Ferals

Prince Sebastian's POV

“General Stone?” My father, King Henry, clears his throat. The General looks away from the arena and leans in to whisper into my father’s ear. I lean over the banister looking over the arena to see what had caught the Generals attention. Below us the contenders for the Grand Melee are gathered. At the edge of the arena stands the General’s daughter Alessia. She is dressed in combat leathers, the padded leather vest hiding her womanly curves. From this distance, with her towering five foot eleven height and figure hiding clothes, she could almost pass for a man, almost. Try as they might, though, the leathers cannot hide the full roundness of her hips. Her deep sivery locks plaited and pulled back in a fierce knot, make her piercing emerald eyes stand out against her creamy complexion. The sight of her nearly takes my breath away, so fierce, so lovely, what a conquest she will make. Ahh, the great General Stones tempestuous daughter. Untouchable, unattainable, what a strong warrior princess she could be. The stories of her ferociousness during combat training have traveled all over the province, now I finally get to see it in action for myself. If she is as good as the rumors say then I must have her, she will be mine! The fun I plan on having while seducing her lifts the corner of my mouth in a small smile. All in good time.

As I continue my perusal of the arena, I listen in on the conversation between my Father and General Stone.

“Yes, Your Majesty, as I was saying,” the General states, “ I believe expansion of the wall is crucial. Resources are becoming scarce, and with the recent increase in the hostility of the Ferals, the scavenger parties are being killed before any outside resources can be located or obtained.”

“Hmm, I wonder what has gotten in to the Ferals? We’ve never had issues with them like this in the past. They have always avoided our scouting and scavenger parties, they have never been so aggressive, as long as we stayed clear of their territories.” My father counters.

“Who knows, my lord, they are hardly more than wild animals, barely human. If they continue, or increase their violent behavior, we may have a serious problem. Our entire community may be in danger. I think it best if we eradicate them, however, I know you oppose such violence…” my Father cuts him off.

“Oppose such violence, what you are suggesting is g******e! I will not condone such extreme measures! However changed they may be, they are still people.” my Father hisses through clenched teeth.

“I know you feel that way, my lord, that is why I am suggesting expanding the wall instead. As long as the Ferals stay in their territories, their will be few casualties. We will start on the Western wall, well away from their domain. That should be a good start, open land for farming for our people and more natural resources as well. The last scouting party noted signs of clean, untainted water just five klicks away.”

“I will take this into consideration. We can discuss it further after the festivities.” Frowning, my father replies.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The General bows to my father and turns to take his leave.

I let him get a few steps ahead of me then called out to him, “General Stone, a word if you will.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” He cuts his cold gray eyes at me, his face impassive.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with my father. I would love to hear more about your plans.” A sly smile spreads across my lips and I drop my voice, “I believe that you and I share similar…ideas… that my father doesn’t necessarily agree with.”

“In that case, walk with me, we can discuss these… ideas… and possible solutions of the current Feral situation, we find ourselves in.”

I meet his calculating smile with one of my own as we stroll down to one of the private refreshment tents set up for my father and I around the arena.