World of Cypheria - Terindra's Story - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Andinel strode into the room with an athletic swing that Terindra found fascinating. She wouldn't know how to move like that. The 'security specialist' from her mother had requested this meeting with her and her staff to clarify lines of authority. Terindra had never thought about it as applying to her own household. She had of course studied governmental and business structures, but such things were already settled before she was born. Once she realized how much of her future life would depend on such things, she found herself absurdly fascinated.

The nomad was very educational as she explained her security plans and how the other departments of the household must cooperate. It also made her realize just how many new faces it took to set up an independent royal household. She was more vulnerable than she had realized. The thought sent a chill down her back, a reminder that she still had a lot to learn. She would be forced to depend on Andinel. Her mother's cleverness became more apparent by the hour.

She listened closely to the plans, asked questions until she understood them and their reasons thoroughly, then approved them all. When the meeting ended, Milanda brought her a tray loaded with envelopes. Apparently the word was out and the wolves were at the door already. Terindra sighed and sat down at her desk. She was going to need a Korda. Her mother's secretary and assistant was a screen that made the life of an Empress bearable by dealing with the minutiae.

Actually, she needed a staff. Terindra followed the meeting with a massage. She padded down the hall in deep thought, but still enjoying the simple lines of white walls framed in rich dark wood. She entered the massage room and slipped the robe from her shoulders. This room was kept warm and small scented steamers kept the air soft. Fine wooden cabinets and tables around the walls held oils and unguents, scents and lotions. There were two massage tables in the room, solidly built, and well padded. One was draped with sheets of exotic cotton fabric.

The bed slave named Edmin, assisted her onto the first table with warm hands, draping the sheet over her to shield her from drafts. She lay on her stomach and concentrated, thinking about her mother's staff and tracing the lines of authority through the palace household, on down through the bonded slaves. It was an enlightening view of how information likely traveled through the palace. Edmin's fingers worked deep into the muscles along her spine, using a warm oil to smooth the skin and the motions. She thought about the things she had agreed to this morning and decided on some things she would keep her eyes on.

Edmin's thumbs worked deep into her lower back, just where her hips joined her spine. The door was opened and her prize slave was brought in. He was laid face down on the other table and chained so that he could be turned without being released. He turned his face toward her and stared across the gap. Terindra smiled at him. Milanda came in and began his massage. She was very good, and after his exercise session and the hot bath he had just come from, he relaxed under her touch. What else was there to do?

Edmin had worked his way down to her feet, and she turned over, watching as Milanda worked on... what should she call him? "Milanda, what should we call him?"

A smile showed on Milanda's lovely face as her fingers worked the man's lower back and buttocks. His eyes stared at her again. "I once met a man named Rhodry, and thought it a nice name, mistress."

Something flickered in his eyes and was gone. "Yes, Rhodry is an interesting name. I like it. Rhodry you shall be." He closed his eyes and turned his head down into the bed as Milanda worked on his thighs. Long smooth strokes with the heel of her hand, following the line of each muscle beneath the skin. Terindra could see him breath in time with the maid's strokes.

Edmin had worked his way up her legs and lightly oiled her mons and the skin around it. He continued up her body and as he reached her chest she reached up and pulled his mouth down to her breast. He bent over her, and she arched her back under him. His right hand continued massaging her, stroking down her side and up her other thigh. Terindra brought her knee up and he moved his hand down between her legs, his large hand cupping the curve of buttock and wrist pressed against her mound.

Milanda was turning Rhodry on the other table, and he looked at the maid with a despair in his eyes that she found rather comical, considering the treatment he was receiving. His cock was half erect already, and when he saw Terindra and Edmin, it began filling out impressively. Rhodry's head rolled back and he stared at the ceiling in an odd gesture of futility.

Terindra allowed Edmin to slide her toward the foot of the table, where he bent over her. She gasped and spread her knees as Edmin's tongue found her labia. Her body moved sinuously side to side as she reacted to his massage. His hands continued working her thigh and buttock muscles as his tongue massaged her clit. Rhodry stared at Terindra, as she moved with the utterly uninhibited motions of a person that never had to worry about pleasing another, someone who would receive an enthusiastic response to her every whim and therefore guarded her reactions not at all.

She opened her eyes and looked over to see Milanda climb on the table with him, kneeling over his thighs to reach upward anad massage his chest. Her long hair swayed, brushing back and forth over his cock as her hands worked over his pectorals and down his ribs.

Terindra enjoyed the sight of the slave's cock appearing and disappearing as Milanda's long hair teased him. Her own need grew under Edmin's talented tongue. It blossomed steadily, insistently on her, demanding her attention. She rocked her hips in rhythm with Milanda's motions on Rhodry, and Edmin changed his rhythm to match. Milanda reached down and grabbed Rhodry's erection and leaned forward. She teased herself with him, rubbing the head of his thick cock back and forth from her clit to her warm cleft. When she finally lifted up to impale herself on him, Terindra could see the moisture glimmering on the bulbous head.

