World of Cypheria - Terindra's Story - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Terindra posed in front of the mirror. The gown was exquisite, panels of silk twining around her body, colors of living flame. It was echoed by the mirror itself that was crafted by Kelder, her lamp maker. It matched perfectly with his work throughout her house. Lady Jordil had put great effort into having so fine a personal a gift made for her. It was a message, a welcome to the players token. Lady Jordil was a powerful woman. She wondered what had drawn her interest. Terindra smiled into the mirror. Tonight might reveal quite a bit.

"Are you ready, my Lady?" Merrith stood near, dressed in a gown that echoed Terindra's, in a subdued manner. "The carriage is ready, and you should be sufficiently late."

"Yes, it is time." She smiled at Merrith and allowed her to drape a wrap around her shoulders. Then she strode to the door and the waiting carriage.

Andinel's team took their places on the coach and escorting it to either side and they clattered out the gate.

This was the third party this month. She learned a lot from them, she admitted to herself, more than she had ever expected. She and Merrith would spend hours later comparing notes and debriefing the security for every shred of information they could glean. Who spoke with whom and, when possible, what did they say? Who was in whose entourage? How many servants did they arrive and leave with? Were any messages delivered during the party, from who and to whom? It was the most intricate puzzle in existence, and she was learning to revel in it! Her benefactor must put in an appearance soon. Where had the information that had become so very useful come from? Pondering it still made her toss at night. She was certain there would be a price attached some day soon.

The streets were dark as the carriage rattled along the cobbled way. They moved around the city, not entering the center this time of night. The breeze eddied, sometimes bringing the scent of jasmine from the jungle, sometimes sewage from the warrens. Maybe her mother did have a point about the public works projects.

They clattered through the gates of an estate, the grounds spreading to either side. A small army of mounted guards lined the approach to the house, and a parking lot of carriages was visible behind the stables. The air here was scented from the gardens. The stench of the city would never be allowed to intrude. The carriage stopped in the light before the doors and the way was quickly cleared for her. She took her time, allowing Andinel to hand her down. She strode alone up the stairs and into the immense foyer, her entourage trailing behind her.

A butler in the Jordil livery of scarlet and silver motioned her toward the ball room, and she paused as she was announced. She wasn't sure if either of her sisters were here tonight. It would be interesting if Yasmina was here. They hadn't crossed paths since Terindra had moved out. It was bound to happen sooner or later. She wasn't ready to go against her sister yet, but she wouldn't mind showing her presence along side her mother's eldest scion.

She stepped into the room, pausing at the top of the stairs. Her tutor's voices echoed in the back of her mind as she scanned the room, poised just so, on display. She mentally counted, holding the pose she had decided on in the mirror, while she catalogued the faces and positions of the people around the hall. Lady Jordil moved to meet her at the foot of the stairs, and she began her descent, slowly, her face impassive. An Imperial Princess was not impressed with a ball, no matter how impressive it might be. It was impressive. It was a message. The colors were flame, to echo her dress, her decor, her mood lately. Lady Jordil had done her homework indeed, and wanted something from her, badly! Terindra was sure now what it was, and a flash of irritation went through her as she was reminded again that she knew not who her source was!

Not a flicker of her thoughts showed on her face as she accepted Lady Jordil's greeting. The woman was tall and thin. It was known that she reveled in sword play and had gone far beyond the minimum competence that any Arbigahlan noblewoman was expected to achieve. It showed in muscular arms exposed by her sheer gown. Her bronze hair glowed against the russet colors she wore. She had carefully chosen to complement Terindra's garb, highlighting the princess's position in their society.

"My Lady, your sister Yasmina is in the next room. I'm sure she will be happy to greet you! There are many others here grateful that you have favored us with your presence. Allow me to offer you anything you might wish." Her voice dropped. "If your highness would be so kind, I think you are aware that I would like to speak with you privately at your convenience, a little later." She turned and motioned forward a slave, with long black hair and startling blue eyes. Terindra gave a little start, then realized it wasn't Rhodry. She quelled the odd emotion that rose in her at the reminder. Things were not going as well as she had hoped with her wild slave. Lady Jordil was speaking. "Please allow Markin to see to your needs. He will escort you to the dais where seats have been placed for you and your sister. I will attend you there later. Please, enjoy yourself! If I might be excused, my Lady, to tend my other guests?"

