral tone was more frightening than shouted rage.

"I.. um... er..." Tanner tried desperately to remember how far away his pants were. Here he was, about to be skewered like a kebab (and who would blame the prince?), and his only thought was that he didn't want to die naked!

Prince Diego had been abroad for five years, receiving (it was said) private education. He had only recently returned to the palace, and being a lowly gardener, Tanner had never seen him up close. He did cut a dashing figure, and his neatly groomed black and white fur made Tanner feel distinctly drab. But now that he saw the Prince up close, he thought there was something familiar about the other dog.

They faced each other for a moment longer, the Prince's expression unreadable. Then a movement drew their gaze to one side. Princess Margaret had put her Tiara back on, although she had not bothered with her dress. Now she bowed before Prince Diego and kissed his hand. The sunlight glinted on the silver circlet on her head, and she looked beautiful and regal despite her nudity.

"Apologies, my darling, for this unseemly display. But you did tell me to explore the palace and make myself at home!" She gave Tanner a sideways look. "And as you can see, I found the most darling boy."

Tanner's head spun a little. He didn't know what reaction to expect from the princess, but cheerful banter was definitely not it. And was there a hint of a smirk on the Prince's proud muzzle? Why had he not called the guards?

"I'm afraid I'm rather ahead of you there, my dearest Fiancée!" There was definitely an edge of humour in Diego's voice. "Although I'm not sure our friend remembers. I ought to be insulted!"

Tanner was thoroughly confused now. But whatever the explanation, he was relieved when the sword disappeared back into its scabbard.

"Relax," the prince continued. "I was merely jesting, especially after I recognised you. You really don't remember, do you? Five years ago, I believe it was!

Five years ago... And then Tanner remembered, and he understood why the black and white husky prince seemed so familiar. 

Five Years Ago

Tanner's tail swished happily as he trotted downhill toward the docks. The night was warm and copper coins clinked in his pocket. Payday: It wasn't a lot, but wine was cheap and his job included free lodgings (not that it amounted to much). As a young and independent eighteen-year-old, he had few expenses. He didn't get many evenings off, and he meant to enjoy himself. 

Also, his young ears had heard rumours. If you knew who to ask, you could find out about a certain small inn down in the twisting alleyways near the docks. There you could (so it was said) meet others who shared a certain interest. An interest which had lurked, unspoken, at the back of his mind for much of his life. Girls were nice - there was no denying that. He had happy memories of his first faltering experiences with them. But Tanner also harboured a fascination for males, a desire which until recently he'd barely admitted to himself. But it could not be denied, and Tanner had been fortunate enough to overhear a certain conversation one evening (not that he was eavesdropping on the dapper-looking Great Dane, of course). Knowledge had opened the doors to other knowledge, and now he had a good idea about where he needed to go to find what he was looking for. 

He'd washed his best linen shirt, the one with actual buttons, and he'd left the top button provocatively undone, showing some of his lighter chest fur. He hoped the dim light of evening would be flattering to his threadbare waistcoat and trousers.

He passed by street hawkers selling roasted chestnuts and exotic fruit. Carts and horses clattered by with their loads, and the breeze was rich with the smell of wood smoke and animals and spice. As he descended the hill, the salty tang of the harbour added to the rich aroma of the city. Music from fiddles and accordions mixed with the clamour of the street, along with bursts of song and laughter.

Here the main street swept down to the docks, and a warren of side streets and alleyways led off through an area of small shops and inns and apartments. Just beyond the austere brick facade of the Harbourmaster's Office, Tanner turned left into one of the small back streets. Past stores selling rope and brass nails and hurricane lanterns, he came to a little square with a statue of Neptune, god of the ocean. Here the young dog stopped for a moment. He admired Neptune's muscular torso while he plucked up courage to continue. The god was depicted in sea lion form, and the tasteful nude statue - with its subtle but obvious maleness - convinced him to continue.

Beyond Neptune's square, a blind alley led off to the left, and warm light spilled from a doorway at the far end. Above the doorway, a battered sign bore another depiction of Neptune, and the words "Trident Inn", just as described. The scent of warm bodies and spiced wine filled Tanner's nose as he swallowed once and strode inside.

The Trident Inn was comfortably full but not crowded, and the low ceiling of dark rough-sawn wood added to its intimate feel. At first glance, the patrons looked fairly normal - sailors and dock workers swapping outlandish stories while they downed cheap whiskey around tables; here and there a merchant or bank clerk in search of a little adventure. 

