"Ah, so you grant us time to hone our claws in anticipation of these new adversaries? Are you quite certain it's wise to leave me to my own devices?" queried the Viceroy.
"I'm not leaving you alone since we are both sharing quarters. You are free to walk about as everyone here is weaker than me and I know that you won't randomly kill people who you deem 'unworthy of your blade'."
The blonde looked confused for a moment before chuckling softly. He then nodded before leaning toward the dragoness to cup her left cheek gently.
"Then I will promise you that I will be tamed for these few days. But of course, you better make up for it before my patience wears thin."
Matt's eyes quickly flashed bright green with fury as he reached out to grab the Viceroy's outstretched wrist.
"Stop touching her as if she's your pet."
"She's my trophy."
"Enough," snapped the dragoness turning her head away from Zenos's hand.
"If you three have concluded whatever it is you were preoccupying yourselves with, then do follow me to your temporary quarters," chimed Venom, appearing and leaning against the doorway.
As the group ascended to the upper floors of the tower, Matt couldn't help but notice how the atmosphere shifted; the air grew quieter and the surroundings more opulent. The rooms were larger and adorned with lavish furnishings that spoke of wealth and comfort.
When they arrived at a particularly spacious room stocked with everything one might need for a lifetime, Venom gestured for Mattheos to step inside.
"These shall serve as your quarters for the time being. You will find everything you require at your disposal—save for food and drink, of course. Do make a point not to destroy anything, if you would be so kind." instructed Venom, as Matt went to sit on the chair.
"I won't."
After passing several doors, Venom came to a stop before a pair that swung open to reveal an expansive room featuring a grand purple canopy bed, elegantly draped with translucent curtains and surrounded by soft pillows.
Two dark oak desks with matching chairs flanked the space, and at the back of the room stood a bath. Though it wasn't as large as the one in the Arcadia, it was still ample enough for a couple to comfortably fit.
The thought of that last part made the poor dragoness blush, even as Venom continued to outline his next steps in the search for his missing teams.
"I shall see you tomorrow evening to discuss our findings. Until then, do try to prevent the Northern Cartel from encroaching upon my territory, if you would be so kind."
With that, the most exhausting day of the month had finally come to a close for the weary dragoness. She flopped onto the massive bed, letting out a long, frustrated groan. So utterly drained, she barely noticed the two large hands that began to creep toward her sides...
"What are you doing?" asked Mavislin's muffled voice, not bothering to turn.
"Calm yourself, my dear. I merely wish to relieve your tension. Ever since you beheld the bodies of your fallen comrades, your scent has become... rather troubling."
"You're far more tense now than you were when we confronted the Twilight Twins," purred Zenos as he dipped down to her left ear.
"And since when do you call me dear?!"
The Viceroy cracked his knuckles before gently yet firmly easing the knots from the dragoness's back and shoulders. She let out a long, contented sigh, followed by a small moan when his hands accidentally brushed against the base of her tail.
Fortunately, Zenos paid no mind to her reaction, concentrating instead on relieving the tension from her muscles.
"Yes because I have you and the rabbit to take care of. It's not easy dealing with everything... And by the gods, your hands are working wonders so don't stop..." pleaded the girl as her tail shivered in pleasure.
"I had no such intent," murmured the prideful Viceroy, a faint smirk tugging at his lip.
When he finally withdrew, the dragoness was left breathless, flustered, yet cocooned in an undeniable relief. Zenos slid off her back to sit on the edge of the bed, granting her the space to turn and meet his gaze.
Closing her eyes briefly, Mavislin gathered her thoughts, a daring idea crystallizing within her. With the boldness of heroes from the Seat of Valor, she leaned forward, gently gripping the Viceroy's collar to bring him down to her level, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
The blonde remained motionless, allowing her gesture with an almost statuesque stillness. Yet, as she pulled away, he seized his moment, twisting his body and pressing her back down onto the bed, drawing a startled yelp from her lips.