For now. Riolta quizzes Leo.

‘A rather more vigorous session of exercise in the courtyard than perhaps I’d expected,’ said Duke Leo, helping the cumsplattered Dhara to her feet, ‘but well worth it. Riolta, you’ve embarrassed us with your skill in archery and taught the Court a thing or two besides.’

‘Glad to be of service,’ said Riolta, inclining her head respectfully to the Duke.

‘You’ll join me for lunch in our wing of course.’

‘Of course.’

‘Dhara, dear me, just look at you.’

Dhara was a little unsteady on the cobbles, as the men around her put their members back into their britches. Riolta laughed inwardly at the girl, cum dripping down her face, tits, stomach and pussy in sticky loads. She wouldn’t be making rash bets again in a hurry.

‘Dhara, there will be a little soiree in the Von Schwechlen suites tonight. Do say you’ll come.’

Dhara’s eyes lit up at the invitation from the handsome duke, ‘of course, I’d be delighted.’

‘Splendid,’ said Leo, now nearly fully dressed. The crowd was beginning to dissipate, ‘we’re dressing down tonight, so have no care for modesty. Now, speaking of modesty… Riolta.’

‘Yes Duke?’ said Riolta, the finger of a gloved hand hanging in her mouth like a little girl.

‘You have some business you wish to discuss. Let’s go to my quarters.’

‘Harold, I’ll see you later,’ said Riolta, before turning and following the Duke. Her ass was so firm and pert that the load of cum that Leo had blown on it was still resting in slick puddles atop the peachy cheeks as she sashayed away. There was a mixture in Riolta’s voice, partly playful implication at what she might be willing to do to him when she saw him next, partly her enjoyment at being let out of his sight. Harold swore under his breath, realising that protocol wouldn’t allow him to follow the duke and he watched Riolta and his mark disappear from sight. Perhaps he would do some investigating of his own. Or perhaps there was more fun to be had with Dhara, he reflected, the foxy brunette struggling to get back into her tight leather trousers.

‘Allow me,’ said Harold, helping her. They were the first polite words he’d ever said in his life.

Meanwhile, Riolta and Leo had made it to the von Schwechlen suites.

‘You’re working for the watch?’ Leo said with amusement, ‘how delightfully public-spirited of you.’

Riolta stood, her debauched state of cum-splattered whorishness a complete counterpoint to the lavish and tasteful room in which she found herself. She was still dripping cum periodically onto the expensive carpets.

‘You’d prefer we did nothing and left the beast to his work?’

The aspersion seemed to wound Leo. His jovial exterior cracked. ‘Riolta,’ he began sadly, ‘I’m sure you know that Lady Verdina and I were very fond of each other. There was talk just beginning of us getting married.’

‘Don’t play the wounded heart Leo. Marriage for love isn’t part of the game here at the court. It’s slightly less usual than cannibalism.’

‘I can still mourn the ending of one of our noblest bloodlines,’ said Leo, as a distinguished-looking servant brought in a light lunch for the pair on silver trays. Seeing Riolta made sweat stand out on his brow immediately. As he poured Riolta’s tea it was impossible to escape the fact that the man came in his pants. Riolta smiled. Leo pretended not to notice.

‘You’re talking as if I was somehow responsible,’ said Leo, ‘I’ve heard the rumours. I know the Beast is believed to be a male courtier. But firstly, I love women, as you well know. Secondly, why would I **** a woman who, I concede, I may not have loved, but who would have made me, by virtue of her dowry, one of the richest men in the Kingdom? Wouldn’t I have married her and then killed her? And what of Lady Permiscuta? Would I have killed her too? It’s farcical, Riolta. I want the beast caught as much as anyone. I have my young sister to think about, after all.’

‘Ah yes,’ said Riolta, ‘Alexia. How is she?’