Spike laid in his bed though he could hardly sleep. His mind was littered with anxiety. After all, just yesterday, he agreed to aid Queen Samira and her people… by breeding them a new generation. Samira was kind enough to give him at least a day before his “task” begins. This might be the last time he will get a peaceful rest of any kind.

Granted it took quite a bit of convincing, Spike knew he didn’t have a whole lot of options. He had no means of leaving the Zenthian Kingdom, safely anyway, no magical means of sending a letter to his friends and unless he cooperated, he would be effectively a prisoner in every sense of the word. So, playing along was the best strategy he had. Still, that meant he had to breed with who knows how many jackal ladies until Samira is satisfied. That thought alone made Spike start to sweat.

It didn’t help that Spike didn’t exactly have much experience in this kind of field. He never even had a marefriend before, even though he did wish to have one. However, secretly, a certain someone did teach him how to “please” a lady. So now those lessons may help to at least keep up… and not die of exhaustion.

“How am I going to get through this?” Spike kept asking himself. “And my first night is with Samira herself?”

Spike couldn’t deny that the Zenthian Queen was a gorgeous lady, sexiness defined and purly exotic but he never thought that he would be in the same bed with such a female. Not to mention, she was indeed older and clearly more experienced in the sack than he was, so the fear of disappointing a woman, a Queen for crying out loud, in the bedroom weighed heavily on him. Still, at the same time, she was looking for his… dragon seed and not a new lover. That thought brought something of a stab in his gut. He was being used. Nothing more.

This brought forth a feeling Spike was familiar with. Sadness caused by his usefulness. One of his deepest fears is being discarded after becoming no longer needed. Of being abandoned. Sure the zenthian jackals were being hospitable towards him and made no secret of his importance but once they got what they needed, what would become of him? Further, if his seed did bring forth a new generation, would he be allowed to see the children he helped bring forth? Another thought brought another source of fear, would his friends back in Equestria understand his reasons for agreeing to cooperate with the Zenthian jackals? His mother would no doubt be furious with his kidnapping, might even be enough to declare war and he didn’t want such a conflict to occur over him.

These thoughts continued to plague him but were soon interrupted by a knock on his door.

“Excuse me Sir Spike? Are you awake?” A servant spoke, being courteous as to not disturb his slumber. Not that he gained much.

“Y-Yes! You may come in.” Spike answered, trying to not sound too sleepy.

The servant entered his room and she appeared well dressed, similar to the various attendees he often found in the Canterlot Castle, only she appeared more lavish instead of the professional sense the ponies often exuded in the castle back in Equestria.

“I hope you had a good night’s sleep Sir Spike. Her Majesty, Queen Samira, is awaiting you in the dining hall for breakfast.” The servant delivered her message. “You have a big day awaiting you.”

“Y-Yeah… I know.” Spike spoke nervously. “Thank you. Tell Queen Samira I’ll be down soon.”

“As you wish.” The servant bowed with a smile and took her leave.

Spike couldn’t help but notice that the servant left with a sway to her hips as she left his room. Almost as if she was enticing him.

“Oh boy...” Spiked sighed. “This is really happening. I haven’t even started and they are all already trying to flirt with me.”

Spike nonetheless got out of bed and got himself ready for the day. A day he won’t be forgetting any time soon. The bathroom still surprised him on how luxurious it was but still washed up. Samira was kind enough to give him some extra clothes but they weren’t much different from the pair that was first given to him.

After getting dressed, Spike headed out of his room and like before, guards were standing outside.

“This is going to be a regular thing isn’t it?” Spike said aloud.

“Her majesty insists.” One guard curtly replied.

“Of course.” Spike sighed as the guards led him towards Samira for breakfast.

“Are you sure Spike agreed to stay and help us?!” Aziza asked her aunt at the massive table filled to the brim with food. The nobles at Canterlot would be jealous and Pinkie Pie would be proud of how much food was available.

“For the fifth time Aziza, YES!” Samira spoke to her niece, exasperated.

Aziza could only smile dreamily, having confirmed that her latest crush is staying in Zenthia.

Sera, who was joining them for breakfast, could only roll her eyes at her lovestrucked princess before turning to her queen, "Samira, there's been something I've neglected to ask yesterday."

"And that is…?" The jackal queen asked with a raised eyebrow.

“When Spike completes his... task, what do you plan to do with him after that? Are you going to send him home?” She asked.

Samira gave a mildly shocked look, albeit a brief one. Of all the bold questions her old friend has asked over the years, this one has to be the most bold, “Maybe…”

Sera raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean ‘maybe’? You're not planning on doing away with him are you?!”

Samira slams her fists on the table, frightening both Sera and Aziza “Listen and listen well old friend, I am not my mother! I would never do something as horrid as disposing of him!”

“Then what do you plan on doing with him afterwards?” Sera shot back.

“To make him… my king.” She answered.

This caused Sera to drop her fork and Aziza to spit out the milk she was drinking.

“You… can’t be serious.” Sera spoke but that was all she could say.

“I’ll admit… I was thinking about making him the ‘Royal Consort’ after his task is finished but after getting to know him a bit more, I think him being my king fits him more perfectly.” Samira replied.

“You know that decision won’t sit well with the nobles.” Sera responded. “Regardless of his role in saving our kingdom and people.”

“Perhaps but I will not let them control or criticize my every decision.” Samira spoke with some slight irritation in her tone.

“Isn’t that their job?” Aziza asked.

Samira, who wanted to retort, and Sera, who wanted to clarify, looked at each other but the princess had a slight point.

“Sometimes…” Sera answered. “Even so, Samira, you’ve only met him for what, a day? And now you are considering making him king?”

“Maybe. He is a prince after all.” Samira responded with a key detail.