Tanner procured a cup of wine and leaned against the bar. A shapely weimarina massaged soft notes from a harp in one corner, and she was the only female in the room. Glancing into darkened alcoves, he noticed several pairs of dogs who were particularly close to one another. A strong and stirring male musk filled the air. There were some good-looking dogs in the room. The wine was passable but not outstanding. Tanner took a nervous sip, wondering whether he would be brave enough to talk to anyone. He needn't have worried, however, because he'd already been noticed. 

A husky had been reclining at a table; now he stood and crossed to the bar, mug in hand. He slid the mug towards the bartender with casual confidence, and nodded when the bartender raised an eyebrow. Tanner studied the other male while trying not to look interested. The husky was young, about Tanner's age. He wore a shapeless cloak over a faded shirt and waistcoat, but immaculate white fur showed beneath the shabby clothes. The bartender handed the mug back, now filled with ale, and the husky turned his piercing blue eyes towards Tanner. He caught a glimpse of a fluffy white tail swishing a slow greeting as the husky sidled up to him. 
"Greetings. Do you mind if I sit?" The husky spoke with a cultured accent which made an odd contrast with his faded clothing. 
Despite Tanner's nerves, they were soon chatting happily, for the Husky - who introduced himself as "Santiago" - proved to be an entertaining companion. By the time Tanner's mug was empty, he felt much more relaxed. No sooner had he put down his empty mug when the husky waved to the bartender, and when the mug was handed back, it contained a much better wine. A cautious voice in Tanner's head told him that he'd better be careful because he was being taken advantage of, but the warmth of the husky's company was enough to quash such doubts. The biggest surprise - apart from being noticed by such a fine-looking dog - was just how 'normal' Santiago was. So what was I expecting? Tanner wondered to himself.

After a couple of mugs of wine, Tanner found himself in a dark corner booth, and now the husky was close beside him. Tanner could smell expensive fragrant oils along with the dog's natural musk, and once more he wondered about the other dog's shabby clothing. Beneath it, he was expensively bathed and groomed. His manicured paw caressed Tanner's unruly chest fur as he leaned closer towards the tan dog. 

Tanner shrank back, startled by the unfamiliar touch. The husky face darkened, jut a little, and he withdrew his paw. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." he began, and his confidence faltered for the first time. And in that moment Tanner realised that he really didn't want to mess up this opportunity. 

"No, it's OK," he stammered, and reached out to clasp the husky's paw with his own. "I wasn't..." He didn't know what he wasn't, but because the manicured paw felt so right against his, Tanner reached over and gave the husky's white cheek a kiss. Santiago's face relaxed once more. "That's good, because you're really quite... adorable."

Santiago's paw was back on Tanner's shoulder again, exploring just beneath the collar of his shirt. This time, Tanner enjoyed the attention. Just like getting friendly with a bitch, he thought. It’s not that different, even though it's a dog... 

Tanner's mug was almost empty again. He decided to refuse if Santiago offered to refill it. But instead, the husky leaned in closer. "I have a room..." he whispered, leaving the obvious suggestion hanging. Tanner swallowed. He'd come down to the docks to explore, but things were moving faster than he'd expected. There was a scared part of him that wanted to make an excuse and get out of there as quickly as possible. On the other paw, he knew he'd regret such a cowardly retreat, and the husky dog in front of him really was very pretty. He nodded. 

"It's up the stairs, last room on the left at the end of the hall. Got that?"

"OK!" Tanner tried to sound relaxed despite being both terrified and excited. 

"But don't follow me yet. Wait five or ten minutes before you come up."

Tanner frowned. "I thought this establishment was... you know... friendly?"

"Indeed it is, but even so, one must still be discreet. Knock three times, thus." His paw tapped a slow rhythm on Tanner's thigh. "I will know it's you."

"Very well." Tanner nodded, and the Husky slid to the end of the booth seat. There he reclined for a moment, straightening his collar, the very picture of nonchalance. Satisfied, he stood, gave Tanner a courteous nod, and strolled across the bar and up the wooden staircase. Tanner remembered not to stare at him as he departed. 

Five to ten minutes. Tanner leaned back and dozed for a while, hoping he looked calm while his mind circled around thoughts of the Husky who waited upstairs. He could walk out of here now, make his way home, and pretend that nothing had happened. Tanner picked up his mug, just one more young dog savouring that last drink before he staggered home. But Santiago had those piercing husky eyes, and such beautiful fur. Right or wrong, stupid move or not, he had to see more of that lush coat, had to run his paws over that sculptured body.