She watched, fascinated by the sight of his shaft disappearing and reappearing from Milanda as the maid rode him. Again the hunger rose in her. She wanted to be riding him. Edmin brought her closer and closer, his tongue swirling steadily over her swollen bulb and Rhodry's cock thrusting into the lovely maid. His muscles bunched and relaxed as he tried to meet yhr maid's efforts in spite of the chains. Milanda moaned as she drove herself on him, and Terindra saw him clench his jaw and grips the table with white knuckles.

She swung her leg over Edmin slid from the massage table to stop Milanda with a hand to the maid's back. Milanda leaned forward and removed herself from the slave's shaft before moving off the table. Terindra stepped up onto the table to straddle the chained slave. Milanda bent over the now vacant table and Edmin moved up behind the maid. Milanda reached down and quickly guided him into her, as she was already close from riding Rhodry. Edmin pushed into Milanda and slid his oily hands up her sides and reached around to encourage her from the front.

Terindra smiled down at Rhodry. She mimicked Milanda's earlier motions, rubbing herself on his shaft, wet now from Milanda's ride. Courses of fire traveled through her belly and down her legs. Enough of this. She was not good at waiting. She buried him in her, grinding down hard to feel herself stretched tight around him. She was completely resting on his pelvis, creating friction on her clit as she rode him. He filled her enough to stretch a little, sending surges of sensation through her with each thrust.

She rode him hard, grinding into him until she screamed and the walls of her pussy contracted around him. She continued to roll her hips as he thrust into her. Milanda echoed her mistress's cries, climaxing on Edmin's well practiced pole. The bed slave continued to thrust into Milanda, as Rhodry tried to do, lifting his hips from the bed in his attempts to continue to move in her.

Terindra lifted herself off of him. "Would you like to cum?" She asked him. He growled at her, eyes raking her in lust and fury as his wet shaft bobbed in the air. "When you look on my appearance with excitement and pleasure in your eyes, then you may receive your own pleasure." His muscular frame and the strength she could feel in him even from beneath her was exciting, though she wasn't satisfied. She wanted to be fucked. Edmin had the skill, but not the size to give her the feeling she found herself craving. Terindra decided to go shopping again.

---

She sent Merrith out on an errand for her, and sat down to begin sorting the mail. There seemed to be many offers of services that no new household could do without. Those she set aside for the housekeeper to look though. There was also an impressive assortment of invitations to various social events. She looked around in thought, and wandered down the hall, past the guards posted in the hall. She actually thought they looked rather impressive there, men and women alike in superb condition. All were garbed in her personal livery, the royal crimson and black cut with paired gold stripes across chest and sleeves, showing her as the Second Daughter of the Empress. Rather gaudy, but impressive.

Yes, here was the room she was thinking of. It had a large table, as well as a desk and many shelves with a scattering of books seemingly randomly placed on them. She recognized her own small collection, mostly leftover from her lessons. She realized that this was her office, and her desk. She went and plopped herself happily into the chair and opened drawers. She found it stocked with basic paper, pen and ink. It somehow seemed the least completed room of the house, and she determined that of all the house, this room would be hers. Yes, she needed to go shopping. Tonight and tomorrow! She began laying out the invitations, lining them up by connections, lines of influence. She pulled out some paper and started making cards of other people to fill in gaps. Soon she was engrossed in her project, defining and redefining patterns.

---

"Mistress?" Milanda called from the door.

Terindra looked up from her sketching. She realized she was thirsty and had been at it quite some time. "Yes, Milanda?"

"Mistress, you wanted to go to the auction this evening?"

Terindra glanced out the window and saw it was even later than she had thought. "Yes, Milanda, I'll change quickly. Please have the plain coach brought around."

Despite her enjoyment of using her own coach to come home, there were times when being less conspicuous was still a good idea. She dressed accordingly, as Milanda had known she would like, loose trousers that fit snug around her hips, a loose blouse and an enveloping cloak with a deep hood. Milanda brushed her hair quickly and tied it back with a scarf and she was ready to go.

The coach rattled out the gate and turned toward the slave market. She hadn't been back since she had found Rhodry, and she looked forward to it with excitement. It had been so stimulating. She had several things to look for. This was also the place to hire house slaves. Her housekeeper had given her three names that she recommended on hearsay from other houses. The housekeeper had been her lead household slave since she had reached her legal majority, with her first menses. She was given her initial staff at that time, and her childhood servants had been reassigned. It had been difficult for her, but Hazil had guided her to an adult relationship appropriate to their stations. She trusted Hazil implicitly, as they both knew that Hazil could leave her service only in death. A Princess's life contained too many secrets for one so privy to them to be released any other way. This was true of her personal maids, as well.

