NTR Quest - Odyssey 17 - Bathing with the 'Enemy'

“Why not? Let's go to the bath together.”

Djir could not hide his excitement. “I'll have it cleared so that it's just the two of us.”

“Why?” You lifted a brow.
“We're just going there to clean up, right?”

He laughed. “Right!”

“Is there just one bath?”

“There is at least two.”

“Is there a chance any of the girls are there?” You wondered out loud.

“There's a chance. Do you want them to be?” Djir asked seriously.

“Well... What do you mean? Are you saying you'd have them brought there?”

“If that's something you wanted. They're your women, however. I wouldn't want to overstep your bounds. Since we've been getting along so well I've been keeping my men from your Priestess since we arrived.” He mentioned offhandedly.

You stared at him coarsely. “Are you saying you would've set them on her if we weren't.”

He shook his head. “I misspoke. What I meant to say is, I've been telling my men to refuse the advances of your Priestess.”

“Oh.” That definitely had very different implications.
“Thank you.”

“Anything, for you, Fin.” Djir offered in an attempt to sound romantic. The gravel of his voice and the shine of his dagger-like teeth always served to brought to mind innate power and aggression. Perhaps it was a bit unfair, considering how he has treated you so far. It was just a feeling. You set aside the statement and allowed him to wrap a loose robe around you.
“Is it close?”

“It is! The one we are going to, anyway. You still haven't told me if you want any of your women to be present.”

“Sure. But... I'm surprised. You seem like you've been wanting me to yourself this whole time.”

“Maybe a cultural difference?” Djir guessed.

“We're both men. There's some concessions and realities that have to be acknowledged. Neither of us can bare offspring together and I wouldn't want you the same way if you could.” That last statement struck you somewhat. He passed over it quickly, thought and moved on to the next without missing a step.
“You typically have one that you love, and however many more kept out of duty. Those are for things like ceremony, producing heirs, political arrangements.”

“In my land, some of our leaders have 'mistresses' but the children of those women aren't exactly acknowledged. Is it different, here?”

“In Aniyub a woman chooses a man based on their stock and their connections and will usually stay with them. That's their culture. For mine, having 'mistresses' as you call it is just a part of the process. For me, having as many children as possible is expected of me. So... I don't think there is anything wrong with keeping some women to breed while retaining someone who can not for love. It's all the same from my perspective.” He explained.

“Do your people accept your 'proclivities' as you call them?”

“No. But who cares? I am the Dictator.” He grinned at you.
“For all the things they might stop me for, it isn't going to be that.”

You felt curious. “Do they have many things that they might want to stop you for?”

Djir lifted his fuzzy chin while resting a hand on your shoulder. “We can talk about that and more soon.”

“Alright.” You were not going to get an answer to that immediately, so you just dropped it and followed him out into the hall. You felt self-conscious due to the fact that you were a bit sticky all over and there is no way that anyone who saw you would not know what it was. Djir walked beside you, hand leading you by the small of your back until the two of you hear familiar voices around the corner.

“Maybe you should just become a Dog, since you're so intent on acting like one.” It was Cyyani.

“Cowed by two Heroes? You're living like a stray hound in another's house. You pretend you have no owner, you were forced to submit to them while I chose my Master. Who is the real 'Dog' here?”

She exhaled. “Hoho... You certainly learned how to bite, now that you mention it. But I think your 'Master' has found a new pet? Does it bother you?” You rounded the corner hesitantly. Djir felt your hesitation and knew the reason. If he wanted to he could have paraded you in front of Cyyani and she would've seen the extent of what she had assumed happened. Instead, Djir stepped forward to stand between you and her. She could assume as much as she wanted, but at least she could not see. You felt her craning her head side to side and moving as Djir shifted to block her view. Finally she gave up and sighed deeply.
“Well, is it 'newlyweds?'” She asked.

“I wouldn't assume anything.” Djir warned. He moved, allowing you to slip into the entryway of the bath. You were able to remove your clothes as he glanced back over his shoulder at you and advised.
“You can go in ahead of me.” You were grateful and a little surprised he did not parade you in front of Cyyani like one of the 'triumphs' he spoke of. Instead he guarded your image. As they continued trading barbs outside, you stepped into the bath and inspected it. Steam rose from the water and filled the air, creating a relaxing and warm atmosphere. There was a single rectangular pool of water that was shallow, with seating surrounding the outside going all the way around. It deepened near the center but never enough that it could seem like swimming was an intention for the builders. It looked small for a Gnoll, reminding you that you stood on conquered land. You dipped your toes and felt the comforting heat of the water. Not too hot that you could not just lower yourself in right away. As you descended into it the center and felt the waist high water you could not help but sigh as the days events were washed away. Literally. You ducked down to submerge, then rose up more clean and refreshed with wet black hair clinging to your head. As you came up and sat down you were surprised to feel something cold on your head.