Tanner finished the wine and contemplated his mug for a while. He placed it gently on the rough wooden table, and waited a little longer. Surely it had been more than five minutes. He straightened his back, stretched, and eased out of the booth.

When he stood up, the room swayed a little, courtesy of the wine. The bar had empted out. He could turn right, wave to the bar tender, and step out into the chilly evening. He hesitated at the point of decision, but his legs took him towards the stairs. Perhaps the husky had plied him with just the right amount of wine; he would not have been brave enough otherwise.

The narrow stairs led to a hallway lit only by the glow of a single lamp, and the burble and clink of the bar faded as Tanner made his way to the end. He stopped before the last door on the left, heart pounding. What if it was the wrong room? Had he remembered the directions correctly? And what if it was a trap, and the Husky had lured him here to be mugged by ruffians? What if the Husky was possessed by devils, as the clerics were so fond of preaching?

Tanner dismissed the last thought as ridiculous, and as for his other fears - well, he had very little money anyway. He tapped three times on the door.

There came a creaking of floorboards, and the door swung open. A white husky nose peered around the door, and a manicured paw beckoned him in. He stepped into the small room, and Santiago closed the door behind him. He heard the click of the bolt sliding across. The lamplight revealed a double bed, a wash stand, bare walls panelled in dark wood, and no ruffians or demons waiting to take his money or soul. Tanner turned - and caught his breath as his gaze fell upon the svelte form of a naked husky. 

Santiago's pure white chest fur looked orange in the dim light, and Tanner's appreciative gaze followed his athletic lines. He was lean and beautifully proportioned beneath his fluffy coat, which blended to charcoal grey and then black on his back and flanks. The darker colours emphasised his muscular legs, while the pure white on the inside of his thighs drew Tanner's eyes to his impressive sheath and balls.

"Thought I'd get more comfortable... " Santiago gave a shy grin. "With my fur, it's always a bit too warm indoors." 

"Well, I'm glad I found the right room!" Tanner felt like he was wittering, and the husky in front of him really was too pretty. Instead, he put his paws on that beautiful soft fur, and tilted his head to kiss the Husky. Santiago responded, and he felt the dog's tongue brush his. He shivered. It was weird, and yet it wasn't. Santiago was a male; his musk was masculine, and Tanner could feel the husky's sheath pressed against him. But was it really so different? Tanner tried to relax, and as he did, he felt his inhibitions slip away. All that remained was the simplicity of the moment; the firm touch of husky paws on his back.

Tanner remembered that he was overdressed. He pulled his shirt up and over his head, but (possibly due to the wine), he forgot to undo the buttons, and he ended up with his head tangled in the cloth, and therefore unable to see. As he struggled to free himself from the garment which had turned into some kind of octopus, he felt paws fiddling with his belt. Then his pants were tugged downwards, and he knew he was revealed. A warm paw cupped his balls, and another slid slowly over his sheath, massaging his cock through its fleshy covering. Tanner shivered, and forgot all about his fight with the shirt. 

"That's not fair!" he mumbled. 

"What's that?" Santiago seemed to be suppressing a giggle. "I can't hear you!" 

Tanner felt his sheath pulled back, and cool air on his cock. The slick heat of a tongue followed. "Mmmm gnnnn errrm..." Tanner tried to remember the important and difficult problem he'd been dealing with. 

The licking of his cock paused for a moment. "I still can't hear you, but I'm sure you'd say if you wanted me to stop." the husky chided. 

Tanner finally freed himself from the shirt, and threw it to one side. Santiago knelt before him, his paws on Tanner's sheath, and he looked up with a grin.

He was disappointed when the husky stood, but then Santiago guided him towards the bed. The husky exuded confidence, as if he was used to giving orders - another mystery about the beautiful black and white dog. Tanner was happy to be led, for he had no idea what he should do next. 

Tanner stretched out, and the warm night air stirred his naked fur. Then the husky's paws were back, caressing his belly, and working down towards his sheath as the other dog knelt on the bed. Santiago's bushy tail betrayed his eagerness as it swished the air. Tanner felt the husky's fingers caress his balls, then that sweet pointed muzzle closed around his cock again. Tanner reached back to stroke the husky's shoulders as his cock grew hard. The other dog's tongue moved oh-so-gently over his throbbing member, and now the husky closed his finger's around the base of Tanner’s swollen knot, gripping it, and massaging it in just the right way - better than any bitch had ever gripped him. 

