3 comments/ 7995 views/ 18 favorites The Lorelein Giant By: MalcolmMoss I submitted this same story last year under the title Astatin and was immediately overwhelmed by the ratings and comments. In an effort to constantly improve, I pulled the story to update based on reader feedback and procure professional editing. I hope you enjoy. ~Malcolm Moss ***** Concealed by amber canopy, the multi-bladed saw churned into the crisp bark of the astatin tree. "That's it. Hoist it down," Maren called out once his tool was secure on his belt. The tremendous weight of the freed branch attempted to momentarily hoist Casi and his bulky partner from the crisp, yellow soil before they sank into their positions and took control of the ropes. Concentrating on the formidable mass as they lowered it to the ground, a shadow raced across the orchard so fast Casi couldn't be sure he saw it. "Maren?" he shouted at his friend gathering the saffron-colored gas from the exposed edge of the cut branch. "Yeah, I saw it." Tied to the tree and in the midst of a collection, Maren was in no better position to do anything about it. With the branch settled into the soil, Casi had scarcely lifted his head when he spotted the source between the massive tree trunks. He almost couldn't believe the sleek, black space runner passing over the expansive orchards of his modest home-world. Scanning what little sky he could make out under the cover of overlaid orange leaves, the Lorelein prince saw a group of at least a dozen more on the horizon. "Who do you think that is?" Maren shouted as he climbed down the truck with the gas canisters secured to his back. Meant to hold a half dozen people with large living quarters, the space runners were the preferred vehicle for shorter trips in space-a year or less. The ships racing over the orchards were outfitted with significant artillery contrary to the usual transport purpose of the ships. "Don't know. Can't be good," Casi replied absently, his eyes locked on the foreboding sight. Space runners frequented the planet to collect their canisters of astatin gas, but only on their predetermined date. No shipments were planned for another week. The first ship turned to land in the clearing just outside the gate to the capital, slowly lowering to the ground with landing skids extended. The entire city was surrounded by the astatin orchards with only three access points. Someone knew exactly where they were going. "Can you finish up without me?" Casi asked out of respect for his peers. He had full confidence they were capable of cutting the branch into manageable portions for distribution. Maren would take care to get the gas canisters back to the capital. "Go on. You'll barely make it as it is," Maren said as he clutched the prince's shoulder. Nodding his thanks, Casi dropped his equipment belt and ropes, and took off toward the nearest gate. A strong runner, the prince had no problem keeping a fast pace. As he had many times in his life, he was grateful that his father had asked him to spend his days working alongside his people. King Vati could never have anticipated the physical strength that resulted from Casi's days in the astatin orchards. He was in peak physical shape, though too humble to ever admit it. Rather, he thought of himself as the nineteen year old prince who had a mountain to learn before taking over the responsibility of ruling a planet in such a complicated position. What started as an expedition to collect astatin, the farmers' descendants now occupied the single city on Lorelei-named for the beloved daughter of the first king. At a critical point in their growth, the astatin trees begin to produce a light yellow gas with the same name. Casi didn't know who exactly had figured it out, but somehow it became known that the gas would serve as the most effective fuel source for intergalactic vehicles. Completely dependent upon the export of astatin gas, the Loreleins had no other natural resources. Instead, they purchased all food and water from other planets. Vati had spent his life avoiding political obligations or making enemies-as had his father, and his father before him-so that Lorelei could always maintain the trade agreements it needed to survive. Once past the orchard, Casi deftly sprinted through the tight streets and stair cases that filled the interior of the city. As he neared the city center, he found he could no longer see space runners in the sky. Whoever had come, they had landed; he didn't have much time. Pushing himself, Casi raced over the last blocks before reaching the only possible destination for an attack. The centrality of the capital, the Tower of Lorelei served as home to the king and royal family, designed so that the ruler could look out over the astatin fields in every direction. Casi slowed his pace as he neared the door and tried to settle the racing in his chest. The run had taken more than he expected, and whatever happened next, he wanted to be prepared to handle it. As calm as he was likely to be, the Lorelein prince pushed open the door to see Vati shaking hands with a man he'd never seen before. ********** Nearly jumping off the landing platform, Aphae relished the soil under her boots. Idle sitting was hardly her strong suit, and the metal prison of space transport did little to appease her appetite for action. Some days it seemed like she had spent her whole life training or waiting on a ship, with battles for territory only sprinkled between. Once on the ground, she began to coordinate the landings of the other space runners, though she became impatient with the time lost. Arnae was up to something; she didn't want to wait around too long to find out what. They had brought fifteen ships total to the planet's surface, although Aphae couldn't determine why her father had selected such a small number. On any other venture they would have come with two hundred, or just pulled the home ship itself into the planet and made quick work of it. Arnae should have shown his strength by bringing a large force to inspire immediate surrender. There was no reason to waste time with petty negotiations for such a defenseless planet. It was a long few minutes before each ship had landed and settled, spilling soldiers from their bellies like entrails from a slain foe. She set off with a group of five warriors to the only tall building in what seemed to be a very small city. Her father had said he wanted to speak to the king alone; Arnae usually got what he wanted and this day would be no exception. A strange ruler of the Eilaens, Arnae was the first man to rule them in four hundred years. The Eilaen culture honored the strength of women. A queen governed them and women were given access to the finest military training. When Aphae's mother died in a battle to possess a small outer planet, Aphae and her brother Entae were both too young to read, much less rule. Arnae had taken the throne out of necessity. In a few short months, she would inherit her queendom on her twenty-first birthday and finally be free from her father's weak perspective on ruling. Shadowed by five women she would trust with her life, Aphae felt immortal. A long-sword beat rhythmically between her shoulders as she marched through the city. Her Nirethi hand-blade remained tucked into the holster on her thigh. Metal armor clanged and boots scuffed the yellow soil as the intimidating group neared the base of the tower. No