3 comments/ 15948 views/ 2 favorites Power and Pleasure Ch. 02 By: StrengthThruLove Carol was awakened by a gentle kiss on her ear. "Good morning," Nathaniel's voice said. She really didn't want to wake up. She was warmly nestled in a bed that was soft and deep. "What time is it?" "Zero seven hundred," Nathaniel's voice said against her ear. "You can sleep some more if you want to." Carol forced herself upright. "No. I can't believe it's after zero five-thirty. I never sleep later than zero five-thirty." "Maybe there wasn't a good reason to stay in bed," Nathaniel observed. Carol looked at him and smiled. He was still nude and she could see his whole body. She had seen it the previous night of course, but she had much more intent on touching rather than seeing. Now she regarded him as she would a statue in a museum: with an artistic eye. He lay on one side, leaning on an elbow. She swept her eyes from his chiseled face passed his broad chest to flat stomach. Her gaze continued lower to his half-erect manhood and over muscular thighs. Part of her said that he was too perfect to be the man she had slept with the previous night. What would such a magnificent creature want with her? He, in turn, looked at her as though he was memorizing every detailed of her body. He let his gaze lingered on her large sparkling brown eyes, her high, well-defined cheeks, and her flowing brown hair which was now in an appealing state of disarray. He lowered his gaze to her breasts; firm and sized so that he couldn't quite fill a hand with one. He took in the firm flatness of her belly and the carefully groomed hair between her legs. Lastly, his eyes regarded the solid but exquisitely shaped thighs and the perfectly formed calves of her legs. Carol suddenly covered herself with the sheets. An abrupt feeling of self-consciousness had gripped her. Nathaniel was so beautiful, and she was so plain. She left the bed and searched for something to put on. The dress she had worn last night was gone, and there was nothing else. "I need something to wear." She almost pleaded. "Why?" Nathaniel said, moving toward her in an almost predatory manner. "I can't walk around naked all day." Carol said. "I mean why do you need cloths right now?" He was in arm's reach now, but did not reach out to her. "I just do!" She said, growing angry because anger was better than fear. He took her gently by the wrist. "Why did you panic when I looked at you?" Her face turned red and she looked at the ground. "Because I'm naked," she said. Nathaniel Laughed. The laugh was hearty and came from deep inside him. "After what we did to each other last night, you're worried about being naked in front me?" "That was different. It was dark and we were..." She searched for a word, "...distracted." There was another laugh. "Oh yes, I was distracted alright," the emperor said; still chuckling. "Let me show you what distracted me." He led her over to a full length mirror hanging on one of the suite's walls and stood her in front of it. Standing behind her, he took the bed sheet she was using to cover herself away. "I was distracted by this face," he said caressing her cheek with his fingertips. Carol closed her eyes at the touch. "Open your eyes," he commanded gently. "Look at yourself. Look at those gorgeous eyes of yours. Look at the graceful curve of your neck," he continued, trailing soft kisses from her jaw line to her shoulder. "You have beautiful breasts," he purred into her ear as his hands massaged the fleshy globes. She wanted to close her eyes and enjoy his touch, but she couldn't take her eyes away from his hands as they kneaded her breasts and made her nipples stiffen and grow. His hands smoothed their way down her abdomen. "Your whole body is fantastic; so well toned, but not so muscled that it doesn't look feminine. You have curves in all the right paces, but your muscles are firm and tight. Not many women can get that mix of firm muscles and softness right, but you have." Carol watched his hands move downward from her abdomen. The palm of his left hand circled of her pubic mound in a gentle massage while the fingers of his right hand stroked between her legs. "I love the way you trim yourself down there; just the right amount of hair. I love you thighs; they're luscious and smooth." Carol's knees were week. Nathaniel's hands were stimulating her with such skill that she thought she would faint. His fingers did not search randomly within her; they found the perfect spot inside her with confident ease. His palm on her mound moved in perfect counter rhythm to his fingers. She could feel him, hard and long, against her skin from behind. But, even as he drove her toward climax, she did not; could not, close her eyes. She was watching herself react to his Nathaniel's ministrations. In the seconds before orgasm he whispered in her ear. "You are beautiful," he said, his tone commanding her to believe what he has said. She shook in his arms. He drove until he was supporting her weight almost completely. When, at last, he lowered them both to their knees she closed her eyes and reveled in the aftermath of her climax. He turned her to face him. Her eyes opened to find his boring into them. "You are beautiful Carol; don't ever forget that."He hugged her then. It seemed like a long time before she stirred in his arms. Her body was only slowly surrendering control to her mind. She had never thought of herself as beautiful. She was attractive perhaps; but not beautiful. She had had her share of boyfriends, and even a few girlfriends in her life, but she had not considered herself as anything but average in appearance. But it seemed so important to Nathaniel that she knew she was beautiful in his eyes. His wives were so very lovely. Did he consider her to be their equal? Nathaniel helped her to her feet. "That door over there is a closet," he said gesturing towards a door on the room's far side. "Find something to wear," he said smiling. "I've had your things brought over from your old room, but you'll find everything in the closet fits." Carol opened the closet. It was three meters wide by six meters long and was filed with all types of clothing ranging from lingerie to complex evening gowns. A rotating rack contained at least fifty pairs of shoes. She selected a red, gold-trimmed, knee-length robe made of a material that seemed to have to qualities of silk but was many times lighter. It was so light she could barely feel it against her skin. It felt as though she still wore nothing. Nathaniel was donning a fresh pair of red pajamas that must have been brought there by the palace staff while she slept. Carol became aware of the perspiration that had covered her during the incredibly energetic lovemaking she had engaged in the previous night. "I need a shower," she said as she tightened the belt of her own robe. "No," Nathaniel countered, "You need a bath." