Star scowled.
Radu chuckled. “I’m happy to accompany you whenever you’d like.” He spun on his heel and slid his arm around Star’s waist, pulling them close enough to bump horns, which gave rise to Star’s traitorous dick. “As I said, I like both forms. I would also like to see Yuri exploring this pretty Onari body of yours. I think he’ll be very fond of the nubs you’re still hiding from him.”
Star swallowed, the idea of Yuri bouncing on his cock while Radu took Star from behind made him painfully hard.
“Would you fuck him harder if I told you to?” Radu whispered as he slid their cheeks together.
Star was about to burst. Why did giving up control turn him on?
“You are a paradox,” Star said, stepping out of Radu’s embrace to follow the others. He longed to drag them all backhome, but knew he’d freeze up before they got down to much of anything.
“How so?” Radu asked.
“The tortured artist, who likes his men kneeling at his feet.”
“I can’t help that you all look divine there. And now that I know you are agod-blessedgeneral, I suspect I will enjoy it even more.”
“A title from the people who love romantic fiction.”
“Stories are an escape for everyone. I’m certain there is stress and pain, even in your utopia. It’s part of life.”
“I thought I understood it,” Star said as they made their way down the hill. Yuri and Theo hung back as Lucian made his way to procure them a ride to the city. “He should have guards or something. King and all that.”
“Oh, yes, let’s remind him. It’s been a while since I’ve seen my nephew scowl.”
“You could act like you care about his welfare.”
“I do,” Radu said. “But he also single-handedly defeated some of my best generals. He’s hardly a child to be beaten and shoved in a corner. He might not wish to lead, but he’s the best choice I can think of among all the Onari remaining. Are there any in Auroi that might better take his place?”
“No,” Star said. “Auroi is a society of the people. No one is above anyone else. That’s why the leadership roles cycle. The goal is for everyone to hold a seat at least once in their life.”
“I look forward to seeing how it works,” Radu said as they reached Theo and Yuri’s side. “Perhaps we can expand it to all of Dahna.”
Yuri clung silently to Theo. “Something wrong?” Star asked.
“I can’t understand them,” Yuri said. “Even if I listen hard. It’s not translating.” He met Theo’s wide gaze. “Can you understand them?”
“Some of it,” Theo nodded. “My Onari isn’t perfect, and their dialect differs from what I’m used to.”
“You are human,” Radu reminded him.
“I’ve always been human,” Yuri said. “At least in this life.”
“You were the catalyst,” Radu corrected.
“I’m not anymore?”
“You’ll always be the catalyst, Yuri,” Star interrupted, placing himself between Radu and Yuri. It wasn’t a conversation he was ready to have yet. Why couldn’t Yuri have some happiness for a while? “There’s Lucian. It looks like he has our ride arranged.”
Yuri took Star’s hand, his expression troubled. Radu sighed, but said nothing. Theo skipped forward to launch himself into Lucian’s arms. Lucian caught the seraph and held him as he waited for the rest of them.
“We’ve got a quick shuttle ride over. The speed means it’s a little rockier than usual, but it will only take a few hours, rather than half a day, to get there,” Lucian said.
“Is it very far away?” Yuri asked.
“Auroi is in the middle of the Dahna oceans, which cover most of the planet,” Radu answered.
“The port was concealed by an illusion barrier,” Lucian added. “Part of our arrangement is that they remove the barrier and have an immigration process.” He pointed toward a building off to the side of the docks. “Information filed, access to transport, and a way to get to Auroi. Hopefully, we can build new cities like Auroi once the plant life has settled a little.” He led them down the long rows of docks, Theo tucked to his side, until they reached a smaller vessel, sleek and narrow. “This won’t be a pleasant ride for you, angel,” he told Theo. “I’m sorry.”