Terindra nodded, allowing a slight smile to ghost to the surface of her lips. "Indeed Lady Jordil, you have outdone yourself, and I do think we have somewhat to speak of later. I will see you in a while. Markin, to my seat please, then an iced fruit, I think." He offered his arm, eyes low, and led her toward the raised platform she had seen to the side of the great room. She returned smiles and nods as they went, the crowd dipping before her as they curtsied and bowed to a Princess of the Blood. By the time they reached her chair she thought her neck might wobble and her lips fall off. Many of the noblewomen of the empire were not suited to the colors of fire. It was clever of Lady Jordil to leak her intentions. The woman had ensured that her prize guest and herself outshone the others by simple virtue of their coloring. Terindra seated herself and waited to see who might approach first. Merrith circulated through the crowd, plying her whiles on the entourages of the many families represented here.

The dark slave, Markin, sent a server for her iced fruit and took his place at her feet, ready for anything she might wish. The ice would be welcome, the aroma of so many bodies and personal scents was a bit overwhelming. She was glad to see the drapes being pulled back from glass doors. They opened into the gardens. Basins of flame on tall stands lit the darkness beyond, and a soft breeze began to drift through the ballroom.

Terindra sipped on her fruit ice, admiring the fanciful blown glass straw she sipped through. The fruit was laced with enough white wine to cut the sweetness and the chill cooled her, slipping down her throat. She felt the cold as if it arced to her breasts on its way down. Her nipples contracted and for a second she wished she could touch herself.

"Your Highness! I'm so glad to have this opportunity to thank you!" The high voice belonged to a woman in an unfortunate shade of orange, a dress that looked as if it would have made a better sun awning. Her washed out brown hair and sallow skin looked yellow next to the yards of cloth. Terindra had no idea who this was. She raised an eyebrow and looked at the woman, wishing she would take her cutting voice and go elsewhere. "Oh, Your Highness, I'm so sorry for approaching you like this, but after what you've done I just knew you wouldn't mind if I introduced myself. I am Lady Verdor. My family owns the shipping company you so recently assisted with your most generous investment! We've been able to do so much with it!" She paused for breath and Terindra saw Yasmina headed their way. She did not want her sister hearing this fool spouting information, and the way the woman's voice pierced the babble around them, she surely would in less than a moment.

"I'm glad to have been able to help," she cut the woman off before she could start again. "I do not like to talk business at such an entertainment as this, and I would appreciate it if you would keep my assistance to yourself. I would be most unhappy if others began soliciting me for similar contributions." Terindra made a mental note to find out who this Lady Verdor was and how she knew who was investing in her little shipping company. That should have been a ghost transaction. And if she owned enough of it, it would go under new management soon. If they'd been competent to begin with, she wouldn't have been involved.

"Yes, Your Highness, of course!" The woman bobbed in a clumsy curtsey and Merrith appeared at her elbow to guide her away, an apologetic glanced flashed toward her mistress.

Yasmina stepped up to the chair alongside hers. Terindra stood, curtseying first to her elder sister and exchanging a wary smile. "Yasmina! I knew we would meet soon! Such a splendid place in which to run into you! Jordil has done a lovely job."

She watched Yasmina take in her dress and equate it with the theme around them. Her gaze turned a bit more measuring. "Terindra, dear sister! How are you enjoying your freedom? I have heard you are doing well, enjoying your shopping and tours of the city markets." A jibe at the attack on her at the night market some weeks ago. Terindra smiled.

"Yes, it is exciting to see something of life beyond the palace! I find my interest in all those horrid lessons of our youth coming back with force! Still, one must find time to play, or what use being of the nobility?" She gave her sister a laugh, empty and bright, and watched to see if she bought it. It could be that Jordil was trying to woo a wild princess just to curry such favor as might be possible. It could be that there were no deeper things going on here. It could be. Would Yasmina believe it? She let her hand trail absently through Markin's hair where he sat beside her chair.

Yasmina smiled back, eyes measuring. "Speaking of playing, I hear you plan a journey soon. A tour of your estates or some such? Whatever for?"

