A general born to rule

the exploration

The train’s whistle echoed across the station as Marcus and his companions stepped onto the platform. The sleek locomotive gleamed in the afternoon sun, a testament to the United Kingdom of Yurista’s late-World War II-to-Cold War-era engineering.

As they boarded, Marcus sighed with relief. For once, Valdrianna and Elandra decided against using him as a makeshift chair. They strolled gracefully into the carriage, chatting amicably about the sights they’d seen at the port.

Marcus Finally Relaxes

Marcus settled into his seat with a groan of relief. He stretched out his legs, finally free from the weight of his two powerful lovers. Valdrianna took the seat beside him, her draconic features softened as she gazed out the window, marveling at the rolling hills and quaint villages.

Elandra sat across from them, resting her chin on her hand as she admired the scenery. “Yurista may not be as vast as our empires, but it has its charm,” she said, her tone thoughtful.

Valdrianna nodded. “It does. Though I still prefer the skies and the open seas, there’s something… serene about this place.”

Marcus smirked, taking a sip of water. “Glad to see you both enjoying the ride off my lap for once.”

Valdrianna gave him a teasing glance. “Don’t get too comfortable. The ride isn’t over yet.”

Sam’s Ordeal Continues

Meanwhile, Sam was less fortunate. His wives, still brimming with energy, dragged him down the narrow train aisle, their enthusiasm unrelenting.

“Sam, look at this compartment! It’s so vintage!” Alara exclaimed, her cat ears twitching as she peered into an old-fashioned cabin with plush seats.

“And this one has a coffee bar!” Aislin added, her tail wagging as she pulled him toward another section.

“Wait! I smell something sweet—there must be a dining car!” Seraphine chirped, already tugging him in a different direction.

Sam, thoroughly worn out, stumbled after them, grumbling. “I just want to sit down. Is that too much to ask?”

Reuniting with Marcus

Eventually, the three energetic demi-humans found their way to Marcus’s compartment, dragging a beleaguered Sam behind them. They shoved him into the seat beside Marcus, who raised an eyebrow.

“Rough day?” Marcus asked, clearly amused.

Sam slumped against the seat, muttering, “If I smell another market stall or hear about ‘how vintage’ something is, I’m jumping off this train.”

Valdrianna chuckled. “You poor thing. At least you’re not carrying dragonkin royalty on your lap.”

Sam shot her a tired glare. “Small mercies.”

Lunch is Served

The train began to move, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against the tracks filling the carriage. A waitress soon arrived with their lunch, balancing trays laden with Yurista specialties—roast meats, fresh bread, and steaming bowls of vegetable soup.

“Lunch is served,” the waitress said cheerfully, setting the trays down.

Alara immediately perked up, her eyes sparkling as she sniffed the air. “Fish! And it’s fresh!”

Aislin wagged her tail, leaning forward. “And they’ve got roasted lamb! This smells amazing!”

Seraphine took a slice of bread, slathering it with butter. “Finally, food I don’t have to hunt for.”