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nathaniel led her by the hand through the palace corridors. Four body guards fell into step around them as they left her suite. Carol became nervous at the sight of the guards. Two were male, and two female. They were armed with plasma pistols, and intricate sabers. Carol knew that the sabers were nano-blades; blades with edges were only the width of a single molecule, and forged ofcarbonized tele-forged adamite alloy. They were incredibly durable and so sharp that they could slice between the molecular bonds of their target. It would cost Carol a year of her commander's salary, including combat pay, to purchase one. Each guard wore blood-red tunics and trousers and each had red and gold metal breast plates protecting their torsos. The female guards wore thigh-high black leather boots' the males' boots were knee high. The red marked them as the Emperor's personal guard; his blood guard. The current corps of blood guard was the first generation and was comprised equal numbers of males and females. On joining the blood guard they had agreed to marry only among each other. Their children would be the next generation of blood guard and their children the next. This, it was hoped, would produce an elite, supremely trained, cadre of guards of unquestionable loyalty to the royal family. Carol regarded the guards with not a little trepidation. Nathaniel noticed her scrutiny of the guards. "It's sad that we have to live with so much security, but the government is young, and I've made an impressive array of enemies." Carol had been caught up in Nathaniel's seductive lifestyle and had nearly forgotten that she was in the home of the Emperor. While the War against Chaos was over, the Old Federation's enemies still lurked behind their borders and looked at the fledgling Dynastic government with hungry eyes. She, herself had nearly been killed repelling an attempt by the Hadian Union to annex a border colony belonging to the Dynasty. At this point the death of the Emperor would likely doom the Dynasty in short order; guards would be something she would have to adjust to. As they approached another set of wooden double doors their escorts positioned themselves on either side of the doors, joining two other guards already station there. Carol could here muffled voices and feint splashing sounds coming from behind the doors. When the doors opened they revealed a large bath. A round bathing pool dominated the room. Carol estimated it to be ten meters across and it had a fountain at its center. A submerged bench lined its inner perimeter, and retractable rinsing hoses were spaced every other meter. It was made of white marble and ringed by a lovely assortment of potted and hanging plants that filed the room with their scent. Nathaniel's wives were all immersed in the water. Unknown to herself, Carol had stopped abruptly and blushed. Shayal stood waist deep in the water and was being lovingly bathed by Sandra and Kalin who gently scrubbed her with soft-looking sponges. Shayal seemed utterly content as the two women worked the sponges in circles across her body. She was very fair-skinned, and this made her ebon hair seem all the darker as it was wetly mated on her neck and shoulders. Her breasts were small, but the general smallness of her body made them proportional. She was very lightly muscled, but her muscles still played sensuously under her skin. She was carrying on a conversation with Sandra and Kalin as they attended her; giving every indication that she had been bathed by them quite often. Kalin was tall and voluptuously built with heavy, slightly pouting breasts. Her eyes betrayed some Asian ancestry but her height and robust frame made it clear that any Asian heritage was a distant one. Her hair was dark brown, and very curly. She was tall but not overly slim. This gave her a fleshy, feminine softness that was most apparent in her the graceful roundness of her bottom. Sandra had a dancer's body. The muscles were well formed but had only a subtly sculpted appearance. Her blond hair reached to the middle of her shoulder blades and was currently damply matted so that it partially covered her medium-sized bosoms. Her body could have been used for a classical sculpture; its proportions perfect; its contours smooth and elegant. Her statuesque face help pale blue eyes the beamed with intelligence and passion of equal intensity. Nearby, Miranda, the Dynastic Minister of industry, sat on the underwater bench while Monica, the Physician General, washed her silky back hair. Miranda was also of partially Asian lineage and was blessed with that smooth, luminous skin that only oriental blood could endow. She was taller than most Asian women, had sensual, flaring hips, and pert, grapefruit-sized breasts. Her eyes were now closed as Monica massaged her scalp and worked in the thick shampoo lather. Monica' skin was darkly tanned and radiant. Her hair was light brown and curly and was currently pinned high on her head. She was well endowed with cleavage, and her nipples were large and dark. Her body was contoured in a profoundly womanly shape; one curve flowing smoothly into the next. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying attending to Miranda's hair and pleased at Miranda's enjoyment. Carol would have given the other wives an equally thorough, if unconsciously motivated, visual inspection, but she was interrupted by Nathaniel' hands touching her shoulders. "We always bathe together in the morning before breakfast and get to work after we've eaten," he told her as his hands slipped around her to untie her robe's belt. "Thanks to you, I slept late and we all are getting a late star," he added playfully. Jordan realized it was too late for modesty on her part; she had just spent the last several seconds blatantly ogling the women in the pool. She allowed Nathaniel to removed her robe and help her into the water, which was hotter than she expected, but still soothing. She lowered herself until her head was fully submerged, shaking her head as she surfaced. For several moments she sat on the pool's bench with her eyes closed as the heat melted into her. Nathaniel sat beside her. "Feel better?" She let herself sink a little lower. "Yes," she purred. She was allowed to sit in silence for several minutes before Nathaniel, stood up and offered his hand to help her to her feet. She stood, and he led her toward the waist-deep center of the pool. He circled his arms around her from behind. "You'll like this," he said intro her ear. Shayal and Sandra came to her and began to lather her with the wonderfully soft hands and sponges. Carol had never been pampered before. Her childhood had been lived in a spartan fashion and her entire adult life had been lived in military service. But in this place; with these people, it was alright to be pampered. Still her body tensed as the two women spread the rich lather over her skin. "It's alright," Nathaniel told her as that incredible energy went through her. "Relax." The tension left her body and she sighed. The sponges were incredibly soft and the soap smelled of lavender and citrus. Nathaniel released her, took up a sponge himself, and scrubbed her back in long, loving stokes. The sponges slid over her body, the soap's fragrance filled the air, the hot water loosened her muscles, and Carol let herself drift away. She had never felt so welcome among any other group of people. She had just meant them, but she knew instinctively that she belonged with the people in the pool with at that moment. She could feel their love for her in the way they touched her; in the way they enjoyed seeing the pleasure they were giving her. When Carol had been bathed from head to toe she was led back to the bench where Monica was waiting. Monica sat on the edge of the tub with her feet on the submerged bench. Sandra led Carol to the edge of the tub and had her sit on the submerged bench in front of Monica. Carol rested her head against Monica's stomach. To her right, she could see Miranda and Kalin bathing Nathaniel with the help L'vera the Commandant of the Dynastic Marine Corps. L'vera was over six feet tall with straight black hair that cascaded to the middle of her back. Her muscles were the best defined of all the wives but were not so developed as to appear masculine. Carol thought that L'vera had the perfect mixture of muscle definition and fleshy softness that Nathaniel had told Carol she had. Although Carol really didn't believe it was true about her. Sandra smiled and helped Carol get situated comfortably "Washing hair is Monica's specialty. You get clean hair and a scalp massage; you can't beat it." Carol felt a copious amount of shampoo spread over the top other head. Skilled, loving fingers began gliding over her scalp; working the shampoo into a lather that had a scent Carol couldn't quantify but blended with the bath soap's fragrance perfectly. Monica's fingernails scratched the scalp with just the right amount of pressure; her fingers kneaded and loosened the