"Oh, I thought it might be interesting to see the land beyond the city. Mother has traveled around Arbigahl, you know. It would be nice to know what she speaks of when she talks of this city or that river. I find these interminable parties so dull, don't you?" Terindra tried to make her eyes echo the interest in her speech. "Perhaps I will do some hunting while I travel. It must be more exciting than this!" Yasmina would never believe she was empty headed, they knew each other too well. She might be persuaded to underestimate her for a while yet, though.

Terindra gazed around the room, and spied Lady Jordil headed toward them. She didn't want to talk to her with Yasmina in attendance. "I believe I'll step outside, dear sister. The gardens looked lovely as we drove up. Perhaps I'll see you later?"

"Oh, yes. I believe it's time that I see your new home, Ter. Perhaps in a few days?" The look in her eyes was impossible for Terindra to read.

"Of course! I was thinking of having a small dinner party next week. Perhaps I will see you then?" They nodded and smiled at each other as Terindra moved off.

Lady Jordil had thankfully made little progress as her guests each had something to say to her. She caught Merrith's eye as she moved to the open doors to the patios. The young woman nodded and moved off.

"Markin, love, bring me some of those lovely things I see on the table over there, and a fresh glass of the chilled wine. I'll be outside." She stepped onto the broad expanse of stonework that overlooked the formal gardens. It was designed in semicircular overlapping areas, dropping in steps down to the lawns. Potted plants and small fountains graced each small area, soothing the air with mist and fragrance. Odd corners provided at least the illusion of privacy. She must keep that in mind.

Markin brought the plate of tasteful temptations, and she tried one as she wandered. She found a concoction of crab and pimento melting in her mouth. Somehow the cook had made it so that the fish taste was gone and only a fresh flavor of dill remained as she finished it. She must speak to cook about the dinner party she must plan now.

Ah, this place would do. A corner placed below a fountain on an upper level, and above a planting of flowering houriglen below. The lush thorny plant was valued for its wonderful scent, but it was impossible for anybody to penetrate the thicket it made. It was rarely planted in formal gardens because it was impossible to train. It was perfect for her purposes. A selection of potted shrubs screened the spot from view while allowing glimpses of anybody approaching.

"Leave the plate here and go tell your mistress where I am, Markin. Do not be overheard."

He bowed low and left immediately. She watched as he walked away. She found herself excited, as she often was at these games. He still reminded her of her pet project. She feared she was losing Rhodry. He was so stubborn, and she feared the glint in his eyes the last time he was brought to her.

A young slave woman approached, and knelt before her. "Yes, what is it?"

"My Lady, I was bid to bring you this." She offered a folded piece of paper.

Terindra took it and scanned it quickly in the light of the lantern hung nearby. "Who gave you this, girl? Quickly!"

"I, I don't know, Mistress!" The girl was frightened, stammering at Terindra's sudden intensity. "A man, dressed like all the others. He didn't give me his name. Please, Mistress, I only did what he said! He told me to come here and give you the note!"

"Yes, yes, fine. Go." Terindra waved her off, knowing she could never find the man in the crowd here tonight.

She read the note again, then folded it and tucked it away as she saw Lady Jordil making her way this direction. Merrith should have her sister occupied for a short time, they should be able to speak privately. Except that the sender of the note was obviously watching her, and knew where she was. And now who she was with. This was not good.

"Lady Jordil! A fine party, truly!" The older woman approached her gracefully and stepped around the arrangement of bushes into the private nook.

"I see you found one of my favorite places out here! The sound of the fountain and the scent of the houriglen make this place so restful. I confess I used to hide from the servants here, when the place was new. Since then, of course they have found all my favorite places!" She smiled, and Terindra answered it, surprised at sharing such an intimate little feeling. She found herself actually liking this woman. It was a dangerous feeling in this game. "You have begun well, Terindra. Surprisingly well. I wish I knew the source of your information. You managed to get in ahead of me, and I've been watching for just such an opportunity for some time."

Terindra watched her face, turned suddenly serious. "Yes, it is exactly what you have needed to bring Lady Vargrin down. Tell me, do you wish to destroy her, or to own her?" Such a blunt question should pull some reaction from the elegant woman.

It did. Lady Jordil stared at her, searching her blank face in turn. Then she turned away, considering her answer carefully. When she turned back, her eyes were direct. "Lady Vargrin is too dangerous to try to control. If she wasn't, I'd have been able to reach her long ago. She must not only be brought down, but destroyed beyond her ability to gain influence again. Permanently."