guards barred their entrance, a good sign if it hadn't been for the lack of blood-stained soil. The Eilaen princess pulled the sword from her back and braced for an ambush. She could hardly believe when she reached the royal chambers on the second floor without a Lorelein soldier in sight. Pushing open the elaborately-carved door, Aphae and her group of warriors waited for some pathetic excuse for militant force to come pouring out. When none appeared, she stepped carefully and slowly into the room until she saw her father standing with another man. "At last," he said at the sight of her. Instead of an introduction, Arnae gave her the signal to dismiss her warriors. The five armored women turned to leave, and one quickly pulled the door closed again. She was alone with the two men. The spacious room was intricately designed but also a bit worn, as if used ceaselessly for thousands of years. The walls were covered in panoramic scenes of crimson and bronze trees identical to the ones surrounding the city, though faded and cracked with age. "Welcome, my dear." The older man, perhaps in his fifties, greeted her. His face was soft with wrinkles and covered with a long beard that hid many of his features. She correctly assumed that he was the king of the planet they would soon control. The kindness of the king set her on edge so that she didn't slide her sword into its scabbard right away. She looked uncertainly towards her father, curious to know what was going on. "Aphae, may I introduce Vati, King of Lorelei, and his son, Prince Casi." Aphae hadn't realized that there was a much younger man that stood near the door on the opposite side of the cavernous room. He was covered in sweat that caused his short blonde hair to fall into his face and stick to the edges. Her stomach dropped at once. *How did I miss him?* She took pride in always being aware of her surroundings; it had saved her life on countless occasions. Before she could make sense of it, the old king spoke again. "My dear, your father and I have come to some terms regarding the rule of Lorelei, and the possession of the astatin." Again, he spoke with a warmth Eilaens rarely employed, though he should have reacted the opposite. She didn't understand. "Father-" the prince started before the old king lifted a hand to silence him. At once, the young man composed himself to wait for an explanation, demonstrating a level of respect and self-control that Aphae could never exhibit. "King Arnae comes to us to obtain our astatin for his rebellion. In exchange for his assurance of the Loreleins safety, we have made arrangements which I know you will honor, son." The king settled his jaw and tightened his lips resolutely, and the younger prince only nodded his understanding. "Casi, you know what our people will do if they learn our home is threatened." "They will burn the fields to the ground. It prevents others from being able to take control from us. " The highly combustible gas flowing through every leaf, branch, and trunk in the orchard would make quick work of their only resource. "King Arnae has traveled here to acquire the astatin, and has a force large enough to prevent destruction of the crop. He is prepared to find and kill each man who attempts to burn the fields. It is to avoid that event that we have agreed to a compromise." Aphae listened to the king's explanation, not at all sure how it related to her. If Arnae had already secured the astatin, then there was no reason for her to be there. Why had he instructed her to be part of the meeting? Finally, Arnae turned to offer an explanation. "Aphae, you have fought many battles at my side, and you understand our need for this resource. You agreed to accompany me to the planet to ensure we obtained it. The only way to possess the astatin we need is to cooperate with some constraints made by King Vati. "First, the people of Lorelei will be allowed to live and work as they always have. Not a single person will be harmed. Second, they will continue to harvest the astatin. Forty percent will be supplied to us, and the rest will be used as trade for the food and water the people need. Third, you will marry Prince Casi." "Absolutely not!" Aphae let her mouth gape open unabashedly as the preposterous claim resonated. Her eyes fell to the soiled face of the young prince as her lips curled at the thought of him. "There will be no further discussion. The decision has been made, and you will follow through. In three days' time, the wedding preparations will be complete and you will be wed. Now, we return to our ships so the king can make his arrangements. The princess heard the words but failed move from her horror-stricken position. Arnae's strong hand appeared on her shoulder to usher her out of the room. Looking back, Aphae's eyes fell on the prince, her fiancé. A detestable excuse for a man, she would have nothing to do with him. She'd find a way to get out of it. ********** With the Eilaen king and princess gone, Casi was free to speak openly to his father about the situation. He took a moment to collect his thoughts so he could articulate his concerns in control of his voice. "You can't be serious," he started quietly. Slumping into the old, scarlet chair at the head of his table, Vati held a weathered hand over his face in shame. While Casi had seen him in that particular seat every day for the last nineteen years, he had never been so at war with himself. Lifting his hand slightly and gazing at his son beneath it, the king responded in a low, solemn tone. "Son, I have no choice. You have no choice. If you don't marry her, all our people will be killed, our planet destroyed. You must do it," he said as his wrinkled hand returned to cover his eyes. "I have been preparing my entire life to be a good leader to these people. I know that you must find a way to satisfy the king, but why is my marriage to the princess required?" "I'm sorry my son, he insisted." "But he told her-" "I know, I don't know why he lied. He wants her to stay on the planet to ensure a constant supply of astatin to his rebel troops. If she marries you, her position here is secure. And if you have children..." Vati didn't finish the thought when he saw the wide-eyes on his son's face. Casi hated to be disappointing to his father, but he wasn't sure that he could do what was asked of him. He hadn't given much thought to who he would marry-at least, not yet. There were far too many more important things to manage before he took the throne. Prince Casi had dated a few of the girls in the city, but never for very long. He wasn't the type to be with very many girls, like so many other young men in Lorelei. He preferred to be more serious with a girl that was special, a girl that he really liked, but it hadn't happened yet. He wasn't sure that he could live the rest of his life with someone he didn't even know. And children? How could he have children with someone he didn't love? Silently, he refused to bring a child into the world if they would have two parents who hated each other. He wouldn't let it happen. "Father, there must be something you can do?" "No, my son. You have no siblings to take your place. I am too old to have any more children. I know that this will change everything for you, but it must be this way. Believe me, I am sorry." Vati looked emptied as he slowly stood and turned to leave the room. All that remained was a deserted Casi, alone with his thoughts. ********** "No, father. I won't." Aphae immediately said in her most stern voice. She had to make her father understand that she would not be tied to that planet, or that man. "You will. Your marriage to the prince secures Lorelei for us, forever." "No, not here, and not him. He's disgusting and small and-" "You suffer from some idea that this treaty is founded on your approval of him. He is the prince, and he's the one you will marry." "I'm not some Gimushi whore to be sold in a trade agreement. I'm the Princess of Eilae." At mention of the first planet to be conquered in the rebellion, Arnae's jaw clenched in fury. "It is not up for discussion. The agreement has been made and you will honor it!" her father yelled as he turned on his heel to leave her at the door to her ship. *How could he?