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The Harem Ch. 01

By: slavetara



I saw the package outside my door before I reached it. I knew immediately what it was. How did I get here? How did I end up like this? I was from a fairly affluent family. Both my parents were still together. I was a fucking school teacher for fuck’s sake! My hand trembled as I picked it up. I brought it inside and placed it on the counter. I opened the box and inside was 2 notes and another box. I opened the note.

‘If you so choose to prove your worthiness to belong to me, you will start in 24 hours. You will go to the following address immediately after your last class. The action of you showing up will be your agreement to be tested. If you please me, I will accept you and your life as you know it will cease to exist. You will be my property with all rules contained in the attached agreement active immediately. If you do not accept, do not attempt to contact me further.’ I turned it over and looked at the address. I knew the neighborhood at least. 

My heart was in my throat. I sank to my knees and my mind started to turn. What the hell am I going to do? ‘Of course you can’t go’, I spoke to myself.. ‘You had your fun. You set out to dabble in a kinkier side of yourself and you did that. Maybe you got carried away a little but this is where you have to draw the line.’ Oh but the feeling! The absolute wonderful feeling of giving up all control. I can barely remember life before it. 

I was deeply depressed over a recent break-up and my friends were trying to cheer me up by taking me out, introducing me to people. That didn’t work so they said maybe I just needed really cheap sex. I thought about what they said and thought they could be right but I wanted different. I wanted to get a little wild, I think. I smiled as I looked up the local swingers clubs online in my area. 

It was just what I needed. I stood at the bar watching couples groping each other, threesomes fooling around and thought it was erotic and interesting but it didn’t reach out and grab me. I sat and drank and thought that all this erotic behavior is just what I needed. An interesting one night stand, I wanted to have. I took another drink and decided to walk around. I found a dark hallway lined with blue neon light along the ceiling. 

I was passing sex rooms! I looked to the right and there was a two men fucking some young red head. To the left was 2 women 69ing each other while their husbands or boyfriends watched them, their hands stroking their hard cocks. 

But it was the next room that had me transfixed. There was a man standing at the foot of a bed. On it was an olive skinned exotic looking girl being held down and handcuffed to the bars on the head of the bed by another woman. Her husband was cuffing her feet. The woman at the head of the bed was wearing all black. Her tits spilling out of a black corset, a black leather thong, black thigh high boots, and elbow length leather gloves. She placed her thong clad pussy onto the girls face while pinching her tits. 

“You like to lick at a pussy, don’t you bitch!” She grinded into her. “Umm. I know you do. Are you going to make me cum tonight?” All I could hear were muffles. The man at the foot of the bed now had a crop in his hand and was flicking the leather piece at the girls clit, making her hips buck. “Answer her slut!” He cried, and now flatly smacked the girls pussy with the crop. 

“Yes, Mistress! Yes. I want to make you cum.” She panted. That was all I saw. A finger was stroking my pussy lips through my sheer thong. I didn’t see him come close to me, I didn’t feel him go under my skirt. And now that I realized it, I didn’t turn around. I bit my lip and shamelessly grinded against his finger. He took his left hand and grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me into another of the small door less rooms. For a second a moment of fear went though me, but then embarrassment of maybe having this person see my face. I went to flee, when he pushed me face first up against a wall and put his fingers back under my skirt, rubbing my pussy lips through my thong. 

“You are a slut just like the girl in that room, aren’t you?” Oh my! Not at all as I imagined. He had a British tinge to his speech and an almost erotic tone. His fingers were circling my clit now and I pushed against his fingers, my breath coming fast. 

“No- no.. I just. I was just looking around.” He moved the material aside and teased the folds of my pussy lips. 

“Oh?” he chuckled.. “It seems like you did.” He suddenly thrust a finger deep inside me making me groan. I pushed back onto his finger. Soon I realized that he had stopped moving his finger and I was fucking it. “You would make a good slut, you know that?” That voice just got smoother. He placed three fingers deep in my cunt. “I can do that for you, you know.” He withdrew his fingers and just stood perfectly still behind me. After a minute or two, he reached around my waist, knocked my feet so I stoop with them very far apart and slowly and agonizingly stroked my throbbing clit. “Ummmm yes..” he purred almost. “And you would so enjoy it. You would love being used by me. Your dirty secret.” His stroking got more intense. “Tell me what you want right now.” 

He had to know, I thought. I couldn’t.. I thrust harder at his fingers. God I was sooo fucking close. He pulled away. I think I tried to hump the wall. 

“Tell me what you want, whore.” One long stroke along my pussy just missing my clit. I groaned, still unable to do it. He started making fast light circles around my clit. My mind was on fire. “C’mon. Be my whore. Just tell me how much you want it.”

I couldn’t stand it one more minute. “Okay, Okay. Please. Please. I need to cum. Please don’t stop.” He was stroking more steady now, my legs starting to shake. 

“And?” 

And? What and? 

“What are you?” 

He was stroking harder now. “C’mon now or I will stop.”

“A whore. I am a whore. Just don’t stop, please!” He steadily rubbed at my clit in such a way, he wouldn’t be able to stop it now. My hips jerked at his hand as I came, my throat making bizarre noises. I slumped against the wall and was frozen there. I couldn’t face the man who I just begged to allow me to cum. He leaned up against me. I could feel his hard cock against my backside. He rubbed the bulge against me. Oh no...

But that isn’t what he wanted. 

“You really would make an excellent whore. I think you would love to worship this cock. If you ever want to be broken, look for me here.” And he left. My body trembled violently. I am not sure it was from fear, now that I look back. 

For a week or two, I thought it was just a hot experience that I would remember forever. I mean he couldn’t have meant it, right? Who would want to be treated like that all the time? I would have to be insane. Besides, I never really saw him. I wouldn’t be able to find him anyway. These thoughts went through my mind way too much. As if I was trying to convince myself of something. At night I would find myself lying in bed going over every minute of that night while playing with myself. Soon, the best orgasms were the ones with a dildo and that memory. I had normal one night stands since and attempted hook-ups with guys I met, but it always came back to that night. Then one day while I was cleaning out a drawer I found a matchbook cover from that club. It was as if my mind snapped. I got up and immediately set out to dress to kill. 

I entered the club in the shortest skirt I could find and a dark blue button down blouse. No stockings and high heeled sandals. I walked around looking at the people gathered around the barr, some looking me over, trying to force myself to leave but I couldn’t. I ordered a drink and just as I was about to finish it and give up, I felt him behind me 2 seconds before he spoke. 

“I knew you would be back.” His hands rested on my hips and his fingers dug into me slightly. My breathing sped up almost instantly. He turned me around by my shoulders and I finally got a look at him. Must have been Mid-forties. Very good shape, dark wavy hair and crystal clear light brown eyes. He looked down and smiled before taking my nipples between his fingers through the thin materials of my bra and shirt . First just a small amount of pressure and then harder. I felt my pussy getting moist immediately, my head swimming. 

“You are a horny slut, no?” He said and I licked my lips and looked away. He pinched down harder. I grimaced and tried to back away but the pressure was too great. “Look at me!” His voice was loud so I looked around before looking at him. “You came back for me , didn’t you? Your cunt has been overactive thinking about this hasn’t it?” At first I wanted to knock his ego down but he was right. All I could do was shrug and nod slightly.

His hands slipped down the front of my body and quickly up between my thighs. He felt the thong and pulled it hard up between my pussy lips. “Go take this off,” he almost growled as he pulled even harder causing me to wince. “A whore like you should never be wearing underwear. You should be at everyone’s disposal at all times.” He let go and just calmly walked away. I felt like I would tip over. My body was on fire. I was unsure of my own steadiness as I pushed away from the bar and headed to the bathroom. I fell into one of the stalls and sat. My brain spinning out of control. ‘What the hell am I doing?!?’ I almost start to laugh. ‘Have a lost my mind?’ But as I thought this, I was pulling the thong down my hips. I lifted off of the toilet and pulled them down and around my feet. They were wet. I slipped them into my bag and returned to my spot at the bar. He wasn’t there or anywhere nearby. 

My heart pounded. I looked around and even walked around in the immediate area for a second. Finally I ordered another drink and thought. ‘Did I do something wrong? Did I take too long? Maybe he saw something else he didn’t like and that was his way of getting rid of me?’ I drank. Maybe it’s for the better? But I didn’t really think that. I think I was actually disappointed. I was overcome with my own relief when I turned around and he was back. He didn’t say a word but his hand swiftly went back up my skirt and when he touched my pussy she smiled. “They were wet, weren’t they?” Again all I could do was nod. He chuckled and told me to follow him. 

We once again entered the hallway that lead to the sex rooms, but we passed them. At the end of the hall, there was a door. Through the door was a staircase. It was lit very dimly with tiny light bulbs along the ceiling. At the foot of the stairs was another door. And standing in front of it was a very muscular, very frightening looking man. He stood up straight before nodding at the man in front of me and opened the door. Was he leering at me? On the other side of the door was a very large circular room. The walls dripped of a red crushed velvet, the carpet was thick and black. There were lanterns lit on tables all throughout the room and small couches and miniature beds were everywhere. On these beds and couches were men receiving lap dances and blow jobs from topless women. All along the circular wall were doors and between these doors were smaller doors. Above the smaller doors were Flat-screen Tv’s each displaying a different porno. A thudding techno beat was audible but not deafening. I Licked my lips as I followed him to a bar on the far left side of the room. The woman behind the bar wore only a thong and a belly chain. 

He ordered me something and I watched the activities around me in amazement as I sipped at it. His finger was tracing circles on my upper thigh. 

“Pick a screen.” He said. I faltered for a second before I noticed he was looking at all the TV screens. What do I pick? I looked at them all one by one, trying not to feel his finger going higher up my thigh. One Caught my attention but I was afraid to say it out loud. He must have seen me linger on that one. 

“Ahhhh.... “ he said and after refreshing my drink, motioned for me to follow him yet again. He walked to the small door under the TV showing the movie that caught my attention. My legs trembled as I walked through. Inside it was dark. Very dark. A narrow room lit only by a dull light coming through a tinted window. I looked to the window and my eyes went wide as I realized it was the scene from the screen. Those TV’s are showing what’s going on inside each room. I was frozen to the spot. There was a young blonde tied to a bed spread eagle. A man was standing to the side of the bed with a riding crop and he was in the middle of slapping her open pussy with it. I flinched for her with every stroke.

“You don’t like that?” He was behind me again. I heard him move closer. Then I felt him pressed up against me. “I saw you watching at the bar. You knew I caught you.”

“I, ah, I didn’t know he was doing that.” I said barely over a whisper. 

“Ahhh, I see and you think that she isn’t enjoying that?” I looked at the girl and there seemed to be look of anguish on her face with every slap. How could anyone enjoy that. I shook my head, but my eyes couldn’t leave the crop landing on her clit, her body convulsing. I felt the man I was with, ‘do I even know his name?’ reach over and flip a switch, or push a button and the room filled with sound. I jumped. It was them.

“Don’t you dare, you fucking whore. Don’t you even dare!” The man behind the glass was yelling as he struck her. 

“Oh god please Sir. Please!! I am begging. One more and I will have to cum. I can’t hold back, Sir please??!!” I think my mouth was open and my breathing was heavy. I was aware my hands were clenched tight. 

His voice. “I think she does enjoy it.” His hands went between my legs again, brushing my pussy lips. “And I think you enjoy it too.” I stiffened. He couldn’t be serious. And yet I stood still, watching. The man lifted the crop. 

“This it the one, cunt. Cum for me!” and he smacked her pussy, her swollen clit must’ve gotten hit as well. I parted my feet, hoping he would touch me again. The girl started screaming, he body thrashing as much as her restraints would allow. 

“Aghhhhhhhhhhh, yessssssss. Oh Thank you Sir. Oh god how good!” My eyes were stinging from forgetting to blink. I could feel how wet I was getting, my pussy was throbbing . The man in the room threw the crop across the room and before the girl could come down from her intense orgasm, he flew onto the bed and began fucking her. I couldn’t stop myself. I reached between my legs and started stroking my pussy. I didn’t care if he saw. I felt a hand reach from behind me and help me stroke my wet slit. But these were soft fingers. Feminine fingers. The body now pressing itself against me had curves. I felt breasts! I jumped aside and looked around. The man was gone and a tall, beautiful brunette wearing only a thong and a belly chain the same as the bartender was standing there now. 

“Master Kinkaide sent me in to see that you were satisfied.” She grinned an almost evil grin. I stepped backwards, my back hit a wall.

“N-N-No really. I am okay. I can just wait for him to come back. It’s okay.” But she just came closer to me. I jumped when her lips touched my breasts through my blouse. She unbuttoned it and parted it, licking at my already hard nipples. I couldn’t catch my breath. She was moving so quickly. WHY WASN’T I MOVING!? My brain was screaming at me. Her right hand reached between us and under my skirt, grinding her hand against my entire pussy. I gasped. She pulled back and made little circles around my clit. My hips started grinding against her hand. 

Oh god.... I am losing my mind. I must have snapped. 

Her teeth were holding my nipple in pace as her tongue danced over it. She thrust 2 fingers deep into my pussy and immediately began to finger fuck me hard. My moans were getting louder and quicker and she stopped. I almost saw stars. Too embarrassed to say anything, I kept my eyes closed tight. I felt her breath on my thighs. My eyes flew open. Her fingers parted my pussy lips. She licked the length of my pussy up towards my clit slowly. As soon as her tongue reached my clit, I closed my eyes and felt a wave start. Then she would start at the bottom again. My hips were thrashing now, trying to keep her tongue on my clit. Then without warning she sucked it tough her lips hard and flicked her tongue across it. I let out a loud scream and felt myself cum harder than I ever have in my entire life.

She smiled, wiped her lips and whispered, “I hope to see you as a sister.” Then she got up and left. I don’t know how long I was in there just stunned before I got up and put myself together. I snuck out the door and looked around. I did not see him or her. Flushed, I decided to leave. The very large doorman stopped me on the other side of the door. 

“Mr, Kinkaide wishes to extend a standing invitation to come back any time.” and then he stepped aside, closing the door behind me. It felt like it took years to get back to my apartment. I sat on my bed and knew I would go back. 

I was still under the assumption this would be a tryst. My rebound actions. 

Somehow without me knowing it, it turned into training sessions. He gave me more and more information about a harem he’s got. A Harem! I thought he was crazy. But not only was he serious, he wanted me to think about becoming part of it. I only half dismissed it as he continued to manipulate my body and mind. Experiencing sensations I didn’t think were possible and some I never thought I would get pleasure out of. I was taught many things and punished when needed. He introduced me to a few ‘friends’ in his Dom circle. I got my first paddling from someone other than Mr. Kinkaide the first night I met them. He was teaching me humiliation. All the while explaining the benefits of becoming his property. During the day’s nothing changed. Somehow I managed to live my life as if nothing was different. It felt like a perfect balance. But all of that was going to change..

The Harem Ch. 01



Chapter 1: The Arrival

The first thing Judy noticed as she regained consciousness was that she was warm. The last thing she'd remembered was lying down in a pile of garbage in some cold back alley. Sure, she could've huddled around a garbage can fire with the rest of the homeless and runaways, but she didn't trust anyone and preferred to stay alone in the shadows. The streets were no safe place for a pretty, young 18-year-old runaway. She could've tried to find a hostel, but she couldn't risk being seen, either. Sure, she was legally an adult, but there was always the chance someone would see her and she'd have to go back. And she wasn't going back, not ever.

The second thing she noticed, however, was that she was naked. Panic instantly set in. She tried to scream, but she was gagged. She was blindfolded, so she couldn't see where she was, but she felt a velvety sheet lightly covering her on top. Beneath her seemed to be some sort of backless leather couch or table. The thing that panicked her most, however, was that her wrists and ankles were bound spread apart from her with some sort of strap. Thoughts raced through Judy's mind. Who had kidnapped her? Why had they brought her here? Where was she? Had she been violated? Was she going to be raped or tortured or even killed?

Judy had been worried about getting raped or hurt from the moment she set foot out of her home and left for good. It was a tough decision to run away, but she couldn't stand to live in that house anymore. Ever since her father died, Judy felt like she had no one left to talk to. If only her mother weren't such a bitch when she drank, which now was practically all the time, maybe she could've survived. 

She stopped struggling against the straps because it was starting to hurt and she couldn't breathe through the gag. How on earth did I wind up here? Judy thought to herself. A year ago, everything was so normal, so sane. Judy had been just an average B student, high school senior looking forward to graduation and college. She wasn't going to get any scholarships or anything, but with a little extra saving her dad said that they could make it. Everything was great, and then, there was the accident. Mix one part icy bridge with equal part drunk driver, add Judy's dad in the wrong place at the wrong time and shake until her world falls apart. 

