2 comments/ 5335 views/ 4 favorites A Visit with the Khan By: SierraSprite Her arms hurt. All she remembered was the white van at the curb and a handkerchief over her nose. It was warm and her unclothed body was stretched vertically against a tile wall. There was water running nearby, and steam in the air. She tried to move, but restraints were around her wrists, her waist and her ankles. She said, "Help, where am I?" A gentle spray of warm water was directed over her body. Gentle soapy hands washed her. Someone poured some nice smelling shampoo on her head and worked it into her hair. She realized something was wrong, because her long blond hair wasn't there anymore. The hands ran out of hair as they reached the bottom of her ears. This shock was doubled when other gentle hands soaped her private bottom parts and found only bare skin there. Before she could react, a lubricated tube was in her anus and warmth flooded her rectum. "Please don't do that. It's dirty. There will be a mess." The hands continued to wash and explore her body. Two fingers reached into her vagina and worked their way around and in and out. They withdrew and manipulated her clitoris for a few seconds. Enough to make her jump and cry out. The tube in her ass was replaced by another and hands squeezed her belly and everything came out in a rush. Twice more she was cleansed with the tubes, and then a nozzle injected something else in there. Fingers stretched her anal opening. Whoever they were, the hands were careful and experienced. The manipulation of her rear opening was almost pleasureable until a plug was used that opened her more than anything that had ever been in her before. Her noise was almost a scream. "No. Please take it out. Please don't do that to me." Total silence, but the hands continued to work. Plastic things that seemed to be fake cocks, covered with slippery grease, were plunged in and out of her sex until she couldn't help adding her own lubrication, complaining as loudly as she could. The largest, with a nub for her clit, was left in place and held by a soft harness around her waist. Finally, she was let down and a blindfold secured over her eyes. Hands took her arms and steered her through a doorway and down a quite long hall. She was still naked, but the air around her was moist and warm. Her mind had dimmed into a dreamy state that left her only partly aware of what was happening. She had no sensation of time. Not since she was kidnapped, and not since this cleansing and washing treatment began. They led her to a courtyard that was warm with sunshine, and seated her in a chair. The blindfold was removed, but it was so bright that she could not see for the few moments that it took her handlers to disappear. There were other bodies around her. As her eyes adjusted, she could see a pool, and a ground level spa of some kind. The area was commodious, perhaps fifty feet on a side. All four inner facing walls were solid and seamless. But the entire center of the space was open to the sky. Nothing except sun and sky and a few clouds could be seen. She looked around more intently. Everyone in the space was female and naked. She was surprised that the bodies were trim and athletic looking. And they all had the same harness she did around their waist. The women who were standing facing away from her had a red protrusion from between their cheeks. "We've all had the same treatment," she thought. She watched, still feeling spaced out, as a woman near her reached back and tried to extract the plug in her butt. She barely got her fingers on it when her body convulsed and she screamed and collapsed to the tiled floor. "Tasered," she thought. Some kind of taser. It seemed some of the women had seen this happen before, because they hardly glanced in the victim's direction. Others were wide eyed and frozen in place. She was having difficulty remembering her name. Or anything about herself. She still was self-possessed enough to wonder what the purpose of this holding space was. Did the captives get aired out here? Just a relaxing space? She thought about the word captive that came to her mind. Was she a captive? The edges of her mind were fuzzy and her will to understand what had happened seemed to be missing. She observed that some of the women were more active than others. Perhaps the drug wore off. Would she get her memory back? The chair was hard and she moved around. No one was using the pool or the spa. As the sun went off the courtyard, a translucent cover cranked into place, maintaining the warm temperature. A few minutes later, one wall of the enclosure retracted, revealing a vast carpeted space with couches, tables, and what looked like oversize television screens. A small troop of young women, clad in very little, pushed clothing racks on wheels into the courtyard of naked women. They seemed to know who was who and she realized each woman had a small number on the back of her neck. The clothes were elaborate and revealing. An extremely short skirt went around low on the hips covering barely the ass cheeks and two inches below the labia lips in the front. A gauzy top went around the shoulders and tied under the breasts, hiding almost nothing. She noticed the women all had medium and high positioned breasts and realized each one must have been pre-selected for body type and appearance. Whoever did the selecting favored firm, high centered tits. But that did not extend to nipples, which were of many different shades and sizes. As the clothes went on, the appliances in their holes were removed. The clothing racks were disappearing and the women were guided to a central fountain and handed glasses of a frothy pink liquid. There was a machine noise above, and heads craned upward to see a tall, magnificent woman descending in a sling, garbed in gold scarves that covered her midriff and hips. The sling stopped just above the fountain spray. She raised the glass in her hand and shouted, "To Ashraf!" The women below obediently chanted, "To Ashraf!" and swallowed down the liquid. The attendant who had dressed her was at her side, "You are now Midyar and will dance for the Khan." She was confused, but a low melodic music was filling the room and her body began to sway. The group of women stood aside to admit an extremely tall, muscled black man, before whom everyone was bowing. Low voices said, "Hail the Khan, All Hail the Khan." He stopped and raised her face to his. "You are chosen, Midyar, to dance for us this evening. Please begin." After a few moments, she knew that something inside her was programmed to perform for the Khan. Her body was flowing to the music. Her hands, her hips, her feet, were all certain what to do. She smiled and fastened her eyes on the distant walls, surrendering to the music and her programming. More males were entering the room, choosing partners from among the women, and taking their own couches. It was only later that she became aware that her role that evening was to incite the orgy that occurred. The tempo of the songs rose and fell, its intensity came and went. Her clothing was gradually discarded until she wore only the scanty skirt, and made sure her hips tossed it high, revealing the dancer's hidden charms to all. Even with her fixed smile and distant gaze, she could not avoid noticing that women were being used in every way imaginable all over the room. Single couplings were rare. Women were taken on the floor, on the couches, in the air, against the far walls. No cries were permitted. A woman making sounds had her mouth instantly filled with a large penis gag. The same was not true for the males, of whom half were black, and the remainder a mix of white, brown and yellow. But each had obviously been screened for size. Even soft, and few were fully soft, these were impressive cocks. As she whirled and twirled and used her body to impress the Khan, great cries of male climax filled the room. She glanced at him, fearful of what he intended. The dark pools of his eyes caught her and drew her in. Dancing closer and closer, she noticed that the woman in the sling was by his side, looking possessive and triumphant. But the glint in her eyes