* She was a warrior, a brilliant fighter. *I am the future queen.* She wouldn't settle for some monotonous drone of a life on an empty planet with only one man. Aphae thought of all the men she had taken in her twenty years. Eilaen tradition gave returning warriors their pick of any man or woman they chose. She had selected hers based on their broad shoulders or how tall they were. Any trait she thought might give some hint to a larger cock. Most times she had made a good choice; only once had she struck out. Not only would she only have one man for the rest of her life, it wasn't even a man she could pick. It wasn't even a man she would pick. He was tall for the men of Lorelei, and he appeared to have muscle under his shirt, but he was so much smaller than any other man she had experienced. She had always taken the biggest, most endowed warrior she could find. Now, she would marry a farmer. It was the worst fate anyone could have planned for her. Eilaen women were meant to have power, to rule, to be free. *There has to be a way out of this.* ********** The next three days were a blur for Casi. He tried to keep his mind occupied on the upcoming harvest by pulling extra hours to meet the deadline. A big shipment was due at the end of the week and he had to do his part to get ready. At least, that's what he told himself. It didn't hurt that the physical activity kept his mind on his hands and the exhaustion let him sleep at night. On the second day since the decision, Casi saw her as he returned to the tower from the orchards. Her chest and arms were covered in the Eilaen armor that somehow shimmered in the fading light. Dark hair draped across her shoulders and bounced with her movements. She saw him, too, caught his gaze, and did she smile? He couldn't tell in the advancing dim of evening. Before he could say a word, she turned away from him and disappeared down the sharp turns of the city streets. The prince trudged the rest of the way home, kicking the toe of his boot into the astatin-tainted soil. It would have been nice to speak with her-or at least see her-before the wedding, maybe get to know her a little bit. A wedding to a stranger had never been how he pictured it for himself. As he walked through the city, he thought about all the people he knew there, all the people that worked in the orchards with him. He would do it to save them, to let them continue their lives. They would never even know of his sacrifice for them. *But that's what a king does. He protects his people.* He wasn't king yet, but his decisions to protect his people had to be made. As much as he didn't like it, his father was right. *It has to be done.* ********** Aphae fled the space runner when the sky started to darken. As the commanding officer, she really didn't need to avoid anyone, but she dreaded word getting back to her father. She moved silently down the metal stairs toward the door and slid outside. For the first few minutes, she walked alone down the quiet streets with her boots and battle garb, her favorite Nirethi knife at her waist. Under normal circumstances, she would only enter a new city after months of study and a flawless tactical plan. As it was, she found herself wandering aimlessly as she searched for her target. At first, she ambled down empty streets and wondered where the Loreleins were. After a while, people started appearing in groups, making wide arcs around her and evaluating her attire. It was then that she remembered most worked in the orchards that surrounded the city. *They must be finishing their work for the day.* Once the streets began to fill, the princess kept her eyes open for a man that would suit her purposes. She thought herself a good judge of cock based only on outward appearance and set out determined to prove it once again. For one moment, she thought she saw the prince, her future husband, that pathetic excuse for a man that hardly deserved her. She smiled, inwardly laughing at how opposite he was to the men she usually experienced. Not wanting to explain herself, she quickly turned away. The Lorelein Giant It wasn't long before she found a group of younger men standing outside a building, all holding mugs of some dark liquid. They were laughing jovially, one of them telling a story. As she approached, they immediately recognized her as one of the Eilaen warriors, but fortunately, no one thought to place her as the princess and future wife of their prince. She might get away with it after all. Aphae selected the tallest, broadest one as her target. She would likely never get used to the shorter stature of Lorelein men. In boots, she came up to his shoulder so he at least seemed a little taller when she stood right next to him. Deciding he would do as well as any, she gave him the look she knew to leave no question of her intent and slowly turned and walked back towards the ship, never uttering a word. Within thirty seconds, quick steps sounded in the dirt behind her. She never turned, but he arrived at her side a moment later with a wide smile. He offered to take her back to his house; it wasn't too far of a walk from where they were. She let him talk and ask her questions, never returning them. She wouldn't pretend to care about what he said or what he did for work. She was only interested in the piece between his legs. When they reached his house, a depressing hut of compressed mud around wooden supports, he closed the door that clicked as he locked it behind them. Aphae immediately turned and stood on pointed toes to kiss him, reaching down to expertly unfasten his pants. If the man was surprised, he didn't show it. He returned her kiss, using a large hand to tilt her head back to accommodate for his height. The other strong hand moved along her back and shoulders to pull her into his chest, where he had the best access to her skilled tongue. With his pants unbuckled, she reached in deft fingertips and worked to free his cock; unfortunately, it wasn't the monster she expected of such a square-shouldered man. *Oh well, it'll do the trick.