Framed by the constant shine of the fire ruby, Spike sat in a circle with his four lovers while they studied under Rarity. Her body was still swollen from her recent pregnancy, and Sweetie Belle likewise started to balloon up, with her already sizable breasts filling out even further. They sat naked on a blanket that covered the cavern floor, Ember and Smolder who were still in their humanoid forms seated across from them while they poured over the scrolls that were passed around.

It was slow and tedious work. Smolder's mind particularly wandered and would often complain, “What use is reading to a dragon, anyhow? Aren't we supposed to simply take what we want by brute force?”

“That's why our civilization's been so stagnant,” replied Ember who'd taken to it quicker; Spike suspected it was because she was competing with Rarity who still ran circles around her. “Humans have to be inventive to keep up with creatures like us!”

“Yeah, yeah...” Smolder stared down at her scroll, smoke spilling out of her flaring nostrils from the temptation to simply reduce it to ash. Instead, she wandered over to the cluster of Rarity's eggs nearby and pressed them to her bosom.

“Thank you for all your help,” said Rarity who rolled up her scroll and removed a pair of glasses she'd found within Spike's treasury. “Perhaps we should take a break. We have been at this for well over an hour.”

“Thank goodness!” Sweetie tossed her scroll aside and added, “Uh, I mean I could use something to eat.” She stared down at her reshaping physique, experimentally running palms over her udders which tingled at her touch. The nipples had also widened, like Rarity's nearly eclipsing the pliable flesh, the soft pink darkening to a purple that stood out amidst the pale, vein-lined orbs. At her touch she cooed low with a blush, droplets of milk beading on her areola and leaking down.

“Admit it, you just want to have fun, too!” Smolder laughed with a small flutter of her leather wings.

“Hey, why not? It does get boring cramped up in here,” replied Sweetie rather defensively. “At least now that you two are with us, we can explore the fields outside whenever Spike's away on one of his hunts!”

“Speaking of which...father, I mean, the Dragon Lord has summoned us back, Smolder. And he wishes to meet with Spike,” said Ember who crossed her arms with a pensive flick of her tail. “He wants to see the male who'd dare try and lay claim to me.”

Spike gulped and asked, “How did he find us? Pretty sure we're well tucked away here...”

“Oh, he has ways. Creatures everywhere spy for him. It's not like most are brave enough to say no to him,” explained Ember who rubbed her gem-embedded choker. “Not to mention all the treasures he's claimed or been gifted by his subjects. All kinds of magical artifacts, some of which he's learned to work, including one I believe he constantly uses to survey the lands.”

“He sounds scary,” murmured Spike who nervously scratched the rock below.

“He is. But don't worry. Smolder and I will advocate for you. Besides, he'll probably be far more pissed we've taken 'lowly' human forms, so we'll bear the brunt of his wrath...hopefully.” Ember placed a clawed hand upon his scales.

Smolder grinned and jutted out her breasts with an arc of her back. “Be honest. We were worth it, weren't we?”

“Oh yeah.” He drank in the sight of their nude shapes, their curves exaggerated under the soft glow that filled the caves. With the intense lovemaking he'd been doing with them it was certain they would swell with child soon too; much like Rarity's they would surely also end up encased in protective shells to be delivered. His heart swelled with pride at all their hard work.

Rarity asked, “When must you leave?”

“The sooner the better. The Dragon Lord isn't known for patience...or mercy,” noted Ember with a sigh.

“No worries, we'll take responsibility!” Smolder punctuated her bold proclamation with a fist pump. “We can just claim we seduced you, and your dragon instincts kicked in! It's not our fault most male dragons back home totally suck!”

“I wonder if he'll listen,” whispered Ember with a shake of her head.

Spike drew his human lovers into his arms. “Rarity, Sweetie Belle, I'll have to leave for quite sometime. I dunno when I'll be back.” He drew his wingspan around them. “Nor do I know what sort of punishments he'll have in store for me.”