The worst part wasn't the early evening phone call, the rush to the hospital only to find out it was too late to even say goodbye, or even the surrealism of the funeral arrangements. It was the months that followed, the sad looks from everyone who didn't know what to say, the loneliness of losing her mentor and confidant. No one could take his place. Yes, she'd been a daddy's girl, but her mother was no help. Judy had never really gotten along with her, really, but things were especially bad after the accident. The insurance only covered so much, and with no more other income, Judy could forget about going to college. Her mother wanted her to stay at home after graduation and get a local job, earning income for the "family". There was no money for college, according to her mom, who increasingly drank what little money they had.

So finally, one night, Judy pulled together as much as she could fit in a backpack and headed for the city. But what she had didn't last and it wasn't long until she found herself not only alone, but frightened, spending her days and nights trying to survive on the streets and avoid the glances of everyone: cop, pimp, drug dealer, homeless, streetwalker or anyone who might know who she was. 

Now, as she lay breathing heavily, bound, tensed between the leather and the velvet, she knew that she was going to get the inevitable punishment for her actions. Well, I don't feel like I've been raped, yet, she thought. Judy had always been especially paranoid about being raped, since she was a virgin. Sure, she'd had crushes on boys and masturbated to fantasies about them, but she was socially awkward and hid her good looks and figure under baggy clothes and unkempt hair. She'd never really had a boyfriend, but she wished she did. 

A sudden sound caught her attention. It was a door opening, followed by footsteps approaching. This is it, Judy thought. What a way to lose your virginity. Every individual muscle fiber in her body tensed as the steps grew closer. No sense trying to fight him, especially if he's got some kind of weapon. Finally, the steps stopped and she sensed a presence just to her right.

Judy inhaled sharply. She felt a hand softly, slowly trace its way down her right shoulder toward her bound wrist, where it lingered for a while, and Judy though she heard a sigh before the hand moved back up to her shoulder and cross down onto her breast, pulling the velvety sheet with it. Then the other hand joined with a little more pressure as Judy's captor slowly caressed and fondled her breasts.

Judy tried to tense more, but there was nothing left to tighten. She felt a set of lips come down on her neck and slowly kiss and suck, working down toward her nipples. She tried to jerk away, but it was useless. Besides, she'd never felt anything like this before, and her hardening nipples betrayed that in some sick way, she was starting to enjoy this. The mouth moved down over her nipples, as the tongue slowly licked around each one, then lightly flicked over the very tip before the rest of the mouth descended and sucked with a pleasant pressure. Judy heard a moan escape her lips. Sure, she'd fantasized about this, but with boys at school, not some crazy random kidnapper.

The mouth moved further down her body, across her smooth stomach, stopping to nibble ever so gently all along Judy's hips, until she felt the tongue glide over her pussy lips. It was so excruciatingly pleasant as the tongue continued to glide up and down the outside edge of each lip, slowly probing inside the folds of her flesh. It rolled around and careened until it lightly started making circles around her clit. Judy's mind was racing now, only not with thoughts of fear, only pleasure. It didn't matter who was doing this to her, there was only the sensation, the Hands, the Mouth, the Tongue, which was now working down, dipping, probing inside her with just enough pressure to make her want to scream, but the gag was still in place. 

Just as the tongue was probing her, Judy suddenly felt a sensation on her nipples. They were being grabbed, and not just grabbed, but licked and sucked. Vaguely Judy realized that there was more than one person working on her. She wanted to tense up again, but she was overwhelmed by the absolute pleasure of all the sensations; the hands, seemingly too many to count, roaming, caressing all over her body. The mouths and tongues, licking and sucking all across her chest and now down on her thighs; and of course the mouth working on her sweet pussy, tongue alternating between probing and swirling over the clit, with the mouth at times suddenly sucking on her clit. Judy twisted and moaned, reeling in the sea of sensations. 

After a seeming eternity of this absolute pleasure, Judy felt the desperate need for release. She rolled even more furiously in her restraints and started bucking her hips into the mouth of whoever was going down on her. Oh please, she thought, please just let me cum. She bucked and twisted and strained until, finally, orgasm rippled through her body starting at her clit where the tongue still worked, spreading out through her whole body. It was so much better than anything she'd ever given herself, and she let out a final, long sighing moan, and let every muscle in her body suddenly relax. Her breathing was just starting to slow when she felt the hands withdraw from her body and cover her with the velvet sheet again. Then she realized that they were loosening the straps that had held her in place, and removing the gag from her mouth. For a fleeting moment, Judy thought of hopping up and escaping, even just calling for help, but it was useless. Her orgasm had left her completely incapacitated. 

Then, Judy felt hands stroking her hair, and then the hands pulled off the blindfold. It took a moment for her eyes to suddenly adjust to the light, but when her eyes finally focused, she was startled beyond all vocal sounds or physical movements. She was surrounded by four young women, all topless, all about her age, maybe a little older, except for the girl with the dark hair. She was the most beautiful woman Judy had ever seen, even counting the big-screen actresses. She had long, flowing jet-black hair, long eyelashes, and the perfect distinguished features of a well-established, successful woman in her mid-thirties. It was obvious that she was a leader, and was probably the one who had been giving Judy her oral pleasure. As Judy stared, paralyzed, searching for words, the raven haired beauty flashed a brilliant smile at her and said, "Hello, cutie. Welcome to the harem."



The Harem Ch. 01



My mind was wandering as our latest sortie was drawing to a close. Aside from a few small pockets of resistance, the defenders of this small town were fleeing. Mostly mercenaries and militia, I thought. We had been blessed with fairly good weather, too. It was mild and there were no signs of rain, good conditions for troops clad in armor. 

I kicked my heels to urge my steed forward, ordering my personal guard to follow. We continued ahead at a trot, surveying the scene as we proceeded down the main road towards the town square. The familiar sound of our horses' footfalls upon the stone road focused my mind upon the task at hand. A rider in yellow plate armor, bearing a large kite shield with a lion crest, came into view and approached to deliver his report.

The rider removed his helm and spoke calmly. "The town is ours, my Lord." 

"Good work, Commander," I replied. "How many casualties?"

"We've some wounded, which we managed to pull from the front lines. My sergeants are still accounting for all of our troops." The Commander looked at me proudly; he had hardly broken a sweat today. 

"Dismissed, Commander. Return to your duties."

The Commander brought a fist across his chest in salute, and turned his horse to return to his soldiers. I looked to my right, where my Lead Advisor was sitting on her horse at my flank. "I certainly hope this will be worth it, Serinn," I asserted.

Serinn stared intently at me, a piercing stare with bright green eyes that I had seen many times before. "I have the utmost confidence in our informants, my Lord." She did, at that. Her demeanor always spoke volumes. She kept fussing with her skullcap, though—she was certainly not a battle maiden. The cap covered up her shoulder-length auburn hair, but was necessary, even as remote from the battle as she was. All it takes is an errant arrow… I thought. 

"Let's see then for ourselves," I replied. I dismounted, and with a hand signal, motioned Serinn and a few of my guards to come with me. I adjusted my armor to allow for quick, smooth movement should the need arise. I had made many enemies in this land. 

We approached the town square, secured by a ring of my troops. I addressed my battalion leaders, taking their individual reports of the battle. It was largely the usual: unskilled opponents, little or no command structure, low enemy morale. Losses were unusually low, however. Things had gone quite well today. One of the battalion captains responsible for initial surveys of the population after the battle stood with a sergeant in rust-colored light plate armor, a squad leader. 

The sergeant saluted and reported: "I've found something, my Lord." He turned to a soldier behind him, ordering, "Show him."

I heard the rustling of chain mail as the soldier approached with a frail-looking young woman in tow. The soldier, whom I recognized as one of my new women recruits, saluted. 

The woman brought to my attention looked around nervously, as if she felt there were a thousand eyes on her. The young soldier spoke softly to the woman, reassuring her. After all, any who wished came with us and were granted asylum behind our walls. Their safety was assured. The nervous woman was still hesitant, but eventually she agreed and nodded at the soldier. She pulled down her shirt slowly to reveal a brand on her right breast. It was of a black crown.

Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The Black Crown was a remnant of the old dynasty. The name came from a sort of cruel joke that referred to both their claim to the crown and their rather brutal tactics. The last remaining real player in the region, they were less interested in power as much as they were in filling their coffers and taking whomever they chose for their sick pleasures. I rested my hand on the ruby-handled dagger at my left, idly fingering the smooth gem at its base while I pondered this turn of events. 

After a few moments in thought, I bowed my head in respect to the young woman. "What is your name, my lady?"

Taken aback at the honorific way in which I spoke to her, she stammered a response. "M, my name is, uh, Dara, my Lord." 

"Dara. I thank you greatly for your help here. You shall be rewarded, and protected if you choose. I understand how difficult it was for you to help us today. My sincere thanks to you." 

Dara's lips turned upward in a hint of a smile and she curtsied. I suspected it was the first time that she had smiled in a while. I saluted the young soldier who had brought her forward. 

"Take care of our guest," I requested.

The soldier saluted in reply, and led the young woman off. "So it was the Black Crown we fought today, then," the Sergeant noted. "There may yet be some agents remaining in the town, Sir." 

I shook my head. "No, these were likely just mercenaries. The Crown rarely commits its forces; they just sit around taking in their fill of food, drink, and women. Before long they will be too fat and dull to fight." The Sergeant laughed at this remark.

"But you may be correct, Sergeant," I pointed out, and turned to address the Captain. "Have we searched the whole town yet?"

"No, my Lord. The Commander has directed searches, but the East and South roads have yet to be covered."

The East Road, I thought. Thinking back on the battle, my forces had pressed from the north and fanned out swiftly. I had sent horsemen around to the East to out-flank retreating forces, but they met with little resistance. Something was amiss. 

"Very well then. Sergeant? We shall proceed east."

The Sergeant bowed his head and saluted, and walked off to carry out his orders. I dismissed the Captain, allowing him to return to his duties, and motioned for my guard to bring our horses. "You were right, Serinn," I admitted.

She nodded. "Yes, my Lord. The city was ripe for the taking."

"It was at that. Let us proceed." We mounted our horses and began our patrol down the East Road.

-----~~~-----

The search had been fairly uneventful. There was no further resistance, and questioning the townsfolk had yielded some answers. The men, it would seem, were keeping the women in bondage. They were not allowed out of the house, and were essentially kept around for chores and sexual favors. Some of the women had contributed to that household's particular trade, but they got very little, if anything, in return. This is the way things had been in this country for quite some time.

Not all of the women had been subjected to these conditions, but fear of retaliation from those in power here and abroad had kept most of the women confined to their residences. Serinn kept mental notes as we progressed; she has proven herself to be quite effective at setting up governance and law where there was none. She is also especially charismatic—a good amount of our recruitment can be attributed to her persuasive words. 

We began to approach the end of the housing row; the road led to farmland just a few hundred paces beyond. A swift breeze began to howl down the pathway between the houses, causing signs and shutters to creak and moan down the otherwise quiet street. The Sergeant fidgeted a bit as he kept his vigilant watch of the houses along our patrol. 

"I don't like this, Sir," he said to me quietly. 

I looked over at Serinn, who was doing as she had done throughout the patrol, quietly looking around, analyzing, contemplating. She too was surely nervous, but she managed it well. 

We approached a fairly large house near the edge of town. Quietly signaling my two officers and some guardsmen, we entered the house to do a quick survey. The house was well kept, with most of the usual amenities and furnishings, though the high quality wooden furniture laid out in the front room suggested that this house's occupants entertained quite often. Or they had at one time, I mused to myself.

We proceeded through the house, but no one seemed to be here.

The Sergeant opened a door, and cried out, "Over here, Sir!" I walked over to the door, and peered through.

It was a bedroom, fairly lavish for the average townsperson. The windows had shades drawn, making the room dark despite the fact that it was just past noon. I could make out a figure lying still on a large, messy bed. I entered the room. 

I walked five paces to the bed, and discovered that the figure on the bed was a woman, completely naked, with her hands tied behind her back by coarse rope. She lay completely silent, and did naught but stare at me intently. I knelt by the bed and looked at the woman. Her features were a bit difficult to make out in the dark room, but it was obvious that she was a strikingly beautiful woman. Lying on her side, I could see that she was curvy, with smooth legs and thick hips, flowing in a smooth curve to her full, proud breasts. The swell of her bosom gave way to a supple neck, leading up to a face of natural beauty. Her face was calm, relaxed, as if she had given up straining against her restraints long ago. Her full lips were pursed shut, and big, bright green eyes gazed at me intently.

I allowed my mind to wander a bit, wondering how each breast would feel cupped in my hand, fantasizing about comparing the size, shape, and heft of each, and

the feel of her skin under my lips. My eyes wandered down to the wisps of hair tucked between her legs, just enough to obscure what lies beyond. The way

she was positioned created that hypnotic array of curves: the soft, swelling crest of her leg as it proceeded away from her body, a smooth arrow pointing to her

center of desire. My eyes trailed back up her body, longing to feel every last bit of it as I proceeded, from her legs wrapping around me as she urged me inside

her deeper and faster, her breasts pressed up against my chest, swollen red nipples tickling me with every movement; hot breath escaping her lips with every

moan, to the fixed dilation of her eyes in a wide stare as I brought her over the edge...

Just then, I was swiftly drawn out of my fantasy as those eyes glanced over my right shoulder.

In a quick motion, I swiveled to my right, crossing my left arm over and drawing my sword from my right hip, pulling it up in front of my face to parry the strike that I knew was incoming. I felt my curved blade hum in that familiar and comforting vibe that indicated a straight, safe block. My attacker must have been waiting in the corner. The shadows in the room had concealed him from view. I admonished myself for not being more vigilant.

The attacker's short blade had been aimed for my neck in a killing blow. He would no doubt be surprised by my parry, so I pushed him away as I arose to my feet. I heard the Sergeant, who had been at the door, exclaim "My Lord!" and the familiar ring of steel as he drew his weapon.

My attacker came into view now. He was a short, wiry man, clad in black leather. He drew a thin, short blade from a sheath at his chest and hurled it past me. The blade sang as it whirled by, and I could smell the poison on it before it found its target. The Sergeant had no chance. It was obvious that this man in black was not defending his home. This was an assassin.

The assassin swung his straight blade swiftly, in an attempt to disarm me. I turned my sword to deflect the attack, and in a countering move, he brought his leg up in a kick aimed at my midsection. I attempted to parry the kick with my wrist guard, but was not quick enough and was driven backward.

In the dark, I could see the assassin smile at me wickedly in glee after he scored his first hit. Unfazed, I took my sword in both hands and struck with an overhead attack. He confidently deflected the attack with a smirk. Still in motion, I moved in, turned, and stomped on his foot.

The assassin cried out in pain. His soft-soled shoe, providing more for stealth than protection, was of little help to him here. I took the opportunity. In one swift move, I removed my guard hand from my blade, drew my dagger, and plunged it into his neck. With a wide-eyed expression, he crumpled to the floor in shock. The fight was over in seconds. I withdrew my dagger, which was now covered in bright blood matching the ruby in the handle, cleaned it off and returned it to its sheath at my waist.

I could now hear Serinn and the guards approaching at quick pace as I surveyed the room. If there were anyone else here, they would have attacked by now. 

Serinn entered and saw the bodies on the floor. "My lord!" she exclaimed. "Are you hurt?"

"No, Serinn." I glanced down at the Sergeant, who had dropped to the floor as soon as the blade sank into him. The poison likely induced instant paralysis, and soon death. "I fear the Sergeant is dead. The dagger that struck him was poisoned. Take him to our medics."

Serinn nodded. She commanded the guard to remove the Sergeant. 

"Search the house," I commanded to the search party. "Draw the shades. This one was hiding in the shadows. Use utmost caution." I suspected, however, that this assassin was the only one. I was his target.

Someone out there knows me far too well! I slid my sword back into its sheath. Serinn went around the room and drew back the shades, allowing some light to flood in. She then began examining the assassin's corpse. My attention turned back to the woman on the bed. The dim light revealed that she indeed was beautiful. Her long black tresses framed her face, kept in much better condition than the women here. 

I drew my dagger and released her bonds. She brought her arms around and sat up, rubbing her red wrists to get blood flowing back again. I glanced down at her breast. She had not been marked. I wondered why the Crown's slavers had not found her. A woman of this rare beauty they would not have left here, of course, regardless of whether she was married. Why was she here? She gave me a defiant look. Puzzling indeed, I thought.

I glanced over at the assassin. "I assume you didn't belong to him."

She remained silent. Her face betrayed no answers, either. 

"What is your name?"

No response.

"Is this your house?"

The woman merely continued to stare at me, intently, seemingly oblivious of her nakedness.

In frustration, I straightened. Serinn had completed her examination of the corpse. It would seem she didn't find anything. She looked at me and shrugged.

I looked at Serinn. "See if you can find her something to put on. She will be coming with us."

"Aye." Serinn began to look around the room. 