“It's soap.” You looked up to see Djir standing at the edge behind you. He had some sweet-scented cream pouring off of his palm over you. You reached up curiously and lathered it into your hair. It was a very pleasant smell.

“You... Are not actually supposed to wash yourself in the bath water.” Amun claimed from the doorway.

“Then what's the point?” You wondered out loud.

“My thoughts exactly!” Djir agreed, jumping in beside you. Since he was so large he hand to sit practically on the bottom of the bath and not the seat surrounding the edge.

“The point is that the bath itself is for relaxation. We rinse and clean beforehand with water from the side so that it does not dirty the water.” He relented once Djir hopped in. You could not help but chuckle because there was no way the Gnoll was clean, or had cleaned himself before jumping in. That being said, his fur was quite well maintained.
“If- if you wish I could have cleaned you beforehand.” Amun offered.

“Don't bother.” Cyyani argued.
“It's because he's a savage that he doesn't understand the basics of hygiene.” You looked over and saw the naked former Queen emerge from the other room and circle the rectangular bath. She found a bucket of water and threw it over her head. Amun followed her and did the same. The two Aniyub scrubbed themselves and places some of the sweet soap in their hair, then rinsed again after. Finally, after all of that was done she lowered herself into the bath across from you. She displayed her body proudly to you, and why would she not? She was toned over her entire body. On top of that she had wide hips and heavy breasts that sunk in the water. She breathed easily as she sat down. It was nothing that she had not already shown off with her skimpy way of dressing herself.

“Then I guess we're both a couple of savages.” Djir said to you proudly while Cyyani was preparing to get in.

You laughed. “I guess!”

To avoid siding with his sister Amun stated weakly. “It.. Is no trouble for the servants to replace the water for you.”

“Good. How it should be.” Djir nodded to him, eliciting a smile in the boy.

“You two did a lot of 'talking' hm?” Cyyani inquired.

Before you could respond you heard more voices. Jeane and Teuta entered the bath. Teuta simply walked in, having now issue showing her body to everyone in the room. She thoughtlessly descended into the pool beside you. You blushed, staring down at her breasts.
“How are you feeling?” You asked her.

“I feel good, now. I.. Am suffering from a lack of attention.” She suggested to you.

Jeane lowered herself at your other side, seeming a bit uncomfortable to be between you and Djir. You were also worried Djir would say or do something but he showed no intention to mind at all. He was leaning back with his eyes closed while Amun massaged warm water into his spotted blondish mane. You draped an arm around each of their backs protectively, still.
“What about you? Are you alright?” You asked Jeane.

“I feel... Fine. As guest we have been treated surprisingly well.” She commented.

“Don't be so surprised.” Djir muttered into the air. His eyes were still closed.

“Ah... So it seems like you must have been a very good boy for your new Master, Hero. Now if only you had a tail to wag like my brother for when he pets you on the head.” Cyyani teased.
“Of course Djir treats all of his submissive little boy-toys nicely.”

You rolled your eyes, knowing the reality of the situation. You wondered what would have happened if you said no to him in his apology. How he has treated you, otherwise and the humility he showed, and the care he showed made you feel like Djir was being genuine and Cyyani was being more than a little petulant. You decided to test him a bit. Much to Jeane's embarrassment you leaned over to kiss the Elf. Her pale cheeks flushed deeply as she felt driven to turn her cheek and kiss you back. With that, Teuta felt the need to join in and leaned on you, pushing her breasts into your side. As you pawed Jeane you watched for any rise you could get out of Djir. To your surprise his lips curled up slightly and he asked.
“How about I fix you three with a shared room for the night? Or... Is it you four?” He sounded like he reveled in his last words as he teased Cyyani.
“You are after all a part of HIS entourage, aren't you?”

The former Queen clicked her tongue in annoyance. “I am not a part of anyone's Harem.”

“My mistake.” Djir lied.

“Yeah. I think I'll take you up on that.” You remarked, looking to either side of you at Jeane and Teuta.
“Right?”

“Of course!” Teuta agreed eagerly.

“It feels strange to be airing this relationship all of a sudden, but yes, I would want that.” She explained, her face becoming even more red. You knew it was not the steam.

You looked to Cyyani curiously. She stared back at you, one of her dark brows lifted. “What? You want me to join you? I'll pass.”

“Suit yourself.”

-

“Did you get to fuck anyone today?” You asked Teuta bluntly as the three of you entered the shared room. It was a lot like the room Djir took you into with a large bed sat against the back wall with a canopy covered in loose silk hung over it and fine sheets layered on the bed.

She looked at you. It was not a guilty look, but surprise at the unusual question. “W-well... No.” She was telling the truth, you felt. There was no reason for her to lie. It just seemed like what Djir was saying was true. That he had purposefully told the Gholls to avoid her.
“The Aniyub men as well don't seem confident enough to actually bed me.”

“Aha.” You nodded. It made sense. They would not be used to a woman like Teuta.

“We were waiting to ask.” Jean began.
“But are you alright?” She looked at you closely.
“I was worried but you actually seem quite unaffected. Did that creature not try anything.”