“That’s beside the point!” Sera shouted. “Before you decide to add a monarch to our kingdom, perhaps you should assure Spike that once his task is complete he is not going to be discarded like some cheap harlot or a used toy!”

Samira snarled at this, memories of her predecessor and mother began to flood their way back into her thoughts. It took all of Samira’s self-control to prevent herself from flipping the table and storming off. Still, all the markings on her body began to light up ominously and her grip on the table led to claw marks and cracks to form.

Aziza was a little scared of her aunt when seeing her like this. Any time her grandmother was talked about, even her very name being mentioned, angered Samira considerably. Aziza herself didn’t know much about her grandmother as her aunt and her own parents refrained in talking about the former queen of Zenthia. She knew better than to ask Samira herself as she didn’t want to be kicked out of the palace, confined to her room for who knows how long or be sent to the sandy wastes outside of the oasis. All in all, Aziza understood that her grandmother was not a great queen or a good person.

All of their thoughts were interrupted when the doors opened, revealing Spike entering for breakfast. Aziza especially perked up upon seeing her dream crush.

“Spike! It’s great to see you again!” Aziza rushed over to meet with the young dragon.

“Uh, hi Princess Aziza.” Spike nervously welcomed Aziza.

“Oh please, you can just call me Aziza.” Aziza happily encouraged Spike. “After all… we are going to be very good friends during your stay here.”

Aziza then leaned into Spike’s personal space, tracing her perfectly manicured nails around his chest and leaning her head onto his shoulder. Spike quickly started to sweat from how strong Aziza was getting. He wasn’t sure if he was going to get used to that.

“AZIZA!!” Samira screamed at her niece, rushing over to the lovestruck princess.

“OW! Auntie! Not Agai-OW!” Aziza shouted as she was dragged by the ears once again.

“I swear to Netuna young lady, do I have to put you on a leash?!” Samira spoke as she dragged her niece back to her seat at the table.

“Now there’s an idea I would be completely alright with.” Sera commented with an impish smile which earned her an unamused scowl from Aziza as she rubbed her sore ears.

Spike was somewhat relieved to have Aziza out of his personal space, but he couldn’t help but smile at the antics between the three ladies which reminds him of the girls back at home.

“(Ahem) Good morning, Spike, I hoped you slept well.” Samira spoke as she composed herself. She wouldn’t admit it, but she felt a pang of jealousy when Aziza got that close to Spike.

“I... uh, got some sleep... heh,” Spike remained nervous. “I spent most of the night thinking about… all this.”

“I know it's a lot to take in, but I am certain you will grow more comfortable here.” Samira gave him a sympathetic smile, trying to reassure her special guest. “Why don’t we start with a nice breakfast?”

“I guess that would be a good start.” Spike admitted. “Haven’t eaten since I was brought here. Do you have any gems?”

Samira actually raised an eyebrow at that. “Umm… Not for eating I’m afraid.”

Spike couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed, but he was used to it since he lived with ponies for so long that having gems to eat was a very rare treat. As a result, Spike was able to hide his disappointment very well.

"However, we do have pork steaks with a side of hash browns." Samira said.

Spike perked up from this. "Really?" He asked.

"Of course, have you not had meat before?" The jackal queen asked.

"I did but when you live with ponies, It's usually far and in between." This was true. It's been so long since he had actual meat and the only time he did was when he visited either the Dragonlands to see Ember or Griffonstone to see Gabby. Granted, living with a race of herbivores can do that to you.

Aziza was surprised by this, "So the ponies don't feed you properly then?!" She said disdainfully.

"AZIZA!!! Mind your tongue!" Sera yelled.

"Sorry…" The jackal princess grumbled.

"Though, I do have to ask." Spike spoke up as a thought crossed his mind. One that made him nervous, "This meat…did come from a feral creature?"

All three jackals were shocked at this.

"Of course, it is." Samira assured him, "We may be carnivores but we're not cannibals."

"Okay good." Spike said with a sigh of relief. He absolutely refuses to eat meat that came from creatures that were fully or partially sentient.

As Spike made his way towards the table, Aziza saw this as an opportunity to get to know the drake a little more, "So Spike, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself."

“Well… where do you want me to start?” He said as he started cutting up his pork steak.

“How about telling us how you ended up in a kingdom of ponies instead of being amongst your own kind for starters.” Samira suggested.

"Oh well…. It’s kinda a long story but the short version is when I was still an egg, ponies found me and brought me to Canterlot.” Spike began, he never really had to tell his life story before. “Ponies from Celestia’s academy studied me, see if I would hatch but for some reason, nothing happened.”

"They experimented on you!” Aziza shouted in shocked surprise. “When you were still just an egg! How cruel!”

“Aziza!” Samira and Sera yelled at the princess, reminding her to watch her tone.

“No! It was nothing like that.” Spike elaborated. “Granted ponies don’t know a whole lot of dragons. Most are just too scared to even try to observe them.”

“Not surprising.” Samira commented. “Anyway, continue.”

“Right, so after I was brought to Celestia’s school, Twilight was still just a filly when she tried the entrance exams.” Spike went on. “Her test was to hatch my egg and after a burst of magic, she succeeded. And that was how I came into the world.”

“Fascinating.” Sera spoke, finding the tale interesting. “And the ponies just took you in?”

“Yeah. I was mostly raised by Twilight and her family.” Spike added before taking a bite from the luxury breakfast meal given to him and it was delicious. “Hmm. This is great. Probably the best breakfast I had in a while.”

“Thank you Spike.” Samira replied with a smile. “Though I am curious about a little detail…”

“What’s that?” Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.

“When we were investigating you as our chosen breeder, our reports said that you were a member of the royal family.” Samira revealed. “And yet, you said you were mostly raised by this Twilight and her family?”