was not sexual, and Midyar understood that this was the Khan's sister. Powerful in her own right. Perhaps mistress of all the concubines? Midyar was growing weary and the orgiastic males were exhausting their prowess and their spurts of semen. The Khan waved his hand and beckoned Midyar close. "Sit," he said. There was no chair so she knelt to the deep pile of the carpet and rested on her heels. "You please me, Midyar. Will you join me in my chamber tonight?" His dark eyes bored into her and she bowed in acquiescence. A handmaiden approached with liquid and a plate of fruit and delicacies. She glanced up for approval and he nodded. She was impossibly thirsty and hungry, having had no food since the kidnapping. Her body was slipping away, her head drooping. The sister was grinning evilly, anticipating the Khan's displeasure with an exhausted, sleep filled dancer. The sister stood and with a great wave of her arm, dismissed the entire gathering. The women were herded by handlers who appeared out of nowhere. The terribly soiled clothes were dumped in heaps and the naked bodies pushed and prodded into a corridor. She knew many of them were physically damaged and felt sorry for her part in their ravishment. The Khan approached her, bent down, and lifted her into his arms, light as a butterfly. She closed her eyes and wondered what would happen now. She woke as they submerged in a giant hot spring bath. His hands placed her across his lap, resting on a giant cock that throbbed under her sex. His fingers caressed her breasts, and his lips kissed around her face. She thought that no man had ever treated her with such gentleness. "Great Khan, she is a fine one. Will you keep her? Do you want me to school her in the arts?" The sister, now as naked as they, stood in the bath, her breasts high and firm and glistening in the dim light. "Nahta, you do a good job for me with all the women. But this one I think will be fine with me alone. She and I will talk and I will inform you of my plans. Please leave us now to enjoy the evening. You have your own entertainment, do you not?" "Yes, Great Khan, as you wish." She left the pool with dark hostile eyes. He sat her across his knees, the long cock up between them. He folded her hand around it and the fingers hardly met. He reached for a date and fed it to her. She smiled and kissed his fingers. "Now then," he said gently, "you are experienced with men?" "Yes, Great Khan, a little." He laughed and said, "A little sex, or a little cock?" "Oh sir, you embarrass me!" He carried her out of the water and waved his hand, dismissing the servants. Even a large man like the Khan seemed lost in the immensity of his bed. She felt invisible. He spread a special cloth on the sheets and lay her on it. The vial of oil he applied to her smelled exotic and made her sex tingle. His fingers worked it in, exposing all her feminine parts to his gaze. He leaned and licked her clit after he stretched the hood back from it. His arm kept her still as she flinched and twitched beneath him. "Hmm. You are responsive to my tongue. You are used to men touching you here?" "No," she hesitated, "never." "Oh, I think what we have is a maiden without her maidenhead, but otherwise ignorant of the joys of sex!" He gathered her in and pressed her oiled front to him. "Would you like to sleep with me, but have our play tomorrow?" She burrowed into him. "Oh, Great Khan, you are too nice to a simple dancer." They slept. He whispered to her and she woke to sunlight. A servant was holding out a tray with coffee. She sat up, nervous about her nakedness, and took the cup. He positioned her between his enormous thighs and they had their coffee. He pulled on a rope and an important looking man dressed in gold threaded robes entered. "Vizier! The best of the day to you! Please meet my new little friend, Midyar. She danced very beautifully for our party last evening and consented to join me in my chamber." "Great Khan, you have chosen well. She is nicely formed, has an appealing face and very intelligent eyes. Perhaps the two of us can find a proper role for her in your household?" His fingers ran down her neck and instantly made her nipples stiffen and pop forth. "Would that be to your liking, Midyar?" "Oh, Great One, I could never imagine such an honor. To serve you would be the greatest privilege." The Vizier studied her. She realized that many men might see her thus with the Khan, and that she would have to get beyond embarrassment. She clasped one of his fingers and smiled brightly. The Khan whispered in her ear, "The Vizier is the best judge of men, and of women, in the empire. He has given you a great compliment." She was struck dumb with surprise and further embarrassment and ducked her head into the Khan's shoulder. He caressed her head and tousled her hair. "So, bearer of news, what good news and bad news do you have today?" "Great One, the lowly Indians have sent an ambassador to demand we cease our border raids. They threaten reprisals." "Go on." "Output from the gold mines in Yadapur is falling. My spies are not yet sure whether this is theft, or exhaustion of the ore. I will bring you further reports, but remember that our gifts, promised in the Treaty of Corinth, are not complete." "Is there any good news?" "Your youngest sister is pregnant by your choice for her husband. They are an unusually happy couple for an arranged marriage." He smiled and the Khan laughed and tickled Midyar. She giggled loudly and said, "Oh sir!" "Little one, my choice for my sister was taken with the Vizier's advice. He recommended a young man with much learning and a big cock!" The blush on her face and chest was delightful. "Do you not think that a woman should have a sturdy tool to enjoy sex with?" "Oh, oh, oh. The two of you are really terrible! How can a girl listen to this crude talk?" He stretched her naked body out across his lap and kneaded her fine behind and lovely legs. Everything about this woman pleased him. He picked her up and placed her on her feet. "Go through that door and the women will tend to your needs. Come when I call." She disappeared as fast as her little feet could carry her, their laughter echoing behind. "So, Great One, what is it that attracted you to her so suddenly?" "She had a look about her, bearer of news, that is different. Quiet, but interested. Proud in the skills of her body. Did you see any of it? "I am sorry, I did not. The messengers from the gold mines distracted me." "She was so delightful, I did not even use her body last evening. I told her we would play today. She has little experience of men." "With that dancer's body, she could be trained in the skills of the assassin. And perhaps she has a talent for languages. A fast riding, disguised horseman with deadly skills would be very useful to us." "And if she warms my bed and delights my cock, that is an extra?" "Always, my Lord, always. But you will have trouble with Nahta over her." "I already do. She was in the bath last night with us and I had to send her away. Is there something we can divert her with?" "I will ponder that. In the meantime, about the Indians. Are we soft or hard?" "My goddess mother used to say that the Indians will always be with us, they breed so fast. We need our warriors for more important things than spearing small Indian bodies." "Well said, Great One. What if I apologize in your name to the ambassador, tell him we are declaring an immediate halt to all border activity, and ask for a ten league pullback of their forces. We give something and they give something. He can go home claiming victory over the Khan to his miserable superiors." "Done. What else today?" "You have an audience with the Persians for lunch. And your great aunt demands a visit before nightfall. It is her birthday and you forgot last year." "Friend, she will not rest until she has herself sheathed over me. She considers it her family privilege to command me to satisfy her." "Have Midyar with you and tell your aunt that you have a new woman who demands all your attention. She is to praise and bless your new union. But just this once, for the last time, you will pleasure her. Let the little