"Ah. Perhaps." Terindra was surprised. She had hoped they would reach an understanding, but this was a frankness she wouldn't have guessed at.

"What of me? Do you think to use the same hold to control me, or bring me down?" The woman's eyes were sharp as the glass in her mirror.

Now we come to it, Terindra thought. The same financial twist that made Vargrin vulnerable could strike at the Jordil holdings. They were after all competitors. "No. This is not enough to control you or to bring you down, though it could wound you severely. I would much rather work with you."

"I have your sister's patronage already. She would not be pleased if I gave my support to you." The dark eyes were considering, locked on Terindra's face.

"Yasmina may attend your parties, and lend you her name, but she has done nothing for you. My sister plays games with her title and favors. I intend to do business. I can lower your shipping costs immediately, as you know. There is more we can do for each other. You will trade the use of a name for the use of a different name, and real advantages."

"The Princess Yasmina is not so uninvolved as all that. She may not place her holdings on the line herself, but she has her finger on the pulse, and the strings she can pull reach far."

It was Terindra's turn to look consideringly at the other woman. "You need do nothing now. Watch. I will do as I have said, and you will benefit. Then watch some more, and see where your advantage lies. I ask only your silence, at this point. In return, I will bring down Vargrin and increase your profits."

The deep brown eyes looked back at her, then the corners crinkled as Lady Jordil smiled. "Yes, I think I can do that. You just may become a very dangerous player, Your Highness. I will keep my own counsel, for now. Perhaps we can do business together some day soon."

Terindra smiled and strolled out of their misty nook, not looking back. She moved around the nearby wall and lost herself in the gardens, returning to the ballroom from another direction entirely. She spotted Yasmina, dancing with a handsome man, one of Lady Jordil's brothers, she thought. Markin was standing near a door and she waved him over. "Dance with me, handsome boy!" His blue eyes flashed as he smiled at her, all white teeth. He spun her onto the floor and she enjoyed the feel of his arms around her waist. They soon passed Yasmina and they exchanged a smile on the turn. Another turn and she saw Lady Jordil enter from the hall. Enough business, she allowed herself to enjoy the music and the handsome men on display.

She didn't see Merrith for some time. She hoped whatever she was doing was fruitful! She danced several more times, escorted by the men of several of the noblewomen there as well as Markin. As a princess with no acknowledged concubines, there was no shortage of families looking for that kind of imperial alliance. They needn't know she had no intentions of such a tie for some time to come.

The music was turning from the complex steps of mid-entertainment to the sensual dances kept for later in the evening when Terindra saw Merrith again. She caught the bright eyes and Merrith smiled at her. Terindra stopped the tall man she was currently with, well built but unfortunately bland in appearance. "My dear, I believe I've had enough for now. Escort me to my seat, there's a good lad." The bright colors were beginning to glare in her eyes, and the need to smile at all the important people was making her cheeks feel stretched. She rested a few moments in her chair, sending Markin to alert the service to prepare her carriage and gather her people. Merrith joined her.

"Have you been enjoying yourself, my dear?" She smiled up at the redhead, an amused suspicion in her eyes.

"Oh, a simply lovely time, my Lady! Delicious!" Merrith's freckles stood out in high relief on her flushed cheeks.

Terindra laughed. "You'll tell me all about it when we get home. Every kiss! Now, shall we go?"

Lady Jordil was at the door, sending her guests on their way. They bid each other a pleasant night and Terindra went down to the waiting carriage. She looked forward to a bath and the attentions of Listani and perhaps Milanda. Merrith could debrief the guards tonight, and they could compare notes tomorrow. She climbed into the carriage and froze. On the seat was a folded and sealed square of parchment. Terindra considered, then shook her head and picked it up. The information it might contain was not for the eyes of her mother's servant, and the chance that it might be poisoned was slim. She tucked it away to examine later. "Home. Enough for tonight!"

---

Giggling erupted from the bath, the four women splashing as their eyes sparkled in enjoyment. "She did what?"

"She licked my knees! That's all she wanted to do, I swear!" Another fit of giggles afflicted Terindra as Merrith lifted a smooth limb out of the water to demonstrate. "Her mistress thinks she's odd and won't let her do it. She was incredibly turned on by it. I think she actually orgasmed, just about the time she got, um, there!" Merrith twisted to point at the hollow behind her knee and slipped. Gales of laughter erupted as the water bounced into the air around her.