You avoided answering directly. “We came to an understanding.”

“Why do you think that is?” Jeane inquired as Teuta removed her large towel and laid across the bed in wait for the both of you.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean... Surely you have something he wants. Do you know what that is?”

You tried to think. You dug beneath the surface-level thoughts and considered the question, truly. You had to admit.
“I think that, taking everything into consideration, he sees me as someone he can use to retain control over Aniyub peacefully. Either after an invasion or after some type of agreement.”

“That is an astute observation. I think so too. What do you think about that?”

You smiled. It was extremely useful to have someone like Jeane around to help him unpack the day that he just had.
“I think it's a... 'Trustworthy' intent, if that makes sense.”

“Oh? I may agree but why do you think that?” Jeane moved to your side and hooked her arm under yours. The two of you sat together while Teuta squirmed on the bed for lack of your presence. You guessed that she was very pent up.

“It seems like he wants something from me that puts me in a position to get what I wanted from the beginning. I don't necessarily have to clash with Fiona. If it's a good enough deal she may be forced to accept. Right now I can vie for the peace that I wanted, and Fiona could probably keep the control that she wanted in an ideal world.”

Jeane observed. “If the Gnolls are stable partners, it makes things far easier. Ruling a Kingdom is actually quite difficult. You and Fiona are fighters and to be frank, Fiona is quite unstable. But, it is yet to be seen if the Gnolls are reliable partners. I believe the real answer must hinge on that, no?”

“Yes.” You thought back to Djir's bowed head in front of you as he apologized. Of his defense of your image in the hall. Of his offer to split for the night on his own recommendation. You rubbed your eyes. It was hard to think about going against him at this point.
“Is... It possible for someone to be 'too good?'”

“It is called 'killing with kindness.'” She offered instantly.
“Consider how easy it would be for you to make an objective decision when the one who you are negotiating against has made themselves far too likable? This is a common tactic in vying for support among politicians. 'Oh, I can not betray him, we are good friends.'” Jeane shrugged.
“It is so common at the Academy.”

“So I'm being tricked?”

“Not necessarily. It is manipulation, but if you believe that they are going to keep a good relationship with you it can be beneficial. In general, you can also be overthinking. It is after all simply natural to want to make favorable deals with those you trust or those you are friendly with, because those people are allowed more leeway than someone who dislikes you or is likely to hate you...”

You nodded slowly. “But, if I keep all that in mind I can actually take it into consideration.”

“Instead of being swayed by a friendly face.” Jeane offered a friendly smile.
“Maybe the friendship is worth making concessions? Maybe it IS a duplicitous attempt to score favorable terms. It is all up to you to be able to read that and make a decision.”

“Please!” Teuta called out.
“I can't take it!”

Jeane blink. “I... believe she is about to throw a temper tantrum. What do you think?”

“I think so.” You chuckled.
“Better head to bed.” You removed your robe and placed yourself on top of Teuta. She spread her legs instantly and gripped your shoulders. You remembered Djir's words about breeding and Concubines, then blushed. You still entered the priestess and began thrusting, but it was an odd way to conceptualize the relationship.
“What...” You panted as Jeane lay beside you both, readying herself.
“Do you two think about having kids?”

The two girls exchanged a surprised looked and returned their gaze to you bashfully. “W-what an odd, out of the blue question.” While Jeane pondered, Teuta chimed in between moans.

“I- I should avoid having kids. As such my womb is currently being protected by the power of Irisia.”

It was a faintly disappointing answer. “The goddess... Right. So you can't have kids at all?”

“I would have to leave the church and quit being a priestess.”

“Which would mean quitting... All of those things you do.” You wondered if she could handle that. Losing her religion and her ability to fuck around. She was far too horny. Since she said she was protected you grunted. You no longer had any reservations about  cumming inside of her. You pulled your cock free and moved to lay beside Jeane. Rather than fuck, you hugged her while Teuta turned over and cuddled you from behind.

Jeane felt compelled to answer. You saw her blush for the second time that day as she said. “I have no reservations about having children with the right person.” You smiled at her as she said that and pulled her into a gentle kiss.

“Is... There someone like that right now that you can think off.”

She bit her bottom lip. “P-perhaps.”

“Sorry...” You realized you were putting her in a tough spot.
“I'll stop teasing.”

She changed the subject as you pulled her into a tighter hug, simply laying with her. “Djir intends to take us to Garm, if I heard correctly. It is exciting to experience different cultures, but what is your plan?”

“What do you think?”

“Surely not everything is rosy in their empire. This is an unexpected opportunity to probe for weaknesses that Djir and the Gnolls in general have. It could be helpful in the future.” She wiggled closer into your spoon so that her butt was pressed into your crotch.

“Alternately...” You suggested.
“What if we simply allow ourselves to be guests. What if I am trying to 'kill him with kindness?'”

She did not seem to have anything against it. “So long as you know what you are doing.”