one gaze upon her lord taking an experienced woman." "You are indeed wise and devious. You will desire a full report, I expect." "Nothing less, Great One. I must be off to the dratted Ambassador. Do you require me to attend the Persians with you?" "They are long time friends, I will see what they have in mind and give you a report." The Khan moved through the women's anteroom with quick strides. His dancer was sitting amid several attendants, listening intently to their words. He plucked her from her seat and continued through more archways to the steamy bath. The gauzy wrap was discarded and he submerged them in the hot water. She clung nervously to his neck, her slight body bouncing on his. He grasped her small firm cheeks and pulled her to him, trapping the hard cock almost to the bottom of her breasts. She gasped for breath. "Oh sir, your strength is great. I am so little in your arms!" He leaned back against the tile and released his hold, moving his hands to her face and bringing her pouty lips to his. The kiss was gentle and passionate. He turned her around and pulled her back to him, fingers kneading the small firm breasts. She tried to relax but could only quiver. "Great Khan, you said last night we would play today?" He had a long low laugh in her ear. "You please me, Midyar. I command you to never lie or dissemble before me." "Sir, what is the meaning of 'dissemble'?" His fingers roamed to her head, tugging hair and skin this way and that. Then returned to her breasts, enjoying their firmness and stiff nipples. She twisted her front to him and found his lips. "Master, my girl parts are in a frenzy. Are you going to impale me on your great tool now?" He laughed again and tickled her ribs. "Dissemble, little one, means telling me one thing when you mean another." "Oh sir, I could never do that!" "What if we are entertaining visitors, and it is necessary to be not entirely truthful about our intentions?" They were half submerged in the hot pool and her lower half was violently thrashing around as she tried to find a comfortable position on his front. The rigid cock seemed to be always in her way. He gnawed on her neck, licking as well, and wrapped her firmly in his arms again. "Quiet! Lie against me and listen." He kissed the top of her head and she could not understand the amazing treatment from this incredible man. The contours of her mind were coming out of yesterday's fog and a small voice was asking who she was. He spoke quietly with authority. "You will attend me when I command it. The head of the royal chamber will see that you are properly clothed. Now listen carefully. Late in the afternoon, we will travel to my great aunt's palace. It is not grand, but her husband was one of our greatest warriors, who was struck down fighting the Chinese. She is of my family and has many privileges. Since I became a man, she has summoned me to visit and entertain her. She has her pick of consorts, but insists that only my cock is suitable. You understand that this creates problems? Not in her bed, for I truly enjoy her fine body, but the rumors are endless and ignorant. Some even claim she is making me breed an heir to the throne in her. "But now I have a plan. Under your robes, I want the dancing garments you wore last evening. When we get there, I will see that we are guided to a private room where you will dance for us. The musicians will find notes that your body likes. As you dance around, I will whisper to aunt that you are my precious one and my only lover henceforth. But to celebrate my new love, she will have me one last time." A Visit with the Khan He paused and gazed down at her. Her lips were irresistible. A long minute later, he asked, "After seeing all that debauchery last night, it will not bother you to dance in front of me driving my aunt wild?" She rubbed her sex on his cock. "You are making me long for you, Great One. Would it not look badly for me to have a lover's gaze in my eyes dancing when I myself have not been taken on it? You said I may not dissemble." Her gaze was lusty and sparkling. His hands worked her back and forth. The heat in her loins was intense. She closed her eyes and held her breath, but the great rolling climax took her nonetheless. "Oh, I am so sorry, I did not mean to do that..." "You are sorry for having a woman's response to me? Nonsense. It pleases me that you have a fine body." "About my loving you. I have not decided when you should feel my length in you. For now, you will have to be content with my lips, my tongue, my fingers and my embraces. Let us go and dress. You are to observe my lunch with the Persians from the special hiding place." The older woman who clothed Midyar had firm hands but a soft voice. "You have pleased the Khan. So many women in this chamber try to gain his favor by acting. You have charmed him with your directness. Continue that. Be yourself." The little voice in Midyar's head asked again, "Who are you?" She shook it off as the elaborate fabric was wrapped around her body, leaving only her feet and neck exposed. A strange hat with a veil went over her head. The Khan appeared in his imperial robes, a striking figure. She bowed, "Great Khan, the Persians cannot help but be impressed." He took her hand and kissed it. "Little one, you are a vision, even though I cannot see your exquisite body. Which is as it should be. Come, I will show you the passage to the viewing spot. Your attendant will bring you some lunch so you do not starve as you watch us eat. Listen carefully, for I want you to learn about statecraft." The attendant, with a tray, assisted Midyar to a cushioned place behind an elaborately carved screen, placed the food beside her, and left. The Persian ambassador, carefully dressed in his best uniform, was standing before a low table with two companions. They bowed deeply as the Khan entered and drapes were closed. All took seats on cushions with greetings of the type that diplomats easily exchange. The Khan inquired of the Emperor and was informed of his good health. Since everyone knew the Persian Emperor was in his last days, this was a standard but necessary untruth. In fact, there was great curiosity about the Persian succession, but that could not be a topic of discussion until much later in the luncheon. After a further exchange, the Ambassador stated, "Sir, I am informed a fleet of your merchant ships has arrived at Basra with goods from the East. May I inquire of your intentions?" "My dear Constantine, it is but a merchant's idea, to use sail power instead of camel power across the wastes of the western desert. Your caravans will carry our goods onward, I trust?" "Great One, we are honored to earn your business, but our camel masters are sore vexed that they had no warning of your arrival." "Does the Emperor's Treasury benefit more or less from this sea traffic to the Euphrates? I have a dreadful suspicion that your tax collector is already raising duties at Basra. This will not do." Before the ambassador could reply, the Khan waved his arm and said, "I have no wish to quibble over this matter. We will divide the savings of the sea route between us. Emissaries from my Treasury will meet yours to set the amounts." The Ambassador bowed, "You are most gracious, Sire. I could not have hoped for a better outcome." The Khan continued, munching noisily on a piece of roasted lamb, "Now that we have settled the customs issue, I wish to know about our joint efforts to subdue the Armenians. My generals report that your forces are weak and unwilling to do battle." "With respect, Great Khan, I believe you have been misinformed. Our battalions are assembling and will be ready for battle in a matter of days. There do appear to be problems with supporting our soldiers in the field at such a distance." "Please convey to your superiors my displeasure at further delays in this campaign. The Armenians continue to raid our caravans and must be taught a lesson." The Khan rinsed his hands in the bowl at his place and looked at the Ambassador, "Is there more?" "Sir, the Emperor would be delighted to host a visit at your convenience." The Khan stood and smiled. "I shall have the