* Still exploring his kiss, Aphae worked to stroke him to hardness. Careful fingers slid down the length of his cock and paused to swirl her thumb across the head. When friction complicated her movements, she broke the kiss to deposit a fat dollop of saliva on his shaft below and then returned her tongue to its roaming. He swelled in her hand in a shamefully short time. Within a few minutes, he already filled her hand with engorged man-flesh. Not to be left without her taste of him, she pulled away and knelt in front of him, pulling in his moderate length. She had always liked the feeling of holding a man in her mouth, the fullness, the savory flavor only a man could provide. At first, Aphae briefly teased him by licking the tip before wrapping her lips around and sinking onto him. She moved half way down him before she pulled back and gave an extra little suck. His cock popped out of her mouth with a light sound and bounced desirably in front of her. "Hell yeah," he crowed in response as one of his large hands fell to the back of her head and prompted her onward. She rolled a bit of spit onto her tongue and applied it to the head before gliding over him once more. His cock pulsated zealously as capable lips slid further along his shaft, squeezing and massaging as they moved. Using her tongue, she tickled the sensitive underside as she pulled back out. Again and again, she rode him with her lips until he suddenly reached down and lifted her at the waist. She realized then that she still had all her clothes on. He seemed to notice as well, for when he threw her onto the bed, he quickly removed every ounce of metal and fabric that coated her body. She reached up and removed his shirt as well so that their nudeness was matched. Without warning, he used his muscular legs to push apart her knees and his hand to help his cock find her cunt. The stranger wiped fingers across the wetness that had formed there and smiled. Once in position, he slowly lowered himself into her as far as he could go. "Yeah, that's it. Go deep," she prodded. Without complaint, he assuaged her by plowing into her pussy, reaching as far as his average-sized cock would take him. She reached up and held the back of his neck, bringing his face close enough that she could kiss him roughly again. As he thrusted, she rubbed her hands along his chest and arms and thought they weren't as big as they had seemed when they first met. When she'd become accustomed to the relentless, pedestrian thrusting, she pushed him out of her and rolled onto her hands and knees, offering herself from behind. Her fluids coated her lower lips and inner thighs. Again, he voiced no complaint as he quickly dove into her with a series of gruff moans. This time, the angle provided for more stimulation internally, and she complemented by reaching down to rub her clit with her fingers. "Harder, fuck me harder," she commanded just in time for him to buck and thrust deeper than before. A few heated groans were all he got out before his orgasm passed and he collapsed onto her back. She gently rolled over to lay with him on the bed. "Thanks for that," he uttered sweetly, as if that paltry performance could have satisfied anyone. "Oh, no. I'm not done with you. You can thank me later." For the first time since she had met him, his eyes widened as she leaned down to take his cock into her mouth once more. This time, he tasted of her juice mixed with his own sourness. His soft, sensitive cock jumped and pulsed with every touch of her tongue. In much less time than she would have guessed, he began to swell into her mouth again. *Pathetic.* Using her tongue to gently lick the border between the head and shaft, Aphae reached down with her hand to lightly roll his balls in his sac. The combination brought even more firmness to his cock. Not only was he frustratingly average sized, he was as malleable as heated steel in her expert hands. Satisfied that he would perform, she crawled over his chest to kiss him as she slid him back inside her with only the movement of her hips. "Mmmm," he groaned into her mouth as she began to jump and ride him. Pulling away, the princess grabbed her tits, rolling them together over and over again as he watched. A few times, she leaned down to lick at her own nipples, causing them to harden. Eager hands clutched at the smooth skin of her hips as his face revealed every ounce of his salacity for her. Not one to give in to the release easily, Aphae bounced vigorously, grinding her hips against him and leaving a smear of fluid on his groin. At long last, the recurrent motions gave way to the synchronized contractions tightly gripping his cock. She pressed her palms against his chest for support as she ground against him to milk every last ounce of ecstasy the stranger could offer. Amidst her spent nerves, Aphae's continued movements caused his face to contort with impending release. She quickly slid off his cock and leaned over so that his cum landed against her breasts when she stroked him with her hand, relishing the feeling of the hot ropes against her skin. "Hell yeah," he said for the second time that night as she laughed. No such words would come from her lips after that experience. Aphae sat up, cleaned up a bit, and dressed herself before sliding out the door. She offered no explanation and asked for none from him. On her walk back to the ship, she enjoyed that she had never learned his name. It was probably only fair, for she had never offered hers to him either. The stranger hadn't been as rewarding as she'd hoped-nothing like the brutish men of Eilae-but he had served his purpose well enough. Then she suddenly had a thought, one that stopped her in her tracks in the middle of the street: that was quite possibly the closest thing to a good fucking she was ever going to get. ********** After a restless night, Casi stood with his hands on the window sill and looked out over the city. From his room on the third floor of the tower, he could see a haze of activity as his people readied for the wedding ceremony and reception. The decorated streets and festive garb did little to ease the knots in his gut. While he realized he shouldn't be surprised that his wedding had the support of his people, Casi was nonetheless impressed at their efforts to beautify the city square in such a short time. He had worked alongside so many of them, talked to them as equals, and listened to their suggestions, it was no wonder they came out to celebrate with him. What did take him aback was that the people should embrace their strange, callous princess so easily. He must truly have their love if they were willing to overlook her barbaric and foreign culture. Unable to escape his fate, Casi turned and saw an ornate outfit spread across the small couch under the window. He knew that soon someone would come to help him dress. Not that he really needed assistance, but it was an important custom in Lorelei to wear the elaborate and complex wedding garment assembled by the elders of the city; they considered it a great honor. Casi ate the food that was brought up for him, though he doubted he had actually tasted any of it. His mind was occupied with Aphae. What she would be like as a wife, as a ruler of his people. He wouldn't let any harm come to Lorelei, he knew that, but he wasn't sure of what it would take to make sure they were safe. Hopefully, their marriage would be the end of it. As predicted, a group of six men arrived to compile the overdone fabrics into the traditional wedding clothes. The scarlet and gold of Lorelei draped from his shoulder to chest including the astatin tree emblem on his right sleeve. Sunset-colored shoes complemented the entire ensemble. He felt plainly ridiculous, but since the wedding itself was a rouse to please King Arnae, he shouldn't imagine why he would get to be dressed in his preferred street attire. From his capacious rooms in the tower to the city square where the ceremony would take