They arrived at the market and that acrid smell of humanity rolled over her again. She supposed it was rather rank, but to her palace sheltered nose, it was wild and unknown. She went first to the area off to the right of the doors. This was the handlers' area, where those looking for work made themselves available while the market was open. Milanda gave the list of names to the receptionist and requested a private room for the interviews. Terindra wanted the use of the new slave for the rest of her shopping trip, if it could be arranged.

Andinel hovered nearby, the others of her four member team were spread out around her, watching the crowds continuously while she looked around curiously. Terindra was impressed with the smoothness of the team that had come with Andinel. The twenty person core group was highly trained and unobtrusive. Terindra wished she could think of them as hers, but they never would be. She needed to begin building her own, soon.

Milanda returned with a hovering servant who led them to a small interview room with a table and chairs, and offered beverages, assuring them that the women she had asked for would be there immediately. Soon enough the first one arrived. She came in and bowed, assessing them in quick glances as she kept her eyes down until invited to speak. Milanda questioned her, following an interview pattern composed by Hazil and Andinel with Terindra paying close attention.

There was something about this woman that she didn't care for. The slave stared at Milanda's breasts and avoided their eyes. She seemed fidgety. Milanda finished the interview and she left, ducking out past Andinel. The second woman came in, bowed gracefully to her and seated herself firmly upright in her chair. She faced them and waited patiently for the first question. Terindra looked at her closely, letting Milanda continue the interview. She was well built, a bit stocky. Terindra had seen the measuring glances she and Andinel had exchanged as she came in the door. This woman was obviously very good at what she did. Her demeanor almost bothered Terindra. It seemed too smooth, and yet she otherwise seemed a most impressive candidate for the job. Terindra flipped the names of the slave's last employers mentally through the charts she had woven in her office earlier. She traced lines and connections with many possible sources, leading back to one of three of the leading noble families. Interesting. She thanked the woman and waited for the last candidate.

She was beginning to think she would have to look elsewhere for her trainer. But she feared that would allow her enemies more time to place ringers in her path. She needed to move quickly. The next woman strode in with the same athletic grace she had noticed in Andinel. She bowed and seated herself, sweeping her hair back with one hand and bringing her gaze up to lock on Terindra's. There was almost a shock from this woman's personality. There was an implacability and certainty in that level gaze that Terindra couldn't look away from. She forced herself to meet that gaze. The woman leaned back comfortably in the straight backed chair and answered Milanda's questions. They seemed insipid now.

"Why are you here?" Terindra interrupted.

The eyes glinted renewed interest. "My last employer began thinking that I was one of her slaves, because I worked with them. We had a difference of opinion regarding wages due when I quit. She was one of your sister's crowd. Figured watching the game from your side of the stands might be interesting, if you look like a player."

Terindra smiled at the frank answer. Andinel's eyes never left the woman's face. She made a decision. "Walk with me."

She stood and left the room, Andinel stepping out ahead of her and motioning the others to position as the moved into the market. "Your name?" she asked as the woman stepped up beside her.

"I am Saiadine, your highness."

"Saiadine, I am building a household. I need a good secretary, discreet and capable. I am also looking for a new bedslave. I need to purchase two more for general household work. There is an additional seven at the house. My holdings should be expanding soon, and this job may extend to oversight of labor on a more extensive scale. So. I want to know what you know. Your interview now consist of a tour of the market, with the above noted needs in mind." She smiled a challenge at the brunette.

Saiadine met her look and grinned herself. She led the way between the rows of viewing boxes. They passed several lines of very handsome slaves, well displayed, skin oiled, with a variety of skills professed. Saiadine dismissed them as being overbred for looks and overpriced for the same. She moved back among older slaves. These tended to be well groomed but for sale more for their resumes then their looks. "You need somebody capable. That means one who is comfortable in his position, with experience in organization and communication. Here you find slaves whose mistresses have died, or businesses have come upon hard times. Slaves crave stability. These are likely to serve well the person who gives it to them, and lets them do what they know how to do. Most buy the young handsome ones, and train them all over again. These know if they don't sell soon they will end as cheap labor and die in a field somewhere. Here you will find loyalty."

An interesting perspective. Terindra strolled up the line of boxes, seeing the intensity of the gazes of these men. Most weren't actually bad in appearance, just beyond their prime. She scanned the tags. Most were office personnel, shipping clerks, inventory specialists, schedulers. Several were bedslaves, past their prime. She found an older man with light skin and hair that still had some yellow to it. A northerner! He had been owned by an import concern run by a family she had heard of but knew little about. They did not spend time at court. Apparently the department he was in had been closed down and he had been sold with the others assigned there.

Milanda asked about his experience. "I've done many things there, miss. They moved me all over in the past forty years. I've done accounting and scheduling, inventory and reception, communications. For awhile I was assigned to guests to see to their needs. I can do anything you want, miss!" He was well built and looked healthy, though the signs of age were becoming clear.