Vizier work on arrangements. Might it not be appropriate to celebrate our victory over the Armenians at such an event?" The Ambassador bowed deeply and withdrew. Moments later, the Khan was back in his chamber undressing Midyar. As each delightful part of her body appeared he kissed and licked it, making her quiver with the tickling and calling out, "Ah no, sir, please no more!" Twirling her naked body above his head, he threw her many feet into the middle of his bed. She lay there, smiling and alluring. He sat on the edge and asked, "Did you find the conversation over lunch of interest?" "Oh yes, sir, but there is so much I do not know about the Persians. Is it true they have little enthusiasm for war against the Armenians?" He smiled and reached for her. "I marvel at your quick grasp of the dissembling Ambassador. How soon will you be able to sit across from me and hold a straight face as you tell me a terrible untruth?" He encouraged her to wrestle with him, a completely unequal contest which further reduced her to giggles. She lay in his arms, laughing, and said, "Great One, your dark gaze would go through me like a thunderbolt. I would dash from the room before your anger!" "The Vizier thinks your quick mind and strong body could be of use to us in diplomatic work. There would be schooling required. Do you know how to ride a horse?" "Once, sir, only once." He pulled her to him and fondled her modest breasts. "Your womanly parts please me, but the work we are planning requires you to dress and act like a man. Could you do that?" "But sir, you would not love me like this if I were a man!" "Little one, these chambers hide many secrets. I have an idea, which I will discuss with the Vizier. Perhaps you can become a stableboy in my personal stables and be trained as an imperial courier. The Vizier would take an interest in your training and it could be said that you are a mute from birth who spends extra hours with him for schooling and stays in his quarters. Only the Vizier and I and one trusted attendant will know who you are. Except when I am away, you will sleep with me, conquering my heart with your many charms." She curled into him, closing her eyes. "Oh sir, I am scared. If I come to you trembling and sore from the training, will you hold me and kiss me as you do now?" "Yes, Midyar, I will chase the devils in your mind away and rub you with fine oil." She leapt from his bed and danced across the room, her body taut with the control she had. He watched and realized the day would come when Midyar was the most dangerous woman in his kingdom. The Khan traveled on horseback, as had his forebearers for hundreds of years. The journey to his Aunt's palace was but a few miles, and he arranged Midyar on her own mount, a docile mare, who tolerated the sidesaddle woman well. Around them were twenty members of the Imperial Guard, lances and swords at the ready. No one took anyone or anything for granted. Too many Khans had met their deaths through palace intrigue and treachery. They drew up before the palace, which had seen better days, with a flourish of trumpets. Great aunt Elspeth wore her best cloak to greet them, receiving a warm kiss from the Khan. Midyar was carefully retrieved from her mount and sank into a low bow. "Elspeth, I have brought my young lady Midyar to meet you. She is a recent addition to my troupe of entertainers and a very accomplished dancer." Elspeth gazed curiously at Midyar, weighing this new development in her sly mind. She is more than a dancer, or he would not have brought her, she thought. They went into the main chamber of the palace where a hundred courtiers were gathered. All bowed and the Khan strode forward through them, a commanding figure. He took the chair reserved for him and gestured to Midyar to be seated at his feet. It was Elspeth's custom to entertain her great nephew with music and poetry for an hour before retiring to her chambers for more intimate enjoyments. The music this afternoon was excellent. The Khan summoned Midyar to his ear and softly said, "Perhaps, little one, a small dance with the musicians? Nothing too provocative?" His dark eyes smiled and his hands reached for her robe. She descended from the throne platform with complete grace and bowed to the audience, who eyed her with great curiosity. She smiled at the musicians, who broke into a lively melody that was exactly what she desired. The flashing turns, leaps and dance positions grew faster and wilder with the music. She sank to her knees after a loud crescendo, and signaled with hand gestures for a slow piece. She wove in and out of the audience, catching male eyes with her age old gaze of love. As she returned to the Khan's side, there was a great hush, and then wild applause. The Khan grasped her hand, not letting her move from his side. "Little one, you have won a roomful of admirers. I am not letting you an inch away from me." She whispered, "Great One, you are too kind. The musicians played their hearts for you, and I was but the dancer." Elspeth herself seemed dazed by the performance, but rose to dismiss the crowd and led the Khan and Midyar to her private chamber. The Khan motioned his senior bodyguard forward and asked Midyar, "Tell him which musicians you want for the dancing here. Her eyebrows rose in question, and he answered, "Take your pick." She spoke to the guard, who went to fetch musicians. In the fashion of the court, a low table held plates of food in great profusion. A few bites was all it took for a plate to be removed and replaced by another of greater perfection. Midyar huddled by the side of the Khan away from Elspeth, trying to be inconspicuous. She ventured a bite or two from the table, but mostly she smiled as the Khan's fingers provided her with tender morsels. "Nephew, will you allow her to be between us? I wish to know more of her background." Midyar shuddered violently, but helped the Khan ease across his front and onto a cushion very close to the exotic woman who was her lord's close relative. She knew she was about to invent an imaginary story of her origins, since none of her real memory had returned. A small smile framed her mouth as she tried to think of things that would amuse the Khan. Elspeth reached out a jeweled hand to take Midyar's. "Please do not be afraid of me. Like others, I am completely taken by your dancing. Is it true, Leader of the Mongols, that she will dance here for us?" He leaned past Midyar and kissed his aunt with enthusiasm, allowing his hands to caress the impressive breasts still clothed with silk. "Better than that, woman of my dreams, she is going to dance for us until you drag me behind yonder screen, where you may conquer me with your charms once more." Midyar noticed Elspeth's heavy breathing and wondered how wild the consummation of the lovers would be. The bodyguard returned with three musicians and resumed his post at the door with unsheathed sword. Midyar crawled out of her spot and joined the musicians to one side. They conversed and nodded. It occurred to the young girl that if she began a nice dance as the dinner wound down, the interrogation from Elspeth might be avoided. A quiet tune on the mandolin began and she pirouetted into a slow and intricate dance step and wound around in figure eights, working back and forth and moving faster as the other instruments joined. A very black Nubian, with extraordinary long and flexible fingers kept his small drums in constant beat that Midyar picked up with her body and appeared to spread throughout the room. Elspeth was in the Khan's arm, losing clothing bit by bit. The two were lost in each other and hot love was building. Midyar ventured within a few feet and the Khan nodded. Now it was her turn to discard clothing. Another few turns and she was sinuously moving in only the brief skirt from two nights ago. She moved back toward the musicians, showing them with her fingers that a demanding, driving tempo was needed. Her efforts brought a sweat to her skin, the glistening in the lamp light inspiring lust in all who saw her. As she returned again to the royal couple, their embrace was vigorous. Elspeth's heavy breasts swung with the