place, Casi walked as slow as he could manage. Vati stood on a small platform and greeted him as he arrived. "You look very appropriate for the occasion," the king offered warmly. "Father, I have to ask you one more time. Is there no other way?" Casi would do what he had to do to protect his people, but he wouldn't marry a stranger if it wasn't absolutely necessary. Dressed in the official garb, the reality of it was starting to set in. "My son, today is your wedding day. Make peace with it and try to enjoy yourself. At least the princess is young and beautiful," Vati comforted. Casi regarded Aphae as beautiful, in a strange and severe sort of way. She had only worn the battle attire of Eilae the few times he had seen her, and aside from their meeting in the dim street, he wasn't sure that he'd ever seen her smile. Her hair was very long and dark, unlike his own short, blonde locks. Smooth, dark skin told of the time she spent in the sun. Taller than most Lorelein women, she had long legs and a carried herself with impregnable confidence. Most men would have thought themselves lucky to be with a woman like her. Casi considered his father's words and decided the king was right. He was not being asked to marry an old haggard woman with a wart. Aphae was more attractive than most Loreleins; maybe it would all work out when he got to know her. As the ceremony began, Casi stood in his place with optimism for the first time in the last three days as his stunning bride advanced through the crowd. ********** Draping black mingled with ashen grey fabric across Aphae's bust and trailed down to dust the ground as she crossed the city square and approached her fiancé. Miserable at the prospect of the marriage, she couldn't even muster a snort at his humiliating attire. Instead of skills and bravery, the Loreleins valued trees. Closing in on the wedding platform, she imagined that must be what it felt like to surrender in the face of defeat. She hated it. For once, Aphae wished her mother had been there. She couldn't remember much about the woman, but Aphae was sure she would have helped her get out of this situation her father had gotten her into. She wished she was as cunning with words as she was with a bow or a sword, or that she could simply work out all her problems with a weapon. Had that been the case, she would almost certainly never bother with useless negotiations and treaties. As it was, she would marry Prince Casi today. Her father had kept a close eye on her since she had left the ship two nights ago, and she had been unable to get away. She wished she could have had a man to work out her stress on before this big catastrophe. Maybe if she'd had a good fucking she would be less angry at the whole situation. Then again, probably not. The princess arrived at the prince's side and noticed that he was even a bit shorter than she had thought at first. Not that he was small; he just didn't tower over her like the men she preferred. He had only four or five inches on her, a sure sign of a small cock. The prince offered her a warm smile, appearing to be genuinely pleased. *Of course he is,* Aphae thought. *He has a small prick and gets to marry a beautiful, powerful woman. I guess I would be happy too, if it was the other way around.* She tried to look less miserable than she was. The officiant droned on for what seemed like hours before prompting each of them to repeat certain phrases about love or honor or duty. At the end, he finally called for them to kiss. Not that she was looking forward to it, she was just sick of participating in the charade. When the kiss came, his gentle lips surprised her, stealing the air from her chest; she had been expecting the roughness of her warriors. Aphae silently laughed at herself for expecting him to be like all her other men. *He's a farmer, after all.* She obediently kissed him in return before quickly breaking away. Crowds cheered and hollered as if it had meant something to either of them. Casi led her down the row to the streets of Lorelei. They were instructed to walk the avenues so that the people could observe their new princess and revel in the happy couple. For the two hours of parading themselves, Casi never let go of her hand. At first, she despised his touch, especially after having to kiss him. By the end, she marveled at how her hand melted into his so that she hardly noticed anymore. The next phase of the wedding celebration involved a feast on a high table in front of the whole city. As they traded for all its food from other worlds, Lorelei had no traditional cuisine to speak of. Aphae quickly realized that she wasn't hungry for the strangeness that was put onto her plate. She mumbled something about being too tense to eat and let Casi enjoy the food on his own. Below them, the Loreleins danced and spun to strange music. As she sat next to him at a table for two, the prince took care to try to get to know her. He spoke quietly and seemed interested in her answers. If he was miserable, then he was an expert at masking his emotions. If anything, he seemed to be having fun. "This is entirely unfair, I hope you realize." When she wrinkled her brow, he explained, "You get to look so fierce and seductive in that dress, and I have to wear this monstrosity." As he spoke, his eyes fell to the fitted fabric pulled tight across her ribs. "Are gray and black the colors of Eilae?" he probed about her dress. When she confirmed, he asked her about the emblem on her shoulder. "Why does it show a fish? I didn't realize Eilae had many fish." "Well, we don't really. There are only few species that are native. The story goes that the fish is always adapting to its environment. It can live in dirty or clean water, salt or fresh, it can swim upstream for miles to lay eggs or live in caves in complete darkness. My father says that we are like the fish, we will do whatever it takes to survive." "You are quite skilled with a sword, I believe it has been said. Have you been in very many battles?" "Too many to count, I guess. At least two dozen. I have been fighting with my father since I was fifteen. Girls in Eilae are trained very young to defend themselves. One day we'll be the rulers," Aphae replied uninterestedly. She had explained the customs of Eilae so many times over the last few days. "Yes, I had heard that as well. That Eilaen culture honors women as leaders. Did you grow up knowing that one day you would rule your people?" "Of course I knew I would be queen one day. I haven't given much thought to the actual ruling, though. I keep myself occupied with training and battles for new worlds, and then there's the rebellion, of course." Casi seemed to shift a bit at that. Aphae didn't know what she had said to displease him and she wasn't really even sure that she cared. Then it was announced that the last phase of the wedding celebration would begin, the part that Aphae had been dreading for the whole evening: the consummation. Casi led her across the large room in the tower where they had first met, then up a set of stairs to another large room with a bed and a small couch. She noticed that he did not hold her hand the same way as before, and he seemed much stiffer than he had at the feast. She had definitely said something to put him off. He closed the door and stood awkwardly rubbing his hands. "Um, well, this is my room. I guess, our room now. Please make yourself at home." "Would