Part 1
As the newest member of the Thlussian Grand Council, the Republic's governing body, I often get the jobs no one else wants. I manage public hearings where the citizens complain and point out every little thing we're doing wrong, I entertain the most long-winded and needy visitors from neighboring countries, I even end up doing paperwork for other council members. My official title is Lord of Domestic Relations, but it should be Lord of Doing Everyone's Errands.
This time, though, I've been sent to the kingdom of Finnu to treat with their King Orton and establish new trade with them. Finnu is an island kingdom just south of the mainland famous for its beautiful scenery, weather, and people. I have no idea why the actual ambassador refused to visit, nor do I understand why the role transfers to a new person nearly every year.
I agreed without complaint, of course. This is practically a vacation! And when I arrive at their port, bathed in bright sunlight and bustling with life, I put all thought of the council from my mind. The king only meets in the evenings, over dinner I suppose, so I have an entire day to explore. The attendants who came with me take my things to the apartments I'll be staying in and I head straight to the center of town.
The people of Finnu are significantly less conservative than those of Thluss. Most people wore no more than a simple robe, the thin fabric leaving little to the imagination when the imprints of nipples and flaccid members are clearly visible. Many men and women walked around with the tops of their robes wide open or even hanging off completely, held on only by a sash around their waist. As I walk past a narrow alleyway, I'm certain I hear voices, the people exchanging something much more explicit than words.
The weather is warm year-round, so I understand. I'm sweltering in my formal suit. Regardless, I find it hard to get used to. I do my best to keep my eyes up, my face growing redder and redder the more I explore.
As the sun sets, I make my way up the hill to the castle. It's a pure white sandstone building with six tall spires reaching up into the cloudless sky. The hill it sits on overlooks the sea, so there was a chance I would have an incredible sea view from my room. My attendants informed me the king had a room prepared for me in the castle proper. I've never seen a castle, let alone slept in one, but I do my best to contain my excitement.
I'm welcomed into the castle and led to a small dining room. A sturdy oak table sits in the center of the room. It's different from the large, ornate table used to entertain guests back home. This one was much narrower--nearly half the width of an average dining table. There were also no place settings or centerpieces--only a plain tablecloth to cover the wood. The two tall chairs at either end, on the other hand, are wider than the table itself. I'm fairly thin, blessed with a fast metabolism, but doomed to fail at building any kind of muscle. So, when I sit in this chair, there's practically enough space for another person to sit next to me.
On the opposite end of the room, there's an ornate door, its entire frame inlaid with sparkling pearls and seashells. From that door is where the king enters.
I quickly get to my feet and dip into a well-practiced bow. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Ryley Ashton. Thank you for inviting us for these talks."
When I straightened up, the king was right in front of me, a warm smile on his face. His very handsome, chiseled face. His caramel skin glows in the dim candlelight and the streaks of silver in his silky black hair shimmer like moonlight. He's wearing a light, turquoise robe embroidered with golden thread along the hem in the shapes of coral and sea creatures. The robe is mostly open, as I saw in town, closed low on his waist by a pastel yellow silk sash. His chest is bare, revealing the dark hair that covered his slim, toned chest.
"No need to be so stiff. We'll talk business in the morning. I like to get to know my guests before making any deals. I hope you understand." The king's voice is gentle and smooth, like what I imagine honey would sound like if it could talk.
"Of course." The king's bright smile makes me unable to do anything but return it. "I very much appreciated the time to explore your beautiful island."
King Orton lifts my chin and brushes his thumb over my cheek. "You might have enjoyed the sunshine a little too much," he muses with a soft chuckle. "We'll be sure to get something to soothe that for you before you leave."
I'm grateful for the sunburn so the king can't see the flush heating my face.
"I hope you didn't gorge yourself too much on street food. I have quite the meal planned for tonight." He claps his hands on the way to his seat.
The doors at the side of the room burst open and a half dozen men in sheer satin robes--nothing but sheer satin robes--file into the room. When they stand in the light, lined up on either side of the table, I can easily see right through their robes. Unsure where to look, I stare straight down at the table in front of me.
"Have you partaken in the people of Finnu yet?" the king asked.
I look up at the king, doing my best to keep from staring at the man to my left, whose semi-erect cock is right at eye level. "The rumors don't do this island justice. I saw nothing but beautiful people as I walked the market."
"Ah, so you've only had time to visit the market? No matter. You'll get a taste soon." He smiles up at the man standing nearest him and runs a hand down his thigh.
The doors open again and cooks bring out trays of food and drink. A carafe of water and a glass, along with a tall wine glass are set in front of me. I still don't see anyone with silverware or plates. The cooks line up on either side of the table with the people in robes, perhaps waiting for a signal from the king.
Another clap of the king's hands spurs the servants into action, but instead of the cooks setting food on the table, the men drop their robes. They then climb up onto the table. Two lie on their backs, their heads meeting in the center, where another pair of men sit back to back. One man sits in front of the king, chatting with him before my view is blocked. Another man climbs onto the table in front of me and spreads his legs wide. I involuntarily jump up, burning from my neck to my ears.
"Y-your Majesty?"
The king, and a couple of the nude servants who can't hide it, laugh out loud. "This is a true Finnuan dinner! Do you prefer women? I apologize for only considering my preferences."
"N-n-no... Just... surprised?" My voice pitches three octaves higher on the last word. "I--do we--how...?"
The king lets out another hearty laugh, running his hands over the thighs of the man spread in front of him. "Allow me to demonstrate."
He nods again and this time, the cooks approach the table. In no time, food covers the naked bodies on the table. Small, curled piles of noodles wound around nipples, thin slices of meat wrapped around half hard cocks, and cocktail shrimp covered in sauce lined their thighs.
Slices of raw fish drizzled in a dark sauce are spread over the chest and abdomen of the man in front of the king. As promised, the king demonstrates how to enjoy the meal. Leaning over the side of the table, he licks over the man's chest, rising with a piece of fish hanging from his mouth.
"There is no better seasoning, Lord Ryley. Go on, have a taste."
The man in front of me smiles and holds his hand out to me. I take it, reflexively, and stand over him. Noodles coated in a green sauce cover his nipples. Heart hammering in my chest, I lean down and lap my tongue over a bit of sauce. The drop I get on the tip of my tongue tastes vaguely earthy. A hand brushes the back of my neck, holding me against the man's skin.