Khan's attack on her lips and face. It appeared he had undone all of his aunt's clothing, but she still lay in deep folds of her gown. Suddenly she rose in naked glory and burst into song, rushing forward to seize Midyar's hands and dance them around the table and into the mighty arms of the Khan, who smothered two women with ease. The musicians were in a dither about their place in this scene of kingly loving. A hand behind the Khan's back waved them to continue, louder and wilder. It was only a few moments more and Elspeth gave a great cry as the Khan's mighty sword was buried to the hilt in her. Cries and inaudible words filled the chamber as her lover continued his assault. One of the Khan's arms pinned Midyar down, so she was treated, from inches away, to the slapping, sucking and banging noises of a lusty male taking his woman. At last, the aunt screamed her final climax and collapsed, sobbing. The Khan rolled back, laughing and smiling, his hand bringing Midyar to rest on his chest as he had before. She was overcome with a rush of longing for him and reached to lick his great, dripping cock. He tore the skirt from her waist and drew her to his face, licking her lips and asking, "Now? Will you be mine, right here?" With motions built into her lithe body, Midyar was atop him in an instant, perched on the mighty tool and driving her tiny body down. He said, "Do not hurt yourself. We will join together if you relax and kiss me." Now the musicians were waved off and left quickly past the impassive guard, who had seen his master take many women in his time. Elspeth lay with eyes closed, breathing deep, as the tiny dancer became one with her mighty Khan. His moment with Midyar was as tender as the one with Elspeth had been violent. Her body had yielded and she was filled with him, gasping for breath and dripping hot tears on his mighty chest. He pressed her gently, wondering how this wisp of a girl had touched him so deeply. Elspeth rolled into him from the side, whispering, "Treat her well, nephew, may you be blessed with love forever." She kissed and licked his face and sighed at the loss of her finest lover. Elspeth rose and guided them to her spa, a steamy pool that washed away the marks of love on them. Midyar tingled from tip to toe, but was so overcome by the Khan that she could do naught but cling to him. Elspeth rose out of the steaming water and sandwiched Midyar between herself and the Khan. "Young one, you dance like the sands of the desert. Dance for my nephew and learn from him. He has much to teach you. I grant you my place in his arms, but you must come and see me and tell me all the silly gossip of the court. Will you do that?" The Khan leaned down and said to them both, "Yes, she will bring you the silly gossip, and from time to time, not so silly instructions from me. Do you understand that?" His hands brought her into their embrace, lips finding lips. She sank back, "Great One, you honor me. May you and your new lover be one forever." Returning to the Khan's palace, Midyar had found a perch against his chest, folded in the royal cloak such that she was hardly visible. Her clothing was adjusted to allow her legs to ride on his mighty thighs, her sex bumping the saddle and making her quiver. He ducked his face and kissed her head, "Is this ride to your liking?" "Oh yes, how could one ask for more than to be so close to you and still hidden from the world?" "We must sew you some proper trousers that you can ride like a man, controlling the animal with your thighs and knees. It must be a great secret, for the court would be full of scandal if it discovered a favorite woman of the Khan astride a horse." He laughed deeply and said in a serious tone, "Midyar, you prove yourself to me more and more. And now you are truly my woman. Did you enjoy your loving?" "Great Khan, I am forbidden to dissemble. I cannot tell you the giant cock outraged my modesty, or left me cold, or ravaged me painfully. In truth, sir, my body wanted you badly and when we merged, my great longing was fulfilled. Will you promise to love me again, and again?" A great laugh issued forth from his belly, shaking them both. His hand found her breast and cupped it. "You and I, whatever it was that brought us together, have a fine future, full of loving, and many adventures as my courier and confidant. Now I must ask you a special favor. When the court and the public sees us, there must be distance, even aloofness. From henceforth, you are the court dancer, and not a concubine of the Khan. The Vizier and I will make arrangements to maintain your privacy. Knowing how much you are in love with me, and I with you, can we extinguish our love when we are not together in private?" "Oh, sir, this is a great burden you place on me. I am not worthy of the role you give me, but will try my best." "Good. In the morning, we will practice in front of the Vizier. He will laugh and make fun of us, but it will be for the best." She placed her hands behind his neck and drew herself up to his lips. The kiss was long and sealed their union. His hand still roamed beneath her robe. "I do think that is the finest kiss I have ever shared with a woman. Henceforth, every time I watch those dark blazing eyes telling the world there is nothing between us, I will know where your heart is." She twisted her head and cried in his shoulder until they approached the castle gates. In the morning, the Vizier entered quietly with the first servant to bring coffee. He eased himself on the side of the high bed and watched the two come awake. Midyar's eyes opened first and she started as she saw him so close. The Khan's hands drew her to him, "He is no respecter of my privacy, little one. We have been together since we were babes. No doubt, he could describe every woman who has shared this bed. But of all the secrets we hold for each other, our lovers are the greatest." The Vizier brought news of further Indian treachery. "Great one, they made a great show of retreat as we agreed, but our scouts discovered long range bowmen skulking forward in the night, taking up positions to threaten our border garrisons." The Khan was brusque, "Arrange for our night soldiers to capture a few and hang them high in front of the fort. Let it be known that an unchivalrous violation of the the neutral zone means a bad death and denial of burial in their faith. It is time the Indian captains feel the wrath of their own men." Almost unnoticed, Midyar left the bed, pulling on her chemise and walking through the doorway to the women's quarters, leaving a trail of tears on the polished tiles. The Vizier said, "Perhaps it is good that she cares for those who must die in conflict. Soon enough, she will see the effects of war." The Khan responded, "It saddens me to see her thus. But neither you nor I can protect her from the cruelties of life. Let us continue." "You are going to tell me about the visit with your great Aunt?" A Visit with the Khan The Khan broke into laughter. "Oh, bearer of news, it was the most marvelous evening. You would never have predicted it. My aunt, the cynical observer of palace intrigue, was completely taken by our dancer. By the end of the evening, they were embracing naked in the bath, and she was relinquishing her trysts with me. And to finish the wonder of it, Midyar took me and rode me and loved me!" "Great Khan, you are living a charmed existence since discovering this woman. Tell me, where did she come from?" "I have been able to discover nothing. The trainer of concubines says she was in the latest batch of women brought in from around the countryside and the village dance halls. She herself says she has no memory before two days ago. What do you make of it?" "I have heard of occasions where a person loses their memory, but it is usually because of a great tragedy in life, or a terrific wound in battle." "Yes, I too have observed that. Perhaps one of the women who is close to you can inquire discreetly among the women Midyar came with, to see if there is a recollection of her abduction or circumstances." "It shall be done. Is there other business for us this quiet morning?" "Let us review the plans