Spike almost choked on his food and his eyes widened a bit. Few really knew that Celestia formally adopted him after he was hatched and while she loved him as her own very much, her duties as princess and ruler made it difficult for her to actually raise him herself. So, she had Twilight and her family take custody of him when he was very small. Still, she made every effort to make time for the two of them to spend time together and be family. Even some of his friends in Ponyville didn’t know about him being Celestia’s adopted son and thereby making him a member of the Royal Family. Spike had to give Samira credit; she had done her research.

“H-How do you know that?” Spike asked warily.

Samira couldn’t help but give a smug grin. “Well, if I am choosing who is going to be the breeding savior of my kingdom, I have to make sure I have all of the information of the candidates. I’m nothing if not thorough.”

“Heh heh…” Spike could only give a nervous chuckle.

“So… you are a prince, aren’t you?” Aziza entered the conversation.

“Well… technically yes but I honestly don’t like the title.” Spike admitted.

“Really?” All three jackal ladies spoke in surprise.

“I know it sounds a little odd, but most ponies find a dragon in a pony town a little strange to begin with.” Spike explained. “Can you imagine how they would feel about one being a member of the royal family?”

The three jackal ladies each gave one another a look of understanding.

“Besides, I wanted to be treated as me, not as a member of royalty.” Spike finished.

Hearing this, Aziza’s eyes widened a bit. She wanted to scream that she understood the feeling but with her aunt and advisor sitting with them, there was no way she could say that. Not without getting yelled at.

“I suppose I can understand that reasoning.” Samira spoke. “Though it was kind of the ponies to raise you, I find it distasteful that they didn’t officially accept you.”

“Well…” Spike wanted to rebuke this but even he had to admit that the ponies, besides his friends and those in Ponyville, treated him differently. “It was mainly the ponies of Canterlot that acted like that. Those in Ponyville treated me better.”

“Hmm.” Samira wanted to retort on that. Her people have seen and experienced the worst of what the ponies could do. It was clear to the Zenthian Queen that her chosen breeder and soon to be king had only experienced a very small fraction of that. “Tell me something Spike. Do you think the ponies wouldn’t treat you so nicely if you weren’t under the guardianship of Twilight and the Royal Family?”

Spike froze a bit after hearing that question. He never actually gave much thought to such a thing. Twilight’s family and Celestia had raised him well, with love and care, as one of their own. But that was the thing, they raised him almost like a pony, mostly ignoring the fact that he was a dragon. It was only after his “self-discovery” quest and the Dragon Gauntlet years ago did he gain a semblance of his dragon identity and while his friends accepted him for who he was, he never gave much thought as to how ponies in general would view him. He does know that ponies do tend to get scared easily with things that they don’t fully understand or with something much larger and more dangerous than themselves. As a result, the thought of not being raised by Celestia, Twilight and her family and being treated like something to be afraid of, much like how Zecora was treated when she first came to Ponyville, made Spike quite sad.

“I… honestly never really thought about it.” Spike admitted. “But… after how everyone was afraid of a newcomer, who was a zebra, I guess I would probably be sharing the same kind of treatment.”

“Indeed.” Samira spoke, absentmindedly eating her own breakfast. “Your pony friends likely shielded you from the harsher aspects of their society. I understand the reasoning, but I feel that they raised you as a pony and not as a dragon.”

“Well, that part I understood, and they realized that as well, but Twilight has always been… overprotective of me and so I guess she feared that if I had fully accepted the dragon in me, she might have feared that she wouldn’t have her oldest friend anymore.” Spike partially agreed with what Samira spoke but disagreed that there was anything malicious in the ponies raising him.

“This Twilight almost sounds possessive of you.” Aziza jumped into the conversation.

“Eh… She can be overprotective like I said.” Spike spoke. “But I think I’m her oldest friend and practically her little brother, she just doesn’t want anything bad happening to me. She can have quite the panic attacks.”

“I suppose that’s why you were so adamant in sending a letter.” Samira spoke, hiding her resentment for Spike’s “big sister”, finding her fear for Spike’s wellbeing to be unfounded and borderline childishly paranoid.

“More or less.” Spike spoke. “Having grown up with Twilight and trying to handle her more eccentric tendencies, you try to alleviate them in any way you can.”

“Understandable.” Samira agreed but thought of something different. ‘Though hopefully after our night together, you will not have to do so again.’

After a while, the four finish their breakfast. Spike then gets up and says, “Well I appreciate you gals for inviting me for breakfast. Guess I’ll just head back to my room then.”

“Wait Spike!” Samira said as an idea popped in her head, “Why don’t you have a tour around our palace? I think it would be a good idea to know your surroundings since you will… be here for a while.”

Spike thought about that for a second. Samira did have a point about that, especially if he’s gonna be here for Faust knows how long, “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” He replied and Samira smiled at this.

“I volunteer to be his guide!” Aziza yelled happily, shooting up from her seat.

“I don’t think so young lady.” Samira said with narrowed eyes.

“WHAT!? But why?” The jackal princess whined.

“I had a little chat with your tutors before breakfast not too long ago. You’ve been flunking on your studies. Again!” Samaria replied.

“That is not true!” Aziza defended herself.

“Oh really,” Samira began with crossed arms, “Tell me then Aziza, Aeyar is the god of what?”

Aziza started to get nervous, “Er… culinary arts?” She answered sheepishly, lowering her ears a little. Samira stares at her with an unamused glare and Sera just facepalms while shaking her head.

With a sigh, Samira said, “Well that settles it then. Sera, you know what to do.”

“That I do, old friend. Come along young lady.” The countess said as she got up and grabbed Aziza by the ear.

“OW! HEY!” Aziza protested. “Do we-OW-have to do this-OW-EVERY TIME?!”