they know? Would they ever find out if we didn't?" "No, Lorelein laws don't allow for that sort of invasion of privacy, but unless you are unwilling, then I intend to fulfill my duty to my people. I won't have it said that I did not honor my father's arrangement." "Do you really love them so much, that you would marry and bed a woman you despise?" "Yes, I do really love them, but I don't despise you." "Of course, you do. You have to. I arrived on your planet with an army to take your only resource, resulting in your marriage to a total stranger. How could you not?" "Aphae, I tell you the truth when I say I do not despise you. I am fearful that if you do not love your own people, how will you ever come to love mine? How can you rule over them if you don't know them? I intend to protect the people of Lorelei, and I hope that this marriage will not prevent that." Casi spoke so calmly, his sureness unsettled her. "There will be plenty of time to discuss the future of Lorelei in the morning. Right now, we have a marriage to consummate." Again, his composure disconcerted her and she found herself fidgeting for the first time in years. He motioned for her to sit on the straw-colored couch that rested below the arched window overlooking the city. Once there, she reveled in the picturesque scene. She could see the people below still celebrating. Blazing fires threw dancing shadows onto the walls. Strung up flowers still clung to wires above the streets. As she looked out, she didn't notice Casi approaching until he sat down next to her. The prince reached out to place her hand between both of his. She couldn't place why he would make her shake so noticeably. Because he had questioned her as a leader? Because she would only be with him for the rest of her life? Or because he undoubtedly wouldn't be able to satisfy her? He rubbed the top of her hand gently with his thumb causing her to shiver even more. When he raised her hand to his mouth, she held her breath until he kissed it and lowered it back to her lap. Casi leaned forward to kiss her cheek, an unexpected tremor in his hands and quiver on his breath. She received his kiss dutifully, let his lips explore for a few minutes as she listened to the music and cheers from the city below. During their slow, careful kiss, Aphae made the decision that she was ready to know her fate. She smoothly lifted her hand and moved it to let it rest at the seam of his ridiculous crimson pants. For a moment she thought she'd made a mistake, but there it was: the monster cock she had waited all her life for. The Lorelein Giant In a moment of pure shock, she pulled her hand back as quick as a reflex. Aphae felt her stomach plummet when he pulled away from her kiss and shot her the most pained expression. "You don't really want this do you? I mean to fulfill the arrangement but I won't force you against your will." Already, he moved his shoulders back to create a distance between them. "Casi, it's alright." She realized she had never said his name aloud before. The Lorelein names were foreign to her, and his name was no exception. It sounded odd on her tongue as she spoke it. "No. I won't do it. I will not compromise myself nor make you do something you aren't ready for. This was a mistake. I'm sorry." And like that, he strode to the door and left. Aphae had no idea what had just happened. No man had ever turned her down. Not one, ever. And now she had just found the biggest man she'd ever met and she'd made him run from the room? Flopping against the back of the couch, she puzzled over his words. *Mistake?* Did he mean the consummation? Or the marriage itself? She began to worry that she had failed so miserably that the treaty would fall and she would be to blame. While she immediately wanted to go look for him, she had no idea where he might be. The city was still new to her and there was a raging wedding celebration filling the streets. She decided she would wait for him there. He would eventually have to return to his own room. Wouldn't he? ********** Casi briskly walked to the next room over to change out of the absurd wedding outfit. He pulled on his usual shirt and pants before slipping down the stairs that would take him to the opposite side of the tower. No one seemed to be looking for him-he was supposed to be consummating a marriage after all; he easily dodged the crowds. Once there was space, he broke into a full run. The ground moving beneath his feet liberated far better than he could have hoped. He set a moderate pace so as to keep himself moving but not wear out too fast. He didn't want a reason to go back anytime soon. The whole situation was a mess. In reality, he really did find her quite beautiful, especially up close. The way the black bodice of her dress hugged her skin and made her chest peak out the top had been quite arresting. The decorative silver band around her muscular arm was an exotic touch he had never seen before. It was just such a shame that their personalities would never do anything but clash. Casi tried to think of what he should do as the heated air moved in and out of his lungs. For a tempting moment, he considered setting the orchards ablaze in the night. With their only resource destroyed, the Loreleins would have a hard road to find a new home, but at least they wouldn't be under the control of someone else. It would nullify his marriage, but as appealing as the idea sounded, he could never do it. There were too many risks. As the prince and future king, Casi knew he would honor the treaty. He was willing to do what was necessary for his people, but before this evening, he hadn't ever considered if she was willing. Repulsed by the very sight of him, the princess offered him the first taste of the unusual position. Loreleins knew the prince to be honest and hardworking. He had never had a girl reject him once he had gotten up the courage to ask. Somehow he seemed to understand that her dislike of him was not based solely on their cultural differences. He found himself thinking of how her hand sought him out, a clear sign she was so much more experienced than he had anticipated. And why shouldn't she be? She was beautiful and powerful. She must have had an easy time of finding men. Casi ran through the gate to the astatin orchards and watched as row after row of trees passed him by. He knew that he couldn't call off the marriage, no matter what happened between them. That path would leave too much to chance for the people of Lorelei. And he couldn't just take her when she clearly didn't want him. She had even asked him, *"Would they know? Would they ever find out if we didn't?"