for the training of our woman in disguise. She has many skills already as a dancer that will assist her disguise as a man. But we must go out of our way to preserve her double identity. You have had success in providing for her as a stableboy in your quarters?" "My most trusted housekeeper, who would gladly throw down her life for us, has agreed to closely supervise arrangements until the daily training and living is routine. She will ensure that neither male nor female intrudes. I will make it clear that he is training to be my personal groom and needs no association with stablemates." "Since she is to be our confidant in delicate matters, show her the passages that connect your quarters with mine. Make sure she understands that a breach of their secrecy would be grave. Unfortunately, she cannot be seen here as a male, nor in your place as a female. Are we demanding too much?" "Great Khan, you and I have seen men break under pressure. To a good eye, the signs are clear. I think, with both of us watching carefully, the training program can be stopped if she cannot bear the stress." "Well said. I will send her to you in an hour after a talk about the Indian situation." The Khan drank his thick coffee and broke off pieces of a hard bagel. After some minutes, Midyar cautiously approached him. "Sir, I am sorry to run off. I was overcome with sorrow for the soldiers." "Come here and sit with me, little one." She crawled into his lap. They sat for a while, with his feeding her bits of bread and sips of coffee. "From today, you have a new name in your new disguise. You shall be known as Abdul. I am confident you will be able to be Midyar the dancer and Abdul the courier at the same time. Practice with yourself." She pulled his arm hard around her and shook. "This is a terrible responsibility you give me, sir. I will practice and I will find two sides of me to occupy my time." "Good, you will go to the Vizier's quarters in an hour. I shall show you this end of the secret way, which you must never let another see you use." "There is one other thing we must talk about. You worried this morning about my cruelty to the Indian bowmen. Tell me, if I did nothing, what would happen?" "Great Khan, I know nothing of warfare, but if they hang in the trees and use their bows, our border soldiers will die, would they not?" "Yes. And if we went out in force to punish the Indians, then what would happen?" "Many, many soldiers would die." "Yes. So, by making an example of a few bowmen, what am I accomplishing?" "A few will die so that many will be saved." "Yes, but it is sad and cruel, nevertheless. You are right to cry, but as you learn the ways of the Khannate, you will see that cruelty often prevents greater cruelty. I do not relish this part of my throne, but it is necessary." She wiped her eyes and stood on the bed next to him, his head at her hands, which ran through and through his locks. His hand caressed her muscled thighs and cheeks. A finger grazed between her legs. She bent down and kissed him. "Will there be times when you need loving in the day? Will you chase your woman into strange places and take her?" "Strumpet! I should ravish you now! You are wet and my finger carries your fragrance to my nose." "Dearest Khan, may I call you that? Last night, for the first time, I learned what a woman gives to her man and what she gets. It is so loving that I can hardly stand it. Please do not send me away. I could not bear it." She clutched him and he lowered her to his lap. They rocked back and forth. "I will not send you away, ever. And I will find and chase you when I can. Now, go to the Vizier and learn to be a boy!" She danced across the room and returned in a deliberate collision that left her in his arms, gasping. He kissed her neck and pressed two panels that folded to reveal a passage. "Follow it and knock quietly at the end around the corner. He will admit you. It may take a minute before he clears the room." That very day, the Khan was summoned to a meeting of his generals at the Indian frontier, and was away for the rest of the week. He had deliberately left the Vizier behind to ensure that nothing went awry with Abdul's training. Daily, he received a short note that confirmed things were well, Although after three days, there was a personal note at the bottom which said, "She misses you greatly." He thought to himself that he missed her greatly as well, and was short with his senior commander, who asked for orders that were too timid. "You have all fought with me, and fought well. These miserable Indians are miscreants of the first order, but we must keep in mind the real threats to the Empire in the northwest frontier, where the tribesmen know what serious fighting is. Drill your troops mercilessly in view of their scouts. When the time is right, in several days, slip away at night and march to the frontier, where you are free to engage the tribes who will not submit. Keep me informed. As his entourage rode back to the capital, his spirits improved. His army was as well trained as ever, and the maneuvers in front of the Indian scouts would demonstrate that. Not to mention the three bodies still swaying in front of his fort. He would call in the Ambassador for a dressing down about observing neutral zones. But he pushed thoughts of war to the back of his mind as he envisioned his new lover in his arms. His emotions overtook him in a way he did not think had ever happened before. He chastised himself for allowing a mere woman to bring down the Great Khan, and then laughed long and loud, startling his guards. "Onward," he shouted, kneeing his mount into a trot that shortened the distance to home. It was customary for the Khan to hold an audience upon his return from the field, which offered an opportunity for the court to celebrate victory, or other important events. The Vizier rode out and counseled with the Khan. "Great One, I assume we do not wish to make much of your visit to the front? Especially with your last secret orders to the generals?" "Yes, the less said, the better. The Indians know full well my anger over violation of the neutral zone. You and I shall talk to the Ambassador in a day or two emphasizing the grave risks his superiors are incurring." "Old Friend, I have interesting news. No only is Abdul riding one of the stallions like the wind, but Midyar has been practicing with the musicians and the acrobat troupe. She demonstrated for me in your chamber this morning, and it is quite remarkable. Perhaps, we should call a feast of whatever holy day it is, and have an entertainment?" "What an excellent idea! She will be ready?" "We talked about her crumbling under stress. I am happy to report that the more new things we give her, the more spectacular the results. You will be impressed." "On the morrow, you can arrange to go out with your new groom, and join the Khan for a picnic?" The Vizier chuckled. "Great One, I have already ordered it. She will probably outrun even you." The audience room was packed. The Khan gazed over several hundred faces and mused to himself that free food and wine always drew a crowd. His sister was on her throne, a quite smaller version of his own, which had always annoyed her. He wondered when her annoyance would push her too far and generate exile. He watched her frowning at the happy faces in the crowd and wondered which of the remote corners of the Empire would suit her best. The Vizier was acting as master of ceremonies and ascended to stand near the Khan. He gestured for quiet, "The Great Khan has returned from the border with encouraging news of our brethren from India. Relations have never been better. In cerebration of these good tidings, we have food and drink and entertainment for you this evening. Please relax and enjoy yourselves." A brass choir announced the arrival of the acrobats, who leapt among the audience, twisting and leaping. The musicians accompanied them with lively tunes. In a few minutes, some of the acrobats gathered in an open space before the crowd and beneath the Khan. From one side, to accompanying soft music, strode Midyar in a new costume of gold threaded silk, sewn into pantaloons and