“You're way behind on your studies Missy and I attend to fix that.” Sera said as she dragged Aziza away, much to the jackal princess’ chagrin.

“Does that happen a lot?” Spike couldn’t help but ask.

“More than you think.” Samira admitted with a sigh. “But enough about that, why don’t we start with your tour?”

Samira then wrapped her arm around Spike’s leading him away from the dining hall and onto his tour of the palace. Spike couldn’t help but blush greatly as the queen became so close to his personal space, her right breast pressed right against his head and shoulder. His arm also pressed against her exposed belly, having gotten a good feel he noticed how soft and smooth it was with a bit of meat built into it. He couldn’t help but forget that Samira was about two or three heads taller than him, so he was naturally close in proximity to her prominent bust and her dress almost completely exposed it. He could feel how soft her breast was just from how she pressed her form onto his own. Blood was rushing quickly down to the place these ladies wanted most.

‘Calm down! Calm down! DOWN DOWN!’ Spike mentally screamed to his ‘little serpent’, trying not to get hard as best he could but Samira was not making it easy. All he could do to avoid the exposure was to focus on the tour.

Samira smirked on how effective her figure and choice of clothing had on Spike. She found his desperate efforts to hide his arousal so amusing and cute. Samira couldn’t wait until tonight to finally begin the long awaited mating but she restrained herself. As such, Samira proceeded to guide Spike through her palace.

Spike walked through numerous hallways and saw quite a few interesting rooms. One was what looked like an observatory, with a massive telescope that outclassed the one Twilight used to have. Next door was one of the largest libraries Spike had ever seen. There were ailes of books everywhere Spike could see. Not just books but scrolls, manuscripts, maps, charts and what looked like stone tablets.

“...Wow.” Was all Spike could say.

“Impressed with our little archive?” Samira asked sardonically.

“Little?!” Spike was aghast at her choice of words. “This is one of the biggest collections of books and knowledge I have ever seen.”

“Thank you Spike.” Samira spoke with pride in her voice. “My people value knowledge greatly and so we update and maintain our centers of learning with great seriousness.”

“I believe you.” Spike replied, still awed at the immense number of books before him. “This place would be absolute heaven to Twilight. It’s even bigger than the library in Canterlot.”

“Really?” Samira couldn’t help but feel a sense of a smug victory after hearing that the ponies' library in their very own capital couldn’t match her own palaces’. “Well, if you are ever interested in reading our collection of books, you are welcome to at any time.”

“Thank you Samira.” Spike gratefully replied even though he isn’t much of a bookworm like Twilight, reading something from a long lost kingdom would no doubt be interesting but something else caught his mind. “You know, would it be possible if you could lessen the amount of guards that follow me around?”

Samira frowned a bit when Spike asked that security be lighter whenever he left his quarters. She wanted to ensure his safety.

“I will… take that under advisement Spike but for now I must ask for understanding on this matter.” Samira tried to gather the right words for this explanation.

“Understanding?” Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Listen Spike, you are, for all intents and purposes, the savior of our people and kingdom.” Samira reminded him. “And those guards are there to protect you from those who wish to take advantage of that.”

“Take advantage?” Spike repeated but then a thought made him realize. “You mean…”

“Yes. Some of the women in this kingdom are desperate for children and are willing to go to great lengths to have them.” Samira explained with a serious yet sad voice. “Your presence staying in the palace and under guard is to ensure such women don’t cross that line. Desperation and the feeling that the end is near, can cause people to do… questionable things.”

Spike took a deep thought about this. He knew Samira’s people were desperate but he didn’t think they would go that far.

“Alright… but can there not be so many?” Spike asked, trying to reach a compromise.

“I… suppose but again Spike, this is for your safety.” Samira answered.

“I understand that but I don’t want to feel imprisoned here.” Spiked, pleading his case. “If I am to help you and your people, I would at least like to feel comfortable, not hovered over.”

Now it was Samira’s turn to make a deep thought. She may have Spike’s cooperation but she needed to maintain it and that meant making concessions and compromises with him. As a leader, Samira knew she had to make such decisions, she couldn’t just do what she wanted, when she wanted. That was the policy of her predecessor.

“Alright, I’ll lessen the amount of guards that protect you.” Samira consigned which made Spike smile a bit. “However, the guards that protect your quarters remain.”

Spike thought about this and found it fair. At least he now didn’t have so many guards hovering over him.

“I guess that’s fair.” Spike said with a shrug. “Why don’t we continue with the tour?”

“Yes, let’s.” Samira perked up. “We better hurry before Aziza comes in, her lessons are usually in the library and when she sees you, she’ll drop everything. Both figuratively and literally.”

Spike couldn’t help but give a chuckle. He’s still not used to being an object of such affections and adoration. Still, Samira re-grabbed Spike’s arm and led him towards another wing of the palace.

Their next stop was a grand hall filled with seven large statues.

“Whoa.” Spike said in amazement. “Who are these guys?”

“These are our gods.” Samira answered rather proudly.

Spike’s eyes widened a little at this. All his life, he grew up around ponies who worshiped Faust the Allmother. As time went by, he noticed other races who worshiped her in some shape or form. Except for the dragons that is.

“Who are they?” Spike asked, curious about their identities.

“As you can see, we have seven gods.” Samira spoke as she took Spike to each one. They stopped at the first statue which looked like a male jackal in a robe and holding what looked to be a large map in one hand and what looked like an astrology compass on the other. “We have Nabris, the god of oracles.”

The next statue looked like a fierce-looking female jackal covered in many scars while wearing armor similar to those worn by the palace guard and wielding a khopesh sword that was as big as her body. “Damera, the goddess of vengeance and retribution.”

The next statue depicted a muscle bound male jackal covered head to toe in armor while holding a spear in one hand and a shield in another. “Marus, the god of battles.”