Rarity's eyes watered when she cupped his snout. “Do whatever you must. I know we'll always be in your heart.”

Sweetie asked, “But what if he wants him to mate with another dragon or something?”

“What matters is that he eventually returns to us unharmed. For that, I could endure anything.” She and Sweetie laid their cheeks upon his chest. He held them there for quite some time, in attempt to somehow delay the inevitable. But he couldn't cower; if they were to be his mates he needed to face this Dragon Lord and argue his worthiness to claim them as his alone.

After he made certain Rarity and Sweetie had enough dried goods to last them quite a while, he bid them a final farewell at the mouth of his lair. They covered him in kisses, both openly moved to tears, and he shed a few of his own despite the presence of Ember and Smolder. After that he shot off, flying in formation behind the pair who led him towards the Dragon Lands.

His heart raced while the sky whipped by. Despite the amazing view of them from behind, their skin rippling under the winds while they twirled and looped with a laugh, he couldn't quite bring himself to be so carefree.

All kinds of wild scenarios raced through his mind; imprisonment or execution at the Dragon Lord's claws. Humans discovering his lair while he was away.

No, I can't think of such things! Rarity and Sweetie are sharp and resourceful. They'll be fine, I'm sure.

*****

A couple days passed before the trio arrived. The Dragon Lands were centered in a place humans were unable to tame; but what to mankind appeared hellish was paradise to the beasts he made their homes within a mountain range that connected to an active volcano. It roared on occasion, constantly spat black-and-gray clouds, and filled a blood red sky with ash.

Molten lava flowed through the crags like a river. Heat waves made the atmosphere roll before their eyes, and the dragons turned there way when they touched down, eyes locked on Ember's and Smolder's human female forms which dared invade their sanctuary. Spike landed behind them, muscles tensed and ready to fight tooth-and-claw if necessary to prove his worth.

The area shook. The drakes parted. With each step the Dragon Lord made his presence known; a creature so ancient and massive he could likely annihilate the planet by his lonesome. The behemoth's mass swallowed the Dragon Lands in shadow, eclipsed the sun blazing above, his snout drawn into a snarl while he lazily stalked in to make his entrance.

Part of his entourage arrived with him; a couple dozen concubines in his harem, symbols he proudly displayed to show his status as supreme ruler above them all. More were safely tucked away in his volcanic lair, impregnated with more of his spawn. “Welcome home, Ember, Smolder.” The land shook under his voice. “I see you've taken...lowly wench guises.”

Ember boldly flew forward and seized the Bloodstone Scepter, the symbol of his power, from one of his lovers which held it for him. “That we have. We wanted to see how humans lived, and what we might be able to learn from them.”

He settled his bulk before him. “I see. And it would appear Spike wishes to lay claim over you and Smolder?”

Smolder stepped forward and bowed. “That's so, my Lord. We came to him since he seemed worthy. He might not be the strongest dragon, not by some distance I'll admit, but he's sharper than most males around here!”

The Dragon Lord observed him. “But he must be brave, too. Must he hide behind his women?”

Taking a deep breath, Spike readjusted his posture, and raised his head high while he proudly marched to meet him. He didn't allow his gaze to waver in the overwhelming presence of the Dragon Lord; yet couldn't help but tremble before him, all instincts screaming at him to flee this predator before he swiftly and brutally ended him. “No, my Lord. I want to prove myself.”

“Perhaps a test, then.” The Dragon Lord scratched his chin while he considered, his entourage fawning over him all the while.

Ember cradled the Bloodstone Scepter to her bosom. “Like when I claimed this?”

“No, I have something much better in mind. Spike must learn much about our culture. Living with humans has obviously made him soft. But we can harden him and bring out that inner steel, despite his scant stature.” The Dragon Lord slammed a claw into the earth, tearing up the rocks as he drew a crude map of the lands. “This is our territory.” He pointed.