I knelt before the bed again, and looked up at the raven-haired beauty. "You will be safe with us," I said reassuringly. 

Still taciturn. I needed information from her, though. Hopefully she will be more talkative once we return home. Seemingly bored, she looked around the room.

"Here, my Lord." Serinn had found a long blue dress. I took the dress and tossed it next to the woman on the bed.

"Put this on. We will be departing for Estenne promptly." 

At the mention of my home, she looked up at me once more. Perhaps now she knows who I am.

I turned to the doorway. Using a subtle hand signal, I ordered the guards waiting outside to keep an eye on the building in case the woman tries to flee. Serinn and I left the room, and closed the door. I turned to Serinn.

"I believe you and the Commander can handle the rest of the survey. See what you can do about appointing a magistrate and putting together a police force. This has been one of our larger accomplishments, so we will have to be careful. Arrange to have a full garrison left here."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Don't worry about recruitment just yet. Something doesn't feel right here. This woman signals a strange turn of events. You went through the wardrobe; this isn't her house, is it?"

"No. Everything indicates that she was brought here. My Lord, I saw the way you looked at her. This could be a trap."

I sighed. "I know, Serinn. However, I feel she is important somehow. I'll keep a close eye on her, personally."

"Personally? You're not thinking of..."

"Yes, I've already decided. She will stay with me."

Serinn looked distraught. I could see a quick flash of worry pass across her face before she regained her usual grim countenance. "Very well. I just don't want anything to happen to you. Please be careful."

I'd seen her like this before. She was more than an advisor to me, I suppose. We had been through a lot together. "I will be careful," I reassured her.

Serinn and I turned to the door to the bedroom as it opened. The woman stepped out in the blue dress, smoothing it out with her hands and adjusting the cinch at her waist. Her wavy black hair fell to the small of her back. The dress was certainly too big for her, but it still did very little to hide her flattering figure. I did my utmost to keep from blushing. 

This surely will be trouble, I thought.

-----~~~-----

The journey back to Estenne had been uneventful. We were, at last, approaching home. Aside from the occasional sound of an approaching scout's horse at full gallop, the convoy's procession was mind-numbingly dull. My taciturn companion had said nothing on our entire time on the road. I kept myself busy reviewing our tactics and the results of our latest sortie. Our latest victory was one of major strategic importance in securing our lands, so new factors had to be considered. Serinn, sitting in front of me, felt the same way. She looked upbeat, yet still determined. The late-afternoon sunlight drifting into the closed carriage softened her features, changing her auburn hair to a lighter shade. 

"Our recruitment from this engagement as well as the logistical importance of the town may turn the tide in our favor," she stated astutely.

I nodded. "Yes, it might at that." 

I looked up at Serinn. She was going over reports from scouts and couriers. "How are our defensive plans proceeding?"

"As per your request, we will proceed with recruitment, but with caution. Our initial reports suggest, however, that we will do quite well in that area. There's always the problem of equipment..." she trailed off.

We generally had no trouble finding soldiers, but more often than not we had more soldiers than we did arms to equip them with. These people were subjugated; they had no weapons. Furthermore, in one of many last-ditch efforts to maintain control, the old regime had collapsed many of the mines in the area, cutting off ore production. We have been forced to break ground in many areas to supply ourselves. It was a slow process, but we have been starting to see results.

"I've received reports that the quarries have started sending shipments to begin fortifications," she continued.

"Our escorts are in place as well?"

Serinn nodded, and glanced over at our raven-haired captive. "Should we be discussing this here, my lord?"

I shook my head and looked to my right. She was scanning the troop lines and keeping and eye on the surrounding forests. The soft light inside the carriage had softened her features, making her truly a natural beauty. "Don't worry, she's not going anywhere for a while." 

Was that a grin I spied on her face? She had held naught but a neutral expression since I'd found her. 

I took some of the troop reports from Serinn. "Between the supply escort and the garrison at the town, we will be stretched thin for a while." 

At that, our companion let out a short laugh. Serinn and I glared at her, wide-eyed. 

"Do you finally have something to say for yourself, my lady?" I asked in a less than sincere tone. "I'd thought you a mute by now." 

She smiled at me briefly. "Leaving yourselves undefended would not be wise," she flatly stated, in a rich, husky tone that seemed to fit her appearance. "The Black Crown knows of your weaknesses." 

"I do not condone the brutal tactics of that group, but that is no weakness," I admonished. I glanced at her wrists. "Should you be in their employ, as I suspect, you will find me much easier to work for."




The Harem Ch. 01



"Don't condone?" she mocked. "Your Harem is very well known to the people here. Besides, it just goes to show your weakness for women."

I smiled back. "Might you be one of those weaknesses?" 

She shrugged and turned her head, resuming her watch as if she hadn't spoken. 

-----~~~-----

We arrived in Estenne after an uneventful march. Word of our victory had already spread quickly throughout the city, now abuzz over the news and the return

of its soldiers.

I entered the castle keep, finally home after our sortie. I smiled at some greeters as I approached my quarters, Serinn and my captive close behind. It would be a pleasure to debrief this mysterious woman, but it could also be quite the challenge. After all, who knows what she might be up to? 

As we entered the anteroom, Serinn nodded to me and quietly walked toward her quarters, no doubt exhausted from the sortie. A servant woman wearing a blue ribbon choker smiled at me, welcomed me back and began the laborious process of removing my armor. The beautiful captive brushed away a jet black lock of hair from her face and beamed, greatly enjoying watching the servant unclasp and unbuckle here and there, removing first my belt, my sheath, and then the armor, piece by piece. Relieved of the excess weight, I stretched comfortably. The servant bowed to me, returned my knife, and began stowing my armor. 

As I felt an arm encircle mine and eyes searching my body, I thought that perhaps this wouldn't be as difficult as I had originally anticipated. A few drinks, the slip of a tongue, the sound of a prison key locking her cell door firmly in place...

I strapped my knife, in its sheath, to the belt of my undergarment and pushed open the doors to my quarters. As usual, it had been kept tidy during my absence, and, in a new touch, freshly picked flowers in a vase in the middle of the room gave the spacious room a pleasant smell. The bed to the left was large with a headboard, posts, and a crossbar at the foot. It was made with fresh sheets, and my silk bindings were under the far pillow. I hope I didn't have need for them.

"You will find some more suitable clothing in here," I said, gesturing to the closet. I felt the arm loosen its gentle grip upon mine and heard her large blue dress swish across the smooth floor as she walked over to the closet. I turned to a jeweled lockbox, standing upon a nightstand near the bed, and put my knife away to deter any malicious intent she may have. Though puzzling as she might be, I have yet to suspect her to be dangerous. 

After a few paces, I heard her stop, the rustling of fabric, and the distinctive sound of her dress falling to the floor. I turned, and there she was, naked as when I first saw her, gracefully stepping out of the dress and walking toward me. Those eyes, those curves, that grace. The seduction game had begun, and I found myself already at a loss.

"I don't believe I need much clothing," she purred in a sultry voice as she approached me. Soft sunlight cascaded through the window, bathing her body in a gentle glow. She ceased her march just in front of me, eyes intent on their prize. She traced a hand down from her neck and circled it over her breasts, cooing, "Is it these you want?" 

I stood my ground, my eyes fixed on hers, not allowing them to roam lest I lose this deadly battle. 

"Or perhaps, you want this..." she trailed off and brought her hand down, down, slowly until I could hear her fingers dance in her moist sex. Her mouth parted slowly and her eyelids went limp as she stroked herself. The sounds of her now ragged breathing and the oozing and sticking coming from between her legs attacked my ears, which eagerly lowered their defenses and betrayed me, allowing her to play her seductive game. 

I soon began to wonder how she would taste, how she would feel against my lips. "You won't win," I insisted, though weakly.

She opened her eyes and smiled. She said nothing; instead she raised her hand up to my lips, and stretched two moist fingers across my lips, allowing her musky, damp scent to invade my nostrils. My tongue involuntarily snaked out and tasted her, a salty sweetness that poisoned the mind. She giggled, fully aware that her assault on my senses was going quite well. 

My hazy mind sharpened focus once more, and I took her by the wrist, pulling her hand away from my face. She responded swiftly by kissing me, softly pressing her moist, soft lips against mine before soon pulling back. It had the desired effect--I was quickly reminded of the taste her fingers had indelibly left on my own lips. At this point, my resources were largely spent, and I could not resist much longer. She was in control.

As if she could read my thoughts, she pushed me back, seating me on the bed. I sat eye-level to her bountiful chest, gazing longingly at that which I had desired since first laying eyes on her in that dusky room. Her breasts were no longer partially obscured from my view by dusk, now. I had a very clear view, reducing me to the instincts of a child when granted new toys. She once again reached between her legs, gathered a dollop of her honeyed liqueur, and began to spread it upon her breasts, painting them to a glossy, aromatic sheen. 

This was no mere work of art, this seduction she played, and it was a masterpiece, working upon the best canvas with the richest colors, inviting me to paint with my tongue and lips. And paint I did, tongue dancing over and under golden elevations, lips sucking on nipples dashed with ruby and earthen colors. I felt her hand brush through my hair as I devoured her ravenously, drawing a nipple deep into my mouth. Once my survey was complete, I sat back to observe my work, and the all-too-familiar tightness in my trousers informed me that I'd lost this fight. 

I muttered a curse as she lay me prostrate on the bed and began to caress my body--oh, those hands. She undressed me, gingerly pulling off my trousers, ever so slowly until my erection sprang free, signaling her victory. Once I was undressed, she came up and took me in her hands, still moist from her seductive techniques, and began to stroke at an agonizing pace for a minute before drawing me into her mouth. 

My mind went blank as she worked her tongue around my head, kissing gently, sucking here and there with measured tension--no novice, this one. Her black hair cascaded down as she lowered her head, obscuring what vision I could manage of the event. My awareness centered merely on the amazing sensations coming from that part of my body, cascading in a torrent of highs and lows, building up against one another, gathering in intensity. My hips thrust forward as my orgasm came in force, emptying myself into her waiting mouth, leaving me weak and powerless to move. My erection slowly subsided, gently pulsing against her lips, which she held there until I was still. 

I looked at her in frustration, reprimanding myself for having been seduced so easily. A man in my position risked much by falling into this trap. I was thinking of a way to work my way out of this situation when she arose and pushed me towards the center of the bed. She raised a knee onto the bed and straddled me, poised directly over my listing cock. 

"Didn't think I was done yet, did you..." her voice trailed off in a singsong tone. She reached down and slid me between her moist, velvety lips, guiding me up and down, coating me in her hot juices. She managed to re-ignite that urgent swelling, not surprising considering how she had taken complete control of me. Removing my now stiff, swollen cock from her folds, she took it in her hand, held it erect, and gave it a few quick tugs before inserting me into her opening and urging herself down to the hilt. 

I bore witness to this, seeing every bit of me slide into her and felt an immediate squeeze on me as I was buried in. She began to bob up and down on me fluidly, the swishing of my silk sheets keeping pace with her rhythm. It was too much--I'd lost myself in this woman, who now rode me confidently, having taken her prize and who knows what else. Her muscle control was amazing, and I started to panic as I realized this woman might have been trained just to seduce me and kill me at a weak moment.

Fear blinded me from the pleasure I'd normally be enjoying at this point. What was her next move going to be, I thought. Was she carrying something my screeners may have missed? She does not seem to be able to overpower me, and...

Then I noticed it--her black tresses began to slide as she arched her back. Her breathing had become broken and heavy. She has started to get too carried away; here's my chance.

She started to buck her hips aggressively as she quickened her pace. Her beautiful breasts, still shiny from both her attentions and mine, had rested softly upon her chest and were now beginning to bounce slightly. The honeyed, slick walls of her sex pulsed against me faster and faster. I felt myself starting to fall into a lull again. I had to refocus; one misstep here could prove fatal.

I rested a hand on her mound, just above her lips. I rose up my hips a bit and started to flex myself inside her, and at the same time pressed down lightly on her from outside. For the first time, I heard her moan, a deep, throaty utterance; she started to shake a bit, and her vaginal muscles grabbed me firmly as her orgasm arrived fiercely. Seizing the opportunity, I reached over, grabbed one of the silk bindings I kept on the bed, and wrapped it around her wrists as I turned her over to disorient her. By the time she had realized what had happened, she was tied to the front bedpost.  

I jumped off the bed, unclasped the lockbox, grabbed my dagger from its sheath and turned swiftly, holding it to her neck. She had nearly succeeded in getting free, but the deadly blade at her neck gave her quick pause. Tears started to well up in her eyes, no doubt out of frustration from having been defeated so easily after a masterful seduction. 

"You don't like being bound," I said knowingly, glancing at her still red wrists. 

She merely looked at me as a tear streamed down her face. 

"The silent treatment again? You're not the only one with a few tricks," I explained confidently as I thumbed the jewel at the base of the dagger. "I have uses for a woman of your talents, but first you are going to tell me a few things, starting with your name."

To be continued...



The Harem Ch. 01



This is an introduction to characters and surrondings--no sex. Stay tuned for that in the next chapters.



The first sun rose slowly, glowing fiercely red against the ghostly white sky. The second sun followed it quickly, a pale yellow orb stopping halfway between the horizon and the first sun. The combined light shone gently on the green and blue landscape, waking the flowers and wildlife from their sleep.

The beams of light continued across the horizon, blending together as they reached the high wall surrounding the compound. Twenty feet tall and nearly as thick, it stretched as far as the eye could see to the east and the west, its rounded edges disappearing into the distance. The entrance door as thick, reinforced throughout with titanium, requiring more than three dozen men to open. Escape or entry through it was impossible.

Inside, the long road wound through the village with its neat and tidy houses. Side paths branched off into smaller communities, each devoted to a special purpose. The bakers and their helpers had been up for hours, preparing the daily bread used by every person in the compound from the smallest child to the High Lord himself. The merchants would wake soon and open their doors, the blacksmiths would continue their repair work on the weapons used by the army during their last bout with the intergalactic foreigners. The only community that would not rise with the rest was the pleasure community, whose work was just ending.

Between the village and the High Lord's manor, the grounds opened again, bursting with trees and flowers. Those native to the land grew alongside those brought back by the scientific group that accompanied the army whenever it went off-planet. Black faded to gray then to white, pastel blue blending into pale lavender before shifting dramatically to tangerine. Willows provided shady spots, while poplars flanked the road like sentries. At the end of the path lay the High Lord's manor.

Its rooms too numerous to count, it rose from the flat land like a white vision, five stories of timber and brick. Inside, halls opened into libraries and parlors, ballrooms and formal dining rooms, conservatories and stillrooms. Its attics were warrens of treasures, each with its own caretaker. It was the third floor though that held the High Lord's true treasures, and was guarded as fiercely as the kingdom as a whole.

The third floor contained the High Lord's harem.

At the moment, the harem housed only a handful of women, less than a dozen. The oldest were more mentors to the younger women than companions of the High Lord, being older than him and past childbearing age. In truth, the High Lord considered them aunts and respected them as such, deferring to their judgment in matters of the harem. Cyrenia and Kallisana ruled the others in his stead, enforcing what rules he did have and providing advice when necessary.

The remaining three ranged in age from twenty seven to thirty five, and had all been in the High Lord's harem for at least four years. During that time, none had conceived a child, and as the years passed all grew fearful that they would end up as Cyrenia and Kallisana had. It was a comfortable life, but none would deny that they wanted a more substantial existence. 

On this morning, Helenia arose before the others, stretching her pale arms over her head. Her pale red hair tangled around her lithe body, and glowed against the pale blue sheets. Her lashes fluttered open over eyes that matched the sheets, and she purred low in her throat. The High Lord had graced her bed last night, and as always had left her satisfied. Her muscles ached pleasantly, and she smiled to herself.

Across the hall, Analyndia whimpered in her sleep and rolled over on her stomach. Her short gold hair blended with her gold skin, glowing against the jet black sheets. Her boyish figure sprawled across the bed, twisting a few times before settling into sleep again.

Tansazia groaned even as she opened her eyes, the green iris identical in color to the grass that rippled over the land. Honey colored curls swirled over her rose tinged shoulders, flirting with the pale pink nipples that stood erect in the cool air. Pulling the rose colored sheets tighter around her slight figure, she grumbled into the pillow, determined to sleep for just a while longer.

When the high pitched scream rang through the halls, she only groaned again and pulled the pillow over her head.

Cyrenia rolled from her bed, nipping a robe from the foot of her bed. There was no reason for such a racket at so early an hour. If the High Lord heard of it, or Bewethria forbid, heard it, there would be the Ancients to pay. Outside her door, she saw Kallisana hurrying towards her, and together they made their way to the large room that served as the harem's parlor.