The next statue showed another robed male jackal except this one was holding an hourglass. “Xymor, the god of time.”

The next statue depicted a female jackal in a robe that looks blindfolded while holding a scale on her right hand and a scroll in her left. “Rydira, goddess of laws.”

The next statue showed a burly male jackal slamming on a piece of metal with a hammer on an anvil. “Aeyar, god of the forge.”

The last statue they stopped at wowed Spike the most as it was bigger than the other statues. It depicted a beautiful female jackal with a motherly smile. She was completely naked except for sapphire jewelry that looks like water which strategically covers up her naughty bits. “And last but not least, Netuna, the goddess of rain.”

“No Allmother Faust?” Spike asked. He had to be careful when it comes to a figure like Faust herself.

Samira became rigid upon hearing that name and couldn’t help but look away from Spike.

“Listen Spike,” Samira composed herself. “We respect Lady Faust a great deal but unlike most of the other creatures of the world, we don’t centurally worship her.”

Spike was surprised when he heard that. Most of the other kingdoms and creatures of the world revered Allmother Faust in some capacity. Only one other civilization didn’t. His own kind, the dragons.

“Surprised.” Samira spoke in a rather sarcastic tone.

“A little.” Spike admitted. “How come she isn’t worshipped?”

“The reasons vary but the most common reason is that unlike our gods, Allmother Faust didn’t interact with us.” Samira explained, but it was difficult to say the least. “True, we acknowledge Faust as a creator and mother goddess, she didn’t really know us or partook in our growth. Not like our other gods.”

“Strange.” Spike thought out loud. “Only the dragons don’t actively revere Allmother Faust.”

“Yes and that is something we respect.” Samira continued. “The other creatures and kingdoms were incensed that Faust wasn’t admitted into our pantheon or made its center. For that, they looked at us as if we were heretics or non-believers.”

“That’s… kinda harsh.” Spike admitted. He never really thought of the ponies as religiously zealous or anything but this was a behavior he never thought they could have.

“Though unlike with the dragons, ponies and other creatures were not really afraid of us.” Samira continued on but bitterness was laced with every word. “We were forced into the deserts upon which we now live and now we have largely been forgotten by the outside world.”

“I’m sorry.” Spike spoke, sympathetic to her people’s experience.

“It’s not your fault Spike.” Samira responded, grateful but she didn’t want pity for herself or her people. “You had no hand in our people’s struggles or in the ponies' persecution of us.”

“I understand.” Spike could only lower his head in a measure of sadness and shame at having heard that ponies could be so judgemental and bigoted. “I honestly, never really seen this side of ponies.”

“I think they sheltered you too much.” Samira spoke her mind.

“Maybe.” Spike admitted, remembering that Twilight and the others could get a little overprotective of him.

“Enough about that Spike, why don’t we continue on with the tour.” Samira spoke in a more cheery tone. “I especially want to show you something that will no doubt leave you impressed.”

Spike’s arm was grabbed by Samira once more and guided towards another area of the palace. This time however, the area he was led to appeared at the center of the entire palace but most of all more green and bright. Plants were located all around the halls and small yet artistic waterfalls were flowing water on both sides of the marble stone floor. Yet while this area of the palace seemed more alive to Spike, he noticed there were more guards and figures in majestic clothes and jeweled staffs. Figures that Spike believed to be magic users. It was then Samira led Spike to a massive open ceiling hall and at the center, hovering majestically, was a large sky blue jewel encased in gold lining. From the jewel, mists of magical energy flowed out into the open sky and into the pools beneath the jewel, leading to the waterfalls and other aqueducts of the palace.

Spike was completely amazed at this magical jewel. It’s power in creating fresh, clean water out of nowhere. He has never seen anything like it. The closest he can come close was the Crystal Heart of the Crystal Empire but this was more majestic and mysterious.

“What… is that?” Spike said, completely amazed. “It’s wondrous.”

“That, my dear Spike, is the Tear of Netuna.” Samira explained, pride laced in her voice. “It is our most sacred treasure and most important resource.”

“I’m honored that you would show me this.” Spike regained his composure from his amazement. “But you would show an outsider this beautiful jewel?”

“Oh Spike, you are no outsider now.” Samira explained. “You're our special guest and the kingdom's savior, I think that's a good reason to show you this precious gem to the kingdom. Especially since your future children will one day see it.”

Samira made a very suggestive and flirty look which made Spike blush immensely, turning his purple scales bright red. He didn’t know which made him blush more, Samira’s look of intent or the fact that he will be siring a great deal of children.

“U-Uh… Yeah. You said that Netuna was the goddess of rain?” Spike asked, trying to change the subject.

“Yes, she is also known as the Oasis Mother and the Mother of Storms.” Samira explained. “In essence, Netuna is the giver of water in our lands and culture. Therefore, it’s because of her gift of rain, rivers and this very jewel, we have been able to live in the desert for so long.”

“So that’s why Netuna is viewed so highly in your pantheon.” Spike realized. “She’s a lifegiver of sorts.”

“That she is.” Samira confirmed. “Without her life giving water, our kingdom and people wouldn’t have grown into what they are now.”

“Well you were right that this would leave me impressed.” Spike admitted. If Twilight were here, she would be left speechless on this artifact’s power and be immediately curious about its origins.

Samira gave a very satisfied smile, almost as if she succeeded in a mission with flying colors.

However as Spike gave the Tear another look, he noticed something, “Hey, what’s that? Is… is that a crack?” He asked as he saw what looked to be a small crack on the jewel.

Samira suddenly frowned, “Ah, so you’ve noticed.” She said rather glumly.

“How did that get there?” He asked.

With a sigh, Samira began to explain, “A couple hundred years ago, a large group of thieves, forty to be exact, attempted to steal the Tear. They failed and we had the crooks punished… severely. But during the scuffle, the jewel was damaged. Hence the crack.”