"Like this?" Milanda caught her by the ankle and lifted the leg above the water, dipping her head to bestow a long tongue swipe from the top of the shin over the knee to the thigh. Merrith wiggled her toes. "Or like this?" She turned and licked it sideways, then kissed it.

"Yes, that's pretty much it!" Merrith wiggled her toes again.

"Well, I'm afraid it doesn't do much for me. What about you?" Milanda raised her eyebrows and looked at Merrith.

"Actually..." The redhead glided through the tub toward Milanda, knees disappearing beneath the water. She met her in a kiss, lips melding together and laughter forgotten.

Terindra watched while Zilla gently washed her back. Merrith had heard some interesting things about the odd young woman's mistress while getting her knees licked. This evening had delivered a wealth of information. She had only scanned the mysterious note, enough to confirm that it was the same as the first one. There was a note at the end saying she had used the information well so far, and if she continued to do so, they would meet soon. She wasn't sure if she should be affronted at the temerity of the author, or grateful for his interest! She wasn't used to being grateful for anything. Except her mother's forbearance.

She didn't like that thought. Merrith and Milanda were thoroughly involved now. Terindra watched as Merrith slipped down to take Milanda's dark aureole into her mouth, suckling at it as Milanda's face showed her pleasure. Merrith had straddled Milanda's leg and the light brown skin of the other woman showed dark against Merrith's pale skin, even through the water. Merrith's hips moved sending waves to obscure the view as she rubbed against Milanda's strong thigh. Her hand slipped between them, fingers moving in the dark shadow of the other woman's cleft.

Zilla's hands moved around to rub Terindra's breasts. Suddenly Terindra was achingly aroused, but she knew the women weren't what she wanted. She watched anyway, not ready to expend the energy to leave the warm water.

Merrith pulled back and lifted Milanda to the edge of the pool. The brown legs parted for her and Milanda lifted one slim foot out as she lay back along the edge. Merrith spread the lips of her cleft and gently blew on the already swollen knob that dwelt there. A small sound escaped the other woman and she shivered, her hands going to her own breasts to roll the nipples between her fingers. Merrith licked her thighs and moved up quickly to her goal. Her tongue drifted lightly across the sensitive lips, then stroked her clit firmly.

Milanda moaned and Merrith locked her lips to the soft flesh, tasting her clean light musk. Milanda moved under her, slowly writhing as though she simply couldn't stay still. Her long fingers pulled at her nipples, hands cupping her breasts as Merrith's tongue brought her swiftly closer to satisfaction. Merrith rested one hand on a thigh, supporting it in the water. The other went to her own sex, fingers moving rapidly over her clit in time with her tongue.

Terindra's own hands moved between her legs. One finger glided smoothly and slowly along her cleft as she watched. She felt the swell of desire building slowly within her. She was nowhere near orgasm herself as the other two climbed to their peaks. Zilla reclined behind her, hands gently caressing her back and sides. Zilla seemed only mildly interested. Her tastes generally ran in other directions, although she was always willing to accede to her mistress' desires.

Milanda's soft cries were coming with each rapid breath and her head moved back and forth until suddenly she arched her back, straining. Merrith's mouth moved on her and she dropped back then lifted her hips again to Merrith's lips and tongue. Her hands went to the other woman's hair holding her tight to her mound as her orgasm ripped through her. Again and again her cries echoed and her hips thrust before she relaxed.

Merrith lifted her face from the wetness between Milanda's legs and dipped to the water to rinse herself. She was gasping, her hand still working on herself. Milanda rolled into the water, moving along side Merrith. She encouraged Merrith to lay over the edge of the pool and slid up behind her. Then she began in turn to lick, her fingers moving into the wet heat of the pale lips, bright pink showing from the swollen folds. Merrith was more than ready and her legs kicked in the water. The position rendered her unable to move much. She had nothing even to hold onto and she groaned in frustration as Milanda's skilled tongue lapped at her.

Terindra wanted more and she rose to her feet. Zilla passed her a towel and the other two paused until Terindra waved them back to their play.