The screams continued, joined by fits of cursing that caused Cyrenia to raise her eyebrows in mild surprise. She hadn't heard such vulgarities in more years than she could remember, nor had she heard the language they where being screamed in. Whoever was making such noise was from one of the Explorer stations, so called because when the Earth had self destructed some two hundred years before, the handful of survivors had scattered across the galaxy, setting up stations in the hopes of finding another stable planet. In the last two hundred years, the inhabitants of such stations had dwindled to a few handfuls.

The army must have brought her back when they returned two days ago. What possible reason could they have for bringing her here? As the screams continued and rose in volume, Cyrenia wrinkled her brow. And why hasn't Ikthyer come to see what the noise is?

As they entered the room already flooded with early morning sunlight, both women froze and gaped. Whatever they had been expecting, it wasn't what they were faced with.

She was short, as all of the remaining pure blood humans were, a mere five and a half feet. Her hair was as black as night, and flowed like rain down to her hips, which were full and lush. Even through the dirty smock she wore, it was evident that she had breasts to match her hips. Her face was a marvel of genetics--wide violet eyes with thick lashes, a tiny upturned nose, full lips.

It was very obvious why she had been sent to the High Lord's harem.

Stepping forward, Cyrenia slapped the girl--she couldn't have been more than eighteen--across the face once, then twice. The shock caused the girl to cease screaming, and Cyrenia spoke quickly in the girl's language. "You have no reason to be afraid. No one here will hurt you."

The girl opened her mouth, gasping in a breath, then burst into tears. The guards let go of her quickly, and Cyrenia and Kallisana led her to a low cushion, murmuring soothingly. They were not too old to remember the fear of being taken from home and being delivered to a strange land. The guards exited the room silently, shutting the heavy oak door behind them.

"Are you calm enough to tell us your name now, child?" Kallisana stroked the girl's hair gently, while Cyrenia fluttered around her, draping light blankets, and fluffing pillows. Years ago, Cyrenia had taught the language she called English to her, and now when they desired private communication it was the language they used.

"Magdalyn." The girl gasped in another breath, letting it shudder out. Grasping Cyrenia's hand, she whispered, "Please. Why am I here? What is going to happen to me?"

Cyrenia smiled gently. "You have nothing to worry about. You are in the household of the High Lord of Lasnandia. You are now a member of his harem."

Both women said quick prayers to Bewethria as Magdalyn's eyes widened and she let out another piercing scream.



The Harem Ch. 02



The package and the second note were still on my lap. It was getting late. So many memories had flood back to me as I tried to make the hardest decision in my life. I tried to remember everything he had told me about this harem of his. For months I barely believed him so I don't remember the early conversations too well. My eyes looked down onto the second note. It was the preliminary agreement. It had the basics. As soon as accepted I am to call him Master instead of Sir. I am to wear only clothing provided to me when in the complex or in service. As I scanned over the rest, I could feel my eyes going blurry. I knew what I was going to do tomorrow afternoon. 

I drank the rest of the bottle of wine I had taken out somewhere during this thought process and took a deep breath before opening the package. There was a tag. 'Provided Attire'. 

Right on top was a thin black demi-cup bra. Underneath that was a short and very sheer black blouse. Folded next to it was an incredibly short grey and white plaid skirt. Pleated. Sort of reminded me of the high-schooler's that walked by everyday. On the bottom of the box was a pair of boots that looked like they had to come up to mid thigh with what had to be a 4-inch heel. But it was not empty. Tucked in the corner was a butt plug. Medium in size and black. I stared at it and realized that there were no panties in the box. 

SO much went through my head. I will have to change after work. I will need a place to do that or a coat to wear out of the building. What was this address? I knew the area but I couldn't bring to my mind what was there. When I get there, who will see me dressed in this? I got no sleep. I was anxious, tipsy, scared, and in shock. 

The next morning, I carried with me a bag with the outfit, make-up, a raincoat and my pocketbook and that was it. Since I was awake, I got ready early and just looked at my apartment. Every nook and cranny of it. I went through the day numb. I watch closely as all the students passed through my classroom. Can I really be serious? But when that last bell rang, I was slipping into a bathroom in the teachers lounge and changing. I gasped as I pushed the plug into my ass. I wrapped the coat around me and did my hair and make-up. I parted the coat quickly when I was done and took a sharp breath. I looked like a hooker! My pussy was tingling as I left the building. 

I followed the directions and stopped in front of the address provided. The butt plug pushing deep into my ass with every bump. This can't be right. I was looking at a XXX variety store in the middle of an industrial park? My hands shook. I got out and walked into the store. My eyes scanned those inside. There were 4 people total in the store. A professional looking young guy in a suit, a biker whose hand went to his crotch when he saw me, and talking to my......Can I say Master? the pudgy, middle-aged owner behind the counter who looked tired and cruel. I quickly went to Mr. Kinkade's side. "I am here to accept your offer to be tested Sir." I said very lowly so as not to allow the man behind the counter to hear. Master looked at me and his eyes went dark. 

"Did I tell you to wear that coat?" He asked loudly. I turned deep red and looked to find everyone was listening. 

"N-no Sir." I whispered

"Well then get it off." I felt hot all over as I undid the buttons and let it fall off my shoulders. Now the biker was out and out rubbing at a bulge in his pants. I cringed. 

"I was just asking this fine gentleman what a typical cock whore would enjoy watching when her Master was not at home to serve." I wanted to crawl into the floor. Maybe this is more than I could handle. "And he wanted to know what kind of whore you were. I thought it would be better to wait for you to get here to tell him yourself." All feeling went out of my arms and legs. He couldn't be serious. He wanted the required introduction? I have learned it for presenting myself to his Dom friends but never a stranger off the street not in the lifestyle. He pinched my nipple through all the thin material. "Well?" I flinched and drew in a breath concentrating on looking down and faced in the direction of the store owner. 

"I am a cock worshiping whore. An obedient slave always wet and ready to serve your every fantasy." I flashed a look upwards and saw that the man had a leer on his face. 

"So, now do you have any ideas?" Master said to him. He licked his lips but Master cut him off and turned to the other two men in the store. "How about you two? Any ideas what kind of fantasy would be good for my new whore?" I felt hot tears forming but I held them in somehow. "I have a proposition to make. Pick out a movie with the theme you would like most to experience with this slut and bring it to me in the booths in the back. If I approve of the theme, and you agree to a health exam, I will give you a number to call to make the appointment to be screened. Once cleared, you will be given an address to meet this slut for your pleasure for 36 hours. 

Oh. My. God. No. No way. I can't go through with this. Was he crazy? This can't be real. I looked at the front door to my car outside. I could leave now. I could at any time during the test. But I couldn't look back. Ever. Oh god. I wasn't going anywhere. I was mortified and furious but my pussy was getting wetter and wetter and wouldn't let me leave. He leaned into me. 

"Stay out here for them to visualize for 10 mins then come find me." and he walked into the back where the movie and dancer booths were. I stood rooted to the spot. I felt the eyes on me. I saw the biker again with an evil grin on his face as he rubbed at his cock through his jeans. I saw the professional in shock. He kept looking at me like I wasn't really there. And the owner. He seemed to pull a video right away. I looked at the clock and started to move towards the hallway. I passed movie booths first and then dancer booths. My heart started to beat. 

3rd one down. A brunette was fucking herself with a dildo with her legs spread wide open facing the window for Master to watch. She smiled when she saw me. 

"Kneel, cunt." I felt an evil thrill run through me and I knelt before him, my back to the woman. "This is how it will work. You will continue your life as is throughout this test since you have until it's completion to turn back. Or if I do not choose to accept you then you will be forced to go back as well." I felt a panic rise at these words. 

"Yes, Sir. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. "

"Now suck on my cock like a good whore should be. I want these men to see what they will be getting." I leaned over and licked and kissed the head before sucking it into my throat. I started groaning and sucking eagerly and I suddenly realized the biker was there. He looked down at me and chuckled. "Hot Damn, Mister. That's some piece of ass. I would be most interested in your offer." And he handed me a video before taking the phone number and walking out."

Next was the young professional-looking guy. He didn't say a word. Just handed the video over and walked back out. And then the owner. He got to watch my Master take a hold of my hair and thrust his cock deep into my throat and coating it with his hot cum. He pulled it out and stuck it in my face. "Clean it up, cunt." I cringed at being treated like this before total strangers. Nevertheless I began licking at his cock eagerly. As I did he spoke, "Since we work with Mr. Jones often, he is continuously tested so that we may repay him for letting us use his store and videos." He moved out of the way and waved the pudgy man in. I froze. My gaze was locked on his hands undoing his belt buckles and zipper. He knew all along. He pulled out his cock. Fat and hard as a rock. "C'mon bitch. I want to feel those lips wrapped around my cock. Suck it like a good whore."

I looked at Master and he was staring at me with a look of disapproval. I took the cock between my lips and sucked. I heard him moan and the sound made my own pussy start to feel moist. Oh god. This was turning me on! I liked having this strangers cock stuffed into my mouth. I rubbed my thighs together. And then SMACK! I jumped in surprise and tried to look behind me, but my head is grabbed by the owner and he holds me by my hair on the sides of my head to fuck my mouth hard and deep. I felt like I was going to choke and had a hard time catching a breath. SMACK! On the other cheek. Now they both burned. It has to be Master. 

My pussy was on fire now. I could feel the juices running down my thigh. I sucked harder to match his thrusts and grunted with each effort. SMACK.! I let out a muffled scream as that one landed on my open pussy, catching my swollen clit. I wiggled my ass in the air begging for another one. He was right. I am a whore. This is what I was meant to be. He laughed and landed another one on my pussy and my body jerked violently. One more and I was cumming all over myself which made the man fucking my mouth shoot his cum all over my face. SMACK! Another one but now that I have cum, my clit is sooo sensitive and it stings a bit SMACK SMACK SMACK. I cry out in pain. "Such a good cunt, eh?" I felt like I was going to collapse. 

The man let go of my hair and zippered up his pants without a word and just walked out. I looked at Master, my face covered in drying cum. He looked at me and told me to leave. I stood and started to pull my skirt down when he stopped me. "I want you to walk out just like you are and drive home as is. Take these videos. They are your study guides for your final exams. And do not so much as touch yourself outside of the showering until your first appointment. Someone will be your roommate for the duration of the test. She has instructions for supervising you. 

I took the videos. I felt numb. I walked out with my skirt hiked, dirt on my knees, my blouse opened and my lipstick all over my face, dried cum all over it as well. I felt the stares. There were new people in the store now. I was even more embarrassed.

Once home, I took a shower and crawled under the covers with the three videos and looked over the backs of them. I did not know which belonged to who. 

The first was a jailcell lesbian movie. How would any of those men be involved in that? I wondered. The second was a private school spanking movie. My insides got warm. I quickly moved to the third. A gang rape. I felt the tingles moving down my spine. The doorbell rang. I groaned and thought about ignoring it, but then dragged myself to the door. 

Standing on the other side of the door was a tall brunette and something about her struck me as familiar. She didn't wait for me to offer but just walked right in. She placed a medium sized duffel bag on the floor near my couch and took off her coat. She was in boy short lace panties and a tank top with 3 inch heels on her feet. I was dumbfounded. 

"I am shasha, we met once before. " And she smiled while licking her lips and looking me up and down in my pajamas. All I could do was nod. "I will be staying with you to monitor your behavior, and keep you from breaking any rules." Rules, I thought? What rules? "Get in your room and get rid of whatever it is you are wearing." I looked at her in disbelief. Then I remembered the comment Master made about someone supervising me. I looked at her once more before moving to the bedroom. 


I started removing the pajamas when she came in behind me with that duffel bag. I sat on the edge of the bed and simply waited for her to speak. 

"Stand." She moved in front of me and her hands were running up and down my body. My nipples were growing hard and my heart was beating fast. "Know that I cannot punish you, I am a slave myself but I have certain rights." She paused and smiled. "Mostly I am here to guide you through the tests and to make sure you are cum only three times during this test. And those are the three appointments Master will give you." She pulled an outfit out of the duffel bag and brought it to me. "This is what you will wear in the slave house." I stared at the jumble of material which could have fit into a shot glass I think. The word slave kept going through my head. Concubine maybe. Whore even, since it is what he has turned me into, but slave? Why can't I walk away from this?

"Put it on." She interrupted. "You will wear it at home with me to adjust." I untangled it and found a leather thong. As I was pulling it up, I noticed a small pocket on the inside front of the thong. I looked at Shasha but got no explanation. That was all she handed me so I just stood there. She walked over to me and harshly pinched my nipples. I winced but she ignored me and placed two silver loops of rough material around my nipples. They were tiny nooses and they were attached by a chain which ran across my chest. She then tightened the nooses, keeping my nipples hard and very sensitive. It also made my breathing come faster and my pussy moist. She then bent over and flicked her tongue over each one to show me just how sensitive they felt. 

"You will grow accustomed to being perpetually horny, believe me." She then reached into the bag and took out a black leather collar and started placing it around my neck. It had the word slut embossed into it. "You will receive a silver one if accepted and it is never to come off. Ever. This you can remove for work and family only." There were rings in the front of it and at the back. She then placed identical wrist and ankle cuffs onto me. "Same goes with these." My mind started to whirl. It made me even feel like property. Lastly, she handed me thigh high stockings and 4 inch heels. 

She stood back and her eyes noticed the videos on the bed. A wide smile spread across her lips. "Now, how about we share a joint and get ready for bed with a movie." I started to pull the thong down and she stopped me. "Whoaaa no. You better learn to listen better than that. You would have had a paddle handed to you by now. This is to be worn in the house at all times. There are multiple pairs in that bag. I gazed to the floor and blushed. "No worries." she said. "That's what I am here for."

She reached into the bag once more and pulled out a cigarette case. In it were joints mixed in with the cigarettes. She lit one and browsed the small collection. She passed the joint and the jail-cell video with her. I hadn't smoked since high school but welcomed the opportunity. The smoke was hot in my lungs and it was a little more harsh than I remembered. I was ready to let this happen. I kept smoking as she pushed the video into the VCR and then handed it back to her. I sat on the bed as the cheesy music started. My head was already light and I felt like smiling. My nipples tingled and I was feeling very relaxed. Was she watching me? I felt her hand caressing my back as she handed the now-small joint back to me. It was like there was a trail of fire running over my back where she touched. 

We watched the video and she pointed out how it was more the idea I was suppose to pick up on than actually study the movie. They weren't going to re-enact it or anything. Master will work on each individual for what he might actually be looking for. My eyes were glued to the TV as I listened to her. I never saw a Domme on video or in real life. When I went to Mr. Kinkaide's parties, I was always introduced to men. 

It was soon midnight and the movie was almost over. I was intently watching a young woman being raped my two Dominant women. I realized I was hot and squirming as I watched. Shasha smiled her usual secret smile and told me I was ready for bed. I thanked her and said good night but she didn't move. She reached for the duffel bag again and my heart sped up. 

"Lay down, please." I did. She had what looked like fishing wire and started to thread it through the rings in my cuffs. She then tied them to the feet of my bed, leaving me spread eagle. I looked at her in panic. 

"How can I monitor you at night, If I need to sleep as well?" She giggled. 

"Listen, please. I won't do anything, I promise." She crawled up onto the bed and started licking each nipple one at a time. 

"I know those women turned you on." She was whispering and licking. Her tongue moved down my stomach and I started to panic. "It's my job to keep you horny and turn you into a fellow whore." She licked at the inside of my thighs. 

"P-p-please, Shasha, it worked, please." She licked my pussy lips, just barely parting them and just missing my clit. My mind was on fire. I won't be able to stop. My heart began racing. 

And then she stopped. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. 

"Good night, sweet sister." She said and left me there to sleep like that. I started to grind my hips at the air in frustration. She popped her head back in. 

"Oh are you warm enough, by-the-way.? " I nodded. "Oh okay then," and she was gone again. It took me a minute to realize I could have had a blanket covering me at least. It was my first night as a potential full-time whore.



The Harem Ch. 02



Chapter 2: The tour

"What?!!?" Judy finally managed to stammer out as she pulled the velvet sheet over herself. She felt so exposed and confused as she sat there naked on the leather examination table, looking at the smiling, topless raven haired beauty before her who had apparently just given her the best orgasm of her life.

"The Harem, dear child," replied the woman. "Although of course, you'd never have heard of us until now." She smirked a little to the three other topless girls standing around, and they all giggled a little. Judy continued to look on in bewilderment. "Oh, I'm so sorry, dear," the woman said. "I sometimes forget that the first time can be a bit much. My name is Melissa, Madame Melissa, and these are Brittany, Courtney and Christy." She waved her hand past the three young girls who giggled and waved as their names were announced. Melissa clapped her hands together authoritatively and said, "All right, girls, back to work." The girls giggled again, waving goodbye to Judy as they left. 

Madame Melissa watched them exit, and then turned back to Judy, smiling. "You're very lucky, you know." She reached over to stroke Judy's hair. "Alone in a back alley like that, it's a miracle you're alive, and not only that, a virgin as well." A mischievous grin crossed her face. "Well, at least penetration wise."