“And these are regions claimed by humans. But notice there are others mastered by smaller races. Many of whom have allied with me. But some frustratingly refuse to fall in line and I'd rather not resort to brute force if unnecessary. Of course we could easily crush all resistance...but a protracted war wouldn't be good for any of us, and would draw the attention of mankind.”

Smolder nodded. “They always interfere. I can't count the number of eggs they've crushed and tried to steal...”

“None have ever dared venture past the borders of the Dragon Lands though,” explained Ember who cradled the symbol of their power. “Actually, I'm pretty sure only their largest civilizations are even aware we reside here.”

Spike asked, “What must I do?”

The Dragon Lord drew a circle around a wide stretch of verdant forest. “A capricious, would-be ally makes his home here. If you're able to convince him to ally with us, Ember and Smolder will be yours. Fail, and you shall feel the brunt of my wrath!”

Ember stepped forward. “Father, that's far too much to ask for a first mission-”

“Silence,” he roared and everyone in attendance instinctively cowered. The sound carried over the land which quivered, and lava sloshed onto the banks, hardening into place with a hiss. In attempt to appease him a number of his concubines rubbed themselves upon his muscular mass, but he paid them no heed, his eyes burning with subsumed rage. “This is your punishment, too. Your under Spike's watch now. He'll use you as he wishes to complete his task, and show why he should be your alpha.”

Reluctantly Ember and Smolder lowered themselves next to Spike. Not that they minded their position so much as they bristled at the Dragon Lord's demands. Yet even united they were well aware the three of them were no match for him.

“I'll do it,” swore Spike before those assembled with a fist smacked to his chest. “I'll prove what I'm capable of!”

“Remember,” added the Dragon Lord. “This alliance must come through by any means necessary.” With that he turned, spread his wings, and bowled over several closest to him while he took flight.

His harem struggled to keep up with him, and other drakes and wyverns parted to let him pass unimpeded, as relative calmness returned to this tumultuous territory.

Taking a moment to let it all sink in, Spike released a breath he'd held up to this point in attempt to stifle his quivers. Ember and Smolder embraced him, the former leaving after to return the Bloodstone Scepter to its rightful place until it was needed again.

He focused on the crude map, wondering what could possibly await him, and how he'd be able to enact his claims.

Sorry Rarity, Sweetie. Looks like I won't be home anytime soon. But maybe...

His mind raced with how to play this. The rest of them were the smart ones; he usually let Rarity make the big decisions. “Smolder? I'll need someone to guide me, and Ember probably knows the lands better than you, so...will you do me a favor?”

With her arms crossed Smolder shrugged. “Sure, not like I have a choice.”

“It's very important. I want someone to look after Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and our eggs. You seem like a natural,” he added.

“You sayin' I'm soft? Well...” Her cheeks flushed. “They are nice and warm...”

Ember nodded. “That seems like the best arrangement for all of us. You could look after the home while we're away. If anything, he's entrusted you with his most important treasures; his lovers, his lair, his offspring. I'll simply be a guide.”

“When you put it that way...” Smolder grinned. “Okay, I'll do it! But you two better kick butt for me if a brawl happens!”

“Count on it,” answered Ember who embraced her while they traded a soft kiss. “Hopefully we'll see you soon.”

Hurtling skyward, the threesome momentarily framed the blazing sun. Eventually Smolder was forced to part with a final wave, bound homeward while Ember led Spike in another direction; to an untamed wilderness far off where he'd never ventured. He'd no clue what awaited him, and the Princess was only able to share a few details, the area also rather alien to her.

It would be another couple days of travel. They craggy terrain soon gave way to fields while they sailed for hours, then the edge of the forest started to peek into view, as the sun lowered and the moon rose.

They would stop to rest only when absolutely necessary to save time, the mission paramount; nor did he wish to be away from his loves more than required.

It was almost romantic, flying beside Ember under a curtain of darkness while clouds crawled overhead. She linked her claw with his, sharing their warmth while they smiled.

It was only the dread of what might await them that stifled this notion...

Author's Note

Forgive the lack of sex in this set up.