"Send Listani to me, please, Zilla, then go to your own rest." Terindra turned toward her bedroom then stopped. "Zilla. You are doing a wonderful job here. Thank you." Pleased with herself for remembering to encourage somebody, Terindra moved on into the other room.

She drew back the bronze colored satin sheets, enjoying the way the lamp light shimmered across the loose folds of shining cloth. She crawled up on them, reaching for the chilled wine left on the table within reach. She was sprawled among the pillows when Listani let himself into the room.

He wore a loose robe which he let fall as he stepped toward her. "Your wish, my Lady?" His eyes traveled over her and she saw him start to respond already.

She turned to her back and opened her legs, and the moisture glistened there. "I want you here, now."

She smiled as she watched him take himself in hand and encourage his erection as he strode toward her. Soon he was over her, supported on his arms, his member ready. She took him by the hips and pulled him hard into her. He smiled and cooperated, and she gasped as he sank deep, sweetly piercing her until she felt as if he would reach all the way through. The desire flared through her and she bit him, encouraging him to move. He made a sound like a low growl into her breast as he lowered himself to his elbows and began stroking in and out or her. She felt her consciousness sink into the sensations, his hot smooth skin sliding into her hunger, his groin pressing fire from her center each time he filled her.

She wrapped her legs around his back and pulled him in, and her nails raked his back. "Harder. Harder!"

He answered her, driving hard as she rode the wave higher and higher. She felt it begin to crest and hovered there as he filled her once more, and again, and yet again. Then he shifted slightly and shattered her, his cock hitting that spot so deep inside that drove everything away into colors and cries and fiery waves until she began to subside, slowly. He still moved in her, watching her closely as her eyes fluttered back open. She wanted more, but knew it would be awhile before her body would respond.

She stopped him. "Enough for now. I may want you again later."

"Yes, my Lady." He obediently pulled out and moved to gather his robe. Then he returned to fill her wine glass and straighten the sheets around her before taking his station outside her door. Merrith and Milanda soon entered, quietly checking on her needs. She dismissed them to their own sleep then lost herself in contemplation of the evening. She wanted to make as many connections as she could from her own observations and the reports of her own people before reading the newest report from her mystery spy.

Merrith's little handmaiden had let slip a few interesting tidbits with no idea that she had done so. She didn't like it when her Lady Orbigantry visited with Lady Serchen, and such visits had been much more frequent lately. There were a limited number of reasons for these two ladies to meet, and coupled with the observations that each of them had met privately with Yasmina tonight made for some very interesting connections indeed. Terindra's mind saw a diaphanous spiderweb of fine silken lines running between the people of her Empire. It formed an ever-changing tapestry, and she knew that one who could see and read that tapestry would truly rule the Empire.

She rose and pulled on a light robe, returning to the office as she had done more and more often these nights.

Hardil was already there, hard at work. He had the lamp lit at her desk and gave her a smile as she came in. "I've prepared an initial report for you, my Lady. It is there on your desk. Shall I order anything from the kitchen?"

"Some light snacks would be good, Hardil. This is becoming a routine, isn't it?" It occurred to her that she was keeping him up to work with her on a regular basis. She looked closely at him. "Are you getting enough sleep, Hardil? I need you alert for this work. It would be too easy to miss details with a foggy mind."

"I am fine, my Lady. I sleep in the morning while you have no need of me. I find I like this schedule, we accomplish so much when the household is quiet." He paused, and she glanced up to see him looking at her, and odd expression on his face. "Thank you, my Lady, for bringing me here and giving me interesting work to do. My life here is better than anything I could have hoped for. You are a kind mistress." He smiled slightly and ducked his head back to desk.

Terindra stared at him. Such an odd man. His comment made her feel good, in an odd way. She had never particularly considered the feelings of her servants until recently. She had expected such considerations to give her better work performance and loyalty. She had not expected to gain and emotional return herself. Why should she care about what a servant thought of her? Still, it did feel good. She shook off the odd thoughts and returned to her work.

Some time later she leaned back, stretching her back and neck. She glimpsed Listani standing outside the door and smiled a little. She wasn't sure why he felt it his duty to guard her night time work, but he always did. She never asked him about it. He was good to look at between bouts of concentration!