Judy pulled back from the entrancing presence of Melissa. She never would have imagined herself ever being touched by a woman, in any way, ever. By all of her standards of even the night before, Judy would have been completely freaking out by now. Everything about her world seemed to be flipping upside down again, and the only thing really keeping her from losing her grip was the soft, soothing voice of Madame Melissa and her reassuring presence. But there were too many questions in her mind screaming to be answered.

"Where the hell am I?" Judy finally ejected, "And how the hell did I get here?" 

"Shhhh," whispered Melissa. "All in good time. Here, put these on." Madame handed Judy a pair of red silk panties and a long, pink silken Roman style robe. Judy put them on obligingly; glad that at least she wasn't totally naked anymore. The robe had a scooped neck that showed off Judy's moderately sized, unbound cleavage and flowed down to her ankles. It was lose and free flowing, except for a slight gathering just below her bosom. 

As Judy felt the marvelous texture of the silk against her skin, Madame pulled on a black lacy see-through button-up shirt that just barely contained her ample breasts. Despite the absolute oddity of all of it, and her rampant confusion, Judy couldn't help but notice how stunning M. Melissa looked. The black lace of the shirt and the tight black pants she was wearing contrasted perfectly with her pale, white skin and matched her long, silky, flowing black hair. Her long dark eyelashes, sparkling green cat-like eyes, high cheekbones and ruby-red lips all worked together in a symphony of features to express every emotion with absolutely beauty. Add to all of this her unmistakable aura of sheer sensuality, authority and self-confidence, and Judy found herself looking at the physical embodiment of everything she ever wanted to be.

M. Melissa held out her hand. "Come, child, there is much for you to learn." Judy took her hand as she hopped off the table and followed her out the door. They went up a flight of stairs and came out into a magnificent grand lobby in the most resplendent palace Judy had ever seen. Chandeliers spilt twinkling light all over the rich, red carpet on the floor and over the glittering polished white marble staircases that led up to balcony after balcony. As Judy stared in awe, M. Melissa began, "This, child, is the Harem. You are standing in one the most exquisite estates in the world, which, in all technicality, does not exist."

Judy gave her a confused stare until she continued, "The Harem is a top secret private sex club where almost every male fantasy can come true. We deal with a very elite clientele, very rich, sometimes powerful, men. It is a strictly members-only club, and we have the utmost of discretion. No one knows exactly where in the world this estate is, not even the girls, not even our clients. Only I and the few eunuchs who serve as pilots to bring our guests here know our exact location."

"So how did I get here?" Judy said as she found her voice. 

"You are very lucky, dear girl," M. Melissa replied. "Once a year I and the eunuchs go out and search through all the major cities for girls like yourself, lost, helpless and in trouble. We watch from a distance and move in at night. We use a very safe sedative to knock all the girls out and bring them to the lab to be tested." M. Melissa frowned a little. "Unfortunately, most girls we have to put back where we found them because we're too late, they've been on the streets too long and have already been infected or addicted to drugs. But not you, my pretty one." She stroked her hair again. "We were all very surprised to see that you were still a virgin."

Judy wanted to pull away again, but couldn't. "So why did you bring me here? And why was I tied up? And why did you…" Judy trailed off, awkward and yet still aroused from the last session.

M. Melissa smiled her mischievous grin again. "Well, we wanted to give you a decent welcome, and the binding was just so you wouldn't try and run away before we had a chance to…explain." She giggled softly to herself and resumed, "You've been brought here to live a better life, Judy."

"A better life?" Judy balked, "Living as a sex slave?"

"Slave?" M. Melissa looked truly offended. "Oh, nothing of the sort! Every girl here earns her fair share of all the profits, depending on how much she works, both sex wise and not. That's right, every girl not only serves the customers, but also performs various needed tasks around the estate, from the mundane tasks of cooking and cleaning to make-up, costume and even room design. Here, follow me."

M. Melissa led Judy through a small door and up another narrow staircase that must have been a servants' passage back in the day. They came to a narrow hallway with a locked door and a menacing-looking man guarding it. "It's okay, Justin," M. Melissa said as she approached. Justin rigidly undid a series of locks and stepped aside. "You don't have to worry about him, sweetie," she said to Judy. "All of our guards are eunuchs, and their only concern is to protect you and the rest of the girls. Just think of them as our secret-service." She winked wickedly to Justin, who did not react.

They entered into a massive electronic surveillance room, with television monitors wall to wall displaying hundreds of rooms in various sexual themes, from jacuzzis to S+M, and in most of them were people engaging in every type of sexual activity imaginable. Judy felt hot and embarrassed looking at the wall to wall sex that surrounded her. And sitting in the middle of the room at a giant control panel, sat a girl with chin-length red hair, wearing a headset, white bathrobe and sandals, avidly watching it all.

"Judy, this is Carla, our security expert and professional voyeur." Carla spun around in her chair and Judy noticed that she had a thick dildo protruding from somewhere deep inside of her. 

"Nice to meet you, in person," Carla said, offering her hand. "I hope to be seeing lots of you soon. Melissa, that was one very hot welcome for the newbie, if I do say so myself." 

Judy recoiled and refused to shake hands, trying not to look at Carla's crotch. "Oh, that," Carla said, smiling. "Yeah, what can I say, this is the perfect job for me, but I need both hands free to work the controls and keep an eye out for everyone. So, it's really ingenious, I programmed the vibrate controls into the switchboard." Carla reached over and pressed a button and shivered a little. "So, you have any toys yet?"

"I, uh, no, I…." Judy stammered. She was just a little freaked out by all this. Madame put her arm around Judy. "Well, Carla, we've got to go. See you later."

"Or vice-versa" Carla moaned after them as they left. Madame guided Judy down the hallways and continued, "Sorry, she can be a little intense at times, but hers is just one of many jobs around here, and she's the best security expert we've ever had. I run a very tight ship here. All of our client members have to be tested every 3 months, no exceptions, so you have no reason to worry about your health. I do not tolerate any unwanted aggression by any member towards any of my girls, or by any girl toward another. And I absolutely do not allow any of my girls to do any sort of drug, ever. This is a clean club, and I intend to keep it that way.

"You will get free lodging with the other girls and free meals, and if you require anything at any time, from a toothbrush to blankets to props for working, we can arrange it. This is a wonderful life, Judy."

"There has to be some kind of catch. There always is." Judy said.

"Well, there are a few provisos, as with anything of this nature. You must serve with us for at least one year; after that, you are free to take your earnings and go. We'll even set you up with a new life, a new identity, and no one will know any different. Of course, if you leave, you can never reveal anything about us or this place, or anyone you have served while here. We must maintain our secrecy."

"And what if I don't?" Judy asked.

"Oh, we destroy you." Melissa's eyes glinted fiercely for a second, then returned to normal as they approached another door. "Oh, don't worry, sweetie, I'm sure you'll be a good girl."

Judy stammered, trying to make words come out, but failing. Melissa cracked open the door and took her hand. "Come on Judy, it's time to meet the girls."



The Harem Ch. 02



Once again, no sex. It's taking a little longer to get them there than I had originally thought--they seem to have a mind of their own. Stay tuned.

*

"Well, at least they were finally able to make her stop screaming. Forsooth, if it had lasted much longer, my brains would have leaked out of my head." Helenia lounged against a cerise colored cushion, absently twirling a lock of hair. Beside her, Tansazia rolled her eyes and smirked.

"Forsooth, Helenia, it would have been a very small leak. Although I did not appreciate the early morning awakening, it was understandable given the circumstances. I for one have not forgotten how you wept for a month when you were brought to the High Lord's harem. Have you, Analyndia?"

"Be silent, all of you. Kallisana and I are both older than the three of you, and remember quite well how disgraceful you all were when you were brought to us." Cyrenia looked up from the tapestry she was working on and scowled at them. "One would think that you had not been here for too long, considering the behavior you are exhibiting right now. Magdalyn will be joining us for the nooning meal. It is expected that you all welcome her as the High Lord would wish."

Helenia settled further back into the cushions, frowning slightly. "Have you still received no word on why she was brought to the harem? She is clearly not a lady. Her hands were calloused and her skin as rough as tree bark. And in this century who does not speak at least Desnilgi in addition to their own tongue?"

"Those who work to survive, and are not the pampered daughters of elderly fathers. I have said be silent, and it would be wise of you to do so." Cyrenia returned to her tapestry, an elegant work showing the High Lord's manor from the village. "This girl will not kowtow to you three, no matter your greater years. You would be wise to become her friend, and not her enemy."

"Humph. We shall see." Helenia closed her eyes and napped. Analyndia and Tansazia exchanged looks and nods. Any person who would stand against Helenia was a person to have as a friend, not an enemy.

**********

Magdalyn shifted from one foot to the other nervously, causing the lilac colored silk to rustle softly. Behind her, the woman assigned to her as a handmaid tutted and pulled the brush through her hair with more force than necessary. Magdalyn winced but said nothing. Her own mother had often done the same exact thing.

At the thought of her mother, tears welled up in Madgalyn's eyes, but she blinked rapidly, refusing to let them fall. She had known from the minute the soldiers had arrived that she would be taken away, that her family was as good as dead to her. She had expected to spend the rest of her life as a servant or other lowly worker.

At the present time, she was undecided if her current situation was better or worse than the one she had imagined.

The other women had been kind to her when she had joined them for the noon meal, with the exception of one, a tall, slender redhead that put her in mind of fairies and sprites. Helenia, as she had announced herself, had simply watched her with a sly look that did more to annoy her than to frighten her, as had undoubtedly been the intent. Cyrenia had begun teaching her Desnilgi, what she called the common language of the worlds, by pointing to each item on the table and saying its name in first English, then Desnilgi. The words were difficult for Magdalyn to pronounce, having no contact with no language but English, but Cyrenia had assured her that in time she would be able to speak Desnilgi as fluently as she did.

A loud knock fell on the door, causing Magdalyn to jump in surprise. The handmaid stepped back, placing the brush on the mirrored dresser and folding her hands in front of her. Both women watched as the door opened, the silhouette of the High Lord blocking most of the torch light from the hall.

Magdalyn swallowed nervously, remembering at the last moment to bow her head. She heard a chuckle, and then a low voice say, "So now the brave one will be shy and unassuming. I think, my dear, that it is too late to try for such things."

Not knowing how to respond, Magdalyn kept her head lowered, watching as the shadow drew closer towards her. When he stopped, she could see his black boots inches away from her bare toes. At the rustle of fabric behind her, and the quiet closing of the door, she knew that this man, the High Lord, had dismissed her woman. 

His hand grasped her chin, and she would have jerked back in surprise except for the firm grip his calloused fingers held. At the slight pressure, she raised her head, still keeping her eyes lowered. Only at his low command to look at him did she raise her lashes, meeting his gaze directly.

Nictolanus, the High Lord, smiled slightly, causing a small dent, what some would call a dimple, to pop in his right cheek. He could tell by the look in her violet eyes that he was not what she had been expecting. When one was called the High Lord always and by ones given name rarely it led to an image that would have undoubtedly made any maiden tremble in fear.

Nictolanus was thirty, and had been High Lord since his father's death ten years prior. There had been some that had doubted his ability to hold the lands and title at such a tender age, but he had proven them wrong, enriching Lasnandia ten times over. The years had streaked silver through his black hair, and caused faint, fine lines around his onyx eyes, but he was otherwise healthy and whole.

"They tell me that you woke my entire harem this morning with your screams."

Magdalyn nodded slowly.

"They also tell me that you required the attendence of half a dozen of the bathing staff, since you were so uncooperative."

Magdalyn nodded again, unsure where such remarks were leading.

Nictolanus smiled slowly, and Magdalyn felt her stomach flutter slightly, a strange feeling. "I believe that I shall promote the soldier who found you and brought you back to Lasnandia. He has done me a great service, indeed."

Before Magdalyn could ponder out the meaning of his words, he had lowered his head and pressed his lips firmly against hers. Frozen, Magdalyn's eyes remained open, and she found herself staring into intense jet black eyes. When his hand slid around to cup the curve of her cheek, stroking softly, she relaxed slightly, her lips growing warm and soft. As long moments passed, and the High Lord continued to move his lips softly against hers, she relaxed further, her body softening and leaning into his. On a sigh, her lashes fluttered shut, and her small hand lay against his chest.

It had been many years since Nictolanus had laid with a virgin, but he well remembered that patience was of the utmost importance. Too quick an introduction to passion could cause fear, or worse, promiscuity, neither a result he desired. When he sensed her surrender to his kiss, he indulged himself for a time, savoring the flavor and texture of her mouth. When he felt his own desire grow too dangerous, he drew back, breaking the kiss. He smiled at the small sigh of disappointment she made.

"We shall dine together tomorrow evening, and continue our lessons then." Stepping back, Nictolanus turned and left the room before his self control could be tested too much.

Magdalyn stood stone still, then raised her hand to her lips. Touching them in wonder, she stepped back and sank down into the mattress. 

Lessons?



The Harem Ch. 03



Chapter 3: "Meet the girls"

Judy stepped into a huge room that had probably at one time been a ballroom, judging by the huge chandeliers that illuminated the entire scene Judy saw lying before her. The huge area was divided into what resembled a labyrinth of large cubicles, each decorated differently and containing a bed and an assortment of personal affects. Out of each personalized make-shift bedroom stepped a beautiful woman. Judy had never seen so many gorgeous women in one place, nor with such variety. There were girls with skin tones ranging from soft pale pink to almond to olive to mocha and ebony. The girls had hair ranging from short and boy-like to long and flowing down to their perfect round behinds, from straight and shiny to thick curls in every color, both natural and dyed. 

This amazing collection of women looked up at Judy as she stepped through the door at the top of the balcony. All of the eyes on her made Judy want to bolt, but Madame Melissa was right behind her, shutting the door. 

"Go on, don't be shy," she cooed as she guided her down the stairs. Judy took a few timid steps down the staircase and found herself engulfed in a sea of beautiful women. They had all crowded to the base of the staircase and began to caress, grope, lick, and suck every part of Judy they could get a hold of. Judy felt overwhelmed again, but all the pressing against her, the feeling of innumerable hands and lips and tongues had her getting wet yet again in spite of herself. Her silk gown added to the pleasure as hands and tongues pushed it in all directions across her body in search of bare patches of flesh, sliding across her neck and shoulders, over her breasts, down her arms, up her legs, over her back and behind. The tongues especially seemed to explore every inch of her body, some creeping up the inner edges of her thighs, working under the elastic of her panties and lapping hungrily at her soft, soaking pussy. By the time Madame had clapped her hands again in her signature fashion of dismissal, Judy's red silk panties were completely soaked beneath her pink silk Roman gown.

"Girls, girls," M. Melissa reproached, "give her some room. We have a special kind of newbie, a real virgin." A murmur went through the sea of girls. "This is Judy, and I want all of you girls to help her out."

"And eat her out," came a voice from the crowd, followed by a stream of giggles.

"Hey!" M. Melissa suddenly became stern. "I want you to play nice, and remember: absolutely NO penetration. Any girl, or girls, responsible for breaking her will be expelled immediately, with a 75% cut in total earnings. If you want to stay and eventually leave with all you've worked for, you will use tongues ONLY."

After a deathly silent hush had fallen over the girls, and Judy felt the fear she had almost forgotten creep back up on her, M. Melissa lightened up. "Judy here also needs you girls to teach her…techniques. Trixie!"

"Yes, Madame?" A pretty blond girl with choppy, streaked pixie-cut hair stepped forward. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, but she had the perky bounce of a high school cheerleader. She wore a short, flowing, loose-fitting skirt that brushed softly against her perfectly tanned, slightly muscular thighs. The same material formed a drape over her breasts, secured by and elastic band just above them. Her blue eyes sparkled as they settled on Judy, giving her the appearance of a living Barbie doll. 

"Judy, this is Trixie," Madame continued. "She's in charge of the living quarters. If you ever need to reach me, just get talk to her."

"Don't worry," Trixie said as she put her arms around Judy. "I'll take good care of her." More excited giggles emerged from the girls. A tremble went through Judy's body again. As confused as she was, she only knew that she didn't want M. Melissa to leave, to take away her hypnotic presence and abandon her to the ravenous ocean of beauty that lay below. She tried to reach out to her, to hold on to her pale, smooth skin, but M. Melissa only looked down at her with her knowing, slightly mischievous smile.

"You'll be fine, dear," she said as she turned to go back through the door. "You'll be seeing plenty of me later on. For now, listen to Trixie and meet the rest of the girls. Have fun." And with a shimmer of black on white in heels and the soft shut of a door, she was gone.

"She sure is something, isn't she?" Judy broke her stare at the closed door and turned to Trixie, who still had her arm around her. "I understand, a lot of girls are taken with her," Trixie continued. "But the rest of us aren't that bad, either. Come on." Trixie led Judy through the maze to an empty cubicle. "This one is yours. I know it's a little plain right now; after all, it's just the bare essentials: clean sheets, pillows, a few clothes. Once you start working, you'll have an account, and then you can buy things to make it feel more like home."