“Yikes, why would a group of jackals want to steal their own treasure?” Spike asked.

“The thieves weren’t of our own people, Spike. They were made up of ponies, griffons, donkeys, zebras, abyssinians, and Saddle Arabians.” Samira replied.

Spike’s eyes widened at this. While this was sort of something he expected from griffons and abyssinians, he didn’t expect something ponies and donkeys would do but doesn’t know Zebras and Saddle Arabians enough to have an actual opinion of them. Though granted, Spike does actually know some ponies that would steal from others for their personal gain. With this and being persecuted due to religious beliefs, it’s no wonder the Zenthians have such a sour view towards the other races.

“So…” A seductive voice called out but it made Samira’s eyes widen in worry. “This is the dragon that’s become the talk of the town.”

Samira and Spike turned around and saw a zenthian jackal that possessed a figure that nearly rivaled Samira’s but unlike the golden regal clothes the queen wore, this figure wore elaborate robes that hugged her hourglass figure and yet exposed all of the purple tattoos on her body. The color of which matched the enchanting purple of her eyes. A stare that Spike found to be both enchanting yet oddly dominating. Further, she possessed a greater deal of jewelry than the queen and was holding a scepter that glowed with a strange power. Finally, she was flanked by two similarly robed figures that possessed purple tattoos like their leader.

“Mistress Zahra.” Samira addressed the lady. Spike found that the queen’s voice was courteous but underneath it lay some form of being threatened. “I wasn’t informed that the High Exarch was visiting the palace today.”

"I apologize for the surprise visit, your majesty." Zahra said, "But, when I heard you were housing a dragon, I just had to see for myself."

"I see..." Samira said with narrowed eyes.

Zahra then turns her attention to Spike, “And you must be the dragon I heard so much about.” She said as she approached Spike, much to Samira’s annoyance.

“Y-Yes I am.” Spike said nervously while Zahra was looking him up and down, “My name is Spike by the way.”

Zahra chuckled a bit, “Forgive me, where are my manners.” She then clears her throat and stands in a more professional stance, “I am Mistress Zahra, High Exarch of Zenthia."

“High Exarch?” Spike questioned, tilting his head. “Is that like the leader of magic users?”

“Yes indeed Sir Spike.” Zahra replied but her tone was very flirty when she said his name. “I administrate our magical practitioners, regulate the flow of magic in our realm and aid in any large or important magical research.”

“Certainly sounds like a big and important role.” Spike commented.

“That it is.” Zahra replied, pride radiating in her voice. “Though I certainly would provide more aid to the kingdom had her majesty let us in on her ‘little’ plan.”

Samira scowled when she heard that. The queen despised that her kingdom’s High Exarch was speaking as if she wasn’t present.

“Guess that plan was me.” Spike commented with a sigh but then noticed the sour face Samira was giving. “Everything alright?”

“Hm. Oh! Yes, everything’s alright.” Samira regained her composure. Though, there was a hint of sarcasm. “Just a little annoyed that the High Exarch is overstepping herself.”

“Overstepping?” Zahra had this smug smirk on her face which infuriated Samira but she hid it from Spike. “I was just stating that her majesty didn’t need to operate behind the backs of her people and those who could support her.”

Samira started to growl slightly.

“In any case, it was a pleasure to meet you Spike and I looked forward to you helping our kingdom in its most trying time.” Zahra’s gaze and tone were highly suggestive and it made Spike’s spine shiver. Her piercing and dominating gaze made him feel anxious for some reason.

“O-Of course.” Spike stammered as Zahra and her entourage took a shallow bow and left. Spike couldn’t help but notice that Zahra walked with quite the sway in her hips which caused another shiver to run down his spine.

“Ugh! That woman drives me mad!” Samira hissed once the High Exarch was out of sight and earshot. “Who does she think she is?!”

“Why? She seemed pleasant.” Spike said, puzzled by Samira’s anger. “A little haughty I admit but she didn’t seem like a bad person.”

“Oh trust me Spike. I don’t like nor trust Zahra.” Samira answered. “Ever since she became High Exarch, she has been attempting to assume more authority and influence in the capital and beyond. Far beyond her domain of authority would allow. More so when males were no longer being born.”

“You think she’s scheming something?” Spike questioned. He had seen his fair share of devious advisors and authority figures.

“Zahra is always scheming.” Samira stated with absolute certainty. “She may have helped our kingdom locate a solution when our predicament began but now I think her schemes have reached something else. After all, I never told her about your arrival here nor about you agreeing to help us.”

Spike’s eyes widened a bit after hearing that Zahra was never informed about his arrival in Zenthia. She must have ‘little birds’ in many places.

“I have no doubt that once your task begins, she will want to take part.” Samira concluded but contempt was laced in her words. “She knows a dragon’s seed is legendary for its fertility and she wants it a great deal. Her schemes involve it, involve you, that much I know.”

“But you can’t prove it?” Spike asked.

“(sigh) No, I have no proof of her schemes.” Samira reluctantly admitted. “Only suspicions. I only ask that you not trust her Spike.”

Spike could see clear as day that Samira was serious about her suspicions about Zahra and while he had this unnerving feeling towards the High Exarch, he always believed there was some good in people and should be given a chance at least. Still, he had to take Samira’s word for it for now.

“I’ll keep my guard up but why don’t we continue on with the tour.” Spike suggested, wanting to lighten the mood.

“Of course, there is a lot more of my palace that needs to be seen.” Samira perked up, wanting Zahra out of her mind.