She had been right about the connection between the houses of Orbigantry and Serchen, and Yasmina's interest in it. She had found several obscure connections between the two houses, and one of Yasmina's allied houses had been active in contacting both of them recently. She had suspected a forced buyout of another house, known to be a hostile competitor of the house of Serchen. The more she looked, though, the more she saw that as a front for a much more complex maneuver by Yasmina and her allies. They were cornering the market on the production of a particular cloth used in huge quantities for a yearly festival in the northern portions of the Empire. The festival was becoming popular along the border and even farther north because of the amusing nature of the costumes and games it encouraged. The color and type of cloth was traditional, and exports last year had begun increasing considerably.

House Narchiae was a major producer of the dye used for this cloth, and was in imminent danger of going under and becoming a subsidiary of Serchen. This was only one house of a pattern, though. The others were seemingly unconnected, as none of them worked directly together, but each contributed some important item to the production of the cloth. Each was coming under ownership of an ally of Yasmina.

Yasmina's purposes behind this were a little harder to figure. She made no direct profit from it. Those profiting were already her allies. Their gratitude would be perhaps more in proportion with the increase in their profits, but that would last exactly as long as it would have before all this dealing, which was to say as long as it benefited them.

Again, the mysterious supporter's information shed light. It was the exports to the northern countries, of course. It was a unique opportunity to make contacts and place her people in places that would not be open to her in any guise other than a festival. There were signs that the spread of the festival was being encouraged as well. The letter suggested a way to take advantage of Yasmina's play, as well. To Terindra's fascination, it involved the same corner of the market as the last one.

Shipping. Only minor families took any interest in shipping. It produced nothing, it was backbreaking work requiring huge stocks of livestock and feed. It was much cheaper and easier for the larger houses to hire somebody to take care of this necessary end of business. Shipping in the interior of Arbigahl was accomplished by small individual companies that owned routes between towns, or sections of the rivers. There was a great deal of turnover in those small companies. Families died out or were killed by bandits or natural disaster. Poor management, or disease among the livestock forced sale of the routes. There were incredible possibilities here.

It was the same blindness to the working class, the servants, that seemed to be endemic to her culture. It was an opportunity for building an incredible power base, and information network! And her sister, along with the rest of the nobility, would be unlikely to see it for the same reasons they had not seen it before!

There were problems, but she was sure she could work around them. Yes! This was it! The potential was outrageous! She grinned at Hardil and he stared back at her, puzzled, too immersed in minutia to see the picture forming in her mind, like a dark web under the other one. A dark web that vibrated to her control!

Excitement raced through her.

"Enough for tonight, Hardil! Enough. I have what I want for now. Tomorrow we begin to plan how to use it. Tonight, it is enough!" She grinned at his puzzled face and waved him to the door. Terindra drank down the glass of wine sitting beside her, then rose and went to Listani still standing at the door. She grinned at him too, then grabbed his head and pulled him down for a kiss. Suddenly the fire rushed through her and she wanted him in her, no waiting!

She yanked open his tunic, loosely belted at his waist. She wrapped a leg around his thigh and climbed him, lips still locked to his. Her robe fell open. Listani's strong hands cupped her buttocks, parting her. She felt the tip of his ready erection pressing at her nether lips, and thrust down, impaling herself on him. He gasped, warm breath filling her mouth and she laughed, throwing her head back. He staggered and turned, pressing her to the wall, holding her high against him. Terindra screamed in laughter and wild pleasure as he lowered her onto his shaft. His strong grip under her round ass pulled her wide open and she sank onto him forcing him incredibly deep inside of her. She braced her arms on his shoulders and bent her neck to kiss him again, running her tongue far along his, devouring his mouth. He matched her passion, thrusting wildly into her, gripping her hips and pulling her to meet him. They cried out together, their voices mingling with their tongues.

She wanted to feel his climax as she rose, only to sink onto him again. She had to tell him, or he wouldn't. "Don't hold back! Do it! Yes!" Her words turned to a scream again as her own climax was upon her, and she felt him seem to swell even larger inside her as he drove her through her orgasm before releasing his own. He scalded her and the feel of him jetting inside her sent her over again. He moved with her until she was limp in his arms. Then he withdrew from her inner recesses and shifted her in his arms to carry her back to her room. He placed her on the bed and gently bathed the stickiness from her before tucking the smooth cool sheets around her. She slept before he finished, a smile on her lips.

Continued in Chapter 5

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