tiny muscles in the forehead. Carol found herself pleasantly lazy as the overall serenity of the environment seemed to absorb her into its peacefulness. "This feels wonderful. Thank you all so much," she sighed. Shayal sat next to her and touched Carol's face. "You are very welcome Carol. We take care of each other in this family. You have a lot of healing to do and we will help you with that. When you are well you will help us build the Dynasty and take care of us just as we are caring for you now." "M hmm," was the only response Carol could manage. She was immersed in a wonderful lethargy. It was much like being on the verge of sleep, but she was fully awake and experiencing every touch and sensation with keen, if somewhat drowsy, awareness. She was only subtly aware of Shayal's voice speaking to her. It seemed distant and soft, but very soothing. Shayal spoke to Carol in soft half-whispers "That's it, Carol; let yourself go. The water is so hot and soothing. The soap and plants smell so good. Monica's hands are so soft on your scalp. It's so easy to let yourself relax. You're safe here among people who love you. There is nothing to worry about; nothing to do but relax and drift." Shayal continued her induction for twenty minutes, taking Carol into a deep trance. Nathaniel waded across the pool to stand next Shayal. "Well done," he told Shayal. "She went under so easily; and went deep very quickly as well," Shayal said, Looking down at Carol as Monica massaged her shoulders and neck, more because she was enjoying the feel of Carol's skin in her hands than for Carol's enjoyment. Nathaniel took Shayal's hand. "I know, she went under quickly for me too, but it doesn't take long for her to tense up again. I could feel her tense up again about an hour after we went to sleep. I felt her muscles bunch up as she slept and used my telepathy to keep her from having a nightmare." Monica caressed Carol's cheek. "I'm not surprised. Her file said that she had severe burns over eighty percent of her body. I can't imagine what the pain would have been like. The surgeries would have been grueling as well." "I can't imagine how she survived," Shayal said, moving closer Carol and kissing her lightly on the shoulder. Monica continued to enjoy the smoothness of Carol's skin. "When we decided to bring her into the family, I called her doctor on Fort Hope and asked him how she survived." "What did he say?" Shayal asked. "He said he didn't know," Monica replied. "He attributed it to will power. He said that Carol just refused to die. According to him, he'd never had a critical patient fight harder to live. Put simply, she's a very strong woman." "She will make a fine wife and give you strong children," Shayal said. "Yes she will," Nathaniel's said sitting on the other side of Carol. "She is so strong, so capable but she is also so insecure." "She did not strike me as insecure," Shayal said. "You're not going to believe this, but she doesn't think that she's beautiful." Nathaniel said. "That is ridiculous; she's exquisite," Shayal observed gesturing toward Carol. "It's not surprising, though," Monica said. "Her parents were part of the minimalist sect of the Order, and down-played physical beauty; stressing intellectual development." "They could not tell their daughter that she was beautiful?" Shayal asked. "Minimalists don't even acknowledge the value of art. Beauty is considered a transient illusion," Monica elaborated. Nathaniel looked down at Carol as she drifted in trance. "There is nothing illusionary about her," he said with a hint of anger. "Actually I'm amazed that she responded to life with us so quickly. Minimalists also try to deny physical pleasure, and view sex as only as a means of procreation," Monica observed. "After all the pain she went through, she is entitled to all the pleasure we can give her; all the love we can give her." Shayal said stroking Carol's hair. Power and Pleasure Ch. 02 "She's family now," Nathaniel said. "She's ours to protect." "Ours to love," Shayal added. Nathaniel smiled and nodded. Carol blinked several times as she came out of trance. She was still immersed in the hot, scented water of the bath, and could still breathe in the garden-like smell of the potted plants that hung about the room. She had been put into trance again, she realized. It was easy to go into trance here. She felt safe and wanted and the royal family was so very loving. Shayal was kneeling on the bench next to her; her hand still stroking Carol's hair. "How do you feel?" "Wonderful," Carol said; "Just a little lazy." "For the next few weeks lazy is probably best for you," Shayal suggested. "You been through so much, and once you begin your work as Chief of Staff you will have more than enough work to do." "Can I ask a question?" Carol asked. "Surely," Shayal said, her hand stroking carols neck. "Is hypnotizing me going to be a family pastime?" Carol asked, smiling. Shayal laughed. "We use hypnosis on each other frequently, but only to please and heal. We'll teach you how to put people into trance so you can take care of others as we have taken care of you." Carol turned so she could more easily see Shayal's face. "I have to know something else." "Yes?" Shayal prompted. "When Nathaniel and I were making love, he seemed to have some kind if power he could send through my body. I would have slept with him anyway, but this power made the sex so wonderful I can't even put into words." Shayal touched Carol's shoulder. "You do not have to explain; I have experienced that power myself, all of the wives have." "What is it?" Carol asked eagerly. "That will take some time to explain and I, for one, am hungry. We will talk over breakfast." "I made you missed breakfast with you family; my apologies," Carol said, abruptly aware of her own hunger. "Nonsense," Shayal countered. "I wanted to care for you." She stood up and extended her hands to help Carol to her feet, "Come." As they stepped out of the bath, two female attendants rushed to them with soft towels and padded them dry. The towels were very soft and carol found herself caught up in the luxury of being pampered yet again. The attendants helped Carol and Shayal dress and anointed them with perfume. "Kisha, please tell the kitchen that I would like breakfast for two in the living room on the east table." Shayal thanked both attendants with a kiss on the cheek. Shayal was Empress, and she ruled this household, but she treated the staff with a familiarity that humans would find somewhat undignified. Carol, however found such familiarity reassuring. Shayal took her arm led her arm and led her out of the room. "After we've eaten we will have our hair and makeup attended to while we get acquainted." "I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties," Carol said. Shayal patted her arm "Getting you settled in at the palace is my duty for today. You doubtless have more questions, and there are things you need to be told." Two male attendants seated the women at the breakfast table. Shayal thanked them both with kisses and asked them leave. "Now, let me answer your question," Shayal said, sipping from a glass of juice."The power you felt with Nathaniel last night I called 'andra' by the Andrian people, on you world the Indian people called it 'tantra.' It is a manifestation of the creative force that brings order to the universe. Nathaniel can tap into that power and channel it through his body." Carol thought for a moment. "How did he come about that ability?" "It was part of his genetic structure, but only became active after he and I became involved." Shayal answered. "Why would coming into contact with you trigger a latent genetic ability?" Carol asked. Shayal smiled. Carol had a keen mind that always went to the heart of a matter. "Because I have that ability as well; to a lesser degree," Shayal responded. "Very well, but how did you gain such abilities?" Carol inquired. "It was genetic in my case as well," Shayal