HOME. The very word made Judy's mind flash back to those days before all this craziness. Before the girls, before the mansion, before Madame, before the streets, before she ran away, before the accident. She fought hard not to cry. If only none of this had happened, she thought. But nothing was going to bring her father back, nothing was going to make her world the way it used to be; she could never go back to the home she had. This was her home now, as strange as it was; this was now her world, her reality. 

She snapped back to it as Trixie turned her around to face the rest of the girls, still eagerly awaiting a chance to experience the new flesh dropped into their enclosure. "All right, alright, everybody, calm down," Trixie called out over the din. "You all heard Madame. I know she's new, and she's a virgin, but she doesn't need to be overwhelmed by all of us at once, at least not yet." She gave a happy, bright cheerleader smile. Judy was surprised that although Trixie seemed like the embodiment of a blond stereotype, she was not ditsy in the least, neither in her manner of speaking nor in her leadership style. 

"Now I don't know how many, if any of you, remember what it was like to be a virgin…" Trixie was interrupted by hysterical laughter this time from the other women. "Ahem. As I was saying, when you're a virgin, it is terribly easy to lay back and receive, but it is much harder to give. And if she doesn't learn to give, she won't be able to work well, and we wouldn't want that, now would we?" A general silence of agreement fell over the other women. 

"Good. Since Madame has entrusted her to me, I will teach her. However, I wouldn't want to get her brand new sheets all dirty. I will be taking her to my room, and I'm going to need a volunteer." The din that had been suppressed erupted into a cacophony of girls frantically shouting and waving their hands, hoping to be picked. Trixie selected a tall, beautiful Japanese girl with long black hair accented with deep blue highlights wearing a deep purple negligee with black lace trim. She also chose a girl who, to Judy, appeared to be the epitome of punk. The girl had multiple piercings in her ears, eyebrow, and in her tongue, as Judy saw when she smiled as she stepped out of the crowd. She had close-cropped, spiked deep red hair and wore a short, ripped blood-red plaid skirt, chunky black leather boots that came up her calves, a black bra, and black fishnets that seemed to cover her entire body. 

As the two girls were selected, a disappointed sigh exhaled from those remaining. "Don't worry," Trixie cooed. "As soon as she's learned a few things, we'll all have a party." A cheer went up through the girls as they finally dispersed back to their individual rooms, although some were still so excited that they left in pairs or small groups to amuse themselves until the new girl would be ready to try. 

Trixie led Judy down the rows of cubicles with the other two girls until she reached her own, slightly larger room. As they were walking, the other two girls couldn't help but slide their hands over Judy's body, groping and caressing in their anticipation. When Trixie gave them a glance as if to say "not yet", they turned to each other and continued to feed their excitement. Trixie's room contained a double bed with soft pink sheets and a few overly large teddy bears, contrasting with a flesh-colored vibrator sitting on the dresser next to the bed. 

Trixie turned and gave Judy her big, cheerleader grin. "Girls, on the bed. Are you ready to learn how to please a woman?"



The Harem Ch. 03



The next evening, Magdalyn sat on the window seat, gazing out at the second twilight while the servants quietly and efficiently set up the table that she and the High Lord would dine at. Earlier, she had been brought to the fourth floor, and the round tower that was the High Lord's private rooms. She had been told only that he would join her shortly.

Drawing her knees up, Magdalyn rested her chin on them, continuing to stare out at the lush countryside. Her home planet had been barren rock, both inside the dome and out. There were no gardens, except those grown to feed the colonists. She was discovering the joy in such simple beauty as a daisy or morning glory.

"I see that my delay has not caused you either boredom or distress."

Magdalyn slowly turned her face towards the room, her hair whispering over the linen shift she wore. Ice blue in color, it was thin enough that she had protested initially, only to be informed by Cyrenia that the High Lord had specifically requested that she wear the garment. At those words, she knew that no amount of protests would benefit her.

Nictolanus smiled slightly, drawing his gloves off and tossing them lightly on the table. With a wave of his hand, the servants left the room as silently as they had worked. Sitting down, Nictolanus inclined his head in her direction. "Will you join me now, Magdalyn?"

Uncurling her legs, Magdalyn slipped to the floor, the rug thick and plush beneath her bare feet. As she slid into the chair provided for her, she brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. After a moment, Nictolanus said, "Well, shall we?"

The food was simple, but well prepared. Thinly sliced ham and roasted chicken shared space with small potatoes swimming in butter, steamed asparagus, and more dishes than Magdalyn had ever seen on a table at one time. The colony had long since reverted to a no meat diet, and one that was rationed strictly. Magdalyn took a little of everything, and sat her mind to her plate.

Nictolanus watched her as he ate his own meal, enjoying the way she ate heartily but neatly. He knew how the lives of the colonists where, and was sure that now was the first time she trying many of these foods. It was a pleasure introducing her to them, the first of many things tonight he intended to show her.

After they had eaten their fill, Nictolanus stood, stretching his hand out to her. Silently, she rose and took it, allowing him to lead her through a door that led to a set of stairs. When he placed his hand on the small of her back and pushed gently, she began to climb, hearing him follow behind her. Innocent as she was, she had no idea that he had a quite excellent view of her hips and lushly rounded bottom, swaying gently as she climbed.

The stairs opened into a large, open room, dominated by a bed that looked to Magdalyn's eyes like it could sleep a family of four comfortably. Black bed curtains hung from the tall canopy rails, and the bed sheets were equally dark. Candles were lit throughout, a glow as soft as the second twilight that had just ended. 

Stopping a few feet from the bed, Magdalyn shifted from one foot to the next, waiting for a sign of what to do. Cyrenia had merely smiled when Magdalyn had told her that the High Lord intended to start her lessons this evening. No one had told her what these lessons entailed.

Nictolanus turned her around to face him, resting his hands lightly on her hips. This time, when he lowered his head to hers, she knew what to expect. Her lips were soft and pliant against his, and he hummed a sound of appreciation low in his throat. She was a quick learner, something he appreciated in a bedmate as highly as beauty. 

Magdalyn's hands fluttered uneasily before settling on his shoulders. They were hard as granite beneath her fingers, and she gripped them lightly. When his tongue traced a line along her lips, she opened them slightly, unsure if that was what he wanted or not. When his tongue swept inside, claiming possession over her mouth, she thought vaguely that she must be doing what he wanted after all.

At his gentle nudging, she edged backwards until her knees touched the edge of the mattress. Breaking the kiss, Nictolanus pushed her gently, smiling as she toppled back onto the bed. She was a picture, her hair fanned out and blending against the sheets, her lips swollen from his kisses, her cheeks flushed and eyes bright. 

Kneeling at the foot of the bed, he inched the shift up her legs, dangled so charmingly over the edge. He felt her tense slightly and ran his hands reassuringly up and down her bare legs. When he felt her relax, he moved the shift higher up her body, baring her thighs. At his low murmur, she arched her body and he drew the shift up further, maneuvering it from her body so skillfully that she had little to do but lay there.

Laying himself over her body, he captured his mouth with hers again, smiling when her hand rose hesitantly to tangle in his hair. Trailing kisses over her chin and down her neck, he nuzzled the hollow of her throat, murmuring low as she arched her neck, giving him greater access.

Magdalyn was unsure of the feelings that his mouth was causing, knowing only that they were more pleasurable than anything she had experienced before. When his mouth moved further down, cruising lightly over her right breast, she bit her lip to keep from crying out. As he drew her nipple into his mouth, suckling gently, she couldn't restrain the low moan that rose in her throat.

At the sound, Nictolanus shifted his attention to her left breast, humming low in his throat at the sounds she made. It was rare to encounter a virgin who responded so passionately, and he was more than wiling to lead this one down the path of delight. His tongue licked a path down her pale torso, feeling the muscles in her stomach jump at his touch.

Magdalyn's head was spinning, and when she felt the High Lord's wicked mouth inch closer to the opening of her body, she sucked her breath in and held it. At the first lick of his tongue, she cried out, a low sound of discovery and joy. This feeling was a thousand times more better than his mouth at her breast, and she arched her hips against his mouth as his tongue licked lower into her, sparking even more sensation.

Nictolanus was half drunk on the taste of her, sweeter and more intoxicating than even the wine the traders brought from the far reaches of the Pynexlia Galaxies. Gently, he eased one finger inside her silken body. She was small, exquisitely tight, and when he moved his finger experimentally, she cried out again, louder. He could feel her tiny muscles fluttering, and continued to stroke her lightly while his mouth devoured her.

Deep inside, Magdalyn could feel a shifting, a tightening, that was leaving her breathless. Not knowing what was going to happen, only knowing that it must be soon else she'd expire from the desperate need. When the High Lord eased a second finger inside her tight body and sucked hard on the pulsing flesh at the top of the entrance to her body, she arched her body again, sobbing out a breath as the coil in her stomach tightened almost unbearably.

Nictolanus grinned inwardly, and flicked his tongue over her clitoris once, hard. As he had expected, she was truly innocent, not even knowing her body, let alone what pleasure it could bring her. Once again, he flicked his tongue, and he felt her inner muscles contract harshly, and heard her cry out above him. He drank in her juices until the last quivers had faded from her body and her breathing was no longer harsh rasps.

Drawing himself back up her body, he kissed her gently, her breath sighing into his. Rolling her gently, he slid the sheet over her body, her breathing already deep and steady. Standing, he watched her body curl into itself before her breath hitched once and she slid deeply into sleep. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he murmured, "We shall continue lessons tomorrow evening."



The Harem Ch. 04



"She spent the entire night in his bed."

"Yes, my lady." Ikthyer took a delicate sip from the fine china cup in his hand, setting it down with a gentle clink. One dark winged brow arched over pale yellow eyes. "The only lady to have ever done so."

Cyrenia sat sipping her own tea, deep in thought. She had suspected that the newest member of the harem would attract the High Lord's attention quickly, but this was unexpected. "Tell me your thoughts on this, Ikthyer. You know the High Lord as well as I do."

Ikthyer inclined his head at the subtle praise. For the last eight years he had served as chief eunuch of the High Lord's harem. He did, indeed, know the High Lord and his appetites quite well. The latest addition to his harem was a puzzle.

"He has not taken her yet." Ikthyer smiled at the slight gasp Cyrenia made. "When the sheets were changed this morning, there was no sign of virgin blood. He waits. He is patient with this one."

"Yes, yes, but what does it mean?" Impatiently, Cyrenia sat her china cup down with a clatter, rising to pace around the room. Her long black dress swirled around her legs. Turning, she pierced the eunuch with a stare. "Your thoughts, Ikthyer."

"He will make her the High Lady." Ikthyer saw by the look on Cyrenia's face that she had already reached the same conclusion. Taking another sip of tea, he murmured, "These next few weeks shall prove interesting, indeed."

"May Bewethria have mercy on us all."

* * * * *

"So the virgin remains among us." Helenia picked a grape from the bunch sitting on the wooden bowl on the end table, her green eyed gaze resting on Magdalyn. "She must have been remarkably boring to not even have held our Lord's interest for one night."

"Or perhaps she has piqued his interest enough that he wishes to take his time with her." Analyndia turned the pages of a book idly, her tone as bored as Helenia's. "After all, the High Lord kept her in his bed the entire night. Tell me, Helenia, when was the last time the High Lord afforded you such an honor?"

Helenia pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. An uneasy silence settled over the room, broken by the gentle rasp of a thread being pulled through fabric. Magdalyn kept her head bent over her embroidery hoop, concentrating on her stitches. Her ears might have burned slightly at the topic being discussed, but she wisely kept her tongue.

After long moments, Helenia laughed low in a way that had Tansazia shifting into a defensive mode. "Tell me, little virgin, did he at least bring you to a release? We already know he hasn't breached the barrier, but there are other ways."

Magdalyn tucked her tongue in her cheek and sewed another neat stitch. She had no experience with this type of warfare, this subtle maliciousness, and knew she would never win a battle against it. It was best for her to keep silent, and wait for the viper, as she called Helenia, to finish spewing her venom.

"It is only the first step, you know." Helenia plucked another grape, rolling it between her fingers. Her eyes glowed with wickedness. "The High Lord is a most excellent lover. Soon, your body will crave the pleasure he can give you, and you will succumb, just like all the others. And like them, you will live day to day in groveling anticipation that he will come to you."

Standing, she stretched languorously, smiling like a cat that had just eaten the canary. "What becomes of your bravado then, little virgin?" Satisfied that she had ruined Magdalyn's afternoon, and most likely evening, Helenia waltzed from the room, humming under her breath.

Analyndia waited a beat, then laughed low. "One wonders if she includes herself among those groveling at the High Lord's feet." Moving to sit next to Magdalyn, she placed the needle that had fallen from the younger girl's fingers on the hoop. "Do not let her words bother you. She is only afraid that there will be someone who will be serious competition for the High Lord's affections. This is a good life, with no shame attached to it."

"In my world, there would be shame." Magdalyn picked the needle up with shaky fingers. "My mother and father would weep the rest of their days if I were to willingly go to such a fate."

"Don't be a fool. Anger the High Lord, and you will not have to worry about shame, only being sent to the pleasure district in the city." Tansazia made her voice sharp, to drive her point home. The only result was Magdalyn's chin lifting in defiance.

"Then that is a choice I shall take."

Analyndia rolled her eyes dramatically. "May Bewethria have mercy on us."

* * * * *

Magdalyn waited nervously in the small dining room they had eaten in the night before, her heart beating rapidly. Once again, the servants were silently setting the table for dinner, almost invisible in their efficiency. It was eerie, that silent efficiency.

With a brisk knock, the High Lord entered the room, dismissing the servants with a wave of his hand. One glance told him that something was amiss, but decided to wait until after they had dined. With another wave of his hand, he gestured her towards the table, torn between amusement and annoyance at the moment of hesitation she showed before sitting down at the table.

Throughout dinner, he questioned her gently, hoping to draw her out of her shell. Her only answers were short, monosyllabic. If Nictolanus hadn't known better, he would have believed that she did so solely to annoy him. At the end of the meal, he was no closer to understanding her than he had been at the start.

Rising, he gestured that she should precede him up the stairs. His annoyance grew when she again hesitated, this time much more obviously. When they reached his bedchamber, he turned her around, attempting to draw her into his arms. His annoyance turned to shock when she slipped out of his reach.

"What game is this, then, Magdalyn? Would you pretend reluctance with me now?"

"Not pretend." Magdalyn drew a deep breath, raising her eyes to his. The darkening of his eyes had her breath clogging her throat briefly. Swallowing, she continued. "I will not play the whore for you, no matter how much it would benefit me. Send me back to the kitchens, or to the stillroom, or to the village. But I will not be your whore."

Nictolanus stood stock still for a moment, stunned into silence. After a moment, he whispered, "You dare to say such a thing to me?"

Magdalyn started to take a half-step back, thought it cowardly, and planted her feet. "I will not be your whore."

"You foolish, backwards, child! There are no whores in this household!" Nictolanus threw an arm out, striking a vase and sending it toppling to the floor with a crash. Magdalyn jumped, but otherwise made no movement. "Do you have any idea the honor I do you, choosing you to be a member of my harem?"

"No honor to me. You know my people. There is no honor in this." Magdalyn's eyes widened when Nictolanus strode towards her, his eyes dark and furious. "Do not--."

"Do not dare to tell me what to do." Nictolanus grabbed her roughly, ignoring the small cry she made. Roughly, he crushed his mouth to hers, swallowing the outburst she made.

It was like being battered by a small, furious storm. Despite her best intentions, she grabbed onto him, more to keep her balance than out of emotion. Vaguely, she thought that Tansazia was right--it was best not to anger the High Lord. 

Cruelly, Nictolanus forced her back on the bed, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand. With the other, he tore the delicate silk shift down the torso, ignoring the low moan of distress she made. Ignoring, but not entirely. Guilt was already creeping in, an uninvited guest. 

Raising his head, he looked down at her tear-stained face, her eyes watery and frightened. Her lips quivered, opening on a whisper. "Please. Don't."

Sitting back on his heels, he released her hands, guilt growing at the bruises already forming on her delicate skin. Rolling off the bed, he strode towards the window, fisting his hands in his hair and yanking sharply to clear his head. When he turned around, she was huddled on the bed, wide eyes watching him in a way that reminded him of a caged animal.

Abruptly, he walked towards the stairs, pulling on a heavy coat that was laid across a chair. Turning at the stairs, he said in a quiet voice, "You will belong to me. Make no mistake of that, Magdalyn." With a whisper of sound, he strode down the stairs. The sound of a heavy door crashing shut echoed from below.

Magdalyn pulled the ruined silk from her body with trembling hands, dropping it on the floor. Opening a drawer, she pulled on a long sleeved shirt, large enough to swallow her. Climbing beneath the heavy covers, she turned her face into the lavender scented pillow and cried herself to sleep.

When she woke in the morning, Ikthyer greeted her with the news that the High Lord was gone for a week. 



The Harem Ch. 05



"You fool! Have you no idea of the honor and privilege bestowed upon you?" Cyrenia's words were sharp and hurried, at odds with her patient movements. Setting the teapot down, she raised her cup, taking a deep breath of jasmine. Across from her, Magdalyn raised her own cup, a scowl marring her perfect features.

"So I have been told by many. And I will tell you, for my people it is no honor or privilege. It is harlotry, and nothing more." Magdalyn burned her tongue on the tea, impatiently sipping. "Send me back to the kitchens. I will earn my way there."

"And who has put such thoughts in your head? No doubt that harpy Helenia." When Magdalyn made no response, Cyrenia nodded her head. "As I thought. For one so smart and unwilling to be led, you were led so easily by one with the intelligence of an oxen."

Magdalyn choked on her tea, sputtering inelegantly. Cyrenia sat her cup down with a snap, calling for Ikthyer. The head eunuch appeared instantly, not attempting to hide the fact that he had been listening outside the door. Bowing, he said, "Yes, my lady?"

"Tell Magdalyn what you have told me." Standing and stamping her foot impatiently at the eunuch's hesitance, she said again, "Tell Magdalyn what you have told me."

Inclining his head, he addressed his words to the silent young woman in white. "The High Lord intends you for his Lady. He does not yet know it fully himself, but that is the direction that his intentions and actions lie in."

"And you would have me be the wife of a man who sleeps with other women?" Magdalyn took another sip of her tea before setting her cup down. Rising, she paced the area behind her chair impatiently. "I will take no man to wed who will not be faithful to me. Do not ask the impossible of me."

"As the High Lady, you would have control over the harem. Including its occupants." Ikthyer spoke slowly, watching Magdalyn's expressive face. "One could see to it that there were no women that would tempt the High Lord, if one were so inclined."

Halting her movements, Magdalyn turned to face the eunuch. Taking his measure, she directed her question towards Cyrenia. "Is what he says true? I could do these things?"

"You could. With our help, and that of Kallisana." Cyrenia sat once more, taking her cup of tea up once more. "You will have to work hard. Culture, music, language--the High Lady must know all these things, in addition to being able to hold the High Lord's attention in other areas." 

"And you will help me." Having no doubts, Magdalyn shook her head in wonder. "Why would you help someone like me, and not one of the others?"

"Because you are more complex than the others." Ikthyer sat down, folding his hands in his lap as he spoke. "You will know how to balance the many things necessary for such a position, and not let power go to your head. The only thing more dangerous than a power-hungry man is a power-hungry woman."

"Despite the insult, he speaks the truth. You will do great things, and support the High Lord in his endeavors. None of the other three would do so." Cyrenia drained her cup, her nerves calm again. Setting the cup down, she pierced Magdalyn with a questing stare. "What say you, little virgin?"

Magdalyn sipped her tea, letting her thoughts swirl in her head. The more they spoke, the more she believed them. She had let the viper poison her mind; now she must undo the damage. As smart as she was, she knew that her repeated demands to be sent to another part of the estate would go unmet. She could either continue to make the situation worse, or she could embrace what was in essence her new life.

"What is his name? His given name. I cannot think of marriage to a man whose name I do not know."

Both Ikthyer and Cyrenia smiled. Pouring herself another cup of tea, Cyrenia answered, "His name is Nictolanus."

Nodding, Magdalyn set her cup down. "Nictolanus. Where do we start?"

* * * * *

"So the little virgin is still here. I would have thought you would have been sent back to the kitchens, or better yet, sold to a trader." Helenia brushed her fingertips over the surface of the fountain, her eyes glittering with malice as they landed on Magdalyn. Instead of scurrying off, as Analyndia or even Tansazia would have done when faced with the rough edge of her tongue, Magdalyn stared back with cool violet eyes.

"I am still here. And so I shall remain. You would be of better interest to find something to do with you idle mind besides bother people with your small thoughts."

Helenia stared back for a moment before bursting into laughter. The light sound echoed off the high garden walls, bouncing back at the women. Drawing a breath, she said, "So brave. Brave enough to defy the High Lord and live to tell of it. He was none too pleased at your show of spirit. He nigh near battered me to death after he left you."

Running her fingers over a blue blossom--bluebell, she remembered--Magdalyn smiled at the older woman sunnily. "If all you could offer him was what he has already had, it is understandable that he would need batter you so fiercely to meet his own needs."

Eyes flashing, Helenia stepped forward, slapping Magdalyn sharply across the cheek. Seconds later, she gasped and clutched her own cheek, bright red and stinging. Magdalyn's breath heaved in and out of her lungs, but her face was calm.

"If you hurt me, I will hurt you." Turning, she left the garden. Only when she was out of sight did she finger her burning cheek. A cool compress would take the redness away.

Behind her, Helenia seethed quietly. So the little bitch thought she would win this war. They would see.

* * * * *

Nictolanus strode into his library, drawing off his gloves and tossing them on the heavy oak desk. A week hunting had done both him and the village good--there would be no need for hunting parties for some time. A noise behind him had him spinning on his heels, his hand going to the blade at his hip.

Magdalyn shifted again in the chair next to the fire, sighing once before her breathing settled again. A book hung limply from her hand, evidence of her activity before sleep had overtaken her. The robe he recognized as one of his own; it swamped her small figure, the folds falling to the floor.

Crossing the room, he took the book and laid it gently on the table, taking care to mark the spot she had left off at. Lifting her up, he found that she weighed little more than a feather, no burden at all despite the climb up two flights of stairs. The bed in his chamber was already turned down, and he laid her gently on it. Taking the time to strip out of his travel clothes, he sank into the tub of water sat before the fire.

Throughout his bath, he kept an eye on the sleeping figure. She made no movements, but slept steadily on, through his bath, and the entrance and exit of the servants who came to remove the bath. Climbing into the bed with her, he drew the covers up over them both, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her up against him. Sighing deeply, he let sleep take him over.

For the first time in many years, he slept without nightmares.



The Harem Ch. 06



Magdalyn stretched her arms high over her head and yawned hugely. Through the misty residue of sleep, she heard a chuckle next to her. Her eyes remained closed, and she smiled slowly. "I suspect that I am not in my bed, with Faunthra waking me."

"You suspect correctly." Nictolanus turned to his side and raised himself on his elbow to look down at her. When she only snuggled deeper into the robe and pillow he raised one eyebrow in surprise. "While I cannot find fault with your current disposition, it does make one wonder."

Opening her eyes, Magdalyn raised an eyebrow in imitation of him. "If you cannot find fault with it, why wonder?"

Moving to straddle her, Nictolanus brushed the hair back from her face. Her expression remained serene, if slightly mocking. "When one lives in a world of intrigue, one must wonder about everything."

"The only intrigue you must worry about is that planned against me by Helenia, and whatever I might plan against her." Magdalyn's eyes were steady and serious even as his narrowed slightly. "I will not seek to harm her if she does not seek to harm me."

"Understandable. And yet I feel like there is something you are still keeping from me." Despite his absence, Ikthyer was still able to reach Nictolanus. He had known the moment that Magdalyn had decided to embrace her new life, and was reasonably certain what Ikthyer and Cyrenia had told her to accomplish such a thing. Since the thought was not an entirely unpleasant one, he had decided to do nothing to disillusion her.

"Of course there is. If you knew everything about me, how much longer would you care to know these things?" Raising her hand to tentatively trace a finger over his jaw line, she smiled at him shyly. "Would you not rather always know that you would find something different with me than something always the same?"

Catching her hand with his, Nictolanus pressed a kiss to her open palm. "Come. The morning is still early. Let us steal a bit more of it before duties call."

* * * * *

They snuck through the manor like children sneaking away from chores, giggling and shushing each other whenever they heard the sound of servant's footsteps. Ushering her through the library door, he pulled her across the room to the double glass doors that opened out onto the first gardens. When she would have stopped and studied the blossoms, he tugged on her hand, giving her no choice but to follow.

Heading towards the first grove of willows, Nictolanus suddenly turned and stooped, hoisting her over his shoulder. When she squealed and swatted at his back, he only laughed. "If we were to continue at your pace, half the morning would be gone before we reached our destination."

"And I suppose that asking me to hurry would have been too simple." Turning her head, she managed to nip his ear with her teeth lightly. "Imagine the stories that would be told if the servants were to see you treating me thus."

"Since we are already out of sight, they would be poor stories indeed." Nictolanus lowered her to her feet, touching his finger to her nose. "Now your gratitude would be appreciated."

"My gratitude for...." Magdalyn trailed off as he gently turned her around. When she remained speechless, he leaned down to whisper into her ear, "You're quite welcome."

Before them was a small, intimate clearing, cleverly concealed by the triple ring of willows. A tiny pond, crystal clear, lay at the far edge of the clearing, surrounded by....

"Lilies. Similar to the type they once had on Earth, and what some of the colonies have now." Stroking a hand down her back, he played with the tips of her hair, fine as thistledown. "Our scientific team brought them back, and adapted them to our system." 

"We didn't have any flowers." Magdalyn stepped forward, her feet silent on the thick grass. Kneeling, she bent her head, breathing in the sweet scent. "I've seen more flowers and plants in the time I've been here than in my whole life."

Sitting down beside her, he plucked a flower and handed it to her. "I could not imagine my life without such beauty. That is why the founders created this place. To preserve a simple way of life, a simple type of beauty."

Curious, Magdalyn sat as well, drawing her knees up to rest her chin on them. "And yet you go to war with other peoples, and send your people to study them and their ways of life."

"To keep them from coming here to war, and to keep our people from dying out." Nictolanus picked another flower, twirling it absently. "The knowledge we have is put to use in medicine, in productivity. The life the founders chose, what might have been called feudalism many years ago on Earth, is just that--choice. If we can accomplish so much while still living in such a simple way, why change it?"

Impulsively, Magdalyn leaned forward and brushed her lips over his, a bare whisper. Drawing back, she watched his study her. Slowly, she leaned into him again, letting her mouth connect with his fully. Her quiet sigh was answered with his as his hands wound into her long mass of hair.

Laying back, Nictolanus pulled Magdalyn until she lay sprawled over his chest. With his free hand, he pressed her body more firmly to his, her curves as soft and lush as her remembered. When he ran his tongue over her lips, they parted instantly, granting him access to the sweetness within. Stroking his hand down to cup her rounded bottom, he moaned low in his throat when her tongue slid over his, first shyly then more assuredly when he groaned again.

Rolling over to press her into the soft grass, Nictolanus raised himself to his elbows, continuing to indulge himself with her soft mouth. The first feel of her small hand on his chest had the breath in his lungs catching. His muscles froze when that small hand moved slowly and curiously down his torso until they reached his manhood. Her touch was light and hesitant, and he broke the kiss, groaning aloud.

"Did I do something wrong, did I hurt you?" Magdalyn's face was flushed, and she chewed on her lower lip anxiously. Nictolanus's eyes were closed and his breathing was ragged. The body under her hand seemed to grow and throb, and her eyes widened slightly. "Nictolanus?"

At the sound of his name, he opened his eyes, and the breath caught in Magdalyn's throat. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." Nictolanus gritted the word out, holding onto his control by a thin thread. When her hand moved over him again lightly, he sucked in a breath. "What are you doing?"

Blushing, Magdalyn whispered, "I know that you have a...thing, that you put inside me, and it brings pleasure and makes babies. But I do not know what it looks like, or feels like."

Stunned enough to focus on something besides his own raging desire, Nictolanus stared at her. "They don't teach you anything about your body on the colony?"

Blushing deeper, Magdalyn shook her head. "No, only what they feel is necessary. Girls learn about female things, and boys learn about male things. The elders said it was to discourage promiscuity and promote faithfulness."

"Of course they did," Nictolanus muttered under his breath, the absurdity of such thought almost making him laugh. Taking a deep breath, he stood, stripping off his clothes quickly. He did laugh when Magdalyn covered her eyes with her hands. "You cannot see if you do not look."

Laying over her again, he pried one hand from her eyes, nipping at the fingers. Placing it on his chest, he pried the other hand away, kissing her closed eyes. "Even if you are too shy to look, you can still feel."

Trailing her fingers lightly over his well muscled torso, she paused when she felt raised tissue. Opening her eyes, she whispered, "What did this?"

"Some sword. The wielder died before I felt the pain from his blow." Nictolanus's jaw dropped in shock when she lifted up enough to brush her lips over the long healed wound. "Soft heart."

"One of us must be." Moving her hand further down, she paused and took a deep breath before grasping him firmly. Raising her eyes to his, she smiled slightly. "This is not soft."

"With your hand upon me, I would hope not." Nictolanus sucked in a harsh breath when she squeezed him gently, and began to slide her hand up and down the length of him.

"I do not think this will work. You seem to be rather...large." Magdalyn felt him pushing the bed robe up her thigh, and heard him chuckle. "I am serious. You are much too large for this to work."

"When the time comes, your body will welcome me, have no doubt. If you can birth a child, you can surely be made love to by a man." Before Magdalyn could point out that she had not birthed a child, Nictolanus moved his fingers over her smooth thigh and down the opening of her body.

Magdalyn arched her hips at the feel of his hand, unconsciously tightening her grip on him. Nictolanus grinned when he felt the wetness on his fingers and lowered his face to hers. Before he claimed her lips again, he whispered, "Continue as you are. It will be enjoyable for us both."

Their tongues dueled as Nictolanus smoothly slid a finger into her tight opening. Already her breathing was fracturing, and he marveled at how responsive she was. As her hand continued to glide up and down his length, he also marveled at how easily she learned. When he slid a second finger into her, feeling her stretch, and feeling her hand tighten on him, he turned his concentration to bringing her to release.

Magdalyn could feel it beginning, the painful tightening in her belly, the shortness of her breath. Her free hand gripped blindly at his shoulder, desperate to hold onto something steady in her spinning world. Above her she could feel the slight shudders in Nictolanus's body, and knew he could feel them coming from her as well.

Suddenly, the spinning stopped and the darkness exploded into white light. Wave after wave of pleasure flowed over Magdalyn, leaving her breathless and gasping. Through it all, she was aware of Nictolanus gasping above her, and the length of him in her hand pulsing and throbbing. As the world settled, she became aware of other things, such as the stickiness on her thigh, and the ragged breathing of Nictolanus as he collapsed next to her. As she curled into him, his hand came to rest on her back, sweating lightly in the thick robe.

When he felt able to speak again, Nictolanus said, "We should greet the mornings in this way every day."

Magdalyn laughed low in her throat, a sound that caused Nictolanus's breath to quicken slightly. "If we were to start every day this way, I would be too tired to see to my studies, you would be too tired to see to your business, and the laundry staff would soon come to dread the arrival of our clothes."

Puzzled, Nictolanus tilted his head to look at her. Magdalyn's response to his unanswered question had his laughter ringing through the clearing.

"Grass stains."



The Harem Ch. 07



Helenia slammed the door to her bedchamber and threw herself on the bed, weeping wildly. The High Lord had returned a day ago, and had not called her to his bed or come to hers. Instead, he had spent the night with Magdalyn, and the harem had just been informed that she would stay with him again that night. Analyndia and Tansazia had merely shrugged and returned to their idle pursuits. Cyrenia and Kallisana had smiled at each other and retired to their chambers for their afternoon naps.

Only she was upset. Only she realized that they three were being replaced, by a slip of a girl with no experience in the ways of love. 

Sitting up and scrubbing her hands over her face, she exhaled slowly. Only she was willing to do anything about it.

Standing, she crossed to the basin of cold water and splashed it over her face. As the water soothed her skin, she began to plot and plan.

* * * * *

Later that evening, Magdalyn took a step back and shook her head. "I don't think I can do it."

"And yet you were so eager before. Come, there is nothing to be frightened of. I will keep you safe, have no doubt." 

Magdalyn shook her head again. "I truly do not think I can. The whole idea of it is...unnerving."

Laughing, Nictolanus scooped her up and stepped into the small boat tied to the dock. Dropping her unceremoniously onto the cushions, he untied the boat from its mooring and pushed off. Heaving a sigh, Magdalyn settled herself into the cushions and closed her eyes.

"You will not be able to see where I am taking you if you have your eyes closed."

"I will also not be able to see the boat sink."

Nictolanus shook his head and laughed at her fervent reply. "So little faith you have in me. My pride should be wounded."

Magdalyn snorted, a sound that managed to seem delicate when it was anything but. "Your pride would require a greater weapon to bruise. My faith in you is not what is at question."

Nictolanus paused in his rowing, waiting for her to continue. When she remained silent, he asked, "What is at question then?"

"My faith in the boat itself."