Samira then continued on in giving Spike a tour of her palace. She led him to numerous rooms and halls. One looked like a private classroom that was filled with young ladies hard at work with their studies and the head teacher keeping a close eye on them. They didn’t even notice Spike’s presence or even that of their queen’s. Spike was thinking that Twilight would actually be impressed with how organized and hard-working this classroom is.

Spike’s next destination on his tour was a place he knew a certain white unicorn mare would absolutely love. The Royal Spa. It’s layout was completely luxurious with spotless tiles, a number of hot tubs, one large pool, a door that led to a sauna and a good deal of chairs for people to relax in and get their makeovers. The room was attended with a number of maids who’s get-up reminded him of the spa twins back in Ponyville. They all looked eager to get started and help with any visitors.

“Man… Rarity would love this place.” Spike spoke, mostly to himself.

“Rarity?” Samira asked, her interest piqued. “Who is that?”

“Oh uh… She is a unicorn mare from Ponyville.” Spike nervously replied. “She’s a fashion designer and seamstress, and owns her own boutique. It’s now a fashion empire that she made herself. She greatly enjoys her time at the spa since she’s a hard worker.”

“Sounds like you almost admire this mare.” Samira spoke, noticing that there was a blush on the young drake’s face.

“Well uh… I do kinda have a crush on her for quite a while.” Spike admitted, a bit embarrassed.

“Really…” Samira spoke but her tone was of one who felt threatened. “And she is your… marefriend?”

“Oh no! Unfortunately.” Spike admitted with a sad look. “I’ve tried asking her out on dates before but I either got nervous or she was too busy. That and I think she never really acknowledged that I was interested in dating her.”

“Hmm, her loss.” Samira said in a smug tone as she wrapped her arms around Spike’s arm. “I can assure you, I am interested.”

Spike’s blush intensified as Samira’s flirting grew. “Y-You and probably a bunch of other ladies here heh heh…”

Samira could only smile in amusement at his nervous look. She was touched that he didn’t immediately take advantage of a queen’s advances, yet at the same time, she started to resent this Rarity mare for denying Spike the chance to have a single date. The Queen now believed that this mare certainly didn’t deserve this handsome and kind dragon.

“Why don’t we continue on with the tour.” Samira directed, she didn’t want to scare away Spike when the time comes tonight.

“There’s more?” Spike asked, surprised that there was more to Samira’s palace.

“There are a few other areas I would like to show you.” Samira replied, guiding Spike away from the Spa.

Another area given a tour of the palace was the Royal Gardens, placed outside of the main building. Spike found the gardens very beautiful, filled with exotic plants, tall trees and crystal clear ponds that had fish swimming within them. Spike couldn’t help but compare this garden to the one found in his mother’s castle. The one in Canterlot was more like a mini-forest or a very small wood and while there was a maze, this one in Zenthia was certainly more exotic and colorful. During this time of the tour, Samira and Spike took a small break and had some snacks since they practically went through lunch as a result of the tour.

The next stop was a hallway that contained statues and portraits of certain figures.

"This one is the Hall of Royals." Samira explained. "It is here that we place memoirs of our past rulers. From our first king, Amenas, who founded our capital city, to yours truly."

As Samira led Spike down the hall, he couldn't help but notice that further they went down, less and less jackal kings were shown until it entirely showed jackal queens. As they reached the end of the hall, Spike noticed the last portrait had a single row of claw marks scratched across it.

Despite this, Spike was able to make out most of its features. It depicted a jackal queen sitting on a rather large chair and was holding what appeared to be a chalice filled with wine. In appearance, she looked almost like Samira but with shorter hair and less revealing clothing. She also had a very devious smirk across her face and a haughty look in her eyes.

"Who's that?" Spike asked.

Samira's face instantly turned into a scowl, "That is Vaphra. The previous queen of Zenthia." She answered with much venom in her voice.

“Wait a minute, previous queen? So does that make her…”

“Yes, my mother.” Samira snarled, “Though she wasn’t much of a parent back then. Let alone a ruler of an entire kingdom.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked. Though, he quickly grew to regret it as the markings on Samira’s body instantly lit up and she turned to him with hate burning in her eyes.

“What I mean, Spike, is that she nearly drove our kingdom to the ground!!!” The jackal queen screamed, “Not only did she do absolutely nothing about the malady, she actually made it worse! Even today, I’m still trying to clean up her messes!” The markings on her body grew brighter and her blood boiled with rage. However, when she saw Spike’s frightened reaction, Samira instantly calmed down. “Please forgive me, Spike. Whenever my mother is brought up, I get very… touchy.”

“I… can see that.” Spike said with a shudder. “How did she make this malady worse?”

Samira took a deep breath, struggling with the memories but she felt Spike should know about her past. “She kept a great deal of our males as… ‘Lovers’, those who were potent and virile. Instead of having them breed a new generation and preventing our extinction, she kept them as her own… personal toys!”

“Was… Your father… one of them…?” Spike asked but he clearly knew the answer.

“Yes, one of them was my father.” Samira answered, sadness laced in her voice. “When she had her fill, she tossed him aside. Practically threw him out of the palace once she got bored with him. She only kept both me and my sister around because her advisers continually pressured her to have heirs.”

“I’m… sorry.” Spike said, feeling guilty for prying and bad for Samira. He was blessed with a loving family, yet Samira’s mother was anything but. “Did you even have a chance to know him?”

“...Only for a little bit.” Samira admitted but she was close to tears. “He was a loving father when he was still in the palace. He even ignored Vaphra’s orders to her chambers to take care of me. I cried the whole night when Vaphra expelled him from the palace. I never saw him again.”

“I... partially understand how you feel.” Spike stated. “I never knew my actual father when the ponies found me as an egg. Twilight’s father was a good adopted father but… whenever I thought about where I came from and who my biological parents were, I couldn’t help but feel so alone and sad.”

Samira looked at Spike with appreciation in her eyes.