a cover for her breasts. She reached two acrobats and stepped up gracefully into a handstand, from which she was propelled high into the air, twisting and somersaulting and landing in the arms of other acrobats. A gasp went up from the crowd at this effortless display of strength and balance. For nearly ten minutes, Midyar and the acrobats built pyramids from which she tumbled and rose again, and again. It was breathtaking. The music slowed and the acrobats retired, but Midyar continued into a series of ancient moves of the Indian dances, captivating everyone and revealing her total body control in the contorted positions of the dance. Finally, she bowed to the Khan and to the audience, and left the area with a series of forward somersaults with great amplitude and a crescendo from the musicians. The Khan and the audience clapped and cheered, bringing her from the side for another deep bow. Her eyes met those of the Khan in the utmost deference to the ruler. The Khan noticed his sister's frown has shifted to clear hostility. He hoped, for her sake, that not too many important members of the court noticed. A suitable interval later, the Khan was soaking off the aches of the trail in his hot spa when a body eased into the water next to him. She climbed into his arms for a searing kiss. "I missed you so." "Did you have my permission to consort with the acrobats? To learn those dangerous moves in the air? And who have you seen to copy the ancient dances of the Hindu's?" His fingers explored her body, delving everywhere, massaging the tight muscles. She nuzzled into him, trying to get her skin in total contact with him. His cock was immensely hard and wanting her. "Dearest Khan, I knew that your subjects would like the court dancer to have new things to show them. Were you not pleased? Was I distant enough in the audience room?" "If we had not planned it, little one, I would have thought your glance cold enough to freeze water!" She giggled loudly and licked his ear. "Oh sir, my love for you grows every day. I worried so much that some warrior's lance would find you!" He sat her across his knees and said, "Abdul, I hear you have been riding my favorite stallion without permission? Is there no end to your transgressions?" "Great one, it is such a thrill to be training in the Vizier's stable. The horses are so kind to me! I shovel their fine manure, and brush them, and feed them carrots, and talk to them like the true friends they are. I am sure you will punish me, but the mare lets me ride her bareback. I hold on to her mane and we go like the wind. Perhaps one day you will grant me a great favor and let me ride her without my clothes. The mare and I, as nature made us!" "There is a story about a naked lady and her horse that I will tell you one day, but I wish to know about the stallion. No one has ever ridden him except me. He is so valuable, I do not take him on trips except to do battle." "It was really an accident. One of your grooms brought him to the farrier in the Vizier's stable to have a shoe inspected. He was limping a bit, so while we waited for the farrier, I talked softly to him and asked to lift his hoof. There was a terrible thorn in the tender flesh of the side of his hoof, but I was able to snatch it out as fast as I could. Then I talked to him and found a carrot for him, and brushed out his mane which the other groom had done poorly. He stomped his feet softly and whinnied at me. I was very tense, because he was sniffing and I was sure he knew I was a mare. I was worried the next thing that would happen was his giant cock extending out and everyone suspecting me. So I looked him in the eye and said he needed to go for a walk to cool down. I couldn't believe it, but he snuffled and invited me to jump up. Without asking, I led him out of the stall, took a great leap and landed on his back. He gave a snort and dashed off down the trail with all of the grooms shouting at me to come back." She whispered in his ear, "I was very bad, you can punish me now." He crushed her to his chest. "Great gods above, she dances for me, she loves me, and now she has seduced my very own stallion. This is too much!" They laughed and giggled as he dried them and walked to the bed. He propped himself up on pillows and landed her on his hard belly, in front of the cock that looked like it belonged to a stallion. He said, "So how did you guide that Imperial stallion you were riding" She giggled again. "I felt like the smallest gnat. He hardly knew I was there, but we got to the first grove of trees and he slowed to a walk. I had a long nice talk with him, and we went to the creek for a drink. He even got on his front knees so I could dismount. He sniffed at me some more and made that noise stallions make around their mares. I said to him that it was not fair to treat me that way, even if it was true that I was a mare and smelled like one. He rolled his wonderful eyes at me, and I told him it was our special secret. Then I got back on him, and he raced back to the stable so fast I could hardly see. But when he reared up and stopped, I did a back flip and landed on my feet. The other grooms were struck dumb." The Khan laughed and laughed and hugged her close. "What are the Vizier and I going to do about a horse for you? The newest groom always gets the saddest, lame horse in the stable. But if you have already won the heart of the Khan's stallion, what are we to do? She knelt behind his rampant cock, fisting it and giving him a hard lusty gaze, "Great lover of dancers, enough of grooms and their problems, it is time for you to treat your dancer like your stallion treats a mare." She sucked on the purple head and covered it with her saliva. Standing and holding herself open she dropped ever so slowly down, down, down. Her dark eyes captured his, and her muscular sheath clenched on him as hard as she could. He groaned and reached for her, but she dodged and stayed erect, moving up and down, squeezing him. "You are a devil. A shameless devil using your charms on me. His days of abstinence clutched his vitals and a massive spurt of juice nearly drove her from his cock. She wailed, "Oh, you are so hard and filling me with yourself. Oh..." She shook as she came with him, collapsing on his chest. In the morning, the odor of stale sex was all about them. He walked to the bath with her and submerged in the heat. After some time, the Vizier appeared and asked if he too could join them. The Khan nodded and the Vizier disrobed, revealing a hard body and impressive male organ of his own. Noticing her gaze, the Khan laughed and said, "Yes, Midyar, the bearer of news has many women friends who appreciate him. She blushed and buried herself in his chest. It was becoming a familiar move and he liked it very much. "She told me the story of my stallion last night. Do the grooms say he tolerated, actually liked her up on him?" "It appears so, Great One, she is very kind and she removed the thorn in his foot, so he had reason to be kind." "She tells me he sniffed her and knows she is not a male." The Vizier laughed, but said, "Perhaps we need to adjust our plans." The Khan joined the laughter, and said, "Yes. Immediately. Do you suppose the other grooms are impressed enough with Abdul's riding for you to promote him to be a courier immediately?" Midyar was arranged across the Khan's lap, facing outward, with the stiff cock sticking up between her legs like the pommel of a saddle. She stroked it very slowly and very delicately beneath the steaming water. She looked at the Vizier curiously, waiting for his answer. He in turn looked at this wondrous woman who had not only won the Khan's heart, but that of his stallion. She was where she wanted to be, close to her man and close to his sex. Her dark eyes were confident and smiling. "This woman of yours, Great One, enjoys a challenge. She has still much to learn about riding, but it would be a shame not to move to her training as a courier. She also needs instruction in the martial arts and in bowmanship. Perhaps some knife throwing as well." Her grasp was suddenly tight around him and he flexed upward in response. He labored a sentence, "How