Nictolanus threw back his head and laughed at her wry remark. Letting the subject rest, he rowed for a few more minutes, years of physical labor making the task more of a nuisance than an exertion. Pulling the oars in, he moved to lay beside Magdalyn, smiling at the way she automatically turned towards him. Brushing his lips over the tip of her nose, he whispered, "Open your eyes."

Reluctantly, she did as he asked, and gasped at the sight above her. The black black sky was lit by the pale glow of triple moons, identical in size. Their faint light was overshadowed by the glowing of millions of stars, too numerous to begin to count. There seemed to be pattern to them, but as Magdalyn's eyes adjusted, she began to see clusters scattered here and there. Pointing at one, she asked, "Does it have a name?"

"They all have names. One of the ideas that remained from the first encounter with colonists was the naming of star groups. That one is Neidcina, the daughter of Bewethria."

"And Bewethria is the being that you recognize as the highest being." Magdalyn forced her mind back to the stories that Cyrenia had patiently told her for a week. "Something like the Earth humans God, Buddha, and Allah all rolled together."

"Yes, very much so." Looking down at her curiously, Nictolanus queried, "And Cyrenia has been telling you of our history and religion for only a little over a week? Your mind is quick."

"When it wants to be. Why do you call it Neidcina?" 

"I shall teach you all the constellations and their stories some other night. For now...." Nictolanus trailed off as he rolled Magdalyn on top of him. Fisting his hands in her hair, he whispered against her mouth, "For now, there are other lessons to be learned."

Magdalyn welcomed his kiss, as eager as he. She needed no urging to open her mouth to his tongue, sliding hers against his as he had taught her. His hands were already pushing the grey silk up her legs and bottom, his calloused hands sending a thrill through her. At his urging, she sat up, their hands tangling together in their mutual hurry to divest her body of all clothing.

Nictolanus's breath hitched once at the sight of her breasts, full and firm, glowing in the moonlight like porcelin. Pushing up to a sitting position, he pressed a hot kiss to the hollow of her throat, his hands closing over her hips. Bending his head he kissed a hot and wet path from her throat to her breast, swirling his tongue over the nipple briefly before sucking it into his mouth.

Magdalyn moaned low in her throat, a sound that encouraged Nictolanus in his attentions. Moving his mouth to her other breast, he flicked his tongue over the nipple, the whimper she made as sweet as music. At her shakily whispered request, he drew back long enough to pull his shirt over his head before returning to the delights in front of him. 

With some manuvering, Nictolanus managed to turn them around until Magdalyn was pressed back into the cushions. His hands were rougher than he would have preferred, but his control was slipping faster than he had anticipated. Gripping her hips, he settled himself between her thighs, nipping at the tender inside of her right thigh before his hot mouth closed over the core of her.

Magdalyn wound her hands into his hair, biting her lips at the sensations he was causing to course through her body. By now, she knew what those sensations were, and knew that they were only the tip of the whole. When his wicked tongue flicked over the small nub at the top of the entrance to her body, she gasped out his name and arched her hips up to his mouth. The single finger he slid into her had her squirming and begging. "Please. I want...."

Nictolanus knew what she wanted, and granted her request, sliding a second finger into her velvety tightness. Moving them slowly back and forth, he sucked her nub into his mouth, gently at first then harder as her gasps became moans and her moans turned to cries. When he bit down gently but firmly, Magdalyn clenched her fingers in his hair, arching her hips as the coil broke, flooding her body with pleasure.

As the world ceased its spinning and Magdalyn was able to draw a steady breath, she became aware of Nictolanus kissing her throat, long, leisurely kisses. She also became aware of the hardness pressed between her thighs. Opening her eyes, she looked at the top of Nictoalnus's head. "Can I do that?"

Nictolanus stilled, raising his head to meet her eyes. "What?"

Shyly, Magdalyn whispered, "If you can...kiss me, down there, can I do the same to you?"

Silently, Nictolanus shifted them again into she was once more sprawled over his chest. Tugging his pants off, he kissed her lips firmly, saying, "Follow your instincts."

Taking a deep breath, Magdalyn began to kiss her way down his chest, slowly and more than a little unsurely. When she flicked her tongue over his nipple, she jumped at the low moan he made. When he made no remark, she did it again, before switching her attention to the other.

As her lips moved steadily downwards, Nictolanus gripped the cushions and managed to keep his body from arching up towards hers. Her mouth was sweet and gentle and her hands were light. When she paused slightly before she reached her goal, he wet dry lips and said, "Please."

Raising her eyes, Magdalyn met his. Holding the gaze, she lowered her mouth slightly, her lips brushing the head of his staff. At his harsh indrawn breath, she opened her lips slightly and slid her tongue over the knob, light licks that had sweat breaking out on Nictolanus's forehead. When he thought he could take no more, she opened her mouth fully and drew him inside.

Nictolanus groaned aloud, his hands unclenching and clenching the cushions beneath him. Her mouth was as hot as the suns of Unfygher, and almost his undoing in that instant. Years of restraint melted away and left him as eager as an untried schoolboy. 

Slowly, unsurely, Magdalyn worked her lips over the length of him, the sounds he made above her making her more confident. When she moved her tongue over the underside of the head, and heard the long, tortured groan he made, she felt a warm heat start low in her belly. 

Long before he was ready, Nictolanus felt the tightening in his loins that preceded his climax. Drawing her up and capturing her lips, he laid her hand over his staff, his own hand guiding her movements. A mere minute later, he groaned into her mouth as he emptied himself against her thigh.

Cradling her against his side, he took deep breaths, waiting for his heartbeat to slow. Beside him, Magdalyn remained silent, her hand stroking his chest absently in what Nictolanus came to realize, with some shock, was designed to comfort. Turning his head, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

"I do not how much longer I can wait, Magdalyn."

"It will not be much longer. I wait only until the danger has passed."

Alarmed, Nictolanus sat up, looking down at Magdalyn. Despite her words, her expression was serene. "What danger is there that I could not know of?"

"Whatever Helenia plots to draw you back to her bed and have me on the first trading caravan off planet." Magdalyn smiled at the shock on Nictolanus's face. "You did not expect her to calmly accept your interest in me, did you? Ikthyer was told by one of the stillroom maids that Helenia had spent an uncommon amount of time in one of the stillrooms this afternoon."

"Any amount of time in the stillroom would be considered uncommon for Helenia," Nictolanus replied dryly. Laying back down again, he drew Magdalyn against him. After a long moment's thought, he said, "Helenia has no patience. Tomorrow, or the day after at the latest. Until she shows her hand, you will eat or drink nothing that has not been tasted first." Overriding her protests with a wave of his hand, he continued, "The chance of poison is not one you will take."

"If you insist." Settling against his body, Magdalyn turned her attention back to the night sky. "Now, what is that rather funny looking cluster over to the right?" 



The Harem Ch. 08



"Let me pass! The High Lord will hear me, I tell you, let me pass!"

Magdalyn stirred sleepily, only vaguely aware of the commotion coming from the private dining room downstairs. Beside her, Nictolanus threw the covers off and the bed curtains open, blinking owlishly at the bright light streaming through the windows. He had slept much later than he had intended, the previous night's activities leaving him more lethargic than he would have imagined. Searching the chamber for a robe, he turned back to the bed when he heard the sheets rustle louder.

"There is no need for you to be involved. I shall let her tell her stories, confront her, and send her on her way."

Magdalyn stood, wrapping the sheet around her. Brushing her hair back, she replied, "There is need. We begin as we intend to continue--together. Besides, I find myself curious as to what her grand and brilliant plan is."

Before Nictolanus could make any further comment, there was a loud clatter and the sound of hurried footsteps. As one, they turned to watch Helenia rush up the last few stairs, throwing herself on the floor at the High Lord's feet. Behind her, Ikthyer, Cyrenia, and Kallisana stopped, bowing low at the sight of High Lord.

"I assume that there is some reason for this severe lack of manners." Nictolanus crossed his arms over his chest and stared blandly at the figure prostate before him. Helenia raised her pale, tear stained face, her lips trembling slightly. Nictolanus raised one eyebrow. "I'm waiting."

"That girl, that wench, has tried to poison me. She had the kitchens send me a special drink, one she prepared herself. Before I drank of it, I smelled the distinct odor of pennyroyal." Helenia pushed herself to her knees, pointing one finger at Magdalyn's still figure. "She tried to abort my child, your child. She is evil, and must be sent away before she tried again and succeeds."

Before Nictolanus could respond, Ikthyer had crossed the room and hauled Helenia to her feet. Delivering two backhanded slaps in quick succession, he hissed into her face, "You stupid, stupid woman! Too stupid to even achieve a decent plan to bring your enemy down!" 

"Enough, Ikthyer. We are all aware of Helenia's capabilities." Nictolanus stared at Helenia with cold, distant eyes. Helenia attempted to take a step back, her breaths coming in sharp pants, but Ikthyer held her still. The handprints stood out, sharp red against her pale skin, which only grew paler as Nictolanus continued speaking.

"Helenia, however, is unaware of the fact that I know there is no way she could be with child. No member of my harem could have conceived a child."

"You have visited my bed at least twice a week for the past six months." Helenia's voice shook as she laid a hand piously over her belly. "I assure you, I carry your child, despite the attempts of that bitch."

"Lies." Kallisana stepped forward, her normal placid features sharp and fierce. "Magdalyn has not yet had time to become acquainted with the stillrooms, or the kitchen staff. Pennyroyal is grown in the most secure stillroom, one that she would not have been granted access to without the High Lord's permission."

Seeing the confused look on Magdalyn's face, Cyrenia explained, "Pennyroyal is an abortificant. One that you almost assuredly did not have on the colony. The founders and elders would have been more concerned with growing the population, not destroying it."

"While all of this is true, there is one important piece of information that only four people are privy to, all of them in this room." Flicking a glance in Kallisana's direction, Nictolanus said, "Would you care to inform Helenia how I know she could not be pregnant?"

Studying her nails, Kallisana replied, "Each evening, the young women of the harem are given a special restorative drink. This drink also includes a liquid contraceptive. Do you understand what that means, Helenia?"

Helenia's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. After a moment, Magdalyn spoke.

"Checkmate."

Letting loose with a wild scream, Helenia lunged towards Magdalyn. Nictolanus caught hold of her arms, wincing when the screams pitched higher. One look at Ikthyer had the eunuch summoning the guards. When they entered the room, they bowed their heads, keeping their gazes averted from Magdalyn.

"Have her sent to the traders. They leave this morning for another cross galaxy trip."

Helenia stopped screaming, whirling around so that her arms and body were twisted painfully. Eyes wild, she whispered, "The caravans? You would send me to the caravans?"

"Better the caravans than to the gallows for treason." Nictolanus pushed her towards the waiting guards, pausing a moment before continuing. "You plotted against both myself, the High Lord, and Magdalyn...the future High Lady."

Helenia's eyes rolled back into her head, and her body went limp. The guards carried her from the room silently, although Nictolanus knew they would spread the news as soon as they had disposed of the prisoner. Ikthyer, Cyrenia, and Kallisana beamed smiles of approval and bowed their way out of the chamber, also in a hurry to spread the word.

Nictolanus sprawled in a chair next to the fire, beckoning Magdalyn toward him. Pulling her down into his lap, he cupped her cheeks, asking, "So silent, little one? So unlike you."

"You could have been less harsh with her." Magdalyn laughed at the incredulous expression that crossed his face. "Even I, ignorant as I am, know how rough the caravans are. She will be lucky to survive a month."

"Soft heart," Nictolanus murmured, stroking her cheek softly. Brushing his lips over hers, he whispered, "No remark on your new position?"

"You have not asked me." Magdalyn arched one eyebrow at Nictolanus's half smile. "If you would have an answer, you would need ask a question."

"You intend to make my life crazy, don't you?" Nictolanus wound his hand in her hair, bringing her mouth closer to his. "Would you wed with me, little one, bear my children, share my life?"

"You had only to ask." Taking his lips in a deep, drugging kiss, she drew back and smiled. "How soon can we be wed? I would not wish for a long engagement."

Nictolanus smiled slowly.

* * * * *

The third moon rose as the priest pronounced them man and wife, and Nictolanus bent to kiss his bride with a hunger that had the villagers cheering loudly. Stooping and lifting Magdalyn over his shoulder, Nictolanus strode through the crowd of well-wishers, intent only on gaining their chamber. The crowd cheered louder as they realized his intent, and wagers began on how soon an heir would be born.

Laughing, Magdalyn swatted weakly at Nictolanus's shoulder, yelping when he swatted her behind in retaliation. When he set her lightly on her feet, she brushed her hair back from her face and shoulders, laughing up at him. "When will you learn that I have two feet that are perfectly able to carry me where I need to go?"

"Most likely never." Tossing the circlet and veil from her head to the floor, he cupped her shoulders. "Come, wife. I think we have both waited long enough."

Magdalyn raised her head as Nictolanus lowered his, meeting him halfway. The word "wife" sent a thrill through her nearly as bright and sweet as his kiss. His hands were gentle on the heavy, cream colored silk, despite the desire to hurry. Time melted away as one kiss flowed into the next, a long stream of pleasure.

Lifting his head, he turned her away from him, his fingers shaking slightly as they unfastened the buttons. Silk parted to reveal pale skin underneath, the texture even finer than the fabric that covered it. His hands slid the dress from her body, letting it fall to the floor in a puddle. 

Turning her around to face him again, he lifted her up, carrying her to the bed. Placing her gently on the turned down mattress, he shed his own clothes hurriedly, smiling at her low chuckle. "Laugh now, wife. You'll need your breath for later."

Laying himself over her, he captured her mouth, plunging his tongue into her eager mouth. Hands, both his and hers, roamed eagerly, sighs and moans blending on the early evening air. When his mouth rushed down her torso, she tangled her hands in his hair, arching her hips up to meet him. 

His tongue slid over her, into her, and had her moaning out his name. When she would have pressed him tighter to her, he shifted and traced his way back up her body, already slick with sweat. Burying his face briefly in the crook between her neck and shoulder, he drew in a deep breath, struggling to control the desire raging through him. 

Moving more solidly between her thighs, he braced his weight on his elbows, taking another deep breath. "There will be only a moment of pain, I swear."

Magdalyn bit her lower lips lightly, and nodded her head. She felt the thick head of his shaft sliding lightly around the opening to her body and closed her eyes, concentrating on relaxing. Cyrenia had told her that the pain would be less if she was relaxed, and Magdalyn drew in a deep breath as she felt him enter her body, stretching her slightly.

Sweat rolled off Nictolanus's forehead, but he held firm and continued to move slowly into her. There was a brief moment of resistance, and then he sank in fully, the heat of her body almost scalding him. After a moment rest, he began to pull out of her, her tightness making it almost painful. Easing back in, he began a slow rocking motion, one that he knew from experience would bring them both extreme pleasure.

Magdalyn pulled his face down to hers, opening her mouth when his tongue swept over her lips. The fullness within her had been almost unbearable before, but now was an exquisite feeling that made her arch her hips against his and wrap her legs around him. The sensation she knew so well now was building, bigger and brighter than anytime before.

Thrusting deeper, Nictolanus sped up slightly, drinking in the fractured moan she made low in her throat. When he felt her inner muscles tighten around him, he dragged his shaky hand down her body to where it joined with his, rubbing the small nub of tissue and nerves and making her cry out.

Taking the small nub between his thumb and forefinger, he pulled gently once, then twice, and felt her muscles clench almost painfully around him as she arched against him. With a shattered cry, she convulsed around him, her hands sliding limply from his shoulders as he thrust once more into her, holding deep inside her as he spent.

Collapsing weakly over her, he drew ragged breaths, feeling her unsteady heartbeat against him. Slowly, he withdrew from her moist body, sprawling weakly next to her. When she sighed deeply and curled up next to him, he ran a contented hand down her back. The silence stretched out comfortably, until Magdalyn stirred, laughing low in her throat.

"I am almost afraid to ask what amuses you so."

"I was just wondering what we would tell our children when...." Magdalyn trailed off, lips curving in amusement. Nictolanus waited a beat before prodding, "When?"

"When they ask us what exactly those murals on the walls of the nursery represent."

Nictolanus remembered then that Magdalyn had suggested that the harem--or the former harem--be turned into the nursery and children's quarters. "That does pose a problem."

"Indeed."

"Remind me to have the carpenters and painters begin work as soon as possible. As for now...." Nictolanus pulled Magdalyn on top of him, kissing her long and hungrily. "I intend to thoroughly enjoy my harem of one."

Magdalyn ran her tongue over his lips, smiling back down at him. "Indeed, my lord. Enjoy your harem."

* * * * *

Thanks to everybody who sent feedback and left comments. I hope you enjoyed the story and the characters of Magdalyn and Nictolanus as much as I did. Feel free to send me any story ideas that you may have. I plan on having another series on shortly...once I decide what to write about.