* He thought it had been her apprehension, the same as his own, for being married to a stranger. Looking back, he cursed his foolishness. Eventually making the turn and running back toward Lorelei, Casi knew he had only one choice. He must be married to Aphae, but he would not consummate. He had to trust that King Arnae never learned of it. They could present themselves as a couple, but he wouldn't force himself upon any woman who didn't want him. He would spend as little time with her as he could so that she wouldn't feel pressured by him. They would keep up all pretenses for the kings, but his personal relationship with Aphae had all but ended. When he arrived back at the gate to the city, the sun had started to rise and the streets looked as if a heavy storm had hit in the night. Vati had given everyone the day off for the wedding ceremony and the deadline for the astatin order had already been met. There would be plenty of time to clean up once everyone had recovered from the celebration. Casi slowed to a walk as he approached the tower and climbed the stairs to his chambers. A hot shower was just what he needed. After everything that had happened that night, he still found himself aroused and disappointed. The situation all but guaranteed a sexual encounter, but it just hadn't panned out that way. He would be having many lonely nights from now on. With the water warming up, the bathroom filled with steam. He stepped in hoping the sting of the water would dull some of his troubles. ********** Aphae woke to the sound of running water. Her neck stiff from sleeping sitting up against the arm of the couch, it took her a moment to place where she was. Casi's room. She was waiting for him. She realized he must be in the shower, and quickly decided what she wanted to do. Stripping out of her black and gray wedding ensemble, Aphae headed for the bathroom door that stood ajar. Inside, the beautiful gray stone shower stood surrounded by glass fogged with steam that hindered her view of his shape standing in the water. Before making her move, she took a moment to confirm with her eyes what her hand had already told her. Despite his average height and narrow waist, Casi had one of the largest cocks she'd ever seen. Shockingly, the thought of being his wife wasn't so unpleasant anymore. She moved closer to the shower and was standing a few inches away when Casi noticed her. "Aphae? What are you-" He quizzed as she opened the door and slid in to join him, his eyes wide as he struggled to comprehend. "I'm sorry for earlier. You make me nervous." Scanning his face, she waited for him to turn her away. When he didn't, she continued, "The whole situation is pretty weird for me. I was hoping you would come back and we could talk." He openly stared at her naked body as she closed the door behind her. Above average breasts were topped with deep pink nipples. A slim waist hinted at the muscles working beneath. Her tuft of hair was dark to match the strands cascading over her shoulders. She had a faded scar that moved down her rib cage toward her belly button on one side. "What did you say?" he stammered as if he hadn't heard her. She laughed a little and repeated, "I didn't mean to offend you earlier. You're right; this is something that we have to do. You're so calm about all of it. I'm just nervous." It was hard to admit once, much less twice. "Were you waiting here all this time? I've been gone for hours." "I wanted a chance to get to know you a little better. I didn't know where else to find you, so yes, I waited." Casi looked uneasy as she stood in the steam in front of him. He gave her a questioning look and began, "Aphae, if you don't-" In anticipation of what he would say, Aphae stepped forward to kiss him. This time she took control and overpowered his gentle lips. She pushed his apart with hers and moved her tongue in to explore his mouth. Not the coy bit of tongue she had allowed earlier, but a full inquisition into the space. She lightly bit his bottom lip and pulled back, sliding her teeth along his skin. Casi barely opened his eyes to ask, "Are you sure? I don't want to make you do anything you're not comfortable with." The princess realized how much she had hurt him in their first few hours of marriage. Deciding to use her hands to answer, Aphae reached down to grab the giant she wanted so much. She couldn't wrap one hand all the way around it, so she brought her other hand around to form an O. Together, she moved them up and down slowly and smoothly as she continued to kiss him. The next time she pulled up, she paused to rub the sizable head with the tip of her thumb prompting him to let out a soft moan into her mouth. He was hardening much faster than she would have thought, and it occurred to her that maybe Casi hadn't had much experience with girls. He was so quiet, maybe he wasn't the type to just take what he wanted. In that moment, she wanted to give him all her attention and decided to store the thought for later. The hot water continued to flow across Casi's shoulders and down his back. As he hardened, he began to kiss her with more energy. His hands traveled to her lower back and pulled her in close. With her torso fully pressed against his, eager hands continued moving down her body and taking in her shape. At last, he reached her ass and cupped her ample cheeks. Hers was a nice round, heart-shaped ass and Casi seemed to be enjoying the plentiful handfuls. The giant between Casi's legs swelled until it began to press against Aphae's stomach. She realized he was too tall to take her standing up, especially on the wet stone of the shower floor. In an attempt to get him to move to another room, Aphae reached behind him to turn off the water. In the absence of the streaming water, Casi broke from kissing her to look in her eyes and take her in. "Come on," Aphae said quietly into his ear as she grabbed his hand and led him out of the shower. They quickly covered the few steps out of the bathroom. Once close enough, she pushed him onto the bed so that he lay on his back with his knees hanging over the end. His beautiful cock stood to attention as he sank into the thick comforter. Pulling a pillow from the bed, Aphae sank to kneel in front of the impressive piece. She wanted her taste of his giant and didn't want sore knees to put an early end to things. As she settled into position, Aphae grasped him eagerly with both hands. He had softened slightly since leaving the shower so she produced a bead of saliva to deposit on the tip. Her full lips spread across the slickened head to mix with the drops of water that had already collected there. While she massaged the head with her lips, her hands already began the rhythmic motion along his shaft. When she did plunge her lips farther along him, her mouth could barely accommodate his large girth, but she was determined. When she looked up, Casi had pulled his hands behind his head and rested there with a sanguine smile, a clear indication of how rarely he had experienced such a treat. With the knowledge that she could give him more than he'd ever had, Aphae decided to work him over entirely. Fingertips held his shaft a bit tighter as she stroked to intensify the sensation. Her lips sucked harder at his head as it swelled further. When the giant was even larger than she could have ever anticipated, she pushed her lips back over the head and onto the shaft once more. Her hands gently traced the outline of his balls before she turned her focus to the motions of her mouth. He let go of several small moans as her hands moved about his legs and hips. When she had a better idea of how he would fill her mouth, she began to move up and down along the shaft until she was about half way down the length. His tip had already begun to tickle the back of her throat. She had taken all of many men before and prided herself on her ability to consume even the largest, but Casi's giant was something else entirely. Her hands gently rubbed against his balls again, stimulating them to release all they had to offer. Eager lips continued to slide along the tip and shaft and tip again, sucking on the head each time. When she began to taste the clear droplets leaking