are you and I going to survive, treating her as a man one moment and a woman the next?" He set her on the edge of the pool and said, "Pretend you are a boy for now." Watching the disappointed look on her face, he laughed and said, "I know, you are not here for male sex!" She exploded at him, "Sir! That is a terrible insult! Take it back!" He reached and brought her back to him. "You are right, I apologize. I will never do that again. Please forgive me." She stood in the water, deliberately thrusting out her breasts and wiggling her hips. With a dark look at the Khan, she waded to the Vizier and gave him a long, hot wet kiss. Turning so her body was presented to them both, she asked the Vizier, "Bearer of news, is there any confusion about whether I am a man or a woman?" The two men were struck dumb with embarrassment and totally submerged in the water for a moment, rising out choking with laughter. He held out his arms, but she stayed in the middle of the pool, turning her body this way and that. She said, "As you make plans for my future, please be in mind of my body." The Vizier said, "If the horses know her, then it is only a matter of time before the stables know it and the gossip will get to court directly after that. So being known as a groom in my service is not going to work. Since we wish for her to be a secret and silent courier for our most important missions, perhaps the new plan is for her to be just that, our secret courier. In other words, she comes and goes, mostly in the evenings, always dressed as a man and all in black with a mask. You and I make it clear to the stables that this particular courier is to be given every courtesy, including respect for keeping his identity unknown even to the court. We can stress the importance of the courier missions to the safety of the Empire." Sensing the importance of this conversation, Midyar abandoned her brazenness and quietly made her way back to the Khan, sitting between his knees. His fingers gently worked in her hair. "So we will need trusted instructors who work with her away from the palace?" "Yes. I am thinking perhaps you and she can visit some of the country lodges reserved for your use." A Visit with the Khan "The instructors will not be fooled." "Actually, Great One, it is important that she be trained using a woman's body. Its strengths and weaknesses are different than a man's. I can make careful inquiries about women capable of being her instructors." "In the meantime, she is traveling as the court dancer, and can entertain as we move about." He pulled her hair and inquired, "Is this a better plan?" She climbed up and sat beside him. "Much better, sir. Do you suppose the court dancer could have her own horse? Even a stallion, or would that cause too much of a problem?" "You don't mean my stallion, do you?" She shouted and jumped into his arms, "Oh sir, you are so kind as to surrender your stallion!" In an instant, she was over his knee with the big hand giving each buttock hard swats. "Oh, oh, I'm sorry, I meant it as a joke, oh please stop, oh." He turned her over and buried his mouth in her sex. The Vizier looked on with interest. "Oh, oh, you shouldn't! Oh sir, I'm going to... oh..." She shuddered and shook and stood, red faced, her hair everywhere and looking lovely. He turned her to face the Vizier. "She will be the death of us. But do you not think we should find a good young stallion for her now. They will go through much together on her missions, and bonding will be useful. Why don't you arrange for some likely candidates to be brought to the first lodge we visit?" "Yes, of course. But if I may, there could be problems with a stallion. If left uncut, he might be distracted at wrong moments and hazard a mission. There would also be trouble if he came near your own mount, who will not tolerate a competitor. Perhaps I could inquire among the horse breeders for an especially strong and durable mare?" His arms around her, the Khan nuzzled her neck, "Is that agreeable?" She was meek, having realized she had been far too bold. "Sir, I would value a strong horse that would carry me well." She turned and kissed him. "Might I ride with you now and again on the stallion that likes me?" He teased her, speaking so the Vizier could hear, "Oh, I'm not good enough for you? You need that thundering maleness between your legs?" Her brazenness returned. In an equally loud voice, she said, "You sir, are the only stallion I need." They rose and he patted her rear, "Secret courier, keep this conversation to yourself. The Vizier and I need to make more plans. Your body continues to amaze me, and not just the sex. Is it true you are exercising with the acrobats?" "Great Khan, it is necessary that I call it dance practice, but yes, the working out with them is very good for my body. They teach me new tricks every day." She smiled at him and went to the women's quarters. The Vizier said, "In another time, you would take her to wife, would you not?" "You read my mind. Can you imagine the consternation? The first time she demolished someone with those blazing eyes? Did you see the look we got with that insult? It would have melted a lesser man! Almost melted you and me." They smiled at each other. The Vizier said, "First we must train her and keep her alive through several missions. She will need all her skills to do what we ask." That night, she and the Khan were lying quietly in bed. The Khan was reading some messages from his ambassadors by the light of a candle. He looked up and saw her watching him. "Yes? "Dearest Khan, would you have one of your scribes teach me to read and write. It's a skill I should have to carry messages and instructions for you. They stared at each other and he nodded, "You are correct. I will ask the Vizier in the morning to arrange it." "Sir?" "Yes, go ahead." "I was thinking the courier should have a name, even if he is never around. Could we call him Ivan, to add some mystery. With that name, the court will not be looking all the time, trying to see which of them is doing missions for you." "That is a fine idea." She continued, "There is also a problem with the horse solution. If the court dancer's mount disappears with the courier, that will be a giveaway. I think the courier's real mount must be stabled on one of your farms. The courier can leave on one of the common mounts and pick up his real ride at the farm. This means, I'm sorry to say, that the court dancer and the courier both need good mounts." She smiled and leaned to kiss him. Her pulled her across his lap and tickled her. "You are not only a tease, you are a very smart tease." She straddled him and kissed his lips repeatedly. "Are you seeking more favors?" She buried her head in his chest and cried, "Oh no, dearest, my heart is heavy with love for you." He pulled up the cover and blew out the candle. They huddled warmly together. He whispered, "It has been said before, but in some strange way, you complete me, young Midyar. You are even changing the way I view my responsibilities. This morning I told the Vizier to message my generals to stop hanging those Indian boys. Yesterday, I told the Ambassador that one more provocation and we would annex the first hundred leagues of his territory, including all the palaces and farms along the Indus." Her body was tense against his in the dark. "What is the matter?" "Oh sir, you are so kind to the homeless dancer who can't remember her past. I worry that when I have all these skills of Ivan the courier, you will not need me as the woman in your bed." "Does it please you to ride on me?" "Oh yes, it drives me crazy wanting you." "I will tell you a secret, for your ears only. It drives me crazy wanting you too." They slept. The sun was bright in her eyes and someone was shaking her shoulder. "Karen, wake up. It's late and you have a midterm at one. That must have been some party you went to last night!" Images flew through her mind and a terrible realization came over her. "No! no, it cannot be. Oh Khan, I have lost you! Oh, I am nothing!" The young woman uttered another great cry and collapsed in a heap on her pillow, leaving the roommate speechless in surprise.