replied, drawing out her explanation to gain insight into how Carol's mind worked. "That doesn't answer my question. The ability may be genetic in nature, but that doesn't tell me what caused that ability to manifest in both of you?" Carol pressed. Shayal smiled,"First I would like to ask you a question." Carol tilted her head slightly. "Alright," She said. Shayal touched Carol's hand from across the table. "We performed and extensive background profile on you before we asked you to join the family, so we know you have had female lovers in the past, but those relationships were several years ago. Since that time what few lovers you have taken have been men. I would like to know if you still find yourself attracted to women." Carol tilted her head again. "Well, dating hasn't been high on my priority list in while. I'm a fleet officer and, while we may not be officially at war, there has been almost constant fighting along the frontiers. I had been on continuous deployment for the last three years until I was hurt. But to answer your question; yes I find some women attractive. I lean more toward men, but I'm open to being with women as well." Shayal leaned closer. "Do you find any of Nathaniel's wives attractive?" "You're all lovely," Carol said. "I was very aroused when you bathed me this morning; but you have to have known that." Carol sipped her juice. "Now, are you going to answer my question?" Shayal smiled. "I have another one for you. How would you feel about going to bed with Nathaniel and some of the other wives?" Carol smile and brushed some hair out of her face. "I'd love to try that. But, again, you knew that already." Shayal almost grinned. "How would I know that?" Carol propped her chin on her hands; her elbows on the table. "I assume you asked me those questions when I was in trance." Shayal sipped more juice. "Why would you assume that?" "Because you wouldn't want to put me into an awkward position by springing a situation I wouldn't be comfortable with. Asking me while I was in trance meant I would answer without filtering my answers trough all my learned inhibitions and insecurities. But, you needed to ask me while I was fully conscious so you could be sure that I wasn't being led by the way you asked the questions, or being influenced by what I thought you wanted to hear while I was in trance and in a highly suggestible sate." "You already seem to know a bit about hypnosis," Shayal observed. "I took a few psychology courses at the academy, and was hypnotized a few times there, but it was my father who I owe most of what I know about hypnosis and psychology in general. He was a psychologist and my mother was a micro-biologist." "I saw that in the profile we did on you," Shayal said. Carol nodded. "They were also both minimalists, so there was no novels, holo-vids or any other entertainment media in the in our quarters on ship we lived on. The only things there were to read were books about psychology and micro-biology. I probably have the equivalent of bachelor's degrees in both disciplines." Carol leaned toward Shayal, took a strawberry from a bowl on the table and popped in her mouth. "Now do I get my answers; or do I have to tell you about my first kiss?" Shayal laughed and stood. "I would love to hear about you first kiss, but I will answer your question. However it would be easier to show you that answer." She smiled wickedly at finding another way to play on Carol's curiosity. "After we get our hair seen to," Shayal added, brushing an undisciplined strand of Carol's hair away from her eyes. Carol just chuckled and shook her head. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- After visiting the palace's hair dresser, Shayal had maneuvered them in having a massage, a pedicure and a manicure. Following that, the two women had lunch with the Nathaniel and his wives and then Shayal led Carol on an extensive tour of the palace. Carol came to realize that Shayal would answer her questions n her own time. The two women talked and became friends, but Shayal kept the conversation on her terms. It was early evening when Shayal finally led Carol back to the royal family's living quarters. Together with Nathaniel and the other wives they passed a few pleasant hours before enjoying an equally pleasant dinner. Carol had stopped pushing for an answer to her question. Shayal seemed to enjoy stringing her along and it had only been a day since she had been asked into the family's inner circle. She decided to enjoy the company of her new friends. The soft, talented hands of Coreen Straland-Trent, Nathaniel's Grand Admiral, were caressing her neck and shoulders. Coreen was a buxom and curvaceous with blond hair that hung at just below shoulder length. Her breasts were larger than any of the other wives. Her eyes were a shining green. She wore a black silk robe with gold embroidery that closed with a red sash. The rest of the family was seated about the room finding diversion in each other. "I hear you get to know the big secret tonight," Coreen whispered, moving to sit beside Carol on the large sofa. "I've been waiting since this morning," Carol said with a good natured smile. Coreen moved a hand along Carol's shoulder in a light, petting motion. "It's worth the wait, believe me." Carol began stroking Coreen's thigh lightly. "I'm sure it will be. " Coreen looked at Carol's hand briefly and smiled softly. She leaned forward and kissed Carol lightly on the mouth. Carol touched Coreen's face and held the kiss. Coreen's took Carol's hands and guided them to her breasts. The two women quickly became lost in each other's touch. Carol felt another hand on her shoulder and felt Nathaniel's power flow through her. She turned to find him standing over her. He wore pale blue pajamas with the top left open to bare his chest. He knelt and kissed Carol even as Coreen trailed kisses down her neck from behind. Carol returned Nathaniel's kiss and reached back to stroke Coreen's face. She was engulfed in warm flesh, satin, and silk. Nathaniel helped both women to their feet and pulled Coreen into a long, deep kiss with one hand as he held Carol by the waist with the other. Carol ran a hand over his chest and kissed his shoulder; her other hand stoking Coreen's back. Gentle hands took her by the waist and she felt soft skin and satin press against her back. She turned and Shayal was there; her robe pooled at her feet. She untied the belt to Carol's robe, slid her hands inside it, and drew Carol into a kiss. Shayal's hands roamed over Carol's body and the kiss became deep and long. At length, Shayal broke the kiss and turned Carol toward Nathaniel and Coreen. "Watch," she said. Coreen was nude now and Nathaniel was holding her from behind; his right hand has working in steady, gently rhythm between her legs while Miranda and Kalin each kissed and sucked a nipple. Coreen seemed completely surrendered to the warmth of loving hands and lips. As Carol watched Coreen being pleasured, Shayal's hands continued to move over her body; the hands were experienced and knowing. Carol was fascinated by the way Coreen responded to the ministrations of Nathaniel and the two women. She fixated on one of Coreen's breasts as Miranda's tongue circled the already hyper-stimulated nipple. Miranda's smooth Asian skin seemed to glow with sensual energy as she serviced Coreen. Coreen had filled one hand with Miranda's long black hair holding her mouth to her breast. "She's in trance isn't she?" Carol asked, her voice breathy with lust. "Yes," Shayal whispered in her ear. "We all have trigger words that send us in various levels of trance. Coreen is in a very light trance now. She is fully aware, but very open to suggestion. In this state she can feel everything that Nathaniel, Miranda and Kalin are doing to her without the worries and distractions of her conscious mind to interfere. She knows that all she has to do is relax and let them please her. She trusts them completely and gives herself over to