from the end, she lapped fervently. The giant soon began to quiver; realizing he would reach his limit soon, Aphae gave him one last dive into her throat before pulling away. As she stood, she moved her hands along his hips, then stomach, then chest. She hadn't realized his cut chest and torso until he lay before her without his shirt. She started kissing him around his belly button then moved her lips to follow the path of her hands until they rested on his neck and collar bones. Her teeth gently raked along the skin of his neck and shoulder, and then moved up to his ear lobe. "Aphae..." he muttered before using his hands to guide her lips back to his to kiss her again. This time, he took complete control, moving his hands down to her hips to pull her against him. The giant bobbed against her thigh as her tongue crashed against his. When he could take it no longer, Casi gracefully rolled her over so that she lay beneath him, the barrage of eager kisses never ceasing. He repeated her motions by starting a line of sucks and kisses on her neck, down her shoulder, and only stopping at her pink nipples. He pulled one into his mouth and teased it with his tongue, and then the other, then back to the first. Aphae hadn't realized how sensitive they were. She was usually the aggressor in sex; she had never let anyone take over before. When he was satisfied that her nipples were fully hard, he returned to kissing down her smooth belly, then laterally from the right hip to the left. What stole her breath most was his downward movement to place his lips against her swollen clit. Not that she hadn't had men down there before, but she couldn't believe that the shy, quiet Casi would have the sexual skill to take on such a thing. Exhibiting the skill and patience of an expert, the prince took his time. The rovings of his tongue were slow and the sucking of his lips was gentle. The sensations he created were far more stimulating than the roughness to which she was accustomed, and soon she found herself anxious for release. In only a few minutes, Casi had rendered her completely desperate before pulling up and retracing his kisses along her body. By the time he reached her neck again, she could feel the slick liquid all but pouring out of her. Reaching around his waist, Aphae grabbed his ass to slide his hips up to hers. He leaned in to give her an amazing kiss. "We don't have to do this if you're not ready." "Please. I want that in me. Please," she answered honestly, feeling silly that she was begging for it but nonetheless eager. "I've hurt girls before." Aphae knew the only way to put his mind at ease was to show him. Placing her hand on his where it wrapped around his length she aimed the giant toward her opening before using her feet behind him to encourage him to slide into her. At that moment, Aphae was quite certain that Casi was the biggest man she had ever had. He stuffed her completely so that she required a few moments to stretch to accommodate his head. She was careful to keep any trace of pain away from her face, knowing he was watching carefully. When she was ready, she raised her hips to take in a bit more of him. Slowly, she was able to accept a little over half of him as the pain subsided. Her plentiful fluid aided him as he slid in and pulled out. The fullness of the giant after so much focus on her clit caused her to become aroused so much faster than she was used to. Contented that she could handle him, Casi hastened his thrusts. Each time he moved inside her, his giant sent waves racing down her nerves until the sensation washed over her completely. With what little of him she could handle, the prince rendered her helpless and begging as she bathed in the ecstasy of fullness. She didn't last long before her muscles clamped down on him as the waves grew too great. Tingling with release, Aphae wrapped her long legs around his waist and rested her hands behind his neck, pulling him against her so that her whole body would have contact with his. "This is amazing," he admitted as his giant still moved to climb deeper inside her. "Your cock is amazing. It's the most large, most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Despite her magnificent release, she still wanted more of him. When she noticed his body moistened with the exertion of fucking, Aphae pushed against his chest until he rolled onto his back. She easily slid onto his giant again, but this time, the improved angle and gravity helped her to take another inch of him in. Her legs had to hold her up as she couldn't take enough of him to rest on his hips. "Mmmm," she moaned as she glided along his length. Being on top had always offered increased sensation and faster orgasm for her, but combined with the fullness of the giant and the still firing nerves from her previous release, she had a hard time suspending her screams for even a few moments. It wasn't long until the waves rocked her again. She leaned forward to rest against his carved chest as he sweetly brought his arms up to wrap around her. Aphae picked up her head and leaned in to give him a kiss. She was genuinely impressed: rarely had a man been able to get her off more than once. Usually it was the other way around. Not wanting to leave her new husband unsatisfied, Aphae sat up and continued wriggling his cock with her generously slicked hole. As she bounced fervently, twisting and grinding as she knew he would like, Casi's eyes widened in alarm. "Aphae-" Sensing what he wanted, she jumped off and slid him deep into her mouth so that she was once again wrapped around his considerable size and her throat pushed back against his head. She pumped only a few times before her mouth filled with the hot fluid she had worked so hard to coax from him. Casi all but yelled across the room, moving his hips to continue his deposit. Aphae expertly positioned herself so that the tip aimed at the back of her throat and the rest of the liquid slid down easily. "Oh my god, Aphae. I had no idea." He finally managed once he had gathered his thoughts. "No one has been able to take that much before, and what you do with your mouth. I just-I had no idea." It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her. Princess Aphae, the warrior and battle commander, was not accustomed to men complimenting her sexual prowess so openly. "Casi, you have an amazing thing going on down there, you have to know that. And you lasted so much longer than most men, it was nice to get to actually enjoy it before it ended." Casi threw his head back and laughed warmly. "What?" she asked. "When I left you earlier, I decided I would never touch you. Ours would be a marriage of duty and nothing else. I thought you hated me. I have never been so wrong," he said as he continued to laugh. "So, are we officially married then?" Aphae asked him slyly, already knowing the answer. "Yes, my dear, I believe we are. But if you need to make sure, then I will be happy to oblige." He laughed as he rolled himself over her once more and kissed her. Aphae couldn't believe it when she felt the familiar stiffness begin to poke her belly again. Being Casi's wife was turning out to be completely different than she expected. She didn't tell him, but she, too, had never been so wrong. Now all she had to do was explain to her father and the Eilaen army why she had changed her mind about the prince. Somehow she knew that conversation wouldn't go over well.