“While I may not have known Vaphra or experienced her rule, I can say with certainty that you are a better queen than her.” Spike spoke but his words resonated within Samira, causing her to blush.

Spike realized what he said, he himself blushed intensely. An awkward silence was left between them

“Thank you Spike.” Samira finally spoke. “That means a great deal to me.”

“Y-Your welcome.” Spike nervously replied. “S-So, if your mother was so unpopular… was she overthrown?”

“In a certain fashion.” Samira answered with a neutral face. “I refused to simply usurp her before I was of age but the nobles, the people and her dissatisfied advisors were growing increasingly intolerant of her hedonistic and selfish rule. I was able to convince them to wait until I was of age but during that time, I started to gather support and weaken Vaphra’s powerbase, without any of her knowledge.”

“Impressive.” Spike said, surprised at how Samira gained power from such a young age and with little effort. “How long before Vaphra found out?”

“Believe it or not but she didn’t find out until the day I came of age and sat on her throne.” Samira started to show a dark smile of sorts, one of the few memories of her mother she didn’t mind reminiscing. “Oh the look of fury she had on her face when she saw me sitting on the throne, not something I can forget.”

“I can imagine…” Spike said, a little nervous that Samira appeared satisfied at her mother’s fall. “What happened after that?”

“She began ranting and cursing at me, demanding her guard to remove me from the palace immediately.” Samira spoke in an uncaring tone, as if the whole situation at the time was not serious. “Too bad for her, the guards refused and I ordered them to imprison Vahpra.”

“Imprison? So she’s still here and alive?” Spike asked in surprise.

“Oh no, she’s not.” Samira quickly corrected. “After she was imprisoned, she started to go mad. Especially how I was legally of age to assume the throne, thereby weakening what claim she had.”

“So… So, she…” Spike asked but it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together.

“...Yes.” Samira confirmed. “She took her own life. Instead of admitting her own faults and her failure as a queen, she ended her own life.”

“...I’m sorry.” Spike now really felt guilty for prying.

“Spike, listen to me carefully.” Samira approached the drake sternly. “None of this you had a hand in and I would have to tell you my history sooner or later.”

“I understand.” Spike said, yet he remained somewhat sad.

“However, I really do appreciate that you were so interested in my past and didn’t judge me based on my mother.” Samira continued on, now tenderly holding Spike’s hands and her eyes becoming fit for bedroom behavior. “And I’m touched that you think I’m a good queen.”

“Well… Your welc-MMPPHH!!!” Spike was silenced as Samira dove at him and gave him quite the kiss. Spike’s eyes instantly widened in surprise as the jackal queen’s tongue began to invade his mouth. He tried to back away but Samira firmly grabbed the back of his head to pull him even closer.

The drake then decided to just give into the kiss with his tongue beginning to wrestle with her’s. Feeling a bit bold, he raised her dress up a little and placed his hands on both sides of her rear and gave it a firm squeeze which earned him a satisfied moan from Samira. As the two pushed back and forth in the kiss, a certain bulge started to form in Spike’s pants which grew bigger in each passing second.

“Mmmmmm…” Samira moaned in her lover’s mouth, heavily enjoying the kiss and tongue wrestling. The markings on her body began to glow once again but this time with great warmth and passion. Every fiber of her being wanted to either drag the young dragon to her chambers or simply teleport there and finally begin the long awaited mating. But… she knew that would be premature. Samira wanted the moment to be perfect.

Samira finally started to slow down in the kiss and eventually released the drake from the lip wrestling, saliva strings being all that was left of their kiss.

With dreamy eyes, Samira sighed happily as Spike was left enchanted from their kiss. “Oh Spike… As much as I really want to continue this and get to the main event… We should head back to the dining hall.”

Spike snapped himself out of his lovestruck stupor and regained his senses. “Yeah… How long have we been on this tour?”

Samira could only giggle at how much time had passed and he didn’t even notice. “A few hours my dear. Time does fly.”

“Guess it does.” Spike chuckled.

“By the way Spike…” Samira spoke, catching his attention. “You are a… magnificent kisser and I love the feeling of your grip on my royal ass.”

Spike’s face turned crimson red when he realized his hands were still holding Samira’s pear-shaped rear. “S-Sorry. Guess the heat of the moment got the best of me.” He said removing his hands from Samira’s posterior.

“Hehehe. It’s quite alright Spike.” Samira assured him but found his panicked reaction hilarious and adorable at the same time. “Your grip is very nice. You’ve got quite the hands.”

“T-Thanks…” Spike stammered. “B-Believe it or not, these hands are good for massages.”

“Really…” Samira was interested in that little detail. “Maybe in the future, I’ll ask for a massage and experience them myself.”

“I-If that is what the queen wants…” Spike replied, regretting mentioning his skills as a masseuse.

“And she does want that but at a later time.” Samira responded as she closed the distance between them once more, her bust resting beneath his chin. “Let us return to the dining hall for supper and once that is finished, our first night can begin.”

Samira finally separated from Spike’s personal space but his hands into hers and led Spike away from the Royal Halls. Before she left the vicinity of Vaphra’s portrait, Samira couldn’t help but give her mother one last venomous glare. Not wanting to think about her mother any more, she turns to Spike and can’t help but give him a warm smile. Her smile then turned into a cheeky grin as she placed her hand on one of his buttcheecks and gave a tight squeeze.

This caused the drake to yelp, “H-Hey!”

“Sorry, I couldn't help myself.” Samira chuckled as she and Spike made their way back to the dining hall.

Author's Note

Next chapter is when the action really starts. That much I promise.

To learn more about the Zenthian gods, you can check them out here: Spike's World of Harems Geography: Zenthia

Lastly to give you all a better idea on what Mistress Zhara's attire looks like, it looks akin to this: