TheRapunzleFactor by Viola Grace Page B

extended her own hand and he wrapped his fingers around hers. She laughed. “That feels a little odd.”
    His brow furrowed in confusion. “What does?”
    “Hands. The Xefar don’t use hands for touch. It is usually feelers or sensors on their heads.”
    Arnolth seemed surprised, but led her to the horses without another word. He took her pack and tied it to the saddle and then cupped his hands toward her.
    “What do you want?”
    “Put your foot here and I will lift you onto the horse. Please tell me you have ridden before.”
    She stabilized herself on the saddle and placed her foot in his hands. He lifted, she pushed and in a matter of seconds, she was settled in the saddle. “I haven’t ridden horses, but I have ridden. We have a number of special events that I get taken to during the year. I ride the drone.”
    “The drone?”
    “One of my mother’s husbands. He mated with her years ago and now that he is neutered, he is my attendant and guard.” She shifted on the peculiar piece of leather, her left thigh completely exposed, her bare feet mimicking his in the stirrups.
    “Neutered?” Arnolth seemed a little distressed.
    “Of course. He implanted the queen with his seed and his testicles are now within her, spawning a new generation.” She watched him closely and followed his movements with the reins. The horse started to move and she laughed in triumph.
    “You are doing well, Princess. Please continue to face forward.” His gaze drifted from her veil to her bound breasts and the wrap that she wore from navel to waist. “Do you have any other clothing?”
    “Yes. I have the formal wear that I use for occasions of state.” She patted the pack on her horse.
    “Good. I enjoy the view, but the city folk are a little less understanding.”
    She looked down at the clothing and skin that was exposed. “All of the human genitals are covered, I don’t see the problem.”
    “Ah, well…never mind.” He kicked his horse into a light trot and hers followed suit.
    They travelled for hours, barely speaking. Rapunzel was uncomfortable by the time they stopped. Her life in the tunnels was one that was usually lived on her feet. This much sitting was painful.
    She was able to get her feet free of the stirrups, but she couldn’t move her legs enough to get them over the saddle. “Um…help.”
    He chuckled and reached up, gripping her waist. She tumbled into his arms and collapsed against him. “Ow.”
    With her body plastered against his, she couldn’t help but notice a ridge of interest in his trousers, it twitched and surged against her while she squirmed to stand on her own. Heat filled her cheeks and swirled in her belly.
    “I am sorry, I should have stopped to let you rest.” He shifted his arms to hold her at arm’s length.
    “It would have been nice, but we are on a timeline. I understand the urgency.” She noticed that he was trying to peer through her veil and smiled. Humans had a funny way around partial nudity and any scrap of fabric had to be removed or seen through.
    He slowly parted from her and set about preparing their camp. She thought about his rank and had to ask, “How is it that you know how to camp? I thought dukes were all about fancy clothing and living in town.”
    He grinned as he started their fire just as the light of the sun reddened. She flipped back her veil and hissed in sympathy as he burned himself. “Are you all right?”
    He put his fingers in his mouth and nodded. “Thank you for asking. I just wasn’t expecting you to remove your veil. I thought it was a Xefar modesty thing.”
    She cocked her head. “The Xefar don’t wear anything. Ever. I simply wear the veil because after my life underground, the bright light of the sun takes a few days to get used to.”
    He blinked. “Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.”
    “Most softies don’t.”
    “Softies?”
    She blushed and hoped that the red sunlight concealed it. “It is a Xefar term for races that are not