"I need a personal assistant. You would be my secretary, attendant, and representative. You would be expected to be accurate and organized, as well as discreet. You would answer only to me and the slave mistress. Servants in positions like that don't leave my service alive." She watched his eyes widen as he realized who she was.

He bowed low. "I would serve you well, mistress, I can do anything you need. You would be my life."

She nodded to Milandra, who addressed herself to the agent hovering nearby. Terindra turned up the aisle with Saiadine and Andinel. This time they moved toward the back, through less professional types to general labor. Again, Saiadine recommended slaves just past their prime. She found good looking stock with solid training and reasonable prices. She did choose one handsome young man trained as a beginning household worker. He would be suitable for serving and greeting guests. Her house would have a good appearance and run smoothly, she felt. She was pleased with the evening.

Now Saiadine led her to the pleasure slaves. The style these days seemed to run to the overly muscular type. She kept going through the thicker crowds of browsers in this popular area. She began seeing a few more interesting specimens. They were built more naturally to her eye, smooth well toned muscle, careful grooming, aware of themselves and of her. There were a few women, all of extraordinary beauty and exquisite training. She already had the best of those, in her three maids. They had essentially grown up together, and the three knew little outside the palace.

Here was an interesting one. She liked the long hair, and his smooth build. He posed for her and she enjoyed a good long look at him, but something wasn't quite what she wanted. Saiadine pointed out another, commenting on the trainer's reputation. The man moved seductively and promised advanced skills, but didn't hold her interest. She stopped at a couple more, and caught Andinel staring at one striking man who had been shaved and advertised as proficient in various rather unusual techniques. Now here was an interesting view.

She realized that all four women were staring at him, Milandra having rejoined them. He had long dark hair, hanging to the middle of his back. His shoulders were broad and beautifully proportioned. He was in exquisite condition, and he smiled in sensual anticipation as he looked at her. Deep blue eyes flashed with good humor.

"My Lady has excellent taste," Saiadine said, looking up from his tag. "This one was trained by the Hanarzy Stable. They are renowned for their training of pleasure slaves. They do not breed their own, indeed, all their stock is sterilized. They choose them as children through a careful screening process. They train for years, learning the workings of the human body, and are trained in basic medicine, as well. There are advanced courses available to them if you wish them to attend, on a variety of subjects. If I might advise My Lady?" She waited for Terindra's nod. "A close association with a training organization such as Hanarzy Stables could be most advantageous for you. Such a place learns your preferences and can train to meet them. And patronage of an Imperial Daughter is a valuable thing for them, as my Lady mentioned expansion."

Saiadine stepped back to leave Terindra to think as Milandra finished her discussion with the stable representative. Terindra stepped up to the representative, offering her congratulations on the quality of their offerings. Were private sales available? The woman made haste to assure her that her every whim could be met, and she made the appropriate return gestures.

Terindra was becoming bored and wanted to move on. "Bye the way," she said to Saiadine. "You're hired, to start immediately." She continued to stare at her new acquisition. "I have a project for you, that you should find a challenge. This one should be helpful. I have a wild slave that I wish to train to pleasure. Perhaps more." She began the walk back to the carriage, feeling Saiadine's stare at her back.

Aah, finally, she spotted him. Merrith's message had gotten through. She was beginning to wonder. Her smelly little contact from the docks. She signaled to Andinel to attend her. "I will be speaking with that man, out of earshot of anybody. You will not follow him or disturb his activity in any way. Do you understand?" The nomad nodded stiffly and signaled her team. Terindra continued strolling up the aisle past her contact to look at another slave, this one a young boy, just in his full growth. Some liked to train them personally.

The man stepped up beside her. "I see things happening for you, princess! I have news, as well. There are purchases of small businesses along the waterfront. Strangers who offend nobody, run smooth shops, and take an interest in the neighborhood. The consensus seems to be that it is good for the area. But then a few people noticed comments from the sailors that it's happening in other port cities as well. My superiors began wondering who was investing behind them. They've traced most funds back to merchants in Kahlzistan. Men who we know have connections with fences in their port cities."

"What are fences?" Terindra asked impatiently.

"Men who sell what other men steal. Like pirates."

Terindra moved on to the next cage, thinking hard. This one was a little older, but looked up through boyishly long eyelashes with an ingenuous glance that made her grin back at him. Oh, he would be fun! But she was quite satisfied with her choices. "Give me regular reports on the activity at these places. I want to know what they do, what they sell, who lives with them, who they hire. "

He stared at her. "That will take money, my Lady. And may attract notice if done clumsily. It's a bigger job than I can do without bringing in my guild. Do wish to hire the thieves guild?"

Terindra considered. The idea had its merits. And its problems. It needed more consideration. "I'll let you know. Do nothing for now." She handed him a purse and strolled on her way down the cells.

Her party reorganizing itself around her. She directed the slaves to be delivered to her home, and instructed Saiadine to gather whatever belongings she had and report there immediately. It was early yet as she headed for the doors. The evening market should still be worth visiting. "Andinel, I have more shopping to do. The market, please!" Terindra climbed into the coach. Andinel approached the door. "My Lady, I must advise against that! You have been here long enough for your presence to be noted. To go from here to another public place would be to invite attack."

"Oh, I think it will be safe enough. Nobody wants to kill me until they know whose side I'm on! I will enjoy what freedom I have while I have it. As it will only grow more dangerous later!" She pulled her cloak around her and sat back as securely as possible for the ride in this poorly sprung box on wheels. It put her effectively out of range of further argument from the guard. She could not remember the last time she was able to go out without disguises and sneaking out service doors of the palace! She wasn't ready to stop yet.

The smell of the city came to her, damp with evening. Birds echoed from all around. The light showed that parchment color it sometimes gets just before sundown. The carriage clattered over the flagstones and out onto the Empress Way that quartered the city along with the Goddess Walk. The market was of course at the center. This time of day most of the produce vendors have packed up and turned for the long journey home. But there remained sellers of clothing, jewelry, and many another finished item. Lanterns hung at every post, lending diffuse light to the sunset.

Terindra wandered through the market, fascinated by the difference in the feeling of the place in the evening. Andinel hovered near her elbow, two guards at her back, another ahead, two more ranging through the crowd. She looked around for things for her house, especially her office. She spotted the gleam of polished brass and moved toward it. The merchant bowed effusively at her approach, and she looked over his wares. He had a selection of lamps, and she thought one would be an improvement over the squinting she was doing earlier.

He saw her interest and moved in with obsequious haste. "Your Highness, you honor me by gazing on my wares. May the perfumes of a thousand flowers sent the breezes around you! May the light of a thousand lamps shine on you! This one, now, is my own thought of something that might illumine a lady's chamber. Though I never thought one so grand as yours!" He offered up a small piece, cunningly wrought as a seashell, and she looked at it.

"Fine work, indeed. However, my eyes seek something a bit more substantial. Something perhaps on a stand, that would shine down on my work. Perhaps another for the desk. Also a worktable needs light, and a reading chair with a table next to it. The existing lamps light the shelves well enough I suppose, but..." She sighs. "I want this room to be perfect. I suppose one must see it to know what I need." She stared at him as he realized that his jaw has dropped at her words. He closed his mouth. She looked about his wares again. His work showed a cleanliness of line that she found appealing. "You will come to my home tomorrow. We shall look at my office, and you will design the lighting for it. If I like it, you may claim patronage by a Royal Daughter." She motioned for Milandra to make the arrangements and turned away, moving on through the lanes.

A hard arm wrapped around her waist and threw her to the side. She turned to get up, outrage already darkening her face when a weight landed across her legs and she was sprayed with wetness, her eyes covered for a moment. She wiped them clear with her wrist, a warm salty taste in her mouth. She was looking at legs, and followed them up to someone's back just as the tip of a sword emerged from the middle of it. Then the blade was yanked out of her view and Andinel whirled from the side. The owner of the sword Terindra had glimpsed saw her guardian too late and then he dropped from sight, Andinel's blade moving with a trail of red spray.

Everything was suddenly quiet. Terindra looked down and realized what was laying across her legs. Then Milandra was there, pulling her out from under the mess that her mind refused to recognize. Andinel grabbed her other arm and the two hustled her back through the market to her carriage, guards tight around and weapons bristling.

---

"My sister!" Terindra raged. Milandra and Merrith knelt nearby. Andinel watched her as she paced back and forth across the room. "It had to be my sister. That bitch thinks she can eliminate me. She'll learn. I won't be as crude as to kill her though!" She grinned fiercely, baring her teeth. "I'll beat her. I'll see her bow to me."

Zilla returned from taking away the bloody rags that had been her clothes.

Terindra shuddered at the quick vision of the blood that flashed past her mind at the thought. She stopped pacing suddenly and stared at Andinel. "This will not happen again."

Andinel stared back at her, and began to answer.

Terindra stopped her. "I will not be trapped in my home. You will do what is needed for my security. Let me know what you need. You will also teach me. I will not be so at a loss again. You will teach me to fight, with and without weapons." Andinel continued to stare back at her, without answering. A wise woman. She knew the security leader had much to say to her, but tomorrow was soon enough. She was aware that this was probably not the best state of mind for her to make decisions in, either. That just made her more angry.

The door opened again, and Saiadine stepped in. It surely wasn't a grateful look Andinel gave the woman.

Terindra let it go. Her mind went to her new acquisitions and she let it, grateful for the interruption. "Saiadine. I'm glad you're here. Have you found things to your liking?" She swore the woman moved like a tiger, loose boned and utterly confident.

"The slave quarters are satisfactory, although I would like to make a few changes in room assignment. May I have permission to arrange the training rooms to my preferences? There will be some initial expense."

"Tell Milanda what you need. Wait... Tomorrow, assign the new slave to Milanda. Milanda, you will teach him the household and what he needs to know to begin his new job. That can be one of his first tasks. Now, Saiadine, have you met Rhodry?"

"Of course, my Lady. He is an admirable specimen. Such men are frequently impossible to train though, my Lady. You have heard this before, I'm sure."

"I've heard it. We will do it anyway. I have started on him. I would hear your recommendations tomorrow. I have kept him sexually frustrated and tried to fixate him on me. For tonight, should this continue?" Terindra wasn't sure she wanted to deal with it, tonight. A night alone with the new one was what she was thinking of now. But she didn't wish to interrupt the training if Saiadine felt it should continue. Terindra knew she was no expert in the process, although she had enjoyed her attempts!

"I would advise not, my Lady. The only thing that should be consistent in his life right now is inconsistency. I will spend some time with him and evaluate him. If you represent pleasure to him, I will be pain. Do you wish the Hanarzy sent up?"

"Yes. That will be all tonight. I wish to be alone. Milanda, send up some wine and fruit and cheese, then you may consider yourself off for the night."

The room emptied rapidly and Terindra moved to the window, looking out at the city. She had almost died today. And had been completely dependent on her mother's gift, again. She had no choice, for the moment. That would change, somehow. She hadn't thought her sister, if it had been her, would come after her so quickly, but she supposed it made sense. Why allow her to become strong before eliminating her? She kept this as a lesson to herself. How does one go about recruiting people one can trust, for positions like security, and information? Anyone she could go to could be in somebody else's employ, or have their own game in mind.

The door opened again, and she put the thoughts from her mind. He was exquisite, his eyes darting up to gauge her reactions. His hair had been brushed to a shimmer and fell loose to the middle of his back. He carried the tray of wine and food over to a table and set it down. He wore a pair of loose soft pants, gathered at the waist with a drawstring. They curved gently around his buttocks and thighs. He turned to her and boldly looked up at her.

She smiled. "Bring me some wine, love, and let me get a closer look at you. You may speak and act freely around me, in private. My name is Terindra. 'My Lady' gets a little annoying in bed."

He smiled, and it tilted just a bit. Oh, my, this was going to be nice. She felt a blush of warmth between her legs already.

"May I have some wine, my Lady?" Bold indeed!

But that is what she was looking for. "As you will." She leaned back against the window frame where she stood and watched the muscles play under his skin. She loved his build - taller than her by a few inches, powerful upper body without being muscle wrought, legs in proportion.

He brought the wine and came close to offer her glass. He stood near enough to look down into her eyes momentarily, and she caught his scent, rich and warm. Then he stepped back and sipped from his glass, watching her. She remembered her own glass and drank, taking a good swallow. She wanted him near again, but was enjoying watching him work. It boded well for his more physical talents.

"My Lady is breathtaking, standing before the moon there. I am lucky indeed to be your slave." His smooth deep voice sounded very sincere with that last statement.

She had a vision of several of the court ladies and felt some understanding. She laughed a little at the thought and was abruptly more at ease with him. "You are rather breathtaking, yourself, love." She ran her eyes over him again. "Yes. Most appealing." She strode past him, trailing a hand across his chest as she went. So smooth, so hard. That scent again. She untied her robe and slipped it from one shoulder as she turned back toward him. "I do hope I am better than some of the crones you must have feared would purchase you?"

"Yes. In the barracks, we would talk, wondering who would purchase us. We scared each other with tales of terrible masters. We also tantalized ourselves with hopes of a beautiful mistress. How to please her so well she would never part with us. Our hopes changed as we learned more of the market. I never gave up hope." That crooked smile again. She enjoyed it as his eyes traveled over her in turn. Sure of her approval of his boldness, he came toward her, eyes meeting hers directly again, that tilted smile on his lips. He moved slowly up to her, giving her plenty of time to react, until he stood over her once more, his face close to hers, his scent filling her head. "What would you like me to do... Terindra?"

She found herself staring at his lips, wanting to taste them. "I want you to do," she started, then moved her eyes back up to his, meeting them clearly, "whatever you want to do. No plans, no instructions. Just what you want. What is your name?" She asked, startling him a little as he tried to think through her request. She usually named her slaves, like Rhodry, but found herself wanting it from him, instead.

His eyes fastened on hers again, hesitation gone. His hand cupped the back of her head, fingers warm in her hair. She felt him brush her robe off her other shoulder as he bent to her lips. She pressed herself against him and his hand slid down to her thigh, cupping under her and pulling her tighter against him. "I am called Listani." The words were murmured against her lips and then his tongue parted them and lightly opened them to meet his. He tasted of her, sucking lightly at her lower lip, then letting his teeth graze the upper one. His hand behind her head steadied her as he met her mouth, and his tongue darted deeper, caressing hers and coaxing it out. She didn't need much coaxing, responding with thrills to this confident handling.

He broke away suddenly and bent a little, to lift her in his arms. He carried her to the bed and reached to place her in the middle. Then he pulled at the drawstring on his pants and let them fall. She rose up on her elbows to look at him, and caught a glimpse of a hard erection. Then he was before her again. "Shh." He whispered her to silence, a finger before his lips and humor glinting in his eyes. "You said, what I wanted," he breathed on her neck as she lay back and he moved with her. "I want you to lay back, and don't speak. Close your eyes." His lips just brushed her neck, then were gone.

She felt his hair draw across her chest, then lift away as he reached to capture her hand. "You might be tempted to change your mind if I don't remind you." He had both of her wrists now and held them beside her. "This will remind you that I'm doing what I like." Then his hair caressed her again and she felt his mouth on her breast. He lightly kissed it, leaving a trace of moisture, and the aureole contracted in the cooler air. His hair drifted over her and heat trailed his tongue down the curve of her belly. "You taste good, Terindra." His deep voice vibrated on her belly, as his tongue continued to explore her.

She was excited, waiting for his next touch. She pulled slightly against his grip on her wrists, not wanting him to let go but wanting to feel him there. His lips met hers, this time assertive, pulling a response from her. Her tongue reached for his without her willing it and she loved his taste in her mouth. She wanted more of him, found herself wanting to taste his erection. She requested that only occasionally, finding it usually more pleasing to watch the others. But now she found herself hoping he would offer it. This kind of suspense was interesting.

The feeling jolted through her when his mouth moved to her other breast, massaging it with his tongue, working the nipple around and around. She lifted herself closer, wanting him to suck on it. He did, for a moment, then moved on again. "You liked that. So did I." She almost groaned with frustration, then quieted as he took the first breast in his mouth and suckled on it, the suction sending fire through her, the feeling rebounding through her from her groin. She groaned, pulling again on his grip on her wrists. She moved under him, straining to feel more of him than hands and lips. "Soon, Lady, soon. I want to taste more of you first."

She felt him move on the bed and he parted her thighs with his knee. She eagerly spread her legs. He knelt above her and reached for her lips once more. She could feel his cock brush her belly and she pictured him poised over her. This time the kiss was demanding, taking her mouth thoroughly and deeply. She took him in, her tongue dancing with his, wanting more. He pulled back, and she felt him kneel back. "Now, Lady." He drew her arms back down to her sides and released them. "Don't move. I want you to lay still."

His voice kept reminding her of her of her instructions. What he wants. Then his tongue slid along her folds, parting her in a smooth stroke that ended at her clit started back down without lifting. She arched her neck as the sensation ran through her, and he grabbed her wrists again before she could reach for his head. His arms were under her raised knees now, pulling her tight to him. His tongue moved over her, expertly exposing her clit from its hood and diving her wild.

The feeling of loss of control was a new one for her, and profound in its effects. She was a mass of sensations, and he brought her very quickly to the edge. He felt it and carefully kept her there for a time. She almost screamed when he stopped without giving her release. She wasn't about to order him though, not when he was making her feel this good! His tongue moved into her pussy, probing at her walls enough to bring a rush of desire for more, then he let go of her. She felt him move up beside her on the bed.

"Open your eyes." The soft voice purred and she did, turning to find him sitting beside her, erection at eye level. It was beautifully formed, elegant, like the rest of him. "I want you to suck it, Terindra. Taste it and want it."

She rolled onto her side eagerly, reaching her lips for the head, where a bead of pearly moisture beckoned. She wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft. He gathered her hair out of the way and her tongue found that sweet drop, teasing the tip for more. He tasted good and she took the head in her mouth, laving her tongue around it, relishing the taste and feel of it. She pulled him out again and ran her tongue down the underside, moving between his legs now. She drew one of his balls into her mouth, gently massaging it on her tongue without pulling. She drew back and engulfed the head again, this time taking a little more of him in.

"Yes, Lady, that's it. I want you to use your tongue on the bottom, that's where it's most sensitive. The little notch at the ridge. Oh... Yes, there." His voice turned to a deep rumbling groan as her tongue found the spot.

She drew back again, sucking as she went, then ran her lips back over him, tongue flattened and keeping pressure as she moved, taking over half his length now. Her hand moved up to meet her mouth, and back down as she slid him back out. Well lubricated now, she was able to guide him all the way to the back of her throat. He groaned again, and she found herself thrilling to the thought of causing his pleasure. She had always enjoyed watching her slaves climax, and knew that they found pleasure in serving her, but this was different.

"Just like that, Lady. Yes, don't stop."

She moved her head up and down, trying to keep a rhythm. His hand in her hair helped, guiding without pushing. She felt him grow even harder, and noticed the tension in his thighs against her hand as she moved. She remembered to use her tongue more and heard his breath catch. She moaned herself, finding that this made her want him even more. She sucked and moved faster on him. His tension grew, she could feel it and it excited her.

"Oh, Lady, you are good. All the way, Lady, as far as you can. I want you to grip it tighter. Yes, like that! Oh, goddess!"

It occurred to her that he was about to release his seed. She had never let a man cum in her mouth before. She had tasted the pearl-colored ejaculate before, on her fingers or on the skin of her maids, but found nothing to desire in it. She hesitated a moment and suddenly he was withdrawing his hard cock and lifting her face off him. She was bewildered for a second, then he began turning her.

He moved above her again, those deep blue eyes looking into hers, seeing her want and daring to share it. It thrilled her. It was the look she sometimes caught in the barbarian slave's eyes. Abruptly she wanted him now, right now, this second. He ducked down once more ahead of her reaching hands to bury his face in her pussy once more. She grabbed the sheets in her fists and rocked as his tongue once more moved over her. He wrapped his arms around her hips and allowed her to feel his strength as he held her steady and fed on her, working on her clit until she started to shudder, then moving to thrust his tongue inside her pussy. His tongue moved on her while he kept her in place, ignoring her hands pulling on his arms.

She found that her eyes were closed again. He brought her to the edge again, colors on her eyelids changing colors with the waves of sensation. She wanted him in her and pulled on his wrists. They were as immovable as stone. She felt helpless, adrift in color and feeling. He unwrapped his arms from her and moved up. He stopped briefly at her chest, kissing the underside of her breasts to make her shiver under him. He captured her wrists again, this time holding them crossed above her head as he leaned on his elbows. She felt the warmth of him all down her body. His smell enveloped her, stronger now and wanted to lose herself in it. He kissed her, her own taste and scent on his lips. She licked it from him, kissing him deeply, urging him on.

She felt the tip of his cock at her entrance. He was rock hard, and moved his hips forward, pushing straight into her. She rotated her hips, making it easier for him but he stopped with just the head in her. "Don't move." He whispered in her ear. Warm breath added to the shivers going up and down her skin. "I want you to move only with me. " He kissed her again, gripping her wrists tightly. He moved within her, slowly, oh so slightly deeper. Then back. Again. So slowly, so gradually moving deeper. Each stroke was a world of sensation that never quite stopped. She was moaning in time with him, unable to stop herself. She was pinned, held there by his desire and her own. She couldn't even hold on to him, and pulled at her wrists in his strong arms.

He ignored her and kept moving, lowering his body now to hers. "Oh Lady, yes, this is what I want. I want you to cum. I want you to pull me to you, and wrap yourself around me, and cum.' He let go of her wrists and she moved her hands down. One went over his shoulder, the other gripped his bicep as with this stroke he finally entered her completely. He stopped, holding groin against her. The pressure on her clit was incredible as feelings played out from inside her. Then he moved again, and she drew breath, crying out with his next thrust and he was moving again, still slow and smooth, but building now. He buried himself completely each time, grinding against her clit as he rocked his hips into the next movement, never leaving her completely.

She was lost in it now, wave after wave running through her, colors swirling through her mind behind her eyelids. She clung to him, tasted him, bit him. He was inexorable, that same steady rhythm that lifted her, higher, faster, harder. She arched against him and screamed as she spasmed and he drove into her again. Her legs lifted high around his ribs as she climaxed, fire flashing through her as he continued to slide his beautiful cock in, even deeper now, still holding the same rhythm. Her orgasm flushed through her hips with every thrust, then moved into her chest.

Finally she started to wind down, the sensations still incredible. Her heels pulled against his back, urging him into her. She realized she was feeling something new, something deeper. The new sensation rose from deep inside her, and she felt a change in him. His cock felt even larger, and his motions became more determined, less smooth. He lifted his head to look into her eyes and she saw a question in his gaze. Suddenly she had control again, and she gave him permission with her smile. He dove to her lips, taking them as he took her, feeding on their bruised taste.

She felt herself lifted and he slipped an arm low under her hips, tilting them up to him. His other arm wrapped under her shoulders and he hovered above, tight against her body as he fucked her hard, cock moving only part way out now as he reached even deeper into her. That feeling inside her welled up, she could feel it building and realized it was him, his orgasm taking her up with it. She worked with it, tightening on him as he withdrew, relaxing with each thrust to allow him to go deeper. She felt the orgasm cresting and he slammed into her again. She tightened down and held him there for an instant before it pushed her over the edge again too, and they moved together, hips convulsing without further control.

Eventually she realized they were more or less no longer moving. An occasional twitch started in one of them and moving to the other. She was gasping for breath and he lifted himself on his elbows to let her breath, although his head hung down to her shoulder as he regained his own breath. She stroked his hair back from the tangle around them and simply enjoyed the warmth of their exertions and his body covering her. It was a very secure feeling she thought. She felt his softening cock slip from her, and pushed him a little until he moved off to her side. She turned her back to him, pulled his arm around her like a blanket, and slept.

Continued in Chapter 3

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