them." "You gave me trigger words too, didn't you?" Carol asked as she watched Nathaniel turn Coreen to face him, kissed her, and then lowered her softly onto a sofa. "Oh yes," Shayal said, brushing Carol's hair to the side and kissing the nape of her neck. "You are a very good hypnotic subject and we treasure that. You will learn the trigger words for the whole family. "Even Nathaniel?" Carol inquired. Shayal hands brushed Carol's nipples. "Yes, we have a great deal of enjoyment putting him under as well." Coreen was now on her back with Kalin and Miranda laying on either side of her; their hands were roving over her body while she writhed and uttered eager, unintelligible sounds of pleasure. Nathaniel was atop her, kissing his way down her belly moving his mouth toward slowly to her womanhood. Shayal's hands continued to play over Carol's skin. "Coreen is usually a very active lover. She always worries more about pleasing her partner that receiving pleasure herself. We all love her for that but, when she is entranced, we want her to think only about her own needs and desires." Nathaniel's head was now between Coreen's thighs; his tongue had found her center and was stimulating her with experienced skill. Her hips moved up to meet his mouth. Her hands tangled in his hair, her breath was coming in lust-induced gasps. Carol knew that Coreen was on the verge of climax. Carol felt Shayal's lips against her ear. "Twilight," Shayal whispered. Carol's thinking mind seemed to have been switched off. Her eyes fluttered closed and her body seemed light enough to float away. She could still hear Coreen's moans. She could feel Shayal's hands caressing her. She could smell the scent of arousal mixed with the aroma of perfume. Those sensations were all her mind could process; all that it wished to process. "Open your eyes Carol," Shayal said, her lips brushing Carol's ear as she spoke. "She will have an orgasm soon." Carol eyes opened slowly. Nathaniel's mouth was still on Coreen's sex; her thighs constricted around his head. Kalin and Miranda were both sucking on one of Coreen's nipples while their hands stroked her thighs. Carol's hand moved involuntarily between her own legs. "Can you feel the power Carol; the energy coming from all of them?" Shayal asked, gently moving carol's hands away from between her legs and replacing them with her own. "Yesss," Carol moaned, as Shayal's working fingers circled her over her sensitized nub. "We all have the andra Carol; so do you," Shayal informed her. "We will bring it to life tonight. Watch Coreen and the others; feel then energy they are emanating. Let it soak into your body and mind. Let it fill you." "Yes," Carol said in a sigh. Coreen was gasping even harder now as Nathaniel drove her closer and closer to climax. Miranda and Kalin moved away from her and toward Carol. Each took a nipple in their mouth and sucked gently while Shayal's fingers continued their expert stimulation. Her eyes drifted closed as the pleasure saturated her. "Keep watching. " Shayal ordered gently. Carol found that she had no choice but to open her eyes. Coreen's back was arched. Her large, magnificent breasts bounced invitingly as her body moved to a rhythm only it could hear. Her flat, softly muscled abdomen stretched as her back arched; the muscles there forming beautiful contours as they flexed in time with her moving hips. "Do you feel the energy?" Shayal pressed. "It flows from Nathaniel and then to us." Carol did feel it. Caressing her nerves from the inside out as the hands and mouths were caressing her skin. Nathaniel was both the source and the conduit for the power. Carol perceived it on an instinctive, primal level. The energy itself was primal and pure. Through that power she was connected to Nathaniel and, through him, she was connected to Shayal, Miranda, Coreen and Kalin. She could feel them as the passion and pleasure they were creating built. Carol was disappointed when Shayal's finger moved away from her cleft. She would have protested had Miranda's fingers not replaced them. Behind Carol now, Miranda's fingers continued what Shayal had begun while Kalin kissed Carol deeply before trailing wet kisses between Carol's breasts and down her stomach. Shayal had knelt beside Coreen and laid gentle kisses on each of her eye lids while reaching a hand to touch Nathaniel's head. The sexual energy that Carol had been opened to surged when Coreen, Nathaniel, and Shayal were all touching each other. It was as though a circuit had been closed. Everyone in the room felt it. Miranda let out a long sigh against Carol's neck and Kalin shuddered against her body. Shayal looked back at Carol and smiled a knowing smile. She whispered in Coreen's ear and Coreen screamed as an orgasm claimed her. The power that had engulfed Carol flared again; more powerfully than before, and Carol's orgasm shook her. She was sandwiched between Kalin and Miranda. It was only their support that kept her from falling as her knees buckled and the rest of her body convulsed with release. She relied on that support for several minutes until other arms came to support her. Nathaniel's arms held her against him as her breathing s slowed and her legs were again responding to her wishes. She melted contentedly against his body. She was only dimly aware when he lifted her into his arms and began to carry her. Where she was being carried to was unimportant; Nathaniel would never hurt her. Nathaniel laid her carefully in his bed. Still in a light trance, Carol settled in to the mattress and squirmed slightly finding a comfortable position. Nathaniel pulled blankets over her and touched her cheek. He bent his mouth to her ear. "Awaken," he said. Carol's eyes opened and her mind slowly resumed functioning. She was pleasantly exhausted and was in no hurry to move or even speak. "Shayal told you about the andra, and you felt a little of it in yourself just now, but there is more. We'll let you rest up a bit, and then show you." Carol propped herself up on her elbows; her curiosity overcoming her lethargy. "There is more than that?" she asked in disbelief. Another question was forming on her lips when Nathaniel held his right index finger inches in front of her face. Her eyes locked onto the finger and her lips refused to form words. Nathaniel moved the finger slowly toward her and touched the center of her forehead and said, "Sleep." Carol was suddenly irresistibly sleepy. She settled back onto the bed, pulled a pillow to her breasts, curled herself around it and slept. Power and Pleasure Ch. 03 Carol awoke snuggled between the sleeping bodies of Kalin and Coreen. The Emperor's other wives and consorts were also sleeping in the huge, round bed. However, the Emperor himself was not with them; nor was Shayal. The room was illuminated by a soft purple grow that provided just enough light to see by without interrupting sleep. Carol looked about the bedroom; taking in its ornate, hand-carved wooden furniture, the one of a kind works of art hanging on the walls, and the fire burning in the hearth that took up most of the room's far wall. It was odd, she thought, that the purple glow seemed to cancel out the fire's light. She could see the orange/red color as the flamed danced in the fireplace, and she could feel the heat, but its light was not cast into the rest of the room. The purple light, it seemed, would tolerate no competition. She turned at a sound behind her. Nathaniel and Shayal were approaching the bed; Carol had not heard them enter the bedroom. They were cast in fluctuating shadows that seemed to glide over their nude bodies with intentions of their own. The shadows alternately revealed and hid their bodies from Carol; giving them an almost ghostlike visage. Carol realized that purple glow had no source that she could readily identify; it seemed to be coming from every direction at once. Nathaniel extended a hand. "Come here," he said softly. Carefully, Carol moved around the women sleeping in the bed, and went to him. He drew her into an embrace; Shayal hugging her from behind. She had not dressed after their previous lovemaking and she sighed as her bare flesh molded into theirs. They held her lovingly between them for several seconds; allowing her body to recover from the deep sleep she had just awoken from. The andra; the incredible sexual energy that Nathaniel, and apparently his wives, could radiate from their bodies, flowed through her body in a pulsing rhythm. Her body seemed to synchronize with Nathaniel's as Shayal's already was. Their hearts beat it time with one another; they shared the same sense of peace and warmth. "Follow us," Nathaniel said, after the hugged ended. Carol obeyed; allowing herself to be led into a smaller chamber adjacent to the main bedroom. The chamber's door was concealed by a hologram that made it appear to be a solid wall. The purple light was brighter here; bright enough to read by, but soft and comforting at the same time. Another bed sat at the room's center. Although not as large as the enormous bed in the master bedroom, which could accommodate twenty people, this bed could easily fit six. It was flanked by two tables; one on either side, each as long as the bed. On the table to the right there were various types of food and refreshments; on the left was an assortment of massage oils and towels. Above the bed was the source of the purple light. Floating two meters over the bed was a crystal pyramid approximately the size of a man's head. The purple light emanated from a shimmering ball of radiance in its core. "What is it?" Carol asked; her eyes fixated on the pyramid. "We call it an Ansharr," Shayal said, standing on Carol's right and caressing her back. "It is a kind of living technology. It concentrates and stores andra energy and information, it grants prophetic visions, helps us find other people who can use the andra, and it does many other things; many of which we have yet to discover." "It also activates the abilities of people in which the andra is dormant," Nathaniel said, coming to stand at her left and lacing his fingers with hers. Carol's eyes did not leave the floating pyramid; it seemed to be hypnotic in its own right. "Do you think I have the andra?" she asked. "We know you do?" Nathaniel replied. "Remember, about two years ago, when you ship's crew received a unit citation for excellence?" He asked her. Carol was still fixated on the pyramid. "Yes, it was after we destroyed the pirate base on Gundara." "That's right," Nathaniel confirmed. "Sandra presented that citation, remember? She shook your hand." Carol remembered; she was one of a line of over twenty officers to be greeted by Princess Sandra Rittenhouse-Trent: the Grand Field Marshal of the Dynastic military forces. "That was so quick; just a few seconds." "Sandra sensed the andra in you then; and we started to watch you," Shayal said. The pyramid's light had started to pulsate in a slow rhythm. Nathaniel's hand had joined Shayal's in stroking Carol's back. They moved from the base of her neck to her spine; alternating in time with the pyramid's pulses. Carol felt her heartbeat assume the cadence of the pulsing. She felt tingling warmth in the core of her body. Core was an inadequate word, though; what she felt was indescribable. It was as though everything that was primally feminine; everything that connected her to women from the beginning of the human race was stirring within her. The great feminine energy was both within her body and beyond her it; deliciously physical and yet so much more. "Do you feel it, Carol?" Shayal asked her. "Can you feel the andra building within you?" "Yes." Carol replied, her voice very soft. Shayal's lips grazed Carol's ear. "Twilight," Shayal said. Carol went into trance easily and quickly. With her conscious mind no longer hindering it, the feminine power expanded through her body and mind. Her senses expanded. She was aware of Shayal's heart as it beat in unison with hers, she hear Shayal's breath, detected nuances of her perfume that normally would go unnoticed, and she was acutely aware of Nathaniel. Her andra; so powerfully feminine, reached out to his masculine energy and touched it. Their energies caressed each other and flared up together and produced a new, even more powerful force. The eternal dynamic of the male and female; of yin and yang was coming together in a realm that was beyond the physical, yet grounded in it. This third power was greater than the male and female; rather they stood alone or combined. The third power was greater than the sum of components that joined together to form it; it was the power of creation: what created life and brought order to the universe. Carol knew this instinctively. "Open your eyes, Carol," Shayal said. Slowly, Carol obeyed. Nathaniel was now standing two meters away holding her in a soft, loving gaze. He was fully aroused; his manhood standing firm and ready. His andra was still entwined with hers. It was a kind of metaphysical foreplay that didn't require touch; they were linked by their awakened sexual energy. Nathaniel's eyes remained fixed on hers as he directed his andra to create different sensations in her body. He sent a soothing warmth that seemed to infuse her whole body, then he made a thrilling tingle dance up her spine and, finally, he made her sense of incredible euphoria that amplified all of the other sensations. Ecstasy was the only word that Carol could think of; and that was far from adequate. "Your andra is awake now," Shayal said softly. "You have to control it now; tell it what to do. Think about what you want the andra to make Nathaniel feel." Carol looked intently at Nathaniel. His unclad form was bathed in pulsing, purple light that seemed to flow over his finely sculpted muscles as though it was trying to draw attention to a particular muscle or curving sinew. He was a vision of taught flesh and graceful, sculpted muscles. His eyes were alive with passion as he watched her. He and his wives had given her so much pleasure; so much love. She wanted, at that moment, nothing else but to give him equal pleasure. Her mind was clouded by the light trance she was in; making complex thought impossible. So she settled on a simple thought. 'Pleasure', she thought, her attention focused entirely on Nathaniel. Her andra surged and Nathaniel shuddered. His eyes closed and he made a soft moaning sound; his member quivering slightly. He rode the pleasure for several seconds before opening his eyes and smiling at Carol with pride. "That was very good, Carol. Nathaniel enjoyed that very much." Shayal said, kissing Carol's shoulder. "Now, you can learn about another of your new abilities. Would you like that?" "Yes," Carol answered. "Good," Shayal said. "You are in a nice, light trance now, but we are going to take you a little deeper. Would that not be nice?" Carol had already slipped a little deeper into trance at the mere suggestion of doing so. "Yes," she responded. "Then close your tired eyes," Shayal crooned. "You have wanted to close them since I gave you your trigger word, and now you can. Your mind is already open and free, and you can open it more now; let all your thoughts float away. You can even let the andra fade away; it will come back when you want it to. You can just drift." Carol swayed slightly as her trance deepened. Shayal and Nathaniel led her to the bed and helped her lay down. "That's right, Carol. Your mind is so relaxed and open. You do not have to do anything but lay there and drift." Shayal said. "Carol, people who have the andra also have psychic gifts, like telepathy. We are going to help access that ability. Do you understand?" There was a long pause before Carol "Yes," in a barely audible voice. Shayal knelt beside the bed and stroked Carol's hair. "Good," Shayal assured her. "Let every breath take away more tension. Let each breath make you more and more relaxed. There is nothing to do, nothing to think; just be totally calm, totally at ease. Shayal continued the induction for several minutes before she was satisfied that Carol's trance was deep enough. "Carol, in a few seconds you will feel Nathaniel's mind touch yours. Just stay relaxed and let him in. You know he loves you and will not hurt you. Is that alight?" Carol's voice was still sleepy and soft. "Yes." Carol was aware of Nathaniel's telepathy entering her mind; the sensation was odd, but not unpleasant. It was a little like having a half remembered song playing at the fringes of your memory; you were aware of its presence but could not perceive it fully. She could feel Nathaniel in her thoughts, but only just. She felt his telepathic presence tour her mind like a window shopper in a merchant complex. He would examine a particular thought or memory and then move on. If he came across something Carol wanted to keep private, he passed it by. Finally, he found the memory he wanted and nodded to Shayal. Shayal leaned down to speak softly into Carol's ear. "Nathaniel has found a memory that he likes. Do you know what it is?" "Yes," Carol said after a long pause. "Can you tell me what it is?" Shayal asked. She could have entered Carol's mind herself, but having her verbally recount the memory would help Carol remember it more clearly herself. "When I was 13," Carol began. "Our ship had to have its reactor overhauled, and we have to move out of our quarters there and into a hotel on Regulus Three." "That is right," Shayal said. "She was raised on starship; I must remember that." Carol was continuing. "My parents made sure that the holo-vision was disabled and the link to the info-net was turned off; so I wouldn't see or hear anything that went against their religious teachings. But I found a book; a romance novel on a data-pad, tucked way back in a dresser drawer. Whomever had the room before us must have left it. It was the first novel I'd ever seen; and it was full of sex scenes. My parents were so puritanical; and that book seemed so wonderfully wicked." Nathaniel stroked her Carol's cheek. "There was one part of that book that you liked more than the others wasn't there?" Carol smiled and her nipples stiffened as she remembered the book's most erotic images. "Waterfall," was all she said. Nathaniel leaned in to whisper in Shayal's ear. "There was a scene in the book where the woman that it was about seduces a man under a waterfall. Carol read that part over and over again; it was responsible for her first erotic dream." "That should be perfect," Shayal concluded. Nathaniel and Shayal spoke softly to each other as Carol drifted contentedly in trance. In a few minutes they had formulated a plan that would allow Carol to relive the fantasy she had carried for so many years. Nathaniel left the room to ready the plan while Shayal prepared Carol. "Carol," Shayal crooned, taking Carol's hand in hers. "I want you to listen carefully to what I'm going to tell you. You know that I would never hurt you or do anything with you that you did not want. I want you to remember what it felt like when Nathaniel was in your mind." Shayal paused to let Carol's trance-slowed mind to keep up with her words. "You have telepathy now too Carol; and I'm going to teach you how to use it." Shayal touched Carol's mind with the utmost gentleness; finding the pleasure centers and inducing the slightest psychic stimulation. Carol sighed happily. "Did you like that Carol?" "Yes,' Carol replied, her voice but a whisper. Shayal kissed Carol's palm, leaving the slightest trace of moisture there. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would like to be able to that for other people?" Shayal asked. "Oh, yes," Carol responded with as much excitement as her hypnosis-lazy mind could manage. "Good," Shayal said. "Let me into your mind again." She ordered softly. She met no resistance as she touched Carol's thoughts. Carol found herself floating in a warm, comforting darkness. Instinctively she knew that her physical body was still lying entranced on a bed under the pyramid's purple glow. Her psychic form was nude as her physical body was. The warm darkness was the peaceful part of her consciousness that Shayal had helped her find. She was more aware of her consciousness now. It as though her mind had been a huge house with dozens, even hundreds of doors; most of which had been closed and were now open. Beyond them were rooms to explore. Shayal was suddenly there with her; her psychic form appearing nude as her physical form was as it knelt next to Carol's body on the bed. Carol had not been startled; it was her mind nothing could happen here that she did not allow. Shayal's psychic form kissed Carol's; wrapping it in a long embrace. Carol felt the kiss on both the physical and emotional levels. Shayal mentally caressed the pleasure and sexual centers of Carol's brain; making them to flare to life. On the bed, Shayal kissed Carol's as she lay entranced. She projected the affection she had for Carol; allowing her to feel the emotions in their raw form; unprocessed by the conscious mind. Carol and Shayal were as connected as to living being could possibly be. Shayal broke the telepathic embrace and took Carol by her right hand. "Come," Shayal's avatar said. "Follow me." Shayal guided Carol into initiating her mental contact; inviting Carol into her mind. "There," Shayal said. "Just concentrate on the person who you want to contact. You will feel the power stir in your mind; all you have to do is project it. I always imagine a beam of soft, warm light coming from my head and surrounding the person I want to connect with." Kneeling on the bed, Shayal broke the telepathic link with Carol. "That was good, Carol," She assured the hypnotized woman. "Now, you will contact me with your mind; with my help. You do not even have to wake up. In fact, it will be very easy since all your worries and troubling thoughts will not be in the way." Shayal stroked Carol's hair again. "Carol, when I say connect, you will open your eyes but stay relaxed and entranced as you are now. You will be able to see me, but remain comfortably relaxed as you are now. Do you understand?" Carol's voice was still soft and dreamy. "Yes." Shayal straddled Carol's abdomen and leaned over so she could meet her gaze when Carol opened her eyes. "Carol, when you open your eyes, you will be able to contact my mind. You can reach out and touch my mind. Just imagine a beam of warm light shining out of you mind and into mine. Do you want to do that? "Yes," Carol responded. "Connect," Shayal said. Carol's eyes fluttered open and fixed on Shayal's. Shayal felt Carol's telepathy reach out and touch the edge of her consciousness, asking for permission to enter. She opened her mind and Carol was with her psychically. In thought, Shayal spoke to Carol, "That was very good Carol. It was easy was it not?" "Yes." Carol's psychic voice said. "Learning how to form a link with telepathy is good enough for now," Shayal told Carol. "Now, Carol, I am going to give some instructions. Are you ready?" "Yes," Carol said. Shayal carefully gave Carol suggestions she would follow after she was brought out of trance. "I guided you through forming our mental link, and you will be able to it yourself now; you will remember the experience in every detail." Shayal said "Awaken Carol." Carols eyes fluttered open and she stretched languidly. Shayal leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. Shayal fixed her eyes on Carol's. "Waterfall," Shayal said. Carol blinked and sighed softly. She then rose, donned a robe, and padded out of the room. In Carol's mind she was walking in the idyllic forest she had read about in the novel she had surreptitiously read years ago. She padded through the palace halls, seeing only the imaginary forest as it was described in the novel; her imagination filling in the gaps in that description. When she arrived at the bathing chamber she saw Nathaniel; nude and