He closed his eyes and let the exquisite sensations roll over him as tension built in his loins. Santiago really knew what he was doing; Tanner's knot was rock hard as the husky massaged the base with his fingers. Tanner's breathing grew quicker, and then, almost before he knew it, he felt his body tense as his hot cum spurted into the husky's mouth. Santiago stopped massaging his knot, and instead held it tight as his tongue played delicately with the tip of Tanner's cock. Tanner lost track of everything except the waves of bliss which washed over him as the husky milked his pulsing member.

Tanner's spurts eventually slowed, and the husky released his cock. He wondered dreamily whether that was it, but then the husky reached beneath the pillow and pulled out a small bottle. When he eased out the stopper, Tanner smelled fragrant oil. Santiago poured some on his fingers, then slipped them under Tanner's tail. The young dog gave a little gasp of surprise, but it passed quickly, and then the soft touch of finger tips on his sensitive areas felt exquisite. 

Looking down, Tanner noticed the husky's thickened cock bulging just a little in his sheath, and the other dog's elevated breathing hinted at his excitement. And seeing the husky's muscular body and his full sheath and balls, Tanner felt a strong desire despite his sated state. Is this what it feels like to be a female, to desire a strong and eligible male? He felt his whole perspective shift; he wanted to feel that powerful, fertile maleness inside him. 

Santiago did not disappoint; He grasped Tanner's hips as he pressed forward, easing the brown dog's legs apart. Tanner felt warmth and softness as the husky's sheath pressed against him, the a slick hardness as the tip of the dog's cock eased into him. He tensed at the strange feeling, but Santiago's cock was still thin and it slid easily inside.

Tanner's head swam as new sensations flowed through him. The husky pressed forward, gently but firmly, and now his cock was deep inside Tanner. Tanner lay back, exposing his neck, totally at the mercy of the other dog and loving the feeling of surrender, if only for a little while. He felt heat on his neck fur as the husky lowered his muzzle, and then tantalising pressure as the husky's teeth closed gently on his fur. 

The husky began to thrust into him then, smoothly and deeply, and his cock probed areas that Tanner had never known of. He wanted all that that amazing cock could give him, and he grasped Santiago with both paws and pulled him close with each thust. 

Tanner could sense Santiago's desire, but the husky deliberately slowed his rhythm, and licked tenderly at tanner's muzzle. The tan dog returned the kiss as they moved together. And now he could feel the husky's cock swelling inside him, filling him. This new sensation frightened him for a moment, but it was also amazingly hot, and Tanner forced himself to relax and surrender to the tie. And then arousal overcame his fear, and he could feel his own cock growing hard again.

The husky leaned back, breathing hard, and his paws grasped Tanner's hips. Then Tanner felt the other dog tense and pull him close as his cock pulsed and his rich husky cum gushed into Tanner. The tan dog lay back, his whole being focussed on that hard pulsing cock which filled him so completely.

The pressure of the husky's knot on his prostate sent thrills through Tanner like he'd never experienced before.  And then he felt a pressure on his cock, as Santiago grasped his sheath. Tanner was hard again, and the husky wrapped both paws around his knot and began a sensual stroking even as his cock still throbbed inside Tanner. The young dog had thought he was quite drained after his earlier orgasm, but now... the fullness of that beautiful Husky cock inside him, the intimate pressure against his inner parts, and the soft caress on his knot all combined to rekindle his libido. He lay back, floating in a dreamy cloud of sweet sensations as heat built again in his loins. The stimulation of the tie on his prostate produced a new level of sexual sensation, intense and yet separated from the sensitive regions of his cock, which the husky was so expertly manipulating. Then he muscles clenched once more as cum gushed from his cock in a climax even more intense than his earlier orgasm. 

They lay together on the bed, and Santiago held Tanner close. It was a long time before the husky's cock finally stopped pulsing and slipped out of Tanner. At last the Husky gave a sigh and sat up. He leaned down to kiss the tan dog's muzzle. "Thanks, sweetie." he whispered. 

Tanner smiled. "Thank you" he replied, feeling sated and relaxed, but also a little awkward. He looked down at his fur, matted and damp with cum. "I must smell... interesting. Everyone will know what's been going on."

The Husky grinned, then tossed him a cloth and nodded towards the table in the corner, where a basin of water had been left. 