standing beneath the fountain at the center of the large, round bathing pool. Carol perceived him to be beneath a crystal clear stream of water descending from glimmering, water-polished stones; the waterfall from the novel. Carol found herself in an odd state of consciousness. She was aware that she was in the imperial palace, and that it was the Emperor standing before her, but her perceptions were influenced so much by Shayal's post-hypnotic suggestions that she saw only the bucolic forest and waterfall surrounding Nathaniel. The mix of reality and fantasy should have been confusing, but it wasn't. She knew that she was under the influence of Shayal's suggestions. She simply didn't care. She would accept the fantasy Nathaniel and Shayal had given her and enjoy it. "Princess, you should not be here." Nathaniel said, reciting a line from the novel. He was playing the role of the handsome palace guard who comes to love the novel's heroine. "It is not for you to say where I should be, Captain," Carol replied just as the fictional princess had. She moved toward him; feeling deliciously predatory as her robe dropped from her shoulders to rumple on the edge of the bathing pool. Her andra pulsed out of her; reaching out to Nathaniel like a thousand caressing hands. It was a natural thing to use the andra now. Once awakened, the primal creative power within her was linked to her arousal. She saw Nathaniel's eyes close and his breath quicken as the andra flowed into him. He had already been aroused, but now his face took on the look of a man entranced. His own andra did not come to meet hers; he held it in check. This encounter was a chance for her to use her power; to explore it uses and its limits. Carol move into the fountain's stream, still perceiving it as the waterfall from that forbidden novel. She stopped when she was a scant meter away from Nathaniel, who was still enveloped in her andra's power. She spread her are toward him. "Come to me," She commanded gently just as the story's princess had. The sweet subtle dominance of giving him that simple order, and knowing that he would obey, gave her a sense of erotic power. Nathaniel moved closer and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Princess, this is wrong." Nathaniel said, still playing his part despite his lust and andra-fogged mind. He wanted to give Carol a perfect experience; both fantasy and reality. Power and Pleasure Ch. 03 "Kiss me, Captain," Carol ordered, pulsing her andra again and feeling his manhood quiver between their water-slick bodies. He obeyed, wrapping her into a deep, probing kiss that made her conscious mind slip further into the background of her mind; the fantasy of Shayal's post hypnotic suggestion gaining more sway and pulling her more deeply into the fantasy. His hands cupped her rear; kneading the flesh there with a practiced combination of pressure and rhythm. She pulled him tighter against her trying to caress his entire body with hers. As the captain had in the novel's love scene, Nathaniel lifted her up her with legs wrapped around his torso, and carried her into deeper water. He leaned forward, compelling her to lean backward and float on her back. Her gently disentangled her legs from around him but supported her with his arms at her waist; the water taking most of her weight. As she floated he bent forward to take a nipple in his mouth; brushing lightly with his lips at first, then sucking lightly. Carol's back arched and her andra surged again, causing Nathaniel to moan with his mouth still on her nipple, sending wonderful vibrations into the already sensitized circle of flesh. Nathaniel paid similar tribute to the other nipple, all the time fighting the power of Carol's surging andra energy so that he would not abandoned the role playing and simply take her as the urgency in his body was demanding. This was her time. This was part of her entrance into a new world; his world. He lifted her hips and lowered himself so his head was between her thighs. He kissed his way along the insides of both thighs before tasting her womanhood. He licked her; first in long, slow strokes that made her writhe and attempt to claw handfuls of water. Then he used the tip of his tongue to pay focused attention to her most sensitive nub. He repeated this process three times. Each time he would bring her to the brink of orgasm and then leave her unfulfilled. Each time her andra would surge more powerfully in an effort to force him to bring her release. Nathaniel held Carol close for several minutes allowing her passion to subside but no to dissipate. He kissed her neck, nibbled her ears and explored her body with his hands. Finally, acting still on the suggestion Shayal had give her, Carol demanded that Nathaniel give her release. "Take me Captain," she ordered in a breathless hiss. "Take me as though I am yours by right!" She added. Nathaniel lowered her onto his shaft. Her andra flared into a roaring flame that engulfed them both. Their hips found rhythm with each other in an almost frantic pace. Their gyrations sent waves to slap against the pool's sides, their wet flesh slapped together and their moans became near-screams. Carol was having three separate experiences linked as though they were one. She could feel Nathaniel inside her and around her; a precious, wonderfully physical reality. She was living the fantasy of the novel that had helped to awaken her sexuality. And she was reliving the first time she had experienced orgasm; remembering every sensation as she touched herself while reading that delightfully wicked story years ago. Shayal's influence on her sub-conscious mind allowed her feel all of these things at once. They climaxed together. The power of Carol's andra burst out of her in waves as her body thrashed in passion. Nathaniel hands dug into her hips with almost bruising force in order to keep her from pulling herself away from their exquisite impalement. His own spasms made his back arch nearly to the point pain and he let out a scream that could only be called primal. At length, when both passion and hypnosis had been cleared from their minds, they came into each other's arms again; holding each other as though they were each made of the most delicate crystal. They did not speak as they dressed and returned to the bed chamber. Words between them, after such an intense, intimate encounter were both unneeded and inadequate. As they entered, Shayal rose from the bed. Still nude she embraced them both in turn. "Thank you," Carol said, kissing Shayal on the cheek. "It was my pleasure," Shayal said. "No, it wasn't," Nathaniel said, "not yet, anyway." Carol took Shayal's face in her hands. "We kind of left you unfinished," she said, her hands moving to caress the nape of Shayal's neck. Nathaniel stepped behind Shayal and hugged her from behind, sending a wave of his andra power through her, making her sway in his arms. "I've got you my Empress," he whispered in her ear. Carol hugged Shayal close, their nipples brushing each other. Carol kissed the lobe of Shayal's left ear and whispered a word. Shayal's eyes close and she let out a soft, submissive sigh; her own hypnotic trigger word sending her into trance. Together Carol and Nathaniel moved her moved her to the bed. "Lay down," Carol ordered, enjoying being gently dominant over her Empress. Shayal obeyed. Nathaniel and Carol lay on either side of her; their hands tracing every inch of her body. "Shayal?" Carol said softly as her fingers made feather-light circles over one of Shayal's nipples. "You will give yourself to us tonight, won't you?" "Yes," Shayal replied in a raspy, half whisper. "Good," Carol said. "Give yourself to Nathaniel and me and all you have to think about is pleasure." "Mmm," was all that Shayal could manage in reply. "We love you my Empress," Carol said, as she and Nathaniel began kissing their way down Shayal's body. In her half-sleep, Shayal smiled and sighed in contentment. To be continued.