They were just pulling their clothes back on when a commotion arose downstairs. They could hear the clatter of heavy boots on the bar floor, and raised voices. Santiago froze, a look of terror on his face. "Gods, it sounds like the Constabulary!" he whispered. 

Tanner's heart pounded. He knew the laws against... well, being with another male. The militia usually turned a blind eye, mostly because too many bankers and merchants' sons had been caught, and it all tended to be a bit embarrassing what with wealthy fathers having strong political connections. But every so often they made an example of someone. Tanner was no wealthy heir, and he didn't fancy a month or two in the cells. And judging by Santiago's furtive glances, the husky wasn't too excited by the thought either. 

"Come ON" he whispered even before Tanner could button his shirt. Indeed, as they slipped out into the hallway, they could hear heavy steps at the bottom of the stairs. Tanner's heart sank, but the Husky grabbed his arm and dragged him down the hallway in the other direction.

There was no time to ask questions, but Santiago seemed to know where he was going. The hall ended in a blank wall, but the Husky opened a side door, and they stumbled into a little bathroom. Santiago dashed to the far side, and opened a window. He took one quick look down, scrambled through, perched a moment on the ledge, and jumped out. 

Tanner stood for a moment, mouth open. Jumping from a second floor window seemed a little reckless, but the footsteps coming up the stairs spurred him into action. He squeezed through the window and glanced down. The smell told him that there was a stable nearby, which explained the convenient pile of hay below. To one side, the Husky gestured furiously in the dim light, trying to hurry him up but not wanting to shout. Tanner jumped, and the cool air rushed through his fur for an instant, until he landed with a muffled thump in the hay. Santiago was already running down the alley even as Tanner scrambled to his feet and followed as fast as he could.

He could barely see where he was going, but he kept the husky’s white tail in sight, and after a couple of turns the other dog decided it was safe to stop. When Tanner caught up, he saw a huge grin on Santiago’s pretty face. "Nice bit of exercise!" he said with a twinkle in his eye. Then his face became solemn.

"Now, my young friend. This is where we must part. I have much enjoyed your company, but alas, I can't be sure we'll ever meet again. Circumstances, I am afraid."

He bowed gracefully, and then Tanner found himself wrapped in a firm embrace. 

"At the end of the alley, you should turn right. I'll turn left. Don't look back."

And with that, Santiago turned and strolled towards the end of the alley, where lamplight and the burble of voices indicated a major street. Tanner followed, and not knowing what else to do, he turned right as he was bid, and he didn't look back. After a block, he recognised the square with the Neptune statue, and he knew where he was. Suddenly he felt very tired. 

The Trident Inn burned down in a fire a week later, and after their close call with the constabulary, Tanner had never quite plucked up courage to go looking for that kind of establishment again. 

---

Tanner shook off the memories of that night, and now he even caught a whiff of the husky's distinctive spicy musk, a smell he remembered well. He realised he was staring in amazement. "Santiago... Diego... That was You?" he stammered. Of course it was, he already knew, even as the husky nodded.

"I've thought about you often since then!" Diego spoke quietly. "Obviously I couldn't tell you who I was, or go about dressed like a prince. And I had no idea who you were or how to find you, even if I had been able to." Then his expression hardened for a moment. "Of course, my father found out about me. He had the Trident burned, and sent me off overseas for 'Education'. As if that ever helped!".

Then his face softened. "But now I'm older, and he wants a favourable political alliance, not to mention an heir. Which left me with rather a problem..."

Here he looked pointedly Princess Margaret, who had been standing a little to one side, looking both regal and lovely in the sunlight. Diego took her paw, bowed graciously and gave it a delicate kiss.

"Despite the radiant beauty, royal grace and delightful charm of my fiancée, I'm afraid I am not generally able to perform up to expectations when it comes to the delights of the feminine form, especially not " - and here the dog seemed to shudder a little - " if we're talking about the dedicated and repetitive work of siring heirs." He looked positively crestfallen then as he gazed at the mastiff, as if wishing that he wasn't quite so gay.

Margaret clasped his paw. "Don't worry, darling. You've already explained this this to me."

Then Diego reached out a paw to Tanner, and Margaret took Tanner's other paw in hers, and stood there with a little glint of mischief in her eyes, and Tanner felt like there was a secret that he wasn't privy to.

Diego looked from one to the other, and now he was definitely grinning. "I think you'll manage." He said, his tail suddenly fanning the air enthusiastically. "We'll need to find a job for Tanner in the palace, though." His brow creased for a moment. "How about 'Private Secretary?"